Horse Racing

Henderson to get personal hearing

2009-07-01T10:22:00.000+01:00

Henderson is facing the prospect of a fine or a ban
Leading trainer Nicky Henderson will have a personal hearing with the British Horseracing Authority on Thursday over the Moonlit Path case.
Henderson was last week found guilty of breaching the rules of racing after the horse, who he trains for the Queen, failed a drugs test.
The 59-year-old had the right to request the personal hearing, which will be heard at 1600 BST.
He faces the prospect of either a heavy fine or a ban from the sport.
Last week, Henderson was found guilty of administering the prohibited anti-bleeding drug tranexamic acid to Moonlit Path before she finished sixth in a race at Huntingdon in February.
The Lambourn-based trainer had admitted three of the four charges he faced, but denied any wrongdoing in relation to the BHA's Rule 200, which governs administrating or attempting to administrate a positive substance.
He also insisted at that hearing that there had been no intention to enhance the horse's performance.
Moonlit Path was making her racecourse debut at Huntingdon and has since run three times.
The race was won by another Henderson-trained horse, Ravello Bay.

Sariska heads Epsom Oaks line-up

2009-05-30T21:44:00.000+01:00

Sariska will be the filly to beat at Epsom Downs
Ante-post favourite Sariska heads 12 confirmations for Friday's Oaks at Epsom racecourse.
Michael Bell's filly heads the betting for the Classic following a superb display in the Musidora at York.
Last year's champion juvenile filly, Rainbow View, will be looking for a big improvement after finishing only fifth in the 1000 Guineas.
Henry Cecil is in search of a ninth win in the race with Midday, who won the Lingfield Oaks Trial on her last start.
She is likely to closely contest the Group One mile-and-a-half race having come second in the Blue Riband Trial against the colts at Epsom earlier in the season.

Ireland's representatives come in the form of Aidan O'Brien's Cheshire Oaks winner Perfect Truth and Jim Bolger's Oh Goodness Me.
Barry Hills' High Heeled, Clive Brittain's Nashmiah and Wadaat and Sir Michael Stoute's Phillipina are other contenders in with an outside chance.
Amanda Perrett's Tottie represents last year's winning owner, Julian Richmond-Watson, while The Miniver Rose and Three Moons complete the list.

Master Minded snatches Irish win

2009-04-29T09:28:00.000+01:00

Master Minded has won the last two Queen Mother Champion Chases
Odds-on favourite Master Minded endured a big scare before earning a narrow win in the Kerrygold Champion Chase.
The double Queen Mother Champion Chase winner was given a narrow lead after the last, but only because of a jumping error by eventual runner-up Big Zeb.
Barry Geraghty's mount recovered well and almost hauled in Master Minded, with Ruby Walsh on board, at the line.
However the 30-100 favourite clung on to win by a head to collect his fourth Grade One victory of the campaign.
Master Minded led all the way and the race appeared sewn up when Paul Nicholls' horse produced a big jump three from home to move four lengths clear.
But the Colm Murphy-trained Big Zeb reduced the six-year-old's lead and looked to have moved into a slight advantage before getting it all wrong at the last.
The mistake enabled Master Minded to move two lengths clear again but Big Zeb regrouped to produce a last-gasp charge before the finishing post came just in time for the English raider.
It was a fifth Grade One success in all for the French import, starting with the 2008 Queen Mother success.
He's won, and that is what it's all about
Master Minded's trainer Paul Nicholls
Winning trainer Nicholls felt that his horse had got "a little bit idle" during the race.
"Last year at Cheltenham he got a real fast-run race and I think he could probably do with a bit of company and a good gallop.
"It's the back-end of the season and I thought he looked as well as he's looked for a long time. But some of ours that have been in since last July have run a bit flat of late.
"He's won, and that is what it's all about," concluded Nicholls.
Big Zeb had failed to complete on his two most recent chasing starts, prior to a confidence-booster over timber at Fairyhouse a little over two weeks ago.
Geraghty said: "He's got his head down after the last, and was only beaten a head, so it was a great run - although it's disappointing to be beaten."
Trainer Murphy echoed Geraghty's sentiments, adding: "It's a pity to get so close and not quite get there.
"Our fellow is still on the up, and is still inexperienced, so we have something to look forward to next year."

McCoy bides time on National ride

2009-04-01T21:30:00.000+01:00

JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL, Aintree: Saturday 4 April, 1615 BST Coverage: Full TV coverage from Aintree on Thursday and Friday on BBC2 and online from 1345, and on Saturday from 1300. Saturday - radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and live text commentary on BBC Sport website & mobiles

