Course Specialist Q3 2019

JULY 2019

Anthony Van Dyck lands a seventh Derby for Aidan O’Brien BEHIND THE SCENES AT CHEVELEY PARK STUD

DERBY, GUINEAS, GRAND NATIONAL AND ROYAL ASCOT REVIEWS

NEWMARKET, GOODWOOD AND DONCASTER FESTIVALS PREVIEW

INSIDE

YORK FOCUS: GARY STEVENS RECALLS ROYAL ANTHEM 20 YEARS ON

ENJOY

The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 August To book your raceday experience go to yorkracecourse.co.uk or call 01904 620911

EDITOR’S WELCOME

I bid you a very warm welcome to 2019’s Quarter 3 issue of Course Specialist Magazine!

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t the time of writing we are in the height of the Festival Season and in this issue, we are honoured to speak with legendary American jockey Gary Stevens, who recalls his ride on Royal Anthem in the Juddmonte International Stakes, part of York’s Ebor Festival. Amazingly this iconic race was 20 years ago.

York is also celebrating the 60th anniversary of the John Smith’s Cup, while Michael Shinners gives us the background to the first £1 million Sky Bet Ebor Handicap.

We go behind the scenes as Newmarket prepares for the ever-popular Moet and Chandon July Festival and talk to Jason Singh, Marketing Manager at Tattersalls, ahead of the July Sales.

We also examine what makes the Qatar Goodwood Festival a special kind of “Glorious” and look ahead to the Doncaster St Leger Festival, culminating in the world’s oldest Classic.

September also sees the return of the hugely successful Newmarket Open Weekend, we take a look at what is on this year’s agenda.

Chris Richardson, Managing Director, gives us a special behind the scenes tour of Cheveley Park Stud.

So much has happened since our last issue in April!

We review the Grand National Meeting, Guineas Meeting, Investec Derby Meeting and Royal Ascot, along with our usual reviews of Bloodstock, UK, Irish and International News!

Course Specialist was privileged to speak with Newmarket trainer Roger Varian earlier this year and since the Craven Meeting, Carlburg Stables has produced a constant stream of winners. In the space of one month, Roger has saddled two Group One winners and three Royal Ascot winners and enjoyed a five-timer. Hard work, meticulous planning, talented horses and a talented team all coming together.

I very much hope that you enjoy this bumper issue of Course Specialist Magazine and that it gives you plenty of quality reading!

Best wishes,

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Andrew Pelis PHOTOGRAPHERS Steven Cargill Mark Cranham www.cranhamphoto.com A.J. Byles John James Clark Megan Rose Photography PRODUCTION Jon Mullender www.jonmullender.com ON THE COVER Anthony Van Dyck wins the Investec Derby © AJ Byles

WE’RE SOCIAL  /course-specialist  @CourseSpecial 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.

Andrew Pelis Editor and Publisher

Copyright 2019 © Andrew Pelis

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July 2019

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REVIEW GRAND NATIONAL

TIGER ROLL LANDS BACK TO BACK GRAND NATIONAL VICTORIES

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iger Roll made history at Aintree, as he became the first horse since Red Rum, in 1974, to win back to back Grand Nationals.

A maximum field of forty lined-up for this contest over 4 ¼ miles.

There was a false start at the first attempt, resulting in a standing start.

As the tapes went up, General Principle was prominent with Magic Of Light and Vintage Clouds, with Monbeg Notorious to the inside – but Vintage Clouds fell at the first with Up For Review. Very sadly, Up For Review’s fall proved fatal.

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At the second, Magic Of Light led with Go Conquer, with Don Poli and Step Back prominent.

The latter went on at the third and led the field down to Becher’s Brook, with Magic Of Light, Ballyoptic up there.

They all cleared Becher’s.

At Foinavon, Don Poli went on to the inside, but Rathvinden took over from Magic Of Light at the Canal Turn, with Monbeg Notorious tailed off.

Rathvinden took Valentine’s Brook with his stable mate Pleasant Company joining him and the mare Magic Of Light still prominent.

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July 2019

GRAND NATIONAL REVIEW

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

the seventeenth fence and it looked very tight for the 37

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Pleasant Company led at the last down the back straight and took the field into the home straight with Step Back, racing wide and then Rathvinden and Magic Of Light, with Don Poli and Walk In The Mill also close up and then Blow By Blow.

The field took the two fences before the Chair safely and bunched at that obstacle, where Pleasant Company led with Rathvinden, Step Back, Walk In The Mill and Go Conquer.

Magic Of Light ploughed through the Chair and did remarkably well to maintain her equilibrium.

At the water, Rathvinden made an error, as did Don Poli.

Heading out on the second circuit, the field missed

remaining horses to squeeze past the obstacle.

At the next fence, Blow By Blow made a terrible blunder.

Step Back led from Rathvinden, with Pleasant Company and Regal Encore next, followed by Valtor.

Over the big ditch, Rathvinden led, further back Jury Duty unseated and Rock The Kasbah and General Principle fell - he later walked into the horse ambulance.

Minella Rocco pulled up soon afterwards, as did Blow By Blow.

By this stage, Live Love Laugh had pulled his way to the front rank with Walk In The Mill and Rathvinden.

At Becher’s, Rathvinden led from Walk In The Mill, with Pleasant Company to the inside and Live Love Laugh close up, while Tiger Roll had worked his way into contention on the inside and Magic Of Light remained with the leaders.

Step Back was pulled up after the Canal Turn, where Rathvinden led from Live Love Laugh and Pleasant Company - all three trained by Willie Mullins.

At Valentine’s Rathvinden made an error and Ruby Walsh did well to maintain the partnership, which left Magic Of Light in front from Live Love Laugh and Pleasant Company, with Tiger Roll closing, although he was to peck badly at two consecutive fences.

Whilst Tiger Roll managed to twice find a leg, Pleasant Company was not so fortunate and fell, along with Ballyoptic, four out.

Heading to the home straight, Magic Of Light led narrowly from Tiger Roll, Rathvinden and Live Love Laugh, with Walk In The Mill still in contention and Regal Encore making progress.

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July 2019

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REVIEW GRAND NATIONAL

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Two out and Magic Of Light led Tiger Roll and the tiring Rathvinden.

But Davy Russell was biding his time and pressed on at the last on Tiger Roll and started to draw away.

At the Elbow, Tiger Roll was five lengths clear and not for stopping and although the mare Magic Of Light closed heroically on the run-in, she was still three lengths adrift.

Tiger Roll became an immortal, with Magic Of Light second, Rathvinden came third, with Walk In The Mill fourth and then came Anibale Fly and former winner One For Arthur.

In total, nineteen horses completed.

Tiger Roll was giving trainer Gordon Elliott a third success in the Grand National as he became just the fifth horse in history to win the race twice.

The trainer commented: “We work very hard for this the whole time. I’ve got a brilliant team behind me, and all my family at home. Davy Russell’s mother died last year, and this was for her, and my uncle Willie Elliott died this year and this was for him.”

Asked to sum up his brilliant horse, who now has four Cheltenham Festival wins and two Grand National victories to his name, Elliott shook his head and just said: “Tiger.”

Tiger Roll is owned by Gigginstown House Stud, the racing and breeding operation of Ryanair supremo Michael O’ Leary.

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O’Leary said: “It’s just unbelievable. I thought that he genuinely had no chance today carrying that weight, but it was a beautiful ride and a phenomenal training performance

by Gordon. It’s brilliant he keeps bringing this horse back to Cheltenham better than ever and Aintree better than ever.

What a ride by Davy - fantastic!

“Tiger Roll has got a stage now where you just want to mind him. You run the risk every time he runs, you think ‘Oh my God, please don’t let anything happen to him’ and it is unbelievable to win two Grand Nationals. It’s incredible. It’s a great result for the punters; it’s fantastic.”

Elliott, in tears, reacted: “Everyone loves him. He is the people’s horse. I cannot believe it.”

Owner Michael O’Leary commented: “They don’t win for a second year in a row - the odds are so heavily against it. I don’t know what Gordon has done this year but Tiger Roll has come back stronger and better than ever.

“I was thinking Davy don’t go too early, so well was he going. It is just incredible - I thought we had absolutely no chance.”

Russell reacted: “What can I say, Tiger Roll is just an unbelievable horse. I was running away for most of the race.

It was marvellous - he gave a couple of stumbles and I think the blinkers lit him up.”

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July 2019

GRAND NATIONAL REVIEW

WHERE THEY FINISHED 1 TIGER ROLL (IRE) BL, TS 9 11-05 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE/Davy Russell 4/1 Fav 2 MAGIC OF LIGHT (IRE) P 8 10-11 Ann & Alan Potts Limited Jessica Harrington IRE/Paddy Kennedy 66/1 3 RATHVINDEN (IRE) 11 11-00 Ronnie Bartlett Willie Mullins IRE/Ruby Walsh 8/1 4 WALK IN THE MILL (FR) 9 10-04 Baroness Harding Robert Walford/James Best 25/1 5 ANIBALE FLY (FR) TS 9 11-10 J P McManus Tony Martin IRE/Mark Walsh 6 ONE FOR ARTHUR (IRE) TS 10 11-00 Two Golf Widows Lucinda Russell/Derek Fox 7 REGAL ENCORE (IRE) 11 10-12 J P McManus Anthony Honeyball / Jonathan Burke 8 SINGLEFARMPAYMENT H 9 10-06 Neal Griffith & Heather Haddock Tom George/Paddy Brennan 9 OUTLANDER (IRE) 11 11-04 Gowing's Eleven Richard Spencer/James Bowen 10 VALSEUR LIDO (FR) 10 10-06 Gigginstown House Stud Henry de Bromhead IRE/Rachael Blackmore 11 LIVELOVELAUGH (IRE) 9 10-04 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE/David Mullins 12 A TOI PHIL (FR) TS 9 10-11 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE/Denis O'Regan 13 BLESS THE WINGS (IRE) P 14 10-03 Adrian Butler & Stephen O'Connor Gordon Elliott IRE/Robert Dunne 14 ULTRAGOLD (FR) TS 11 10-07 Brocade Racing John Romans Terry Warner Colin Tizzard/Tom O'Brien 15 VIEUX LION ROUGE (FR) TS, P 10 10-06 Prof Caroline Tisdall & John Gent David Pipe/Tom Scudamore 16 CAPTAIN REDBEARD (IRE) 10 10-03 Stuart Coltherd Stuart Coltherd/Sam Coltherd 17 FOLSOM BLUE (IRE) TS, P 12 10-04 Core Partnership Gordon Elliott IRE/Luke Dempsey 18 VALTOR (FR) 10 11-06 Simon Munir & Isaac Souede Nicky Henderson/Daryl Jacob 19 DON POLI (IRE) P 10 11-03 Darren & Annaley Yates Philip Kirby/Mr Patrick Mullins

FELL 1 VINTAGE CLOUDS (IRE) 9 10-04 Trevor Hemmings Sue Smith/Danny Cook BD 1 UP FOR REVIEW (IRE) 10 10-06 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins IRE/Danny Mullins PU 11 MONBEG NOTORIOUS (IRE) V 8 10-10 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE/Sean Bowen FELL 19 ROCK THE KASBAH (IRE) P 9 10-13 Diana Whateley Philip Hobbs/Richard Johnson FELL 19 GENERAL PRINCIPLE (IRE) TS 10 10-04 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE/J J Slevin FELL 19 JURY DUTY (IRE) TS 8 10-11 Sideways Syndicate Gordon Elliott IRE/Robbie Power PU 19 BLOW BY BLOW (IRE) BL, TS 8 10-06 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE/Andrew Ring PU 21 MINELLA ROCCO (IRE) 9 11-01 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill/Richie McLernon PU 25 STEP BACK (IRE) P 9 10-07 Cracker and Smodge Partnership Mark Bradstock/Nico de Boinville FELL 26 BALLYOPTIC (IRE) 9 11-01 Mills & Mason Partnership Nigel Twiston-Davies/Tom Bellamy UR 27 PLEASANT COMPANY (IRE) 11 11-01 Malcolm Denmark Willie Mullins IRE/Paul Townend PU 27 LAKE VIEW LAD (IRE) 9 11-01 Trevor Hemmings Nick Alexander/Henry Brooke PU 28 WARRIORS TALE TS 10 10-13 Trevor Hemmings Paul Nicholls/Harry Cobden PU 28 NOBLE ENDEAVOR (IRE) P 10 10-10 Chris Jones Gordon Elliott IRE/Mark Enright PU 28 RAMSES DE TEILLEE (FR) TS 7 10-09 John White & Anne Underhill David Pipe/David Noonan PU 28 JUST A PAR (IRE) BL 12 10-02 Mark Scott James Moffatt/Aidan Coleman PU 29 GO CONQUER (IRE) TS 10 11-03 Paul & Clare Rooney Nigel Twiston-Davies/Sam Twiston-Davies PU 29 MALA BEACH (IRE) 11 11-02 Chris Jones Gordon Elliott IRE/Mr Jamie Codd PU 29 DOUNIKOS (FR) 8 11-00 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE/Jack Kennedy PU 29 TEA FOR TWO 10 10-09 Jane Williams & Len Jakeman Jane Williams/Lizzie Kelly PU 29 JOE FARRELL (IRE) 10 10-02 Mark Sherwood, Nigel Morris & Rebecca Curtis Rebecca Curtis/Adam Wedge Time: 9m 01.00s Distances: 2¾, 2¼, 11, ½, 9, 2¼, ½, 3, 2, hd, 1¼, 1¼, 3¼, 3¼, 11, 7, 16, 41

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REVIEW QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL

QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL REVIEW Saturday

A MAGNA-IFICENT TEN FOR O’BRIEN IN THE 2,000 GUINEAS Magna Crecia powered to a decisive victory in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, giving trainer Aidan O’Brien a tenth success in the Classic.

Nineteen horses went to post for the mile contest.

As the stalls burst open, the field split into two groups, with Ten Sovereigns and Azano showing good early speed fown the centre of the track and Emaraaty Ana out wider still. To the stands side, Shine So Bright was two lengths clear of Magna Grecia, with King Of Change also in that trio.

By halfway, the stands side three were in front and entering the Dip, this trio went clear of their rivals.

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It was Magna Grecia and Donnacha O’Brien who stormed clear at the furlong pole, chased through by King Of Change, as Shine So Bright weakened.

Of those down the centre of the track, Ten Sovereigns led at the furlong pole, with Madhmoon and Skardu staying on, followed by Kick On. But they were unable to close on Magna Grecia, who moved 2 ½ lengths clear of King Of Change, while Skardu claimed third and Madhmoon fourth, as Ten Sovereigns faded late on.

O’Brien has now won the last three editions of the Classic while Donnacha has wasted no time in doubling his tally after landing his first 2,000 Guineas aboard Saxon Warrior twelve months ago.

There had been doubts about whether Magne Grecia was quick enough to win a Guineas but

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QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL REVIEW O’Brien revealed that the team felt the race would really suit him.

He explained: “We thought he would get a mile well but he’s developed a lot of speed as well, he stays well but he is starting to travel this yeah so we couldn’t be happier with him.

“John [Magnier] knows pedigress like nobody, he’s been putting pedigrees together all his life and he always thought that he would be a miler and I would imagine that’s the route he’ll take now. We discussed it the other night and thought the best route would be the Irish Guineas and then Ascot for the St James’s Palace Stakes.

“The lads put so much work into the pedigrees, day in, day out, and we are so privileged to be part of a massive team that all do such a great job.

“He’s such a lovely straightforward horse, he’s become very pacey, he’s a strong traveller now and is very uncomplicated.

“We were a bit worried that he was up the near side and away from a lot of the other fancied horses but Donnacha got him into a terrific position and into a lovely rhythm.

“He knew the horse, he’s been riding him in all of his work, so I didn’t need to say anything to Donnacha.

“It looked a well run race which would have helped him.”

When asked about vanquished favourite Ten Sovereigns, O’Brien added: ““Ten Sovereigns looked like he travelled well but I haven’t had the chance to talk to Ryan yet.

“We wanted to give him the chance at a mile but the plan with him was always to go back in trip to sprinting.

“The rain definitely didn’t help Ryan’s horse, the top was shifting off it, which was a big minus for him, whereas it was fine for the other horse.”

The Richard Hannon-trained King Of Change was the beneficiary of a stiff pace and jockey Sean Levey felt the son of Farhh, who had stepped up on his Nottingham seasonal debut victory, should take his chance in the Derby.

Levey said: “I was delighted with that. We have always thought he was a nice horse.

“Obviously, we thought it was definitely worth bringing him here, the way the race cut up, and it

looked an open race. Everything went smoothly, we had the pace outside us, and I was following the right horse (Magna Grecia).

“I thought I had him for a stage, but then the winner pulled out a bit more. My lad is a big, scopey horse – probably the biggest horse in the race – so going forward there is plenty to be optimistic about.

“There is a question mark about how much further he will get. If he was mine, I would stick him in the Derby, but obviously the boss will know what to do with him. Let’s see how he comes out of that.

As time goes on, he will get stronger and he might end up in the Derby, who knows?”

Bruce Raymond, representing owner Ali Abdulla Saeed, felt that the mile and a half Derby trip might not be within his compass at this stage, however.

He said: “We are delighted. We thought he would run well, but a mile and a quarter is probably going to be his maximum at the moment.

“He had been working well and when he won at Nottingham, he was doing nothing. He was playing around in front and we always thought he was nice.

He is a very big horse.

“I think they have good plans for him, and he is a lovely intelligent horse. I’m not sure what plans Richard [Hannon] has for him, but I think the Derby will be too far for him.”

Skardu, who won the bet365 Craven Stakes here last month, lost his unbeaten record when finishing a length and three-quarters further back in third under James Doyle, despite ‘winning’ his race on the far side.

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REVIEW QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL Trainer William Haggas said: “He has had a hard race today. He won his side. There’s nothing more to say.

“We are very proud of the way he ran. He stuck it out well and won his race. I feared the worst when the winner was drawn three, but the winner has bolted up. They were clear of them from a fair way out, so it was hard for the horse to battle, but battle he did, and he did very well. We are very pleased with him.”

The Kevin Prendergast-trained Madhmoon (was a neck further back in fourth under Chris Hayes, staying on nicely.

Richard Hills, representing the Dawn Approach colt’s owner, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, believes Madhmoon has a big future.

Former jockey Hills said: “That was a really good run. The draw was a big factor. Not taking anything away from any of the others, but it was a big factor.

“We have tried using the cutaway and none of the boys liked it, so it was not used today. It is hard here. It is a straight mile. If there was a cutaway, I’m not sure everyone would have gone to the stands’ rail, because then you are out on a limb. It is just the way the track is.

“Fourth in the Guineas is a great run. He will stay ten furlongs without any problem. Whether he gets further than that we will have to wait and see, but he is a gorgeous-looking horse and there is going to be a big day in him, one hundred percent.

He has plenty of ability.

“Even though it was an open race, you are going to get some good horses coming out of this.”

MABS CROSS LANDS HER SECOND PALACE HOUSE STAKES Mabs Cross once again showed her love for the Rowley Mile five furlong track as she made it back to back wins in the Group Three Zoustar Palace House Stakes at Newmarket.

Eleven horses contested this five furlong sprint.

From the outset it was EL Astronaute and Ornate who broke best and showed good early speed, while Equilateral, slowly away, was soon in the firing line with Tarboosh.

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© John James Clark

Equilateral went on with two furlongs to race and moved two lengths clear.

On the stands side though, Mabs Cross began to close and joined her rival on the line, with the pair clear of Major Jumbo.

After a photo finish, Mabs Cross was called the winner by a neck.

It needed a special performance by Mabs Cross if she was going to concede weight all round under a 7lb penalty for her Prix de l’Abbaye success, but she is proving a superstar for the Armstrong’s who deserve major credit for staying loyal to Mulrennan despite his lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a fractured back.

Mulrennan was understandably delighted and

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July 2019

QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL REVIEW “He fell out of the stalls a bit, which wasn’t ideal, but is proving now what he has been showing at home.

