Course Specialist Magazine - Quarter 1, 2019 by Course Specialist

JANUARY 2019

Too Darn Hot in 2018... but will it be the same in 2019? IAN WATKINSON TALKS JUMPS RACING AND TINGLE CREEK

QATAR BLOODSTOCK WELCOMES LIGHTNING SPEAR, ROARING LION AND ZOUSTAR

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COURSE SPECIALIST 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLT REVIEW

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EDITOR’S WELCOME

It is with delight that I extend a warm welcome to you all as we relaunch Course Specialist Magazine.

uch has happened over the past two years; yet the horse who adorned our front cover in January 2017, Thistlecrack, underlines the enduring love we have for jumps racing and horses that can come back. I sincerely hope that Course Specialist’s return can be every bit as fulfilling as that magnificent horse’s run in the King George VI Chase! In this issue we take an in-depth look at 2018’s two year old colts, with Too Darn Hot coming out head of class. We also run a fascinating interview with Ian Watkinson, one of the top jumps jockeys of the 1970s, who rode Night Nurse, Sea Pigeon and of course Tingle Creek – and shared a million other fantastic stories of life as a jockey. We pay a visit to Gloucestershire where we catch up with Qatar Bloodstock’s exciting new stallions for Tweenhills Stud in 2019: Lightning Spear, Roaring Lion and Zoustar. Tweenhills has been in the ownership of the Redvers family for decades and under David’s watchful eye, has developed into a world class facility, with significant potential. With our round-up of racing from the UK, Ireland and internationally, plus our look at the big stories in the bloodstock world, I sincerely hope that you will enjoy reading our Q1 issue of Course Specialist. I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported this issue, as advertisers, contributors and readers. Please be sure to click on the advertisements to visit everyone’s website. With thanks and best wishes,

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Andrew Pelis PHOTOGRAPHERS Steven Cargill Pat Healy www.healyracing.ie Mark Cranham www.cranhamphoto.com A.J. Byles Toby Connors Jimmy Clark PRODUCTION Follow Creative www.followcreative.com ON THE COVER Too Darn Hot wins the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket

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Andrew Pelis Editor and Publisher

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. No part of the publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright 2016 © Andrew Pelis

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW

he 2018 Turf Flat Season overall proved somewhat of a disappointment to Course Specialist. The Classic generation produced one or two outstanding performers, but none of the five English Classic winners triumphed again on the racecourse. The two year old picture, in many ways, was a high point, with some thrilling performances and some exciting prospects going into 2019. Here we take a look at some of the leading horses in 2018. For a more comprehensive review, looking at some of the darker horses to consider, please visit: www.course-specialist. co.uk/features/big-races/2018-two-year-old-colts-review/ Top of the pile has to be Too Darn Hot, who impressed on every occasion he raced, culminating in his dominant victory in the Group One Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket. Refreshingly, the John Gosden trained son of Dubawi is not owned by the usual suspects at Coolmore or Godolphin, rather he is the red hot property of Lady and Lord LloydWebber, who owned the brilliant dam Dar Re Mi.

She had already thrown the smart So Mi Dar and and 2018 St Leger runner-up Lah Ti Dar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both of whom were fancied runners for their respective Oaks, but missed the race due to setbacks. Already Too Darn Hot has won as many races as that celebrated pair of fillies and he has shown more natural speed in the process. It is to be hoped that fortune favours him and he gets to the Classics. There are other horses one could make a case for as horse of the year in this category, but we felt Too Darn Hot built on each run and his overall form and the manner of his victories gave him the edge based on 2018. Too Darn Hot started out at Sandown Park, slamming Rowland Ward by seven lengths in his first and only race over a mile. It was an exciting debut for a colt who, because of his breeding, had already attracted plenty of interest. In the aftermath of that race, there were already ludicrous quotes for the Derby.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW

At the beginning of September, Too Darn Hot returned to the Esher venue for the Group Three Solario Stakes, a race another former Clarehaven inmate, Kingman, had first demonstrated his true ability in. Too Darn Hot was just as impressive, as he readily disposed of Chesham Stakes winner Arthur Kitt, by four lengths, with horses like Confiding, Victory Command and Dunkerron all strung out in behind. He came out of the race bouncing and Gosden was keen to continue the colt’s education, as he stepped up in class once again, for the Group Two Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, just a fortnight later. As Bye Bye Hong Kong and Cardini set a blistering pace, Too Darn Hot found himself several lengths down at halfway. But he picked up in taking fashion and was in front at the furlong pole, convincingly seeing off Phoenix Of Spain by 1 ¾ lengths. The second franked the form later in the season when just touched off by Magna Grecia, in the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy.

Image supplied by www.darleyeurope.com

Van Beethoven was nearly six lengths back and Dark Vision, an impressive winner at Goodwood, failed to ever get involved. Too Darn Hot was just about the leading juvenile of the year by this point, but needed to confirm it in a defining Group One contest. A month later he got his chance in what looked an exciting Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket. Only seven horses went to post for the seven furlong contest, but it had a strong look, with the unbeaten Sangarius, Group One winner Advertise and highly-regarded Anthony Van Dyck among the competitors. Too Darn Hot was held up, as Aidan O’Brien runners Christmas and Anthony Van Dyck set the tempo. The latter was still very much in the mix approaching the Dip, where Advertise came to join issue. In behind, Too Darn Hot was momentarily in trouble and he looked unbalanced as he saw daylight. Further back, Sangarius could not go with the pace. But once on an even keel, Too Darn Hot simply blitzed past his rivals with a different gear, pulling clear in impressive style.

At the line, Frankie Dettori had time to gesticulate to the crowd, winning by 2 ¾ lengths from Advertise, with a further 1 ¼ lengths back to Anthony Van Dyck in third and 4 ½ lengths to Sangarius. It was an effervescent performance and afterwards, Too Darn Hot was barely blowing in the winners’ enclosure. The key formline here – and the one which defines him as our champion, is the proximity of Anthony Van Dyck, who had looked top class and finished a much closer second when behind Quorto, in the National Stakes at the Curragh.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS Given his natural speed, the 2,000 Guineas looks an obvious target for Too Darn Hot, although it should be remembered that his trainer’s record in the first colt’s Classic is not great. He is bred to get the Derby trip, but he needs to convince that he will stay and also there is a slight concern about his balance, given his run at Newmarket. 2018 was a great year for Godolphin and Darley, with Dubawi in particular, standing out (although New Approach also sired Derby winner Masar). Too Darn Hot underlined Dubawi’s talents as a stallion, but so too did Quorto, who fascinatingly undertook a similar juvenile campaign to his sire.

Quorto was without doubt one of the year’s outstanding juveniles and was a horse with a real presence. The Charlie Appleby trained colt made a big impression when beating Handmaiden and Alnasherat by 2 ¾ lengths, in a Newmarket maiden, in late June. The following month, Quorto returned to the July Course for the Group Two Superlative Stakes, a race Dubawi had won in 2004. He ran out an authoritative winner, beating the Aidan O’Brien colt Cape Of Good Hope, by 3 ¾ lengths, with Neverland Rock further back in third. Appleby immediately nominated the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh, as Quorto’s next target – once again, a race Dubawi had won at two. Whilst other juveniles emerged in the two months between his races, hopes were high that Quorto could end the Irish stranglehold on the National Stakes, on Irish Champions Weekend. As usual, there was a formidable opposition from Aidan O’Brien, who fielded his exciting Anthony Van Dyck, future Royal Lodge Stakes winner Mohawk, Christmas and Land Force.

Image supplied by Darleyeurope.com

Christmas blazed a trail, but was readily picked up by stable mate Anthony Van Dyck, who hit the front with two furlongs to race. However, Quorto travelled well and went on at the furlong pole, drawing clear of his big rival and winning by a smooth 1 ¼ lengths, with Christmas taking third, ahead of Mohawk. Quorto did veer to his right a little on the run-in and we are mindful of Dubawi’s inclination to drift across the Rowley Mile both in the 2,000 Guineas and QEII Stakes. Quorto looks a smart horse, one with plenty of scope. He is clearly a leading player from a Godolphin team with juvenile strength in depth last year. Our only concern is that drift – something we also saw from Too Darn Hot in the Dewhurst. If returning to action in a fast-ground Guineas, we would have that balance in the back of our minds with Quorto. His damn Volume, ran third in the English Oaks (behind Taghrooda) and Irish Oaks (Bracelet), so there is plenty of stamina and Dubawi ran third in the Derby too.

So Quorto goes into the 2019 season with the potential to build on his already impressive achievements. The third of our triumvirate of unbeaten and intriguing colts is another from the John Gosden stable – and one we only got a fleeting look at in 2018.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW

It is of course Calyx, the much-heralded son of Kingman, who got his sire off to a flying start and achieved many headlines in the space of just ten days in June. Racing in the same Abdullah silks as his sire and damn Helleborine, Calyx made a sparkling debut on the July Course at Newmarket (as his sire had done, five years earlier). He beat Octave (a future Pontefract winner) by five lengths, with Khadeem a further six lengths back. The latter went on to land his next two starts, looking smart at Doncaster’s St Leger Festival. There was plenty of excitement, when Gosden announced that just ten days later, Calyx would take his chance in the Group Two Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Taking on 22 rivals, what Calyx achieved remains remarkable to the eye but also very difficult to fathom. Clearly the far side appeared to have an advantage, but Calyx pulled fully ten lengths clear of his stands side group. With a furlong to race, Calyx was already clear of his stands rivals and his momentum carried him to a one length victory over Advertise, with Sergei Profokiev a neck further back in third. Gosden immediately indicated that the Group One Prix Morny would be Calyx’s next target, but injury subsequently ruled him out for the year, something that by coincidence, had happened to Kingman. It was hugely frustrating, as Calyx had quickly fuelled the

imagination, with so many exciting races to contest and prove himself in, as the two year old campaign took shape. But it wasn’t to be. The tantalising question of how far he might have beaten Advertise, had he raced on the far side of the Ascot track, remains unanswered.

What we can say is that the second proved a top class horse, with victory in the Group Two July Stakes and the Group One Phoenix Stakes, before he chased home Too Darn Hot at Newmarket. Calyx looks to be an out and out miler on breeding; his dam was a smart juvenile, landing the Group Three Prix D’Aumale and running second to Misty For Me in the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac. But after finishing second in the Prix Imprudence, her three year old form tailed off.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS That leaves a tiny concern about Calyx training on, but he is so lightly-raced there ought to be plenty of improvement to come. Kingman had a preparatory race in the Greenham Stakes (which he annexed in emphatic style), so he had a run before his 2,000 Guineas second. It would be no surprise to see Gosden deploy a similar approach with Calyx. Advertise in many ways, proved the ultimate test and yard stick for the leading juveniles in 2018 – and proved himself a top contender too. The Martyn Meade trained son of Showcasing, made a winning debut at Newbury in May, beating Pogo by ¾ of a length, with the useful Burj in third. Then came that fine run at Royal Ascot, when he was best of those on the favoured far side, finishing a length second of 23 to Calyx, with his Newbury rivals much further back this time. Meade then sent Advertise to the Group Two July Stakes at Newmarket’s July Festival. The colt totally outclassed his rivals, making smooth progress to beat Konchek by two lengths, with Charming Kid and Dunkerron next. With options in the Group One Prix Morny and the Phoenix Stakes, Meade elected to send Advertise to Ireland for his next race, making a bold prediction that he would beat the Aidan O’Brien team (in a race the Ballydoyle Master had dominated). Advertise lived up to Meade’s confidence, beating the filly So Perfect by ½ a length, with a similar margin back to The Irish Rover.

Image supplied by Goffs

He had to work hard for the victory before getting on top, but Meade maintained full faith in his charge. Advertise was not seen again until the Dewhurst Stakes, his first attempt at seven furlongs. In a hot contest, Advertise held every chance and got the better of Anthony Van Dyck, before having no answer to Too Darn Hot’s acceleration. Late on Advertise was clawing back the leader, to go down by 2 ¾ lengths. Whilst Showcasing was pure speed, the manner of Advertise’s racing gives hope that he might get a mile and we would be confident that is the case. He remains a classy and consistent horse who should not be underestimated. Anthony Van Dyck had looked potentially the leading juvenile in mid-summer, but the Aidan O’Brien stable was afflicted with sickness and the son of Galileo ultimately came up short at the highest level in the autumn.

Image supplied by Goffs

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW After running down the field at the Curragh in early July, Anthony Van Dyck was a spectacular winner of a Killarney maiden later that month, beating Yonkers by eight lengths.

The Group Three Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown, in late July, has often been a launch pad for some of O’Brien’s future stars. Anthony Van Dyck was sent there and did not disappoint, with a resounding 4 ¾ lengths success from maiden winner Bold Approach. A month later, Anthony Van Dyck returned to the Curragh for the Group Two Futurity Stakes, another race O’Brien has farmed down the years. Stable mate Christmas set a strong tempo and Anthony Van Dyck was made to work to get on terms, eventually winning by ½ a length, with Mohawk back in third, as the winner completed his hat-trick. Anthony Van Dyck’s progression meant that he was always destined to step up to Group One level and his first taste came in the National Stakes at the Curragh, in mid-September. He made his move with two furlongs to race, but failed to shake off Quorto, who comfortably went past to record a 1 ¼ length victory. It was a perfectly satisfactory run from Anthony Van Dyck and he then headed to Newmarket, for a big showdown in the Group One Dewhurst Stakes. Once again, Christmas cut out the early running, with Anthony Van Dyck and Advertise taking control two furlongs out. Both colts had no answer as Too Darn Hot swept through and Anthony Van Dyck eventually came home four lengths third to the winner.

The colt ran once more in 2018, but was never a factor in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Churchill Downs. It is hard to belief he ran to his true ability there and we are inclined to draw a line through that run, as he may have gone to the well once too often. Anthony Van Dyck has entries in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Derby, but not the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. Whilst Galileo imparts stamina, the dam, Believe N’Succeed, was pure speed and her progeny to date have been the same, so there must be some doubt whether he will quite see out a mile – and even more about his Derby pretensions. Despite the stable form in the summer, Aidan O’Brien still demonstrated a strong hand in the juvenile colt division, with Ten Sovereigns quickly making his mark and proving Group One class. The son of No Nay Never proved a stand out from his first visit to the racecourse. In a season when very few of O’Brien’s juveniles won first time out, Ten Sovereigns won a big field Curragh maiden by seven lengths, from Carbon Fibre, in late August. It was a performance that immediately had people talking.

Just a week later, we got a second look at the colt, in the Group Three Round Tower Stakes, at the same track. Once again, the outcome was emphatic, as he beat Bruce Wayne and Fantasy by 3 ¾ lengths. The decision was taken to keep Ten Sovereigns at six furlongs for his next start, in the Group One Middle Park Stakes, at Newmarket. The contest in late September, saw Ten Sovereigns pitted against proven Group horses in Marie’s Diamond and Rumble Inthejungle. However, coming out of the Dip, it was another unexposed colt in Jash, who threw down the big challenge.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS These two raw talents pulled clear of their rivals in the manner of two smart colts and it was Ten Sovereigns who got the better of the argument, winning by ½ a length.

It was very momentarily mooted that Ten Sovereigns could join the Dewhurst Stakes picture over seven furlongs, but the decision was quickly dispelled as the colt was roughed off for the year. Like his sire, Ten Sovereigns shows plenty of pace, but his dam Seeking Solace, won over 10 furlongs for Andre Fabre and has produced a winner over 9 ½ furlongs. So there is hope that Ten Sovereigns should get the Guineas mile next season and he handled the Newmarket contours just fine. Another O’Brien colt to make his mark at Group One level was the late developing Magna Grecia. The son of Invincible Spirit had three starts in the space of one month, culminating in Group One glory. Like Ten Sovereigns, he was a first-time out winner, when landing a Naas maiden by 3 ½ lengths from Mudlahhim and Tranchee, in late September.

Just under a fortnight later, Magna Grecia headed to Newmarket for the Group Three Autumn Stakes, over a mile. Despite his inexperience, he demonstrated his immense promise, pulling clear with the more experienced French colt Persian King, to finish a neck second, with the likes of Circus Maximus and Western Australia over three lengths adrift. That run elevated Magna Grecia up the pecking order in Ballydoyle and his next start came in the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster. Armed with more experience, Magna Grecia showed the benefit of that Newmarket fight, as he tenaciously fought off the challenge of Phoenix Of Spain, to win by a head, with Western Australia and Circus Maximus much closer this time. Magna Grecia’s dam Cabaret, won up to seven furlongs, whilst her progeny have won up to 1 ¼ miles. Magna Grecia looks to have live Guineas prospects next spring, but there would be some doubt if he would get further than ten furlongs. In discussing Magna Grecia as a Group One winner, one gains a true perspective of the huge potential that his Newmarket conqueror Persian King has. Andre Fabre’s raids on Newmarket, were few and far between in 2018, but Persian King made a huge impression on us – and there were two juveniles all season that had a presence to them; Quorto was one – and Persian King the other. Both looked the part racing too.

The son of Kingman made a fine start when finishing two lengths second to Anodor, another colt we will feature later on in this article. That race took place at Deauville in early August and maybe six weeks later, looked very good form. Persian King benefited from that run by routing his rivals by six lengths at Chantilly in early September. Two weeks later he returned there to win a conditions race by an easy five lengths from Lone Peak.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW Out of the top class Jacqueline Quest, who was disqualified in the 1,000 Guineas, Line Of Duty ran second in his first two starts, behind subsequent Group Three winner, Arctic Sound, at Sandown Park in early July and then Great Scott, at Haydock Park, two weeks later. Line Of Duty got off the mark with a ½ a length victory over Pablo Escobarr at Goodwood in early September and showed he was progressing, when landing the Group Three Prix de Conde by 1 ¼ lengths from Syrtis at Chantilly, in early October.

That saw Fabre send his charge to Newmarket for the Group Three Autumn Stakes in early October. The colt had to race seriously for the first time and handled the undulations of the Rowley Mile to good effect. He and Magna Grecia pulled clear of their rivals in the final furlong, with the greater experience of Persian King, gaining the day by a neck, with three lengths back to Circus Maximus and Western Australia. Magna Grecia went on to land the Group One Vertem Futurity, with his two stable mates from Newmarket, filling third and fourth at Doncaster. That gives the Persian King race a solid look now. Persian King is an imposing colt, beautifully balanced and he physically stood out when last seen. Kingman was of course a miler, while his dam, Pretty Please, is by Dylan Thomas – and she stayed further than 1 ¼ miles. The 2,000 Guineas would appear an obvious early starting point for Persian King, but on breeding, it could be the Prix du Jockey Club rather than Epsom in June. If Quorto was the banner juvenile for Godolphin, they had plenty of Group One strength in depth amongst the colts. Line Of Duty, a son of Coolmore stallion Galileo, exemplifies the new relationship between the two powerhouses of European racing.

The colt then shipped out to Churchill Downs for the Grade One Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, which represented a huge step up in class. Patiently ridden by William Buick, Line Of Duty got into top gear in the home straight and finished widest of all and to greatest effect, beating Uncle Benny by ½ a length, to give Charlie Appleby another string to his bow. Line Of Duty appears to still be on the upgrade and whilst a Guineas bid would not be out of the question, Godolphin has plenty of strength in depth for that race, so it would be no surprise to see him start back in something like the Dante Stakes at York. Royal Marine is another colt who needed time but ended the year looking very progressive. The son of Raven’s Pass is trained by Saeed Bin Suroor. He was a well beaten sixth behind subsequent Middle Park Stakes runner-up Jash, in a Newmarket maiden in late August. Three weeks later, he looked a smart prospect when landing a Doncaster maiden by 2 ¼ lengths from the very useful Turgenev.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS

In early October, Royal Marine made the transition from maiden winner to Group One winner, when getting the better of Broome, by a neck, in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp, with the highly-regarded Anodor unable to close. That performance raised many eyebrows and Royal Marine ought to have plenty of improvement to come, being out of a Singspiel mare. He holds entries in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Derby, but will probably need further improvement. Stable mate Royal Meeting, was another to make the transition from maiden winner to Group One winner with some aplomb. The son of Invincible Spirit made a big impression when winning a Yarmouth maiden on debut, in September, getting the better of Alrajaa by ½ a length, with a nice turn of foot. Afterwards, Bin Suroor suggested that Royal Meeting was probably a Group horse – and he proved that and more with his victory in the Group One Criterium International at Chantilly, in late October.

Racing wide, Royal Meeting showed good acceleration, despite his inexperience, to beat Hermosa by ¾ of a length. He is a big enough colt and should have plenty of scope for strengthening up, with talk that he may head to the 2,000 Guineas next spring. Sangarius came into the Dewhurst Stakes with a burgeoning reputation and nothing that happened in that race has swayed the faith of trainer Sir Michael Stoute. The son of Kingman, made a winning debut when beating the useful Bangkok by a neck, in a Newmarket maiden, in late August. In mid-September, he headed to Doncaster for a Listed race, once won by Frankel.

Sangarius showed himself to be very smart, as he powered his way to a 2 ¼ length defeat of Dubai Dominion. Stoute then decided to test the Group One waters with his protege, electing to run him in a hot renewal of the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, in early October. Whilst Sangarius was unable to go on with main principals late on, he stayed on nicely to finish 8 ½ lengths fourth behind Too Darn Hot.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW This was a good education for Sangarius and there ought to be tons of improvement to follow. It would be no surprise to see Sangarius have an extra run to gain more experience, before contesting a Guineas. Phoenix Of Spain proved a top class horse who took on the very best and placed at Group One level in 2018. The Charlie Hills trained grey son of Lope De Vega, made a promising start, when 4 ½ lengths fourth of eight behind King Of Comedy, at Sandown Park, in early July. Just over three weeks later, Phoenix Of Spain stamped himself very useful, when defeating Multamis by 2 ½ lengths at Wolverhampton. The following month, Phoenix Of Spain headed to York for the Group Three Acomb Stakes, coming from the back to win well, by 1 ½ lengths from Watan, with the likes of Persian Moon, Swissterious and Broome much further back. The grey returned to Yorkshire for his next start in the Group Two Champagne Stakes at Doncaster’s St Leger Meeting in September. In a strange tactical race, Phoenix Of Spain proved no match for the turn of foot of Too Darn Hot, finishing 1 ¾ lengths second to the year’s top juvenile colt, with Cardini, Van Beethoven and Dark Vision behind. Subsequent events showed that to be top class form and Phoenix Of Spain got his own chance at Group One level in the Vertem Futurity Trophy, back at Doncaster, in late October. Once again the race was a messy tactical affair and Phoenix Of Spain quickened well in the latter stages, suffering interference along the way, in finishing a head second to Magna Grecia. The winner had to survive a Stewards’ Enquiry in landing the race. Phoenix Of Spain holds an entry in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, but in reality, looks likely to prove most effective at around 1 ¼ miles. We see the Prix du Jockey Club as the ideal target. Jash goes into the winter with serious Classic credentials, after three memorable performances in 2018. The Simon Crisford trained son of Kodiac, immediately stamped himself a smart prospect, when winning a Newmarket novice race by 4 ½ lengths from Dazzling Dan, in late August. Subsequent Group One winner Royal Marine, was much further back. Jash headed to Salisbury, for another novice contest, in mid-September. He ran out a spectacular 9 lengths winner over Ginger Fox and was clearly ready for a step up in class. That came in the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, in late September.

Coming out of the Dip, Jash was the only horse who could go with Ten Sovereigns, giving him a real test but ultimately going down by ½ a length. It was a top class effort from Jash, who had the proven Group quality of Rumble Inthejugle, Marie’s Diamond, Emaraaty Ana and Sergei Profokiev well behind. Jash’s dam Miss Azeza, has had one other runner, which won over a mile, so there is plenty of hope that he will get the Guineas trip. He is entered in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, but it would be no surprise to see him supplemented for the Newmarket Classic. Japan was well beaten on debut, but looked a smart prospect, as he added to Aidan O’Brien’s impressive record in the Group Two Beresford Stakes, later in the year. The son of Galileo is out of a Danehill mare and looks an exciting horse. He showed very little on debut, when 6 ½ lengths seventh of 13 to Sydney Opera House, with pattern winner Norway, also ahead of him, in a Curragh maiden at the start of September. Eleven days later he won a Listowel contest by ¾ of a length from Aristocratic Man. O’Brien then sent him to Naas for the Beresford, in late September. He did not get the clearest of runs and had to be switched, getting up on the line to beat stable mate Mount Everest by a short head.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS Japan looks a likely middle-distance colt for 2019 and could well start out in a Derby trial, as he holds entries for Epsom and the Curragh. Mohaather was quite late getting started, but in the space of just over a month, established himself as a pattern winner and a 2,000 Guineas prospect. The Marcus Tregoning trained son of Showcasing, showed plenty of promise when finishing 3 ¾ lengths second of 12 to the smart Breath Of Air, in a Newbury maiden, in late September.

Image supplied by Newbury Racecourse

In early October, Mohaather came on for that run, to win a Nottingham maiden by a head from Alfred Boucher. Mohaather Image Seventeen days later, he stepped up in distance to seven furlongs, for the Group Three Horris Hill Stakes, on good to soft ground. Things did not run smoothly for Mohaather, during the race, but he overcame trouble in running to pull away from Azano by 1 ½ lengths. Connections appear to be keen on a 2,000 Guineas bid and Mohaather’s dam Roodeye, is by Inchinor, who stayed beyond a mile. He will need to improve further, but made giant strides in the five weeks in which he raced. The French two year-olds did not stamp their influence on the colts’ division with strength in depth, but Anodor did look a really promising horse.

Freddy Head’s son of Anodin made a big impression on debut, becoming the only horse to beat Persian King so far, with a 2-lengths victory at Deauville, in early August. He confirmed himself very smart with success in the Group Three Prix des Chenes a month later, defeating Insandi by 2-lengths and looking France’s leading juvenile colt in the process. The next stop was naturally the Group One Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp, on Arc Day. Anodor ran well, without ever quite having the turn of foot to win, finishing a length third of 6 to Royal Marine. Head was far from despondent and Anodor still retains a lofty reputation. On breeding, he should stay 1 ½ miles well on the dam side, but a French Guineas preparation would not be a surprise before he steps up for either the Epsom Derby or Prix du Jockey Club. Madhmoon was only seen twice in 2018, but made a big impression. The Kevin Prendergast trained son of Dawn Approach, looked smart on debut, as he slammed the more experienced Sydney Opera House by 2 ¾ lengths in a Leopardstown maiden, in mid-August. That impression was confirmed on his return to the Dublin track, for the Group Two KPM Champion Juvenile Stakes a month later. Madhmoon showed a fine turn of foot to defeat Broome by 2 ½ lengths, with Masaff, Western Australia and Sydney Opera House well beaten. We didn’t see Madhmoon again, but being out of a Haafh’d mare, a mile ought to suit him perfectly and it would be no surprise to see him aimed at the Irish 2,000 Guineas next spring. At the height of summer, Dark Vision had established himself as a leader in his generation, but one disappointing run, seemed to make him a forgotten horse. That might prove a big mistake in the long-run, for his final run of the year was clearly not his true form. The Mark Johnston trained son of Dream Ahead, travelled south for his debut, landing a minor contest at Yarmouth, by 1 ¼ lengths from Sky Patrol. It was the first of three races Dark Vision had in July, which culminated in his lofty status in the juvenile ranks. Nine days after his debut, Dark Vision impressed at York, when defeating Absolute Dream by 2 ¼ lengths. Johnston then stepped his charge up in class and trip for the Group Two Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, at the end of July.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW Plenty went wrong for Dark Vision at Goodwood, he was hampered early on and then denied a clear run. However, having got into the clear, he quickened well and was drawing away at the line, beating the useful Dunkerron by 1 ¾ lengths, in a race Johnston had won with Shamardal. Dark Vision was waited with and not seen out again until the Doncaster St Leger Meeting in September. There he faced a strong line-up, but the quality of opposition hardly seemed to matter. Dark Vision was never in contention and scrubbed along at halfway, failing to pick up and trailing in a lacklustre last of six to the top class Too Darn Hot and Phoenix Of Spain. Whilst it would be stretching the imagination to say he would have beaten the year’s outstanding juvenile colt, Dark Vision ran no sort of race, was always in arrears and something appeared to be amiss. If Johnston can pinpoint what went wrong, Dark Vision should not be written off too hastily. He is out of a Dansili mare and should stay a mile well in 2019. Mark Johnston was also responsible for the smart Arctic Sound, who rounded off his season with a big victory at Newmarket. The son of Poet’s Voice showed plenty of promise on his debut in late June, finishing 2 ¼ lengths second of seven behind More Than This, at Haydock Park.

It was a disappointing effort, but Johnston maintained his faith in the colt and was rewarded with a victory in a Doncaster nursery, at the St Leger Meeting, in September. Arctic Sound ran out a 1 ¼ length winner from the useful Fanaar. Towards the end of September, Johnston sent Arctic Sound to Newmarket, for the Group Three Tattersall Stakes, a race he had won the previous year, with Elarqam. Among his opposition were the useful Dunkerron, Aidan O’Brien’s Cardini and the expensive yearling Prince Eiji. The latter appeared to have the race at his mercy entering the Dip, but inexperience told and Arctic Sound began his run down the centre of the track, staying on well to beat Bye Bye Hong Kong by a length. Johnston did not rule out a Guineas bid in 2019 and being out of a Royal Academy mare, he should stay the mile well, but will need more improvement to figure at Group One level. Kessaar made his mark among this year’s juveniles, with two Group successes in the autumn, but sadly he has been retired to stud. The John Gosden trained son of Kodiac ran ½ a length second of nine behind I Am A Dreamer, at York in mid-May. He was thrown in at the deep end for his next start – and struggled, when 25th of 28, behind Soldier’s Call, in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot in late June. Stepped back up to six furlong a month later, he got off the mark in spectacular fashion, with a 10-length defeat of Bobby Ewing, at Windsor. In late August he was only sixth, but beaten just two lengths by Sporting Chance in the Listed Ripon Champion Two Year Old Trophy. To that point, Kessaar had achieved nothing outstanding with his performances and form. That changed with his success in the Group Three Sirenia Stakes at Kempton Park, in early September, when he beat Junius Brutus by 2 ½ lengths, with the useful Konchek further back.

A couple of weeks later, he got off the mark, when beating subsequent Group One winner Line Of Duty, by a neck, at Sandown Park. On the day that Dark Vision won at Goodwood, Arctic Sound was making waves himself, at Beverley, beating Abie’s Hollow by an emphatic seven lengths. Johnston stepped him up in class for his next start, in the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury, in late August. However, Arctic Sound, having been up with the pace, faded in the last quarter of a mile and was eased down to finish last of six behind Kuwait Currency. course-specialist.co.uk

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS Two weeks later, he showed a real liking for soft ground, when beating True Mason by 2 ¾ lengths in the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes, with the rest of the field, strung out like three-mile chasers. It was Gosden’s first Mill Reef success and Kessaar’s biggest moment. In late October he tried seven furlongs in the Group One Criterium International at Chantilly, running a respectable race to finish 2 ¼ lengths fourth of six behind Royal Meeting. Kessaar perhaps over-achieved with his biggest victories, given his form before and after and perhaps connections felt he was unlikely to improve any further. He was a useful colt at his best and an important component to this essay. Soldier’s Call was out and out speed and looks an exciting colt going into 2019. The son of Showcasing, was on the go from early May until November, running 8 times and only once out of the first three. Trained by Archie Watson, he made his debut at Lingfield Park in early May, running 1 ¼ lengths second of 8 behind Glory Fighter.

Just under a month later, he got off the mark when beating Blyton by two lengths at Haydock Park. That set up an audacious bid for Royal Ascot glory, in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes, where 27 rivals lay in wait. Soldier’s Call proved well up to the test though, beating Sabre by ½ a length and showing blistering speed to do so. That victory earmarked Soldier’s Call as one of the year’s speediest juveniles and he was expected by many to followup in the Group Three Molecomb Stakes, over the minimum distance, at Glorious Goodwood, at the start of August. After suffering a bump early on, he appeared to have every chance, but was no match for Rumble Inthejungle, eventually fading, to finish 2 ¾ lengths third. A month later, Soldier’s Call travelled to France for the Group Three Prix d’Arenberg, at Chantilly. He was back to his best as he beat the Group-winning filly Queen Of Bermuda, by a length. Further success followed in the Group Two Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster in September, where he was a most impressive 2 ¼ length winner from Well Done Fox. In early October, Watson sent Soldier’s Call on an ambitious trip to ParisLongchamp, for the Group One Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW His charge did not let him down and was up with the pace throughout, looking the likely winner a furlong out. But the significant action unfolded down the centre of the track where Mabs Cross got up late on, with Soldier’s Call beaten just a neck, when third of 16 to Europe’s finest sprinters. His final race of a busy campaign, came in the Grade One Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, at Chuhrchill Downs, in early November. Again he ran an honourable race, coming home 5 lengths sixth of 12 behind Bulletin. Soldier’s Call looks to be a five furlong horse to our eye and the obvious early season target for him would be the Group One King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, with the King George VI Stakes at Goodwood, the Nunthorpe Stakes at York and a return to the Prix de l’Abbayye, likely targets.

OTHER PATTERN PERFORMERS

In the early part of the summer, Sergei Profokiev looked to be a leading juvenile in the colt’s division. One of Aidan O’Brien’s earliest two year old runners, he was campaigned from April through to November, with 5-furlongs appearing his forte.

The son of the much-lamented Scat Daddy, ran a shorthead second to Skitter Scatter, in a Dundalk maiden, in April. That form by the end of the year, looked exceptional, given that the filly went on to win the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes. Sergei Profokiev made no mistake on his second start, landing a Navan contest by 7 ½ lengths from Pride Of Pimlico, in late April. Further success followed in the Listed Rochestown Stakes at Naas, in May, as he beat Andre Amar by 4 lengths, looking a real star. His reputation was far from dented with a fine effort in the Group Two Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Racing on the far side, Sergei Profokiev was beaten just 1 ¼ lengths by two of the year’s very best: Calyx and Advertise.

After a break of nearly two months, Sergei Profokiev flopped badly in the Group One Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh in August, trailing in last of six behind Advertise. He similarly was never a factor in the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket the following month, coming home a bitterly disappointing seventh of 8 behind stable mate Ten Sovereigns. But a couple of weeks later, Aidan O’Brien dropped Sergei Profokiev back down to 5-furlongs, for the Group Three Cornwallis Stakes, back at Newmarket. The drop in class and trip seemed to suit the colt as he readily beat Well Done Fox by 1 ¼ lengths, with useful colts like Barbill and True Mason, further back. Sergei Profokiev failed to really get involved in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint Turf, finishing down the field behind Bulletin. On breeding, Sergei Profokiev ought to get a mile, being out of a Tapit mare. However, he has speed to burn and his best performances were over the minimum trip. Some of his mid-summer disappointments might be down to the illness that Ballydoyle suffered at that time, so his overall form might not tell the whole story. He looks a prime candidate for the Commonwealth Cup and the big sprints in 2019. Another early season Ballydoyle colt of real promise was Van Beethoven, who perhaps held his form together slightly more than Sergei Profokiev. Also by Scat Daddy, Van Beethoven made his debut in a Newmarket maiden at the Craven meeting in April, finishing third to Jackstar. In early May, he got off the mark with a 3 ½ lengths defeat of California Daddy at Naas, but later that month, was no match for the smart filly Fairyland, when 2 ¼ lengths second of 9 in the Listed Marble Hill Stakes at the Curragh. Van Beethoven ran well in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, coming home 2 ¾ lengths fourth of 28 to Soldier’s Call.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS Just a week later, he was out again, beating Marie’s Diamond by ½ a length, in the Group Two Railway Stakes at the Curragh. It would prove the highpoint of Van Beethoven’s season. What followed was a bitter disappointment, as he trailed in a well beaten seventh of 8 behind Advertise, in the Group Two July Stakes at Newmarket. Towards the end of July, O’Brien stepped Van Beethoven up to 7-furlongs for the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, but once again, at a time when the stable was not fully firing, the colt disappointed, coming home 5 ¼ lengths fifth of 12 behind Dark Vision. Van Beethoven’s last run of the year came in the Group Two Champagne Stakes at Doncaster in September, where he was not disgraced in finishing 5 ½ lengths fourth of 6 to Too Darn Hot. Van Beethoven’s pedigree is North American and it would be no surprise to see him travel across the Atlantic at some point next year. He should get a mile but might end up a sprinter in 2019. The winner of three of his eight starts in 2018, Land Force was a modicum of consistency at Group level. Aidan O’Brien’s son of No Nay Never, ran a disappointed third to Dadoozdart on debut in April, but then won a Curragh maiden by 2 ¼ lengths from Vocatus, in May. Two weeks later, he ran 2 ½ lengths third of 9 to the smart Lowther Stakes winning filly Fairyland, in the Listed Marble Hill Stakes.