McCoy's 2008 National mount, Butler's Cabin, is entered once again
Tony McCoy will leave punters guessing until as late as possible over his chosen mount for the Grand National.
The 13-time champion jockey has made no secret of his desire to add this race to his catalogue of success and has the choice of four JP McManus-owned horses.
Butler's Cabin, a warm order in the betting for Saturday's big race, appears the most attractive option.
But McCoy fell from the nine-year-old 12 months ago and is thought to be considering a switch to L'Ami.
Butler's Cabin, trained by Jonjo O'Neill in Gloucestershire, was travelling superbly for McCoy before parting company with his jockey in an uncharacteristic fall at Becher's Brook on the second circuit.
He has been quietly campaigned in shorter handicaps this term and is priced at around 9-1 for the four-and-a-half miler.
606: DEBATE
I do hope McCoy rides Butler's Cabin as I have him ante-post but the longer Tony takes to announce his ride the more nervous I'm getting
shortheadwin
L'Ami, trained in Ireland and a 20-1 shot, has had a fine season but has a history of poor jumping and was another to fall in the 2008 National.
McManus' racing manager Frank Berry insists there is no rush for McCoy to decide which of the owner's four entries he will ride.
But it would be a big shock if he went for either Can't Buy Time (40-1) or Reveillez (100-1).
Berry said: "There is no pressure for Tony to make up his mind, because we have jockeys ready for the other horses. I'm sure he will wait to see what the ground is on Thursday morning.
"Butler's Cabin jumped well for a long way last year and has come back and run a good race in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham.
"He's a bit higher in the weights this year but he has come out of his last race well - and you would have to be pleased with him."
He jumps fences the best way for a National horse, he's not extravagant and is quite a clever horse
Brooklyn Brownie's trainer Malcolm Jefferson
L'Ami made it only as far as the second fence 12 months ago, ending the riding career of Mick Fitzgerald with a crashing fall.
Berry said of the 10-year-old gelding: "He's been round the cross-country courses a few times since and he has got sharper at it. He's fit and well, so I hope he will run a good race."
Meanwhile, Malcolm Jefferson believes Brooklyn Brownie (33-1) could go well, having finished second over the giant fences in the Grand Sefton back in November.
The trainer said: "I just thought we'd give him a run over the National fences, because he's always had the appetite to jump. He ran well to finish second, and I said to his owners then if everything went right we would aim for the National - and that's what we've done.
"He jumps fences probably the best way for a National horse, because he's not over extravagant and he is quite a clever horse. Over four-and-a-half miles, you never know - but he ticks a few boxes."
Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said conditions on the Grand National course were expected to be good, good to soft in places. He said: "We are forecast to receive some rain on Friday night which is either going to be 1-2mm or 4-5mm depending on who you listen to.
"It has been a dry week, and there isn't any sign of rain coming before Friday, so we will continue to selectively water the Mildmay and Hurdle courses where needed."
The official going for the Mildmay and Hurdle courses is good.

Pipe backs Madison for Gold Cup

2009-03-02T14:19:00.000Z

Madison du Berlais claimed Denman's scalp at Kempton earlier this month
Trainer David Pipe believes his charge Madison du Berlais is a live contender to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The eight-year-old beat Gold Cup holder Denman at Kempton three weeks ago and is now the 8-1 fourth favourite for the 13 March blue riband event.
"I didn't think I would be saying at the start of the year that we have a live Gold Cup candidate," said Pipe.
"He is a great horse and deserves his chance. He is young and improving and has place chances in the race."
Kauto Star, the 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and runner-up last year, has been installed as favourite after stablemate Denman's defeat at Kempton.
Kauto Star reinforced his own claims with a third straight win in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, while another Paul Nicholls runner, Neptune Collonges, who handed the trainer a 1-2-3 in the Gold Cup 12 months ago, is third favourite.
606: DEBATE
I fancy Neptune Collonges for the Gold Cup
tj_hammerMadison du Berlais, who won the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November, will be ridden by Tom Scudamore, who will try to achieve what his famous father and Martin Pipe stalwart Peter never did - win a Gold Cup.
"This will be my fourth ride in the race, and up to now I have been having a good view of things (of the finish) from the top of the hill," said Scudamore.
"So it is great to be going there on a horse with a real live chance. We will see if his run when beating Denman was a true performance, but it was a tremendous performance on the day anyway.
"He has done us proud. I am really looking forward to it. He has won on good and soft ground, over all sorts of distances and goes left and right-handed.
"I don't know if I will have a sit on him again beforehand. I will leave that to Mr Pipe and the team. They have done a great job with the horse at home - he is in very good form."

McCoy quest for landmark delayed

2009-01-30T12:17:00.001Z

Tony McCoy rode Stradbrook to victory at Wincanton for win number 2,998
Tony McCoy's quest to ride 3,000 winners over jumps has been put on hold after Chepstow's Friday meeting was abandoned because of a sodden track.
McCoy edged to 2,998 winners with victory onboard Jonjo O'Neill's Stradbrook at Wincanton on Thursday and was poised for three rides at Chepstow.
Weather permitting, he could sew up the record at either Sandown or Doncaster on Saturday.
The Irishman, 34, has been champion jockey for 13 straight seasons.
The win on Stradbrook - McCoy's only scheduled ride of the day - came after a tense finish as the 3-1 favourite edged out Oiseau De Nuit and Tender Falcon.
"I don't think he really got up the hill at Cheltenham last time and he really battled," he said.
"He was in front and then was headed and I'd swear he only got his head back in front on the line."

Bendigo
McCoy previously admitted he was frustrated not to be able to close in on the mark on Wednesday at Leicester.
"It would have been nice to have done it (on Wednesday) because JP McManus is my boss and has been very loyal to me. He has been a great man to work for," said McCoy.
"I would really like to do it in his colours, if at all possible."
After securing a double at Kempton on Monday, the champion jockey was unsuccessful with two rides at Taunton on Tuesday where Jokers Legacy finished second, while Larks Lad was pulled up.