“He has had three quite quick runs and so we might just give him a break and bring him back for the King’s Stand.

“He has obviously won over six furlongs, but he seems to be getting faster with the more racing he is getting. It was a good run, but the filly is exceptionally good. We were probably in front a bit too long. It was a proper race.”

COMMUNIQUE MAKES ALL IN THE JOCKEY CLUB STAKES

equally impressed by his winning mount, saying: “As the winter’s gone on she has got stronger and she had to do that the hard way, we were stuck out on the wing with nothing to race with. She is a very special filly.

“The King’s Stand, Temple, Nunthorpe, they will all be on her agenda now - happy days.

“It’s extra special because I missed the bulk of last season but that’s racing isn’t it, you have to take the highs with the lows.

“There will be plenty more days with her this year, I think physically she has improved and with that penalty as well, it was a great effort.

“I’m grateful to the owners for staying loyal to me because I know the phone was hopping with people wanting to ride this filly and they have been very loyal.”

Charlie Hills, trainer of the runner-up Equilateral, was among those to pay tribute to the winner after the race and is eyeing bigger and better things for his charge, with the Group One King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot now the target.

Hills said: “Coming back in trip worked. He has obviously got bags of pace and he actually towed Oisin into the race.

Communique raced enthusiastically and found plenty to land the Group Two Roaring Lion Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket.

Seven took part in this 1 ½ mile race, including last year’s winner Defoe.

Communique broke well and took the field along from Coronet and Maid Up, with Mildenberger in close order.

Turning into the home straight, Communique and Silvestre De Sousa moved three lengths clear of stable mate Mildenberger.

Gradually he pack closed, but Communique raced easily and increased the pace with a quarter of a mile to race.

Defoe began to stay on at the one pace, but Communique was finding plenty and Defoe lacked an extra gear and was still over a length down at the line. Mildenberger gave trainer Mark Johnston first and third.

The winning trainer said: “You don’t bring two horses if you think only one of them has a chance.

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REVIEW QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL Everyone keeps asking if we knew which one would win, but if we knew that, we would have left the other one at home.

“William [Buick] had the choice and chose Mildenberger, we all think Mildenberger is an up and coming horse, we were very disappointed with the last run and we think he’s up to this class but Communiqie, take out his last run, has been a great servant and we also know that he’s up to this class.

“I don’t think Silvestre will have thought he was going too fast in front, but they have given him six lengths, he’s managed to get a breather in then kick again and they couldn’t make the ground up.

“Mildenberger looked like he was coming but he got caught out by the winner’s turn of foot, but he’s run well and both are great horses to go to war with.

“We will certainly be looking at the Coronation

Cup now, I’m pretty sure he’s in it. We thought Mildenberger was our Coronation Cup horse over the winter but we would have no worries about running them in the same race once again, at that level why not.”

Trainer Roger Varian, meanwhile, was far from despondent following the effort of Defoe, who finished second as he bid to win the race for a second consecutive year, and suggested a step up in trip might be in the offing.

Varian said: “He has run a great race, but he hasn’t won. That said, it was a stronger race than the race he won last year. It was a much deeper race, but the winner hasn’t come back to him. I thought twofurlongs out we would win. Even at the furlong pole I thought we were winning. But we couldn’t quite snatch him back to win it.

“I’m disappointed not to win, but I’m not disappointed with the performance.

“I would like to step him up in trip, but maybe not immediately. He is in the Coronation Cup (at Epsom) and is in the Hardwicke (at Royal Ascot), and he is in the Yorkshire Cup, but York may come a bit too quickly for him.

“At some point in the season, he will go a mile and six (furlongs) and maybe even two miles. We have come here and jolly well nearly won, so it wasn’t the wrong decision, but I think this horse will be even better when he is upped to a mile and six. I might be wrong, but let’s hope not.”

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UAE JEWEL STILL LEARNING IN NEWMARKET STAKES

© John James Clark

UAE Jewel built on his Wood Ditton success with a solid performance in the Listed Lightning Spear Newmarket Stakes.

Just four horses went to post but each one offered intrigue beforehand.

Persian Moon led in the early stages of this 10-furlong contest, but David Egan took the inexperienced UAE Jewel to the front with three furlongs to race.

The son of Dubawi moved into a clear lead, but showed greenness as he lugged to his right.

From further back, Walkinthesand began to make inroads but UAE Jewel dug into his reserves to win by ¾ of a length.

Persian Moon came home third, while Beat Boxer ran deplorably and was tailed off.

Roger Varian had suggested a step up in trip would be in UAE Jewel’s agenda after his win at the Craven Meeting and his colt is an exciting prospect.

Sunday HERMOSA LANDS THE 1,000 GUINEAS TO COMPLETE AN O’BRIEN CLASSIC DOUBLE Trainer Aidan O’Brien cemented his terrific weekend on the Rowley Mile, as Hermosa made much of the running and had plenty left in reserve, to land the Group One Qipco 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

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QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL REVIEW

A field of fifteen went to post for the first fillies’ Classic of 2019, on the Rowley Mile.

From the start of the race, Hermosa was up with the pace with stable mate Fairyland and Star Terms.

But Hermosa was soon two lengths clear of Iridessa, Lady Kaya and Star Terms.

With two furlongs to race, Hermosa was asked for more as Fairyland challenged with Angel’s Hideaway.

Hermosa kept on as Qabala and Lady Kaya became the biggest threats.

But Hermosa saw it out gamely to hold off Lady Kaya by a length, with Qabala a neck back in third and Angel’s Hideaway a close fourth.

Aidan O’Brien celebrated yet another QIPCO Guineas Festival success on Sunday as Hermosa completed a Classic double for the trainer on the weekend with victory in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas.

Runner-up in the bet365 Fillies’ Mile over course and distance last year, Hermosa was having her first start of the season and was brave under Wayne Lordan, making all and repelling the challenge of fellow Irish raider Lady Kaya to score by a length.

The Landwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes winner, Qabala, who was seeking to hand her 19-year-old jockey David Egan a landmark early career success, took third, a further neck away from the winner.

Hermosa’s victory was a second in three years for Wayne Lordan, who struck aboard another Aidan O’Brien-trained filly, Winter, in 2017. Sunday’s win was also O’Brien’s fifth in the first fillies’ Classic of the campaign. ”I’m delighted,” said O’Brien. “She did very well over the winter and ran an unbelievable race

in the Fillies’ Mile here last year and she is very uncomplicated. She is tough, like her sister [the Group 1 winner Hydrangea]. She stays well. Wayne gave her a great ride. It is just a privilege and it’s a credit to everyone at home.”

O’Brien added: “Physically, she has changed a lot over the winter and really grew into a three-yearold. She is a very tough filly.”

Winning jockey Wayne Lordan said: “I rode her aggressively, because she stays really well but she saves a little bit for herself.

“I would not think she would have any problem staying the Oaks trip. I actually fancied her. I thought she had good form. She is a filly who will stay and she saves enough. I knew, riding her here, if you jump out and go real forward and they start lining up behind you, it would take a really good one to get by her. It is great to be riding in these races and to get a win is fantastic.”

Connections of Lady Kaya and Qabala, second and third in Sunday’s QIPCO 1,000 Guineas, were in no great rush to make plans for their horses immediately after the Newmarket classic.

Second-placed Lady Kaya, a first Classic runner for trainer Sheila Lavery, ran a huge race. Her jockey Robert Colgan said: “She’s run a blinder, and done everything her own way. I’m delighted with the run - although had she been beaten a short-head, rather than a length, I might feel differently! It was only in the last 100 yards that Wayne [Lordan, jockey of winner Hermosa] had us beaten. I think the filly is very fast – she gets six furlongs and stays seven – so I’m not sure about her running over a mile next time.”

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REVIEW QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL Sheila Lavery, trainer of Lady Kaya, was overjoyed.

“I owe a lot to both [jockeys] Pat Smullen and Johnny Murtagh,” she said. “Both have been brilliant in giving me help and information. The filly has run wonderfully but in many ways maybe it’s like the Moyglare Stud Stakes last season, in which I thought we had it won and nearly got there. That was over seven furlongs – I’m not discounting running this filly over a mile, but I’ll have to take advice.

“Robbie is my stable jockey and it’s strange to think that this time last year he was riding over fences. He’s very cool, though, and not intimidated by anyone. It’s my first runner in a Classic, and I train just 36 horses, but if you’re afraid of getting beaten then you shouldn’t be racing! Richard Hannon said yesterday, after his horse was second in the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas, ‘who remembers second?’ Well I do, and I will!”

David Egan, jockey of third-placed Qabala, said: “She ran a good race, even if she got a bump going into the dip. It probably didn’t cost us the race, but it definitely cost us momentum at an important stage in the race. She really gathered herself up, though, and hopefully has a long and successful season ahead of her, even if today didn’t go 100 per cent to plan.”

Nicolas de Watrigant, representing the filly’s owner HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa AlThani, was equally impressed with the filly, who had won the Nell Gwyn Stakes her on her seasonal debut.

“It’s a huge effort,” the French bloodstock agent said. “She showed she stays eight furlongs, which is important for the future, and showed a wonderful attitude. But it’s Roger [Varian]’s decision where she runs next and we’re in no rush.”

WORTH WAITING A TIMELY WINNER OF THE DAHLIA STAKES Worth Waiting proved a cut above her rivals as she impressed in the Group Two Charm Spirit Dahlia Stakes.

Five older fillies and mares went to post for this nine furlong contest.

There was a considerable delay beforehand when Rasima had to be re-plated.

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When the race finally got underway, Nyaleti was sharply into stride from Worth Waiting and James Doyle, while last year’s 1,000 Guineas winner Billesdon Brook, sat at the back of the field.

Worth Waiting went on inside the three furlong pole, with Nyaleti soon under pressure.

The leader pulled clear but gradually Veracious began to reel her in, while Nyaleti came back for more.

The challenge of Veracious soon petered out and the rallying Nyaleti threw down the final challenge.

But Worth Waiting held off her rival to score for David Lanigan.

Lanigan is plotting a trip to America with Group 2 Charm Spirit Dahlia Stakes winner Worth Waiting. The four-year-old Bated Breath filly stayed on well, having been committed early by jockey James Doyle, to win by a length from Nyaleti in the five-runner 1m1f contest.

Lanigan said: “She is so laid back that she helps herself. Last year we went to Deauville and they crawled and then sprinted, and when we ran in a Group 1 at Chantilly, she flew like a filly that didn’t stay a mile.

“I knew she was 100 per cent fit today. We had her plenty straight at home. She worked here on the watered gallop and we were really happy with her.

“This was her first run of the year. She had a chip taken out of her hind fetlock at the end of the season and it took a bit of time for her to come back from that.

“After her first run on the season, natural progression means you would expect her to come on for the run.

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QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL REVIEW “Now the main thing is to try and pick up a Group 1 with her. I think we will leave her at a mile and a quarter at the moment. You don’t get a Group 1 easily and we probably got a little bit close to the pace the last day - she did her best, but she was on thin air in the last furlong and a half and I think she is a stronger filly this year.

“Last year she was mentally very immature. This year she knows her job and she took it up plenty early enough and James [Doyle] said she was just idling in front.

“When I saw she was fourth in the betting, I thought I had done something wrong, because I always thought she would win this. It is nice to see her do it here.”

He added: “Long-term, I thought at the end of last year, that her perfect fit would be the Beverley D at Arlington (over a mile and three-sixteenths in August).

“I’m delighted at how she has run,” said Nyaleti’s trainer Mark Johnston. “Even if I would of course preferred that she’d won! Distance-wise, her owner Chris Batterham was saying that she was trying the distance of today’s race [1m 1f ] for the first time, but my impression is that she wants a mile and a quarter, even if she is still more than capable at a mile.

“She’s run up to last year’s form today and the target this year is to win a Group 1. There are lots of options for her, but the race Chris has at the front of his mind is the Nassau Stakes [at the Qatar Goodood Festival].”

Richard Hannon, trainer of Billesdon Brook, was brimming after the filly’s third place. “She needed that and has run well,” said Hannon. “She’ll have a nice long year and she can win a really nice one this year. She’s in everything and we’ll look at everything – she pays for her own entries! She’ll improve from that first run of the year, just as she did last year.”

Winning jockey Doyle admitted the plan had been to commit early. He said: “They didn’t go that quick and she has got form at a mile and a half and quite a bit further, so she has plenty of stamina, so we wanted to use it. It is tricky.

“She just idled a bit in front and she kept grinding it out. We will have a bit of fun with her this year.”

MAQSAD EVOKES MEMORIES OF TAGHROODA IN THE PRETTY POLLY STAKES Maqsad, a recent Newmarket maiden winner, romped to a hugely impressive victory in the Listed Tweenhills Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket.

This recognised Oaks trial brought together a field of seven for this ten furlong race.

But in truth, from a long way out, there was only going to be one winner.

Trained by William Haggas, but in the ownership of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, Maqsad drew right away from her rivals in a manner reminiscent of Taghroodah, five years ago. That John Gosden filly went on to land the Investec Oaks at Epsom and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

As the race got underway, Shagalla and Shambolic were up with the early pace, with I’ll Have Another nearer to the stands side, also prominent.

Shambolic went on from I’ll Have Another, while Maqsad sat last with Clematis.

Gradually Jim Crowley moved Maqsad closer, as Shambolic tried to quicken the tempo.

I’ll Have Another put in her effort, but Maqsad coasted past the pair and stormed clear entering the Dip. Maqsad cleared away for an emphatic victory over Shambolic, winning by five lengths, with a further four back to I’ll Have Another.

The impressive performance from the daughter of Siyouni, suggest Maqsad is a potential star.

However, trainer William Haggas was reluctant to name her next target after this Listed race success.

He said: “She is in the Prix Saint-Alary at the end of the month and then she is in the French Oaks and the English Oaks, plus the Ribblesdale.

She is in lots of things and we have lots of options.

We just have to sit down and think about it.

“Once she broke her maiden here, we decided we had to go for a Listed race, because what is the point of doing anything else? Now she has won a Listed race, she will definitely have to go up in class again.

“I’m not sure that was the strongest renewal of this particular race, but she won and won easily.

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REVIEW QIPCO GUINEAS FESTIVAL

“When Jim [Crowley] asked her to go, I think he was surprised how easily she went to the front.

He felt he had gone plenty soon enough, but he thought the race collapsed a bit at the two (furlong pole) and he got left in front.

“But there are lots of options open and we will decide what to do.

“Last season, she ran a beautiful race first time here and then I sent her to Yarmouth and she got beaten and beaten easily. So, I was rather deflated by that, because she has always worked well.

“But it is a strange game, horse racing – we sent one up to Hamilton today and he couldn’t get beaten, but he manged to. These things happen, but the ability is there with Maqsad and I’m pleased that stepping up in trip seems to have brought out more improvement.

“I’m not ruling out the Oaks, but to go a mile, then a mile and quarter and then a mile and a half is hard. We’ll see.”

Crowley was also non-committal about her target, despite expressing delight with the ease in which she won.

He said: “She was very impressive. William [Haggas] has always liked her and she got beat at Yarmouth last year and we just couldn’t believe it.

“But she has done nothing but improve this year and she toughed it out well here last time. and she has improved again today for going up in trip.

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“She wouldn’t want extremes of any ground, because she is a nice-moving filly. It was nice that we found a bit of improvement going up in trip.

“Quite possibly she is an Oaks filly, either here or France – one or the other.”

“How dare you humiliate us in such style?” trainer John Gosden laughed to Angus Gold, racing manager to the winner’s owner Hamdan Al Maktoum, after the Tweenhills Pretty Polly Stakes, a Listed Race on Newmarket’s QIPCO 1000 Guineas card.

Certainly Maqsad looked a very exciting prospect in beating Gosden’s Shambolic by five lengths – and life was made worse for Gold by the runner-up’s part-owner the Duchess of Roxburgh, who remarked: “You’re not coming shooting again!”

– with tongue firmly in cheek.

Her husband, the Duke of Roxburgh, admitted to being “chuffed to bits” that the filly he owns in partnership with the Duke of Devonshire, a 4-1 chance, had earned black-type in finishing runner-up.

“Just talking to the trainer, I think that the idea now is to aim for another Listed Race, the Height of Fashion Stakes, at Goodwood at the end of the month,” he said, “and then possibly the Ribblesdale Stakes [at Royal Ascot].”

Gosden confirmed the plan, while noting that the winner, Maqsad, “looks very smart and showed a wonderful turn of foot”.

I’ll Have Another, who finished third, was beaten nine lengths. Charlie Johnston, assistant to his father, trainer Mark Johnston, said: “She won at this level [Listed] last year, when she had a very busy campaign. Her very best piece of form came over this course and distance, when finishing second in the Zetland Stakes at the end of last year.

She also got black-type in Germany and it’s great to add to that by being placed here. Looking at today’s performance, she’s probably ready to go up in distance to a mile and a half. She might not get to the highest level, but maybe we’ll try to find a Group 3 race next. She’ll go to all the big meetings and should be a fun filly for this year, even if her next target isn’t yet decided. It’s great to have a winner for Paul and Clare Rooney: we’ve got seven horses for them, including four two-year-olds, and there are a couple of very nice ones among them.”

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REVIEW INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL

THE INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL © AJ Byles

ANTHONY VAN DYCK WINS THE INVESTEC DERBY As the eyes of the racing world focussed on a thrilling duel, Anthony Van Dyck slipped through on the inside rail to win the Group One Investec Derby at Epsom.

Thirteen colts went to post for one of the world’s most important races, over the famous 1 ½ miles of switch back on the South Downs.

On a sweltering afternoon, trainer Aidan O’Brien fielded a remarkable seven runners.

The race got underway with Anthony Van Dyck and Circus Maximus with the leaders and Sovereign eventually going on.

Settling down and taking the first turn, Sovereign led at a relatively sedate pace from Norway and Circus Maximum, with Telecaster pulling in behind and then Line Of Duty and Sir Dragonet.

At the top of the hill, Sovereign led by two lengths from Norway and Circus Maximus, with

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Telecaster fourth and a gap then to Sir Dragonet and Line Of Duty.

The leader began the descent down to Tattenham Corner and the race began in earnest as Norway was first to commit.

Norway was quickly engulfed as Madhmoon and Sir Dragonet went on with Broome staying on.

Sir Dragonet and Madhmoon scrimmaged as they fought a thrilling battle, with Broome just unable to close on them.

At the furlong pole, Sir Dragon and Madhmoon continued to dual, but to the inside, Anthony Van Dyck sneaked through on his own under Seamie Heffernan.

Anthony Van Dyck got up by about ¾ of a length, with Madhmoon, Japan, Broome and Sir Dragonet virtually inseparable as they passed the post.

Madhmoon was called second, with Japan getting up for third, in a Ballydoyle first and third.

In fact, with Broome finishing fourth, Sir Dragonet fifth and Circus Maximus sixth, O’Brien saddled five of the first six home.

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INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL REVIEW The first British-trained horse to finish was Humanitarian, who came home seventh.

Anthony Van Dyck, a son of Galileo and one of last season’s leading juveniles, was giving trainer Aidan O’Brien a seventh Investec Derby success.

The Lingfield Trials produced both the Oaks winner in Anapurna and the Derby winner in Anthony Van Dyck.

O’Brien said: “It’s incredible, I am so delighted for everybody. I am privileged to be part of the team with everybody. The lads put so much in - John and Sue, Michael and Doreen, Derrick and Gay - they put so much in day in, day out.

“Everyone that works in Ballydoyle and Coolmore - there are so many people. If I mention everybody, I will forget but there are people from the ground right up to the riders, the people in the office, the farriers, the vets, the people that do the stables day in and day out, that do the farms. There are so many people involved that I would like to thank.

“Patrick rides this horse out all the time and does a great job, Andrew is in charge of him, Sumi, who leads him up, and John - they are incredible people. I am so privileged and delighted and grateful to them.

“They were all there having a chance and I knew Kevin’s horse was there - I knew that Kevin would have his horse in tip-top shape and he was a very good horse. We were just hoping and we were just so delighted to be involved in that part of the race.