Land Force dropped down to 5-furlongs at Royal Ascot, for the Group Two Norfolk Stakes, where he ran well behind the America Shang Shang Shang, finishing ½ a length third of 10. In early July, Land Force had a nice confidence-booster, landing the Listed Tipperary Stakes by 2 lengths from Mintd. A month later, he had his biggest success of the year, stepping back up to 6-furlongs for the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood and beating Marie’s Diamond by a length. Later in August, Land Force headed to Deauville for the Group One Prix Morny, but having been bumped early on, he was no match for the flying filly Pretty Pollyanna, finishing 7 ¼ lengths fourth of 9. Land Force had one more start, trying 7-furlongs for the first time, in the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh in September. As the pace quickened, Land Force was unable to progress and trailed in well beaten behind Quorto. Land Force’s dam is by Rock Of Gibraltar and there are grounds for thinking he will stay a mile at three. Whether he is quite up to Group One class remains open to debate at this point but he has the option to drop in trip. Mohawk landed the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket and looked like he might be a progressive horse for Aidan O’Brien, after the yard’s travails, earlier in the summer.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW However, his overall form suggests he might be some way off the top, winning just twice from six outings. He was very green on debut when fifth of nine behind Copia Verborum, at the Curragh, in early June. Nine days later he beat Eagle Son by ¾ of a length at Cork. The son of Galileo was waited with and ran well when 2 ¾ lengths third of six behind stable mate Anthony Van Dyck, in the Group Two Futurity Stakes, at the Curragh, in late August. He was a well-beaten 7 ½ lengths fourth of seven to Quorto and Anthony Van Dyck, in the Group One National Stakes at the same venue, in September.

Later that month he got the Newmarket mile well in the Royal Lodge, staying on to beat stable mate Sydney Opera House by 1¼ lengths and looking a nice middle distance prospect for next year. O’Brien decided to run him one more time, in the Group One Dewhurst Stakes, down in trip, in early October. Once again, Mohawk came up short in the best company, over seven furlongs, coming home a distant last of seven behind Too Darn Hot and Anthony Van Dyck. A longer trip should suit Mohawk in 2019, but he is going to need improvement. Sydney Opera House only got his head in front once in 2018, from seven starts, but his improvement and performances in Group races, suggests there might be a lot more to come from this colt, from the first crop of Derby winner Australia. Aidan O’Brien’s charge was a close fourth on debut behind Cruciatus, before running 2 ¾ lengths second of 8 to the exciting and unbeaten Madhmoon, at Leopardstown, in mid-August. He got off the mark with a 1 ½ length defeat of Patrick Sarsfield in a Curragh maiden at the start of September, but was disappointing when fifth of 7 behind Madhmoon in the Group Two KPMG Champion Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown, over Irish Champions’ Weekend.

Sydney Opera House ran a big race to be 1 ¼ lengths second of 7 to Mohawk in the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket, showing himself to be going the right way. He returned to the Rowley Mile two weeks later for the Listed Zetland Stakes, over 1 ¼ miles. However, he met all kinds of trouble in running and stayed on after the race had gone, to finish 3 lengths fifth of 6 to stable mate Norway. That was clearly not his best form and O’Brien stepped him up to Group One class for his final outing, when he ran a belter to come home a neck second of 9 to the filly Wonderment, in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, in late October. Sydney Opera House looks a Middle Distance prospect for 2019 and likely to start out in a Derby trial. Another O’Brien colt to make his mark over longer trips, was the white-faced Norway. Once again, a son of Galileo, Norway took time to flourish, finishing well beaten behind Klute on debut, before running 4 lengths third of 13 to Sydney Opera House, in a Curragh maiden at the start of September.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS He looked an improved performer when routing his rivals in a Naas maiden a month later, beating Bellakris by 6 ½ lengths and that booked his spot in the 10-furlong Zetland Stakes at Newmarket, a few days later. He had to be switching in the race, but once in the clear, showed plenty of stamina, to beat I’ll Have Another by a length, with old rival Sydney Opera House, denied a clear run, well back. But that form was reversed in the Group One Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, where Norway, with every chance and a clear run, kept on at the one-pace to finish 4-lengths fourth of 9 to Wonderment and Sydney Opera House. Norway looks to have plenty of stamina and is another who is likely to head to Derby trials. He is the type that might make into a Grand Prix de Paris contender come mid-summer. Western Australia, another son of Australia, looks a horse with the potential for improvement over middle distances. He looked green and weak as he finished down the field in his first two starts, before landing a Gowran Park maiden by 2 ¾ lengths from South Pacific, in early September.

He was no match for Madhmoon in the Group Two KPMG Champion Juvenile Stakes, coming home 5-lengths fourth of 7. He was also well beaten when 6 ½ lengths fourth of 8 to Persian King and Magna Grecia, in the Group Three Autumn Stakes, at Newmarket, in early October. But Western Australia showed improved form on his final start, staying on well to finish just a length third to Magna Grecia and Phoenix Of Spain, in Doncaster’s Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy, in late October.

Western Australia has Irish Guineas and Derby entries and it would be no surprise to see him start out in a Derby trial. That final start puts him in the second level of colts for 2018. The beautifully-bred Circus Maximus was another Ballydoyle colt from perhaps the second tier. The son of Galileo, out of that fine racemare Duntle, showed promise, whilst green, when fifth of 23 to Breaking Story, in a Curragh maiden, in late August. Just under a month later, he won a Gowran Park maiden by 2 lengths from Army Recruit and from then on, he stepped up in class. He ran a respectable 3 ¼ lengths third of 8 to Persian King and Magna Grecia, in the Group Three Autumn Stakes, at Newmarket, in early October. Two weeks later he ran a big race in the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, getting run out of it late on when a length fourth to Magna Grecia. He looked weak on some occasions in 2018 and with physical development and a longer trip, looks a nice middle distance prospect next year. Having finished well beaten on debut and second on his next start, Christmas won a Roscommon contest by 3 ½ lengths from Moffaker in July. A month later, the Aidan O’Brien trained son of Galileo, took Tipperary’s Listed Caravaggio Stakes by a neck from Highland Fortune. He then ran a cracker in the Group Two Futurity Stakes at the Curragh, setting off into a commanding lead and sustaining his gallop to finish an excellent ½ a length second to Anthony Van Dyck, with Royal Lodge Stakes winner Mohawk, a further 2 ¼ lengths back. Similar tactics were deployed in the Group One National Stakes at the same course in September, but Christmas was caught two-furlongs out and could make no impression on Quorto and Anthony Van Dyck, coming home 5 ¾ lengths third of seven. Christmas had one more start in the Group One Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket. Again he was up with the pace, before weakening two-furlongs out, coming home 11 ½ lengths sixth of seven to Too Darn Hot. Christmas was a little short of the very highest echelons, but this son of Galileo, is out of a Lemon Drop Kid mare – and could possibly be one for North America in 2019. Mount Everest is another stunningly-bred colt, being by Galileo, out of the brilliant Six Perfections. O’Brien’s colt ran green when a well beaten sixth behind Klute on debut in July.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW The following month showed that the penny was dropping, as he finished 2 ½ lengths second of 11 to Duckett’s Grove at Cork. Towards the end of August, he put that experience to good use, with a 1 ¼ length defeat of Yonkers, in a Curragh maiden. He had one more run, in the Group Two Beresford Stakes, going down by just a short head to stable mate Japan. Mount Everest has entries in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the English and Irish Derbies. We doubt he will be sharp enough for a mile at the highest level and expect him to be a Derby contender. Broome was another O’Brien colt by Australia, to show good potential in Group races. He was down the field and beaten 10 lengths by Anthony Van Dyck, in a Killarney maiden, in mid-July. However, at the Galway Festival, the following month, he got the better of Lightning Amber by 1 ½ lengths.

O’Brien then sent Broome to York for the Group Two Acomb Stakes, but it was a race that perhaps came too soon, although it suggested he had shown something at home. Broome finished 6 ¾ lengths sixth of 8 behind the smart Phoenix Of Spain. Again, O’Brien persisted with pitching Broome into good races and his next start underlined why. He appeared out-paced, before staying on to grab second, beaten 2 ½ lengths by the smart Madhmoon, in the Group Two KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes, at Leopardstown, in September. That race signified improvement in Broome and O’Brien gave him one last run in 2018, in the Group One Prix JeanLuc Lagardere at Paris-Longchamp.

Broome made much of the running and battled on gamely, when headed by Royal Marine, fighting tenaciously to finish a neck second of six, in one of Europe’s leading two year old races. It was an effort that promised much and explained why O’Brien had kept the faith in Broome by aiming high in his races. Broome’s dam is an Acclamation mare, which might on the face of it bring into question whether he will stay 1 ½ miles. He has an Irish Guineas entry and Derby entries in England and Ireland, but we would not be surprised to see him have a tilt at the French Classics in 2019. Emaraaty Ana made the Gimcrack Stakes a Yorkshire affair in August and could have plenty more improvement to come. The Yorkshire-based Kevin Ryan, has this son of Shamardal ready to win on debut at Windsor, in late April, when he impressed in beating Blown By Wind by 2 ¼ lengths. He was not seen out again until July, when he was perhaps in need of the run when coming home 2 ¼ lengths third of 5 to Natalie’s Joy. A month later he looked a different prospect, as he won the Group Two Gimcrack Stakes at York by ½ a length from Legends Of War, with The Irish Rover and Space Traveller among his victims. Emaraaty Ana was then purchased by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, ahead of his run in the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. He finished 5 ¼ lengths fifth of 8 behind Ten Sovereigns, with Sergei Profokiev and old rivals Legends Of War and Space Traveller behind him. Emaraaty Ana’s runs were well-spaced out, suggesting he needed time and may not have been fully straight-forward. There ought to be more improvement to come and he strikes us as similar to Sands Of Mali. A sprint campaign looks likely in 2019, with the Commonwealth Cup an obvious target. Marie’s Diamond was a constant throughout 2018 and a yardstick against which some of the very best measured themselves. The Mark Johnston trained son of Footstepsinthesand, won three of his ten starts in 2018, including minor contests at Leicester and Chester in the early part of the season. In late June, he ran a cracker to finish ½ a length second to Van Beethoven, in the Group Two Railway Stakes at the Curragh. He returned to Ireland in July to win the Group Three Anglesey Stakes by ½ a length from Viadera, his biggest success of the campaign.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS

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Marie’s Diamond again ran well when a length second to Land Force in the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, before his form slipped. He was last of 9 to Pretty Pollyanna in the Group One Prix Morny, but did not run badly when 4 ½ lengths fourth of 8 behind Ten Sovereigns, in the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, in late September. To that point, Marie’s Diamond had run over no further than 6 ½ furlongs, but his final start came over a mile in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, at Churchill Downs. He failed to get on terms and finished a well beaten 11th to Line of Duty. Marie’s Diamond proved a tough, consistent type in 2018. he might fall short of Group One class and could be a difficult horse to place in 2019. It would be no surprise to see him contest something like the European Free Handicap in the spring and 6 or 7-furlongs may prove his optimum. Barbill was another to make his mark in a busy campaign which saw him race 12 times. The Mick Channon trained son of Zebedee, won on debut by 4 lengths from the useful Ginger Nut and was then a good second to The Irish Rover in aq Newbury conditions race in May. He was down the field in the Coventry Stakes won by Calyx, before finishing fourth in Listed contests at Sandown Park and Newbury. Barbill at this stage looked well exposed and he was 3 ¾ lengths sixth of 11 to Rumble Inthejungle, in the Group

Three Molecomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, in August. But Barbill’s form turned a corner from mid-August, when he finished a short neck second to Queen Of Bermuda, in a Listed race at Deauville. He was fifth to Sporting Chance in the Listed Ripon Champion Two Year Old Trophy later that month, but only beaten 1 ¾ lengths. The following month, Channon sent his charge to the Curragh for the valuable Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale, where he beat a field of 18, with a ½ length success from Flashcard. In October, Barbill took his chance in the Group Three Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket, acquitting himself well to finish 3 ½ lengths third of 14 behind Sergei Profokiev. Two weeks later he contested the Listed Doncaster Stakes and again put up a gallant performance to finish ¾ of a length second of 9 to San Donato. Barbill’s busy year rounded off on a glorious note, as he returned to France to win the Listed Prix Lacowlef by 2 ½ lengths from Rockin Roy at Chantilly, in mid-November. Barbill has a fascinating pedigree, as his dam is a daughter of Montjeu, an influence for stamina of course. That sid, he showed plenty of speed and one would imagine Channon might campaign him up to 7-furlongs in 2019. Simon Crisford had a great year in 2018 and whilst Jash looked a serious player in the juvenile division, Sporting Chance also made his mark.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW The son of Kodiac edged to victory on debut, at Wolverhampton, in late May. The following month he was beaten a head by Typhoon Ted at Kempton Park. His first start on turf saw him thrown in at the deep end, in the Group Two July Stakes at Newmarket’s prestigious July Festival. Sporting Chance was far from disgraced in finishing 4 ½ lengths fifth of 8 to Advertise. In early August, he finished seventh of 9, beaten 3 ½ lengths by Land Force, in the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. Crisford then decided to drop him in grade and the decision paid dividends with a head victory over Gipsy Spirit, in the Listed Ripon Champion Two Year Old Trophy, at the end of August. Sporting Chance’s biggest success was to come in midSeptember, however, as he beat Space Traveller by 1 ¾ lengths in the Group Three Prix Eclipse, at Maisons-Laffitte. He returned there in mid-October, for the Group Two Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte, finishing 4 lengths fifth of 8 to Hello Youmzain, in soft ground. Sporting Chance seemed to improve with time and there could be a good bit more to come. It would be no surprise to see him campaigned in France at some stage next year and a tilt at the French 2,000 Guineas would not be out of the question. Boitron led the Richard Hannon string of juvenile colts, looking a smart prospect. The son of Le Havre looked a classy individual from the get-go, landing a Newbury maiden by 4 ½ lengths from Fox Coach in July.

In early August, he won a minor Doncaster contest by a length from Dancing On A Dream, before returning to Newbury, later than month, to land the Listed Washington Singer Stakes by1 ¾ lengths from Dutch Treat. Hannon then stepped him up to a mile for the Group One Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, at ParisLongchamp. Boitron was bang there with a furlong to race and eventually finished a creditable 2 ¾ lengths fourth of 6 to Royal Marine. Boitron has an entry in the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 2019, but on pedigree, he ought to get middle distances and we see him as a racehorse likely to make his biggest impression over 1 ¼ miles. Arthur Kitt was one of the fairytale stories of 2018. Tom Dascomb’s son of Camelot was an impressive winner on debut, when beating Napanook by 2 ½ lengths at Haydock Park, in late May.

Then came the big headlines. Arthur Kitt made news for simply contesting the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. His dam, Ceiling Kitty, had won the race as a two year old, but died foaling Arthur Kitt. The dream came true as Arthur Kitt defeated Nate The Great by a neck to emulate his mother. After a break, he returned in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown Park, but had no answer to Too Darn Hot’s acceleration, coming home 4-lengths second of six. In late September he was a shade disappointing in the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket, when beaten 6-lengths and finishing fifth of 7 behind Mohawk. Arthur Kitt had one more start in 2018, heading Stateside for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf and running a fine race to finish 2 ½ lengths fourth of 14 to Line Of Duty. That was arguably the best of his runs and we expect he will prove most effective at up to 1 ¼ miles in 2019.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS OTHER HORSES TO NOTE Godolphin had a truly wonderful 2018 and its juvenile colts won plenty of Group races. There looks to be plenty of strength in depth in the background too. Court Poet was only seen out twice. The son of Dubawi beat Leroy Leroy by ¾ of a length at Chelmsford, in early September. Just 8 days later, Charlie Appleby sent him to France for the Group Three Prix des Chenes, where he was far from disgraced in finishing 3 lengths fourth to arguably France’s leading juvenile colt, Anodor. Court Poet wasn’t seen out again, but being out of a Giant’s Causeway mare, he could well be a useful middle distance horse in 2019. Appleby also saddled the unbeaten colt Al Hilalee, who looked very smart in beating Al Mureib by 3 ¼ lengths in a hot maiden at the Newmarket July Festival. Whilst the runner-up struggled to win a race afterwards, Al Hilalee stepped up in grade with success, on his only subsequent start. The son of Dubawi, out of Roger Varian’s Group One winner Ambivalent, scrambled home in a Listed contest at Deauville, by a short head from Duke of Hazzard, in August. He got the mile that day and on breeding, should go a bit further and holds an entry in next year’s Irish Derby. Star Safari showed very little when a well-beaten tenth behind Kick On, in a Newmarket maiden, in September. Charlie Appleby’s son of Sea The Stars clearly learned from that experience however, as he beat Tempus by a head in a Nottingham maiden in October. Whilst he does not hold any flashy entries at this stage, Star Safari could be a name to remember next season as he steps up in trip. Art Du Val had been scheduled to make his debut in the Newmarket maiden won by Al Hilalee, but refused to go in the stalls. This imposing son of No Nay Never, out of a Rainbow Quest mare, made no mistake on his next racecourse appearance, beating Leroy Leroy by 1 ¾ lengths at Sandown Park, in August. He was not seen out again until late October, when he ran well to finish 1 ½ lengths second of 6 behind Duke Of Hazzard, in a Listed race at Deauville. Given his size, there ought to be a lot more to come from Art Du Val and he is an exciting prospect who could be a middle distance horse for 2019.

Scat Daddy has certainly left an enduring mark on the breed and looks to have produced another interesting horse in the once-raced Art Song. This colt won his only start at Kempton Park, in late October, beating Sash by ½ a length. Given he made his debut on the all-weather, he might be a horse for the Dubai Carnival in the early months of 2019, as he advances his learning. Space Blues was another end of season winner of his only start for Appleby. The son of Dubawi, out of a Noverre mare, landed a Nottingham maiden in early November in impressive style, beating Private Secretary by 2 ¼ lengths. He looks like 10-furlongs could be his perfect trip in 2019. Velorum shaped like a nice prospect on his only start, in a good Newmarket maiden in October. The son of Sea The Stars finished 2-lengths second of 14 to Skardu and there are definitely races to be won with him. Wings Of Time also ran in that race at Newmarket, finishing mid-division, having run green early on. He was very much raw material on that occasion but this son of Invincible Spirit should develop nicely over the winter. Zakouski was not seen out until late November, but the wait was worthwhile. The son of Shamardal took on experienced rivals at Kempton Park, but overcame his lack of prior experience to beat the previously unbeaten Headsman by 2-lengths, looking very smart. Zakouski has a southern hemisphere pedigree on the dam’s side and looks a really fascinating prospect going into 2019. He should be in his prime at 1 ¼ miles and could be one for Royal Ascot. Another late debutant for Appleby was Moonlight Spirit, a son of Dubawi, out of a Monsun mare. On pedigree, Moonlight Spirit will get better with age and trip, so it was some performance to get him to win first time out at two. He misbehaved in the preliminaries, but went on inside the final half a mile to beat Jalmoud by an uncontested 1 ¾ lengths, at Newcastle, in late November. Jalmoud, a son of New Approach, ran well on debut in that contest and should progress well in 2019. Saeed Bin Suroor also had a nice group of juvenile colts in 2018. Global Hero ended the year with two victories from three starts.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW The son of Dubawi got off the mark at the first attempt, beating Chatham House by 1 ¼ lengths, at Salisbury, in early September. He then ran well to finish 1 ¼ lengths second of 11 to House Of Kings at Leicester, later that month. In late October, Global Hero stepped up to a mile and ½ a furlong on the Wolverhampton all-weather, beating Oliveto by a neck. Whilst his form was a long way short of top class, he holds an Irish Derby entry for 2019 and being out of an Authorized mare, should be suited by longer trips. Estihdaaf ran with promise on his first two starts, before cementing his improvement with a win on his third and final start of the year. This son of Arch, ran a nose second of 10 to Woven, at York, in early October. Later that month he ran in a competitive Newmarket maiden, putting up a good performance when 2-lengths third of 14 to Skardu. He got off the mark in a Leicester maiden in mid-October, defeating Mokammal by 2-lengths. Estihdaaf ’s pedigree suggests he will be a useful middle distance campaigner in 2019. Dubai Legacy looked a useful colt when landing a Doncaster contest in early June, by ½ a length from Eagle Hunter. Off the back of that run, Bin Suroor pitched him into the Group Two Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, which might with hindsight, have been a little too soon. He finished 7 ½ lengths tenth of 23 to Calyx. The following month he won an Epsom contest by 1 ½ lengths from Napanook. We didn’t see Dubai Legacy again, but his American breeding (by Discreet Cat out of a Tiznow mare), suggests a mile should be well within his compass in 2019. Dubai Icon is another with a middle distance pedigree, being a son of Derby winner New Approach. He made his debut at Goodwood in early September, where he was well beaten by subsequent Breeders’ Cup winner Line of Duty. However, he gained valuable experience there and in midOctober, won a Nottingham maiden by an impressive 2 ¼ lengths from Deebee. He holds an Irish Derby entry and could be an interesting prospect, with something like the Newmarket Stakes on 2,000 Guineas day, a possible starting point. Shoot For Gold has already had one taste of Group One action, underlining the regard in which he is held.

The son of Sea The Stars made his debut at Newbury, in late September, running 5 ½ lengths fifth of 13 to King Ottakar. In early October he routed his rivals at Windsor, beating Politicise by 7-lengths, over a mile in the soft. He then headed to France for the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud, finishing 10-lengths sixth of 9 behind Wonderment. That was not a bad effort and there ought to be plenty of improvement to come from another Irish Derby entry. Global Heat was not beaten far, when placing on both his starts in 2018. He is another likely to takes steps forward in 2019 and looks sure to win races. The same is true of Silent Hunter, fourth on debut, before running 1 ¾ lengths second of 11 to Nivaldo, at Kempton Park, in early November. As already indicated, Aidan O’Brien’s string were below par for a part of the summer, meaning some of his two year olds did not have time to make their racecourse appearances. That could lead to an interesting spring in 2019. Of those that did run, we have already discussed the leading protagonists in the pattern races, but there were plenty more who showed enough promise to suggest they could take big steps forward in 2019. Old Glory was not seen out until September, but made a winning start to life with a 1 ½ lengths defeat of Erich Bloch in a Naas maiden. The son of Frankel then ran in the Listed Star Appeal Stakes at Dundalk, in early October, finishing 1 ¾ lengths second of six to the useful No Needs Never. He rounded off his short campaign by running 1 ¼ lengths third of 10 behind Coral Beach in the Group Three Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown. Old Glory runs in the familiar American Pharoah silks and is an interesting prospect. He is out of a Xaar mare and holds entries in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and both the English and Irish Derbies next year. Western Frontier was another to show consistency in three starts at two. The son of Scat Daddy ran 1 ¼ lengths third of 8 behind Archaeology, in a Navan maiden at the end of September. He returned there in mid-October and again ran well, when 5 ½ lengths second of 19 to Third Of March. His third start at Navan proved a winning one, as he defeated stable mate Captainofthebounty by 3-lengths. There should be improvement to come as he steps up in class. Never No More showed promise to finish second of 8 behind All The King’s Men in a Naas maiden in September.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS The son of No Nay Never made no mistake on his next start, landing a Dundalk contest by 3 ¼ lengths from Chicago May, in early October. Aidan O’Brien thought enough of the colt to pitch him into the Listed Legacy Stakes at Navan, just 9 days later. He ran a reasonable race to come home 4 ¼ lengths seventh of 9 to old rival and stable mate All The King’s Men. Never No More should have plenty of improvement to come and holds an Irish 2,000 Guineas entry. Turnberry Isle was not seen out until the back end but showed plenty of promise and improvement in three starts. The son of Galileo, out of the useful Rosdhu Queen, showed greenness when fifth of 15 to Millswyn, at Gowran Park, in mid-October. He improved just under two weeks later when beaten just a nose by Manjeer, at Leopardstown. O’Brien was keen to get more experience into the colt and in early November, he landed a Naas maiden by 2-lengths from Gentile Bellini. Turnberry Isle holds entries in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the English and Irish Derbies next year and could be an interesting horse next spring. San Andreas is an interesting colt who was pitched in at the deep end. The son of Dark Angel was fourth of 12 to Smart Flies in a Naas maiden, in early October. Nineteen days later he returned to Naas to beat Ferretti by ½ a length in another maiden. O’Brien then sent the colt to Chantilly for the Group One Criterium International, at the end of October. It proved a step too far at this stage of his career, but he was not disgraced in finishing 6-lengths last of six to Royal Meeting. San Andreas holds an Irish Guineas entry, but his dam is by V|ital Equine and he may prove more effective over 6-7 furlongs in 2019. After two relatively non-descript runs, Cape Of Good Hope improved markedly as the summer wore on. The son of Galileo got off the mark on his third start, taking a Tipperary maiden by a length from Decisive Action, in early July. The following week he headed to Newmarket for the Group Two Superlative Stakes, running well to finish 3 ¾ lengths second of 7 to the top class Quorto. After a break, Cape Of Good Hope had one more start, in the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes on the Rowley Mile in late September. He again ran a creditable race to come home 3 lengths third of 8 to Mohawk.

Cape Of Good Hope is out of a Danehill mare and there is every reason to think he will stay the Derby trip next year and he holds entries in both the English and Irish versions. Constantinople is another colt with the Galileo-Danehill cross, who showed little when 7 ½ lengths behind the smart Madhmoon, in a Leopardstown maiden in mid-August. In late September, he made the trip to Newmarket, for what looked a good maiden, showing promise to finish 3 ¼ lengths third of 18 to Kick On. Interestingly, Wings Of Eagles was also sent to Newmarket for an autumn maiden in his juvenile season.

Constantinople got off the mark in spectacular fashion, when beating Counting Sheep by 10 lengths at Thurles, in late October. Each of his races was spaced out and he will have learned plenty from his trip to Newmarket. Constantinople holds Derby entries and could develop into a smart colt in 2019. Albuqurque had just the two starts and a long gap between each run. The son of Galileo, out of a Stravinsky mare, was well beaten behind Bold Approach in a Leopardstown maiden in late May. He was not seen again for five months, but beat Empire State by a neck in a Gowran Park maiden. Albuquerque holds an Irish Guineas and English and Irish Derby entries. Clearly he had his issues in 2018, but could be an interesting prospect next year. Gentile Bellini didn’t win in 2018, but ran well on both starts and one could envisage him making his mark in an early season maiden before going on to bigger things in 2019. Aidan O’Brien’s son of Dubawi, again underlines the new relationship between Coolmore and Godolphin. He finished a good fourth of 20 to Rakan in a Leopardstown maiden in late October.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW A couple of weeks later he headed to Naas and ran 2-lengths second of 19 to stable mate Turnberry Isle. Gentile Bellini holds Irish Guineas and Derby entries and one would imagine he would step up to Pattern company if he gets off the mark early in the spring. U S S Michigan made a lovely debut in the summer, but wasn’t seen out again. The son of War Front finished ½ a length second of 10 to the smart Viadera, in a Curragh maiden in late June. Clearly things did not go to plan thereafter, but the winner proved Group class and U S S Michigan is another who could make his mark if he wins an early maiden. Desert Island is another to keep an eye on, although his debut caused no ripples. He is stunningly-bred, being a son of Australia, out of the brilliant Peeping Fawn. He ran down the field behind Millswyn, in a Gowran Park maiden in October. But it should be remembered that Peeping Fawn did not come into her own until the summer of her three year-old career, so it would be rash to write him off on one run. Other maiden two year old colts who could show plenty more for Ballydoyle in 2019, include: Globe Theatre, Giottino (fifth of 25 to the top class Ten Sovereigns, on his only start) and Barbados, Michael O’Callaghan has proven his talents with the right ammunition and looks to have another smart prospect in Third Of March. The son of Camacho ran well on debut to finish 7 ¾ lengths third of 8 to Lethal Promise, in a Naas maiden in June. He was not seen out again until mid-October, when he looked very useful in defeating Western Frontier by 5 ½ lengths at Navan. Karl Burke has enjoyed terrific success with his juveniles of late and has an interesting prospect in Kadar. The son of Scatt Daddy went into plenty of notebooks when beating experienced rivals, including the hitherto unbeaten Waldstern, at Haydock Park, in early September. Kadar, who is out of a Sinndar mare, should have plenty of stamina and it was that attribute that saw him beat the John Gosden colt by 1 ¼ lengths. He subsequently missed Group One engagements. Kadar holds Irish 2,000 Guineas and Derby entries and looks an exciting prospect in 2019. It would be no surprise to see him return in something like the Dante Stakes at York, to test his Derby credentials. John Gosden has strength in depth amongst his juveniles.

Too Darn Hot and Calyx might lead the pack at this stage, but there are other horses who should make up into Pattern horses next year. Kick On ran well on debut to finish a length second of 9 to Red Bravo, at Newmarket, in August. The following month, he made a big impression when quickening well in an 18-runner Newmarket maiden at the Cambridgeshire Meeting, beating Humanitarian by 2 ½ lengths. Gosden thought enough of his son of Charm Spirit, to hunt Group One glory in his final start of 2018. In the event, Kick On did not run badly, coming home 3 ¼ lengths sixth of 11 to Magna Grecia in the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy, at Doncaster, in late October. Kick On should have more to come and could be one for a race like Sandown’s Classic Trial in April, a race Gosden often targets. Waldstern is another who might head to that type of race. The son of Sea The Stars won on debut, at Newmarket, in mid-August, beating Venedegar by 1 ¼ lengths. He lost his unbeaten record on his next start, when beaten 1 ¼ lengths by the staying on Kadar. Waldstern had one more race, stepping up to 10-furlongs, for Newmarket’s Listed Zetland Stakes, in October. He acquitted himself well to finish 2 ½ lengths fourth of 6 to Norway. It could be argued that anything Waldstern did at two, is a bonus. He is out of a Monsun dam and should improve with age and distance. At this stage, Waldstern has a Derby entry. If he won a Derby trial, one could see him run in the Derby, although we doubt he will have enough pace at Epsom. We see him as more of a St Leger type as that trip and time in his life should bring out the best in him. Turgenev looked a progressive colt in the autumn and was not disgraced in Group One company on his last start of the year. Gosden’s son of Dubawi, out of a Nayef mare, ran well to finish 2 ¼ lengths second of 7 to subsequent Group One winner Royal Marine, at Doncaster, in September. Ten days later he headed north again, landing an allweather contest at Newcastle, by an impressive 6 lengths from Durrell. Turgenev made it two wins from three with a 1 ½ length defeat of Il Paradiso, in a Newmarket novice race in early October. Three weeks later, he headed to the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, running well to finish 4 ¾ lengths seventh of 11 behind Magna Grecia.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS Turgenev will have learned plenty in those two months and with no immediate Classic entries, could be campaigned with Royal Ascot in mind. Marhaba Milliar looked a progressive and very speedy colt, living up to his breeding. The son of Kodiac is out of the brilliantly fast Lady Of The Desert. He made a winning debut, at Ascot, in mid-July, beating Dirty Rascal on disqualification, having been denied by a short-head initially. In early August, Marhaba Milliar made it two from two, with a neck defeat of Fanaar, at Yarmouth. He was conceding a stone and four pounds, when beaten a short head by Nayslayer, in a Chelmsford nursery, in early September. Whilst Marhaba Milliar was never tested in Pattern company, he showed enough to suggest he will be contesting bigger races in 2019. Azano, of course, did contest the Group Three Horris Hills Stakes, running well. The son of Oasis Dream ran unplaced in a Yarmouth maiden in September, behind Millions Memories. He showed plenty of improvement when returning to the Norfolk track, beating Frederickbarbarosa by 5 lengths in mid-October. That saw Gosden step him up in class at Newbury, where he ran a fine race to finish 1 ½ lengths second of 8 to Mohaather. Azano is out of a Hurricane Run mare and should get a mile next year. Beatboxer looked as if he could be anything in midsummer, with two impressive victories that had him (at that stage) in the same bracket as Too Darn Hot. John Gosden’s son of Scatt Daddy won on debut, with a 2-length defeat of Venedegar, at Sandown Park, in July. The following month he impressed again, storming 3 ¾ lengths clear of Rajinsky, at Haydock Park. Beatboxer then went to Newmarket in late September, for the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes. He was expected to run well, but ran deplorably, trailing in a tailed off last of seven. Something was clearly amiss with Beatboxer on his final start of the year and assuming the issue is resolved, he is an interesting horse for 2019. It would be no surprise to see him contest an early Derby trial and possibly even drop in distance if that doesn’t work out. King Of Comedy was another Gosden colt to put an early marker down for Freshman sire Kingman.

He landed a Sandown Park contest, on debut, in early July, beating the useful Persian Moon by 2 ½ lengths. King Of Comedy was not seen out again until early November, when he ran ½ a length second of 15 (conceding 7 pounds) behind I Could Do Better, at Redcar. King Of Comedy should stay a mile well, but if he has a good spring, we could see him in something like the Jersey Stakes at the Royal Meeting. Lord North was only fleetingly seen in 2018, but looked a useful colt. The son of Dubawi won his only race, beating Fox Leicester by a length at Redcar, in October. He is out of a Giant’s Causeway mare and could find 1 ¼ miles his optimum trip next year. Humanitarian could well give Noble Mission a big race success in 2019, judged on his promising juvenile career. John Gosden’s charge ran a lovely race when 2 ½ lengths behind stable mate Kick On, in an 18-runner Newmarket maiden, in late September. Humanitarian looked a smart prospect on his subsequent start, defeating Sash by 5-lengths at Lingfield Park, in midNovember. He holds a Derby entry and looks likely to start out in a Derby trial, if thriving in the spring. Battle For Glory is another lightly-raced prospect from Clarehaven Stables. The Magnier-owned son of War Front, won a Newmarket contest in early November by a nose from Real Smooth. It was a nice start and Battle For Glory ought to get 1 ¼ miles next year. November saw Gosden unveil another useful prospect in Dubai Warrior. This son of Dansili, out of a Galileo mare, won a Chelmsford contest by an impressive 4 ½ lengths from Days Of Glory. He could be anything, but does hold an Epsom Derby entry, so a step up in grade would look likely in the spring. Kosciuszko was only seen at Sandown Park in 2018 and his two starts had conflicting outcomes. The son of Australia was a well beaten sixth of 9 to his stable mate Beatboxer, in late July. He wasn’t seen again until mid-September, when he stepped up to a mile and beat Dawn Treader by 1 ¾ lengths. Kosciuszko is out of a Rock Of Gibraltar mare and should stay beyond a mile. Kimblewick won his only start, but we had to wait until mid-November to see him. The son of Iffraaj beat Say Nothing by ½ a length at

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW Kempton Park. He is out of a Sadler’s Wells mare and should be effective over 1 ¼ miles. Honest Albert falls into the same category, once-raced – and a winner to boot, at Kempton Park, in November. This son of Sepoy, out of an Indian Ridge mare, beat Dark Miracle by an impressive 2 ¾ lengths. He doesn’t hold any Classic entries, so Royal Ascot might be his target. Alrajaa goes into 2019 still a maiden, but the form of his final start was very useful and suggests there is plenty to come from this son of Dubawi. He ran 3 ¼ lengths fourth of 7 to Group Three winner Arctic Sound on his debut, at Sandown Park, in early July. At the end of August, he was a little disappointing when 3-lengths fifth of 10 behind Rakinsky at the Esher track. In mid-September, Alrajaa ran in a hot looking Yarmouth maiden. He put up much his best performance to finish ½ a length second of 15 to subsequent Group One winner Royal Meeting. Alrajaa therefore ran close-up behind two Group winners in 2018. He has a handicap mark now and could be an interesting horse, the type that perhaps progresses eventually into Pattern company. In December, Gosden was still sending out intriguing and well-bred youngsters. New King, a son of Frankel, with a Derby entry, made a promising debut when 9 ½ lengths fourth of 11 to Barys, at Lingfield Park, in mid-November. He reappeared in a Wolverhampton maiden, on a stormy December evening, coming from miles back to show a smart turn of foot and beat Crimewave by ¾ of a length. He looked very good on that occasion, having had lots of ground to make up in the home straight and racing wide. On the same evening, half an hour later, Sucellus put up a carbon copy performance on his debut. The son of Dansili was taking on the more experienced Nabbeyl, who made much of the running and looked booked for victory. But Sucellus came from a long way back and again raced wide, to cut down the leader late home with super acceleration. He is out of a Singspiel mare and should stay middle distances well in 2019. Others to keep in mind for 2019 from John Gosden’s string, include: Oussel Falls, second, beaten only a head, on his only start, to Frankellina.