Kauto Star eyes King George glory

2008-12-23T11:43:00.001Z

Kauto Star won his previous King George's by eight and 11 lengths
Paul Nicholls' Kauto Star heads a field of 11 for the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.
The 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is bidding to become the second horse, after Desert Orchid (1988-90), to win the Christmas race three years running.
War Of Attrition has withdrawn, opting for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.
But Old Vic and Exotic Dancer, who were second and third last year, go again, while Voy Por Ustedes steps up to three miles for the first time.
Voy Por Ustedes is a former Queen Mother Champion Chase winner and, like Exotic Dancer, is owned by Sir Robert Ogden.

Supplementary entry Snoopy Loopy, who took advantage of a dramatic final-fence exit by Kauto Star to take the Betfair Chase, represents Peter Bowen.
Nigel Twiston-Davies runs Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander.
Completing the line-up are Air Force One, Briareus and Mont Misere.

Snoopy handed Hennessy go-ahead

2008-11-26T20:39:00.000Z

Hennessy Gold Cup: Newbury 1440 GMT Saturday Coverage: Channel Four TV; Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live; Report/results BBC Sport website

Snoopy Loopy tops the Order of Merit with 40 points
Surprise Betfair Chase winner Snoopy Loopy will be given the chance to follow up in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday.
Trainer Peter Bowen said his Haydock hero, who won after Kauto Star stumbled at the last, was a "definite runner".
Knowhere headed 21 horses left in the big race at the confirmation stage.
Nigel Twiston-Davies' Old Roan Chase winner has top weight, with Exotic Dancer, Cloudy Lane and Joe Lively withdrawn from the line-up.
Favourite Big Buck's is one of four entries for Paul Nicholls, along with My Will, Ornais and Dear Villez.
Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner Albertas Run and Character Building are among other leading contenders.
Welsh trainer Bowen has made the decision to run his 10-year-old so quickly as he is officially 10lb well in at the weights.
Snoopy Loopy's Haydock triumph extended his lead at the head of the Order of Merit.
"The Order of Merit has been the target since day one of the season for Snoopy Loopy," said Bowen.
"The £200,000 prize-money that is put up is a big incentive for any trainer who has the right horse."
Bowen said he may pay a supplementary fee to enter his horse in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Slim Pickings, Royal County Star and Patsy Hall comprise a three-strong Irish challenge.
'Leading chance'
Nicholls, who won the race in 2007 with the top weight Denman, is confident of mounting a strong challenge
"The Hennessy Gold Cup has always been the target for Big Buck's since the end of last season," he said.
"He is in good health and would have a leading chance on Saturday on last season's form, but as always it is a very competitive looking race.
606: DEBATE
Who is your big fancy for the Hennessy?
"I also think that Dear Villez will run very well."
Meanwhile, trainer Charlie Mann believes his representative Air Force One will run well after taking second in the United House Gold Cup at Ascot on his return to action earlier this month.
"He's been jumping out of his skin since Ascot and I thought he ran a blinder that day as he normally improves for his first run," said Mann.
"He has been trained specifically for this race and I could not be more pleased with him right now.
"He ticks all the right boxes and he is an improving horse."
Knowhere is set to carry 11st 12lb with bottom weight Island Flyer, on just 10st, the subject of some strong support from punters.
Meanwhile at Newcastle, the 2007 Champion Hurdle winner Sublimity will aim to give Robbie Hennessy the perfect start to his training career in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
Sublimity, formerly trained by John Carr, lost his crown to Katchit at Cheltenham in March after an interrupted preparation.
But despite never even having a runner in his native Ireland, Hennessy hopes he can land the Grade One event with his first entry.
"It's been trouble-free with him so far - we've had a great run of luck with him and he's very good," said Hennessy.

Knowhere collects Old Roan Chase

2008-10-27T16:29:00.001Z

Knowhere and Paddy Brennan on their way to victory on Sunday
Knowhere won the Old Roan Chase under a fine ride from Paddy Brennan to give trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies another significant early season winner.
Mister McGoldrick made an error at the final fence and the favourite Oslot ran out of gas soon afterwards at Aintree.
That left the 10-year-old Knowhere (8-1), kept handy throughout, to battle out the finish with Exotic Dancer.
He won by a length from the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Exotic Dancer (8-1) with Snoopy Loopy third at 12-1.
Brennan said afterwards: "I just wanted to make it into a war and if it was a war I would win.
"He's a hell of a horse and what a training performance. Nigel is always the underdog when it comes to training winners but for me he's the best trainer I've ridden for."
Knowhere had won the Letheby And Christopher Chase at Cheltenham in January, then came sixth in the Gold Cup before failing to sparkle on his final two starts of the last campaign.
He'll probably go straight [to the King George] because I'm not sure there's much for him
Voy Por Ustedes' trainer Alan KingO'Neill was thrilled with Exotic Dancer, who will now be geared towards the Betfair Chase at Haydock - a race in which he finished second last year.
"I'm delighted with that and he jumped and travelled well all through the race," said O'Neill.
Champion Chase runner-up Voy Por Ustedes finished a fine fourth under top weight. He is now likely to step up to three miles for the first time in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, for which he was cut to 4-1 from 9-2 by Paddy Power.
"I'm pleased it's out of the way," said trainer Alan King. "He just took a little blow going in to the ditch.
"We are very happy with that - especially at the weights and on this ground. He'll almost be definitely be targeted at the King George, but he'll probably go straight there because I'm not sure there's much for him."
Intercasino.co.uk Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase:
1. Knowhere (P Brennan) 8-12. Exotic Dancer (A McCoy) 8-13. Snoopy Loopy (S Durack) 12-212 ran. Dist: 1 length, 2.5 lengths