“Seamus gave him a great ride. This races are so competitive and so tough that, until they pass the line - as we saw yesterday, you are never sure. I am so delighted for everybody.

“Seamus has been placed for so many times. He has been working for us for so long and is such a special fellow. He has always been a world-class rider. We are so privileged to work with him and grateful every day, day in, day out. I am so delighted for him.”

ANTHONY VAN DYCK PAINTS HIS WAY INTO EPSOM FOLKLORE Aidan O’Brien became the joint winning-most trainer in Investec Derby history after Anthony Van Dyck captured the 2019 renewal of the event under

jockey Seamie Heffernan, enjoying his first win on his 12th Investec Derby ride.

O’Brien said: “It’s unbelievable. I’m so delighted and privileged to be working with everybody at Ballydoyle and Coolmore day in day out - they put so much effort it.

“The Derby is such a tough race to win. All the way down the straight, we had a big team of horses challenging to win. We won the race, but we didn’t even have the second!

“Seamus gave him a great ride and I’m so delighted for Seamus who has been there for a long time. He has ridden placed horses in the Derby, so it is great for him to win the race.

“I’m just so delighted for everyone. I know how tough a race this is. We do not put any of our Derby horses together at home. We just try to have them at their best for when they get to the racecourse.

“The boss [ John Magnier] always says that the Derby is the Holy Grail and it is the backbone of the thoroughbred. This is the ultimate test.

“You don’t know what horse is going to handle the track, the preliminaries, whether they will have the stamina.

“Anthony Van Dyck is a very solid horse. He danced every dance last year and did everything we asked of him. He ran a very good trial when winning at Lingfield. He passed all the tests to be fair to him.

“I’m very privileged to be a small part of a great team.”

The three-year-old son of Galileo knuckled down gamely in the closing stages to repel the challenge of Kevin Prendergast’s Madhmoon to win Britain’s premier Classic and richest race by a half-length.

His stable companions Japan, Broome, Sir Dragonet and Circus Maximus were third, fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

O’Brien joins O’Brien joins Fred Darling, John Porter and Robert Robson as a seven-time winner of the world’s greatest Flat race.

The Ballydoyle maestro has won the Investec Derby with Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Camelot (2012), Ruler Of The World (2013), Australia (2014), Wings Of Eagles (2017) and Anthony Van Dyck (2019).

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REVIEW INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL

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TEAM PLAYER HEFFERNAN CELEBRATES FIRST DERBY WIN

BEATEN JOCKEY’S THOUGHTS AFTER THE INVESTEC DERBY

Seamie Heffernan, 46, added a long-awaited first win in the Investec Derby to his 2012 Investec Oaks win on Was and eight Irish Classics when bringing Anthony Van Dyck from off the pace up the far rail to score by half a length from Madhmoon, who just got the better of three stable-mates of the winner in a blanket finish for second. It was his 12th Investec Derby ride.

Heffernan is the definition of a team player and his association with Aidan O’Brien, who had no fewer than seven runners this time and was winning the race for a joint-record seventh occasion, goes back so far that he was on board Anthony Van Dyck’s sire Galileo when he won his ‘prep’ race at Leopardstown 18 years ago, although not in the Derby, the Irish Derby, or any of his other races.

He had been second before in the Investec Derby on Fame And Glory in 2009 and At First Sight in 2010, and there was no mistaking what it meant to him.

He said: “I wouldn’t be able to win it if it wasn’t for the firm I am with. I had to take a hold from two down, which probably helped as it’s hard pushing the whole way down the straight. He’s a Galileo, so I knew that he would be with me when I needed him.

“I was happy enough to be comfortable. I was following Ryan (Moore, on favourite Sir Dragonet, who finished fifth), which I thought was the big danger, but it was a big ask for him on only his third run. My lad has danced every dance and been running up the back ends of horses over seven furlongs. I am happy.”

He added: “It means a lot as I’m into the last ten years of my riding career. I’ve been around plenty of Derby winners and I rode his father in a trial and won it. I’ve seen plenty of them and I’ve ridden in plenty of Derbys, so it means a lot to win it.

“I’m always confident riding for Aidan. It doesn’t matter if they are favourite or a big price - he trains them all for the big day. Aidan trains them all for the Derby and some of them handle it and some of them don’t. That’s just the way horse racing is.

“I haven’t had to take a pull going to the two pole and wait for a run in a long time, so I was confident I was going to get to them.”

Wayne Lordan, third on Japan, said: “A little bit babyish on the track, but he got it together and came home well. I am delighted with him.”

Donnacha O’Brien, fourth on Broome, said: “Ran well.”

Ryan Moore, fifth on Sir Dragonet, said: “He ran a very good race for a horse of his experience.

Hopefully he will come on for that.”

Frankie Dettori, sixth on Circus Maximus, said: “He ran OK. He didn’t really get on with the track.”

Robert Havlin, seventh on Humanitarian, said: “He ran a nice race, I just had to help him down the hill a little bit, but when he met the rising ground he finished off well. He will come on a bundle for the run.”

Jamie Spencer, eighth on Norway, said: “He ran well.”

James Doyle, ninth on Line Of Duty, said: “He just flattened out. Maybe he needs easier ground.”

Padraig Beggy, 10th on Sovereign, said: “He ran a nice race.”

Brett Doyle, 11th on Hiroshima, said: “Good. As expected really.”

Silvestre de Sousa, on Bangkok, said: “A bit flat.”

Oisin Murphy, on Telecaster, said: “He ran flat.”

THE 240TH INVESTEC DERBY FULL FINISHING ORDER 1 (7) ANTHONY VAN DYCK (IRE) Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE Seamie Heffernan 2 (6) MADHMOON (IRE) Hamdan Al Maktoum Kevin Prendergast IRE Chris Hayes 3 (11) JAPAN Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor Aidan O’Brien IRE Wayne Lordan 4 (8) BROOME (IRE) Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Sue Magnier Aidan O’Brien IRE Donnacha O’Brien 5 (13) SIR DRAGONET (IRE) Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE Ryan Moore

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INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL REVIEW 6 (5) CIRCUS MAXIMUS (IRE) c/p Flaxman Stables/Sue Magnier/Michael Tabor/Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE Frankie Dettori 7 (9) HUMANITARIAN (USA) HH Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed Racing John Gosden Robert Havlin 8 (10) NORWAY (IRE) c/p Derrick Smith, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor Aidan O’Brien IRE Jamie Spencer 9 (1) LINE OF DUTY (IRE) c/p Godolphin Charlie Appleby James Doyle 10 (4) SOVEREIGN (IRE) Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith Aidan O’Brien IRE Padraig Beggy 11 (3) HIROSHIMA Graham Smith-Bernal John Ryan Brett Doyle 12 (12) BANGKOK (IRE) King Power Racing Co Ltd Andrew Balding Silvestre de Sousa 13 (2) TELECASTER Castle Down Racing Hughie Morrison Oisin Murphy Time: 2m 33.38s Distances: ½, nose, sh, sh, 4½, 1¾, sh, 1, 1¼, 2¼, 1¼, 6 Breeder: Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt Breeder: Galileo (IRE) - Believe’N’Succeed (AUS) (Exceed And Excel (AUS))

Friday ANAPURNA SECURES S FIFTH OAKS VICTORY FOR FRANKIE DETTORI Frankie Dettori added a fifth Group One Investec Oaks win to his Classic collection when taking the 2019 race aboard the John Gosden-trained Anapurna. He has now won 18 British Classics.

Dettori previously scored in 1994 on Balanchine, 1995 on Moonshell, 2002 on Kazzia and in 2017 on Enable. He is the most successful jockey currently riding in the mile and a half fillies’ Classic, which is worth £525,000.

Anapurna, became the first British Classic winner for her sire, Frankel. Bred by Meon Valley

Stud, she is owned by Helena Springfield Ltd, the name under which Meon Valley Stud’s fillies run.

She beat the Aidan O’Brien-trained, Ryan Mooreridden Pink Dogwood by a neck.

Dettori said: “I did not think I was going to get to Ryan, but my filly was very courageous. She was brilliant. I love having winners here. I rode my first Classic winner 25 years ago and am still here!

“It is 25 years since my first Oaks winner [Balanchine, 1994]. With this one I think I managed to pass my greatest hero, Pat Eddery, in number of Classics won. I had a great run, I got a nice split to the inside. For a moment I thought, ‘God, I’m not good enough’, but when the stamina kicked in she won really well.

“It was a team decision for me to ride Anapurna [rather than Gosden’s other runner Mehdaayih]. I never rode the filly [Mehdaayih] this year and Rab has done really well with her. I knew mine would stay but the only thing I was afraid of was the [lack of ] experience. But it was a great run round. For a minute I couldn’t get out and when I took the split she took a furlong to get going and Ryan [Moore, on Pink Dogwood] had three lengths on me, but I knew she would come good.

“She’s completely different to Lingfield [where she won the Oaks trial on May 11th]; she travelled a lot better today. She was all at sea at Lingfield, but that taught her a lot. She’s a very good stayer and she proved it today.

“It’s a milestone for me because Pat Eddery was my greatest hero. I sat next to him in the weighingroom for 20 years, and I managed to pass him with this Classic. They are hard to win and when you do win, it’s great. We miss Pat; he was a great mentor.”

Newmarket trainer John Gosden recorded his third success in the Investec Oaks following the victory of Anapurna in the fillies’ Classic.

Ridden by Frankie Dettori, the three-year-old daughter of Frankel, siring his first Classic winner, ran on strongly in the closing stages to collar Pink Dogwood, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore to score by a neck.

Pink Dogwood’s stable companion Fleeting, was a further length and a quarter back in third.

Gosden captured the 2014 Investec Oaks with Taghrooda and the 2017 renewal with subsequent dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Enable.

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© AJ Byles

Discussing the victory, Gosden said: “it was a brave performance from Anapurna and as brave a performance from the jockey.

“Anapurna had a dream trip. She was on the inside, where you get boxed in, but Frankie found a lovely little gap rather like Defoe did in the Coronation Cup. It was brave but he got the gaps, saved the ground and I thought she was very brave.

“I thought coming past the furlong pole that Ryan Moore and Pink Dogwood had got it. But this filly somehow found the reserves of courage and energy to get her head back in front. That last 50 yards are uphill and in the end she basically just outstayed the other filly. So full marks to both riders and both fillies.”

Gosden also saddled Mehdaayih, who finished seventh under Rab Havlin after a troubled passage up the home straight. Reflecting on her performance,

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Gosden continued: “Frankie found a gap on the inside which you usually don’t get at Epsom, whereas our other filly Mehdaayih got smashed and bumped around everywhere. Mehdaayih is a very good filly and had a very rough trip, but hopefully there will be other days for her.”

Anapurna was bred by Meon Valley Stud and the horse was leased to run in the name of the promotional company Helena Springfield Ltd, which is managed by Mark Weinfeld and Helena Ellingsen, the joint partners in Meon Valley Stud.

Telecaster, who runs in tomorrow’s Investec Derby, was also bred by Meon Valley Stud.

Gosden continued: “Mark Weinfeld and Meon Valley Stud are owner-breeders and for them to own a Classic winner is what it is all about. They have a horse in the Derby tomorrow (Telecaster) as you know, so it is beyond exciting for them.

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INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL REVIEW “It’s very exciting to have a winner for the owners. She is bred by wonderful owner-breeders, they have their stud farm and they breed a lot. They have a horse running in the Derby tomorrow that they offered for sale - for owner-breeders to win the Oaks is what it is all about.”

The John Gosden-trained Anapurna won the Investec Oaks at Epsom Downs Racecourse for trainer John Gosden and jockey Frankie Dettori.

The three-year-old daughter ran on strongly in the closing stages to master the Aidan O’Brientrained Pink Dogwood to score by a neck.

Anapurna was bred by Meon Valley Stud, a venture set up by Egon and Elizabeth Weinfeld. In 1979, they formed the stud, in Bishop’s Waltham, Hampshire. It is now one of the most successful British commercial breeding operations.

The stud has bred a string of top-class winners and keeps a number of fillies and the occasional colt in training. Egon Weinfeld’s son Mark and daughter Helena Ellingsen are actively involved in the management of the stud and many of their racehorses are leased to run in the name of the promotional company Helena Springfield, including Anapurna.

Meon Valley Stud also bred the Hughie Morrison-trained Telecaster, who runs in tomorrow’s £1.625 million Investec Derby.

Mark Weinfeld said: “Anapurna really had to be tough. We have gone close to winning the Oaks before, so this is unbelievable.

“This is what we live for, this is what we dream of.

You start your matings four years beforehand and to see them come to fruition like this is an unbelievable feeling, particularly if you own the horse as well.

“We sell a lot of what we produce, but here we have a broodmare for the future.”

Winning trainer John Gosden stated: “Anapurna won first time out this year at Lingfield in great style, and the plan was always to go straight back to the Lingfield Oaks Trial. She ran green then, was off the bridle and learning and at one stage Frankie had to say ‘come on old girl, we are meant to be racing here!’ Then in the straight she powered away from them, but was looking around and learning.

“She sharpened enormously from the Oaks trial, and I told [sister and brother who own Meon Valley

Stud] Helena [Ellingsen] and Mark [Weinfeld] and Frankie that she had really come on. Her work rider, who also looks after her at home, now has to sit as still as a mouse on her - if you ask her, she’ll just go whosh! Before she used to just look a little confused.

“You can’t over train a filly like this as she has taken time to come to herself - she has been incredibly brave today, the other filly [second Pink Dogwood] also, both are great fillies in a race. Sadly for Rab [Havlin on Mehdaayih - the other Gosden runner] he met rather a lot of trouble in running.

“Frankie got through the gaps, he sat handy to the pace which helped, Rab just got slammed a couple of times, but that is Epsom and that is a Classic.

“I thought coming past the furlong pole we were going to run a valiant second or third, and then through the last 50 yards when it climbs again, she dug deep, the jockey dug deep, and Frankie just hand rode her to the finish, the pair outstayed the rest. It was a proper test of good fillies.”

Winning jockey Frankie Dettori: “She jumped pretty good [settled third on inside], and then Silvestre [de Sousa] was getting run off with a little bit and I thought he won’t get home, and I thought if he stops he might take me back, and then the pacemaker was on his outside. I was also concentrating on that and the fact that I wanted to float down the hill without using her energy, and that was the case.

“Then I was trying to look for a gap and I thought ‘Oh sxxx’, and I was still dealing with that when Ryan [Moore] and Jim [Crowley] kicked on the outside and I thought they were gone. Then I managed to get through a gap and I thought there ‘were still two furlongs left and it is quite a long way’.

“I knew I would do my best work at the end, but I was worried that three lengths might be a bridge too far. Then she started to motor and I was trying to work out my timing - and I thought then I might get there.

“It was a great buzz, it has been 25 years since my first Oaks. Sometimes when you are not riding a favourite, you are able to enjoy it a bit more as you are not under so much pressure. We knew we had a chance but we were third favourite so I was able to take it all in and enjoy it - thank you John!

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REVIEW INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL “I rode her at Lingfield, she has improved a lot and she is more the finished article, she travelled really well through the race today, unlike Lingfield.

She had to show willingness and be brave and put out a very good finish - she is improving and is a very good filly.”

Winning owner Mark Weinfeld: “This is the fourth generation of this family going back to One In A Million. Anapurna is out of Dash To The Top, who was a Montjeu filly who had one or two Montjeu traits but was very talented - she seems to have passed that bit on!”

John Gosden: “Breeding horses is the toughest thing, things go wrong all the time, owner-breeders like Mark and Helena with their farm at Meon Valley, for them to breed an Oaks winner, and go through all the nightmares that breeders go through, it is a great test of faith. Without these ownerbreeders, there would be no proper racing. It is a testament to them, they are the most important ingredient today and what they have achieved.”

Frankie Dettori referencing the late champion jockey Pat Eddery.

“I sat next to him for about 15 years, he was a great ambassador, he was super cool, it means a lot.

I looked up to him, but sadly he passed away - I dedicate this win for him. He was a legend to the Turf and I learned a lot from him.”

SECOND AND THIRD FOR O’BRIEN IN FILLIES’ CLASSIC Aidan O’Brien trained the second and third in the Investec Oaks, Pink Dogwood and Fleeting. The former, partnered by Ryan Moore, looked all over the winner up the home straight, but was just run out of it in the closing stages by Anapurna, going down by a neck, while Fleeting came with a late run under Wayne Lordan to finish the length and a quarter third.

Post-race O’Brien said: “Pink Dogwood ran a lovely race, it was her first run over a mile and a half and she ran a lovely race - both fillies ran well.

“The ground was fine for her, she just got collared late and in those instances you can look for reasons, but she ran a great race.”

As for a possible rematch in the Irish Oaks at

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the Curragh, O’Brien said: “We’ll see how she is and what the lads decide to do next time.”

Ralph Beckett, trainer of the fourth-placed Manuela De Vega, said: “She’s run a great race - on a different day, we’d take them all on again. We’ll think about going on to the Curragh.”

JOCKEYS’ THOUGHTS AFTER THE INVESTEC OAKS Wayne Lordan, partner of the third home Fleeting, said: “It was grand. I gave her a chance and she came home well. I am very happy.”

Harry Bentley, rider of fourth Manuela De Vega, said: “Manuela De Vega ran a great race. I was bit concerned from stall one, but we got a nice position, travelled well and did nothing wrong at all.”

Seamie Heffernan, jockey of the fifth Delphinia, said: “Beautiful.”

James Doyle, on board sixth Frankellina, said: “She ran good, I am really pleased with her. We decided to go to the back with her lack of experience, and she just pulled a bit too hard all the way. She will definitely have learnt plenty there.”

Robert Havlin, on board seventh Mehdaayih, said: “It was a bit of a rough race for me. At one and a half furlongs to go she got skittled around and I couldn’t do anything afterwards.”

Jim Crowley, partner of eighth Maqsad, said: “I had a good trip round. I was cantering at the two pole, but she didn’t quite get home.”

Jamie Spencer, rider of ninth Blue Gardenia, said: “The ground was too quick.”

Donnacha O’Brien, jockey of 10th Peach Tree, said: “She ran well for a good while.”

Chris Hayes, rider of 11th Tarnawa, said: “It went fine. I got into a grand position but it all seemed to be happening a bit quick. I don’t think she handled the track.”

Andrea Atzeni, on board 12th Tauteke, said: “I got a nice run round - got a nice position, but I am not sure how she handled the track.”

Tom Queally, partner of 13th Sh Boom, said: “It didn’t seem to happen today.”

Silvestre de Sousa, jockey of 14th Lavender’s Blue, said: “She didn’t stay the trip.”

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INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL REVIEW

4.30PM £525,000 GROUP ONE INVESTEC OAKS

DEFOE POWERS TO CORONATION CUP GLORY

1 (3) Anapurna John Gosden 9st 0lb Frankie Dettori 2 (12) Pink Dogwood (IRE) Aidan O’Brien, Ireland 9st 0lb Ryan Moore 3 (10) Fleeting (IRE) Aidan O’Brien, Ireland 9st 0lb Wayne Lordan 4 (1) Manuela de Vega (IRE) Ralph Beckett 9st 0lb Harry Bentley 5 (13) Delphinia (IRE) Aidan O’Brien, Ireland 9st 0lb Seamie Heffernan 6 (14) Frankellina William Haggas 9st 0lb James Doyle 7 (6) Mehdaayih John Gosden 9st 0lb Robert Havlin 8 (5) Maqsad (FR) William Haggas 9st 0lb Jim Crowley 9 (11) Blue Gardenia (IRE) David O’Meara 9st 0lb Jamie Spencer 10 (9) Peach Tree (IRE) Aidan O’Brien, Ireland 9st 0lb Donnacha O’Brien 11 (7) Tarnawa (IRE) Dermot Weld, Ireland 9st 0lb Chris Hayes 12 (8) Tauteke Roger Varian 9st 0lb Andrea Atzeni 13 (2) Sh Boom Peter Chapple-Hyam 9st 0lb Tom Queally 14 (4) Lavender’s Blue (IRE) Amanda Perrett 9st 0lb Silvestre De Sousa

Defoe finally struck bulls eye at Group One level, as he powered past Kew Gardens to win the Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom.