Gantier, a son of Frankel, was down the field on debut at Newmarket, but beaten only a nose by Eightsome Reel at Wolverhampton, in November. Sheriffmuir, Franz Kafka, Red Centre, Fightwithme and So High are other names among the Gosden maidens, that are worth keeping an eye on. Whilst having a large team, Roger Varian does have an odd backward juvenile at Carlburg Stables, but despite that, his more forward youngsters did well in 2018. Prince Eiji, a 2.6 million guineas purchase, was a case in point, winning first time out at Ascot and acquitting himself well in Pattern company. The son of Dubawi, out of that top class race mare Izzi Top, won at Ascot in early September, beating Red Armada by ½ a length. Varian stepped the chesnut up in class later that month, in the Group Three Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket. Prince Eiji was in front entering the Dip and had the race at his mercy, before wandering around and eventually coming home 2 ¼ lengths third of 7 to Arctic Sound. Perhaps he was still too green on that occasion and became a little unbalanced. But he was not done for the season, as Varian sought to gain more experience, sending his charge to Deauville for the Listed Prix Isonomy, in late October. Prince Eiji was a shade disappointing, never getting competitive, before staying on at the end to finish 5 ½ lengths fifth of 6 to Paul Cole’s Duke Of Hazzard. Often we learn more about horses in defeat and it may be that Prince Eiji is already crying out for longer trips. Discarding the price tag, Varian should be afforded time with this colt who came to win his race at Newmarket, demonstrating that the ability is certainly there. He should do well over 1 ¼ miles in 2019.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS San Donato was an early season two year old for Varian, but it was later on that he really made his mark. The son of Lope De Vega, ran well on debut, to finish 4-lengths second of 7 to the useful Legends Of War, at Yarmouth, in late May. A month later he was pitched into the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, but was never a major factor, finishing a well beaten 8th of 11 behind Arthur Kitt. San Donato was given plenty of time afterwards and repaid that in spades in the autumn. He got off the mark with a ½ a length defeat of Hello Youmzain, at Haydock Park, in early September. Later that month he was most impressive at Kempton Park, when slamming Converter by 4 ½ lengths. That saw San Donato upped in grade again – and this time he did not fluff his lines, landing the Listed Doncaster Stakes by ¾ of a length from the smart Barbill, in late October. San Donato is out of an Acclamation mare and ought to get a mile, although his best form in 2018 was over six furlongs. Turjomaan has not raced at a high level but looked exciting on the second of his two winning starts. The son of War Front, made a winning debut, when getting the better of Repaupo by a head, at Ascot, in early September. In late October, he headed to Newcastle and impressed in beating Wiretap by 2 ½ lengths. Turjomaan’s American pedigree looks made for a miler and it would be no surprise to see him perhaps target the All-Weather Championships in the spring before returning to turf. Surfman was another juvenile to advertise the merits of his sire Kingman. He ran well on debut when ½ a length third of 10 to Star Safari, at Nottingham, in October. Surfman returned to that course a month later and won a maiden by 1 ¾ lengths from Durston. He holds an Epsom Derby entry and it would be no surprise to see him in races like the Feilden or Newmarket Stakes in the spring. Mackaar was another colt not seen out until late in the year. The son of Cape Cross ran with promise to finish 8 ¼ lengths fourth of 11 to Nivaldo, at Kempton Park, in early November. Just under two weeks later he got off the mark with a short-head victory over King Of Change, at Wolverhampton. Mackaar holds a Derby entry, but has entries on the all-

weather and it may be that Varian is contemplating an AllWeather Championship bid. Bayroot was yet another not seen out until late in the year, but was a first-time out winner for Varian. The son of Exceed And Excel landed a Kempton Park contest by a length, from Private Rocket, in late October. It was a pleasing debut and being out of a Street Sense mare, Bayroot should stay a mile nicely. Apparate goes into 2019 as a maiden, after a hugely promising debut. He is beautifully-bred, being by Dubawi, out of a Galileo mare. Apparate ran a cracker on his only start, finishing a neck second of 15 to Landa Beach, at Newbury, in late October. He holds a Derby entry and could be highly progressive. Khuzaam is another to keep an eye on. The son of Kitten’s Joy was not seen until late November, but ran a race full of promise at Lingfield Park. He showed plenty of greenness, before running on late in proceedings to finish 1 ¼ lengths second of 12 to the smart-looking Dawaam. Khuzaam was given another start in December at Kempton Park. Travelling powerfully, he went to the front and went clear before debutant Deal A Dollar began to close late on, eventually winning by ¾ of a length. It may have been that Khuzaam got a little lonely in front but he has shown plenty of raw ability in two starts and looks an exciting prospect for 2019. Khuzaam holds a Derby entry and looks sure to win races. As indicated, many of the juveniles under Roger Varian’s care needed time and ought to improve notably in time. Colts who may be worth keeping an eye on in 2019, include: Enough Already, Emirates Knight (who finished in the first four on all three starts in 2018), Motalaqqy (who ran second to Persian Moon on his only start), Nabbeyl, Lehoogg, Fabriano (who is bred to stay) and Moqtarreb. Another stable not noted for its first-time out juvenile winners, is that of Sir Michael Stoute. As we have already seen, Stoute has an exciting prospect in Sangarius, but has other colts to look forward to in 2019. Solid Stone took a couple of runs for the penny to drop, but looks a nice prospect. The son of Shamardal ran well on debut when 4 ¾ lengths fourth of 13 to King Ottokar in a Newbury contest, in late September. He progressed from that run to finish a neck second of 13 to Reeves, at Doncaster, in late October. Solid Stone got off the mark in early November, defeating Forest Of Dean by a neck, at Newcastle.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW

He holds no Classic entries, but the experience gained should stand Solid Stone in good stead and he could make up into a smart handicapper or Group horse in 2019. Almania ran a decent race on debut, when 3 ¼ lengths fourth of six to Production, at Ascot, in July. The son of Australia made use of that experience when beating Buffalo River by ½ a length at Sandown Park, in late August. Almania wasn’t seen again, but held a Vertem Futurity entry, suggesting he is well regarded by his master trainer.

Karnavaal (pictured) was another to take time, but holds a Derby entry and looks progressive. He was down the field behind Turjomaan at Ascot, in early September. Towards the end of that month he contested a hot-looking Newmarket maiden and ran well to finish 4 ½ lengths fourth of 14 to Skardu. Karnavaal lost his maiden tag when beating Awe by 1 ¾ lengths at Chelmsford in October and looks to be going the right way.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS Sovereign Grant, owned by Her Majesty The Queen, holds a similar profile to Karnavaal, a Derby entry and a winner at the third time of asking. The son of Kingman ran a promising race when 2 ¼ lengths fourth of 10 behind Rajinsky, at Sandown Park, in late August. The following month he was beaten just a length, when third of 11 to Millions Memories, at Yarmouth. Sovereign Grant looked a useful recruit when getting off the mark at Kempton Park in early October, defeating Current Option by 3 ½ lengths. So far he has been campaigned relatively low key and it will be fascinating to see how high he can climb in 2019. Mubakker looks another intriguing prospect. The son of Speightstown ran a nice race on debut to finish 3-lengths fourth of 7 to Magic J, at Yarmouth, in September. At the start of November, he headed to Wolverhampton and won convincingly, beating Angel Alexander by 2 ¼ lengths. On breeding (he is out of a More Than Ready mare) he should get a mile next year. Calculation on breeding, should show a lot more, the older and further he races. The son of Dubawi, is out of The Queen’s Gold Cup winner Estimate, so a long trip should suit. He showed promise in two maidens, won by Group One winners Too Darn Hot and Line Of Duty. Given his breeding, there was no disgrace in either run and he is a name to remember for races like the Queen’s Vase and perhaps even the St Leger, whilst also holding a Derby entry. Deal A Dollar is stoutely bred, being a son of Frankel, out of a Cape Cross mare. He was not seen out until December, but ran a super race, chasing down the more experienced Khuzaam, who had gone clear. At the line, Deal A Dollar was just ¾ of a length down, with the rest of the field well behind. He looks a very smart prospect, along with the winner. Other Stoute runners to watch next year include: Laafy, Mokammal (an excellent second to Estihdaaf on his only start), Alnasherat (third on both starts, including getting within 3-lengths of Quorto on his second run, but not seen since June), Derevo (a son of Dansili, beaten 1 ½ lengths when second of 12 to Ernest Aldrich, at Doncaster, on his only run), Derby entry Alhaazm, Madeeh and Song Without End. Mark Johnston had another fine season, cracking the 200

winner mark. Persian Moon contributed three victories from his seven starts. The son of Makfi was never out of the first four, winning at the third time of asking when beating Motalaqqy by 5-lengths, at Yarmouth, in July. Later that month he followed-up with a ½ a length defeat of Hot Team, at York. Persian Moon returned to the Knavesmire in August, for the Group Two Acomb Stakes, running well to finish 3 ½ lengths third of 8 behind Phoenix Of Spain. Heavy ground proved too much for him at Haydock in September, as he was a well beaten fourth to Great Scot, in a Listed race. However, Persian Moon signed off with another win, coping well with the Epsom Downs contours to beat Three Comets by 1 ¾ lengths in late September. Persian Moon is out of a High Chaparral mare and should stay the Derby trip well. It would be no surprise to see him run in Epsom’s Derby Trial in the spring. Desert Friend showed promise to win two of his three starts. The son of Universal landed a Leicester contest, on debut, in September, by 4 ½ lengths, from Brasca. Later that month at Pontefract, he finished 2 ½ lengths fourth of 9 behind Never Do Nothing. Desert Friend got back to winning ways with a 2 ¼ lengths defeat of Filles De Fleur, at Kempton Park, in mid-October. He is out of a Cape Cross mare and should have more victories to come in 2019. West End Charmer looked a highly progressive colt and has an interesting future. The son of Nathaniel ran last of 8 to the smart Duke Of Hazzard, on his debut at Glorious Goodwood, in early August. He got off the mark just 8 days late at Windsor, beating The Olympian by 2 ¾ lengths. West End Charmer was not seen out again until midOctober, when he stepped up to 1 ¼ miles with some aplomb, beating Edinburgh Castle by 5-lengths. Stamina looks likely to be West End Charmer’s forte and he is a name to keep in mind next year. Deep Intrigue improved with each of his three runs and was pure speed. The son of Dark Angel finished third of 7 to Izzer, at Bath, in late March. Mark Johnston gave him some time after that and he

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW reappeared at Musselburgh in May, running 1 ½ lengths second of 7 to Nikki’s Angel. He got off the mark over five-furlongs, when defeating Vange by ¾ of a length at Bath, in mid-May. We didn’t see Deep Intrigue again, but he showed plenty of pace and looks an out and out sprinter. Sky Cross was a well beaten last of 11 on debut in midJune. The son of Cape Cross was much more forward on his only subsequent start, winning at Catterick, by ½ a length from Al Mortajaz, in August. He could make up into a nice handicapper. Camelot had a good season as a sire and in Living Legend, could have a real improver. He ran fifth behind Eesha’s Smile at Bath, in miSeptember. Ten days later, Living Legend put that experience to good use when defeating Surrey Warrior by a length, in a Lingfield Park maiden. Living Legend is another who could make up into a useful horse next term and he should get 1 ¼ miles well. Themaxwecan, a son of Maxios, won his only start at two. He beat Skymax by a short head at Bath, at the start of October and is another who should be in the winner’s enclosure in 2019. Other Johnston inmates to keep an eye on in 2019 include: Fiction Writer (second, beaten a nose, on his only start) and Tilmeeth. Hugo Palmer’s gallant old-timer Gifted Master, gave the Kremllin Cottage Stables team plenty to cheer in 2018. Among the two year-olds, Almufti looked a useful and progressive colt. Palmer aimed high with this son of Toronado from the outset, pitching the youngster into that valuable conditions race at Newbury, on Lockinge Stakes Day. It was not a bad debut run as he finished 7 ¾ lengths sixth of 9 to The Irish Rover and other more experienced horses. In late June, Almufti showed more promise when fourth of 11 behind Daafr at Newcastle. He wasn’t seen out again until September, when stepping up to 7 furlongs at Kempton Park. Almufti looked a different proposition, impressively defeating Alfurat River by 3 ¼ lengths. In late October, Palmer sent Almufti back to Newbury for the Group Three Horris Hill Stakes. He ran well again, finishing 6 ½ lengths third of 8 to Mohaather. Clearly Palmer thinks plenty of Almufti, who on breeding,

should get up to 1 ½ miles in 2019. James Street looked a smart prospect in early summer. The son of Gale Force Ten ran well when beaten a neck by the more experienced Almurr, on debut, at Newbury, in early July. A fortnight later, he made no mistake at Doncaster, getting off the mark with a length defeat of Alatia. James Street confirmed his promise in early August, with a battling short-head defeat of Qutob at Nottingham. Later that month, Palmer stepped James Street up in class for the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York. He ran a disappointing race to finish 13 lengths last of 8 to the smart Phoenix Of Spain. The fact that James Street wasn’t seen out afterwards, suggests that something was amiss on that occasion and a line can be drawn through the York effort. If James Street can come back to his best summer form, he is a name to remember in 2019. Set Piece was not seen until December, but made a striking debut at Kempton Park. The son of Dansili was short of room but once he saw daylight, quickened really well to beat Just The Man by a length. He looks to have a very exciting year ahead. Phoenix Of Spain was a big performer for Charlie Hills in 2018, but this is a yard with strength in depth. Khaadem finished 11 lengths third of 9 to the exciting Calyx, on his Newmarket debut in June. The son of Dark Angel was not beaten again. He won a Newmarket contest in August, by an emphatic 3 ¾ lengths from Aquanura. Khaadem then headed to Doncaster’s St Leger Festival for a conditions race, beating Swissterious by 1 ¼ lengths. Khaadem does not hold any Classic entries but should stay a mile well and looks a smart prospect. Dark Jedi was highly tried in 2018, suggesting Hills thinks a lot of this son of Kodiac. He was a winner on debut, beating Leroy Leroy by a nose at Ffos Las, in mid-August. Ten days later he ran a fine race in the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury, finishing 1 ¾ lengths second of 6 to Kuwait Currency. A month later he ran well when ½ a length second of 11 to Lariat, at Ayr. Hills sent Dark Jedi to France for his final start, in the Group One Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, on Arc Day, at ParisLongchamp. It proved maybe a step too far and Dark Jedi was never a real factor, coming home last of 6 behind Royal Marine.

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REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS

Dark Jedi is clearly well regarded and will be an interesting prospect in 2019. Breath Of Air looks another exciting horse, who represented his sire Bated Breath well during 2018. He was a well beaten sixth of 8 to Flashcard on debut, at Salisbury, in mid-August. Breath Of Air got off the mark in late September at Newbury, beating subsequent Horris Hill Stakes winner Mohaather, by an emphatic 3 ¾ lengths. That form now looks very solid. He had one more start, in the Listed Doncaster Stakes, in late October, finishing 4 ½ lengths third of 9 to San Donato. Breath Of Air is out of a Gone West mare and should stay a mile in 2019. Mutawaffer is another son of Kodiac, who made his mark in the first half of the season. He finished two lengths fourth of 10 to Blown By Wind, on his Ascot debut in May. Later that month he landed a Goodwood contest by 2 ¼ lengths from Shaybani. Mutawaffer lined-up in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, in late June, but ran deplorably, finishing 21st of the 28 runners, behind Soldier’s Call. He was seen out just once more, coming home 3 ¼ lengths second of 6 to Good Luck Fox, at Sandown Park, in early August.

Being out of a Royal Applause mare, Mutawaffer is likely to stick to sprinting next year. Glory Fighter was an early season two year old and spent most of his season contesting Pattern races, a mark of his ability. The son of Kyllachy ran 1 ½ lengths second of 10 to Dave Dexter, on his Newbury debut in April. He then claimed the scalp of Soldier’s Call, beating him by 1 ¼ lengths at Lingfield Park, in early May. The following month Glory Fighter was not disgraced in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes, finishing 7 ½ lengths seventh of 10 to American Shang Shang Shang. In late July, Hills again highly-tried his charge, sending him to Deauville for the Group Three Prix de Cabourg. Glory Fighter was not seen to best effect, coming home 8 lengths fifth of 6 to Comedy. A month later, he was disappointing in the Listed Roses Stakes at York, running 7 ½ lengths 8th of 11 to Well Done Fox. Those Pattern races were tough assignments and as mentioned, reflect the regard in which Glory Fighter is held. He looks an out and out sprinter and could improve at three. Qutob remains a maiden after three runs, but performed admirably on each occasion, showing plenty of ability to win races. The son of Acclamation finished a short head second to James Street, at Nottingham, on his debut in early August. A couple of weeks later he returned to that venue to finish a length second of 10 to Converter. Qutob rounded off his campaign by finishing 4 ¼ lengths third of 8 to Jonah Jones, at York in mid-October. He should stay around a mile and could make up into a useful handicapper. Other Hills runners to note for next year include: Motagally, Nubough, Punjab Mail, Penrhos and Scottish Blade. Andrew Balding has a big string to go to war with in 2019. Bye Bye Hong Kong was perhaps the pick of the juvenile colts. The son of Street Sense ran well on his debut, at Newmarket, in August, finishing 2 lengths third of 9 to Red Bravo. He got off the mark just over two weeks later at Windsor, beating Lady Cosette by an impressive 2 ¾ lengths. That earned Bye Bye Hong Kong a marked step up in class as he contested Doncaster’s Group Two Champagne Stakes, in mid-Septenber.

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January 2019

2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS REVIEW Whilst finishing fifth of the six runners, he was only 6 ½ lengths behind the year’s leading colt, Too Darn Hot. Bye Bye Hong Kong had one more start, in Newmarket’s Group Three Tattersall Stakes, in late September. He stayed on well to fight out the finish with Arctic Sound, finishing a length second of 7. Bye Bye Hong Kong proved in defeat that he is a Group class contender and being out of a Tiznow mare, should stay 10 furlongs next year. After running a promising fourth of 9 behind The Paddocks, at Newbury, in May, Happy Power proved a very useful colt.

After a break, he returned to action in late August and the son of Dark Angel landed a Hamilton maiden by 2 ¾ lengths from Triple Distilled. Balding returned his charge to the Scottish venue a month later and he was far from disgraced in finishing 1 ½ lengths third of 10 to East. He ended his campaign with a second victory, taking a Doncaster nursery in late October, by an emphatic 3 ¼ lengths from Beat Le Bon. Happy Power is out of a Selkirk mare, so a mile should be within his compass.

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January 2019

REVIEW 2018 TWO YEAR OLD COLTS Flashcard did very little wrong in three starts and looks a terrific prospect for next year. The gelded son of Fast Company won twice at Salisbury, firstly beating Dirty Rascal by 1 ¼ lengths in mid-August. He followed up there with a length defeat of John Betjeman, just nine days later. In September, Balding sent Flashcard to the Curragh for a valuable sales race. He ran a belter to come home ½ a length second of 18 to the smart Barbill. Flashcard races in the Kennet Valley silks carried so well by Magical Memory. With that grand campaigner sidelined through injury, Flashcard could be another more than useful sprinter. Never Do Nothing ran with great credit on debut, to finish 3 ½ lengths third of 11 behind Meringue, at Kempton Park, in August. The son of Casamento did not look back after that. He won a Thirsk contest in late August, by 2 lengths from Wolf Prince. Never Do Nothing followed-up with a neck defeat of The Great Story, at Pontefract, in late September. He has no major entries, but could develop into a very useful horse and should stay a mile. Fox Tal certainly made his mark during 2018. The son of Sea The Stars ran ½ a length third of 7 to Group Three winner Arctic Sound, on his Sandown Park debut in early July. Later that month, he won a minor contest at Ffos Las, by a head from Sir Ron Priestley. A month later, Balding sent Fox Tal to Salisbury for the Listed Stonehenge Stakes, a race he often targets with his better juveniles. He ran a fine race to finish 2 ¾ lengths fourth of six behind Kuwait Currency. Fox Tal had one more race in 2018, running a brilliant race in the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud, in late October. He finished a length third of 9 to the filly Wonderment, on his first attempt at 10 furlongs. Stamina should be Fox Tal’s forte, as he is out of a Sadler’s Wells mare. He holds a Derby entry and is no forlorn hope. Landa Beach is another Derby entry, who made his presence known on his only racecourse appearance. The son of Teofilo landed one of those informative back-end Newbury maidens by a neck from Apparate and 13 other rivals. He is out of a Nayef mare and could be anything. Similarly, Bell Rock looked a very useful horse when

winning a back-end Newmarket maiden, with lots of wellbred youngsters in behind. That came in late October, when the son of Kingman defeated King Of Ademar by 1 ¾ lengths. Bell Rock should be effective between a mile and 10 furlongs next year and should have more victories in him. Rectory Road is another who fits into the could be anything category. The gelded son of Paco Boy ran away with a Kempton Park contest in mid-November, slamming Cafe Espresso by 6 lengths. With no Classic opportunities, one wonders if Rectory Road might be aimed at the All-Weather Championships on Good Friday. Other Balding horses to remember include: Bangkok (who got within a neck of Sangarius on debut and was in the first four in all three starts), Lariat, Good Birthday, Raise You, Hero Hero, Edinburgh Castle and Sea Sculpture. Archie Watson’s stable continues to build in quality, with Soldier’s Call looking a leading candidate for top sprinting honours next year. Nate The Great was another standard bearer for the yard. The son of Nathaniel beat Flint Hill on his debut at Carlisle, in early June. He ran a blinder in the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, finishing a neck second of 11 to Arthur Kitt. A month later, Nate The Great returned to Ascot for the Listed Winkfield Stakes, finishing 2 ¼ lengths third of 6 to Victory Command. Watson stepped his charge up to a mile in late August, for Salisbury’s Listed Stonehenge Stakes. Nate The Great ran 3-lengths fifth of 6 to Kuwait Currency. In late September, he stepped down in grade and was much the best horse in a minor Musselburgh contest, beating Mister Chiang by 3 ½ lengths over 9-furlongs. Nate The Great had one more start, in Newmarket’s Listed Zetland Stakes of 10-furlongs. He ran a super race to finish 1 ¼ lengths third of 6 to Norway. Nate The Great got better the further he went and clearly has a touch of class. He is out of a Dubawi mare and should be at his best over middle distances. Other Watson horses to consider in 2019 include: the ultra-consistent Fognini, who won three times and was never out of the money in seven starts over 6-furlongs, three-time winner Show Out, who ended his year with a Listed success in the Prix Zeddaan at Deauville, Federal Law (who ended up at the Breeders’ Cup), two-time winner Felix The Poet, Julius Limbani and Kheros.

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January 2019

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NEWS UK RACING

WALK IN THE MILL WINS THE BECHER CHASE Walk In The Mill was perfectly produced by James Best, to win the Grade Three Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree. A field of 18 lined-up for this 3-mile, 1 ½ furlong race over the Grand National course. After a false start, there was a standing start and the race got underway with Missed Approach miles back after farcical scenes at the start. Ultragold was the early leader, while Fine Theatre went at the second. Call It Magaic and Present Man were soon to the fore and lead into the home straight, tracked by Highland Lodge, who had got loose before the race. Call It Magic went into a narrow lead from Present Man, as the field reached The Chair, where Highland Lodge was a faller. Present Man led them over the water and the 16 still standing, headed out with a circuit in front of them. Reaching the nest, Missed Approach had made up all of the lost ground, to lead at the eighth, with Call It Magic next and this pair moved five lengths clear of Ultragold and Present Man, over the ninth. The eleventh fence saw Ballyoptic fall, as Missed Approach and Call It Magic continued to lead. At the one before Becher’s, Missed Approach nearly went and Sam Walet-Cohen did well to recover. They all jumped Becher’s OK, although Vieux Lion Rouge was struggling. At Foinavon, Regal Flow made a bad error and unseated. The front two took the Canal Turn and Valentine’s Brook well and if anything, were further clear of Ultragold and Federici. Four out and Call It Magic led and started to pull away from Missed Approach, taking the third last, with a growing five-length lead. Call It Magic and Mark Enright turned for home, but the pack began to close, headed by Ultragold, Walk In the Mill and Federici. Two out and Call It Magic just led from Walk In The Mill.

Racing to the last, Call It Magic was two lengths clear, but Walk In The Mill and James Best quickly gathered the Irish raider, striding away on the run-in to win by four lengths. Further back, the order changed, as Vieux Lion Rouge sprouted wings to finish like an express train for second, with Ultragold third and then Call It Magic and Federici. In all, twelve of the 18 got round, The Robert Walford-trained Walk In The Mill, an 8 year-old, races in the colours of Baroness Harding, who owned 1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Cool Dawn.

DEFINITLY RED GRINDS HIS WAY TO A SECOND MANY CLOUDS CHASE SUCCESSFUL

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Definitly Red led throughout and was able to keep on relentlessly for victory in the Grade Two Betway Many Clouds Chase at Aintree. Four went to post for this contest over just shy of 3 miles and a furlong, run in memory of the muchmissed 2015 Grand National winner. The quartet set off on their journey in heavy rain, with Definitly Red taking them along, whilst Acdc nearly fell at the first. At the third fence, One For Arthur, the 2017 Grand National winner, blundered badly and Tom Scudamore was given little chance of keeping the partnership together, unseating. Definitly Red continued to lead narrowly, from the King George runner-up Double Shuffle, with Acdc close-up in third, as the field took the eighth fence.

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January 2019

UK RACING NEWS With a circuit to run, barely two lengths covered the trio, with Definitly Red still just in front. Still it was Definitly Red and Danny Cook who led, leaving the back straight, with the pace increasing and a 1 ½ length lead over Double Shuffle, with Acdc still very much in touch at the fourth last. The leader jumped well and turned for home with a two-length lead. Three out, the leader jumped well and began to turn the screw, as he took the second last fence, with Double Shuffle under pressure to close. Racing to the last, Definitly Red continued to grind away, moving three lengths clear at the final fence, which he jumped well, before stretching out for back to back victories in this chase. Double Shuffle kept on nicely to finish perhaps four lengths back, with Acdc coming home third.

WARRIOR’S TALE COMES LATE TO WIN THE GRAND SEFTON Warrior’s Tale broke the heart of front-runner Brandon Hill, by getting up late on to land the Betway Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree. Eleven took part in this race over 2 miles and 5 furlongs of the Grand National course. The race got underway with Crievehill and Brandon Hill and Captain Redbeard up with the pace as they all cleared the first. At the second, Brandon Hill touched down in front and moved two lengths clear as he raced to The Chair, which they all cleared, before streaming over the water jump and setting off, with a circuit to race. Brandon Hill and Paddy Brennan continued to lead, with Crievehill prominent as Kilcrae Vale, who had made errors, crept closer. At the sixth, Catamaran Du Seuil became the first faller of the race. Brandon Hill kept up the gallop and took the eighth ahead of Kilcrae Vale, Crievehill and More Buck’s. All ten cleared Becher’s Brook well and Brandon Hill was joined by Kilcrae Vale at Foinavon, where More Buck’s made a bad blunder, dropping back. Over Valentine’s Brook, Brandon Hill moved away

from Kilcrae Vale, while More Buck’s was pulled up. Three out and Brandon Hill still led, with Kilcrae Vale making a blunder, as Forest des Aigles moved up strongly. Turning for home, Brandon Hill still led, with Kilcrae Vale fighting his way back into contention and then Forest des Aigles. Brandon Hill took two out, with Forest des Aigles and Warrior’s Tale chasing. But the leader was determined and kept on with determination. However, at the Elbow, Warrior’s Tale gained vital momentum under Sean Bowen and edged on into the lead from the one-paced Brandon Hill, going on to win by about two lengths, Kilcrae Vale was third and then came Tiquer, with nine finishing. This was a third win in the Grand Sefton for trainer Paul Nicholls.

EXUBERANCE OF YOUTH GIFTS DYNAMITE DOLLARS GRADE ONE VICTORY The youngster Dynamite Dollars reversed form with Lalor and saw off the gallant front running effort of Ornua, to land the Grade One Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown Park. Six horses lined-up for this 2-mile race. The grey Diakali and Ornua, vied for the early lead and pulled a couple of lengths clear at a strong pace. At the second, Pingshou blundered. The front two continued to battle and moved five lengths clear at the third, with Dynamite Dollars third and then Highway One O One, while Lalor, was a little deliberate. Ornua took on the mantle of leader, as they raced down the back, with the pack beginning to close, as they headed to the Railway Fences, with Pingshou a little detached from the front five. At the last of the Railway Fences, Ornua was still fluent, while Diakali made a slight mistake. Ornua raced to the Pond Fence, three from home, with Dynamite Dollars and Lalor closing and then Highway One O One, as Pingshou passed the tiring Diakali.

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NEWS UK RACING Two out and Dynamite Dollars challenged Ornua, but Dylan Robinson got more out of the long-time leader, to jump the last in front. However, on the flat, Dynamite Dollars and Harry Cobden began to overhaul the leader who had given his all with a brave effort. But the five year-old, Dynamite Dollars, just had too much on the final climb home, beating Ornua by about 2 lengths, with a gap back to the disappointing Lalor in third. Dynamite Dollars was giving trainer Paul Nicholls a seventh victory in the Henry VIIIth Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chase.

ALTIOR ANSWERS ALL QUESTIONS IN THE TINGLE CREEK

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Altior faced a serious question from Un De Sceaux at the last, but ultimately ran out a convincing winner in an intriguing Grade One Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park. A select field of four clashed in this 2-mile contest, brimful of quality. However, torrential rain and strong winds hit the Esher track as the quartet milled round at the start. The 2016 winner Un De Sceaux, set off in the lead, with Saint Calvados joining him at the first fence. At the second fence, Saint Calvados went on, while Altior hit the ditch. Saint Calvados swung away from the stands as the rain subsided, leading Altior, who sneaked up the inside of Un De Sceaux, with Sceaux Royal sitting fourth. Heading down the back, Ruby Walsh moved Un De Sceaux back up to join Saint Calvados once again, with two lengths back to Altior and Sceaux Royal.

The front pair headed to the Railway Fences with Un De Sceaux going on and travelling and jumping well. However, as they left the back, Altior began to move closer, matching strides with Saint Calvados, with Sceaux Royal yet to play his hand. Racing to the Pond Fence, three out, Un De Sceaux still led, with Altior coming to join him out wide, as Sceaux Royal moved ahead of the fading Saint Calvados. Two out and Un De Sceaux led, but Altior inched to the front at the last. However, Un De Sceaux landed on terms and the acid test was to follow. Altior responded magnificently for Nico De Boinville and powered away from Un De Sceaux up the Sandown Hill. It was a brilliant performance and the old champion had no answer, as Altior passed the post about three lengths clear on his seasonal debut. Un De Sceaux ran an honourable race and finished a fine second, well clear of Saint Calvados, who reclaimed third from Sceaux Royal.

A SECOND BORDERS NATIONAL FOR HARRY THE VIKING The veteran Harry The Viking won a thrilling renewal of the Persimmon Homes Scottish Borders National at Kelso. A field of 16 went to post for this 4-mile marathon, with Scotswell taking the field along for much of the race. However, he jumped awkwardly and unseated, just as his run was petering out. Heading into the home straight, the race became a duel, as first Calett Mad and then Harry The Viking, took the initiative. The pair were still locked in combat at the last fence and it was Rachael McDonald and the Sandy Thomson trained 13 year-old, Harry The Viking, who went on again in the final 100 yards, although Calett Mad put in one final thrust. At the line Harry The Viking prevailed by half a length, with a 7-lengths gap back to Progress Drive in third, with Total Assets in fourth.

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January 2019

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NEWS UK RACING

CHARBEL IMPRESSES IN THE PETERBOROUGH CHASE Charbel was fleet of foot and impressed in victory in the Grade Two Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon. Nine went to post for this contest, just short of 2 ½ miles. Art Mauresque and Josses Hill were up with the early pace, but Charbel and Rene’s Girl came to dispute the lead. Settling down and taking the sixth fence, Charbel had won the fight for pace-setter, with Art Mauresque to his inside and Rene’s Girl to the outer. That was the order, with a circuit to run. Racing down the back, Charbel began to draw clear of his rivals, with God’s Own moving second, ahead of Rene’s Girl, as they took the fourth from home. Charbel continued to fly and took the third last four length clear of God’s Own, with the rest detached and under pressure. Turning for home, Charbel led God’s Own by three lengths and it was a two-horse race, with Tea For Two moving third, but remote. Racing to the final fence, Charbel kept up the gallop and jumped well and God’s Own could make no impression on the Kim Bailey charge, who reached the line 7 lengths clear, with Tea For Two just holding Josses Hill for third.

FRODON LANDS HIS SECOND CASPIAN CAVIAR GOLD CUP

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Frodon galloped and jumped most of his rivals into the ground and saved enough for the final hill, as he landed his second success in the Grade Three Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Three defections left a field of twelve to contest this valuable two miles, 4 ½ furlongs contest, but it included the last two winners in Frodon and Guitar Pete. In awful conditions, with rain and strong, freezing cold winds, the race got underway, with Frodon and Bryony Frost going on at the first from Baron Alco and Guitar Pete, with these tracked by Cepage and Mr Medic and then Rather Be. Frodon led over the first three fences and the field raced downhill, with Baron Alco for company and this pair a couple of lengths ahead of Cepage. Racing down the home straight, Frodon and Baron Alco continued to lead and took the sixth ahead of Cepage and Mr Medic and they headed away from the stands with a circuit to race. Baron Alco landed narrowly in front at the eighth, the first down the back. At the tenth, Frodon had rejoined him and the pair continued to travel well, with a five length lead over Cepage, Mr Medic, Catamaran Du Seuil and Guitar Pete. The leaders were closed down at the fifth last, where Baron Alco made an error, handing the initiative to Frodo, as they raced downhill. Four out, Mr Medic made a dreadful blunder and was lucky to survive. Three from home, Mr Medic was right on the heels of Frodon and Baron Alco.

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January 2019

UK RACING NEWS Heading to the home turn, Frodon went on, with Cepage challenging and this pair drew clear over the second last. Running to the last, Frodon moved three lengths clear and jumped the last well, keeping up the gallop to land his second win in the race. Cepage ran a blinder after a long absence, to finish second, with a yawning gap back to Guitar Pete in third, with Baron Alco fourth. Frodon was giving trainer Paul Nicholls a fifth victory in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup – and was emulating another former Ditcheat inmate, Pocquelin, in becoming just the second horse to win the race twice.

Lucky and Lisnagar Oscar. Heading to the last, Rockpoint was challenged on both flanks, but Lisnagar Oscar made an error. On the run-in, Rockpoint and Tom Scudamore held the aces and drew clear of Lisnagar Oscar and the staying on Rocco. A step up in trip appears to have been the key to the Colin Tizzard trained five year-old Rockpoint, who served notice of his improvement at Newbury recently.