Apostle claims narrow Diadem win

2008-09-28T20:51:00.000+01:00

Diadem Stakes at Ascot
King's Apostle sprang a surprise when winning the Diadem Stakes at Ascot on Sunday by a neck ahead of Diabolical.
The 12-1 shot, trained by William Haggas and ridden by Liam Jones, just edged out Frankie Dettori's well-backed mount, who was sent off 11-2 favourite.
Sir Gerry (13-2) was third in a tight finish, ahead of Prime Defender.
King's Apostle got his nose in front having been third in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot and second in the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood.
Maureen Haggas, wife of trainer William, said the application of a visor appeared to help the horse in the Group Two contest.
"He's not been over-raced this year and ran a cracking race here in the Wokingham and the Stewards' Cup," she said.
"He was going to race in Singapore at the end of last year but we kept him here to get some black type (for winning a Listed race) and he's rewarded us."
Sixties Icon booked his ticket to the Breeders' Cup for a crack at the new marathon race with victory in the Grosvenor Casinos Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot.
The 11-10 favourite, winner of the 2006 St Leger, stood still as the gates opened.
But Dettori soon galvanised Sixties Icon and he enjoyed a dream passage through his rivals as a gap opened inside the final two furlongs.
John Guest Diadem Stakes, Ascot
1 King's Apostle (W Haggas) L Jones 12-1
2 Diabolical (L Dettori) 11-2 fav
3 Sir Gerry (J P Spencer) 13-2
15 ran

Rain causes York to be abandoned

2008-08-20T11:52:00.000+01:00

A waterlogged track prevented racing on Tuesday or Wednesday
The rest of York's Ebor Festival has been cancelled after an inspection of the course.
Full story to follow after two days were lost to bad weather.
Heavy rain meant no racing was possible on the first two days of the meeting, which includes the Juddmonte International Stakes.
Festival organisers may extend racing to Saturday or even use an alternative venue if conditions do not improve.
Around 100,000 racegoers were expected to attend the four-day meeting.
King George winner Duke of Marmalade and Derby hero New Approach had been set to go head-to-head in the Juddmonte, and other high-profile races on the card include St Leger trial the Ladbrokes Great Voltigeur Stakes and the Tattersalls Millions Acomb Stakes.
"It is extremely frustrating for everyone and we are looking at options for Thursday and Friday," said clerk of the course William Derby.
"We are still hoping to race then and if we get a dry 24 hours then we are still hopeful of racing Thursday and Friday.
"We are also considering racing on Saturday and going through the implications and logistics of taking that unprecedented move.
"We are also looking at whether we can stage extra feature races on Thursday and Friday, including the totesport Ebor. We are making every effort to do that as it is our feature race.
"Ruth Quinn, the British Horseracing Association director of racing, is in York and she is contacting other people including the Levy Board, other racecourses concerned and the broadcasters and those conversations are on-going."
The clash between Duke of Marmalade and New Approach was due to be the highlight of the festival.
Duke Of Marmalade has chalked up four Group One wins this season, while New Approach has not run since his triumph at Epsom in June.
Former champion trainer Henry Cecil was hoping for a third success in the race, with both Multidimensional and Phoenix Tower named in the 11-strong field for the 10 furlong race .
John Gosden's Pipedreamer was also declared but but Gosden said he would only run if the ground was suitable.
Sir Michael Stoute had Linngari and Rob Roy entered while Mick Channon also had two runners in Championship Point and Halicarnassus.
David Elsworth's Stubbs Art, third in both the English and Irish Guineas, and Duke Of Marmalade's stable companion Red Rock Canyon complete the line-up.

O'Brien claims 15th Group One win

2008-07-28T10:25:00.001+01:00

O'Brien's horse Duke of Marmalade won at Ascot on Saturday
In-form trainer Aidan O'Brien secured his 15th Group One win of the season as Mastercraftsmen took victory in the Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh.
The Danehill Dancer colt, ridden by Johnny Murtagh, sprinted clear to put up the best performance by a two-year-old so far this season.
Jamie Spencer was four-and-a-half lengths behind on the pre-race favourite Art Connoisseur.
Mastercraftsman is now favourite for the 2000 Guineas, in from 16-1 to 6-1.
Murtagh was very complimentary about the winner afterwards, in the absence of O'Brien who was watching his son compete in a three-day event.
"Aidan said to me during week the horse was ready for today," said Murtagh.
"He's coming on all the time and although he had a hard race the last day he probably needed it. "We wanted to make it a good solid pace as he probably needs seven furlongs.
"He was very professional and honest, and has a great stride."