This was a first top-level success for the grey five-year-old gelding, a son of Dalakhani and ridden by Andrea Atzeni.

Newmarket-based Varian, for whom it was a second Investec Coronation Cup win after Postponed’s 2016 victory, said: “You dream about results like that. We were slow from the gate and we didn’t get the handy pitch that we were looking for; maybe as it has turned out, that has worked in our favour. We had a lovely trip round the inside; of course they fanned out to challenge in the straight and he got a lovely split. Still, he was good - he quickened up really well. On his day he has looked like a Group One horse, and his last three or four runs perhaps haven’t quite measured up to his summer form of last year, but I said beforehand that I didn’t think he has ever been better.

“I’m so happy for his owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, who is a great supporter and who has been very patient, and of course so happy for the team at home who are doing a great job., I’m delighted with the result; it is fully deserved for the horse and we’ll really enjoy it. It’s a great day.

“It was a great ride, but they always are when they win! From his draw - one and two are quite tricky here over a mile and a half. History and the stats will tell you that, but it’s really worked out for him. Andrea saved every bit of ground he could, and when they fanned out there was just enough room. There was a sort of gap - if you were going well enough you could take it; if you weren’t quite going well enough they would have rolled in on top of them. Andrea was sat on a fair bit of horse; the horse went through the gap without flinching, then once he had a target he always looked like getting there.

“I was fairly relaxed watching it because I thought, well, we could run first three or four, and it was a bit different to watching Postponed [who won this race for Varian in 2016], when he

Winner owned by Helena Springfield Ltd John Gosden Investec Oaks Record: Three wins from 16 runners - Taghrooda (2014), Enable (2017), Anapurna (2019) Investec Oaks Record: Five wins from 23 rides - Balanchine (1994), Moonshell (1995), Kazzia (2005), Enable (2017), Anapurna (2019) Time: 2m 36.09s Distances: nk, 1¼, 1, 1½, ¾, 1½, 3¾, 1, 2¼, sh, 1½, 5, 21 Breeder: Meon Valley Stud Breeding: b f Frankel - Dash To The Top (Montjeu)

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REVIEW INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL was even money and expected to win. As the race developed today I thought he had a real chance.”

Defoe, trained in Newmarket by Roger Varian, gained his just rewards at Group 1 level when taking the Investec Coronation Cup - last year the son of Dalakhani twice finished second and once third at the highest level.

The win gave jockey Andrea Atezeni a quick double after his victory on Gossiping in the second.

“Defoe deserved that, the horse has been tried very highly in the top races and kept knocking on the door,” said Atzeni, who had took a brave inside route up the home straight on the five-year-old who won by half a length from Kew Gardens.

“I had wanted to sit a bit closer to the pace, but he

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was a little slow out of the stalls. He didn’t have the early speed to get up there, so we I had to take my time and ride him for luck and ride him to run well.

“I wasn’t going well enough to decide and switch around, he was off the bridle but was picking up at the same time and I didn’t want to disturb his momentum.

“But the splits came at the right time, he took off and it all worked in quite nicely.”

Atzeni added: “He stays well and his home work has been good. It is great for the team and especially for owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, unfortunately he is not here today but will be watching from London.

“It is great for him as he is a loyal supporter of the yard; it is great for the boss too.”

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INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL REVIEW The Aidan O’Brien-trained Kew Gardens finished an agonising half-length second to Defoe.

Ridden cold by Ryan Moore at the back of the field in the early stages of the 12-furlong contest, Kew Gardens made stylish headway in the home straight to take the lead entering the final furlong However, Defoe, trained by Roger Varian and ridden by Andrea Atzeni ran on strongly up the farside rail to collar O’Brien’s charge in the Group One event.

O’Brien said: “I’m delighted with Kew Gardens.

He ran a very good race.

“Ryan was delighted with him and was pleased with the performance. We’ll see how he comes out of the race, but the King George is a possibility.

The Sylvester Kirk-trained Salouen led for most of the contest and was a further five lengths behind in third.

Kirk commented: “I was getting excited with a couple of furlongs to run! He was going to better than anything else turning in.

“Salouen has run another great race in this contest. They went a good gallop and he has run a smashing race.

“The Hardwicke Stakes is hopefully the plan.

We’ll wait and see how he comes out of the race, but that is where I would like to go to.”

Oisin Murphy, who partnered Salouen, remarked: “It was a massive run. He settled great and the pace was just even. The best horse won on the day.”

Franny Norton, who rode fourth home Communique, trained by Mark Johnston, added: “He ran well and Communique actually beat the winner last time out at Newmarket.”

Lah Ti Dar, finished sixth and jockey Frankie Dettori added: “She just didn’t handle the track.”

SPACE BLUES TAKE THE SURREY STAKES

© AJ Byles

James Doyle rode the Godolphin-owned Space Blues to victory in the seven-furlong Listed Investec Surrey Stakes for trainer Charlie Appleby. The three-year-old Dubawi colt, held off Urban Icon by a neck. It was the second win of Investec Ladies’ Day for the jockey and trainer, who also took the opening Investec Woodcote Stakes with Pinatubo, giving them a double.

Doyle said: “That was good - I am really pleased, and he’s taken a couple of steps forward. He won nicely at York and the drop back in trip seems to have helped. He’s a pretty nifty horse. There are a few potential targets at Royal Ascot, so we’ll have a look.”

Appleby said: “James was very pleased with him today. He said they’ve not gone as quickly as he thought they might do, but they’ve gone for the line very hard. Two smart horses.

“I did pose the question, is he a Jersey horse?

He wouldn’t look out of place in the line-up there.

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REVIEW INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL What he does is travel for fun, which is why I always thought the track would suit him. We all know you’ve got to be able to travel here and get down that hill. It was one of those nice races to watch where I wasn’t too concerned about it.

“At this present time I am thinking about the Jersey at Royal Ascot. I don’t think we will be stepping him up in trip so the seven furlongs of the Jersey [the distance of today’s race] is probably the most logical think to do at the moment. He’s a fun horse to have around - he travels and he’s got a gear change, which is nice to see.”

Saturday 1,000 WINNERS UP FOR RICHARD HANNON JNR WITH ANNA NERIUM Anna Nerium brought up a landmark victory for Richard Hannon Jnr in the Group Three Investec Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom.

Eight fillies and mares took part in this race over a mile and half a furlong.

From the gates it was Awesometank who went into the lead, with Contrive and Nyaleti showing early speed.

But Akvavera soon pressed on into the lead, racing keenly, with Awesometank to the inside and Nyaleti racing wide.

Rounding Tattenham Corner, Akvavera led from Nyaleti, with Awesometank settled in third.

Awesometank and James Doyle cruised into the lead with three furlongs to run, while to the outside, Veracious and Anna Nerium closed.

Awesometank led into the final furlong but Anna Nerium and Tom Marquand found a little more late on to land a 1,000th winner for Richard Hannon Jnr. There was a length back to Awesometank, with Veracious not quite seeing her race out in third.

Zaaki breaks Epsom track record in the Diomed Stakes Zaaki overcame a tardy start and sealed victory with a late run in the Group Three Investec Diomed Stakes at Epsom.

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INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL REVIEW Six took part in this contest over a mile and half a furlong.

Chief Ironside was the early leader but was passed by Bye Bye Hong Kong, with Mordin settled in third.

Bye Bye Hong Kong took the field down Tattenham Hill and turned for home with a length lead over Chief Ironside and Mordin, with a break to the other three, headed by Zaaki.

Into the straight, Chief Ironside went on with Mordin trying to close and Bye Bye Hong Kong sticking to his guns.

Inside the final furlong, the leader faded and Zaaki and Ryan Moore went on down the outside, followed through by Oh This Is Us. But Zaaki got first run and the Sir Michael Stoute runner held off Of This Is Us by a length, with about the same gap back to Chief Ironside, who narrowly denied Bye Bye Hong Kong third place.

The victory broke the track record for this distance and gave Stoute a first success in it since 1985, when the top class Scottish Reel was the winner.

ORNATE WINS THE “DASH” Always up with the pace, Ornate held on to win the Investec “Dash” Handicap at Epsom.

Nineteen went to post for this five furlong cavalry charge.

This keenly-anticipated race got underway with Just Glamorous and Copper Knight well away as the field raced down the stands side.

Up front, Caspian Prince came through to lead with two furlong to race, with Just Glamorous and Ornate and then came Recon Mission.

With a furlong to run, Ornate and Phi Dennis went on and faced a wall of challengers.

But he kept up the gallop to repel all challengers and give David Griffiths another big sprint win.

Dark Shot took second, with Blue De Vega third and then Eeh Bah Gum and Muthmir a close fifth on his seasonal return.

© AJ Byles

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REVIEW ROYAL ASCOT

Image supplied by Ascot Racecourse

© meganrosephotography.photoshelter.com

Royal Ascot

REVIEW Day One

LORD GLITTERS GOES ONE BETTER TO LAND THE QUEEN ANNE STAKES Lord Glitters, second a year ago, got his Group One victory in the Queen Anne Stakes.

The 2019 Royal Meeting got underway with sixteen runners for what looked a wide-open opening contest over the straight mile.

The race got underway, but last year’s winner Accidental Agent, failed to come out of the stalls.

Mythical Magic took the field along from Laurens who raced freely, with Hazapour in third and Matterhorn also prominent.

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Image supplied by Ascot Racecourse © meganrosephotography.photoshelter.com

Racing to halfway, it was still Mythical Magic who led Laurens and Matterhorn.

With two furlong to run, Laurens went on from Beat The Bank, but inside the final furlong, she faded.

Beat The Bank went on from Lord Glitters, while on the stands side, One Master came to join the leaders, with an eye-catching turn of foot.

The final half a furlong saw the three main protagonists battling out an exciting finish and it

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ROYAL ASCOT REVIEW was the grey Lord Glitters, under Daniel Tudhope, who had finished second last year, who narrowly got up from Beat The Bank and One Master. Romanised came home a close fourth.

The David O’Meara trained Lord Glitters, had run no sort of race in the Lockinge Stakes.

Yorkshire-based O’Meara, registering his fourth and biggest winner at Royal Ascot, said: “Lord Glitters always run well here as he loves the track.

“He is not that easy a horse, he can be quite strong and keen. That’s what happened in the Lockinge, when he over-raced with no cover. Today, as soon as jumped, Danny got him across and got cover. From there on, it all looked like it went pretty well.”

“I thought Danny gave him a lovely ride this afternoon and it was brilliant from the word go.

“Watching the race, it was one of the easiest Royal Ascot runners we’ve had to watch as he never looked in trouble.

“My assistant Jason Kelly bought this horse and he deserves a mention too.

“We will follow a pretty similar path with him to last year and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood is probably next up.

“It’s super for the yard, not just me. I am just a small cog in what I do - I haven’t even ridden out for the last six or seven weeks. The lads have done a great job and it has all come together nicely today.”

Nick Turnbull, son of owners Geoff & Sandra Turnbull, commented: “This victory means everything. My Dad has been in this game for 20 years and to win at Royal Ascot is the pinnacle.”

ARIZONA EDGES TO COVENTRY STAKES WIN Arizona got up in the dying strides to defeat Threat in the Group Two Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Seventeen juvenile colts lined up for this sixfurlong race.

The race got underway with a reasonably even break. Golden Horde led on the far side, while to the stands side, Makyon was the overall leader.

Makyon led Coase by a couple of lengths to the stands side, with Monoski and Majestic Sands to the far side.

Image supplied by Ascot Racecourse © meganrosephotography.photoshelter.com

Inside the final furlong, Guildsman went on with Arizona to the far side and Threat down the centre of the course closing.

It was Arizona and Ryan Moore who got up late on to win in a close finish from Threat, with Guildsman third.

Arizona, a son of No Nay Never, was giving trainer Aidan O’Brien a ninth victory in the Coventry Stakes.

BLUE POINT LANDS BACK TO BACK VICTORIES IN THE KING’S STAND STAKES James Doyle replacing William Buick aside, the finish to the Group One King’s Stand Stakes was a carbon copy to last year, as Blue Point defeated Battaash at Royal Ascot.

Twelve horses went to post for this five-furlong burn-up, including last year’s first three home, Blue Point, Battaash and Mabs Cross.

As the gates burst open, the Australian runner Houtzen stumbled.

Up front ,Soldier’s Call was the leader from Fairyland and Blue Point.

With two furlongs to race, Soldier’s Call still led but Blue Power asserted, while to the stand’s side, Battaash came to join the fray.

But once again, Blue Point had enough in hand to see off Battaash in a repeat of 2018, defeating his old foe by about 1 ½ lengths.

It was tight for third, with Mabs Cross and Soldier’s Call almost inseparable, with the latter called third, while Fairyland was a close-up fifth.

Charlie Appleby had given Blue Point a break after his charge had landed the Al Quoz Stakes at Meydan in late March.

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REVIEW ROYAL ASCOT

Image supplied by www.darleyeurope.com

Owner Sheikh Mohammed said: “That has given me a lot of pleasure. When you win a Group One, you are very happy. Blue Point was in Dubai during the winter and the weather there helped him.

He came here a stronger horse.

“It is very good to get a winner at Royal Ascot.

Everybody wants a horse that is able to run at Royal Ascot.”

William Buick, who won on Blue Point 12 months ago, is currently sidelined following a case of concussion and so James Doyle stepped in for the ride today. Appleby said of Buick: “He’s here today, he’s in the gym regularly and he’s looking great. With the way things are going, I would expect to see him back by the end of July. Having said that, he pushes himself so hard and if he told me next week he was ready to come back it wouldn’t surprise me. It is William’s call.”

Blue Point, who has now four races from five starts at Ascot, a track which brings out the best in him, had run in three sprints at Meydan since the turn of the year, winning them all, including the Group One Al Quoz Sprint. Appleby said: “During the winter he did nothing but impress us with the way he matured both mentally and physically. When William won on the horse on his first start this year he said we’re dealing with a different horse now. In training we could see that.

“Coming into today’s race, I knew he was in the form of his life. Physically he looks the real deal.

Two weeks ago James rode the horse in a bit of work and came back saying ‘the ground is a bit loose’ and all the usual excuses you come up with when a gallop doesn’t go quite according to plan, but I hoped the horse would come forward for that.

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“Then last Wednesday he rode him again and the horse was electric. James got off him and said, ‘That’s the fastest horse I’ve ridden’, and we saw what he meant today.

“There’s no getting away from it that we were concerned about the rain and the ground - he has good form on slower ground, but not at this level.

I stood alongside William during the race and said, ‘What do you think - are we happy?’ and he replied, ‘Yes, watch him, watch him’. We could see James just starting to get going on him, and Battaash was travelling so well and likely to put a killer punch in, but once they locked horns I knew our horse would see it out.

“He’ll probably have a little break now. We know the stiff five furlongs suits him, so the Flying Five [at the Curragh] is a possible. He ran in the Nunthorpe Stakes last year and he was under the pump from half way, although I’m not saying he won’t go there.

“I would say it’s probably unlikely he would go back for the July Cup again over six furlongs, but it will be an interesting discussion and one we will have with Sheikh Mohammed. William got off him last year and said the track didn’t suit him - they get running a bit quick, then down into the dip, which is not like the dip in the Rowley Mile, but it’s there and he likes to finish strongly on a stiffer track.

“Stepping up to six furlongs doesn’t worry me because he has won the Al Quoz over six and he has held the track record here over six in the past, but we will think about running plans.”

Asked if Australia’s Everest, a sprint race worth $13m might be a consideration, Appleby said he doubted it due to the frenetic build up to the race, which he felt was not suitable for an entire five-yearold. He said: “Predominantly I take geldings to race in Australia for that reason. Our horses are not mentally adapted to that style of pre-race. It’s hard for colts with horses walking round in front of them for three hours before a race. It’s quite challenging for most colts, and it would be especially so for Blue Point.”

“For His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and the Royal Family to be here is marvellous - the one thing we talk about all winter is Ascot, Ascot, Ascot.

Once this meeting finishes on Saturday, we’ll start planning for next year. It’s a team effort and to get the horses here in the condition of their lives is all

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ROYAL ASCOT REVIEW down to the team behind me, and for which I am very grateful. To get a winner is what it’s all about, and even better on the first day.”

A delighted Doyle, recording his 11th victory at Royal Ascot, said: “It gives me immense satisfaction that I didn’t mess it up because I have ridden Blue Point twice before and it didn’t really work out.

“William [Buick] gets on so well with him, so we did plenty of homework. Charlie actually told me a hop on Blue Point a couple weeks ago, just to get to know him because he is tricky.

“The race couldn’t have gone much smoother, to be honest. He is a real, tough warrior and I had to do most of the running on my own, which is never easy, but it just shows what a classy sprinter he is.

“That is why Charlie is the great trainer he is. He thinks about all of the little things that on the big day need to come together.

Image supplied by Ascot Racecourse © meganrosephotography.photoshelter.com

“Blue Point has beaten Battaash each time they have met. I was not really worried about him, I was more worried about the rain coming down. Luckily, it only drizzled and hasn’t really effected the ground for now.

“He was very tough - he was out on his own.

Battaash drew alongside me but he was six or seven horse-widths away from me, so was never really in my sights. They have met a few times and Blue Point has always come off best. There is no disputing that.”

Reflecting on William Buick missing the ride, due to an enforced lay-off from concussion, Doyle continued: “It is real team effort and I am very grateful that in a situation like this I can pick the reins. It is very tough on William, who is here today,

and I know how he feels missing big winners because I have been there myself, but I think it softens the blow that is one of his best mates riding the winners and looking after his horses for him while he’s off.”

Charlie Hills said of Battaash’s run: “He probably just got a little bit outstayed again today, really. It’s got to have tested his stamina a bit; he was drawn wide and unfortunately the horse we thought we’d follow early on into the race slipped coming out of the stalls, and we got a bit detached from the race, maybe. He’s run a really good race, though.”

Jim Crowley said: “”He ran a super race, a great race. The winner is a very good horse. I rode him a bit differently this year, and still got beaten. I think the track doesn’t play to his strengths.”

Third was front-running three-year-old Soldier’s Call, trained by Archie Watson and ridden by Danny Tudhope. He finished a length and a half behind Battaash and a nose ahead of last year’s third, Mabs Cross.

Watson said: “He’s run a huge race. He’d run against these horses at two, which very few horses do, and I’m delighted with him. That’s the way to ride him. He showed a lot of speed today. He ran a very good race at York and he’s taken a big step forward today. I know he’s good enough to win one of these.

“Goodwood was the one place where he didn’t like the track last year so we won’t be going there.

All roads probably lead to the Group Ones at the end of the season.”

Danny Tudhope said: “It was a great run. I think he is back to his best now.”

CIRCUS MAXIMUS PREVAILS IN THE ST JAMES’S PALACE STAKES Circus Maximus was granted first run and held on to land the Group One St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Eleven three year-old colts contested one of the big races of the Royal Meeting, over a mile.

It was Fox Champion, the German 2,000 Guineas winner, who went into the early lead, chased by Circus Maximus and Phoenix Of Spain, who raced wide.

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REVIEW ROYAL ASCOT Silvestre De Sousa continued to set the tempo on Fox Champion and moved a length clear of Circus Maximus, as the rain fell.

Turning for home, Fox Champion kicked, but Circus Maximus had his measure and went on, as Phoenix Of Spain flattened out.

From further back, Frankie Dettori conjured a run on Too Darn Hot and began to close, looking a big danger.

However, in the final 100 yards, it was Too Darn Hot’s stable mate King Of Comedy, who unleashed a searing run down the outside.

But Ryan Moore and Circus Maximus just held on in a tight finish from King Of Comedy, with Too Darn Hot third and Skardu on their coattails.