BRAIN POWER BACK TO FORM IN THE BULA HURDLE

ROCKPOINT WELL ON TOP AT CHELTENHAM Rockpoint broke his maiden with some aplomb, as he took the Grade Two Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Registered as the Bristol Hurdle) at Cheltenham. Eight horses lined-up for this test over just under three miles. As the tapes went up, it was Rocco who led from Lough Derg Diamond and Rockpoint, as the field cleared the first flight. At the second, Rocco narrowly led with Supremely Lucky moving close to the outside, but the field were closely bunched. Racing down the hill for the first time, Rocco led, but barely a length covered the first four, with only two lengths covering the entire field. The field raced down the home straight, with little change in the order, with Rocco still leading and Rockpoint going a narrow second, as they headed back out into the country. Down the back straight, Rockpoint jumped himself on terms with Rocco, while Supremely Lucky made it a wall of three horses. Over the third last, all eight horses still held every chance, with Rocco, Rockpoint and Supremely Lucky setting the pace from Lisnagar Oscar and Aye Aye Charlie. Lough Derg Diamond dropped away racing downhill and as they turned for home, Rocco cracked, as Rockpoint went on from Supremely

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Brain Power showed all his old swagger to win the Grade Two Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham. Three-time winner, The New One, facing possible retirement, was sent off straight into the lead by Sam Twiston-Davies and he took the first two flights clear of his rivals. Heading out into the country, the field closed up on the leader, with Vision Des Flos and Old Guard heading the pack and Silver Streak between runners. The New One, continued to bowl along in front, with a reduced advantage and he was almost joined by Vision Des Flos, while Brain Power took closer order. Over the third last, The New One touched down in front of Vision Des Flos and Brain Power, with Old Guard next and then Summerville Boy. Old Guard lost his pitch at the top of the hill and Vision Des Flos went on at the second last, with Brain Power travelling well to his outside, as The New One cracked. Turning for home, Vision Des Flos and Brain Power had the impetus and the latter went on and went clear at the last, where The New One was pulled up.

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January 2019

NEWS UK RACING Brain Power had to be kept up to his work on the run-in by Nico De Boinville, but had enough in hand to beat Silver Streak by a couple of lengths, with Western Ryder third and then We Have A Dream. The Nicky Henderson (for whom this was a fifth win in the Bula) trained Brain Power, had been a sticky jumper over fences, but two seasons ago was a Champion Hurdle contender. The seven year-old appeared to relish today’s contest.

ROCKY’S TREASURE DOMINANT AT DONCASTER

Jumping the fence in front of the stands, the field was packed, with three lengths covering the quartet. Rocky’s Treasure and Coup De Pinceau, set off on the final circuit, matching strides. At the tenth, Rocky’s Treasure out-jumped his nearest rival, who hit a flat spot. But Coup De Pinceau came back to re-join the leader and the other two remained just two lengths behind. The front two took five out together, but Rocky’s Treasure began to power on as they turned for home and he jumped the fourth last with a growing lead. Rocky’s Treasure moved clear heading to the second last, with Theclockisticking, moving into second, some five lengths back. Rocky’s Treasure jumped the last well and David Bass kept him up to his work for an easy fourth victory over fences, with Theclockisticking a long way back in second and Coup De Pinceau third. The Kim Bailey trained Rocky’s Treasure, a seven year-old, had run a fine race when four lengths second to Santini, at Newbury, two weeks ago.

QUEL DESTIN BATTLES TO ANOTHER VICTORY

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Kim Bailey looks to have another smart chasing prospect as Rocky’s Treasure dictated proceedings in the Grade Two Bet365 December Novices’ Chase at Doncaster. Four went to post for this contest over just short of three miles. King Of Realms went straight to the front from Rocky’s Treasure, but the latter jumped the first better and went on. Settling down, Rocky’s Treasure led with Coup De Pinceau moving second, ahead of King Of Realms and Theclockisticking.

Quel Destin continued his education with another victory, his third on the spin, with a battling performance in the Grade Two Bet365 Summit Juvenile Hurdle at Doncaster. Quel Destin took the field along with the grey Oi The Clubb Oi’S. However, turning into the straight, Elysees went on and travelled well, with Quel Destin looking in trouble and his old rival Cracker Factory, dropping away tamely. Elysees looked booked for victory, but approaching the last, both Oi The Clubb Oi’S and Quel Destin rallied and closed on the leader. It became a battle on the flat and Quel Destin and Harry Cobden, digging deep, fought their way back to the front when it mattered most, to give Paul Nicholls another big win on the day. Elysees lost little in defeat, with Oi The Clubb Oi’S a close third.

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January 2019

UK RACING NEWS

PAISLEY PARK WINS DRAMATIC LONG WALK HURDLE Paisley Park and Aidan Coleman got the verdict in an eventful renewal of the Grade One JLT Hurdle (Registered as the Long Walk Hurdle) at Ascot. Eleven went to post for this three-mile contest. As the tapes went up, it was last year’s winner, Sam Spinner, with Joe Colliver, who went on, but made an error at the first flight. Settling down, San Spinner maintained his impetus, but practically refused at the second flight and gave Colliver no chance of staying in the saddle. That left Lizzie Kelly and Agrapart in front, with a three-length advantage over Younevercall and Unowhatimeanharry, with Soul Emotion and West Approach next and these followed by Top Notch. Agrapart continued to bowl along with a fourlength lead, chased by the loose Sam Spinner, as he turned into the home straight for the first time, with the lead extended to about five lengths, as they took the hurdle that would be the last in a circuit’s time. Agrapart set off on the final circuit, with a commanding advantage over Younevercall, who was joined by 2016 winner Unowhatimeanharry. Down the back straight, Agrapart was gradually brought back to the pack, with Unowhatimeanharry closing, but then taking a crashing fall and hampering Call Me Lord. Agrapart was once again left clear after that incident, with Soul Emotion running second, about three lengths behind and then came West Approach, Top Notch and The Mighty Don. But the leader made a bad error and lost ground, with Soul Emotion taking it up with a bunching field and Agrapart under pressure to keep his pitch and soon dropping through the field. As the field turned for home, Younevercall and Soul Emotion had the lead, with Top Notch between horses and Call Me Lord getting into contention. Top Notch edged into the lead momentarily, but racing to the last, West Approach and Paisley Park, with the width of the flight separating them, headed him and landed in unison. It all came down to the run-in and Aidan Coleman got the better response from Paisley Park,

to move two lengths clear of West Approach, with Top Notch third and then came The Mighty Don. This was a big success for trainer Emma Lavelle; the six year-old Paisley Park has looked an improved performer this winter, landing two handicap hurdles, including a Haydock Park Grade three last time out. This level of competition however, was a significant step up and in an open staying hurdle division, Paisley Park has stated his case for honours.

MOHAAYED ON TOP AT ASCOT Mohaayed was able to dictate affairs from the front and had enough at the end to win the Grade Three Betfair Exchange Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Ascot. The final race before the Christmas break, saw a fiercely competitive and valuable two-mile contest, that attracted 21 runners. As the starter let them go, Friday Night Light quickly went three lengths clear of Mohaayed and Not Never. This trio raced almost in a line as they turned away from the stands, with Friday Night Light inching back into the lead as they headed down the back straight. Friday Night Light took the next flight just ahead of Not Never to the inside, with Mohaayed close up and then Mont Des Avaloirs, while Tornado Watch raced extremely wide, before moving across to join the main bulk of the field ahead of the fourth last flight. Three from home and Friday Night Light and Mohaayed landed together, moving a couple of lengths clear of Western Ryder and Tornado Watch, with Flying Tiger and Lisp next, followed by Mont Des Avaloirs. Into the home straight and Friday Night Light quickly dropped away. At the second last, Mohaayed was left clear and headed to the last with a three length lead from Lisp and Western Ryder giving chase. The leader, last season’s County Hurdle winner, took the last well. Mohaayed was kept up to his work by Harry Skelton and kept on gamely to win by two-lengths from Lisp, with Western Ryder third and then the staying on Grand Sancy.

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January 2019

NEWS UK RACING The Dan Skelton trained six-year old has gone up in the weights since his Cheltenham Festival win, but was in fine form and always up with the pace here.

LA BAGUE AU ROI BEATS THE BOYS

VALTOR IMPRESSIVE ON ENGLISH DEBUT Nicky Henderson unleashed a smart ex-French recruit in the form of Valtor, who hacked up in the Listed Garrard Silver Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot, formerly known as the SGB Chase. A dozen horses lined up for this three-mile race that used to be a Gold Cup trial. Minella Dadd and Thomas Patrick took the field along and with three fences jumped, Favorito Bucks had joined the leaders, with Otago Trail right on their heels. As the field turned into the home straight for the first time, Minella Daddy held a slender lead over Thomas Patrick. Ten lengths covered the whole field, as they set out with a circuit to race. Racing down the back, still it was Minella Daddy who led from Thomas Patrick, with Valtor moving closer. But Minella Daddy blundered as they raced towards Swinley Bottom, leaving Thomas Patrick hust in front with rivals queueing up in behind. Six out and Thomas Patrick made a mistake which left Valtor and James Bowen in front of Full Glass who was the next to blunder. In behind, Benatar closed. Valtor turned for home with Benatar in pursuit and a gap back to Solighoster, who had been detached early on. But Valtor skipped clear in the home straight and took the last with a 15-length lead. The nine year-old turned the race into a procession and was an easing down 8-length winner, with Jammin Masters staying on well to deny Benatar second place and then came Solighoster and the staying on The Last Samuri. Valtor had not won a race in France since October 2016, but looked really smart here.

The mare La Bague Au Roi, ran out the winner of a compelling race for the Grade One 32Red Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (In Memory of Nigel Clarke) at Kempton Park. Seven went to post for a three-mile race that is so often a pointer to future stardom over fences. There was a dash to the first fence and as they settled down, Red Indian and Bags Groove held the call from Topofthegame and Santini. Red Indian went into the sole lead as they reached the fourth fence, racing down the back. As the field entered the home straight for the first time, The World’s End was a little detached and not travelling well, while Red Indian and Bags Groove continued to set the tempo, with La Bague Au Roi for company. Red Indian was joined by La Bague Au Roi, with Topofthegame and Santini next, as Bags Groove lost his place. At the first down the back, No Hassel Hoff blundered and unseated. Four out and the mare La Bague Au Roi went on, with Topofthegame and Santini for company and this three pulled clear. At the top of the straight, Santini appeared in trouble as Topofthegame joined La Bague Au Roi. Topofthegame went on two out, but the mare battled on, with Santini one-paced in behind. The two leaders landed together at the last and La Bague Au Roi pulled out more to win by 1 ½ lengths from Topofthegame, with Santini closing late on and then Red Indian.

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January 2019

UK RACING NEWS

CLAN DES OBEAUX EMERGES AS NEW CHRISTMAS KING Clan Des Obeaux, to this point perhaps more potential than delivery, emerged as a new star of the sport, in the highest echelons of jump racing, with a decisive victory in the Grade One 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. Eight elite chasers contested this three-mile race, steeped in history and quality.

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The octet featured two Cheltenham Gold Cup winners and the last two winners of the King George in a vintage renewal. As the tapes went up on this keenly awaited contest, the 2015 Gold Cup winner, Coneygree, charged to the first in the lead, while Bristol De Mai and Thistlecrack bumped. Settling down, Coneygree was taking no prisoners and led from Might Bite and Native River, who had been scrubbed along in the early stages, to keep up. Out wider, Thistlecrack was prominent and Double Shuffle, last year’s runner-up, raced wider still and was not far off the lead. Bristol De Mai raced just behind the leaders and received another bump, this time from native River, who was not travelling that well. Coneygree and Sean Bowen, continued to lead and took the field into the home straight, with Might Bite a length down and then Thistlecrack, Double Shuffle, Native River to the inside and Bristol De Mai. At the fence that would be the last on the next circuit, Bristol De Mai crashed out and brought down Waiting Patiently, with horses and jockeys thankfully up OK.

Coneygree took the remainder out on their final circuit, with Might Bite swinging away in second, while Native River was still being galvanised by Richard Johnson, with Thistlecrack next and then Clan Des Obeaux and Politologue, with Double Shuffle next and Tea For Two last. Politologue made a bad error and dropped to last. Coneygree continued to turn the screw and Thistlecrack came to the fore in second, with Might Bite still there and then Clan Des Obeaux. That was the order four out, with Politologue battling on but Native River seeming beaten. Thistlecrack seized the initiative on the home turn, as Coneygree and Might Bite cracked. The challenge emerged in the shape of Clan Des Obeaux, who travelled powerfully two out for Harry Cobden. The two moved miles clear. Racing to the last, Thistlecrack was passed by Clan Des Obeaux and Harry Cobden who jumped well. Cobden let out some rein and the youngest horse in the race, just a six year-old, powered home to deliver a tenth King George for Paul Nicholls, with Thistlecrack running an heroic race in second. A huge gap back to third saw Native River, with Politogue next and then another gap to Double Shuffle and Tea For Two, with Might Bite last to finish, as Coneygree fell late on, but thankfully galloped home OK. Clan Des Obeaux, a smart juvenile hurdler with a big frame, always looked like making a chaser. He had run a race full of promise in the Betfair Chase, won by Bristol De Mai – but much of the talk preKing George had been about the established chasers who had chased home the grey that day. Cobden, riding the biggest success of his career to date, commented: “Absolutely fantastic. I’ve grown up watching the King George. “I was flat out the whole way but I just knew Thistlecrack turning down to the last, this lad never does anything in front. It was a bit of a bold decision to hold on to him for as long as possible.” Nicky Henderson later reported that Might Bite had suffered from bleeding post-race.

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January 2019

NEWS UK RACING

LAKE VIEW LAD LANDS THE ROWLAND MEYRICK CHASE Lake View Lad showed his resolve again, to out last Captain Chaos in the Grade Three RacingTV.com Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby. Eight contested this three-mile chase, with a rich history. Captain Chaos went into the early lead from Wakanda, as the eight set off into the back straight on the first occasion. With a circuit to race, Captain Chaos and Wakanda were clear of Lake View Lad and Crievehill. Captain Chaos left the back straight having moved two lengths clear of Wakanda, with Lakeview Lad chasing and this trio drawing clear. Into the home straight, Lake View Lad moved into second and came to join the lead three out. Lake View Lad matched strides with Captain Chaos at the second last and the grey went on, racing to the last. A good jumped sealed victory for the Rehearsal Chase winner, with Lake View Lad and Henry Brooke winning by three lengths from Captain Chaos, with Takingrisks snatching third from Wakanda.

VERDANA BLUE ENDS BUVEUR D’AIR’S RUN IN THE CHRISTMAS HURDLE For the second Grade One in a row, Kempton park witnessed a mare landing the spoils, but this time Verdana Blue caused an almighty shock by defeating Buveur D’Air in the Unibet Christmas Hurdle. Four horses took on the reigning champion and dual Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D’Air, over this two mile contest. Global Citizen set off into a clear lead and took the first flight with a five length advantage, with Boite in second and then If The Cap Fits, with Buveur D’Air settled in fourth and followed by Verdana Blue. Heading down the back, Global Citizen led Boite, who raced wide, by a couple of lengths, with eight lengths back to the rest, who were led by If The Cap Fits.

Boite’s run petered out, but three out, Gloval Citizen was still clear, with Buveur D’Air heading the chasing pack, but losing impetus, as he blundered. Global Citizen turned for home under a ride, but Buveur D’Air moved menacingly closer, while Verdana Blue was also travelling well. The leader went on between the final two flights and quickened away, taking the last a couple of lengths up on Verdana Blue, who had not given in. The mare closed with every stride and all of a sudden, Buveur D’Air’s invincibility was vulnerable. With every inch, Verdana Blue and Nico de Boinville caught Buveur D’Air and right on the line, she appeared to have her head in front in a sensational shock. The pair were well clear of If the Cap Fits. After a photograph finish, the surprise of the season was confirmed; Nicky Henderson had trained the first two home, but in an order practically nobody could have envisaged.

DYNAMITE DOLLARS DEFIES PENALTY TO WIN THE WAYWARD LAD Dynamite Dollars confirmed his exciting progression through the novice ranks, as he beat Kalashnikov in the Grade Two 32Red.com Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park. Five went to post for this two-mile contest, at a murky course. As the tapes went up, it was Highway One O One who blazed the trail, followed by Dynamite Dollars and Maria’s Benefit. At the fence in front of the stands, the third, Kalashnikov made a bad blunder. Highway One O One took the quintet out onto their final circuit, with Dynamite Dollars and Maria’s Benefit close-up, while Kalashnikov again made an error at the ditch. Dynamite Dollars was virtually on terms with the leader as they took six from home. In the fog, Maria’s Benefit unshipped her jockey. Turning for home, Dynamite Dollars went on from an under pressure Dynamite Dollars, as Highway One O One dropped away.

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January 2019

UK RACING NEWS Kalashnikov and Jack Quinlan battled on and were on terms at the second last, but heading to the final fence, Dynamite Dollars and Harry Cobden pulled away. His rival closed on the run-in, but the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase winner, under a penalty here, was not to be denied, landing a sixth victory in the race for Paul Nicholls. Kalashnikov, never seemed to get into a good rhythm in second, while Highway One O One was a remote third, with Hope’s Wish last to finish.

QUEL DESTIN WINS A COMPELLING RACE FOR THE FINALE JUVENILE HURDLE Quel Destin put his English experience to good use in a cracking race for the Grade One Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow. Just five went to post, but this looked a race of quality.

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Quel Destin and Sam Twiston-Davies went into the early lead and passed the post with a circuit to run, with a length lead over Adjali and Arverne, with Tazka fourth and then De Bruyne Horse. Quel Destin extended his advantage to three lengths, as the five headed down the back straight. Into the home straight, Quel Destin and Adjali pulled clear for a fascinating duel. Quel Destin found more and more, as Adjali challenged and on the run-in, there was little to separate the pair. But Quel Destin fought on tenaciously to eke out a narrow victory from Adjali, with Arveren a long way back in third and then Tazka.

ALTIOR SIMPLY MAGNIFICENT IN THE DESERT ORCHID CHASE

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Altior cruised to another faultless victory as he routed his rivals in the Grade Two Unibet Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park. A field of five went to post for this two-mile chase in memory of one of the all-time greats, with the current superstar of National Hunt, Altior, in competition. At the start it was the former Champion Chase winner Special Tiara, who went into the lead, with Speredek second and then the reigning Champion Altior, with Diakali fourth and then Diego Du Charmil. Special Tiara showed plenty of vigour as he stood off the third fence in spectacular fashion, passing the post with a two length lead as they headed out on one full circuit. Special Tiara continued to take them along at a good clip, with Speredek to his outside and then Altior. At the ditch down the back, Special Tiara again put in a magnificent leap. Racing to the seventh last, the front three were clear of Diego Du Charmil, who started to creep closer, as Diakali tailed off. Five out and Altior took closer order, as Special Tiara continued to lead, while Diego Du Charmil moved third. Special Tiara and Noel Fehily moved into the home straight with Altior looming large and Diego Du Charmil stalking them and still travelling well. Three from home and Altior went on, with Special Tiara battling on but looking held.

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January 2019

NEWS UK RACING Diego Du Charmil moved into second, but did not have the gears to go with Altior, who soared over the last with a 15-length lead and cruised to an imperious victory. Diego Du Charmil came home second, ahead of the plucky Special Tiara, with Speredek back in fourth. Nicky Henderson had seen a couple of high profile reversals on Boxing Day, but Altior was simply magnificent here.

ELEGANT ESCAPE WINS THE WELSH GRAND NATIONAL Elegant Escape showed plenty of bottle to land the Grade Three Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow. A field of twenty lined-up for one of the season’s great staying chases. With a real buzz from the grandstand, as the Welsh national anthem was belted out, the race got underway with a charge to the first bend, led by Ramses De Teillee and Vintage Clouds forming a grey line and Vieux Lion Rouge to the inside, while Yala Enki and Elegant Escape were also prominent. Vieux Lion Rouge pulled his way to the front from Vintage Clouds and this pair were three lengths clear as they headed into the back straight and on to the first fence. They all cleared the first, with Vieux Lion Rouge and Vintage Clouds leading, while another grey, Baie Des Iles, making a blunder at the second. The front pair took the fourth a length ahead of Yala Enki, with a gap to Ramses De Teillee in fourth and then Elegant Escape and Vyta Du Roc. Vieux Lion Rouge continued to set the tempo as the field turned into the home straight on the first circuit, with Yala Enki, racing wide, moving second, ahead of Vintage Clouds and Elegant Escape. Regal Flow made an error at the ditch in the home straight, but all twenty were still standing, as they took the eleventh, with a circuit ahead of them. Heading out, Vieux Lion Rouge and Yala Enki had moved six lengths ahead of Vintage Clouds and Elegant Escape, with Ballyoptic in fifth and then Regal Flow and Final Nudge, followed by Ramses

De Teillee and Vyta Du Roc. The front pair took the thirteenth matching strides and still clear, but Vintage Clouds closed at the next. With seven to jump, Vieux Lion Rouge and Yala Enki still led, but Vintage Clouds made a bad mistake. With the jumping completed down the back straight, Yala Enki pressed on with Vieux Lion Rouge and this two again went clear of Elegant Escape and Regal Flow, with Ramses De Teillee next. Yala Enki turned into the home straight with a three length lead but Elegant Escape and Ramses De Teillee were closing. Four out, Ramses De Teillee stumbled on landing and Elegant Escape moved between horses and landed in front at the third last. Two out and Ramses De Teillee was back in contention, but at the last, Elegant Escape touched down in front. The gallant grey fought back on the flat, but Tom O’Brien and Elegant Escape kept on gallantly to land the spoils. Ramsees De Teillee ran a super race in second and connections will wonder what might have been, but for that error in the homes straight. Yala Enki was a game third and then came the mare Ron’s Dream in fourth, ahead of last year’s winner Raz De Maree. Winning trainer Colin Tizzard, had won the Welsh National two years ago with Native River.

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January 2019

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NEWS UK RACING

CHAMP STILL UNBEATEN AFTER CHALLOW HURDLE VICTORY Champ had to show a turn of foot after a falselyrun Grade One Betway Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury.

was flanked by Getaway Trump and Champ. They touched down together and Champ had the best turn of foot under Barry Geraghty, pulling three lengths clear of Getaway Trump, with Kateson third and Bewin’Upastorm staying on for fourth. The Nicky Henderson trained Champ, is now four wins from as many starts.

LOSTINTRANSLATION LANDS THE DIPPER

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An intriguing field of seven took part in this 2-mile, 4 ½ furlong race, with all horses having won last time out. The final Grade One of 2018 got underway with the grey Kateson in front, but all seven horses walking in an utterly ridiculous scenario. Coolanly and Paddy Brennan finally decided to go on and moved into a four length lead from Kateson, with Alsa Mix third and then Getaway Trump. Galloping down the home straight, Coolanly continued to lead at the third, but the pace was not strong, as they set off on their final circuit. Coolanly entered the back straight with a length lead and four lengths covered the whole field at the fourth flight. At the next, Alsa Mix, racing wide, jumped up into second, ahead of Kateson. With Champ moving fourth. The leader continued to dictate as they left the back straight and raced towards the third last. Coolanly turned for home with a length lead over Alsa Mix and Kateson, with Champ to the inside and Getaway Trump poised to challenge. The tempo picked up and Coolanly headed to the second last with Kateson for company and Getaway Trump travelling well to the stands side. Racing to the last, Coolanly faded and Kateson

Lostintranslation, trained by Colin Tizzard and ridden by Robbie Power, rallied to deny Defi Du Seuil (Philip Hobbs/Barry Geraghty), in the closing stages by one and a quarter lengths. Seven-year-old Lostintranslation led until two out when 2017 JCB Triumph Hurdle winner Defi Du Seuil went to the front and looked all over the winner before the picture changed again halfway up the run-in. Tizzard reported: “I was a worried when we were headed as we all know what Defi Du Seuil has done before, but Lostintranslation definitely looks like a stayer now.

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“He is a beautiful, big old-fashioned chaser and I am sure we will be going up in distance with him now. “I was amazed when he got beat at Newbury. He did everything right and then got beat by La Bague Au Roi. The next time out he made a hell of a mistake, but was good and accurate today. He had to get in tight and was good. He has learnt and improved. “The RSA is a long way off although we are in the New Year now. To come back and stay on again today shows Lostintranslation is a stayer.

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January 2019

UK RACING NEWS “This horse could be our next good one. We have been blessed in the last few years with Cue Card, Thistlecrack and Native River. This one is right in the groove already - he is not there yet, but he is as good as they were at this stage.” Robbie Power, who is based in Ireland, commented: “Lostintranslation is just a very, very good horse. It was not ideal having to make the running, but he jumped super. I would have loved something to take me a long a bit quicker as he is a bit idle in front. “Barry (Geraghty on Defi Du Seuil) was a bit quicker than me at the second last, but I knew going to the last if I got a good jump, I would get back at him. It was a good performance in a good race - all four of the very good runners could have won. He is still learning and a big baby - he has not had that much racing. “Today was his ideal trip and, if there had been something there towing him along at a better gallop, it would have suited him better. He would have a chance in the JLT as it is over the same course and distance, while there is also the RSA to consider too. I think he is best on good ground. “I came here today thinking he was the one to beat. I was a bit gutted when La Bague Au Roi beat us first time at Newbury, but in hindsight I shouldn’t have been - she is a very good mare and we had to give her seven pounds, so she was a tough nut to crack.”

ASO DEFIES TOP WEIGHT AT CHELTENHAM Top-weight Aso, carrying 11st 12lb, took over the lead from the front-running Foxtail Hill at the eighth fence in the Grade Three Download the BetBright App Handicap Chase. Aso never really looked in danger after that, though the runner-up Happy Diva (Kerry Lee/ Richard Patrick) made some ground in the closing stages to be beaten two lengths. Trainer Venetia Williams, who trains in Herefordshire, summed up the victory: “It was a superb performance by Aso. They went a really good gallop to begin with. “What we learned from his run at Newbury is that he is as happy out in front as he is in behind.

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“In fact today he actually grabbed hold of the bridle a bit more when he got to the front down the back straight. “I would say we could look at going for the Ryanair again. I talked with the owners about possible races for him and quite a bit of the conversation had to be shelved until after today. “There are other races and in a week or two we will be making entries for back here in March.” Charlie Deutsch, enjoying his fourth victory in his last six rides, added: “Aso was very impressive today. I just thought I would let him stride on down the back straight. “He wasn’t really taking me from the start, but down the back straight he really grabbed hold of the bridle. His jumping was very good - spot on. “Just coming to the line, he was having a look around at the crowd. He was always likes to have a look around, but has luckily held on. “I always thought a lot of this horse - I have a soft spot for him. It doesn’t get better than this. “I love this horse to bits and Venetia is an amazing trainer. The horses are in good form and it is just brilliant.”

MIDNIGHT SHADOW ON TOP IN THE RELKEEL HURDLE Northern challenger Midnight Shadow, trained by Sue Smith in Yorkshire and ridden by Danny Cook, caused a slight surprise when winning this hurdle from Wholestone (Nigel Twiston-Davies/Daryl Jacob), who was attempting to capture the race for the second year running. The winning margin was two and a quarter lengths, with Red Guard (Paul Nicholls/Bryony Frost) another half-length back in third.

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NEWS UK RACING “Next season I think there will be lots of races for him when he goes chasing. This season, we will pick our races. It was a good performance today and he has so many gears. “Maybe now he has won at Cheltenham, he will have an entry for the Stayers’ Hurdle.” Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Wholestone disputed the running with Clyne (Evan Williams/Adam Wedge) for much of race and then Old Guard harried him, before Midnight Shadow challenged at the last and went away. Smith explained: “Midnight Shadow is a great jumper and has improved all the whole time we have had him, from his bumpers, novice hurdles and handicaps. He is still improving. “He has got a big engine. He is a little bit bullheaded at home and we don’t have a horse in the yard that can work with him. He has had to do a lot of things a little bit on his own, but he has come here and won. He is tough and brave. “I don’t know where he would go later in the season. He belongs to Cyril and Aafke Clarke. Cyril always wanted to go for the Champion Hurdle, but I don’t think the Champion Hurdle is on the agenda because of the trip. They are away in Spain and we will discuss what to do with him when they return. “We are going to have to sit down because obviously with his rating we have to sift through and see where we can go next.” Cook declared: “Luckily, I had enough horse to push my way up there (on the inside). He was travelling well everywhere and I was just getting there a bit soon jumping two out. I took him back and rode him with loads of confidence. “Turning in, I just made sure I had my position going to the last. After the last, I opened him up and he really picked up well. “He won the Scottish Champion Hurdle last year as a four-year-old. We always thought a lot of him and it is good for him to prove us all right. “He is a fair horse now and is still only a baby. We have schooled him over fences and he jumped beautifully. He is a horse to look forward to for the future.

ELIXIR DE NUTZ MAKES ALL IN THE TOLWORTH Elixir De Nutz continued his progression with Grade One victory in the Unibet Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown Park. Just five went to post for the first top level race of 2019 in the UK. At the start it was the dual Cheltenham winner Elixir De Nutz who went on from Southfield Stone and Rathhill. Passing the post, with a circuit to race, Elixir De Nutz led Southfield Stone by a couple of lengths, with Rathhill third and then Grand Sancy, who matched strides with Mercy Mercy Me. There was little change in the order, but as they took the third last, the leader continued to travel well, while Barry Geraghty had started to niggle on Rathhill. Heading to the home turn and the second last, Elixir De Nutz still led, with Rathhill flat to the boards and Grand Sancy ranging up. The leader took two out with the two Paul Nicholls runners challenging and Grand Sancy moving past Southfield Stone. At the last, Elixir De Nutz landed in front, but was challenged all the way up the hill by Grand Sancy, who would not go away.

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January 2019

UK RACING NEWS But the Colin Tizzard runner responded well to all of Tom O’Brien’s urgings and held off Grand Sancy, with a gap back to Southfield Stone and the disappointing Rathhill. Elixir De Nutz, a five year-old, had won twice at Cheltenham in the autumn, including at Grade Two level.

OK CORRAL IMPRESSES AT WARWICK OK Corral underlined his chasing credentials with a super performance to run out an impressive winner of the Listed Hampton Novices’ Chase at Warwick. Four went to post for this three-mile race. Grade Two winner Rocky’s Treasure, took the field along from the almost white White Moon, with Secret Investor and OK Corral matching strides behind these. There was little change in the order, as Rocky’s Treasure and David Bass took the quartet into the home straight with a circuit to race, with OK Corral travelling powerfully and pulling his way into second, as they passed the winning post. Racing downhill, Rocky’s Treasure continued to lead, with White Moon moving back into second, as Derek O’Connor took a pull on OK Corral, with Secret Investor still very much in touch. The leader continued to travel well and entered the back straight with a length advantage over White Moon, with Secret Investor, racing wide, moving closer and OK Corral to the inside. With four to jump, Rocky’s Treasure made an error and Secret Investor went on, with OK Corral moving menacingly in behind, as White Moon dropped back. Secret Investor turned for home in front of OK Corral, who ranged alongside at the second last. OK Corral pressed on at the last and lengthened well on the flat to win by about six lengths from Secret Investor, with Rocky’s Treasure a well held third and then White Moon. The Nicky Henderson trained nine year-old, OK Corral, travelled well throughout here and whilst labelled fragile by his trainer, looks set to contest the four-miler at the Cheltenham Festival.

BEAKSTOWN DOMINATES AT WARWICK Beakstown settled matters early in the home straight as he was a decisive winner of the Grade Two Ballymore Leamington Novices’ Hurdle at Warwick. Six took part in this race over two-miles and five furlongs. Rockpoint, with his ears pricked, took the field along from Beakstown through the early stages. The front two set out on the final circuit, with Stoney Mountain to the inside and then tidal Flow, Champagne Court and Finawn Bawn. Rockpoint continued to bowl along from Beakstown, as the field raced over the crest of the hill and travelled downwards. Tidal Flow hit a flat spot and Richard Johnson was at work to keep his partner in touch. With four to jump, Rockpoint still led narrowly from Beakstown and the two touched down together at the third last. Beakstown pressed on from Rockpoint and moved two lengths clear turning for home, stretching further clear into the home straight. Two out and the leader was four lengths ahead of Stoney Mountain who was giving chase. The leader was untidy at the last, but Beakstown and Harry Skelton were comfortably clear and won well for his brother Dan. Stoney Mountain kept on gamely for second, with Finawn Dawn third and then Rockpoint.

IMPULSIVE STAR BREAKS HIS CHASING DUCK IN THE CLASSIC CHASE Impulsive Star was a gutsy winner of the Grade Three McCoy Contractors Civil Engineering Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick. Twelve horses lined-up for this stamina-sapping race over three miles and five furlongs. Cogry was well into his stride and took the first to the inside, with last year’s winner Milansbar, racing wide, in second and then Step Back.

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NEWS UK RACING Passing to post with two circuits in front of them, Cogry and Milansbar matched strides, although they were separated by half the width of the fences. Step Back ran third and then there was a gap back to Ultragold and Impulsive Star, with Un Temps Pour Tout next. Milansbar moved into a narrow lead, as the field headed down the back straight, with Cogry to his inner and then Step Back, with the rest of the field getting closer. The novice, Ibis Du Rheu, raced at the back of the field. Milansbar continued to show plenty of vigour, with Step Back moving into second and then Cogry, as they raced back into the home straight. With a circuit left, Milansbar and Gina Andrews were in front of Step Back, with the field closing. The veteran headed into the back straight on the final circuit, with Step Back for company and then Impulsive Star and Ultragold, as Cogry quickly back-pedalled and Ibis Du Rheu began to make progress out wide. Step Back headed Milansbar with seven to jump and Impulsive Star began to look dangerous, along with Carole’s Destrier. Impulsive Star moved into the lead six out, but was joined by Step Back at the next, with Crosspark closing and then Carole’s Destrier, Ultragold and Calett Mad and these moved clear. Turning for home, Impulsive Star led with Crosspark and Calett Mad for company. Calett Mad and James Bowen set sail for home and led from Crosspark and Impulsive Star and the second last. But the race was not put to bed as Impulsive Star and Crosspark began to rally. Calett Madd took the last with Impulsive Star fighting back on the inside and the 12 pounds weight difference began to tell, with amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, fasting to make 9 stone 12 pounds. Impulsive Star and Waley-Cohen got back up on the flat to beat Calett Mad by a couple of lengths, with Crosspark third and then Carole’s Destrier. The Neil Mulholland trained nine year-old, was winning over fences for the first time under Rules.

TOP NOTCH MAKES A WINNING RETURN TO CHASING Top Notch ran out a convincing winner of the Listed 32Red Casino Chase at Kempton Park. A quality field of five went to post for this contest at a distance just over 2 ½ miles. As the quintet were sent on their way, it was Speredek who disputed the lead with Charbel, with the former going on at the second. Speredek set a generous pace and moved a couple of lengths clear of Charbel, with Black Corton third and then Top Notch and Hammersly Lake. The leader turned in the home straight for the first time, with an extended five-length advantage over Charbel, with the other three ridden patiently behind. Speredek passed the winning post with an eightlength lead as he set off down the back straight. With eight to jump, the lead was halved, but Speredek still travelled well, while at the other end, Hammersly Lake was starting to lose touch. Racing to the seventh from home, Charbel had got within two lengths, with Top Notch moving past Black Corton, who was struggling with the pace and under pressure. But five out, Speredek still led, with Charbel looming large and Top Notch tucked in behind these. But at the fourth last, Speredek took a crashing fall, which left Charbel being tracked by Top Notch. Turning for home, Charbel was a length up on Top Notch, who threatened, while Black Corton was staying on again. Top Notch inched into the lead two out and moved two lengths clear of Charbel. A good jumped at the last sealed the victory and Top Notch won by about four lengths, with Black Corton staying on past Charbel for second and Hammersly Lake completing in fourth. The Nicky Henderson trained Top Notch, a Grade Two winner at his best, had run with great promise over hurdles before Christmas.

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UK RACING NEWS

MAGIC OF LIGHT IMPRESSES AT ASCOT

gallant Petticoat Tails. The Jessica Harrington trained Magic Of Light has made her mark over fences, but has plenty of exciting options going forwards.