Frozen Fire takes Irish Derby win

2008-06-30T15:35:00.001+01:00

Seamus Heffernan also won the race on Soldier of Fortune last year
Aidan O'Brien became the first trainer to win the Irish Derby three years in a row after Frozen Fire claimed a surprise win at The Curragh on Sunday.
Jockey Seamus Heffernan timed his run to perfection as the 16-1 chance came through the field with a furlong to go.
After a stewards' inquiry, favourite Tartan Bearer was promoted to third place with Casual Conquest in second.
O'Brien's victory was his sixth in the race, bringing him level with legendary namesake Vincent O'Brien.
"It's unbelievable," said Aiden O'Brien, who won the race with Dylan Thomas in 2006 and Soldier Of Fortune last year.
"We always thought this horse had a lot of class and Seamus gave him a very good ride.
"This is down to a lot of people - it's been a privilege to have been involved in it.
"Seamus has worked very hard and is a great judge of a horse. Nobody deserves it more than Seamus and I couldn't be happier for him.
"This is marvellous. The race was a full, solid mile-and-a-half and there are no excuses.
"All of ours have run great races, but I think Alessandro Volta got stage-fright when he turned into the straight - he wouldn't have seen a crowd like that in front of him before.
"The Curragh is probably the greatest racecourse in the world as it is a very fair track and really tests a horse."
Hindu Kush made most of the early running as the genuine contenders bided their time, and Johnny Murtagh's Alessandro Volta took over at the head of the pack as the race began to enter the final stages.
It looked to be a straight foot race between even-money favourite Tartan Bearer, Alessandro Volta and Curtain Call, but Murtagh's mount suddenly veered left.
Curtain Call seemed to be the worst affected and Frozen Fire was in the right place at the right time to seize control of the race and surge to a two-length victory.
"Aiden always trains them for the big day and this is a big day," said Heffernan.
"I was riding him to try to get placed and he is a bit weak but I was happy to get a lead and follow some of the fancied ones.
"It's unbelievable to win this two years in a row - it's a dream."
The stewards demoted Alessandro Volta from third place after the race.
Ante-post favourite New Approach was withdrawn on the morning of the race with a bruised foot, denying Jim-Bolger's horse the chance to become the first to complete the English-Irish Derby double since 2002.
Irish Derby result:
1. Frozen Fire (J A Heffernan) 16-12. Casual Conquest 4-13. Tartan Bearer Evens fav4. Curtain Call 8-1
11 ran

Stars rally round injured trainer

2008-04-29T19:38:00.000+01:00

Mr Alner trained the 1998 Gold Cup winner, Cool Dawn
A trust fund in aid of a Dorset trainer who broke a bone in his neck in a car crash has been launched.
Robert Alner suffered life-threatening injuries after his car collided with a telegraph pole in Dorset last November.
Many of the biggest names in jump racing were at the fund's launch and the trainer's wife Sally said the family were "deeply touched".
"Both of us are overwhelmed by all the support Robert has received since his accident," she said.
"People have been amazing and the Injured Jockeys Fund has been there for Robert from day one.
"We can't thank everyone enough for all their efforts and are deeply touched that a fund has been set up for him."
Alner's long-time stable jockey Andrew Thornton is one of the trustees.
He said: "There are lots of practical things we can do to make Robert's life a little easier when he resumes back at the yard.
"Unfortunately most of them cost money. That's why we are launching a fund to help him."
Alner, 64, suffered serious neck injuries in the accident and is continuing to make steady progress at Odstock Hospital, near Salisbury.
The Robert Alner Fund has already been boosted by contributions from a dinner dance at Cheltenham racecourse in January.
Lambourn trainer Charlie Mann is organising a golf day on 30 June while champion trainer Paul Nicholls handed over his winning percentage from his hunter chase victories this season.
A special ball at Wincanton racecourse on 11 October is also planned

Equine flu hits Sydney racehorses

2007-09-02T10:05:00.000+01:00

The outbreak will cost the industry millions of dollarsEight Australian racehorses have tested positive for equine influenza, forcing the suspension of Sydney's spring carnival racing.
The horses are based at Randwick racecourse in Sydney, the headquarters of racing in New South Wales.
The racecourse will be quarantined for 30 days to try to contain the outbreak.
The flu was first detected in recreational horses in Sydney last week, forcing a ban on horse movements and the cancellation of race meetings.
The primary industries minister for New South Wales, Ian Macdonald, said the flu could spread quickly through the Randwick stables, where some 700 thoroughbreds are based.
Some of Australia's finest thoroughbreds are stabled at Randwick and it is also home to some of the country's leading trainers.
The flu was found in eight of 10 horses from the stable of Randwick trainer Anthony Cummings.
'Grim day'
The outbreak is devastating blow to the racing industry, reports the BBC's Nick Bryant in Sydney.
The suspension of racing will cost millions of dollars, not just to the horse industry but to the bookmakers. There are fears of major job losses.

Jobs at the Randwick racecourse are threatened"It is more than a disaster, it is a grim, black day," Racing New South Wales Chief Executive Peter V'Landys told reporters.
He said the cancellation of Sydney races would have a significant impact on the Melbourne spring carnival, including the Melbourne Cup, Australia's most prestigious horse race which takes place in November.
"The cream of the horses are based at Randwick and Warwick Farm (in Sydney). You have leading trainers at Randwick. None of those horses now will be able to compete in Melbourne," he said.
Meanwhile, about 100 people, 30 of them children, remained quarantined following an outbreak in Warwick, Queensland state. Equine flu does not affect humans, but can be carried on clothing or footwear.