This was a brave call from Aidan O’Brien, to drop Circus Maximus down in trip from the 1 ½ miles of the Derby, to the mile here. He followed in the footsteps of horses such as Marju and Dawn Approach in that aspect.

Circus Maximus is a son of Galileo, out of the top class mare Duntle.

O’Brien said: “Maria (Niarchos-Gouaze), Derrick Smith, John Magnier and Michael Tabor [owners] all decided at 11.45am at the six-day stage that they were going to supplement Circus Maximus for this race and we just ran with it.

“It is hard to believe, but we are just privileged to be a small part of it.

“It is a big challenge for the horse to drop back down in trip. That’s why we put the blinkers on him as he didn’t have much time to learn how to race back at a mile, so that helped him.

“We were worried about the pace of the race for Circus Maximus back over a mile having raced over a mile and a half, so we are delighted really.”

Ryan Moore added: said: “Circus Maximus has plenty of speed. The mare [Duntle, Circus Maximus’s dam] was good and won a couple of races here.

“Circus Maximus has been a little bit slow coming to himself and learning about it all.

“He showed plenty at two and ran a good race at Doncaster at the end of the year, which gave him a chance, plus the rain helped.

“When Too Darn Hot got to me, he did not go by me, and I knew this horse would keep going.

“Fair play to Aidan because he phoned me up on

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Monday morning to speak about putting him in the race and I said, ‘when you supplement them, they have to win!’

“Aidan knew this horse had a bit of talent and he ran a good race in the Derby, but he didn’t stay.”

John Gosden, who trains King Of Comedy and Too Darn Hot, commented: “One ran out of track and the other found that it was a little too stiff a mile.

“King Of Comedy just ran out of track and he ran a blinder. He needed another 25 yards. He is a horse that in the end will go a mile and a quarter.

“Adam (Kirby) said it was a pity he had to come round and through them.”

He went on to speak of the third Too Darn Hot, saying: “Too Darn Hot has run a very good race. He has come to win his race, got in front.

“It is just stamina. It wasn’t for him today. It is a stiff mile here and it just caught him out. He is a very powerfully built horse - he looks like a sprinter/ miler. Frankie said he feels like a Jersey horse, and that is what he is. He was a champion two-year-old, who won the Dewhurst in great style.

“He needs seven furlongs or an easy mile. The Group One Sussex Stakes will be next for him.”

His rider Frankie Dettori added: “He ran a good race. He came there to win, but perhaps the stiff mile was too far for him.”

THE GRAND VISIR SLOGS HIS WAY TO ASCOT STAKES GLORY The Grand Visir won a testing race for the Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Nineteen went to post in deteriorating conditions, for this 2 ½ mile contest.

As the rain continued to pour down, the field set off on their gruelling journey, with Ulster and Yabass among the early leaders, before Jukebox Jive, racing wide, took over the front-running duties.

With a circuit to race, Jukebox Jive led Mancini and Mixboy.

Racing down the back, the order remained the same up front, with Jukebox Jive and Dougie Costello continuing to set the tempo from Mancini.

Racing into Swinley Bottom, Jukebox Jive had

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the call, with Mancini next and then Mixboy and Batts Rock, who had made noticeable ground.

Turning for home, Jukebox Jive and Mancini led Yabass and Batts Rock, who had come under pressure.

Mancini hit the front at the two furlong pole, but down the centre of the course, The Grand Visir and Time To Study went on, with Buildmeupbuttercup closing.

But The Grand Visir and Richard Kingscote had plenty of momentum and drew away.

Late on, Ryan Moore closed on Buildmeupbuttercup, but The Grand Visir held on to land the spoils for trainer Ian Williams.

Time To Study came home third, ahead of Fun Mac.

ADDEYBB SLAMS RIVALS IN THE WOLFERTON STAKES Addeybb revelled in the conditions as he sluiced home in the Listed Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The concluding race on the opening day of a decidedly soggy Royal Meeting, saw a field of sixteen take part in this 1 ¼ mile race.

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From the gates it was Star Of Bengal who raced wide and led from Elarqam, while Oasis Charm was buffeted in some scrimmaging.

Settling down, Star Of Bengal continued to lead from Elarqam, with Zorion and Magic Wand next.

Into the home straight, Star Of Bengal continued to travel well, but approaching the furlong pole, Elarqam went on.

However, further back, Addeybb was cutting through the field and stormed into the lead under Danny Tudhope.

Addeybb pulled clear in the final 100 yards, slamming his rivals by three lengths, with Elarqam, Magic Wand and Latrobe in a blanket finish for the minor places. The filly Magic Wand was eventually called second, ahead of Elarqam.

The William Haggas runner had looked a smart horse in the spring of 2018, when he beat Lord Glitters in the Lincoln Handicap. Remarkably both horses went on to win on the opening day of the Royal Meeting 2019.

Day Two RAFFLE PRIZE AND DETTORI SPLASH TO QUEEN MARY SUCCESS Raffle Prize got up in the shadow of the post to deny an American victory in the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot.

A field of 25 went to post for this five-furlong contest as the rain began to lash down ahead of the opener on day two of the Royal Meeting.

As the race got underway, it was Lambeth Walk and Daughter In Law with Too Shy Shy, Brand New Day and Love Bracelet who showed early speed. Ickworth did not leave the stalls.

The field soon split into two groups, with the American filly Kimari holding the overall advantage towards the stands side.

With two furlongs to race, Kimari still held the call but Raffle Prize and Frankie Dettori were giving chase and gradually closing.

Mighty Spirit held sway to the far side.

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Late on, Kimari was challenged by Raffle Prize who edged in front right on the line. These two were followed through by Final Song, with Liberty Beach the best of the far side runners in fourth.

The Mark Johnston trained Raffle Prize was paying a compliment to Daahyeh, who had beaten her at Newmarket and runs in Friday’s Albany Stakes.

DASHING WILLOUGHBY ON TOP IN THE QUEEN’S VASE Dashing Willoughby and Oisin Murphy delivered their challenged wide and late to get up in the Group Two Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot.

Thirteen three year-olds lined-up for this race over 1 ¾ miles, won last year by the subsequent St Leger winner Kew Gardens.

The race got underway in front of the stands, with Jalmoud and Dashing Willoughby who led with Pythion soon going on.

As the field headed into the back straight, Nayef Road pressed on from out wide, tracked through by Dashing Willoughby and Jalmoud, who had failed to settle initially.

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Nayef Road continued to lead into Swinley Bottom, with Barbados moving second, ahead of Dashing Willoughby.

The order remained the same as Nayef Road turned for home with Barbados for company and Murphy switched Dashing Willoughby out wide.

At the furlong pole, Barbados had gone on, but Dashing Willoughby quickly collected him and whilst his rival kept on, he had enough to win, with Nayef Road a game third, ahead of Moonlight Spirit.

Andrew Balding’s son of Nathaniel, relishing conditions, had been a well beaten third to Sir Dragonet, in the Chester Vase, on his latest start.

CRYSTAL OCEAN WINS THE PRINCE OF WALES’S STAKES Crystal Ocean won the tactical battle to land the Group One Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Eight horses contested this 1 ¼ mile race, one of the big contests of the week and with a field stacked with quality.

The race got underway with torrential rain falling.

The early pace was set by Hunting Horn, with the Japanese runner Deirdre also prominent with Magical to the inside.

Hunting Horn led by a length from Crystal Ocean and Magical, with Deirdre next.

The order remained unchanged as they passed the five furlong pole, with Hunting Horn ahead of Crystal Ocean, who raced wide, while Magical was being bustled along.

Frankie Dettori pressed on with Crystal Ocean down the centre of the track and was chased by Magical at the furlong pole.

But Crystal Ocean found more and led by a length, which he maintained all the way to the line from Magical, with Waldgeist coming home third, ahead of Hunting Horn and Sea Of Class, who was never in contention.

Crystal Ocean, last year’s Hardwick Stakes winner, had been the bridesmaid in Group One class to this point.

He was giving Sir Michael Stoute a record 80th Royal Ascot victory.

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Winning trainer Sir Michael Stoute, commenting on the horse and on his decision to opt for a mile-and-a-quarter race, said: “Crystal Ocean is a high-class horse and I am delighted to have won a Group One with him now. He is just a very admirable racehorse. It’s marvellous to train a Group One horse like this.

“He may be better over a mile and a half, but I felt he was a pretty good horse over 10 furlongs, and he proved that today.

“There has been great teamwork here by my assistant James Savage, Crystal Ocean’s lad, Cuarado, who rides him a lot along with Ted Durcan.”

Sir Evelyn said of his home-bred horse: “He’s very consistent - look at his record. It is quite amazing.

He can stay a mile and a half, and don’t forget he was second in the St Leger. Frankie loves him.”

Crystal Ocean has yet to finish outside the first three in 15 races, and his record now reads eight wins, five seconds and two thirds. He is another example of Sir Michael’s superb achievements with older horses. The trainer’s record as Royal Ascot’s most successful handler has now been extended to 80 victories, while Dettori, the meeting’s winningmost jockey, has now reached 62 winners.

Dettori, who last won this race on Rewilding in 2011 and who has four victories in the 10-furlong contest in total, said: “”I knew Crystal Ocean stayed really well, so I kicked on early and did not hear anything coming. The rest is history.

“Everything went to plan - I sat where I wanted to sit and kicked early to use his stamina. He was full of running and I felt it was going to take a good one to get past me.

“It was great. As soon as I knew Enable was going for the Eclipse, I rang Sir Michael’s office and said I was available. He was quick to react and called me in the afternoon to say I’d got the ride and I was delighted.

“He’s an ultra-consistent horse, he’s a heavyweight of the sport, never runs a bad race. I was concerned about the rain because all his best form is on firm ground, and the race went exactly as I thought. I thought I’d better kick round the turn and use my stamina, and in fairness he stuck his head out and galloped right to the line.

“He’s in all the big ones - a mile and a quarter, a mile and a half. He’s a five-year-old, mature and strong. I rode him in the morning and he was laidback and didn’t give much of a feel, but he’s saved his best for the afternoon.”

O’Brien said: “She ran well and Ryan was very pleased with her. The King George could be an option for her.”

Moore commented: “Magical ran a cracker. The ground got bad, but she ran well.”

Andre Fabre’s Waldgeist was a further three and a quarter-lengths back in third and the French trainer said: “Waldgeist ran well. The ground was not an issue as he has won on soft. The King George could be a possible.”

Pierre-Charles Boudot, who rode Waldgeist, said: “He was not the same horse on this ground.”

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe second Sea Of Class, trained by William Haggas, struggled in the conditions and finished fifth. Her jockey James Doyle said: “We learnt a lot about her today, mainly the fact that she doesn’t like the deep ground that she encountered out there today.

“She felt in great nick and travelled really well.

We were a bit too far back, but the main thing was just to get a run into her and start her off - we’re very happy with her.”

Japanese raider Deirdre finished sixth and her jockey Yutaka Take reported: “It was a very tough race.”

Andrea Atzeni, rider of Zabeel Prince (7th), commented: “A mile and a quarter on soft ground is just too far for him.”

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MOVE SWIFTLY WINS ON SEASON BOW AT ROYAL ASCOT

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Move Swiftly put up a fine performance to land the Group Two Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Seventeen older fillies and mares took part in this race over the straight mile.

From the break it was Shennanigans and Bella Ragazza who broke well, but Nyaleti and Preening were soon to the fore, while Indian Blessing ploughed a lone furrow to the stands’ side.

Settling down, Nyaleti led from Veracious and Preening, with Indian Blessing prominent on her own.

Heading to the two furlong pole, Nyaleti continued to led by a length, with Veracious and Preening for company and Move Swiftly closing.

Rawdaa and I Can Fly went on at the furlong pole with Move Swiftly challenging to the stands side.

It was Move Swiftly and Danny Tudhope who swept through to collect the race late on, beating Rawdaa by about ¼ of a length, with I Can Fly third and Veracious run out of it in fourth.

The William Haggas trained Move Swiftly was winning on her first start of the season.

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AFAAK INCHES TO VICTORY IN THE ROYAL HUNT CUP Afaak, second a year ago, landed the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot.

One of the big handicaps of the season attracted a field of 28, taking part in this race down the straight mile.

The cavalry charge began with Zhui Feng leading early on from King’s Field and last year’s winner Settle For Bay, with Kynren and New Graduate also prominent, while Card Sharp led to the stands side, as the field split into two groups.

Overall, Card Sharp just about led from What’s The Story, while previous winner Zhui Feng led to the far side.

With three furlongs to race, New Graduate joined Zhui Feng and the former went on at the two furlong pole.

Kynren burst three inside the two, but with a furlong to race, Afaak on the stands side had gone on. He was challenged late on by Clon Coulis.

The two horses flashed past the post together in a desperately close finish.

Raising Sand flew home for third, ahead of Stylehunter and Kynren.

After a photograph finish, Afaak and Jim Crowley were called the winners, with Clon Coulis second.

The Charlie Hills trained Afaak, was running as a gelding for the first time, under Jim Crowley.

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SOUTHERN HILLS A FIRST ROYAL ASCOT WINNER FOR GLENEAGLES 2,000 Guineas winner Gleneagles sired his first Royal Ascot winner, as Southern Hills came home late to win the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The closing race of the day saw a field of 22 juveniles race over five furlongs. However, Show Me Show Me broke through the front of the stalls and was withdrawn.

At the off, it was Wheels On Fire with Foolish Humor and Red Epaulette who took the field along.

To the far side, Wheels On Fire raced alone and was clear heading to the furlong pole.

But the leader faded late on and Southern Hills.

Platinum Star and Symbolize went on in the final half a furlong.

At the line, Southern Hills and Ryan Moore came through to win and lose his maiden tag, with Platinum Star second and Glasvegas third.

Symbolize came home fourth.

The Aidan O’Brien trained Southern Hills, a son of freshman sire Gleneagles, was narrowly beaten by Air Force Jet on his latest start.

Day Three A’ALI SCORES IN THE NORFOLK STAKES Trainer Simon Crisford recorded his second success as a trainer at Royal Ascot and his first victory of this year’s meeting following A’Ali’s win in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes, the first race on day three of the Royal Meeting.

Ridden by Frankie Dettori, notching his 63rd success overall at the Royal Meeting and third of the week, A’ali tracked the pace in mid-division in the early stages of the five-furlong contest and ran on strongly to score by a neck, holding off the Richard Fahey-trained Ventura Rebel in second.

A’Ali is owned by Shaikh Duaij Al Khalifa of Bahrain, a close friend of Godolphin’s owner Sheikh

Mohammed - the two-year-old son of Society Rock was his first runner at Royal Ascot.

Second on his debut over five furlongs at Ripon in a novice event, A’Ali took the step up to Group Two company in his stride this afternoon.

A delighted Newmarket-based Crisford, Godolphin’s former racing manager, was successful with Ostilio at last year’s Royal Meeting and he was thrilled to return to the winner’s enclosure at the Berkshire venue.

He said: “I used to think having winners at Royal Ascot was like picking apples off a tree! However, since I’ve started training on my own it hasn’t been quite as simple as that, but it means everything.

“Frankie is obviously the go-to jockey when you really need somebody - he was available and he gave A’Ali a super ride.

“When I saw them cantering to the start, I thought A’Ali was very fresh. He put up huge speed figures when he ran at Ripon and the bounce factor was in my mind. I was worried that he had put in such a big effort there that it would count against him.

“A’Ali travelled well enough, picked up nicely and has a good turn of foot. We’ve always known he was a very good horse and that is why we ran him in a Group Two despite being beaten on his first start.

“A’Ali is a top-notch horse. All the guys who do figures and analyse races using sectional times were screaming about this horse from the rooftop.

“I wouldn’t have run him today, unless he galloped out well after the winning line at Ripon.

He galloped out super strong there and then I knew the right target was this Group Two and not a novice event at Wolverhampton.

“It is great to be in the winner’s enclosure at Royal Ascot and I am surrounded by some really strong supporters of mine over the years including Sheikh Mohammed. His great friend Sheikh Duaij owns this horse and is from the Royal Family of Bahrain. They have all been so supportive and it counts for a lot.

“Sheikh Duaij is steeped in racing history. His uncle used to own horses like Jellaby in the 1970s.

He has always been a huge enthusiast and this is his first runner at the Royal Meeting, which is brilliant.

This horse can now sit in that tidy packet of horses

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REVIEW ROYAL ASCOT which Shaikh Duaij’s uncle used to have - he is a good colt.

“I think A’Ali will get six furlongs. He is out of a Motivator mare [Motion Lass] so we could look at stepping him up in trip. The doors are open for everything with him. He will be campaigned as a two-year-old. He’s small, he’s neat, he’s tidy and he’ll have a proper two-year-old campaign.”

Dettori has a full book of rides on the card, and, at a course where in September 1996 he won all seven races, something similar would be enough to empty bookmakers’ accounts.

His third winner at this year’s Royal Meeting, and his 63rd at Royal Ascot, came on the Simon Crisford-trained A’Ali, who was bought by the Stroud Coleman Bloodstock agency for £135,000 in April at a breeze-up sale held at Doncaster.

The son of late stallion Society Rock was beaten on his first start at Ripon earlier this month, but made no mistake today, beating Ventura Rebel and Dubai Station by a neck and two and three-quarters of a length. Sunday Sovereign finished eighth of the 14 runners.

Dettori said: “I spent half of my 30 years in racing with Simon [when Crisford was racing manager to Godolphin and Dettori first jockey] - we’ve both gone our own ways and he’s now training. This brings back some great memories and I’m really delighted. We’re all family.

“I had an unbelievable ride and the horse travelled like a winner all the way. He pulled out and quickened, and it certainly made my life easy.

“A’Ali was travelling so good. He did everything so professionally, though he did idle a bit in front.

“I suspect Simon will back him up in the fivefurlong race at Goodwood [Molecomb Stakes], as he has so much speed.

“The ground is riding good to soft.”

Ventura Rebel pleased his trainer, Richard Fahey, by finishing second by a neck to winner A’Ali. Ridden by Paul Hanagan, the Pastoral Pursuits colt finished two and three-quarter lengths ahead of third-placed Dubai Station.

Yorkshire-based Fahey said: “He ran a blinder.

No excuses, they were a long way clear of the rest and we’re very pleased. He’ll probably progress; he’s going the right way and he’s got a good mind.

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“The soft option here was the Windsor Castle Stakes, but I thought we’d nearly win this - I got it wrong.”

Dubai Station, was trained by Karl Burke, also Yorkshire-based, and ridden by Jamie Spencer.

Burke said: “We knew coming here that he probably needed the extra furlong, to be honest, but [owner] Ahmad Alshaikh wanted to come here. The Coventry was always the toughest of the two-yearold races; that was his trip, six furlongs, so we decided between the Norfolk and the Windsor Castle. We were probably headed for the Windsor Castle but Ahmad said he’d rather come for this race. In a way it’s worked out really well. He’s won on soft ground but he probably wants it a little bit better; today was probably quicker than he won on.

“Jamie gave him a great ride. He rides this course so well like that and it suited Dubai Station, we were always going to ride him to finish. If he’d been on his head early on I don’t think he would have finished so well. We’re very happy, and we’ll aim him at the Gimcrack Stakes [at York] which the owner won last year with a horse trained by Kevin Ryan. He’ll hopefully have one run between then and now. I think a good, flat galloping track will be perfect for him “I think it was a very good performance and the first two must be very quick horses, but knowing that we are going to be better over six furlongs makes us full of confidence.”

Ventura Blue’s jockey Paul Hanagan said: “He’s run a great race. It is frustrating when you get beat when it is that close, but you’ve got to be delighted.

He has done nothing wrong, we have come far clear of the rest so it is a fantastic effort. The ground is a

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The third-placed Dubai Station was ridden

by Jamie Spencer, who said: “He’s run well, I was probably disadvantaged with where we were drawn [three], it was difficult to challenge. The ground is a bit dead.”

SANGARIUS STROLLS TO HAMPTON COURT STAKES GLORY Frankie Dettori completed a quickfire double on the third day of Royal Ascot 2019 - and his fourth at this year’s meeting - when Sangarius won the Group Three Hampton Court Stakes.