BIG TIME DANCER WALTZES TO LANZAROTE GLORY FOR JENNY CANDLISH

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Irish raider Magic Of Light ran out a comprehensive winner of the Grade Two OLBG.com Mares’ Hurdle at Ascot. A field of six lined-up for this race over just shy of three miles. Petticoat Tails took the field along, tracked by the Irish mare Magic Of Light. Turning into the home straight for the first time, Petticoat Tails had built up a four-length advantage over Magic Of Light, with Shimmer’s Rock to the inside of If You Say Run. With a circuit to race, that was the order, with Petticoat Tails clear of Magic Of Light. Racing down the back, Petticoat Tails made an error at the last flight before Swinley Bottom and her lead was reduced to a length. The field ranged alongside Petticoat Tails at the third last, but she battled her way back in front under a strong drive, as they turned for home. But Magic Of Light moved menacingly easily as they raced to the second last, going on, but now under a drive from Robbie Power. Jester Jet gave chase, but at the last, Magic Of Light was two lengths clear and she found plenty on the level to win by four lengths from Jester Jet, with If You Say Run just getting up for third from the

Jenny Candlish enjoyed big race success as Big Time Dancer lived up to his name and waltzed to victory in the Listed Unibet Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton Park. Fourteen contested this Two-mile, 5 furlongs race in memory of the former Champion Hurdle winner. Cotswold Way reached the first flight in front, where Kloud Gate made a bad error. Settling down, Cotswold Way had a share of the lead with And The New, with Doux Pretender tucked in behind these and then Solomon Grey, as the field headed down the home straight for the first time. With a circuit to run, And The New narrowly led Cotswold Way, Canyon City and Solomon Grey, with the field bunched, as they set off away from the stands, with Darling Maltaix in last place. And The New held a narrow lead, with the grey Solomon Grey moving up, while Kloud Gate had been relegated to last place. Four out, And The New led with Cotswold Way getting closer again and then Solomon Grey, but three from home, there was a very wide open look to this race. Cotswold Way joined And The New and Solomon Grey was poised, as they turned for home, with Star Of Lanka next and then Big Time Dancer, who travelled well, while Kloud Gate had worked his way into contention on the inside. Two out, Solomon Grey perhaps touched down in front, but Big Time Dancer quickly went on, with Lord Napier. Big Time Dancer took the last in front and Jonjo O’Neill Jr just had to push him out to hold off Solomon Grey, with Lord Napier keeping on for third, ahead of Star Of Lanka.

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NEWS UK RACING

BALLYMOY KEEPS FINE FORM GOING The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Ballymoy made it six wins from his last seven starts, with victory in the Grade Three Matchbook Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle at Ascot. Ten horses contested this two-mile, threefurlong race. The race got underway with Kelpies Myth and Boite taking the field along from Colonial Dreams and New New Quay. Boite asserted and Kelpies Myth made an error at the second, while Colonial Dreams raced in third. With a circuit to run, Boite led from Kelpies Myth and Ballymoy, with Colonial Dreams to the inside and then New Quay, Better Getalong and Seddon. Heading down the back straight, Lorcan Williams and Djingle made a move from last to first, moving two lengths clear of Boite and Ballymoy, after a relatively sedate early pace. Three out and Djingle’s run came to an end and Ballymoy went on from Colonial Dreams and Seddon, with Boite under pressure to keep in touch. Turning for home, Ballymoy and Tom Bellamy led from Colonial Dreams and Seddon and the leader pressed on two from home. Heading to the last, Ballymoy was pressed by Colonial Dreams, the leader jumped well and with the stands rail to help, kept on well to score by about 1 ½ lengths from Colonial Dreams, with Seddon third and then Thosedaysaregone.

ALTIOR DOMINATES IN THE CLARENCE HOUSE CHASE Altior made every yard of the running and despite jumping out to his left, ran out an easy winner of the Grade One Matchbook Clarence House Chase. A bitterly disappointing field of three lined-up for this two-mile contest. In light of the expected bad weather, it would feel stupid for any trainers of top two-milers to complain about lack of preparation races for Cheltenham, having turned away this opportunity.

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Altior the reigning champion, set off in front, while Fox Norton raced freely in second and Diego Du Charmil raced third. Altior continued to bounce along in front, as the trio headed down the home straight for the first time, with Fox Norton still racing keenly. Racing down the back, Altior continued to lead, but was jumping a little to his left and was not as fluent as often. Seven out though, he was clear of Fox Norton and Diego Du Charmil and Nico de Boinville asked the leader to move on thereafter, opening up a wide margin leader. Altior took the fifth last a long way clear, despite still jumping to his left and with his rivals miles back. He took the third last and turned for home with Fox Norton second and then Diego Du Charmil. Altior raced down the home straight and again jumped out to his left at the second last, with Fox Norton trying to close. Altior jumped the last big, but again out to his left, but sauntered home an easy winner from Fox Norton, with Diego Du Charmil third. Nicky Henderson’s superstar was making it seventeen straight victories and he remains unbeaten over fences.

GRADE TWO SUCCESS FOR THE MARE CASTAFIORE Castafiore proved stubborn as she saw off Jerrysback for a fine victory in the Grade Two Patrick Coyne Memorial Novices’ Chase at Haydock Park. Five horses took part in this race over 2 ½ miles. As the quintet set off, Le Breuil led at the first fence, with Castafiore to the outside, a close second, followed by Crucial Role.

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UK RACING NEWS There was little change in the order as the field raced down the back straight, with Le Breuil still in front of Castafiore, while Slate House made an error and raced last of the five, albeit in touch. Castafiore joined Le Breuil at the fifth from home, with Crucial Role to the inside and then Jerrysback, with Slate House beginning to struggle. Into the home straight, Le Breuil was under pressure, as Castafiore jumped to the lead with Crucial Role challenging and Jerrysback closing between horses. Jerrysback joined the mare two out, but Castafiore fought on as they took the last. Castafiore landed in front and she drew away on the flat, under Paul O’Brien, for a decisive victory over Jerrysback, with Le Breuil and Crucial Role fighting it out for third. The Charlie Longsdon-trained Castafiore was making it back to back victories.

Turning for home, Bright Forecast tried to shake off his rivals, but Mister Fisher was still in touch and went on with two to jump. Mister Fisher took the last in front but was not fully fluent and Bright Forecast battled on well, although not able to catch the Nicky Henderson runner. At the line, Mister Fisher and James Bowen were a good couple of lengths clear of Bright Forecast, who kept on well, with Muratello staying on for third.

GLOBAL CITIZEN ON TOP IN CHAMPION HURDLE TRIAL

MISTER FISHER WORKS FOR GRADE TWO WIN

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Mister Fisher continued his progression but had to work hard for his win in the Grade Two Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock Park. This intriguing contest over two-miles, attracted six runners. Bright Forecast took the field along and travelled well, but passing the post and heading out on their final circuit, he all but ran out on the bend and David Bass did well to keep him in the race. With equilibrium regained, Bright Forecast took them along the back straight from Mister Fisher and Esprit Du Large.

Global Citizen bounced back to form with victory in the Grade Two The New One Unibet Hurdle (Champion Hurdle Trial) at Haydock Park. Five went to post for this two-mile contest, with the recently-retired The New One, remembered for his unbeaten record at the track, parading beforehand. As the flag fell it was Mohaayed who led from Western Ryder and Global Citizen, with Pingshou to the inside and Silver Streak settled in last, but the field were bunched. Global Citizen pulled his way to the front, as they headed out with a circuit to race. Leaving the back straight, Global Citizen still led, with Pingshou under pressure and Mohaayed beginning to feel the heat. Global Citizen turned for home with Silver Streak challenging at the third last, but the latter made a dreadful blunder and dropped behind Western Ryder, this trio well clear.

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NEWS UK RACING Global Citizen headed to the last three lengths clear under David Bass and jumped it well. Bass kept his partner up to his work and whilst the grey Silver Streak tried to close again, it was never enough. Western Ryder took third, with Mohaayed fourth. The Ben Pauling trained seven year-old, had disappointed in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on his previous start.

WAKANDA LANDS A FOURTH PETER MARSH CHASE FOR SUE SMITH Ten year-old Wakanda rolled back the year with a battling victory to give Sue Smith a fourth success in the Grade Two Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock Park. Eleven ran in this race over just short of 3 ¼ miles. Ballydine, Captain Redbeard and Red Infantry were up with the early pace, with Wakanda and Otago Trail also prominent. Red Infantry gained the overall advantage, as the field headed out on their first full circuit. Down the back straight, Daklondike and Robinsfirth collided in the air and the former unseated Tom Scudamore. As the field headed back into the home straight, Red Infantry continued to lead from Ballydine and Captain Redbeard, with Otago Trail to the stand side. With a circuit to race, the leading nine were all bunched, with One For Arthur about three lengths behind, having jumped deliberately. Up front, Red Infantry had the call narrowly from Otago Trail and Captain Redbeard. Chase The Spud became detached and was pulled up, as the leaders reached the penultimate fence down the back straight. Red Infantry and Ballydine shared the lead as they turned for home, with Captain Redbeard close up and then Wakanda and Ballyarthur. Four out and Red Infantry led narrowly in a wide open race, while Grand National winner One For Arthur blundered and unseated his rider. Two from home and Captain Redbeard and Ballyarthur came to challenge with Wakanda poised

to deliver his challenge. Ballyarthur went on, with Wakanda challenging at the last, while Robinsfirth and Red Infantry were still in the mix. But Wakanda and Danny Cook took control at the final fence and under a strong drive, the Sue Smith trained ten year-old would not be denied, winning buy about two lengths from Robinsfirth, with Ballydine getting back up for third, ahead of Ballyarthur.

SIZING TENNESSEE TO MISS THE REST OF THE SEASON Sizing Tennessee, who won the Ladbrokes Trophy from subsequent Welsh Grand National winner Elegant Escape, will not race again this season.

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Trainer Colin Tizzard has confirmed that the eleven year-old is suffering from sore legs and will be given time off to recover from his Newbury exertions. Tizzard was quoted by The Sun as saying: “He is sore and won’t run again this year. It happened almost straight away after Newbury. “We gave him a few easy weeks, but it is still there and you can’t ignore it. “He got jarred up a little bit after Ayr last season, but he recovered quickly and was fine. He’s had two races and is sore again. “It is a shame, but he has done his job this season. “When he came to us he had already had leg trouble, but that is what you have got to deal with.”

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UK RACING NEWS

RICHARD JOHNSON AWARDED AN OBE Three-time Champion Jockey Richard Johnson, received an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List. Johnson, now 41, has ridden over 3,500 winners and had one of the highlights of his career in 2018, when riding Native River to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. It’s a massive honour to receive something like this and it’s also a bit of a shock,” he said. “It’s amazing to get talked about in the same breath as a lot of these people and it was certainly a nice surprise when I got home and saw the letter. Racing has been my whole life and I think it’s for duration more than anything else.” “I’ve been very fortunate to have a fantastic career and I’m lucky to be honoured for something I love doing. “It’s very special to be recognised by the Queen on a national level and it’s something I’m very proud of.”

THREE-TIME CHAMPION HURDLE RUNNER-UP MY TENT OR YOURS IS RETIRED Nicky Henderson has confirmed the retirement of his three-time Champion Hurdle runner-up My Tent Or Yours. The veteran eleven year-old, came to prominence at a sad time for the yard and his owner JP McManus. The death of Champion Hurdle hope Darlan, was followed just a few days later by the emergence of My Tent Or Yours, as he landed the 2013 Betfair Hurdle as a novice. Talk of a Champion Hurdle bid was quashed when he contested the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, finishing second to Champagne Fever, but beating future Champion Jezki. Jezki’s moment of glory came in 2014 at Cheltenham, when he and My Tent Or Yours fought

out a gripping finish to the Champion Hurdle, with the Irish horse prevailing by a neck. After disappointing in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, in April 2014, My Tent Or Yours was sidelined by injury for nearly two years. His return was simply sensational, as he ran 4 ½ lengths second to Annie Power in the 2016 Champion Hurdle. My Tent Or Yours was similarly well beaten by Annie Power at Aintree. In December 2016, he was involved in a fabulous scrap with old rival The New One, in the Grade Two Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham, but his 3 ½ lengths defeat was followed by a comprehensive defeat by Yanworth in the Christmas Hurdle and he seemed to be on the decline. However, My Tent Or Yours bounced back to his best with a brilliant run to finish 4 ½ lengths second to his stable mate and the new star of the hurdling division, Buveur D’Air, in the 2017 Champion Hurdle. Further placed efforts in the Grade One Aintree Hurdle (behind Buveur D’Air) and Punchestown Champion Hurdle (beaten by Wicklow Brave) followed. Then in December 2017, My Tent Or Yours put in one final glorious run, beating The New One and Melon by 1 ¼ lengths in the Grade Two Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham. His final start came in the Grade One Aintree Hurdle in April 2018, when he finished 13 ½ lengths fourth to L’Ami Serge. He was being prepared for a defence of the Bula Hurdle next Saturday, but Henderson confirmed this will not happen. Writing on his Unibet blog, the trainer said: IT IS with great sadness that I have to announce we have decided to retire dear old My Tent Or Yours. He has been a really special friend to all of

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January 2019

NEWS UK RACING us here at Seven Barrows, and Corky absolutely adored him but his old joints were starting to get a little bit rickety and when he’s galloped around for so many years like he has, the wear and tear starts to show so he deserves an honourable retirement. Luckily nobody retires horses better than JP and he can now join all his old friends like Binocular and the rest of the pensioners at Martinstown where he will be looked after like nothing else on earth – of which he deserves every bit of it. I think we brought him for about £12,000 at Doncaster Sales and the journey has been fun the whole way through, although AP McCoy may disagree because he used to pull his arms out in his races! People have said he is the best horse never to have won a Unibet Champion Hurdle and I think they’re right – he was second in three and second in a Supreme which must be a record itself to finish placed in four Grade Ones at consecutive Cheltenham Festivals. As well as that he won a G1 Christmas Hurdle and a G1 Fighting Fifth but he really had his day in the sun when winning the Unibet International Hurdle last December. That was a fantastic performance and the appreciation he received from the crowd was quite remarkable and it was a day I’ll never forget. If he’d had brakes he’d have been a fantastic chaser but you just couldn’t do it with him because he was so strong but he was a smashing fellow and was with us for seven years. Everybody loved him it now is the time to draw stumps. He had a good innings, retires in one piece, and I have no doubt he’ll enjoy a long a happy future at Martinstown. Thanks for all the great times, Tent, you’ll be sadly missed.

THE NEW ONE IS RETIRED

Sam Twiston-Davies pulled up The New One before the final flight, in a race he had won on three previous occasions, emulating Bird’s Nest in that accomplishment. Having won his first two bumpers, The New One ran sixth to Champagne Fever, in the 2012 Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. A month later, he won the first of nine Grade Two victories, when beating My Tent Or Yours by 1 ¼ lengths at Aintree. The pair would renew rivalry on countless occasions over the next six years. The New One landed his first three novice hurdles, including another two Grade Twos, before finding future Cheltenham Festival winner At Fishers Cross a neck too good, on Trials Day, in January 2013. The pair took different options at the Cheltenham Festival and The New One produced a heartwarming performance on a bitterly cold afternoon, to land the Grade One Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle by four lengths from future Grand National winner Rule The World. Zarkandar got the better of the novice hurdler by just ½ a length, in the following month’s Grade One Aintree Hurdle. The New One continued his progression in 2013/14, beating former Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby, by 10 lengths, on his return, in a Listed hurdle at Kempton Park. In December 2013, he gained his revenge on Zarkandar, with a six lengths victory in the Grade Two Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham. However, My Tent Or Yours avenged his Aintree defeat in a compelling Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park, as The New One was not quite fluent at the last. Bad fortune befell The New One in the Champion Hurdle, but nowhere near as ill as the fate of poor Our Conor.

Cheltenham will not seem the same in December, as The New One joined his old rival My Tent Or Yours in retirement, after his run in the Bula Hurdle, this afternoon. The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained ten year-old, had shown his old verve to halfway, but as the field raced downhill for the last time, the old legs were not able to match those of his youthful rivals.

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January 2019

UK RACING NEWS Settled in behind the front runner, The New One was badly hampered by Our Conor’s fatal fall, before making up ground and finishing like a train, to come home 2 ¾ lengths third of nine to Jezki and My Tent Or Yours. Many people felt that The New One was the moral victor. Grade One glory followed in the 2014 Aintree Hurdle, where The New One once again beat Rock On Ruby, albeit by a head on this occasion. There was talk of The New One going chasing but Nigel Twiston-Davies felt the horse deserved another crack at the Champion Hurdle, after what had happened in March 2014. The season started brilliantly, with four consecutive wins, including a 4 ½ length defeat of Vaniteaux and a second Bula Hurdle. Along the way, there were concerns that The New One did not always jump straight, but Twiston-Davies retained full faith in his by now, hugely popular charge. But he was no match for an imperious Faugheen, in the Champion Hurdle, finishing 8 ¾ lengths fifth of eight. After winning at Kempton Park on his return in October 2015, The New One again had no answer to Faugheen, in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day. Victory over Rayvin Black followed at Haydock Park and when it came to Champion Hurdle afternoon, in March 2016, there was no Faugheen in the line-up. However, the assignment got no easier, as supersub Annie Power, landed a remarkable Champion Hurdle, with The New One again beaten 8 ¾ lengths, back in an honourable fourth. As Annie Power confirmed her champion status at Aintree, The New One took an uncharacteristic fall, but was thankfully OK. The New One returned to action in the Bula Hurdle in December – and fought ought a thrilling finish with old rival My Tent Or Yours, gaining victory by 3 ½ lengths. But by this stage, both horses were reaching the veteran stage and The New One had no answer to Yanworth in the 2016 Christmas Hurdle, finishing 3 ¼ lengths second of five. He beat Clyne, to collect another Grade Two at Haydock Park and then ran 10 ½ lengths fifth of 11

to the hurdling’s new superstar, Buveur D’Air, in the 2017 Champion Hurdle. In a busy spring, The New One performed admirably, but perhaps with not quite the same speed, at Aintree and Sandown. In October 2017, The New One landed the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las, beating Clyne once again. That race was in handicap company and he continued at that level, performing well off a big weight to finish 5 ¾ lengths fourth of 13 to Elgin, in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, at Cheltenham. December saw The New One return to Prestbury Park for one more memorable encounter with My Tent Or Yours and the exciting Melon. With the young pretender seen off, the two old rivals set off up the Cheltenham Hill for all money, looking like two old gun slingers. This time it was My Tent’s day, as he beat The New One by 1 ¼ lengths in a soul-rousing race. In the Christmas Hurdle, The New One gave Buveur D’Air a race for a long way, before the champion eased to a 2 ¼ lengths victory. The New One gained his final Grade Two success at Haydock Park in January 2018, beating Ch’Tibello by ½ a length. Without the speed of old, it was decided that The New One would step up in trip and contest the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. But he failed to sparkle and trailed-in twelfth behind Penhill. It was a similar story at Aintree, where he was pulled up. The New One returned at Ffos Las in October, but in defence of his Welsh Champion Hurdle crown, put in a lacklustre effort behind Silver Streak. Without the old verve, connections suggested that a similar performance in the Bula Hurdle would bring the old warrior’s retirement. Under Sam Twiston-Davies, who was riding The New One for the 35th time in his 40 career starts, the veteran set off in front, but racing downhill he simply could not go the pace of his younger rivals and was looked after and pulled up. Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said: “It’s a very sad day. He just hasn’t got the legs at the end anymore. He was a great help in getting Sam going and has been the most wonderful horse. He’s part of the family.”

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NEWS UK RACING The New One was a six-time winner at Cheltenham and competed at seven consecutive Cheltenham Festivals. He also ran five times at Haydock Park, where he was never beaten and landed four Grade Two contests. In all, The New One ran in 40 races, winning 20 times and earning over £1 million in prize money.

SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT IS RETIRED The popular ten year-old Seeyouatmidnight, has been retired, following an injury. The Sandy Thomson trained gelding was a smart hurdler, landing the 2014 Grade Two Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock Park. The following season, injury kept him off the track for a long time and he was having just his second start of the campaign, when running seventh to Cole Harden, in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham. The son of Midnight Legend proved a very useful novice chaser, landing the 2016 Grade Two Dipper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, in which he beat subsequent RSA Chase winner Blaklion. He disappointed when seventh to Blaklion in the RSA Chase, but in April 2016, ran a belter in the Scottish Grand National, when 3-lengths third of 28 to Vicente. The following autumn, Seeyouatmidnight won the Listed Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase at Carlisle, beating his sole rival by twelve lengths – none other than Bristol De Mai. But a tilt at the big time in the Grade One Betfair Chase, proved a step too far and Seeyouatmidnight was pulled up, as Cue Card landed his third victory in the Haydock Park showpiece. Injury again intervened with Seeyouatmidnight and in the autumn of 2017, he underwent a wind operation.

After a warm-up race at Newbury, in March 2018, Seeyouatmidnight had a crack at the 2018 Grand National, jumping round to finish eleventh to Tiger Roll. It proved to be his last race, with a recent MRI scan identifying a career-ending suspensory ligament injury. Thomson said: “He has been absolute star for us. He has given us so many great days and so many thrills. “It’s such a shame he has been so fragile. We will never see how good he could have been. We examined him thoroughly, had an MRI scan sent to America and we were told the horse is very unlikely to stand training to get him back to the level you would want to. “He is the horse that put us on the map. We have nice horses in the yard today because of him and what he did. He will always be very, very special to us.”

BHA PUBLISHES REVIEW OF THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL The 67-page report includes 17 recommendations which have the objective of reducing the risk of injuries occurring during the Festival and at other Cheltenham fixtures, and across Jump racing as a whole. The Review’s 17 recommendations can be viewed here. The central areas of focus for the review fell across six broad categories: the courses; the obstacles; participant factors; starts, safety factors and race tempo; programming and race conditions; and veterinary histories and protective measures. The detailed analysis covered all races run at the Festival from 2007 to 2018, including 5,451 runners and 308 fallers. The evidence found that no single factor was definitively responsible for the equine fatalities at the 2018 Festival, and that non-track factors – such as veterinary, participant, and race condition factors – could potentially be of equal, or potentially greater, significance than track-related factors. The recommendations have been designed to reflect this. Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer for the BHA, said: “The publication of this report represents the outcome of a substantial and significant project. The scale of research and evaluation carried out has allowed us to form a greater understanding of the

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UK RACING NEWS variable factors that contribute to risk at the Festival, and to put in place tangible recommendations which we expect, collectively, to make racing at the Cheltenham Festival safer. “Our thanks go to all involved, especially Cheltenham Racecourse and The Jockey Club who have always fully supported the need for a review and have actively engaged in the process. “The publishing of this report does not by any means represent the end of our commitment to enhancing welfare standards, at Cheltenham racecourse and across all British racecourses. “The report itself has found that non-track factors are likely to be contributing to risk at Cheltenham, and the same may be true across all of Jump racing. For this reason this project has become a springboard for wider research to better identify risk factors in Jump racing, above and beyond the continuous programme of innovation and improvement which has made the sport significantly safer in the last 20 years.” Amongst the headline recommendations from the Review are: Pre-Race veterinary examinations will be increased to include all runners in all races at the Festival, with a view to identifying any risk factors that might make it necessary to prevent a horse from running in a race Reduction in ‘safety factor’ (maximum field size) in all 2-mile Chases run at the course from 24 to 20, with the race most likely to be affected by this being the Grand Annual Chase Race conditions of the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle to be altered to remove all rider weight-claiming allowances, thereby incentivising connections to secure the services of the most experienced jockeys BHA to engage with participants to further identify factors that contribute to risk. This will include undertaking analysis of faller rates by trainer and jockey for Cheltenham and all Jump racing and engaging with those who have an incidence of fallers significantly higher than the average, alongside a wide range of other relevant participants The industry must support a major research project to develop a predictive model for identifying risk factors for all Jump racing, including horse history and performance, rider and training factors.

Any risks arising from this significant work will be addressed and mitigated appropriately An action plan for the implementation of the recommendations will now be developed by no later than February 2019, working with Cheltenham, Jockey Club Racecourses and others as appropriate. Commentary in the aftermath of the 2018 Grand Annual, which saw three fatalities, suggested that the fatality rate had been adversely affected by the race being positioned at the end of Friday’s card. However, analysis of the County Hurdle and Grand Annual – comparing the faller rates of both races when they were placed as the last race compared to when situated elsewhere in the card – would suggest that the position of a race has little impact on the faller rate. Faller and injury rates at Cheltenham – as with all racecourses – will continue to be monitored. Where data and evidence shows any further trends that may emerge the BHA will work with the racecourse in question to consider any action that can be taken to further improve safety rates. Through this process of continuous analysis, innovation and improvement the fatality rate in British Jump racing has fallen to 0.4% of runners. Nick Rust, Chief Executive of the BHA, said: “British Racing must work together to reduce the risk of injuries occurring at The Festival and indeed Jump Racing as a whole. The recommendations of this review are designed to achieve this. “I commend this review for the rigour and thoroughness of its approach. I also support the fact that its recommendations are intended to further raise the bar when it comes to welfare not only at Cheltenham, but across all of Jump racing. “British racing has consistently and continuously improved its record on welfare outcomes over the last decade. However, Parliament has recently sent a clear message to our sport that we must raise our ambitions for welfare further. At the BHA, we share this view, and I am today calling on everyone in the sport to help us achieve even higher goals for welfare. “The Cheltenham review helps demonstrate our sport’s commitment towards higher goals, but it is far from the end of our ambitions on this front. A crossindustry welfare Board is currently being formed, with the intention of delivering a new strategy for the sport. I hope that everyone involved in British racing will join

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NEWS UK RACING us in working to further enhance our good track record, and ensuring the sport remains relevant, understood, accepted and embraced by the British public.” • The full Cheltenham Festival Review 2018 can be found here. • The 17 Recommendations, which are included in the Report, can be viewed separately here. • The Review Group comprised the following personnel: Brant Dunshea – BHA Chief Regulatory Officer (Executive Lead); David Sykes – BHA Director of Equine Health and Welfare; Emma Marley – Head of BHA Racecourse Operations; BHA Racecourse Operations Department; BHA Racing Department; BHA Veterinary Department; Dr Sarah Rosanowski – PhD (Veterinary Epidemiology), PGDipVCS (Distinction), Bsc – Assistant Professor in Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine

BEN PAULING PAYS TRIBUTE AS STAR WILLOUGHBY COURT IS PUT DOWN Willoughby Court, who provided Ben Pauling with his first ever Cheltenham Festival winner when winning the 2017 Neptune Management Novices’ Hurdle, has sadly been euthanised following surgery. The eight-year-old had been due to make his reappearance at Newbury at the end of November but a joint infection that appeared out of nowhere in his hind joint ruled him out of that engagement. This was flushed and everything seemed fine until 10 days later when the same issue occurred and there was a seed of infection in the sesamoid bone. “Unfortunately, the infection in the bone had flared up again and despite the best efforts of the fantastic team at Bourton Vale Equine Clinic, sadly we had no alternative but to put him down” Pauling said. Pauling added: “Willoughby was a huge character around the yard. His brilliance was that he was that bit different and that bit sharper than any other horse I have ever trained. He was a fabulous jumper who very quickly became an incredibly tough competitor which was proven in many of his races, none more so than when he won the Neptune at Cheltenham.” Pauling continued: “Being our first Festival

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winner will mean he’ll always be very fondly remembered. Frustratingly, he never actually had many races and we all felt that there was a huge amount of improvement to come.” “Paul and Clare Rooney have been huge supporters of mine from a very early stage in my career and Willoughby was the first store horse they ever bought. They’ve been a huge support in every way possible for both Willoughby and the team back at home, and I really can’t thank them and Jason Maguire enough. We did everything we possibly could to save him, as even if he had never made the track again, Paul and Clare would have been delighted just to have him at home. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t to be despite everything that Bourton Vale Equine Clinic, Donnington Grove Vets and Graham Potts did to save him. He will be sorely missed by us all.”

CLASSIC WINNING YORKSHIRE TRAINER BILL ELSEY PASSES AWAY Dual Classic winner trainer Bill Elsey, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 97. Yorkshire-based Elsey enjoyed Classic success when Pia landed the 1967 Oaks at Epsom – and followed up six years later with St Leger glory at Doncaster, courtesy of Peleid. Elsey took over the training reins from his father Charles, at Malton, in 1961. That same year he won the Eclipse Stakes with the Edward Hide-ridden Henry The Seventh. Other big race victories followed in the Lockinge Stakes and St James’s Palace Stakes, while he twice won the Ebor and Lincoln Handicaps, including the latter, with K Battery, in 1986. Elsey retired from training in 1996.

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January 2019

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NEWS IRISH RACING

HARDLINE WELL ON TOP IN THE KLAIRON DAVIS Hardline looked a useful chaser as he ran out a convincing winner of the Grade Three Irish Stallion Farms EBF Klairon Davis Novice Chase, at Navan. Just five went to post for this 2-mile, 1 furlong race, with Us And Them taking the field along. Dr Mikey was a faller down the back straight and the remaining four all had chances entering the home straight. However, Ben Dundee appeared to go wrong and was pulled up and dismounted, as Hardline and Davy Russell asserted, between the final two fences. A good jump at the last, sealed victory for the Gordon Elliott trained six year-old, who won by an impressive ten lengths from Us And Them, with Or Jaune De Somoza last to finish.

DERRINROSS IMPRESSES AT CORK

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Derrinross made all the running and ground his rivals into submission in the Grade Three Kerry Group Stayers Novice Hurdle at Cork. Six went to post for this three-mile contest on stamina sapping ground. There was little pace early on, with the maiden Derrinross leading The Big Dog. With a circuit to race, there was no change in the order, with Derrinross leading The Big Dog and then Sams Profile and Elwood, ahead of Pleasure Dome and Robin De Carlow.

Robin De Carlow’s chance went with a bad blunder and the mare was never in contention thereafter. Turning for home, Derrinross was still in front, with Pleasure Dome challenging and then Sams Profile, with the remainder dropping away. Derrinross took the second last and moved three lengths clear, with Pleasure Dome under pressure. A good jump at the last sealed victory for Derrinross, who won by about three lengths from Sams Profile, with Pleasure Dome third.

CASTLEGRACE PADDY EMERGES AS A NEW CONTENDER WITH HILLY WAY CHASE WIN Castlegrace Paddy emerged as a decisive winner and potential two mile contender at Cheltenham, with his Grade Two victory in the Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase at Cork. Eight lined-up for one of Ireland’s important two-mile contests. Great Field and Special Tiara quickly went clear of their rivals but at the second, Great Field took a crashing fall. That left the 2017 Champion Chase winner Special Tiara, clear of his field, with Doctor Phoenix making a dreadful blunder at the third. Special Tiara set off down the back with a long lead over Castlegrace Paddy, who in turn, was well clear of Doctor Phoenix and A Toi Phil. Special Tiara and Bryan Cooper left the back, with Catlegrace Paddy only three lengths down and making further progress. Castlegrace Paddy went on from Special Tiara, as they turned for home, with Doctor Phoenix and A Toi Phil closing. Racing to the second last, Castlegrace Paddy moved four lengths clear and jumped well, with Doctor Phoenix moving into second, but ten lengths down at the last. Castlegrace Paddy took the last well under Paul Townend and bound home and impressive winner, with Doctor Phoenix a well beaten second. Special Tiara, on unsuitably soft ground, just held on for third, ahead of Three Stars, who stayed on well from the back.

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IRISH RACING NEWS The Pater Fahy trained Castlegrace Paddy, a seven year old, had won his first two starts over fences last season, before finding Footpad too hot at Punchestown.

CAMELIA DE COTTE IMPRESSES AT CORK Camelia De Cotte dominated from start to finish and ran out a ready winner of the Grade Three Kerry Group Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase at Cork. A competitive field of ten went to post for this two-mile race. The exciting Camelia De Cotte took the field along for much of the race and was still clear turning for home. She took the second last fence with a three length lead from Moyhenna and High School Days. At the last, Camelia De Cotte again jumped well and Paul Townend was able to breeze home clear of Moyhenna and High School Days, with Forge Meadow a disappointing fourth. The Willie Mullins trained six year old, Camelia De Cotte, was conceding seven pounds to her rivals here and never really looked in danger. She has now won four of her five chases.

MIN MADE TO FIGHT FOR JOHN DURKAN VICTORY Min, on his seasonal return, had to fight hard to hold off the mare Shattered Love, in the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase. Five lined-up for this 2 ½ mile contest. Balko Des Flos took the field along from Shattered Love and Min, with The Storyteller next and then Edwulf.

Racing down the back, Shattered Love, who had made an early blunder, began to close on Balko Des Flos. Turning for home, Balko Des Flos continued to lead and travel well, with Shattered Love under pressure and Min closing to the inside. Racing to the last, Min, under a strong drive, hit the front and whilst slightly over-pitching, went clear. Shattered Love closed late on, but Min and Ruby Walsh had enough in hand to win by a couple of lengths, with the mare a game second and The Storyteller coming home third.

EASY GAME CONTINUES HIS PROGRESSION AT NAVAN Easy Game looks to be on the upgrade in a big way, following his victory in the Grade Two Navan Novice Hurdle at Navan today. A field of nine went to post for this 2 ½ mile contest. At the start, it was Western Victory who went on from Choungaya and Magnium. Western Victory took the field into the straight with a length lead over Choungaya and Defi Bleu, with Magium to the inside and then Rhinestone and Satoshi. With a circuit to race, there was little change in the order, with perhaps five lengths covering the entire field. Racing down the back, Western Victory still had the lead from Choungaya and Defi Bleu, while Getareason was a little detached at the back of the field. Four out and Western Victory still had the slender advantage but the pack were poised in behind, as they began the turn for home. The two Gigginstown horses Defi Bleu and Choungaya came to join Western Victory at the third last, as Magnium made an error. Two from home Choungaya went on, while Easy Game and Defi Bleu challenged, while from the back, Getareason powered down the outside in eye-catching fashion. At the final flight, Easy Game went on from Defi Bleu, with Getareason still staying on.

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NEWS IRISH RACING Defi Bleu faded and it became a duel on the flat between the two Willie Mullins’ runners, with Easy Game and Ruby Walsh finding more on the runin to repel Getareason by about two lengths. Third home came Defi Bleu, with Rhinestone fourth. The four year old Easy Game, continues to improve. This was his second successive Pattern victory, following his success at Navan in the Monksfield Novice Hurdle.

ROCKY BLUE ON TOP IN THE KNIGHT FRANK JUVENILE HURDLE

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Rocky Blue landed a big race victory on just his second start for Thomas Mullins, as he won the Grade Two Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown. The first Graded action of a busy few days at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, saw eleven three year olds in action over the two miles. As the race finally got underway, Flat To The Max led from Couer Sublime and La Sorelita. Settling down, with the first flight cleared safely, Marmalade N Toast went on to the outside of Flat To The Max, with a three length gap to Couer Sublime, La Sorelita and Coko Beach. The order remained unchanged, although the front pair had a smaller advantage with seven furlongs to race. Heading out of the back, Marmalade N Toast matched strides with Flat To The Max, with Couer Sublimed on their heels and Coko Beach looking menacing. Two out and the sprint was on, with La Sorelita taking it up from Got Trumped and Rocky Blue.

At the last, Rocky Blue went on, with Couer Sublime looking the danger. But Couer Sublime crashed out. Rocky Blue and David Mullins were left clear to score from Chief Justice, with Got Trumped third and then La Sorelita.

LE RICHEBOURG EXUDES CLASS IN THE RACING POST NOVICE CHASE Le Richebourg proved much the best as he ran out a ready winner of the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown. The big race of the day in Dublin, featured six horses over 2 miles and a furlong. Voix Du Reve went into the early lead from Us And Them, with Le Richebourg to the inside and then Mind’s Eye and Mengli Khan, with Ellie Mac, settled at the back. Racing down the back, seven from home, Voix Du Reve blundered and Us And Them went on, with Le Richebourg close-up in third. Us And Them took the third last a length clear of Voix Du Reve and Le Richebourg, but the leader was passed by Le Richebourg on the turn for home, with |Voix Du Reve under pressure and then Mengli Khan. Heading to the last, Le Richebourg went into a three length lead and jumped the last well. The leader was driven out by Mark Walsh and won comfortably by five lengths from us And Them, who won a super battle for second, with Voix Du Reve third and then Megli Khan.

HARDLINE LANDS LIMERICK GRADE ONE FEATURED Hardline made the most of a last fence error from Getabird, to get up in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Novice Chase at Limerick. A field of seven lined-up for the inaugural running this this 2-mile 3 ½ furlong race as a Grade One. Getabird and Game Of War took the field along and all seven were bunched, as they set off, with a circuit to race.