Sakhee's Secret lands fourth win

2007-07-13T21:47:00.001+01:00

Sakhee's Secret has now won four races in a rowSakhee's Secret won his fourth race in a row by taking victory in the Group One July Cup at Newmarket on Friday.
Steve Drowne's 9-2 mount beat Dutch Art by half a length, with 16-1 shot Red Clubs one and a quarter lengths back in third place in the six furlong race.
"He's a youngster and is as good as I've ridden," said Drowne afterwards.
Bentley Biscuit had another poor day, coming home 10th out of 18 runners, and Soldier's Tale was withdrawn before the race because of the going.
July Cup result:1 Sakhee's Secret (S Drowne) 9-22 Dutch Art (J Fortune) 5-13 Red Clubs (M Hills) 16-118 ran

Rebel set for Royal Ascot opener

2007-06-15T09:47:00.000+01:00

Double Guineas winner Cockney Rebel is one of a potential field of 11 for the St James's Palace Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot on Tuesday.
Cockney Rebel is aiming to emulate the brilliant Rock of Gibralter, who won both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas before winning at Royal Ascot.
But the Geoff Huffer-trained colt faces a five-strong challenge from Rock of Gibralter's trainer Aidan O'Brien.
They include French 2000 Guineas winner Astronomer Royal.
The Irish trainer's other four possible runners are Excellent Art, an unlucky fourth in France, Duke Of Marmalade, fourth in the English and Irish Guineas, Archipenko, winner of the Derrinstown Derby Trial, and Sorolla.
The £250,000 St James' Palace Stakes, which is run over a mile, is the opening Group One race of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting.
Dutch Art, from the stable of Derby-winning trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam, was second to Cockney Rebel at Newmarket and could re-oppose his rival at Royal Ascot.
Also lined up for the St James' Palace Stakes is Jim Bolger's Creachadoir, who was second in both the French and Irish Guineas.
David Wachman's He's A Decoy, Brian Meehan's Jack Junior and William Jarvis' impressive Silver Bowl winner Tobosa complete the field.
The other Group One race on the opening day of the Royal Ascot is the Queen Anne Stakes, which sees the eagerly-awaited return to the track of George Washington.
The four-year-old, also trained in Ireland by O'Brien, was sent to stud at the end of last season.
But after suffering fertility problems, his owners decided to resurrect his racing career.
The colt will face a maximum of eight rivals, who could include dual Group One-winning filly Red Evie, victor in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.
James Fanshawe's Cesare, who won the Royal Hunt Cup at the meeting last year, has been supplemented for the race.
Other possible contenders include Sir Michael Stoute's Jeremy, winner of the Jersey Stakes 12 months ago.

Dwyer secures Regime Derby ride

2007-05-25T14:04:00.000+01:00

Dwyer has won both the Oaks and Derby at EpsomThe 2006 winning jockey Martin Dwyer will replace banned rider Jamie Spencer on Regime in the Epsom Derby on 2 June.
Dwyer, who triumphed on Sir Percy last year, was booked by trainer Michael Bell after Spencer's suspension.
Former champion Spencer will miss the Derby meeting after losing his appeal on Monday to overturn a suspension imposed by French stewards.
Spencer got two bans - one for six days and one for four - for his riding in the French 2000 Guineas on 13 May.
The 26-year-old was contesting the four-day suspension but France Galop rejected his appeal.
Spencer was due to ride second favourite Dalvina in the Oaks on 1 June and 20-1 chance Regime in the Derby.
French jockey Oliver Peslier is now likely to be on board Dalvina.
In other jockey news, Ted Durcan has been secured by trainer David Elsworth to ride his Derby contender Salford Mill, currently second favourite behind Authorized.
Dwyer boasts good form around Epsom, having tasted Classic success on board Casual Look in the 2003 Oaks, and Regime won his Derby trial well at Sandown..
"Martin has ridden an Oaks winner and a Derby winner so he rides the track very well," said Harry Herbert, racing manager of the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing syndicate, which owns Regime.
"Regime will go to Epsom on Thursday with Martin on board to have a spin around Tattenham Corner.
"We think he is going in to the race underrated as we have always thought the world of him. He ran a big race in the Goffs Million and might have won if he was on the other side."
"The favourite will be a very tough nut to crack but hopefully we will be in a position to test him."
Dettori will ride the favourite, Authorized, who was an impressive winner of the Dante Stakes at York last week.
The Italian-born jockey will be having his 15th ride in the world's most famous Flat race but is still seeking his first victory.
Spencer's French suspension comes on top of a two-day penalty imposed in Britain, which he appealed against unsuccessfully to the Horseracing Regulatory Authority last week.
It ruled him of action on 23 and 24 May, but the Irish rider will now have to sit out all meetings held between 25 May and 3 June.