The Kingman colt, trained by Sir Michael Stoute and owned by Khalid Abdullah, was impressive in beating Fox Chairman (Andrew Balding/Silvestre de Sousa) by two and a quarter lengths.

Dettori, who has now ridden 64 Royal Ascot winners in his career, said: “I hope I haven’t used up all my luck! I came in this morning thinking Stradivarius was my best ride. He’s not until race four and I win the first two races, and I’m thinking, ‘Oh God...’

“It’s Ascot, you’ve got to have 10 plans for a race and hope you pick the right one. I had half a split and I took it. He’s a very brave horse - he’s very big, so he made himself plenty of room, and boy, didn’t he half quicken for a big horse. It was a great performance. I saw daylight, which in these races is very unusual, and I was able to push him out to the line and enjoy the moment.

“I embrace the pressure. It is part and parcel of the job and I thrive off it.”

Sangarius’s form looked good coming into the ten-furlong Hampton Court Stakes having finished third to King Of Comedy, this week’s St James’s Palace Stakes runner-up, in the mile Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown in May. The form lines held good today.

A strapping bay three-year-old son of Juddmonte Farm’s Kingman, the Prince Khalid Abdullahowned colt put the race to bed in a matter of strides, going away to win by a two and a quarter lengths under jockey Frankie Dettori, who was riding a quick double on the day two card.

“He is a horse we have always liked a lot,” said trainer Sir Michael Stoute. “He did it well, he was tight for space, and he couldn’t get enough room to get into a rhythm. But he has a turn of foot, and he is improving, he is a nice horse. He very quickly put a lot of space between himself and the field, that is a good sign!

“There was not a suitable mile and a quarter race for him in the spring, so we went to Sandown.

He was little bit undercooked there as he had had a hold-up in March,” explained Stoute, who laughingly added: “Frankie is getting pretty old, but we’d better hang on in there!”

The Newmarket-based trainer was recording his 81st Royal Ascot winner, a new record total.

Racehorse owners King Power Racing and trainer Andrew Balding were back in the Royal Ascot winner’s enclosure today, but in the place reserved for runners-up.

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The same combination were in that position on Tuesday, when Beat The Bank was a neck second in the Queen Anne Stakes, and today they had to settle for the same placing after Fox Chairman finished behind Sangarius.

The gap would have been unquestionably smaller had the runner-up not been checked twice as Silvestre de Sousa attempted to find gaps in the home straight. The partnership had not been helped by their slow start, but Fox Chairman ran on strongly once finding clear space and caught thirdplaced King Ottakar near the line to finish a neck ahead of that rival.

Asked to reflect on the race, Balding sportingly handed praise to Sangarius, saying: “I think the

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“That was only the third start for our horse, and he’s certainly a very nice horse in the making.

“We’ll work back from the autumn and take it from there. I don’t want to over-race him because he’ll stay in training next season. He’s going to be a very smart horse in time.”

Charlie Fellowes was magnanimous in defeat following King Ottokar’s third-placed finish.

The three-year-old son of Motivator had to challenge towards the outside of the field in the home straight, but stayed on well to finish third.

Newmarket-based Fellowes said: “You look at where the first two have come from and it just hasn’t worked out for us.

“I’m not blaming anyone, we just couldn’t get a good position and we’ve ended up being three wide out the back of the field.

“Sir Ottokar has covered more ground than any other horse in the field which is a shame as he has run a massive race.

“There are loads of positives to take from the performance. We have a very good horse on our hands. I t was a very goods race.

“Sir Ottokar is very quick and we have options over a mile or a mile and a quarter.

“I’m proud of the performance but you just wonder what would’ve happened if we had been positioned where Sangarius was, because we probably gave away quite a few lengths.

“Today was not his day, but we can go forward positive with King Ottokar for the rest of the season.

He has proved himself in a top-class race and we have a lot to look forward to.

“Options have now opened up for him. This was our Derby today so we’ll get him back home and see where we go from here.”

STAR CATCHER STELLAR IN THE RIBBLESDALE STAKES Star Catcher gave Derby-winning owner/breeder Anthony Oppenheimer another major success when taking the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes by a length and a half from Fleeting.

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The Sea The Stars filly, was trained by John Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori, who was scoring his third victory of the day and his fifth of Royal Ascot 2019.

Oppenheimer, also owner and breeder of sixthplaced Frankellina (William Haggas/James Doyle), said: “I’m an extremely happy man. We knew she was very useful - when she ran third at Newbury, Frankie said he made a mistake and he thought she could have won, and so we knew she was pretty smart. Frankellina is also very smart, but I think she didn’t quite stay - I’m not sure, I haven’t spoken to William Haggas yet.

“Star Catcher’s a nice filly, very useful.”

Gosden said: “A great friend of mine Simon [Crisford] trained the winner of the Norfolk, then Stoutey produced his horse beautifully [to win the Hampton Court Stakes - both were ridden

by Dettori], and we have planned this since Star Catcher won her maiden in April.

“These have all been plans and now we are expecting Frankie to win the Gold Cup, but this is a funny old game and it probably won’t happen. The ground is rather testing for Stradivarius, it’s not his scene. Having said that, this 48-year-old kid takes it to another level, a bit like a Wimbledon semifinal or final. He is riding quite beautifully, and is occasionally listening to me but not much!

“Star Catcher broke her maiden at Newbury and Frankie got straight off her and said don’t go for the Oaks, go for the Ribblesdale because she hasn’t yet got the strength for the Oaks.

“The pace was a bit slow when she ran in that Listed race at Newbury. Frankie said he went too slow, but I told him not to worry because she will stay well and has run a nice trial.”

Dettori said: “It can’t get any better than having three winners in the first three races on Gold Cup day.

“It’s lovely to have a winner for John Gosden too as we can take a breath of relief as a team now ahead of Stradivarius.

“I wasn’t sure Star Catcher would win as we had four in the race, but she did it well.

“I just hope I can the win the next race because the Gold Cup is the most important. I hope I haven’t used up all my luck.”

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Third in the Group One Investec Oaks and now runner-up in the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot marks Fleeting out as a very smart filly.

Inside the two-furlong marker the Ryan Mooreridden Fleeting fleetingly looked as if she might win, but Star Catcher, who had taken up the running, kept galloping and stayed on strongly to score by one and a half lengths. The winner was Frankie Dettori’s third winner of the day and fifth of the week, taking him further clear of Ryan Moore in the QIPCO Royal Ascot leading jockey award. Moore has ridden three winners.

A further length and a quarter back in third was Sparkle Roll, trained, like Star Catcher, by John Gosden.

Aidan O’Brien, who trains Fleeting, said: “I’m very happy with that run, but I think she’s probably a nice ground filly. It was better at Epsom and it’s tough going out there today.

“On soft ground a mile and a half is far enough for her - she certainly wouldn’t want to be going any further. She is in the Irish Oaks, but we’ll see how she is, how she comes out of this race and what the weather is like nearer the time.”

Sparkle Roll is owned in a partnership involving Qatar Racing, whose racing manager, David Redvers, said: “Ground is the key to her, and she found the ground too quick at York. The question is whether she wants to go further at this stage.

“She’s a big filly and if you look at her stride and the manner in which she gallops you would think it might be worth chancing it, but she is by Kingman [a miler].

“She could run in the Park Stakes [at Doncaster] and she’ll have an autumn campaign, but there’s not a filly we own who I’m more looking forward to running as a four-year-old. She’s still such a big baby.”

Fleeting’s jockey Ryan Moore was not too downbeat and said: “She ran very well, the ground tested her.”

The third-placed Sparkle Roll delighted her jockey Oisin Murphy, the retained rider for partowner Qatar Racing. The grey daughter of Kingman is owned in partnership with Kin Hung Kei and Lauren Dassault.

It was the filly’s first stakes-placed form and Murphy said: “She is improving, we have loved her at home, that was a step in the right direction.”

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REVIEW ROYAL ASCOT

STRADIVARIUS DOUBLES UP IN THE GOLD CUP Stardivarius retained his Gold Cup crown and in the process gave Frankie Dettori a four-timer in the first four races on the Ladies’ Day card at Royal Ascot.

Five-year-old Sea The Stars entire Stradivarius met trouble in the home straight as he was hemmed in behind a wall of horses.

However, once the gap opened, Stradivarius showed his brave and battling qualities to forge ahead inside the final furlong and held on gamely to win by a length from Dee Ex Bee, trained by Mark Johnston, in second.

Stradivarius becomes the first horse since Yeats 2006-2009) to win back-to-back renewals of the Group One contest.

Dettori said: The 48-year-old racing legend said: “Stradivarius is an amazing horse. He is now unbeaten in his last seven starts. He has won two Ascot Gold Cups - his heart is bigger than his body.

“Stradivarius does not know how to lose. All I have to do is get him amongst other horses and he does the rest - what a horse.

“For a stayer, this lad has everything. He loves

getting into a fight and he is a brilliant horse to ride.

“Everyone loves him, including me. It is fantastic for the stable, Bjorn Nielsen (owner/breeder) and everybody else involved... I am so thrilled.

“I get nervous [riding this horse] because the people care about him so much and it is a great story for Bjorn and the stable. Every time he runs, he delivers, he is unbelievable.

“I wasn’t worried about the trouble in the home straight as I just had to wait for the split. It got tight, but when I got the split, it was all over.

“In many ways, when it got tight that meant that I didn’t hit the front too early. I know that he has a great kick.

“The roar from the crowd was incredible. This horse has captured people’s imaginations in the way that he runs and the way that he wins - we’ll bring him back next year.”

Dee Ex Bee, who made most of the running in the two-mile, four-furlong contest, ran an exceptionally gallant race in second, fighting back to beat Master Of Reality ( Joseph O’Brien and Wayne Lordan) into third by a nose.

Johnno Mills, racing manager for Dee Ex Bee’s owner Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum, said: “Fantastic performance. We’re

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ROYAL ASCOT REVIEW thrilled with him. We set this out as a target for him about eight months ago, and we’re thrilled we got him here, he ran a great race and we were beaten by a true champion.

“We wish a horse had come to us with a furlong to run so we could be in a battle; he’s a battler, but take nothing away from the winner. He really is a true champion and we’re here and we’ve run a great race. Hopefully, we will take him on somewhere else and see if we can reverse the tables, but it’s a fantastic day.”

De Sousa said: “We just ran into a better horse.”

Charlie Appleby, trainer of the fourth-placed Cross Counter, was thrilled with the four-year-old’s performance in the Ascot Gold Cup, his first run in the UK since last August. The trainer is eying a drop back in trip from the two miles four furlongs of today’s Royal Ascot contest for the Melbourne Cup and Dubai Gold Cup winner.

“We are delighted, the key thing today is that it is the first time over the two and a half, we were keen to get him dropped in and get him relaxed and doing it the right way round,” explained Appleby.

“We are delighted, the way he travelled into the race you couldn’t help but get excited!

“It is great to be a part of it, taking on a horse like Stradivarius is always going to be a challenge for everybody. I felt our horse on his first start back in the UK has lost nothing in defeat there, he has put up a fine performance.

“What will be his trip? Probably a drop back to two miles - he travels too well and today he has just been out stayed by real top stayers. He’d have preferred better ground, but he has handled it. Well drop back to two, and we’ve still got an exiting horse on our hands.”

Cross Counter’s jockey James Doyle echoed Appleby’s thoughts.

“I am really proud of him, he ran a great race, he’s been off for a while,” said Doyle. “He ran a super race, I got excited for a short time, but we’ll probably come back in trip.”

Wayne Lordan rode the Master Of Reality, who stayed on well to take third, just denied the runnerup spot by a nose, having been up with the pace for much of the race.

“He’s a lovely horse, he likes a bit of juice in the

ground, he won a Group 3 at Navan earlier in the year, then found the ground a bit quick for him at Leopardstown, but he has come here and run an outstanding race,” said Lordan. “He is quite a big horse so time on his side over the next few years, and if everything stays sound, he is an improving type. Delighted.”

Trainer Joseph O’Brien: “It is a great run, it was a great ride, he likes a bit of juice in the ground.”

BIOMETRIC ENDS DETTORI RUN IN THE BRITANNIA HANDICAP Biometric, a three-year-old son of Bated Breath, got the better of Turgenev - ridden by Frankie Dettori, by 1 ¼ lengths, in the Britannia Handicap, thus denying the Italian jockey victory in the first five races on the Royal Ascot card.

Winning trainer Ralph Beckett said: “He was flat out at half way. At the three-furlong pole I thought we were going to be last - or that they had gone too hard.

“He’s had a slightly unorthodox prep because after he won his first two races, to be qualified for this race he had to have a third run, and the only option I really had was a six-furlong novice at Lingfield, which was obviously going to be too sharp for him.

It was still nearly three weeks before this race and if we were to come here, he had to run somewhere.

“I never thought he would win over seven furlongs, he never showed enough speed to do that, so to win two over seven meant that he was obviously going to step up in trip, so this was an obvious race for him.

“It was never the plan to be that far back, but they’ve gone hard and it’s fallen into place. I’m absolutely delighted.

“He’s always been a sleeper, not a flash worker, he had an issue as a two-year-old and we never ran him - this is absolutely great and we’re thrilled.

“Harry Bentley had a contract with Sheikh Fahad when he was just out of his apprenticeship, so I have known him for a long time, and we used him quite a bit when Jim Crowley left. He then took a job with Roger Varian, which didn’t work out for him, and he’s ridden plenty for us over the past year

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REVIEW ROYAL ASCOT and he’s coming of age now, which is great.”

Bentley said: “I’ve been waiting for my first Royal Ascot winner for quite a long time, so it is very special to get on the board here.

“It’s so tough. Any meeting at Ascot not just the Royal meeting, it’s incredibly hard to ride winners here just because of the competitiveness of the races.

It is so special and a day that I won’t forget.

“I knew beating Frankie would upset a few people, so I’m probably not the most popular winner of the day!”

Understandably, the effervescent 48-year-old Italian-born jockey was full of fizzy excitement from a day that must, even through his long and highly successful career, rank as a highlight.

“Twenty years ago I’d have won that!” he joked as he dismounted. “I loved it - he was 16/1 this morning, then he was sent off favourite. He gave me a great spin, but it wasn’t to be.

“Look I’ve had a great day, I am not going to cry,” he laughed as he kissed camera and disappeared into the jockeys’ room.

SOUTH PACIFIC HEADS O’BRIEN CLEAN SWEEP IN THE KING GEORGE V HANDICAP Aidan O’Brien dominated the concluding King George V Handicap as South Pacific led home a 1, 2, 3 for Ballydoyle, at Royal Ascot.

South Pacific (Seamie Heffernan) led home stable companions Constantinople (Ryan Moore) and Eminence (Wayne Lordan) with a neck success in the 12-furlong contest.

O’Brien recording his 69th winner at the Royal Meeting and fourth this week said: “South Pacific is a lovely horse who is progressing all the time. He was a bit babyish, but he is coming along lovely. Seamus gave him a lovely ride and he was very happy going a mile and a half.

“He is progressing with every run and I think he will get further than a mile and a half in time.

“Constantinople is a lovely horse. He is only a baby. For him to do that with top-weight, we could not be happier and Eminence is another big horse who ran well and is still progressing.

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“They ran off nice marks all three of them and they will continue to progress. We can probably keep them to handicap company for the time and see how they continue to develop.”

Winning rider Seamie Heffernan said: “I wasn’t always confident that I was going to get there but, in fairness to the horse, he dug deep.

“Aidan trains them all for this week, but you never really know what the ground is going to be like or the draw. They all come here with a big chance - some of the favourites get beat and some of them win. I am very privileged to be in these colours and it’s a pleasure riding these horses. Some of them are a work in progress; some of them have proven that they are on the way down. Here are a couple who are on the way up.

“I was going to go in but then I thought there were too many with chances, so I took a chance switching out. Ryan switched in and I switched out.

You need a brave horse to switch out and keep going because most horses, when they switch out, they don’t often finish, but he did.”

Day Four EXCITING DAAHYEH SCORCHES TO VICTORY IN THE ALBANY STAKES Daahyeh confirmed her debut promise and remained unbeaten as she captured the opening race on day four of Royal Ascot 2019, the Group Three Albany

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ROYAL ASCOT REVIEW Stakes.

Trained by Roger Varian, recording his third victory at Royal Ascot and his first this year, the twoyear-old daughter of Bated Breath ran on strongly to win the six-furlong event by a length and a half, with Ken Condon’s Celtic Beauty back in second.

Varian won the Albany Stakes back in 2014 with Cursory Glance, whilst rising star David Egan was registering his first victory at Royal Ascot.

Newmarket trainer Varian said: “Daayeh won nicely today. She has always worked like a horse who could be quite nice.

“It was lovely to see her do it like that. Today was the first time she was in a scrap, but at the line, she looked a good winner.

“She is promising looking ahead to the future and it looks like she’ll stay seven furlongs on the back of that - she got the trip really well.

“David is making good strides, has a good on his shoulders and is one of the best young riders around.

“He is not the finished article yet, but he has not done much wrong today. The owners have been loyal to David as he rode the horse first time out.

“David will get his chances throughout the year and he took it today.”

David Egan rode his first Royal Ascot winner as Daahyeh landed the Albany Stakes.

Egan, who celebrated his 20th birthday on Wednesday, has a racing pedigree, for he is the son of jockey John Egan and former trainer Sandra Hughes - he is also a nephew of former champion jockeyturned-trainer Richard Hughes and a grandson of top Jump trainer, the late Dessie Hughes.

Egan Snr has ridden four Royal Ascot winners, headed by a victory in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on Les Arcs in 2006, his most recent success at the Royal Meeting. His son, the 2017 champion apprentice when he rode 53 winners, said: “I’m sorry, I’m getting a bit emotional, but I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point. It’s a big step in my career.

“Everyone has worked hard for me through my whole life and it is great to thank them on these big days. I followed my dad’s footsteps and he’s been a huge influence on my career.”

The Roger Varian-trained Daahyeh beat Celtic Beauty and Aroha by one and a half lengths and one

length.

She had won her sole race before today, heading Raffle Prize in a maiden race at Newmarket last month. The runner-up went on to land yesterday’s Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Egan said: “She didn’t jump so well first time out, but she did today and we soon settled into a good position. Approaching the two-furlong marker, I could see things were getting a bit tight in front of me and I was glad I just took her back and then to the outside to get her to pick up. She had to battle inside the final furlong, but when I picked up my whip she really battled and hit the line strong. She’s a very nice filly and will definitely stay further.

“I knew on this ground she wouldn’t do anything instantly; the ground is probably just a bit dead for her today, but she’s done it well.

“I felt pressure before the race, but once I was on her it was just like another race. I would like to thank the owners and Mr Varian for giving me these opportunities on the big stages. This could be at the top of my career for now. I think Daayeh is very talented. She won very impressively first time out at Newmarket, as we all know, and she came here today as the favourite. For someone young like myself coming to ride a favourite in a fancy race at Royal Ascot, it is a big deal. I am just delighted I can repay the loyalty of the owners and my trainer.

I think I have improved a lot this season and I have been getting some chances in nice races. I would just like to thank the people for giving me these chances.

My grandfather Dessie Hughes was a big person in my life and this one is for him.”

The one-two of the Albany Stakes was fought out between two game fillies and it was Daahyeh who took the length and a half success from Celtic Beauty.

Billy Lee, rider of the second-placed filly, a daughter of No Nay Never, was a little disappointed to have been beaten, but still pleased with the performance.

“She has run a great race, travelled beautifully into the race and took me there on the bridle. We went to win the race, but we were beaten by a very good filly. I am very happy,” he said of the filly.

Her Irish-based trainer Ken Condon added: “She has been coming forward with every run, she

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REVIEW ROYAL ASCOT is by a very good sire, the ground drying out helped us, I would say if it was even drier she might have lasted home. She has a lot of pace and natural ability and unfortunately didn’t last home. She has run with great credit.