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IRISH RACING NEWS

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Majurca crashed out at the third last when in arrears, while Getabird led a bunched field. Turning for home, Getabird and Ruby Walsh led, with Riders Onthe Storm and Hardline challenging. Two out and Getabird and Hardline went clear, but it was the former who had the better impetus and went clear approaching the last. But at high speed, his landing gear was not sound and he stumbled on landing, losing all impetus and gifting Hardline and Keith Donoghue a second chance, which they seized. In a tight finish, Getabird fought back, but Hardline got up by ½ a length, with a yawning gap back to Riders Onthe Storm in third.

SIMPLY NED STUNS LEOPARDSTOWN AGAIN

Great Field continued to lead from Ballyoisin, who made an error at the third. Down the back straight, Great Field continued to bowl along from Ballyoisin and then Footpad, with the leader moving three lengths clear. Five out and it was still Great Field who took them along from Ballyoisin and Footpad. At the fourth last Great Field still led, with Footpad looking a threat and passing Ballyoisin, while Castlegrace Paddy and Simply Ned were still in touch. Great Field took the second last with Footpad on terms and Ballyoisin on the inside. The sprint was on to the home turn, with Great Field still there and then Footpad and Ballyoisin. At the last fence, Footpad powered into the lead, where Great Field crashed out. Footpad appeared to be home and hosed, but late on, Simply Ned and Mark Walsh built up momentum and sensationally began to close. In a stunning finish, the eleven year old got up, to win the race for the second year running, with Footpad second and then ordinary World, who just held off Castlegrace Paddy. The Nicky Richards trained Simply Ned just does not know when he is beaten in Dublin and there can have been fewer more popular winners over Christmas.

ARAMON IMPRESSES AT LEOPARDSTOWN

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Simply Ned once again turned back the clock to land the feature Grade One Paddy’s Rewards Club “Sugar Paddy” Chase at Leopardstown. Seven lined-up for this two-mile, one furlong contest. The two McManus horses, Great Field and Ballyoisin, led at the first and passed the post with a circuit to run, ahead of Footpad and Simply Ned to the inside and then came Castlegrace Paddy.

Aramon looked very smart as he slammed his rivals in the Grade One Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. Six horses contested this two-mile affair. At flag fall, it was Triplicate who went on into a three-length lead from Daly Tiger and Due Reward. Triplicate continued to set the pace as the field raced down the back straight, with the Gigginstown pair of Due Reward and Daly Tiger next and then Sancta Simona. Triplicate took the third last still a length ahead of a bunching field, as the field left the back. Two out and Triplicate’s lead had been whittled away by Daly Tiger, while Sancta Simona travelled well but was short of room.

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NEWS IRISH RACING However, straightening up in the home straight, Sancta Simona had daylight and led, but Aramon, who had sat at the back, swept through under Ruby Walsh and sprinted clear. Aramon won by a wide margin from Sancta Simona, with Tintangle coming through for third. Aramon was giving Walsh and Willie Mullins compensation for the earlier defeat of Footpad.

APPLE’S JADE THE CHRISTMAS QUEEN OF LEOPARDSTOWN AGAIN

Apple’s Jade skipped away to another glorious victory in the Grade One Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. Seven top class horses went to post for this three-mile race, with Apple’s Jade straight into the lead under Jack Kennedy. The mare was tracked by Faugheen and Cracking Smart, with Shaneshill to the inside. Apple’s Jade moved three lengths ahead of Faugheen, leaving the back, with a gap to the remainder. The order remained the same down the home straight and Apple’s Jade headed out on the final circuit with a five length lead. Racing down the back, the front two moved further clear of their rivals, with Apple’s Jade still maintaining a three-length advantage over Faugheen. Three out and Apple’s Jade was still three lengths clear, but Faugheen had not yet been asked for his effort and looked a threat.

However, at the second last, as Faugheen began to inch nearer, he crashed out. After staying down for a few seconds, the Champion Hurdle winner thankfully got to his feet. That left Apple’s Jade clear and she scooted around the home turn and took the last with a 20 length lead. A good jump sealed an easy victory, with Early Doors coming home second and then Bapaume. Winning trained Gordon Elliott, said: “Jack said she was brilliant today and foot perfect everywhere. He gave her a kick at the second last and she picked up changed gears and was gone again. “He said she was actually gone a bit idle in front but it’s a good complaint to have and we’re lucky to have her. “It was unfortunate to see Faugheen falling and we don’t know what would have happened but it probably would have taken a fair one to go past her. “She’ll be entered in everything. She might come back here over two miles (in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle). In Cheltenham she will probably go for the race I think she can win and that might be the Mares Hurdle. “She likes running and I think I gave her too much time between her last run and Cheltenham last year. I’ll have to talk to Michael and Eddie (O’Leary) but I wouldn’t mind bringing her back here over two miles. “She goes a bit right going to a hurdle but jumps it straight. She’s done that for the last two seasons but it doesn’t stop her.”

ESPOIR D’ALLEN IMPRESSES AT LIMERICK Espoir D’Allen got back to his best form as he turned the Grade Three Irish Independent Hurdle at Limerick, into a procession. Five top four year-olds went to post for this twomile contest. At the off it was the Triumph Hurdle winner, Farclas, who led with Stormy Ireland. Settling down, the latter went into a two-length lead from Farclas, with Espoir D’Allen next and then Masterstonemason and Saglawy.

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IRISH RACING NEWS As they raced down the straight for the first time, Farclas took a crashing fall and was thankfully up alright. Meanwhile, Stormy Ireland took the remaining quartet out on their final circuit. Racing back into the home straight, Stormy Ireland quickened but had not shaken off Espoir D’Allen. As the second last flight was omitted, Espoir D’Allen powered clear on the way to the last, which he flew. Espoir D’Allen and Jody McGarvey stormed up the run-in, the emphatic winners, with Stormy Ireland held in second and then a gap to Saglawy.

KEMBOY EMERGES FROM THE SAVILLS CHASE AS A GOLD CUP CONTENDER Kemboy laid down a Gold Cup marker with victory in the Grade One Savills Chase at Leopardstown. Eleven went to post for one of the classiest races in the Irish calendar, over three miles. From the off, it was Outlander and Monalee who took them along, with Balko Des Flos racing wide and then Bellshill and Coney Island. Outlander continued to lead Monalee and took the field into the home straight for the first time. That was the order, as the eleven passed the stands, with a circuit to race. But Kemboy was moved up to join the leader by David Mullins, as they approached the eighth fence. Kemboy went on into the lead from Monalee and Outlander and turned into the back straight with a length lead. With six to jump, Kemboy started to turn the screw and Outlander was the first to back pedal. But Monalee kept close order as they took the fourth from home. Leaving the back, Monalee, Shattered Love and Road To Respect were on the heels of the leader and it looked an open race as they turned towards the second last. But on the flat, Road To Respect stumbled and lost valuable ground. Kemboy turned for home with a two length lead and took the last well, with Monalee unable to close.

On the run-in, Kemboy went further clear, with Monalee second and then Road To Respect, who did well to get back into contention, while Bellshill finished fourth. Willie Mullins, winning trainer, commented: “When Kemboy flew to the front passing the stands I thought David had gone mad, but he rides by instinct and he knew what he was doing. “I thought Kemboy would capsize in the back straight but David said he had an easy enough lead. The horse jumped very well and still had plenty in the tank going to the last. I loved the way he flew clear on the run-in. “He’s obviously an improving horse as this was his biggest test to date. He hadn’t run since winning the Clonmel Oil Chase in the middle of last month and it could be that a good break between races suits him. “With that in mind we might wait and go straight for the Gold Cup, we’ll wait and see. Hopefully he’ll continue to improve.”

GOOD THYNE TARA TOUGHS IT OUT AT LEOPARDSTOWN Good Thyne Tara defied a penalty and showed an abundance of tenacity to win the Grade Three Advent Insurance Irish EBF Mares Hurdle at Leopardstown. Seven mares took part in this 2 ½ mile contest. At flag fall, it was Forge Meadow and Good Thyne Tara who disputed the lead. Settling down and taking the second, Forge Meadow had wrestled the initiative from Good Thyne Tara, with this pair five lengths ahead of Limini, with Kingston Girl and Elimay next. As the septet approached the winning post with a circuit to race, David Mullins pressed on with Good Thyne Tara, moving a couple of lengths clear of Forge Meadow, with Limini back in third. Good Thyne Tara began to increase her advantage and entered the back straight with a six length lead, with Limini and Elimay closing on Forge Meadow. Racing to the third last, Good Tyne Tara still led, but not by quite so far, with Forge Meadow in second and Limini, being held onto by Ruby Walsh, while Elimay was next and then Countess Cathleen.

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NEWS IRISH RACING Good Thyne Tara took the second last and turned for home in front and whilst the pack closed, they were hard pressed. At the last, Good Thyne Tara jumped well, but was challenged by Elimay, who put in a sustained run. Bravely, Good Thyne Tara responded to Mullins’ urgings and as the winning post edged nearer, the mare just held on by a diminishing ½ a length, with the pair drawing clear of Limini. This was a triumph for Willie Mullins, who trained the first three home.

DELTA WORK EXTENDS HIS UNBEATEN RUN WITH GRADE ONE SUCCESSFUL

Delta Work made it three from three over fences with victory in the Grade One Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown. Seven went to post for one of Ireland’s most important staying novice chases, over three miles, with Gigginstown House Stud responsible for five of the field. Nick Lost took the field along over the first three fences, with Ben Dundee and Blow By Blow next and then Judgement Day. At the fifth fence, Ben Dundee took a heavy fall but was thankfully quickly up. Nick Lost took the remaining six into the home straight, with Blow By Blow in second and then Moonshine Bay, Judgement Day, Mortal and Delta Work. That was the order, as the field set off on their final circuit. Nick Lost continued to set the tempo and jump well, with Blow By Blow second and Delta Work moving closer, as they took the final fence down the back, four out. The six horses were covered by five lengths as they took the third last, where Delta Work jumped to the lead. Two from home Delta Work led Blow By Blow and Mortal and these three had it, turning for home. At the last Delta Work was challenged by Mortal, who made an error at a critical stage. That left Delta Work and Davy Russell comfortably clear and the jockey kept his partner up to his work for another big victory. Mortal ran well in second, with Blow Byh Blow just holding off Moonshine Bay.

IMPROVING DERRINROSS LANDS LIMERICK FEATURES

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Derrinross proved a stubborn opponent as he refused to let anything past him in the Grade Two Sky Sports Racing Launching January 1st Novice Hurdle at Limerick. Six lined-up for this three-mile test. Derrinross took the field along at a sedate pace from Defi Bleu and Monbeg Worldwide. There was little change in the order as they raced

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IRISH RACING NEWS to the third last, with Derrinross leading Defi Bleu, while Cap York joined Monbeg Worldwide. Racing to the second last, Derrinross led a packed field, but the leader saw them off to land in front at the last. Late on Defi Bleu and Pleasure Dome tried hard to pass the leader, but Derrinross gamely pulled out more under Luke Dempsey.

SHARJAH SCORES IN THE RYANAIR HURDLE Sharjah continued his climb up the elite hurdling ranks with a resounding success in the Grade One Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown. A field of six assembled for a fascinating contest, featuring some of Ireland’s leading Champion Hurdle hopes. Tombstone was sent off into a clear lead from the start and took the field onto their full circuit, with a six length lead over Supasundae, with Samcro and Melon next. Tombstone headed into the back straight with a five length advantage over Supasundae and Samcro, with Melon and then Sharjah and Petit Mouchoir. Four from home, the leader was still clear, while Melon made an error. Tombstone cleared the third last and turned out of the back with a reduced lead and Supasundae and Samcro in hot pursuit. At the second last Tombstone landed in front but under pressure and Samcro soon joined him and hit the front on the home bend. However, Samcro found little and was flat to the boards, as Tombstone fought back, while Sharjah loomed large. Sharjah hit the front approaching the last and kicked on under Patrick Mullins and stormed home impressively, to add to his Morgiana Hurdle victory. At the line, Sharjah was three lengths clear of Supasundae, with Tombstone third and Melon staying on in fourth, ahead of the bitterly disappointing Samcro.

BATTLEOVERDOYEN IMPRESSES AT NAAS The imposing Battleoverdoyen maintained his unbeaten record with an impressive win in the Grade One Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle at Naas. A field of eight horses assembled for this 2 ½ mile test. As the tapes went up, it was Magnium who led them from Getareason and Sams Profile. There was little change in the order as Magnium took the field over the fifth flight from Getareason, with Battleoverdoyen matching strides with Sams Profile and the field relatively bunched, heading out on their final circuit. With five to jump though, Tornado Flyer seemed to lose his action and was eased out of the race and pulled up. Magnium and Getareason meanwhile, continued to set the tempo as the field turned for home, with two flights to jump. Two out and Battleoverdoyen jumped into the lead and powered on from Getareason and Magnium. The leader took the last well and Jack Kennedy kept Battleoverdoyen up to his work to win by a couple of lengths from Sams Profile, with Getareason third. The Gordon Elliott trained Battleoverdoyen, a six year old, was making it four wins from as many starts under rules.

WINTER ESCAPE AUTHORITATIVE AT PUNCHESTOWN Winter Escape put up a polished performance to win with some authority, in the Grade Three Total Event Rental Novice Chase at Punchestown. Seven horses lined-up for this 2 ½ mile contest. As the tapes went up, it was Jetz and Beyond The Law who led from Ben Dundee, as the septet all cleared the first OK. Beyond The Law jumped his way to the front at the second, but Jetz joined him as they turned into the home straight for the first time, with Ben Dundee in third and then Winter Escape and A Plus Tard.

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NEWS IRISH RACING

Image supplied by Tattersalls Ireland

Beyond The Law pressed on into the three length lead, as the field headed out with a circuit to race. The leader, under Andrew Ring, moved further clear as the field headed into the back straight, with Jetz still leading the chasing pack and then Ben Dundee and Gun Digger, while Poli Roi had lost touch. Gradually the field reeled Beyond the Law back in, with Jetz coming to join his rival as they approached the third last, with Gun Digger third and then Ben Dundee, who was short of room, while A Plus Tard and Winter Escape were in touch. Two from home, Jetz and A Plus Tard joined Beyond The Law, while Ben Dundee made a calamitous mistake which cost him any chance. Into the home straight, A Plus Tard went on, with only Winter Escape for company. Winter Escape hit the front ahead of the last fence and drew clear on the flat to win by a couple of lengths from Plus Tard, with a wide gap to Jetz, who was clear of Gun Digger. The Aidan Howard trained Winter Escape, an eight year-old, had been a smart novice hurdler when trained by Alan King, three years ago.

FELIX DESJY MAKES ALL IN THE MOSCOW FLYER Felix Desjy never saw another rival, as he made every yard of the running to win the Grade Two Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Six horses went to post for this two-mile race, which had been won in the past by the likes of Kicking King, Vautour, Douvan and Min. The sextet were sent on their way with Felix Desjy leading Harrie and Swordsman. Settling down, Felix Desjy continued to lead from Harrie, with Swordsman third and then Jetez, Buildmeupbuttercup and Jan Maat. The order remained unchanged as the field raced past the stands and out on their final circuit. Felix Desjy and Sean Flanagan built up an eight length lead racing down hill to the fourth flight. Leaving the back straight, Felix Desjy was still well clear, with Swordsman moving into second and Jetez also passing Harrie, who was then passed by Buildmeupbuttercup. Felix Desjy turned for home with a four length advantage over Jetez and took the last clear. Jetez tried hard to close, but was unable to, as the Gordon Elliott trained six year-old ran out a convincing winner. Jetez was a long way clear of Harrie, who stayed on again for third.

TOUT EST PERMIS EDGES IT AT THURLES Tout Est Permis got the call in the tightest of finishes to the Grade Two Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase at Thurles, better known as the Kinloch Brae Chase. With Invitation Only a late defector, a field of seven went to post for this 2 ½ mile contest. As they set off, Sub Lieutenant went straight into a clear lead from Total Recall and Tout Est Permis. Taking the third fence, Sub Lieutenant had built a three-length advantage over Total Recall, as the field raced across to the fourth fence, basked in winter sunshine. There was little change in the order, as the septet headed out on their final circuit, with Sub Lieutenant clear of Tout Est Permis, Total Recall, Jett and last year’s winner A Toi Phil, with the field well strung out. At the fourth last, Sub Lieutenant was clear of the chasing Tout Est Permis, who didn’t get very high. Further back, Total Recall was under pressure

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IRISH RACING NEWS but making ground. Heading towards the second last, Sub Lieutenant and JJ Slevin still had the call and Tout Est Permis was not making any impression, as they approached the last. Sub Lieutenant took the last in front but on the flat, Tout Est Permit began to edge closer and it became desperately close on the line, with the pair a long way clear of Total Recall, who made a bad blunder at the last and did well to stand up. After a delay to the outcome, the only certainty was of a Gigginstown one-two, but which way would it go? Finally the judge announced that the grey Tout Est Permis had got up under Sean Flanagan. The Noel Meade trained six year-old was last seen winning the Troytown Handicap Chase.

CAMELIA DE COTTE IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN AT THURLES

ALL-WEATHER STALWART CAPTAIN JOY IS RETIRED Captain Joy, a winner at the All-Weather Championships, has been retired. The popular grey overcame colic, which almost claimed his life, before going on to make his mark on the all-weather, landing the 2016 All-Weather Mile Championship at Lingfield Park. Captain Joy had his final start when running second at Dundalk, last Friday. Trainer Tracey Collins then decided to call time on the ten year-old’s career, which resulted in 10 victories from 45 starts and just shy of €300,000 in win and placed prize money. The son of Dark Angel raced in the colours of the late Herby Stanley, from 2012.

Camelia De Cotte continued her prolific run of form with a bloodless victory in the Grade Two Order Of St George Coolmore NH Sires Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase at Thurles. Seven lined-up for this 2 ½ mile race. Camelia De Cotte and Paul Townend were soon at the head of affairs and in command over Nellie Pledge and Grey Waters. By the fourth fence, Camelia De Cotte was maybe six lengths clear of her rivals and building up a substantial lead. With a circuit to race, the lead was perhaps 15 lengths and the chase was on to keep in touch for the rest, with Nellie Pledge and Meri Devie leading the chase. Camelia De Cotte easily took the third last, with Meri Devie still trying to close but eight lengths or more adrift. The leader smoothly turned into the home straight and took the second last fence well, with Grey Waters and Ellie Mac passing the weakening Meri Devie. Camelia De Cotte sauntered to the last with no pressure and she popped it well, cantering home a long way clear of Grey Waters and Ellie Mac. The Willie Mullins trained winner has now recorded five victories from six starts over fences. course-specialist.co.uk

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January 2019

NEWS IRISH RACING Collins said of his retirement: “We just felt that the horse owed us nothing and we knew going into Friday’s race that he was in very good form, and it would have been great to out on a winning note, but it wasn’t to be. “He has been a star of a horse for us.” “Mr Stanley passed away last week and he was a terrific supporter of the yard for a long time and I just felt that was it was appropriate to call time on Captain Joy’s career now. “He ran to his mark the other night (96), and he has been rated as high as 110 at one stage and he has been a 90 plus horse since 2012. “It’s a sad time for everyone in the yard, in particular for Hazel Wallace, who has looked after him so well, but he’ll have a home for life here at Conyngham Lodge.”

SKITTER SCATTER AND PRENDERGAST JOIN JOHN OXX John Oxx has acquired a Group One winning trainer and filly at his Curragh yard. Patrick Prendergast is to join forces with Oxx – and Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Skitter Scatter, is also joining the set-up ahead of a Classic campaign. Oxx’s Currabeg Stables are close to Prendergast’s yard at Melitta Lodge and it has been revealed that no jobs will be lost in the venture. “We feel the timing is good for both parties, we’ve got the space and Patrick has run out of it. I

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IRISH RACING NEWS

think Patrick would like a change in direction a bit,” Oxx told Press Association Sport. “It suits us and it suits him, so hopefully it will work out well for both of us.” He added: “In Australia it is common to have two names on the licence, but that might be the case where they have a yard in Sydney and one in Melbourne, which is different to this. Patrick doesn’t want to be the trainer and is happy to come and work for me. “The yards are a few hundred yards apart as the crow flies, with a railway line in between, but we used the same gallops on the Curragh. “The horses are moving to my place, they are not going to stay at Melitta Lodge, he won’t be training

from there. “It’s a good boost for us, he’s got some good horses. I haven’t seen Skitter Scatter yet and Patrick has said she’s small and he doesn’t know how much scope she has, but she’s been a very good filly already.” Prendergast stated that it will be business as usual for the filly. “Very little will change for Skitter Scatter. She will work on the same gallops she has always worked on, she will be ridden by the same jockey, Ronan Whelan,” Prendergast told The Irish Field. “The only difference is that there will be an extra set of eyes on her. That those eyes belong to John Oxx is an obvious benefit.”

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING

EXULTANT STRIKES A BLOW FOR HONG KONG IN THE VASE

MR STUNNING DOUBLES UP IN THE HONG KONG SPRINT Mr Stunning again beat DB Pin as the first two from 2017, were the first two in 2018â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Group One LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint. A field of twelve contested this six furlong race. At the break, it was Ivictory and Mr Stunning who were best away, but Hot King Prawn was chased up from out wide to lead. Into the straight, Hot King Prawn was taken on by I Victory, but the field were queueing up in behind. The two leaders were quickly engulfed with a furlong to race, with Mr Stunning leading the charge.

Ex-Irish trained Exultant won a gripping battle with Lys Gracieux, to win the Grade One LONGINES Hong Kong Vase Fourteen went to post, with a strong European contingency. At the break, Prince Of Arran veered off to his left and ended up at the back of the field, with Mirage Dancer for company. Crocosmia and Exultant took the field along, from Ruthven and Eziyra, but the pace was steady. Into the straight, the order was the same, with Salouen poised to pounce. Further back, Pakistan Star was short of room and his move out hampered Waldgeist and Red Verdon. As Crocosmia folded, Exultant went on, but was challenged by another Japanese runner in Lys Gracieux. The pair drew right away from their rivals and had a protracted battle. At the line, Exultant and Zac Purton just got the verdict, with Lys Gracieux second and Eziyra third and then Eagle Way. Waldgeist finished well to claim an unlucky fifth, ahead of Pakistan Star. Exultant is trained in Hong Kong by Tony Cruz; European fans will remember him as Irish Correspondent, trained by Mick Halford, when third to Churchill in the 2017 Irish 2,000 Guineas.

Mr Stunning and Karis Teetan got the verdict in a carbon copy of the 2017 renewal, as the winner defeated DB Pin. Beat The Clock got third, with Little Giant fourth, in a blanket finish for the minor places.

BEAUTY GENERATION DEMOLISHES HONG KONG MILE RIVALS Beauty Generation was simply different gravy as he powered to a dominant victory in the Group One LONGINES Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin. Fourteen contested this race, with plenty of European interest. The race got underway with Nothingilikemore leading from Beauty Generation and Southern Legend.

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The lead was keenly contested early on and Comin’ Through dashed up, but Beauty Generation then assumed command from the Australian runner. At the home turn, Beauty Generation led from Comin’ Through, with Fifty Fifty a challenger. But in the home straight, Beauty Generation was a class apart, storming clear for a brilliant three length win, eased down. There was a scramble home for second, with Vivlos finishing second, Southern Legend third and Beauty Only in fourth. Beauty Generation was giving Zac Purton a second big winner on the evening.

The strong pace continued, with the field well strung out and Glorious Forever taking them along with a two length advantage over Time Warp and three furlongs to Northern Superstar and another gap to Sungrazer and a further break to the remainder. At the home turn, Glorious Forever was chased by Time Warp and the pair were clear of Northern Superstar. Glorious Forever kept on resolutely, finding plenty under Silvestre De Sousa, to repel his brother and the late finishing Deirdre. At the line he was about 1 ½ lengths up on Deirdre who just pipped Time Warp, with Sungrazer fourth.

GODOLPHIN CLEAN SWEEP IN THE SINGSPIEL STAKES

GLORIOUS FOREVER A GAME WINNER OF THE HONG KONG CUP

Glorious Forever won a sibling battle and made most of the running to land the Group One LONGINES Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin. A field of nine assembled for the final big race of the day in Hong Kong, over 1 ¼ miles. At the off it was Time Warp and Glorious Forever, two brothers, who set the pace and moved two lengths clear of Northern Superstar.

Dream Castle ran out a decisive winner of the Group Three Singspiel Stakes. Sixteen went to post for this nine-furlong contest on the Meydan turf. Deauville was away well along with Musaddas and Bay Of Poets. Settling down, Deauville and Racing History took the field along, with Musaddas pulling hard to the inside, also vying for the lead. Into the home straight, Deauville and Musaddas were still there with Racing History, as Key Victory began his move. Racing History went on with two furlongs to run, but down the wide outside, Dream Castle and Christophe Soumillon showed a good turn of foot, from the back of the field. With a furlong to race, Dream Castle went on and clear to win by a couple of lengths from Racing History, with Salsabeel third and then Team Talk.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING The Saeed Bin Suroor trained Dream Castle, had been a decent three year old in 2017, contesting the 2,000 Guineas.

AL HAYETTE SWOOPS WIDE TO LAND UAE 1,000 GUINEAS TRIAL Al Hayette impressed as she was delivered late and wide to win the UAE 1,000 Guineas Trial at Meydan. A field of fourteen three year old fillies lined up over the seven furlongs, on the dirt track. From the break it was Muthhila and Mulhima who were well away Settling down, Muthhila led from Mulhima and Turn ‘n Twirl. Muthhila took them into the home straight with Turn ‘n Twirl and Nashirah there. Straightening up, Nashilah got her head in front, but Muthila fought back against the rails. However, Al Hayette swept home down the wide outside under Fabrice Veron – and those to her inside had no time to respond. The daughter of Union Rags, a winner at Meydan in December, ran out a clear cut winner, with Nashirah finally winning her fight with Muthhila, to claim second place.

INJURY CURTAILS MASTER DINO’S SEASON’S Multiple Grade One winner, Master Dino, so impressive at Plumpton, on his English bow, is to miss the rest of the season through injury. France’s top class five year-old, looked a novice chaser of the highest order last Sunday and appeared to be set for a tilt at the Cheltenham Festival. However, trainer Guillaume Macaire’s charge has since undergone surgery for a hairline fracture on a hind leg. Anthony Bromley, representing owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, tweeted: “Very disappointing news to report that Master Dino will miss this year’s Cheltenham Festival. “(He) has had surgery this morning to insert three screws in his hind leg. Glad to say he is fine after the operation. Now the long road of recuperation.”

GODOLPHIN INVEST IN PERSIAN KING Godolphin has purchased a half share in the exciting French-trained colt Persian King. The imposing son of Kingman was defeated just once as a juvenile, when narrowly beaten by the top class Anodor, on his debut at Chantilly.

Two subsequent victories at Chantilly, were a prelude to a trip to Newmarket in October, when Persian King beat subsequent Group One winner Magna Grecia, in the Group Three Autumn Stakes. The colt is trained by Andre Fabre and races in the colours of the Wildenstein family’s Ballymore Thoroughbreds. Godolphin’s representative, Lisa-Jane Graffard, announced: “Godolphin have bought 50 per cent of Persian King and he will run in our colours this year. He is obviously a very exciting horse to join the team. “We haven’t discussed which route he’ll take yet but we have total faith in his trainer and we will leave it up to him.”

WALKING THUNDER ANNIHILATES UAE GUINEAS TRIAL RIVALS Walking Thunder turned the UAE 2,000 Guineas Trial at Meydan into a procession. A field of thirteen lined-up on the dirt, for this one mile contest. From the gates it was Walking Thunder who led, racing wide, but Power Link soon surged into a three length lead.

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS The grey Power Link, continued to take them along at a generous pace, with Walking Thunder, Dark Thunder and Manguzi next. Into the home straight, Walking Thunder joined Power Link and eased into the lead, quickly sprinting clear. The further they went, the further Walking Thunder drew clear for a nine-length victory. Second home came Manguzi, with another wide gap to Al Seel Legacy’s and Royal Marine. Walking Thunder routed his rivals here as he completed a hat-trick of wins.

NORTH AMERICA STORMS TO MEYDAN VICTORY North America routed his rivals in the Group Two Al Maktoum Challenge R1, on the Meydan dirt. Nine went to post for this one mile contest and from the break it was North America who was first into his stride and quickly led from Munazah and Kimbear. Settling down, North America and Richard Mullen set the pace from Heavy Metal and Kimbear. At the top of the straight, North America had slipped clear and straightened for home with a six length advantage, with Kimbear giving futile chase. North America extended his lead to win by nine lengths, with Kimbear best of the rest and then Muntazah and Gold Town.

POETIC CHARM WRITES HER SCRIPT IN MEYDAN Poetic Charm made her mark in scintillating fashion as she landed the Group Two Cape Verdi at Meydan. Seven fillies and mares went to post for this one mile contest on the turf and it was Monza, who soon led. With two furlongs to race, Monza was headed by Asoof, who had been in a prime position throughout. However, Poetic Charm and James Doyle had bided their time and began to improve, striking the

front inside the final furlong and drawing away for an impressive four-length success. Asoof claimed second, with Furia Cruzada running another solid race in third.

EMINENT TO RACE IN AUSTRALIA Eminent, one of the highest profile sons from Frankel’s first crop, is to continue his racing career in Australia. An impressive winner of his only start at two, the imposing colt landed the 2017 Craven Stakes before running well in both the 2,000 Guineas and finishing fourth in the Derby. The highlight of this three year-old campaign was his Group 2 success in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville, although he arguably topped that performance when finishing third to Decorated Knight and Poet’s Word in the Irish Champion Stakes.

There were high hopes for Eminent as a four year-old, but he ran abysmally in the Huxley Stakes at Chester and it later transpired that he had suffered from a fibrillating heart condition. He never recaptured his best form and trainer Martyn Meade called time on his career in July. However, the Manton-based trainer reported to the Racing Post, that the colt looks set to relaunch his racing career in Australia, saying: “I thought I’d retired Eminent after he’d run at Goodwood in August as his heart was not really in it, but the owners wanted to take him to Australia so he’s left. “I think the plan was to race him again out there at the spring carnival, although I don’t even know which trainer he’s gone to. If he recaptures his best form he would be competitive.”

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FEATURE IAN WATKINSON

Image supplied by Chris Pitt

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IAN WATKINSON FEATURE

IAN WATKINSON MEMORIES OF A GOLDEN ERA FOR JUMPS RACING

he 1970s must have been a very special era for jumps racing fans. The Champion Hurdle picture was never rosier and over time, became known as the Golden Era for hurdling. But what was it like for jumps jockeys? Course-Specialist was hugely privileged recently to catch up with Ian Watkinson, who partnered two of the great Champion Hurdle winners, a future Gold Cup winner and the unforgettable two mile chaser Tingle Creek. Ian very kindly afforded me his time to recall some extraordinary events and memories. I hope I have done him justice. Ian’s career and life could have taken a very different path before he ever sat on a horse. His father was in the Royal Navy and the young Ian harboured similar ambitions to join the Navy, as he passed his time at school in Suffolk. Having learned to ride at the age of ten, in his early teens, Ian managed to secure a Saturday job working in some nearby stables. The turning point came when he got to ride in a point to point, at the tender age of fifteen, having lied about his age! “That was it, I was hooked. Maurice Bailey was a permit holder and gave me my first ride – as he did with my good friend Sir Mark Prescott. “After I had finished school, I went to work for the late

John Powney. John and another trainer, Pat Moore, taught me to ride when I was 11 or 12 years-old.” Around this time, one of Ian’s school chums was also starting to make his way into the world of horse racing’ His name was Bill O’Gorman and he would go on to become a top class flat trainer thanks to the likes of Superlative, Timeless Times, Provideo and Sayf Al Arab. But that was all in the future.

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I figured that if I worked hard for Tommy, then he might give me a chance and I rode a winner on my first ride, a horse called Charles Cotton, at Hexham, when I was 17 years-old” – IAN WATKINSON

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FEATURE IAN WATKINSON Ian recalls Bill’s outstanding 100% record as a jumps trainer: “He had a 100% record with a steeplechaser called Strong Heart – and I got to ride him! He was a five year-old colt and one day, Bill asked me if he would jump a fence. “We took him to Nottingham and being entire, he was slow over his fences, but he had miles per hour in between. Nottingham’s jumps track had one of the longest run-ins in the country and we jumped the last fence five lengths behind Jeff King, but then beat him by a head on the flat! He never ran over fences again, hence Bill’s 100% record with chasers!” Having decided his destiny lay with racing rather than the Navy, Ian wrote to three trainers to see if there were opportunities: Tommy Robson, who trained at Greystoke in Penrith, Fred Winter in Lambourn and George Owen. “Tommy said: “If you are any good, I’ll get you going or you can go back to Newmarket;”” Ian recalls. “It was always going to be jumps racing for me as I was 9 stone even when I was 15 years-old. “I figured that if I worked hard for Tommy, then he might give me a chance and I rode a winner on my first ride, a horse called Charles Cotton, at Hexham, when I was 17 years-old, on the Whitsun Bank Holiday. “My second ride would have been a winner too, but he sadly broke down. However I also won on my third ride, a horse called Sundowner.” It was a terrific start to an embryonic career, but Robson restricted Ian to riding over hurdles and chances were few and far between. “My first ride over fences was on an old horse at Kelso, for a small Scottish trainer, John McMurchie who had a good ‘chaser called Devon Blue for the Queen Mother. “In my second season, I was allowed to ride over fences – but only on the older, more experienced horses. I struck up a partnership with a 12 year-old horse called Punion and we won four chases. I have a picture of us being led in by Maurice Barnes, who would go on to ride Rubstic to win the Grand National,” Ian recalls. “Even so, it was very difficult. I was away from home and it was a culture shock, moving to the north, but I kept myself to myself and eventually things picked up. By my third season, I was riding virtually all of Tommy’s horses, including a smart Ascot Stakes winner called Harvest Gold. I won a chase on him. “Then in 1968, I was offered a ride for Ken Oliver at Wetherby and he offered me the job as second jockey in September of that year.” Wetherby would provide mixed memories for Ian down the years. On one occasion he recalls breaking his arm having

fallen at the last on a horse trained by Pat Moore. He was carted off to North Allerton Hospital but remarkably drove himself home, with his arm in a plaster and sling. On another occasion, Ian believes he rode Night Nurse and Tingle Creek to a double at the Yorkshire track. However, before that glorious day, Ian had his moments of doubt. “After Tommy packed up training, I became disillusioned. I left racing for six months and became a Beatnic, a hippy. I grew my hair long and followed the trend of the time to put flower transfers on my car. I also put on weight. “One night I was at a dance near Lake Ullswater. I was sat in a car at about 3am with a friend. My parents lived in Cambridge and with my friend, we decided to drive to Newmarket that night. “I stayed at my parents and went to visit Bill O’Gorman. I got the racing bug again thanks to Bill. I think the catalyst for my ‘second coming’ as a jockey might well have been Bill O’Gorman, by offering me the rides on his jumpers and working beside him I rekindled my enthusiasm, got fit . . . . . the rest is history!” As Ian got started back, he also rode for a trainer called Peter Ransom, based near Ludlow.

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January 2019

IAN WATKINSON FEATURE

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Image supplied by Ian Watkinson

I think the catalyst for my ‘second coming’ as a jockey might well have been Bill O’Gorman, by offering me the rides on his jumpers and working beside him I rekindled my enthusiasm, got fit... the rest is history!” – IAN WATKINSON

“

“I rode a couple of races for him and a winner. He was a hard task master but fair and that helped to give me the impetus again. “I later returned to Newmarket and rode for Bill and rode a few winners for him too. However, on one occasion I remember riding at Southwell over hurdles. I got run out of it late on and Bill later showed me that he had backed the horse to the tune of £25 at 33/1, This was in the early Seventies, so he stood to win an astronomical sum of money!”