Finsceal heads 1000 Guineas field

2007-05-04T22:21:00.000+01:00

Finsceal Beo was last season's European champion juvenile fillyFinsceal Beo heads the 23 declared for Sunday's 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Victory for the filly would compensate trainer Jim Bolger, whose ante-post favourite Teofilo was ruled out of the 2000 Guineas on Thursday with injury.
Second-favourite Sander Camillo, trained by Jeremy Noseda, has been left in the field despite disappointing in her work this week.
But Magic America, who was also prominent in the betting, was withdrawn after suffering a leg injury.

"She's fractured her front fetlock cantering this morning," said trainer Criquette Head-Maarek.
"She's going to be OK and will not have to be put down but just cannot run.
"She was so well. It's been a long time since I had one as good as her for a big race in England," added the French trainer, who has won the 1000 Guineas three times.
Indian Ink is absolutely winging
Assistant trainer Richard Hannon junior
The only other withdrawal at Friday's confirmation stage was the Paul Blockley-trained Wait Watcher.
Finsceal Beo was the champion juvenile filly and trainer Bolger is hoping she can justify her hot favouritism.
"She is very well. There have been no problems with her and it has all been plain sailing," he said. "I am expecting a good performance from her."
Richard Hannon's stable believe they have a good chance of breaking their 1000 Guineas hoodoo with their two runners, Indian Ink, who won last season's Cheveley Parks Stakes, and Selinka.
The East Everleigh trainer has won the 2000 Guineas three times but the fillies' equivalent has eluded him so far.
"Indian Ink is absolutely winging. She's flying at home and she's a very good filly," said the trainer's son, Richard Hannon junior.
Newmarket trainer Jeremy Noseda saddles the Shadwell Nell Gwyn runner-up, Sander Camillo, and last year's Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile winner, Simply Perfect.
Other highly-rated local challengers include the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Kaseema and the Michael Jarvis-trained Yaqeen.
In addition to Finsceal Beo, three other fillies will make the journey from Ireland - the John Oxx-trained Arch Swing, Kevin Prendergast's Miss Beatrix and Aidan O'Brien's challenger, Theann.
The 23 runners equal the second-biggest field for the fillies' Classic since the World War II.
Stan James 1000 Guineas Newmarket 1mSunday, 1510 BST, Commentary BBC Radio Five LiveNumber, Form, Name, Age, Weight, Trainer, Jockey
1 11-1 ARCH SWING 3 9-0 John Oxx IRE Mick Kinane 2 2-15 BARSHIBA 3 9-0 David Elsworth John Egan 3 1025-4 BICOASTAL 3 9-0 Brian Meehan Ted Durcan 4 129-3 BLUE ROCKET 3 9-0 Tim Pitt Olivier Peslier 5 2-0 CARTIMANDUA 3 9-0 E S McMahon Jimmy Fortune 6 312-77 DARRFONAH 3 9-0 Clive Brittain Christophe Lemaire7 1-7 FANTASY PARKES 3 9-0 Kevin Ryan Neil Callan 8 12611- FINSCEAL BEO 3 9-0 Jim Bolger IRE Kevin Manning9 4211-2 INDIAN INK 3 9-0 Richard Hannon Richard Hughes 10 17-4 KASEEMA 18 3 9-0 Sir Michael Stoute Martin Dwyer 11 72311- MISS BEATRIX 3 9-0 Kevin Prendergast IRE Declan McDonogh 12 21-50 PRINCESS VALERINA 3 9-0 Barry Hills Michael Hills 13 123-0 PUGGY 3 9-0 R A Kvisla S Pasquier 14 411-2 SANDER CAMILLO 3 9-0 Jeremy Noseda Frankie Dettori 15 340-28 SATULAGI 3 9-0 J S Moore Stephen Donohoe 16 3158-1 SCARLET RUNNER 3 9-0 John Dunlop Kerrin McEvoy 17 6311- SELINKA 3 9-0 Richard Hannon Eddie Ahern 18 13711- SIMPLY PERFECT 3 9-0 Jeremy Noseda Johnny Murtagh 19 11141- SWEET LILY 3 9-0 Mick Channon Darryll Holland 20 5521-3 THEANN 3 9-0 Aidan O'Brien IRE Christophe Soumillon 21 012- TREAT 3 9-0 Mick Channon Jamie Spencer 22 1210-6 VITAL STATISTICS 3 9-0 David Elsworth Kevin Darley 23 3-1 YAQEEN 3 9-0 Michael Jarvis Richard Hills

Adagio storms to Craven victory

2007-04-20T21:15:00.000+01:00

Kerrin McEvoy partnered Adagio to the Craven Stakes winAdagio laid down a significant marker for the 2,000 Guineas when he was an impressive winner of the Craven Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt, the 5-4 favourite, eased down to win by one-and-a-half lengths from Sonny Red.
Thousand Words stayed on to finish third but the victory for jockey Kerrin McEvoy was never in doubt despite struggling for room two furlongs out.
Adagio is now rated a 6-1 shot from 12s by VC Bet for the 2,000 Guineas.
Adagio, who is owned by the Coolmore team, won on his debut at Newmarket last September before finishing a creditable four-and-a-half-length seventh behind Teofilo in the Dewhurst on his final start.

Money continues to flood in for Dun Doire

2007-03-25T08:36:00.000+01:00

Dun Doire continues to be well backed for the Grand National with Betterbet.com and is now clear 10/1 favourite for next month's big race. Paul Carberry has been handed the ride.