“We are delighted with her, she is lovely filly and the first two had the race between them. There are lots of options going forward, she will be entered up in all the big races, we will see how she comes out of it, but there is more to come.”

Jockey Harry Bentley, who denied Frankie Dettori his five-timer yesterday when winning the Britannia Handicap on Biometric, rode the thirdplaced Aroha.

“I am pleased with her, we were on the wrong side as the race has unfolded on the stands’ side, but we were drawn three and it was always going to happen,” he said.

Trainer Brian Meehan declared: “I took her to Bath and she came back from there very off colour and she had a good ten days off. She wasn’t herself at all. We had gone to Bath thinking she would win easily and the target was always to come here so we stuck with our guns. I am really pleased that we have, we can plan a wonderful campaign for her for the rest of the year - I think if she had been on the stands’ side she might have won.

“It is a month since she has run, and I will stick to that. The Lowther Stakes or the Cheveley Park comes to mind. She has the biggest of hearts”.

JAPAN ALL CLASS IN THE KING EDWARD VII STAKES Japan upheld the Derby form with a classy performance to land the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Derby third was a 4 ½ length winner, bolstering the Epsom form, just as his stable mate Circus Maximus had, in Tuesday’s St James’s Palace Stakes.

“The Derby was a very good race, I don’t think anyone realised what a good race it was - we can see what happened to Circus Maximus earlier in the week. They were all there together - it was a very high-class race,” said Aidan O’Brien, the QIPCO

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leading trainer of the week with five wins.

“This is a very smart horse and he is coming forward lovely all the time, who knows but we couldn’t be happier.

“He had a lovely run in the Dante, and he was just ready to go again, and came forward for the Derby. Wayne was delighted with him in the Derby, Wayne rides him in all his work. Everything has been right with him all the time and progressing all the time.”

Lead owner Derrick Smith said: “It was as you would expect him to win really, he was third in the Derby, I reckon he is the best of the lot, this wasn’t a surprise. The surprise was the price!”

Japan is a son of Galileo and is out of Shayste (Danehill). He is a brother to the Oaks runner-up Secret Gesture and the Group 3 winner Sir Isaac Newton.

He was bred by Newells Park Stud, and bought

by MV Magnier/Mayfair/P&R Doyle for 1.3 million guineas at Tattersalls October Book 1 Yearling Sale in 2017.

Ryan Moore, partnering his fourth winner of the week, rode Japan from off the pace, but there was no mistaking his superiority at the finish, as he swept past his rivals to win by four and a half lengths from Bangkok, with Eagles By Day (a further neck behind in third. It was the third time this week that the King Power Racing team and trainer Andrew Balding had finished in the runner-up spot - they were also second in the Queen Anne Stakes with Beat The Bank and with Fox Chairman in the Hampton Court Stakes.

Moore said: “This is a high-class colt and he put the race to bed very easily there. We went a pretty good pace. I was happy where I was rounding the home turn, as I was on the best horse.

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ROYAL ASCOT REVIEW “He is more than a St Leger horse, no disrespect to the race. This is a good horse and he will be a very effective mile and-a-half horse going forward.”

Andrew Balding was pleased with the performance of Bangkok.

Ridden by Silvestre de Sousa, Bangkok travelled well throughout the 12-furlong contest, but was outstayed by Japan, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, who won readily.

Bangkok was bitterly disappointing in the Investec Derby, but Balding was delighted that the three-year-old son of Australia had returned to form.

Balding said: “There are no excuses - we’ve just been beaten by the better horse. It’s a relief to see Bangkok perform better than he did in the Derby.

“He has always looked like a talented horse at home and the Derby run something we could not explain, so it’s good to see him return to form here.

We finished a lot closer to Bangkok than we did at Epsom.

“We will look at all our options, but we might look at the American turf races there a they have a new series there which might suit.

“You never know until you try, but hopefully he would be fine with the travelling. You never know till you try, but I couldn’t see why not.”

The Michael Bell-trained Eagles By Day stayed on strongly to finish third, a neck behind Bangkok and Bell commented: “Eagles By Day has stayed on really well to the line. He is a raw horse who is still inexperienced, but he stays well and ran on strongly to the line.

“He is a horse with a lot of ability, and they are such fun horses to train - he hopefully has a big future and the Bahrain Trophy (Newmarket, July Festival) could be next for him.”

ADVERTISE ROARS BACK IN THE COMMONWEALTH CUP Advertise, one of last season’s leading juveniles, put a disappointing 2,000 Guineas run behind him, with an authoritative win in the Group One Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

After Advertise beat only one home in the 2,000 Guineas, Martyn Meade shut his stable down for a

month due to concerns about the health status of his team, but that was put behind today by Meade as Advertise regained winning form back over six furlongs to win the Commonwealth Cup by a length and a quarter.

It was the Manton Estate-based trainer’s first Royal success.

“He was pretty special over six furlongs last year, but the problem was I had trained him to run the mile and getting him switched off we thought how do we jazz him up again so maybe put the blinds on, just so he knows he has to sprint,” said Meade.

“Luckily, it did the job as he jumped and went.

Clearly that demonstrates that this is his distance, if we can step him up a bit then clearly we will.

“It has been a difficult year, the horses were running very flat to start with, a good example was Advertise in the Guineas - it was so disappointing as we went here with high hopes. We were always a little bit worried whether he would get the mile or not, but certainly we thought he would run better.

Then you’ve got to pull up stumps, but it is really difficult with a yard full of horses.

“It shows we are back! From our point of view we had a couple of really good runners, then you have confidence going again, inevitably you have a few who don’t run to expectations, the main thing you have to target these things go for it and hope everything works out on the day.

“Coming into today we had absolutely nil confidence, you never know despite how well they are working at home!

“It’s huge elation - to win a Group One at Royal Ascot, it doesn’t get much better than that - but there is certainly relief because the horses have been a little but under par. It’s brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.

“He only had one bad run in all fairness, in the Guineas, but it is very easy today - everybody writes horses off pretty quickly and think “he has run poorly, maybe he didn’t train on” and all that sort of thing.

“I have always had great faith in him. I thought let’s go back to basics, where we were before over six furlongs. We know that he is brilliant at that, so if I can just reproduce what he was doing as a two-yearold, that shouldn’t be a problem.

“Getting Frankie back on board was not too

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difficult - he knows how good the horse is. It was just lucky that he was available to ride him.

“I did think “what is Frankie doing now?” because I thought he hit the front too soon, but this is Frankie - he knows exactly what he is doing and what sort of horse he has underneath him. Clearly he had the confidence that all was going well. I am thrilled to bits about it.

“We might step him up a little and go to France for the Maurice de Gheest. Maybe seven furlongs but I like to take baby steps - maybe he would get a mile one day, who knows? At this stage will keep him around six and we have a few options now. At least he is back on everybody’s radar and we can look and see where the best place to send him is.”

Dettori, recording his 67th winner at the Royal Meeting overall, said: “I am so pleased for Martyn, he has been having a tough time.

“Advertise ran a stinker in the Guineas and he decided to close his stables for a month as he knew his horses weren’t right. It has paid dividends.

“He was patient and it’s very hard when you have horses and you can’t run them. We came here hoping, we weren’t so sure that we were out of the woods, but Advertise put up a tremendous performance.

“I was always in control and travelled like the winner. When I kicked, he went and it was brilliant.

He is back to his best.

“Advertise always relaxed in his races for me and he has gone a little the other way, that’s is why he has got blinkers, just to keep him focused. He was a very good two-year-old and I am pleased for all the connections.

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“This morning, when I woke up, I felt he had a chance on last year’s form but it has been a long time since that form was franked. I am pleased that he has put that to bed today and won.”

Bruce Raymond, representing Jaber Abdullah, the owner of Hello Youmzain, said: “He’s still maturing and there is a lot more to come, including races like the Haydock Sprint Cup. He’s better on soft ground and he wants taking care of, because I think he’s going to be an even better four-year-old, when he will be fully mature.”

Aidan O’Brien, the trainer of Ten Sovereigns, said: “I’m pleased with that because it was his first run since the Guineas and he ran well given that he was dropping back in trip. The July Cup is a possible.”

His jockey, Ryan Moore, said “It was Ten Sovereigns’ first run back at six. I think he will come forward for the run. It was a bit messy for him, but he will go the right way from that.”

WATCH ME CLAIMS THE CORONATION STAKES FOR FRANCE An amazing few days in the career of French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard began with a victory in the Group One Prix De Diane, the French Oaks, and was completed by a first Royal Ascot win, as Watch Me powered to victory in the Group One Coronation Stakes.

Watch Me’s success was a fabulous follow-up to Channel’s win in Sunday’s big race at Chantilly.

Graffard can claim to train two of the top fillies in Europe, and there was no mistaking Watch Me’s superiority in today’s one-mile test for three-yearold fillies.

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ROYAL ASCOT REVIEW Ridden by Pierre-Charles Boudot she won by one and a half lengths from the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Hermosa, with Jubiloso a further one length back in third.

Graffard said: “It’s a week you dream of. As I was saying on Sunday, you get up every morning to do this job and to be part of the game at this level.

“That’s why I set up in Chantilly - I wanted to win Classics and big races. It happened on Sunday, which was a big day for a Frenchman, in France, and I was confident today again. I trusted in my filly, and she has worked well, which gave me confidence.”

Watch Me was luckless in running during the Poule d’Essai Des Pouliches (French 1,000 Guineas), in which she finished sixth, and Graffard said: “I thought we had to put that race in the Guineas behind us, because everything went against her, and today we were 20/1, which was good for me with the owner. I was able to say to them ‘Enjoy yourself, we are an outsider and there is no pressure’.

“It’s a fantastic result. She travelled very nicely, and while I have to watch the race again she did it very well. After the Guineas Olivier Peslier told me to run her in the Prix de Diane, but after bad luck in that race I didn’t want to change everything [by stepping her up in trip] and so I said let’s stay with the first plan and go to Ascot.”

Watch Me is the 12th French-trained winner of the Group One Coronation Stakes and first since Qemah in 2016.

Jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot was registering his second victory at Royal Ascot, having steered Le Brivido to success in the 2017 running of the Jersey Stakes.

Boudot said: “Today’s race went perfectly for Watch Me. She was very unlucky in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.

“I broke well and she settled nicely. I was behind Hermosa travelling very well, very easy, and then she gave me a really nice turn of foot.

“Watch Me did it very easily today. She has a big heart and is very courageous - she’s a very good filly.

“It is a big day for me. It is my first Group One at Royal Ascot. I’m a lucky boy and it is very important to have winners like this - it’s a good week!”

Hermosa’s trainer Aidan O’Brien commented on her run after the race: “There are no excuses. We

will get her back home and see how she is before we decide on any plans for her, including if we try further in distance. Her half-sister got a mile and a half. We are never confident, though always hopeful about these things.”

Ryan Moore, jockey of the Galileo filly, said: “She ran well - she has had a hard couple of races.”

Jubiloso, owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah and trained by Sir Michael Stoute, put in a fine performance to finish third.

“She probably just lacked a little bit of experience, but we have to very pleased with that and we hope she is going to turn into the filly we hope she will be,” said Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager for Prince Khalid. “She is in the Falmouth, but we will have to see how she is.”

“She has acquitted herself very pleasingly,” added Stoute.

“She gave me a lovely ride, she had her chance and finished off really well,” said jockey James McDonald.

HAYLEY TURNER A ROYAL ASCOT WINNER ABOARD THANKS BE Hayley Turner added to her impressive racing CV with a significant Royal Ascot victory on Thanks Be in the Sandringham Handicap.

It has been a much-talked about target for female riders at Royal Ascot - to ride a winner at the Royal Meeting and so break the winning drought for females riders since Gay Kelleway’s success on Sprowston Boy in 1987.

Hayley Turner brought that void to an end on the Charlie Fellowes-trained Thanks Be by just a neck from The Queen’s Magnetic Charm.

“She was a little bit keen but the strong mile suited her,” said Turner. “She settled really well and I was able to tack over from the outside draw and get in amongst them. She just cruised through them.

“I had a nice, light weight. I didn’t have breakfast, lunch and dinner but it was worth it! I had a sweat here at the races too.

“It’s a great performance from Charlie as well.

Weirdly, even though she was big price, he was quite confident this morning. He said that everything was

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perfect for her - the big field, the strong pace, the ground - and she was not without a chance.

“It means quite a lot because, though we all love Royal Ascot, we have to listen to Gay every year fair play to her, but I can take those bragging rights off her now! Well done to her because it is a great achievement and it was nice to have to have that goal to aim for as well.

“Hopefully, the standard of girls has risen so much that they will just keep coming and coming now. I think it will be more common now and I think in 10 years the girls will be having winners more often here, it won’t be something discussed.”

Turner announced her retirement in November 2015, and spent some time as an ITV presenter, but the lure back to riding was too strong and has been back full-time riding again since 2018.

“I think I needed the break to recharge,” she explained. “I have come back keener than ever and am enjoying it more than ever. It is going so well this year, I have got a lot of new support as well as old support, I love my job - I enjoy it so much.

“I just recently started riding out for Charlie Fellowes, I know him quite well as he was assistant

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to James Fanshawe, and I rode out for him a lot. I know how Charlie likes his horses ridden and he trains in a very similar way to James as well. We do get on quite well.

“I went into the weighing room today and there are five girls there. We know each other really well as we are racing every day and the standard of girls jockeys has risen so much. We all get on so well, Hollie and Josephine waited to congratulate me as we pulled up today. We all wanted one of us to have a winner - it is nice that it was me!

“I was going to keep on trying - if it hadn’t been this year I was going to try next year. I have been second in the Albany and third in one of the handicaps so I’ve been knocking on the door before.”

Turner was the first female jockey to ride a 100 winners in Britain (2008) and has also ridden two Group 1 winners and one Grade 1 winner - in 2011 on Dream Ahead in the July Cup and Margot Did in the Nunthorpe Stakes, and on I’m A Dreamer in the Beverly D. Stakes in 2012.

While she was keen for any girl to have been successful winner this week, she admitted that she did want it to be her!

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And despite those Group 1 wins, this Royal Ascot victory is a career highlight.

“Royal Ascot is different class! I have have had winners all over the world and it is a buzz, but Royal Ascot is so unique, it has so much history and has done for years and will continue to do so - just to be part of it is wonderful! I feel bad for beating Her Majesty, but I am sure she will understand!”

Fellowes, who is now based at Bedford Lodge Stables in Newmarket [which used to be owned by Luca Cumani] said: “First and foremost, I am so happy for these owners. Tom Wilson, who owns the horse and is Emma’s [Capon] father, lost his mother last week. They have had a really rough year and they deserve this so much. “The guys at home all work so, so hard, so I hope this goes a small to putting a smile on his face.

“Thanks Be is wonderful. I just felt like today would really suit her. I am so happy for the owners and delighted for the yard. They work so hard and without them I am nothing. To get a winner on the big stage like this means so much.

“What Hayley has done for this sport is phenomenal. She is the best female jockey that has ever ridden. Hayley rang me up two weeks ago and said can I come and ride out for you two days a week. She had ridden a winner for me at Newmarket earlier in the year, so I said good idea. It is purely because of that that she picked up this ride.

“We have always got on well and she has ridden for me a bit. She wanted to come and ride out regularly - two or three days a week - and I said let’s do that. The ride on Thanks Be came purely though that because there are not many people that can do 8st and she rode her beautifully. Hayley is a very good rider and I am so pleased for her.”

“Thanks Be didn’t stay last time out and I really felt that a big-field would really enable her to settle and get into a rhythm, so this race looked beforehand as if it would suit.

“Did I think she would win a Sandringham? No I didn’t. But I did think she would run well and that conditions would really suit her. It’s very special to have a winner at Royal Ascot. The main feeling is relief if I’m honest. We’ve hit the post a few times in big races and I was starting to think after King Ottokar got no luck in the Hampton Court Stakes yesterday that every time we go for a big race, is luck not going to come our way? But thankfully today it did.

“I thought the race would really suit her. When I saw the rain, I was delighted - I had three runners this week and all wanted cut in the ground. Then we got drawn on the other side and everything was winning this side.

“Then I didn’t think Mr Haggas was going to declare The Queen’s horse, I thought they were going to go for the Coronation, so, instead of running off our real weight, we ran out of the weights. I thought everything had gone against us.

“They all came in the middle, we got a lovely position and she just travelled through the race beautifully. Hayley gave her the most lovely ride she let the filly find her feet - and the rest is history, I guess.

“She has a very good pedigree and is a really good-looking filly, so the next plan will be trying to get some black type with her.”

There were torn loyalties for impartial observers during the closing stages of the Sandringham Handicap.

Two fillies drew clear - topweight Magnetic Charm, who would have been a Royal Ascot winner for The Queen, and Thanks Be, who was ridden by Hayley Turner. Could she become just the second woman to ride a winner at the Royal Meeting following Gay Kelleway’s triumph 32 years ago on Sprowston Boy in the 1987 Queen Alexandra.

Turner won, creating a first Royal Ascot success for herself and trainer Charlie Fellowes, as Thanks Be beat Magnetic Charm by a neck, with Hotsy Totsy a further one and a quarter lengths behind in third. Model Guest was a head behind in fourth.

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REVIEW ROYAL ASCOT John Warren, The Queen’s racing and bloodstock advisor, said of Magnetic Charm: “To carry topweight was difficult, and she had to give 21lb to the winner.

We debated running her in the Coronation Stakes, and the form of Twist ‘N’ Shake, who she beat at York [and was fourth in today’s Coronation Stakes] suggests we were right to think that way, but she is an admirable filly, she’s run a huge race, and she will go on and win Group races on the back of that now.

She’s a beautiful filly with a lovely temperament.”

William Haggas, who trains Magnetic Charm, said: “She ran a great race. I haven’t got a plan yet, but she will certainly be going for Group races next.

I’m not using the ground as an excuse for defeat, and it was okay today, but she prefers top of the ground.”

Ed Walker, the trainer of Hotsy Totsy, was nursing a sore throat, but managed to say: “She’s been sold and will now run in America from Christophe Clement’s yard. I’m sure she will do very well there.”

BACK TO BACK ROYAL ASCOT WINS FOR BAGHDAD Baghdad won at the Royal Meeting for the second successive year, as he held off Ben Vrackie in the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap.

Ridden by Ryan Moore, the four-year-old son of Frankel fended off the fast-finishing Ben Vrackie, trained by John Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori, to score by a diminishing short-head.

Baghdad won the King George V Stakes at last year’s Royal meeting and he became the first horse since Source Of Light (1992 & 1993) to back up a victory in that race with success in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap.

Johnston, registering his second winner of the week (Raffle Prize, Queen Mary Stakes, being the first) and 45th Royal Ascot victory overall said: “It is fantastic for Baghdad. He fractured a cannonbone when winning the King George V Stakes last year.

“Baghdad has only had two runs back this year and I have to say that we saved him for this a bit.

Had he gone up a bit more in the handicap, he would not have got in. We wanted to wait for this before going on to bigger things.”

“I was worried in the closing stages and Mr.

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Dettori was coming very fast!

“We had to go wide on the home bend, so I don’t think Ryan was totally happy with his position. But he had to commit on the outside to make sure he got a clear run.

“Ryan rode a brilliant race and it is wonderful to see him have another winner here this week.”

Day Five PINATUBO ROMPS TO IMPRESSIVE CHESHAM STAKES WIN Pinatubo proved a cut above his rivals with a brilliant victory in the Listed Chesham Stakes, the first race on the closing day of Royal Ascot 2019.

A field of fifteen two year-olds took part in this seven furlong contest.

Dramatic Sands and Harpocrates took the field along to half way, by which time the former had burned off his nearest pursuer.

With two furlongs to race, Pinatubo and Lope Y Fernandez went on and swept clear of the field, looking like two top class colts.

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But Pinatubo had far too much for his rival and streaked away for a brilliant success by about three lengths. Highland Chief stayed on nicely for third.

Winning trainer Charlie Appleby said: “He was very impressive. He was two from two coming here and he surprised us when he won first time out at Wolverhampton, to be honest. But he learnt plenty that day.