In 1972, Ian decided to try his luck in America for a while, moving to Belmont Park, New York. Because of his weight, he could only do slow work on the track, but he worked for Elliott Birch, who’s assistant was John Veitch. Ian soon discovered that he was in the presence of greatness. “Every morning I saw Secretariat working.” However, Ian missed jumps racing and moved back to the UK, working for Bill O’Gorman and David Thom. One one occasion, Ian managed to win a Plumpton novice chase, despite remounting twice during the race. “I was riding for Eddie McNally, who trained near Findon. I remember that some of the fences had been rebuilt and were rock hard. Some of the jockeys went on strike because of it. “I was going to ride either way but fell twice, the second time was at the last. But I remounted, which of course you can’t do nowadays – and won. “However, the best thing about Plumpton, was the shellfish stall at the back of the stands, which was patronised by the top jockeys of the day like David Mould and Terry Biddlecombe.” Of course when he started out as a jockey, Ian was very much working on the Northern circuits. His first trip south was an occasion etched indelibly in his memory: “It was 1969 and I was riding down south for the first time, at Sandown Park. “So I was sat in the weighing room in the corner, staring at all these famous jockeys like Terry Biddlecombe, Jeff King, Johnny Haine, David Mould and Paul Kelleway. “Paul Kelleway was at the bar and the younger southern jockeys were complaining about the first fence, racing downhill away from the stands. “Paul Kelleway said: “I’d rather jump that fence 10 times than go round that bend AFTER it once, it’s f———ng deadly at speed.” Many horses slipped up on that bend.” In 1973, Ian joined Tom Jones at Newmarket as a lad, riding horses at home, but with no real thought of getting rides. “However, in 1974, I did get a couple of rides over the Bank Holidays. Then on the last day of 1974, Tom had a runner at Newbury, called Artogan. “Tom had also bought a hunter chaser from Scotland, called Fezeyot. “David Mould got off Artogan at Newbury, on a Saturday, and told Tom Jones he didn’t want to starve over the weekend to ride Fezeyot at 10stone and said,”Let Ian ride him”.

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January 2019

FEATURE IAN WATKINSON

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One Sunday, Tom told me that he wanted me to ride his horses the next year, with the exception of Zongalero, Garnishee and Tingle Creek, who he said I would get into trouble with. – IAN WATKINSON

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“Tom’s routine was to call you into his office every Sunday morning at 9.30, to give you your orders for the week. It was probably the same for Richard Hills, many years later when he worked for Tom on the flat. “Anyway, Tom said to me on this particular Sunday “You can ride Fezeyot tomorrow at Leicester.” “The problem was, that he had 10 stone 1lb in the handicap and I weighed 10 stone 9lbs. “I went for two runs and took laxatives and drove to the races in a sweatsuit. I went into the race having gone from 10 stone 7lbs to 9 stone 12lbs and felt very unwell. “It was a three mile chase and I managed to dead-heat with Lord Oaksey. He later sent me a picture with the inscription “Best jockey I ever dead-heated with” - of course I was the only jockey he ever dead-heated with! “Tom Jones nearly said well done to me afterwards! I got more rides that season after that. “Then one Sunday, Tom told me that he wanted me to ride his horses the next year, with the exception of Zongalero, Garnishee and Tingle Creek, who he said I would get into trouble with. “Even so, I won on Zongalero two or three times, although I remember turning him over at Cheltenham on one occasion, when we were racing against that good mare Grangewood Girl. “Afterwards Tom gave me a dressing down and told me to ride the horses more sympathetically. “In all I rode 45 winners for him.” But whilst a jockey’s achievements and fulfilment are often accomplished on the racetrack, Ian’s memories also unsurprisingly hark back to the Newmarket gallops at that time in his life.

“I rode Tingle Creek every day at home. He was a nightmare. I never schooled him over a fence at home. Tingle Creek knew everything. “When I rode him to finish fourth in the Benson & Hedges Chase, it was the first time I had jumped anything with him. “But Tom said of schooling him: “He knows more about jumping than you’ll ever know.” “He used to get so wound up and Tom would deliberately wind him up the day before a race so that he would get to the races and just bolt. “He didn’t really jump as other horses did, he would literally run over the top of fences. He was extremely clever and could fiddle a fence if he needed to. But when he stood off, he stood off miles. He was something else. “David Mould has often said to me: “Bloody two-mile chasers, they’re all forgotten. People forget just how great a horse he was. Nobody could touch him on good ground, he was unbeatable and he was like an out of control car. “Steve Smith Eccles once said of Tingle Creek: “He goes long, very long ... and fucking hell!”. “Another occasion I remember well was the last time I rode him. It was a handicap chase at Fontwell (the meeting had been transferred from Plumpton). He was conceding three stone to all of his rivals and was ten years old by this time. “There were four runners and one of them was ridden by lady rider Nicky Ledger, who I knew very well. “However, she obviously didn’t know Tingle Creek so well! There were extra people on the gate who had come, just to see the great Tingle Creek. “But Nicky wasn’t familiar with his style of running! She asked me down at the start what my plans were for the race! I told her I would bowl along. “Her reply was: “I’ll probably be in front of you but please don’t chase me!” “I said “If you are within 20 lengths of me by the third fence, I’ll buy that horse!” “However, due to the configuration of the Fontwell course, Tingle Creek couldn’t see a fence so initially, he wasn’t as fast. I could imagine the other riders all thinking that Tingle Creek was past his best and not the horse of old. “But then they took the bend and he saw the line of four fences and just took off. He went from five lengths clear to a fence clear.” In all, Ian partnered Tingle Creek to eight chase victories, including the Express Chase at Sandown Park, which now bears the great horse’s name.

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January 2019

IAN WATKINSON FEATURE

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I rode Tingle Creek every day at home. He was a nightmare. I never schooled him over a fence at home. Tingle Creek knew everything. – IAN WATKINSON

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But what was it like to go out and ride a horse who had become public property, at a time when there were only three television channels and stars and famous names were magnified into the public conscience?

“I was always anxious that I didn’t fall off him, but I never did. “I was always aware when I went back up north, that I could feel the other jockey’s eyes burning into my back, thinking me a lucky so and so. But a lot of the northern jockeys were my friends too. “I am pretty sure that one day I rode both Tingle Creek and Night Nurse on the same Wetherby card.” For his incredible endeavours, Tingle Creek never quite seemed the same at Cheltenham. Ian has his thoughts on why that was – and on one occasion nearly changed tactics on the great two-miler. “I remember riding him once in the Champion Chase and at the top of the hill you could see half of Gloucestershire in front of you and it was like he sighed and just ran flat. He didn’t get a yard after two miles and perhaps the hill finish also didn’t play to his strengths.

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January 2019

FEATURE IAN WATKINSON “At the 1977 Cheltenham Festival, on one of the days I had two booked rides, aboard John Cherry and Tingle Creek. “It poured with rain and John Cherry ran an awful race and got stuck in the mud. Tom then took Tingle Creek out of the Champion Chase. “Before that race, about ten days before, Tom asked me if I could hold Tingle Creek up in a race. I told him that if there was one place it might be possible, then it was Cheltenham. But we never got the chance to try it.” As Tingle Creek’s glorious career came to an end, Ian began to forge partnerships with two of the great Champion Hurdlers, Night Nurse and Sea Pigeon. Both were trained in Yorkshire by Peter Easterby, one of the big powerhouse stables in the country at the time.

“

I am pretty sure that one day I rode both Tingle Creek and Night Nurse on the same Wetherby card. – IAN WATKINSON

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His opportunity arose after he had ridden that good chaser Canadius in the 1976 King George VI Chase, finishing just behind Bula, as Royal Marshall landed the Boxing Day feature. “I rode him again at Haydock Park in the New Year. He had leg trouble and Peter told me not to hit him. I jumped the last upside Michael Dickinson on Shifting Gold and suddenly saw Michael’s elbows going up and down and he beat me a neck, with a crack of the whip. “I then got the call to ride Night Nurse in the Scottish Champion Hurdle of 1978. Sea Pigeon was in the line-up too, but Golden Cygnet, that crack novice, would have beaten us both. He was cantering all over us when he tragically fell. “Later that year I got to ride Night Nurse over fences and I also rode him in that epic race for the Embassy Premier Chase Final, at Haydock Park, in early 1979. It was a harsh winter and he hadn’t run for 11 weeks, while Silver Buck had recently run at Windsor and had race-fitness and just beat us. “I rode Sea Pigeon three times and won all three. While Night Nurse would go a relentless gallop and got two miles well, Sea Pigeon had to be switched off. “One day I rode Night Nurse at Newcastle in an Embassy Premier Chase Qualifier and later also won the Fighting

Fifth Hurdle on Sea Pigeon. That was a great day. I pulled Night Nurse up on the run-in and he still won by 12 lengths. “Then in the last race of the day, Johnny Haine had a runner in the novice hurdle. He got well beaten and connections looked at me disappointed. All I could say was: “Sorry, this wasn’t the best horse I’ve ridden today!”.” Ian also nearly changed the course of history in a very negative way. In 1977, Red Rum unforgettably won his third Grand National. But when Ian fell at the Chair on Sage Merlin, he all but brought down the great horse. “Red Rum was right behind me and just landed and sidestepped me. Otherwise that would have been that,” Ian reflects. But the fine margins and fickle nature of fate were lying in wait for Ian and dealt him a brutal blow in early 1979. “With the Cheltenham Festival fast-approaching, I took a ride for Johnny Haine at Towcester, in a three-mile novice chase on a horse called Regal Choice. “I’d never ridden him before and he fell at the last ditch. I was later told by Colin Astbury that he never took off at the fence. “I was left unconscious and suffered a serious concussion which ultimately ended my career as a jockey. “I was told that a couple of inches one way and I would have been a goner, a couple of inches the other way and I might have escaped unscathed. “I was examined and sat down and the doctor told me there would be no jockey’s licence again. Another fall on my head would have killed me or left me a vegetable for the rest of my life. “I was wheelchair-bound afterwards and because of the brain damage I suffered, I had to re-learn basic skills like brushing my teeth, shaving and using a knife and fork. “Once I was able to, I didn’t stay around. JETS ( Jockeys Education and Training Scheme) visited me (I think it was one of Stan Mellor’s daughters). But I couldn’t mentally settle and ended up going to Australia for six years. “I trained whilst I was out there. Mrs Thomson-Jones (who owned Snailwell Stud – I rode their Gold Cup winner Alverton and also the smart Major Thompson to victories), arranged a job for me through Alan Lillingston, in Cootamundra. Alan had ridden Winning Fair to land the Champion Hurdle in 1963. “I eventually trained horses for 2 ½ years and in my second season had 71 winners, including five in one day, on two occasions. We only raced three times a fortnight. I also trained four winners in Sydney. “I was a private trainer and just looked after the horses, the office side of things was taken care of.”

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January 2019

IAN WATKINSON FEATURE

Image supplied by Ian Watkinson

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I then got the call to ride Night Nurse in the Scottish Champion Hurdle of 1978. Sea Pigeon was in the line-up too, but Golden Cygnet, that crack novice, would have beaten us both. – IAN WATKINSON

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Then in September 1981, Ian briefly returned to England. “Bob (Champion) had won the Grand National that year on Aldaniti and Thames Television flew me over to London for an episode of ‘This Is Your Life’.” Australia gave Ian plenty of life experiences and he partook in rodeo riding, sky and scuba diving and white water rafting exploits! Ian later worked with his friend Josh Gifford, in Findon.

He now lives with his wife in Newmarket and I was privileged to meet Ian through our mutual friend, author and racing historian Chris Pitt, at the Rowley Mile, in September 2018. Ian has lived the life of twelve people and filled his own with wonderful memories. Of all the great races he rode in, the great horses he rode, the memory he is most proud of is that of a little staying chaser from the late 1970s, called Prince Rock. “I used to ride Prince Rock for Peter Bailey. Back in those days, there was a four-mile chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. I rode in it twice and won both times. “Peter and I planned that race for Prince Rock and we planned the tactics. It went like clockwork and that was my proudest moment in racing.” Ian’s story is one of perseverance and hope, but also camaraderie. Today’s jump jockeys live very differently, although the risk is inherently there. But Ian’s stories deserve to be shared to different generations. There are lessons to be learned, but also a flavour for a very different era, when titans of the turf like Tingle Creek, Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse, etched their names in racing history.

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January 2019

EQUINE PRODUCTS UK LTD Company account manager and sales representative Robyn Waterson explains more about the pioneers in Equine Nutrition What is the history of Equine Products UK Ltd? From its base in Newcastle, North East England, Equine Products UK Ltd sells and manufactures a worldwide, renowned and detailed range of highquality supplements and tonics for performance horses. We were established in 1981 and now in our 38th year of business. What is the company ethos? The secret of Equine Products UK Ltd is simple: we use the best quality ingredients on the market in the highest quality, specially formulated to really work. This is because we want to help customers achieve the best from their horses, they deserve the best! What type of range do you supply? We formulate, manufacture and sell a wide range of different products from over 44 different tonics and supplements to a varied range of tack room and medical supplies. Our well know products are Selenavite E, Heamavite B+, Premier E, and Restore-Lyte to name just a few. What do your products do? Equine Products UK Ltd supplements nutritionally support the horse in many ways. Ultimately aiming to help reach its maximum genetic, athletic and performance potential. Using products with health benefits such as electrolytes, probiotics, bone and muscle support, blood tonic and so on, can all help achieve this. What are the main benefits of your products? All of the Equine Products UK Ltd range is tested at a fully licensed, accredited EU manufacturing site under EU Feed Hygiene Legislation. All ingredients are rigorously tested and daily investigations are run under the HAPPA Plan. All raw materials are tested by an FEI accredited laboratory so you can rest assured in training and competition. The products are all easy to manage, store and have a two year used by date as well as being extremely palatable.

What’s new this year? At Equine Products UK Ltd we are constantly developing our range of products and services to benefit the customer and their horse’s needs. New for 2019 we have LA Max: antioxidant & anti-inflammatory supplement, 185x more bio -available than standard turmeric to support freedom of movement. We also have Transvite Digest a new and improved probiotic, 50% stronger than other competitor products. Muscle Maker and Cool It also are new in the range. So please do get in touch to find out more. What other elements do you provide? At Equine Products UK Ltd we pride ourselves on top quality service. All products arrive by free next day delivery and we like to supply our customers with fantastic offers and special deals where ever possible. We often supply free merchandise to customers for their loyalty and there is always someone at the end of the phone, email or willing to pay a visit to your yard and help in any way they can. So please get in touch to find out how we can help you. www.equineproducts-ukltd.com use the coupon code ROBYN10 for 10% discount online. Contact Robyn Waterson for further information: 07713 031614 / robyn@equineproducts-ukltd.com facebook-f instagram  #equineproductsukltd #yourhorsedeservesthebest #greatproductswinprizes

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FEATURE QATAR BLOODSTOCK

QATAR BLOODSTOCK AND TWEENHILLS STUD Gearing up for a fantastic 2019

n deepest Gloucestershire, on a freezing cold January morning, the future has arrived at Tweenhills Stud. As the sheep nonchalantly graze in the paddock next to the gates, a small dog patters casually around the yard. Overlooking this scene are six young stallions, set to take Qatar Bloodstock and Tweenhills Stud to the next level. “I have to pinch myself every morning,” says David Redvers, Qatar Racing Manager and Owner and Manager of Tweenhills. “We are so lucky to have two new stallions who can potentially shape the future of the bloodstock industry.” Those two stallions are the Australian sensation Zoustar

and the 2018 Cartier Horse Of The Year, Roaring Lion. Accompanying the pair are the newly-arrived Sussex Stakes winner Lightning Spear and the already established trio of Charm Spirit, Havana Gold and Hot Streak. Having such talent at Tweenhills is the stuff of dreams, no wonder David feels like pinching himself. The Stud Farm, based in glorious Gloucestershire countryside, is located just outside the village of Hartpury, a few miles north of Gloucester. It has been in the Redvers family for generations; where David’s grandmother, Nell Pennell, gained a reputation for breeding ponies and award-winning Guernsey cattle.

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January 2019

QATAR BLOODSTOCK FEATURE David’s interest in bloodstock and racing, saw him gain valuable industry experience, spending time at Mark Johnston Racing and Russell Baldwin & Bright auctioneers. He also travelled the globe, picking up invaluable experience and working as an assistant to agents at Tattersalls and Keeneland Sales. Tweenhills was launched as a Thoroughbred farm and stud in 1995, when the first stallion to stand there was that fine Reg Hollinshead-trained hurdler Afzal. Among his successful progeny were From Dawn To Dusk, Billygoat Gruff and Cavalero. “Afzal won the Grade One juvenile hurdle at Aintree, in 1984,” David recalls. “He was a lovely horse but sadly suffered from a neck injury from his racing days, which affected his balance and ended his stud career prematurely.” An early – and significant success for David as an agent, came when he bought the yearling Lady Rebecca, for just 400 guineas, in 1993. Under the tutelage of Venetia Williams, Lady Rebecca, the race mare, became an institution in the late Nineties and at the turn of the Century, winning 13 races, including three Grade Ones and amassing over £160,000 in prize money. David was delighted when the mare retired and eventually came “home” to Tweenhills, where she lived out her days, before passing at the age of 21, in 2013. At the time, he reflected: "She certainly helped my career and to get Tweenhills up and running. "I'm not even sure if she hadn't done what she did we wouldn't be here today. What people loved about her was her rags-to-riches story. It didn't matter how much she cost or how small she was. She had such a huge heart." By then of course, the die was very much cast and Tweenhills was growing in stature. In 2010, the Qatari Royal Family had begun its significant interest in horse racing and breeding and that year saw David appointed as Racing and Bloodstock Advisor to Sheikh Fahad Al Thani and his brothers. Tweenhills became the base for their bloodstock operation. David soon demonstrated why he was the perfect choice to work for the Al Thani family, purchasing Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden and the Group One winning filly Lightening Pearl. Qatar Racing was keen to establish itself as a force in the bloodstock industry and David purchased the 2010 2,000 Guineas winner, Makfi. The French-trained colt stood at Tweenhills for six

seasons siring Classic winners in both northern and southern hemispheres before being sold to stand in Japan. On the racing front, Just The Judge won the 2013 Irish 1,000 Guineas, while Havana Gold proved a smart colt, winning the Group Three Somerville Tattersalls Stakes at two – and in 2013, landing the Group One Prix Jean Prat. Both horses remain very much part of the Qatar Bloodstock operation, with Havana Gold still standing at Tweenhills. His best progeny to date is the top class sprinter Havana Grey, who has made a big impression at two and three.

As Havana Gold was making his mark at three, Hot Streak came along and proved a sharp two year-old, winning the Group Three Cornwallis Stakes and placing in the Group Two Mill Reef Stakes and the Group One Middle Park Stakes, where he gave Astaire a real race. In 2014, Hot Streak landed the Group Two Temple Stakes at Haydock Park, beating Kingsgate Native and Pearl Secret. He later placed in the Group One King’s Stand Stakes and the Group Three Palace House Stakes. 2015 saw the distaff side of Qatar Racing come to the fore, as the Ralph Beckett trained Simple Verse, went through the season improving. Her year culminated in Classic success in the St Leger at Doncaster. Charm Spirit proved a top class miler for Freddy Head. He ran well in a strong 2,000 Guineas in 2014, finishing fifth, just behind Night Of Thunder, Kingman and Australia.

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January 2019

FEATURE QATAR BLOODSTOCK

The son of Invincible Spirit was never beaten again, landing four straight wins, culminating in Group One successes in the Prix Jean Prat, Prix du Moulin and the Queen Elizabeth IInd Stakes. His first crop of runners arrived on the racecourse in 2018 and proved high class. Horses such as Kick On, Charming Kid and the filly Youtimeisnow, all demonstrated that Charm Spirit is going to be a stallion of some stature in the years to come. Joining the Tweenhills roster in 2019, is the Sussex Stakes winner Lightning Spear. This handsome chesnut ran for several seasons and

appeared destined to be the eternal bridesmaid in Group One company, particularly after getting agonisingly touched off by Rohododendron, in the 2018 Lockinge Stakes. But the two-time winner of the Group Two Celebration Mile at Goodwood, finally broke his duck at the same track, when beating Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Expert Eye, by 1 ½ lengths, in 2018. Qatar Bloodstock’s patience and faith were repaid in spades that day and it was delightful to learn that there was a place for this popular horse at Tweenhills. Joining Lightning Spear was one of the giants of the 2018 turf season in Europe, Cartier Horse of the Year, Roaring Lion. The John Gosden-trained grey, had proved top class as a juvenile, landing the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes, before narrowly losing to Saxon Warrior, in the Group One Racing Post Trophy, having seemed destined to win, before wandering off a true line. In 2018, Roaring Lion took time to come to himself, running third to Masar in the Craven Stakes and fifth in the Guineas behind old rival Saxon Warrior. That horse would prove a key ingredient in Roaring Lion’s future and the grey never lost to the Guineas winner again, in a memorably rivalry that help to light up the 2018 flat season.

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January 2019

World Champion 3yo

Champion Older Miler

£40,000 Oct 1st SLF

£8,500 Oct 1st SLF

Record Breaking Champion First Season Sire in AUS

Leading First Season Sire in GB 2018

Champion First Season Sire in GB 2017

£17,500 Oct 1st SLF

£15,000 Oct 1st SLF

£7,000 Oct 1st SLF

£25,000 Oct 1st SLF

First 2yos 2019

To find out more about the Qatar Racing stallions visit www.tweenhills.com Contact Hannah Wall or Alex Lowe at Tweenhills on T: +44 (0) 1452 700177 E: alex@tweenhills.com

FEATURE QATAR BLOODSTOCK

Roaring Lion looked a different proposition when he stepped up to 1 ¼ miles in the Dante Stakes and whilst Gosden expressed doubts that the son of Kitten’s Joy would stay the Derby trip, he took his chance at Epsom, running well to finish third to Masar, with Saxon Warrior behind him for the first time. Roaring Lion was next seen at Sandown Park in the Coral Eclipse Stakes in July, where he made the score two-two in his head to heads with Saxon Warrior, after a terrific scrap. After a break, he returned to action in the Group One Juddmonte International Stakes, returning to York, the scene of his Dante Stakes victory. An outstanding renewal saw Roaring Lion take on multiple Group One winners and he proved much the best, slamming the King George winner Poet’s Word by 3 ¼ lengths, with Thundering Blue, Saxon Warrior, Benbatl and Irish Derby winner Latrobe, no match for the flying grey. In September, Roaring Lion consolidated his position as one of the year’s outstanding performers, with a hard fought victory over Saxon Warrior, in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. It was the sixth and final meeting between the old adversaries, as Saxon Warrior sustained a career-ending injury. The two three year olds pulled clear of a class field which included Prix du Jockey Club Stakes winner Study Of Man and the filly Rhododendron. In October, Roaring Lion dropped down to a mile for the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. The colt was taking on specialist milers for the first time since the 2,000 Guineas and was held up before finishing late to land the race from I Can Fly, with top class horses like Recoletos, Laurens and Lightning Spear behind him. That confirmed Roaring Lion’s special talent and place at the head of the three year olds. One more race at the Breeders’ Cup, on dirt, failed to yield

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the Grand Slam finish but it mattered not, Roaring Lion’s racing career had a glow to it which could not be diluted and he rightly earned the Cartier Award. The four year-old has settled into life at Tweenhills well and will be covering Just The Judge and Simple Verse in 2019, as his stallion campaign aims to underline his versatility. Having Roaring Lion arrive at Tweenhills would be excitement enough. But a real coup was being delivered in the background, which has brought Australian sensation, Zoustar, to Gloucester, for a season covering in the Northern Hemisphere. Record breaking first season sire Zoustar, is part-owned by Qatar Racing and was shuttled from Widden Stud, Australia in December. The Champion First Season Sire in Australia stands for £25,000 (Oct 1st SLF), which could prove a tremendous bargain, given his 2018 results.  Zoustar is the highest earning Australasian first season

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QATAR BLOODSTOCK FEATURE 675, a filly out of a mare by Denman and AU$700,000 for lot 440, a colt out of a mare by Black Minnaloushe. The 40 lots sold averaged AU$320,375. David Redvers is understandably excited by the newest arrival at Tweenhills: “We are hugely honoured to be entrusted with a stallion of ZOUSTAR’s profile by his owners as he is one of the most exciting stallions to have come out of Australia in recent years. A record breaking first season sire, he has followed this up with an even more impressive set of results with his first three year olds and his popularity has been further illustrated by his stunning sales results at the recent Magic Millions. “At £25,000 Oct 1st SLF he represents outstanding value as his fee looks set to more than double from last season’s AU$66,000 in Australia on his return. He is regarded as a genuine breed shaper in the Southern Hemisphere. ZOUSTAR offers breeders a remarkable opportunity to use a sensational proven horse at a first season sire price. It is no surprise that he has been oversubscribed.”

sire in history, with total racecourse earnings to date of over AU$5.7 million; his progeny continue to make racing headlines including a 1-2-3 in 2018’s Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes, while his unbeaten son Zoustyle won a stakes race in December, quickly followed by a win for his son, Sun City, in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes at Doomben. That brought Zoustar’s tally of individual stakes winners from his first crop, to a sensational seven.  Commercially, Zoustar’s progreny have proved all the rage. At the recent Magic Millions Gold Coast Book One Yearling Sale, one of his yearlings, lot 320, a colt out of Acouplamas (AUS) (Al Maher), broke the seven-figure barrier for the first time, selling for AU$1,075,000 to Yu Long Investments Pty Ltd/RIFA Mustang. A further sixteen of ZOUSTAR’s progeny sold for AU$300,000 or more, whilst a total of 39 sold for six-figure sums, with impressive sales results such as; AU$900,000 for lot 117, a colt out of a mare by Freud, AU$750,000 for lot

2019 STUD FEES FOR QATAR RACING STALLIONS: Charm Spirit £17,500 Oct 1st SLF Havana Gold £15,000 Oct 1st SLF Hot Streak £7,000 Oct 1st SLF Lightning Spear £8,500 Oct 1st SLF Roaring Lion £40,000 Oct 1st SLF Zoustar £25,000 Oct 1st SLF For more information on Qatar Bloodstock and Tweenhills Stud, please visit: https://tweenhills.com

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JUDDMONTE MARES IN DEMAND ON OPENING DAY OF TATTERSALLS DECEMBER MARE SALE The Tattersalls December Mare Sale got off to a strong start with international buyers the feature of the opening day. Three mares from Prince Khalid Abdulah’s Juddmonte Farms led the way during a session that saw 215 lots realise 12,310,200 guineas at an average of 57,257 guineas and a median of 30,000 guineas.

Image supplied by Tattersalls Ltd

LE METAYER SECURES SISTER TO MIDDAY FOR 550,000 GUINEAS Leading the way was AURORA GOLD, the FRANKEL half-sister to the Champion mare MIDDAY who was knocked down to Bertrand le Metayer for 550,000 guineas. The four-year-old Juddmonte Farms consigned mare, offered in foal to KINGMAN, caught the attention of Blackstone Farm’s Christian Black, Rabbah Bloodstock’s Jono Mills and Barronstown Stud’s David Nagle but none could match Le Metayer. “She is for a new French breeder,” said Le Metayer, “who wanted to get involved in this family. “The mare is scopey and in-foal to Kingman – with him, and Kingmambo as her broodmare sire, it should offer some size to this foal. “The hope is the page will get even darker – we counted eight fillies under the first dam which will only make this page grow.” AURORA GOLD’s other siblings include the

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Group 3 Nell Gwyn winner HOT SNAP, the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes winner SUN MAIDEN and the Listed winner MIDSUMMER SUN, whilst MIDDAY is also the dam of the Group & Listed winners MIDTERM and MORI.

SUMMER WIND SECURE ARGUMENTATIVE FOR 425,000 GUINEAS Two lots earlier Michael Youngs went to 425,000 guineas to secure the Listed placed mare ARGUMENTATIVE on behalf of Jane Lyon’s Summer Wind Farm. The daughter of OBSERVATORY is already the dam of Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner EPICURIS and was offered in foal to sire-sensation FRANKEL. “Jane bred Mozu Ascot, Frankel’s Group 1 winner in Japan, so she is delighted to have a mare back in-foal to him,” said Youngs. “The mare will be going to the US, and there is enough in the pedigree to transfer to stateside.” Youngs secured ARGUMENTATIVE at the expense of underbidder Stephen Hillen.

MOUNTARMSTRONG LAND FINE TIME FOR 420,000 GUINEAS The third of the triumvirate of high-profile Juddmonte consigned mares was the DANSILI three-year-old FINE TIME who was also offered in foal to KINGMAN. The daughter of the SADLER’S WELLS mare CLEPSYDRA is a sister to the Group 1 winners TIMEPIECE and PASSAGE OF TIME and was knocked down to Stroud Coleman’s Matt Coleman for 420,000 guineas on behalf of Noel O’Callaghan’s Mountarmstrong Stud. “It is a phenomenal pedigree,” said Coleman, adding, “it is one of the best in the book. She is also in-foal to Kingman, who has had a great start.” Coleman secured the filly, who is also a sibling to Group 3 winner FATHER TIME and Listed winner CONTINUUM, after staving off the efforts of Camas Park Stud’s Timmy Hyde and Rabbah Bloodstock’s Jono Mills.

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS

CAMAS PARK STUD BUY BRISTOL BAY FOR 400,000 GUINEAS Late in the evening Camas Park Stud’s Timmy Hyde Snr secured the ten-year-old mare BRISTOL BAY for 400,000 guineas after a prolonged bidding battle with owner-breeder Stuart Stuckey. The daughter of MONTJEU, who was consigned from Ballylinch Stud, is the dam of the Listed winning, Group-placed four-year-old BAY OF POETS and was offered in foal to LOPE DE VEGA. “She is a lovely mare and very well covered,” said Hyde. “We’ll know if we have made the right decision here tonight when we get the foal! “She is coming back to Camas Park and we will make some plans then.” BRISTOL BAY was bred by Gestut Ammerland and is from a pedigree long developed by the farm which includes the Champion filly BORGIA and the Group 1 Coronation Cup winner BOREAL.

PEARLING SELLS FOR 2.4 MILLION GUINEAS AT TATTERSALLS DECEMBER BREEDING STOCK SALE

Her filly foal by Galileo was also bought by Blue Diamond Stud Farm UK at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale last week for a record breaking 1.7 million guineas, becoming the highest priced filly foal to be sold at public auction in the world this year. Pearling, consigned by New England Stud, is a full sister to Giant’s Causeway and You’resothrilling - the dam of Gleneagles, Happily, Marvellous, Coolmore, and Taj Mahal.

RIFA MUSTANG SECURE THE MINIVER ROSE Paul Hensey, representing Chinese operation Rifa Mustang, secured Group 2 Park Hill Stakes winner THE MINIVER ROSE. The twelve-year-old mare, who was offered in foal to DUBAWI, was consigned by Godolphin and knocked down to Hensey for 300,000 guineas. “She is a Group 2 winner and has plenty going on in the family,” said Hensey. “She has a filly by Dubawi with John Gosden as well as with James Tate. There is a lot to run for her, and ongoing plans will be open-ended.” THE MINIVER ROSE is a half-sister to BELLE DE CRECY, winner of the Group 2 Blandford Stakes and placed in the Group 1 British Champion Fillies/Mare Stakes.

SEVEN TOP A MILLION AT THE TATTERSALLS DECEMBER MARES SALE

Image supplied by Tattersalls Ltd

Day two of the Tattersalls Breeding Stock Sale saw incredibly strong trade this evening with PEARLING, in foal to Champion sire Galileo, sold for 2.4 million guineas (£2.52 million) to Blue Diamond Stud Farm UK. A packed sale ring greeted the dam of three-time Group 1 winner Decorated Knight, now a sire at the Irish National Stud.

The Tattersalls December Mares Sale exploded into life on Tuesday evening with seven fillies and mares realising one million guineas or more and a further 21 selling above 500,000 guineas. The turnover on the second day reached a remarkable 42,534,600 guineas at an average of 218,126 guineas and a median of 110,000 guineas. 2,400,000 Guineas for Pearling The headline act on the Tuesday of the Tattersalls December Mares Sale was PEARLING, sold in foal to GALILEO for 2.4 million guineas to the bid of

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES

Image supplied by Tattersalls Ltd

Tony Nerses of Blue Diamond Stud. Underbidders on the sale-topper included David Hanley of WinStar Farm and ultimately, Australian-based agent Dean Hawthorne. Offered by New England Stud, the regally-bred mare is an own sister to Champion sire and racehorse GIANT’S CAUSEWAY and the dam of three-time Group 1 winner DECORATED KNIGHT. Imad Al Sagar, who was the successful purchaser and previous part-owner of the mare with Saleh Al Homaizi, said; “She is very special to us and has an exceptional pedigree. I could not let her go. Saleh has some serious business commitments coming up and has needed to reduce his interests, but he is a very good friend. We have had some great times with the horses together but things change. “I am delighted to be able to take this mare home - and she is carrying a filly by Galileo.”

LORDSHIP STUD SECURE BOUND FOR 2,200,000 GUINEAS The other lot to top the 2 million guineas mark was the Listed winning GALILEO mare BOUND who was knocked down to Lordship Stud’s Ben Harris for 2,200,000 guineas. US agent Lincoln Collins had initially opened the bidding at 1 million guineas before Henri Bozo, standing alongside Bertrand Le Metayer, took things along before the Lordship team standing with agent Luke Lillingston took control to secure the mare in foal to DARK ANGEL. Following the sale, Trevor Harris of Lordship said; “Luke helped us right from the start and bought La Sky for us who was the dam of Love Divine and Swiss Lake, the dam of Swiss Spirit. This the most

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expensive horse we have bought, and we’d would love to send her to Dubawi.” Luke Lillingston said: “Sometimes you have throw the kitchen sink at it to get a reward. She is a very special looking mare and is by Galileo.” BOUND is an own sister to the Group 1 Nassau Stakes second WEDDING VOW and to BYE BYE BABY, a Group 3 winner and third in the Group 1 Oaks. She hails from the family of ‘Arc’ winner DYLAN THOMAS as well as 1,000 Guineas winner HOMECOMING QUEEN and was offered in foal to DARK ANGEL by consignor John Troy.

BEAUTIFUL MORNING TO LASCELLES FOR 1,400,000 GUINEAS

The Group-winning GALILEO mare BEAUTIFUL MORNING was another to break seven figures when selling to agent Hugo Lascelles for 1,400,000 guineas. Victorious in the Group 3 Royal Whip at The Curragh, the mare is out of the Listed-placed mare DATE WITH DESTINY who was the only offspring of the ill-fated 2,000 Guineas winner GEORGE WASHINGTON. Trained by Jessica Harrington, BEAUTIFUL MORNING was raced by Jon Kelly and James Wiltz. “Beautiful Morning will be staying in the UK and we’d hope she’ll be able to go to Dubawi,” said Lascelles of the mare sold by Newsells Park Stud. “She is for a different client than this morning’s purchase of Lot 1805.”

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A classical landscape fit for thoroughbreds.

PE A R L S ECR E T GR.2 WINNING SPRINTER BY SPEED SIRE COMPTON PLACE CONSISTENT 5F STAKES WINNER Won 3 Group/Stakes races and twice Gr.1 placed, all over 5f. OUT OF A 5F STAKES WINNING MARE From the family of Dutch Art. Sold to Jamie Railton x2, Tally-Ho Stud, Norris/Huntingdon, Paul Murphy, Redwall Bloodstock, Star Bloodstock, etc.

FIRST FOALS IN 2018 ARE REAL GEMS

AVERAGING OVER 4X HIS STUD FEE

Sold to Jamie Railton Sales Agency, consigned by Glashare 42,000gns House Stud Colt ex TATTERSALLS

Ermine And Velvet

Sold to Torard House Stud, consigned by Salcey Forest Stud

26,000gns

Colt ex Indigo Beat

TATTERSALLS

Sold to Tally-Ho Stud, consigned by Bucklands €40,000 Farm & Stud Colt ex GOFFS Kirunavaara

€28,000

Colt ex Mastoora

Sold to Old McDonnell Farm B/S, consigned by Nanallac Stud GOFFS

Sold to Jamie Railton Sales Agency, consigned by Salcey Forest Stud €20,000 GOFFS

Fee: £4,000 1st October

Chapel Stud Ltd Chapel Lane, Bransford, Worcestershire WR6 5JQ 01452 717 342 www.chapelstud.co.uk

Colt ex Mothers Finest

Roisin Close

Daniel Creighton

07738 279 071

07597 945 219

roisin@chapelstud.co.uk

NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES

QUEEN MARY WINNER HEARTACHE TO MV MAGNIER FOR 1,300,000 GUINEAS The Royal Ascot winning filly HEARTACHE who scored an authoritative win in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes as well as the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes was secured by Coolmore Stud’s MV Magnier for 1,300,000 Guineas. The daughter of the Listed winning filly PLACE IN MY HEART was consigned by her owners Whitsbury Manor Stud and Ed Harper commented; “The family goes back to Hollow Heart, who was bought by Dad in the 1970s - this is a testament to his skill. “We have changed our minds about ten times as to whether to sell or keep her - but at the end of the day a stallion can cover 100 mares and a mare can only be covered once and we run a commercial operation. “We have a superb team at home and it allows us to keep pushing forward.” Purchaser MV Magnier said; “She is a very fast filly, very good-looking and she’ll be one for Galileo - she will not race on. She comes from a great nursery and farm.”