The jockey, who has been sidelined with a foot injury since February 25, has twice partnered the Tony Martin-trained runner to success but has not taken the reins since the duo combined to winning effect over a year ago.

Explaining the booking, Martin told the Racing Post: "I've asked Paul to ride Dun Doire in the National once he is fully fit, and he has accepted the mount.

"He knows the horse well and won the Thyestes Chase on him last season."

Carberry hopes to be back in action in the near future and is already looking forward to the Aintree feature on April 14.

Of Dun Doire, who bounced back to winning ways under Bobby McNally at Down Royal this month, Carberry said: "I've won a couple of races on him and he's a good ride to pick up for the National.

L'Ami heads McManus Aintree hopes

2007-03-23T21:29:00.001Z

McManus has never won the Grand NationalL'Ami has been identified as leading owner JP McManus' best hope of success in next month's Grand National.
The famous Irish owner has nine horses entered in the Aintree showpiece, which he has never won although he did have the runner-up in 2003 in Clan Royal.
"I would say at this stage that L'Ami looks our best chance. He will definitely run," said McManus' racing manager Frank Berry.
L'Ami was seventh behind Kauto Star in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last week.
The Francois Doumen-trained gelding is currently a general 20-1 shot for the Grand National on 14 April.
Aintree veteran Clan Royal is also scheduled to take his place in the line-up.

State of Play the value in the Gold Cup

2007-03-15T23:22:00.001Z

The Press clamours for a super horse, but Kauto Star is not yet that.

He is impressive in his paces and this has carried off prizes for him on park tracks despite his tendency to make a hair-raising error towards the end of a race. Such an error on this track under pressure and faced with quality challengers would prick the bubble. But are there any quality challengers? Last year's winner, War Of Attrition, is injured; Beef Or Salmon has never 'put it in' on this track and the ground has gone against last year's third, Forget The Past, and, theoretically, against The Listener and My Will, though this pair are young pretenders and we don't know everything about them.

Also, there are horses in this that - on form - shouldn't be here: Bob Bob Bobbin, for example, is rated 30lb inferior. Exotic Dancer has been a big improver but was beaten eight lengths by 'Cato' in the King George, and when L'Ami got within a neck of 'Cato' at Newbury, it was with the help of a 10lb advantage. I have two ideas about the race: Exotic Dancer has won no fewer than four times at Cheltenham, and the track could make the difference. Secondly, State Of Play has been forgotten since he won the Hennessy Gold Cup. He has to be fresh; acts on any going; staying is clearly his game, and Hennessy winners have done the double before (four times).

After all the defectors, we still have a big field which suggests that trainers feel that Kauto Star is worth taking on. If this happens in the market, you could have a 'lay and back' situation. But I will content myself with an each-way bet in a tricky year. Trainer Evan Williams has been hailed as the potential new star of the jumps stables and State Of Play would establish his credentials.

At the overnight prices State of Play is 13/2 with betterbet.com.

Alan to be Cheltenham King again

2007-03-13T23:37:00.000Z

With winners at 50/1 and 40/1, and a 16/1 winner of the Champion Hurdle there can be little doubt the bookmakers had the edge on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival.

A few lessons were learnt which will hopefully help with our strategy for Wednesday. The first is despite pessimism beforehand - the Irish horses are running incredibly well. Secondly, the ground is now starting to dry up at a rapid rate.

That will definitely count against Nickname in the Champion Chase. Betterbet.com have gone 15/2 overnight which is a big price compared to a week ago but I expect him to drift further as there were plenty of negative vibes around the track on Tuesday for this one whose best form is on soft and heavy ground. A better bet in Wednesday's feature race may be VOY POR USTEDES who won the Arkle at the Festival last year and who looks a reasonable bet at 9/2 to win this. Trainer Alan King won this year's Arkle yesterday with the impressive My Way De Solzen and hot favourite Well Chief looks worth opposing given his lack of recent races.

DENMAN has been made 6/5 favourite by Better to win the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at 2.35 and is the banker bet at the meeting for many. He's a terribly short price now but so hard to fault. If you prefer to play each-way UNGARO looks interesting at 10/1.

Swift a likely Sandown outsider

2007-03-10T12:52:00.001Z

The Sunderlands Imperial Cup at Sandown is the traditional hor'deuve to next week's Festival main course and punters will be looking to the 17 runner handicap to boost their Cheltenham betting banks.

The top weight Dusky Warbler is a non runner and the only certainty of the race is that the David Pipe trained Gaspara is going to go off favourite. Betterbet.com make him 3/1 at the moment and if you can get near a Better shop they have a great concession today whereby if you finish second to the favourite in this race you get your win single stake back.

This race has been monopolised in the past by David's father Martin who has won three of the last five runnings and Gaspara, who bids for a hat-trick, looks a very likely sort indeed with the champ A P McCoy in the saddle. Gaspara also has two Cheltenham engagements for next week and if he wins today will be on for the bonus put up by the sponsors.

At 3/1 he is plenty short enough though for such a competitive event and we prefer to play each-way where we'll get a return if finishing in the first four. The going will be testing at Sandown which may play into the hands of the bottom weights and the one at the very bottom Swift Sailor looks interesting at Better's 16/1. The grey is in good form, as his trainer Gary Moore.