WINSTAR FARM GO TO 1,300,000 GUINEAS FOR AMBROSIA Shortly after David Hanley of WinStar Farm had missed out on buying PEARLING he struck successfully on her daughter AMBROSIA with a winning bid of 1.3 million guineas. The Highclere Stud consigned daughter of FRANKEL is a half-sister to three-time Group 1 winner DECORATED KNIGHT, from the family of multiple Group 1 winners GLENEAGLES and HAPPILY, and was offered in foal to SIYOUNI. Hanley commented after the sale; “We went a long way into the bidding on her dam but did not get her. We said if we missed on her, we would try for her daughter. “It is the most exceptional pedigree and most amazing family that works on both sides of the Atlantic - you could get a Dirt horse or a Turf horse.

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We are thrilled that we have secured her,” he added. “She is on an early cover, and we have discussed stallions, but as yet have made no plans.”

ERDENHEIM FARM SECURE OFF LIMITS FOR 1,200,000 GUINEAS James Wigan’s London Thoroughbred Services went to 1,200,000 guineas to secure the Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes winner OFF LIMITS on behalf of Florida-based Peter and Bonnie McCausland’s Erdenheim Farm in Pennsylvania. The six-year-old daughter of MASTERCRAFTSMAN out of the EFISIO mare RAVISH was consigned to the sale by European Sales Management on behalf of owner Martin Schwartz. “She is the only lot here with Grade 1-winning form,” said Wigan. “The farm is an old American stud farm that has a great history. It is now being bought back into equine use again. It has been empty for a time and these are the first mares going back onto the farm. “The mare should suit the US and she is from a lovely family.”

PHOENIX BUY POCKETFULLOFDREAMS FOR 1,000,000 GUINEAS Phoenix Thoroughbreds had to withstand a determined effort by Yulong Investments to secure the four-year-old mare POCKETFULLOFDREAMS for 1,000,000 guineas. The Listed-placed daughter of INVINCIBLE SPIRIT, who was offered with a covering to GALILEO by her consignors Baroda & Colbinstown Studs, is a half-sister to the Group 2 Prix de Royallieu winner THE JULIET ROSE. Tom Ludt, the vice president of equine operations for Phoenix Thoroughbreds, said; “We are building a top-level broodmare band and both mares are carrying their first foals. We are looking to play at the top of the business.” Phoenix later bought out their partners Zen Racing in the filly SIGNORA CABELLO for 900,000 guineas and indicated that she will return to trainer John Quinn for a three-year-old campaign.

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS

JUDDMONTE FILLIES DOMINATE THIRD DAY OF TATTERSALLS DECEMBER MARE SALE The consignment of fillies from Juddmonte Farms is always one of the highlights of the Tattersalls December Mare Sale and they did not disappoint, realising 1,848,000 guineas for the 24 lots on offer. Trade on the third day realised 5,257,800 guineas for the 205 lots sold, at an average of 25,648 guineas and a median of 10,000 guineas. The session-equalling top lots were two fillies from Juddmonte’s draft who realised 400,000 guineas apiece whilst their fillies filled four of the top five prices for the day. Tauteke, a daughter of Sea The Stars who won her novice race at Chelmsford last week, while Qazyna is a daughter of Frankel who won a Listed race on her last start for us this year. “She is a three-year-old and will stay in training at four – she is a big filly and should only improve.” Bizakov purchased Hesmonds Stud in 2010. Image supplied by Tattersalls Ltd

HESMONDS SECURE DUBAWI FILLY FOR 400,000 GUINEAS Roger Varian had to go to 400,000 guineas to secure the three-year-old DUBAWI filly SUPPORTER on behalf of Nurlan Bizakov’s Hesmonds Stud. The daughter of the EMPIRE MAKER mare VERY GOOD NEWS is a half-sister to the Group 1 Irish St Leger third WEEKENDER, whilst the second dam is the amazing broodmare HASILI, the dam of the Group 1 winners INTERCONTINENTAL, CACIQUE, CHAMPS ELYSEES, HEAT HAZE and BANKS HILL. “Hesmonds is a young farm for Nurlan and he is building up a strong broodmare band,” said Varian. “It is a fantastic farm and is just starting to be successful in Nurlan’s ownership. “Nurlan has had a good year with some nice horses, especially some two-year-olds who could have Classic campaigns next year – for instance,

GUNTHERS SECURE JUDDMONTE FILLY WEEKDAY FOR 400,000 GUINEAS US owner-breeders John Gunther and his daughter Tanya secured the DANSILI filly WEEKDAY for the session joint top price of 400,000 guineas. They landed the Juddmonte-consigned daughter of the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes winner TIMEPIECE after seeing off Rabbah Bloodstock’s Jono Mills. “She is a lovely filly and from a very good family,” said Gunther, who was standing with his daughter Tanya, who signed for the new acquisition. “There are also a couple of Dubawi younger siblings to run for the mare, which was important to us they could add again to the pedigree.” It wasn’t the first time the pair had topped proceedings on this day, having purchased POSSET from the same draft back in 2014 for 625,000 guineas. Her GALILEO colt sold for 1,100,000 guineas at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale this year.

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES Gunther, who was standing in the bidders’ area by the sale ring exit, added: “I have had luck before buying from Juddmonte - Without Parole is from a Juddmonte family and I said this morning that I was not going to leave town today without buying one from Juddmonte! “I stood in this spot when I bought Posset - it has been lucky.” The Gunthers have enjoyed a remarkable year as the breeders of US Triple Crown winner JUSTIFY and the owner-breeders of Group 1 St James’ Palace Stakes winner WITHOUT PAROLE.

CASSE SECURES DAUGHTER OF VENTURA FOR 175,000 GUINEAS US agent Justin Casse secured another Juddmonte offering when he went to 175,000 guineas to land AT YOUR PLEASURE, the WAR FRONT daughter of the multiple Grade 1 winner VENTURA. Casse purchased the three-year-old filly on behalf of Haras D’Etreham’s Nicholas de Chambure. “Nicolas and I agreed that she is a beautiful physical – she has a great shape and she has a good walk,” said Casse. “War Fronts are very popular in the US – this family is a nice US family – and she could end up there. It is good that she is a winner.” VENTURA is the winner of ten races for Juddmonte, including four Grade 1s including the Santa Monica Handicap, the Matriarch Stakes, the Woodbine Mile Stakes and the Just A Game Stakes.

RABBAH SECURE FRANKEL FILLY FOR 170,000 GUINEAS Rabbah Bloodstock’s Jono Mills struck to secure the Juddmonte Farm’s three-year-old REKINDLE for 170,000 guineas. “I am very glad we have got her,” said Mills about the unraced daughter of FRANKEL. “The family is only going to get better and better, hopefully there will be plenty of updates to come it is just such a lovely page. We have not made any plans yet.”

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REKINDLE is the first foal out of the young PIVOTAL mare HOT SNAP, winner of the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes and placed in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes. She is a daughter of MIDSUMMER, the dam of the wonderful race mare and champion MIDDAY, and the family includes such names as ELMAAMUL and REAMS OF VERSE. HOT SNAP has a 2016 colt by FRANKEL, a 2018 filly by GALILEO and she was covered by INVINCIBLE SPIRIT this spring.

PRINCESS MARGARET THIRD MUSICAL ART TO FERGUSON Late in the evening Avenue Bloodstock’s John Ferguson went to 190,000 guineas to secure the DUTCH ART filly MUSICAL ART. The threeyear-old filly was third in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes for trainer Paul Cole and owner Mrs Fitri Hay and is out of MUSICAL BAR, the BARATHEA half-sister to the dual 1,000 Guineas winner FINSCEAL BEO. “I expect she will go off and be covered this spring,” said Ferguson.

SUMMARY OF THE OPENING DAY OF ARQANA’S BREEDING STOCK SALE For many years the sales pavilion hadn’t been so packed for the opening day of the Breeding Stock Sale, featuring Part I of the catalogue. An outstanding collection of fillies, broodmares and foals had driven investors from all over the globe to the seaside resort of Deauville, and they locked horns throughout the day with the leading French breeders. Despite a slightly smaller catalogue, a steep increase in the average price (+21%) led the daily aggregate to finish €1 million clear of last year’s record-breaking total, which was up 48% on 2016. Three fillies – two of racing age and one foal – commanded seven-figure prices and no less than 9 were knocked down for €500,000 or more. They were only three a year ago.

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS

JAPAN BOUND GROUP ONE WINNER LILY’S CANDLE SETS NEW TOP PRICE AT €1.1M

DUBAWI FILLY FOAL FROM CLASSIC WINNER JUST THE JUDGE SECURED BY GODOLPHIN The first foal out of Just The Judge, a colt by Dubawi, topped this year’s August Yearling Sale at €1.4 million when offered by La Motteraye Consignment on behalf of co-breeders Qatar Racing and China Horse Club, and his full sister (lot 175) all but matched that price tag when commanding €1 million a record price for a foal at ARQANA.

Two-year-old filly LILY’S CANDLE (lot 160) made the headlines on Arc weekend when she inaugurated the colours of American owner Martin Schwartz, who had paid €390,000 for her the night before at the Arc Sale, with a breathtaking victory in the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac. Hardly a couple of months later, she was back in the spotlight as part of the Haras des Capucines draft and fell to the sale-topping bid of Emmanuel de Seroux acting on behalf of Katsumi Yoshida’s Northern Farm. Her page had benefitted from a tremendous update in between, as her close relative LYS GRACIEUX, took the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Kyoto.

BOZO & O’CONNOR PARTNER ON €1 MILLION 2YO FILLY SOLAGE Daughters of Galileo proved one the hottest commodities of the day and the once-raced SOLAGE (lot 148) made no exception when selling for a round million to the bid of Ghislain Bozo and John O’Connor. The half-sister to NORMANDY EAGLE is out of a half-sister to PLUMANIA, a winner in the Wertheimer colours, from the family of LEFT HAND, GROOM DANCER, FALCO and ABSOLUTELY in Australia. That page coupled with a faultless conformation justified a €700,000 price tag as a yearling and the Nicolas Clément trainee added to her credentials with an eye-catching debut effort when second to MERIMBULA in the coveted Prix de la Chapelle at ParisLongchamp.

STRONG NATIONAL HUNT SESSION CAPS RECORDBREAKING ARQANA BREEDING STOCK SALE The final day of the Breeding Stock Sale, featuring the Munir/Souede dispersal, returned a set of solid figures significantly up from the corresponding session a year ago. The aggregate reached €3,032,500, a 42% jump from 2017, while the average price of €25,062 was up 35%. The clearance rate of 70% was the only indicator not to improve on the previous renewal. The dispersal of the breeding stock owned in partnership by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede attracted the cream of the Irish, British and French National Hunt breeding industry to Deauville and live up to the hype that had surrounded this unique event. The 21 mares that went through the ring grossed €1,287,500 and averaged €61,310, with three of them breaking the €100,000 barrier.

BURKE SECURES STAR ACT MA FILLEULE FOR €220K VIA RICHARD ASTON Warwick Hurdle and Topham Chase scorer MA FILLEULE (lot 932), who won a total of 8 races and was also placed twice at Grade 1 level, was one of the definite highlights of the 21-strong dispersal consigned by Richard Powell’s Haras du Lieu des Champs.

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES Peter Molony of Rathmore Stud tried to stun the opposition by offering an opening bid of €100,000 but Richard Aston was not to be denied and went to €220,000 to secure the daughter of Turgeon who unfortunately slipped to Martaline this year. “The first thing was to buy her”, replied Aston when asked about what attracted her to the beautiful grey. “We’ve admired her for five years probably and never thought we would have the opportunity to own her. The opportunity arose so we dug deep and bought her. It’s a definitive project, we want to try and breed something of her looks and ability. It’s not a commercial proposition. She’s going to breed racehorses we hope, and they will race”.

GRADE 1 WINNER GITANE DU BERLAIS SELLS TO PETER MOLONY FOR €220,000 Having been outbid on MA FILLEULE, Peter Molony was determined not to let go of GITANE DU BERLAIS (lot 934). The daughter of Balko won the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase in the famous double green colours as well as a pair of events in France and Ireland. A half-sister to Velka Pardubicka hero TZIGANE DU BERLAIS, she is also closely related to top class racemare LET’S DANCE. She was offered carrying her third foal by Martaline. “Those type of mares don’t come on the market normally”, said Molony, “so you have to take the opportunity when it comes along. We’ve been here for three days and I wanted to buy either her or Ma Filleule. We ended up being underbidder on Ma Filleule so I am delighted to get one of them. She has been bought by a client in the UK to breed to race”.

Image supplied by Arqana

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HIGHFLYER SCOOPS UTOPIE DES BORDES FOR €210,000 Anthony Bromley had the last word at €120,000 for UTOPIE DES BORDES (lot 942) on behalf of another client of Highflyer Bloodstock, whom he couldn’t name. The ten-year-old won the Prix Maurice Gillois and is a full or half sister to three Listed or Group winners over jumps. She was offered in foal for the third time, to Gitane du Berlais’s sire Balko. Highflyer also secured Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle scorer UNE ARTISTE (lot 938) carrying to Martaline for €85,000. The same price was reached by Listed victrix LOXLADE (lot 936), in foal to Saint Des Saints, who was knocked down to Hervé Bunel’s Agence BHB on behalf of Ecurie Papot, and DARING ROSE (lot 941), carrying to the same sire, who went the way of Ryan Mahon.

WINNING DAUGHTER OF PRINCESSE D’ANJOU BRINGS HAMMER DOWN AT €90,000 Thierry Cyprès has had some year to remember on the track, with his breeding operation having been represented by dual Prix La Haye Jousselin scorer BIPOLAIRE as well as fellow Auteuil Listed/Group scorers POLIRICO, LOU BUCK’S, ELUDY etc., and he reinvested some of the resulting breeders’ premiums in the €90,000 purchase of FELICIE (lot 848). The five-year-old had some big shoes to fill when she was born, being a daughter of Champion National Hunt sire Saint Des Saints out of the diminutive dual Grand Steeple Chase heroine PRINCESSE D’ANJOU. She duly added to the family’s credentials, winning over fences at Auteuil and running 4th in the Prix Mirror. The Martaline cover she carried around the ring added to her commercial appeal. Jean-Marie Callier signed the docket on behalf of Cyprès and commented: “Thierry Cypres is always looking at upgrading his broodmare band and this mare ticks a lot of boxes. She is by the best stallion in France, out of a champion racemare and was a good performer herself ”.

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS

RECORD FOAL PRICE TOPS DAY 1 AT GOFFS DECEMBER NH SALE

Image supplied by Goffss Ltd

A new record price of €90,000 for a National Hunt foal at Goffs was the highlight of a strong first day at Goffs December National Hunt Sale today. Topping trade was Ballincurrig House Stud’s Walk In The Park half-brother to Grade 2 winners Minella Foru and Penny Jane (Lot 112). The colt was bought by Patrick McCann who was also responsible for another record at Goffs earlier in 2018 when selling the Land Rover Sale-topping Flemensfirth gelding through Ballincurrig House for €325,000 to Paul Nicholls. Another son of Walk In The Park from the Ballincurrig House draft attracted plenty of attention when Lot 155, a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Monalee sold to Richard Frisby for €68,000. Galbertstown Stud offered another of the Day 1 highlights when Lot 117, a Flemensfirth colt out of a winning half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner and Land Rover graduate God’s Own, who sold to Park Farm for €62,000.

QUALITY NATIONAL HUNT FOALS IN DEMAND Foals by the best jumps sires proved consistently popular and three of them commanded prices north of €70,000. Laurent Benoit’s Broadhurst Agency forked out €85,000 for the sole colt foal by Saint des Saints in the catalogue (lot 1012b), a half-brother to Auteuil Listed winners ULTRA LUCKY and GOOD LUCKY offered by Haras de la Placière. Early in the day, Haras de Montaigu’s Kapgarde

colt (lot 854), a full brother to Prix Ferdinand Dufaure runner-up DALIA GRANDCHAMP commanded €75,000 from Paul Basquin’s Saubouas Bloodstock. That price was matched minutes later by an Authorized half-brother to the top class chaser SCEAU ROYAL (lot 865) in which co-breeder Guy Vimont bought out his partners. ARQANA CEO Eric Hoyeau commented on the 2018 renewal of the Breeding Stock Sale: “It was very heartening to see such a deep, international buying bench and for them to find the products they had been looking for. We must take our hats off to those bold breeders who keep upping their games and investing in quality mares in order to upgrade their production, breed winners and meet the buyers’ expectations at the yearling sales. Our wholehearted thanks go their way, as well as to the buyers who supported the sale. The Breeding Stock Sale brings to an end our 2018 sales season, which despite its record figures delivered a number of warning messages which we are not considering lightly. We will start 2019 by putting a lot of thinking into analyzing the state of the market and working hard to identify everything that could be done to ensure our sales keep meeting the buyers’ and vendors’ expectations. In the meantime, let me wish all our clients a very happy end of the year and extend my thanks to our dedicated team for all their hard work.”

HIGHEST PRICED NATIONAL HUNT MARE OF 2018 TOPS STRONG GOFFS DECEMBER NH SALE The 2018 sales year at Goffs finished on a high note today, with a second record price in as many days at the December National Hunt Sale. While yesterday’s trade was headed by the most expensive foal in the sale’s history at €90,000, today it was the turn of the mares as Whistle Dixie (Lot 530), Gigginstown House Stud’s half-sister to both Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kicking King and the dam of Kalashnikov, sold to The Beeches Stud for €230,000 - making her the highest priced National Hunt mare at any sale this year and highest priced in Ireland in over ten years.

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES The black type Kayf Tara mare was the star of a strong draft from Gigginstown House Stud who were topping the December NH Sale at Goffs for the third year in a row. Whistle Dixie was sold in foal to Mount Nelson, and the same sire also accounted for today’s top priced foal with a smashing colt out of the multiple Grade 1 winning mare Glens Melody (Lot 388) selling to Park Farm for €82,000. Consigned by Ballincurrig House Stud, he is a half-brother to the top priced foal at the 2017 December NH Sale. At the conclusion of the final Goffs sale of 2018, Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby commented: “It is always encouraging to break a record but even more so when it happens more than once. So we have been delighted to sell the highest priced NH mare at any sale for 10 years at €230,000, making her the highest ever at Goffs, and the two highest priced NH foals in this sales history for €90,000 and €82,000. The top colts were the highlight of two vibrant days of foal trade to cement the sale’s position as the first choice for so many NH breeders. The progress Goffs December continues to make is also illustrated by a doubling in the number of €50,000 or over foals versus what was a very good sale in its own right last year. That both sale toppers were consigned by Ballincurrig House Stud is testament to their professionalism and, of course, the same farm was responsible for the Land Rover record breaker who realised €325,000 in June. We applaud and thank Michael Moore and his team, along with their clients, in equal measure as they are the leading vendor at the sale by quite some margin. It was also wonderful to see Whistle Dixie prove so popular and only underline Goffs as a sales ring that keeps returning the very best prices for blue blooded stock whether they come from the National Hunt or Flat disciplines. Again we are in the debt of Gigginstown as they have consistently supported this sale with a quality draft of mares each year and we are so pleased they have been duly rewarded. So we finish the year on a positive note. 2018 has been full of highlights but we face 2019 with a combination of optimism and nerves. We have enjoyed several great moments this year headed by selling the two highest priced yearling fillies in

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the world at the Orby Sale for €3.2 million and €2 million, and breaking the Doncaster yearling record with a top price of £380,000. Those superb prices, together with the Land Rover record breaker and today’s headlines, clearly demonstrate the ability of the Goffs teams to consistently deliver the best prices and regularly exceed expectations, and we will only redouble our efforts to attract more of the best in the coming 12 months. “Naturally of concern were the clearance rates for the more commercial types in each category and the increasing polarisation of the market that was so clearly in evidence at the later flat yearling and foal sales on both sides of the Irish Sea. The warning signs should not be taken lightly and it behoves all of us in this industry to work together on the elements over which we have influence as there are so many factors outside our control, not least the absolute chaos that is Brexit and what that might mean for us all. “All that said my colleagues on both sides of the Irish Sea join in me in expressing our sincere and heartfelt thanks to every vendor and each purchaser for their support throughout our 21 sales at our seven locations over the last 12 months. We are nothing without them and are already looking forward to the next sale and their next winner”.

IMPRESSIVE TO THE END OF 2018 AT THE TATTERSALLS CHELTENHAM DECEMBER SALE The concluding sale of 2018, the Tattersalls Cheltenham December Sale finished with an impressive 14 horses making £100,000 or more compared to 12 in 2017 together with a top price of £295,000. The overall aggregate was £3,565,500 with the total for the Horses in Training section producing a figure of £3,343,500 (+4%) with a clearance rate of 85%. The median was £70,000 and the average was £95,529. The National Hunt Breeze Up section produced an aggregate of £219,000 at an average of £36,500 and a median of £30,000. Headlining the sale was Chantry House. A winner at Tattersalls for handler Cian Hughes, this impressive son of Yeats stood out from the get-go. There was plenty of competition for the four -year-

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS

Image supplied by Tattersalls Cheltenham

old, who was eventually knocked down to Michael Hyde for £295,000 (Lot 45). Dundrum Wood (Lot 41) gave a very taking performance when winning the four-year-old Maiden at Rathcannon for handler Sam Curling. The good-looking son of Flemensfirth finished third on his debut at Dromahane last Spring and made a nice step forward to break his maiden by three-lengths at just the second time of asking. This progressive performance was noted by agent Aiden Murphy and his son, trainer Olly Murphy who signed for the gelding at a price of £270,000. Batt O’Connell’s Truckers Pass was only beaten a head in the four-year-old maiden at Ballindenisk. The Kalanisi gelding, who showed a decent performance will now head to trainer Paul Nicholls

after being knocked down to him and agent Tom Malone for £175,000 (Lot 42). Virginia Considine’s attractive son of Sholokhov, Shishkin, made an eye-catching debut at Inch back in March when placed 3rdon his debut and followed this up with an eight-length win in a four-year-old Maiden at Lingstown. This impressive performance caught the attention of agent Anthony Bromley who secured the gelding under Highflyer Bloodstock for £170,000 (Lot 19). Carry On Magic lost very little in defeat on his debut in the four-year-old Maiden at Corbeagh House for Jonathan Fogarty. Agent Tom Malone and trainer Paul Nicholls were impressed by this performance and secured the four-year-old by Jeremy for £160,000 (Lot 27).

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES The National Hunt Breeze Up section was headlined by Lot 58, Brown Island Stables’ son of Milan. The three-year-old who was purchased just four months ago at the August NH Sale for €35,000, was sold to Ryan Mahon and Anthony Honeyball for £75,000. At the conclusion of the Tattersalls Cheltenham December Sale, Director of Horses in Training Sales Richard Pugh commented; “At this sale five years ago, One For Arthur and Tiger Roll, within 15 lots of each other, were sold at this very venue. They both went on to write themselves into history by winning the Grand National. It is horses like this that has established this sales venue as the leading source of high class NH performers. “Ahead of this week’s sale, we were quietly confident that we had assembled a strong catalogue of horses and tonight’s trade has reinforced this confidence. Producing an average of just under £100,000 in the horse in training section and to sell 14 horses for £100,000 or more proves that there is continued demand for this calibre of horse. “As we close on 2018 with the Cheltenham December Sale, we would like to extend a thank you to our clients and look forward returning to this venue in 2019 with the Cheltenham February Sale.”

DEWHURST STAKES WINNER TOBOUGG PASSES AWAY Tobougg, winner of the Dewhurst Stakes in 2000 and third in Galileo’s Derby the following year, has passed away at the age of 20. The son of Barathea, reportedly died at Anngrove Stud, just before Christmas, due to a suspected case of laminitis. Trained at two by Mick Channon, Tobougg made his mark in the colours of Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, landing the Group 1 Prix de la Salamandre and the Dewhurst Stakes, in which he beat a field containing Noverre and Mozart. The following winter he transferred to the Newmarket stable of Saeed Bin Suroor, but disappointed in the 2,000 Guineas.

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Tobougg was much better in the Derby, coming home third behind Galileo and the Guineas winner Golan and later finished fourth to Medicean in the Eclipse Stakes. He rounded off his three year old career by finishing second in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket and the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin. Tobougg remained in training in 2002 but failed to shine and was retired to Dalham Hall Stud, where he stood for six seasons. Among his progeny was the German 1,000 Guineas winner Penny’s Gift and whilst shuttling to Australia, he also produced the New Zealand 2,000 Guineas scorer The Pooka. Tobougg later moved to East Burrow Farm and then Clarendon Farm, where he stood alongside champion stayer Double Trigger. His final move saw him arrive at Anngrove Stud in 2013. “Tobougg was a wonderful horse to have anything to do with,” said Alastair Pim of Anngrove Stud in County Laois. “He was a gentleman of a horse.” Tobougg was well regarded for producing successful broodmares and his daughter Screen Star, notably produced Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Lumiere and EP Taylor Stakes scorer Sheikha Reika, both by Shamardal.

17 KEENELAND SALES GRADUATES ARE FINALISTS FOR 2018 ECLIPSE AWARDS Keeneland Sales was responsible for the three finalists for the title of Thoroughbred racing’s 2018 Horse of the Year – Accelerate, Justify and Monomoy Girl. A further 14 Keeneland graduates were candidates for the Eclipse Awards, as North American champions, announced by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form and National Turf Writers and Broadcasters.

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ABEL TASMAN SELLS TO COOLMORE FOR RECORD $5 MILLION AT KEENELAND JANUARY SALE Champion Abel Tasman sold for $5 million to Coolmore’s M.V. Magnier to lead Monday’s robust opening session of the 2019 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale. The amount for Abel Tasman, cataloged as a broodmare prospect, equals the $5 million spent at the 2000 January Sale for Mackie, a well-bred daughter of Summer Squall in foal to Mr. Prospector, as the highest price in January Sale history. On Monday, Keeneland sold 223 horses for $21,052,200, for an average of $94,404 and a median of $39,000. During last year’s first session, 186 horses grossed $13,265,100, for an average of $71,318 and a median of $45,000. Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Abel Tasman proved herself one of the best distaffers of her

generation, recording six Grade 1 wins and earnings of nearly $2.8 million during her racing career. She was the 2017 champion 3-year-old filly following wins in the Kentucky Oaks, Acorn and Coaching Club American Oaks, and is a finalist for the 2018 Eclipse as champion older mare after notching wins in the Ogden Phipps and Personal Ensign. Out of the Deputy Minister mare Vargas Girl, Abel Tasman is a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Sky Girl and stakes-placed Moonlight Sky. “(It’s a lot of money), but she’s a queen, isn’t she?” Dermot Ryan, manager of Coolmore’s Ashford Stud near Lexington, said about purchasing Abel Tasman. “They are very rare when they come across like that, animals like her. She had everything; she’d be anybody’s dream filly to own. She’ll go to one of the Coolmore sires. M.V. (Magnier) will talk to his dad and partners and make a decision (on which stallion). “We’re absolutely thrilled to have her. It is always significant when you get a queen like her, so hopefully she’ll go on and produce by one of our own stallions. It is very possible she will (stay in America).”

Image supplied by Keeneland Photo

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES Taylor Made Sales Agency was Monday’s leading consignor, selling 50 horses for $9,433,000. They included four of the session’s 10 highest-priced sellers. With the purchase of Abel Tasman, Magnier was the day’s leading buyer. Bidding for Abel Tasman opened at $3 million, and the final price of $5 million landed her in a tie as the most expensive horse ever sold at the January Sale. In 2000, Britton House Stud paid $5 million for Mackie, in foal to Mr. Prospector. A Grade 3 winner by Summer Squall out of Broodmare of the Year Glowing Tribute, Mackie was a half-sister to Kentucky Derby Sea Hero, Grade 1 winner Hero’s Honor and Grade 2 winners Glowing Honor and Wild Applause, she was consigned by Eaton Sales, agent. Summer Wind Equine paid $750,000 for A Star Is Born (IRE), a 9-year-old daughter of Galileo (IRE) in foal to War Front with a full sibling to stakes winner and Group 1-placed Fleet Review. Consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent, A Star Is Born is a full sister to Irish highweight and Group 1 winner Rip Van Winkle (IRE) and a halfsister to Italian Group 3 winner Le Vie Infinite. Monday’s third-high seller is 2018 Del Mar Oaks winner Fatale Bere (FR), a broodmare prospect who sold to Shadai Farm of Japan for $700,000. Supplemented to the January Sale, the 4-year-old daughter of Pedro the Great and the Saumarez (GB) mare Mofa Bere was consigned by ELiTE. Ardfield Bloodstock paid $375,000 for Monday’s top-priced yearling, a colt by Into Mischief whose third dam is Hall of Famer and Broodmare of the Year Personal Ensign. Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, consigned the yearling, whose dam is the stakes-placed Distorted Humor mare Mary Rita. The day’s second-highest-priced yearling, a colt by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah who is a half-brother to European highweight Certify and Grade 1 winner Cry and Catch Me, sold to Brady Bloodstock for $330,000. Peter O’Callaghan, who signed the ticket, said the colt likely would be resold at Keeneland’s 2019 September Yearling Sale. Consigned by Hurstland Farm, agent, the colt is out of the stakes-winning Doc’s Leader mare Please Sign In and from the family of English champion Habitat.

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DISTORTED HUMOR MARE LEADS TUESDAY AT KEENELAND JANUARY SALE Brisk trade produced healthy results during Tuesday’s second session of the January Horses of All Ages Sale, topped by the sale of the multiple Grade 3-winning Distorted Humor mare House Rules, in foal to Quality Road, to WinStar Farm for $750,000. Keeneland sold 242 horses for $17,805,100, for an average of $73,575 and a median of $35,000. During the second session in 2018, 229 horses grossed $15,036,900, for an average of $65,663 and a median of $25,000. Through two sessions of the four-day January Sale, 465 horses have grossed $38,857,300, for an average of $83,564 and a median of $37,000. During the corresponding period in 2018, 415 horses brought a total of $28,302,000 for an average of $68,198 and a median of $37,000. The session-topping House Rules is an 8-yearold daughter of Distorted Humor out of the Mutakddim mare Teamgeist (ARG), a multiple group winner in Argentina. She was consigned by Blackwood Stables, agent for Phase 1 Dispersal of JV Shields Jr. Shields, a longtime Thoroughbred owner and breeder who was involved with numerous racing organizations, died in October. Lane’s End, agent, was the leading consignor Tuesday with sales of $2,429,000 for 22 horses. Gabriel Duignan’s Springhouse Farm paid $450,000 for Media Mischief, a 5-year-old daughter of Into Mischief in foal to Pioneerof the Nile. Eaton Sales, agent, consigned Media Mischief, a halfsister to multiple French Group 1 winner Nebraska Tornado, French Group 2 winner Burning Sun and Grade 3 winner Mirabilis. Their dam is Grade 2 winner Media Nox (GB), by Lycius. Sweet Dreams, a 7-year-old stakes-placed daughter of Candy Ride (ARG) in foal to leading sire Tapit, sold to Eaton Sales Bloodstock for $420,000. Consigned by Hidden Brook, agent, she is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Strike Charmer and from the family of champion Gold Beauty. Her dam is the stakes-winning Storm Cat mare Cat Charmer.

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS Montia Holdings purchased Lavender Chrissie, a 7-year-old stakes-winning daughter of Scat Daddy in foal to Union Rags, for $400,000. Lane’s End, agent, consigned the mare, a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Baby J and stakes winner Laureate Conductor. Albert Racing spent $390,000 to acquire Tuesday’s top-priced yearling, a colt by Union Rags consigned by Indian Creek, agent. He is the first foal out of the Bernardini mare Zondaq, a half-sister to Grade 2 winners Discreet Dancer and Travelin Man and stakes winner Sweet N Discreet. Two yearlings brought $250,000 each. McMahon & Hill Bloodstock, agent, went to

that amount to acquire a colt from the first crop of champion Runhappy who is a half-brother to Grade 3 winner Sandbar. Consigned by Clarkland Farm, he is out of the stakes-winning Vicar mare Summer Cruise. A colt by Kitten’s Joy out of the winning Officer mare Illegal Search brought a final bid of $250,000 from Dudley Racing. Consigned by Indian Creek, agent, the colt is from the family of multiple graded stakes winner Lemhi Go. A yearling colt by Cairo Prince out of the Elusive Quality mare Lady Lapuma, consigned by Stuart Morris, agent, brought $230,000 from B B N Bloodstock.

Image supplied by Keeneland Photo

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HIGHLIGHTS A LOOK AHEAD

Image supplied by Tattersalls Ireland

A LOOK AHEAD TO FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS February gets underway with a bang on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd, as Leopardstown stages the second Dublin Festival of Racing. There are seven Grade One contests and the highlights are the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle, the two-mile Dublin Chase and the Unibet Irish Gold Cup. Saturday, February 2nd, sees Sandown Park stages its Contenders Day, with the Grade One Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase the highlight. On Saturday, February 9th, Newbury stages its Super Saturday, featuring the Betfair Handicap Hurdle, the Denman Chase and the Game Spirit Chase. There will be Cheltenham Festival clues aplenty. The following day, Punchestown stages its BoyleSports National Trial Day.

Saturday, February 16th, sees Betfair Ascot Chase afternoon, where Waiting Patiently memorably beat Cue Card last year. Also on the card is the Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase, a race which often throws up RSA Chase clues. The same days sees Haydock Park stage its Grand National Trial, with a card that also features the Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle.

Image supplied by Tattersalls Ireland

Image supplied by Newbury Racecourse

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Meanwhile, the 16th sees Wincanton host an important Champion Hurdle trial in the Grade Two Kingwell Hurdle. Sunday 17th, sees Navan’s Ladbrokes Boyne Hurdle Day, which along with the headline race, includes the Ten Up Novice Chase.

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A LOOK AHEAD HIGHLIGHTS On Saturday, February 23rd, Newcastle stages one of the great staying chases, the Eider Chase. On the same afternoon, Lingfield Park stages one of the most important all-weather races, the Group Three Winter Derby, won in 2018 by Master The World.

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Image supplied by Arena Racing Company

MARCH HIGHLIGHTS

March begins with the two-day Grimthorpe Chase Festival at Doncaster. The big race, often a pointer to the Grand National, takes place on Saturday, March 2nd. On Saturday, March 9th, Sandown Park stages the Imperial Cup handicap, with all eyes then turning to the following week.

the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle, the RSA Chase and the Weatherbys Champion Bumper. Thursday 14th has another three Grade One contests: the Stayers’ Hurdle takes top billing, with Penhill having won the race in 2018. The other big races on the day are the Ryanair Chase and the JLT Novices’ Chase. Friday 15th March sees the Cheltenham Festival reach its crescendo, with the Cheltenham Gold Cup taking precedence. The biggest race of the jumps season, was won by Native River in 2017, after a memorable battle with Might Bite.

2019 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL MARCH 12 TH - 15 TH

The 2019 Cheltenham Festival defines champions. Tuesday 12th features four Grade One contests: the Champion Hurdle, Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Arkle Chase and Mares; Chase on a glittering card. Can Buveur D’Air make history and win his third Champion Hurdle? Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Wednesday 13th features another four Grade One races: the Queen Mother Champion Chase is the highlight, with Altior bidding to defend his crown. Other highlights include:

Gold Cup Day has a tremendous support card, featuring the Grade One Triumph Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. On Saturday, March 16th, Uttoxeter hosts the Midlands Grand National. The month ends on a high note with the return of the turf flat season at Doncaster. On Saturday, March 30th, Town Moor stages the Lincoln Handicap. The same afternoon sees the end of the Dubai Carnival, as Meydan stages one of the biggest flat events on the planet: the Dubai World Cup. Godolphin was successful in this race in 2018 with Thunder Snow.

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