“When he went to Epsom I was confident, you need a bit of race ‘nous’ around there and what he learnt on his first start was enough going into that race.

“At Epsom there was a decent gallop set by Frannie [Norton] that day, and James though he got there too soon in the end. I thought it was a good performance and felt that stepping up to seven furlongs would produce a bit more improvement.

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“Today was one of those nice races to watch. I was quite confident throughout the race that we were going to be there at the business end.

“He is a lovely horse to have around as you don’t know he is in the string. He is one of those lovely horses who does himself well. You would not see him in the string because he goes out there and does his job.

“The team at home do a fantastic job with these horses and that is why they are here this week in the condition they are in.”

Looking at options through the rest of the summer, Appleby said: “Going forward, a race such as the Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwod would suit him - he has the experience around Epsom and the undulations at Goodwood can catch these juveniles out, but he seems like a very professional horse.

“He travels which is what you need in this style of races, on those sort of tracks you need to be able to travel. That seems to be one of his attributes.”

The Shamardal colt broke the seven-furlong two-year-old track record at Ascot with today’s victory coming in a time of 1m 25.73s. The previous record was 1m 26.55s (Malabar, July 25, 2014).

Doyle, recording his second victory of the week and 12th winner at the Royal Meeting overall, said: “I’m delighted with Pinatubo. He is quite a sleepy horse at home, but he travelled fantastic today.

“He shows up nicely in his work without setting the world alight, but he is just getting better and better.

“The second [Oh Purple Reign] and third [Misty Grey] from Epsom were very disappointing here this week, so we were a little bit concerned about that, but Pinatubo is just a very good horse.

“It was just a case of keeping a lid on him today and he has improved again for his experience at Epsom [won the Listed Woodcote Stakes].

“I had to hold onto him and save his energy.

Then once we got a bit of room, he quickened up very well late on and put it to bed nicely.

“I can see Pinatubo getting another furlong.

There are plenty of options over seven furlongs for the moment. He’s not slow by any means and I’m sure he’ll get a mile.”

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REVIEW ROYAL ASCOT Aidan O’Brien’s hopes of a fifth win in the Listed Chesham Stakes, and a third in four years, were dashed when Lope Y Fernandez and Ryan Moore were no match for Godolphin’s Pinatubo in the closing stages.

O’Brien was pleased with the Lope de Vega colt nevertheless and said: “You would have to be happy with that. He only had his first run two weeks ago.

“He ran well and I think the trip looks good for now, although he will probably stay further in time.

He’s only a baby and I’d be thinking we might give him a bit of time before he runs again.”

Paul Cole is another trainer with a good record in the Chesham with four wins, the latest being Berkshire in 2013. His Newbury winner Highland Chief ran well in third and did best of eight runners who only qualified under new relaxed race conditions, which allow runners to qualify through the dam, and not just the sire, having won over at least 1 ¼ miles.

Cole said: “He’s a horse you can’t overdo at home and he was seriously lacking a bit of race experience.

He went sideways once, and was pushed another time, but when he got out he stayed on very strongly.

We wanted to wait for seven furlongs, and he’s bred for further.”

with, but I am glad he has done it here today on the biggest stage.

“Steve Parkin [owner Clipper Logistics] said to drop him in today and tip away, it is all down to him - I am just delighted, it is great to win again in these colours.

“It has been an amazing week for me. I can’t really put it into words, I am just thankful to everybody who has helped me.”

Richard Fahey gave much of the credit to absent owner Steve Parkin of Clipper Logistics after Space Traveller (Danny Tudhope) gave him a second success in the Jersey Stakes, which he also won in 2016 with subsequent four-time Group 1 winner Ribchester.

After Space Traveller had come from off the pace to beat Godolphin’s Space Blues ( James Doyle) by a head he said: “Steve never gets involved in instructions, but I had a long chat with him this morning and he wanted to ride him cold. He said

SPACE TRAVELLER EDGES A JERSEY STAKES THRILLER Space Traveller just got the better of Space Blues in an exciting encounter for the Group Three Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Eighteen three year-olds lined up for this seven furlong race, moved from its Wednesday to this card.

Danny Tudhope, who has ridden the Richard Fahey-trained Space Traveller in all of his nine career starts bar one, said: “To be honest, he didn’t travel great, he never felt like a horse who was going to pick up and go and win the race. He was a bit lazy at halfway so I had to make his mind up when he got out in the clear, he ran on nice.

“Take nothing away from this horse, he has a tremendous amount of ability, he has been consistent without winning. I think he is a bit tricky to win

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ROYAL ASCOT REVIEW drop him right out and ride him for luck and it’s paid off. He came on the outside and flew home.

“When you win a race like this the Lennox Stakes looks the obvious race, but I’ve got to sit down with Steve and the team at Clipper. It’s a shame Steve isn’t here, but he had a very important meeting and had to go home. I’m sure he’ll be delighted.”

Fahey, enjoying his first strike of the week and his seventh in all, added: “You would have to say it was a surprise but we did like him last year and he’s bounced back to what we thought he might be. He was very disappointing, but he’s got himself back on track now and I’m sure the seven furlongs has helped. He might even get a bit further.

“We sent him to France a fortnight ago, trying to find an easy option for a confidence booster, and it was a very messy race. I don’t think he was beaten a length and a quarter but he got struck into and knocked over, and so was probably unlucky.

“It’s brilliant for Danny. He’s riding out of his skin

and this is great for us poor little Northern trainers.”

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby was pleased with the performance of Space Blues.

Ridden by James Doyle, the three-year-old son of Dubawi was a head behind the Richard Faheytrained winner in the seven-furlong contest.

Appleby said: “I think we’ll end up coming back down in trip with Space Blues.

“He just has an abundance of pace. He quickened up there and I thought he was going to put the race to bed.

“We can take nothing away from the winner as he has outbattled us. James said that Space Blues still galloped out to the line, but I think a drop back in trip will be the plan now.

“Something like the Prix Maurice De Gheest could be an option.”

Cheveley Park Stud racing manager Chris Richardson was delighted with the John Gosdentrained Angel’s Hideaway, who finished a further length and a half behind in third.

He said: “That was a fantastic performance from Angel’s Hideaway. She is a filly that thrives on racing.

“She is her own character and she did everything right today. She jumped as she did in the 1,000 Guineas and if she wants to do, she’ll do it.

“Angel’s Hideaway is hugely talented and seven furlongs seems to be ideal for her. We’ll see where we go from here, but I’m thrilled she has put in the effort today.”

DEFOE CONTINUES GOLDEN SEAM OF FORM IN THE HARDWICKE STAKES

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Defoe showed grit, battling qualities and a fine turn of foot to get up and win the Group Two Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

With Lah Ti Dar a non-runner, eight older horses lined-up for an intriguing renewal of this 1 ½ mile race, featuring the return to action of last year’s Investec Derby winner Masar.

However, things did not go to plan from the start for Masar, who was almost down and lost ground, racing towards the back for much of the race.

Up front, Salouen set the pace and was still there turning for home.

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Further back, Masar and Defoe bumped one another as they made their bids to close on the leaders down the outside. With that, Masar’s run petered out although he may have needed to run and little went right for him.

Meanwhile, Mirage Dancer looked to be travelling best of all and loomed large, going on with two furlongs to race, as Salouen’s charge came to an end.

It looked likely that Mirage Dancer would give Sir Michael Stoute yet another victory in this race, but all of a sudden, back on an even keel, Defoe began to respond to Andrea Atzeni’s urgings.

The Roger Varian trained five year-old came from an unpromising position and ate into Mirage Dancer’s lead, before going on and starting to pull away at the line.

The popular grey is really in the zone at present, in the best form of his life.

Having landed his first Group One in the Coronation Cup, earlier this month, he has established himself as one of the leading older middle distance horses in training in the UK. Varian, registering his second victory of the week [Daahyeh, G3 Albany Stakes] and fourth Royal Ascot victory overall, said: That was a good performance from Defoe, who has took his form forward from Epsom.

“It is always nice when they back up a victory like that in their next race. I thought it was a tough performance.

“Defoe is a lovely horse to train and I’m very grateful to have him. I’m pleased for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum to get a winner on the scoresheet as well as Andrea.

“He is such a straightforward horse who just tries for you and is getting better with age - he is a joy to train.

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“Before Epsom, he had been placed at G1 level and had looked very good in G2s and G3s. I thought he was capable of mixing it with the best and the horse is warming up to the season very nicely.

“Hopefully, we can bring him back for the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes next month. That race has to be on the radar now.

He’ll have a break now and we will look forward to running there.

“I’ve got a high opinion of the horse and he is backing that up with his performances - we’re looking forward to the rest of the season.

“Defoe always had a good attitude as a colt and it was the owner’s decision to geld him. As a result, that will probably elongate his career.

“Before this year, he had showed a very good level of form and he has just improved a little bit.

Defoe is everybody’s favourite horse [at home] - he is hard not to like and a gentleman of a horse, very straightforward.”

Andrea Atzeni was full of praise for Defoe.

Atzeni, enjoying his fifth and most important Royal Ascot success, and his first of the week, said: “It’s great to get one. It’s a tough week obviously and very hard to ride winners. You come into the week thinking you have nice rides, but you need good horses like Defoe who can get you out of trouble and quicken. If anything I probably got to the front too soon, which isn’t really his style. It’s great for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, who is here today having been ill all week.”

He added: “Defoe is very straightforward and he’s actually a dream horse to ride. He’s very cool beforehand, and he jumped and travelled well. We didn’t go very quick, and then turning into the straight Masar came to me fairly easily, but to be fair to him he picked up nicely and fought all the way to the line.

“He’s a five-year-old now, but maybe the gelding operation improved him. He’s always been very consistent, but he’s obviously turned a corner this year. We were taking on a Derby winner, so we couldn’t be sure, but Defoe has done nothing wrong this year and he was very impressive in the Coronation Cup. “Ground wise he’s very versatile. We actually thought he was a soft-ground horse but Sheikh

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ROYAL ASCOT REVIEW Mohammed Obaid always said he was a fast-ground horse and he was right. It’s not fast out there, but it’s definitely on the quick side and he enjoyed it.”

The Czech horse Nagano Gold, put in a superb performance - a fast-finishing second, he was beaten by just a half-length. The horse, a son of Sixities Icon, was hampered at the start when leaving the stalls by Masar and jockey Christophe Soumillon said “it has cost me the race”.

Tomas Janda, representative for the ownertrainer Vaclav Luka, said: “”We are happy with the run, but it was close, Christophe said he had problem at the start and then again in the straight, he couldn’t run really - we are happy, but of course when you are so close you always think what might have been!

“A lot of people were watching the race at home, it will help racing in Czech - even people who don’t watch racing in Czech knew about this.”

As Janda explained, it has been a long-term plan by connections, who are based about 100km from Prague, to come to run at Royal Ascot.

“Through the winter we came up with this plan after he had won a Listed race in France. He ran in Group Two race in France, but the pace of the race is always very slow,” said Janda. “Even though he finished two lengths from the winner, he was pulling, he was very keen, he needs a faster pace - we thought the style of racing in England would suit better.

“This horse will now run mainly in England or Germany - we have entered him for a Group One in Germany in August, then we would like to run in the Arc.” According to connections, there has been one other Czech runner at Royal Ascot, the year the meeting was held at York.

Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager for Prince Khalid Abdullah, said of the third-placed Mirage Dancer: “He has run a really good race, we are very pleased with him, he travelled very well in the race, we couldn’t have been happier turning for home. He just did not find enough to finish it off, but he has run a blinder.”

Last year’s Derby winner Masar, having his first run since that Epsom success, finished fifth.

Jockey James Doyle said: “Masar stood in the stalls like normal, then as they opened I am not

really sure what happened but his nose disappeared.

Luckily, when he came back up, he hit me in the chest and put me back in the saddle. It is not the start you want in a big race like that, but what can you do.

“We planned on being a bit handier, as he is proven at the trip, so we ended up a bit far back and they did not go that quick. We got caught for a bit of speed in the straight, but he ran good on his first start for over a year.”

BLUE POINT AT THE DOUBLE IN THE DIAMOND JUBILEE STAKES Blue Point completed the Royal Ascot double of the King’s Stand Stakes and Diamond Jubilee Stakes, but the line came just in time for him in a desperate finish.

The Group One Diamond Jubilee Stakes over six furlongs, almost found out the Godolphin colt.

Eighteen horses, trained in six different countries, went to post for a truly international renewal of this six furlong race, including Blue Point, winner of Tuesday’s King’s Stand Stakes.

As the stalls burst open, Kachy burst out and into a clear lead, scorching the quickening Ascot ground.

With two furlongs to race, Kachy was still clear and had plenty of rivals in trouble.

However, James Doyle was poised on Blue Point and in classy style, moved into the lead and pulled a couple of lengths clear.

But Blue Point’s stamina began to stutter in the final half a furlong, as Dream Of Dreams came from the back and closed dramatically.

Dream Of Dreams joined Blue Point on the line, but the latter had just held on in a head-bobber, to emulate Australian sprinter Choisir, who won the same two races in 2003.

Dream Off Dreams might have got there with a stride further, while Kachy held on for a gutsy third.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “We thought about it the week before - he put in a very good piece of work ahead of the King’s Stand and High Highness came into town a bit early.

‘We were walking around looking at the Royal Ascot runners and I said ‘Sir, if you are happy we

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REVIEW ROYAL ASCOT will leave him in the horse in on the Saturday, let’s just dream we can win the King’s Stand and give ourselves a position to go and have crack at the Diamond Jubilee’.

“Blue Point is going to retire this year - he’s a superstar.

“The lads at home have done a fantastic job, he has been with us since a juvenile - he won a Gimcrack, he’s been phenomenal, coming to Ascot he’s really brought his A game, full credit to the team, getting him back to this has been amazing.

“Thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed I am just the lucky person in this position, he’s made the call for this, as long as we were happy with the horse and all I can do is give him the information on the horse.

“It is so sporting of His Highness to being this horse back and Masar too - that’s what sport is all about, entertainment and seeing good horses and allowing to seeing horses run at four.”

A clearly emotional Appleby added: “None of us can do this without the horse - what sets him apart is what we saw today, he is a class animal.

“We saw him develop from four to five into what we always felt was the real deal. I don’t want to sound like I am trying to be too clever here, but when I saw him win his first start at Meydan in February, I just felt he was the finished article and that this was going to be his year.

“If good horse such as this doesn’t encourage you or give you get a buzz, you might look at a different sport! His Highness is so enthusiastic about his racing, that is why we have seen the likes of Blue Point and Masar running today.

“He enjoys his racing, he is a true horseman, but more importantly he is a great supporter of the game. I thought it was very sporting of him to take on this challenge.”

Of plans for Blue Point, Appleby said: “We will let the dust settle, this was always going to be his last year, win lose or draw. We’ll enjoy this moment and let the horse have a rest - he probably needs it for a couple of weeks.”

This was Doyle’s 13th winner at the Royal Meeting and he paid tribute to Blue Point, who has now won five of his six starts at Ascot.

Blue Point went close to breaking his own six-

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furlong track record at Ascot in today’s contest, with a time of 1m 11.42s. His track record, set on May 3, 2017, is 1m 11.05s.

Doyle said: “Blue Point is a horse you only dream about having. He has really learnt what his job is about and he has got better and better with each race.

“He went down to the start today like an ultimate professional. He jumps, travels and does everything he wants you to do.

“Blue Point gave me an unbelievable feeling. I said to Charlie after his last piece of work before the King’s Stand that I thought he was the quickest horse I have ever ridden, and he certainly is that.

“It got a little bit hairy late on. The other day I was able to do things by myself without any pressure, but obviously today Kachy [finished third] went a hell of a pace and this fella is so genuine that all he wanted to do was chase him down.

“I was at pains to give Kachy five lengths and tried to give him more, but I could not restrain Blue Point any longer. He just got a bit lonely out in front, but when he felt the other horse come, he stuck his next out - he’s an amazing horse.

“I have never met a horse as tough as this, he is unbelievable. We definitely went quicker today than in the King’s Stand and must have posted some serious fractions.

“Blue Point is a real star and has certainly stamped his stallion credentials now. What he has done is nigh on impossible and only two horses had done it. Today earmarks him as a real champion.”

“It is incredible for him to win two races at Royal Ascot in a week. He is a highly trained athlete and when they are at the top of their game, they are capable of performances like this. To be fair to the horse, he did not have a real gut-buster of a race on Tuesday.

“The ground definitely dried out and that was in his favour. Full credit must go to Charlie and his team. It’s disappointing for William Buick [fellow jockey] to miss out, but it’s great to have him here today.”

Godolphin’s owner Sheikh Mohammed: “Blue Point is a very good horse. After he won on the first day, we said we would bring him back and see.

For me, it was an easy decision because he is going

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ROYAL ASCOT REVIEW to stud. I thought he was marvellous today. Good horses always give you great pleasure.”

Sir Michael Stoute is eyeing the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on July 13th for his improving fiveyear-old Dream Of Dreams after he failed by only a head to catch Blue Point.

Dream Of Dreams had won a conditions race at Chelmsford and a Listed race at Windsor on his only previous starts this year, but in finishing two and a half lengths ahead of front-running Kachy he was running a clear personal best.

Stoute agreed and said: “It would have been nicer if there had been one more stride but we are delighted - it’s his best performance. He’s been progressing all year and he’s in a good place. He’ll go for the July Cup now.”

He added: “He was running very well in Group races last year without winning one, but he’s improved. He’s become calmer and he’s saving his energy. I’m a big fan of the jockey.”

Tom Dascombe was thrilled with Kachy, who has run many of his best races on the all-weather but was second in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot three years ago.

Dascombe said: “I’m delighted. He’s been a super horse all winter on the all-weather but we were all disappointed with his fifth in the Temple Stakes.

We couldn’t really pinpoint why, but I think he was probably trying to go too fast over the five furlongs, so this was the plan, although we weren’t really sure how he would run after that.

“He’s run an absolute blinder and he’s a lot happier when he’s just left alone - by Richard [Kingscote], not the other horses. He jumped out two lengths in front like a Wesley Ward horse. He’s so fast into his stride and after a furlong he’s four lengths clear. Over six he’s got so much early speed that they almost just let him go, whereas over five they are all with him.”

Dascombe, who is likely to keep Kachy at six furlongs now, finished with words of praise for the winner and his connections. He said: “Blue Point is simply a better horse, so congratulations to Godolphin. What a fantastic feat for Charlie Appleby, and it’s wonderful for James Doyle too, but you’ve got to feel sorry for William Buick.”

CAPE BYRON CAPS A MEMORABLE ROYAL MEETING FOR ROGER VARIAN WITH VICTORY IN THE WOKINGHAM Cape Byron sealed a terrific couple of days for trainer Roger Varian, with victory in the Wokingham Handicap, at Royal Ascot.

26 runners assembled for this six furlong cavalry charge, but only Cape Byron counted in the final analysis.

After the five-year-old had stormed home a length and a half clear of Tis Marvellous (Adam Kirby) to earn himself a possible crack at the Darley July Cup at Newmarket on July 13th, trainer Roger Varian revealed that the suggestion to drop Cape Byron back to six furlongs had come from Mick Denaro, who rode Laddies Poker Two in all her work for Jeremy Noseda.

Varian, enjoying a third win of the week and a second of the afternoon, following Defoe’s earlier success carrying the same colours in the Hardwicke Stakes, said: “I have to thank Mick Denaro, who rides Cape Byron in most of his work. He fed me an idea even before Cape Byron won the Victoria Cup. He said he hadn’t had such a feel from a horse since he rode Laddies Poker Two, and he said he thought I was running him over too far.

“Mick sowed the seed, and when he won the Victoria Cup he travelled so strongly that you almost wished it was a six and a half furlong race, so we knew this was his race. It just worked out lovely.”

He added: “I’m delighted for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, who has been so loyal and very patient with this horse. I’ll have to speak with him about the July Cup, but it will be very tempting. He carried a lot of weight today and was very impressive. It looked the performance of a Group horse.”

The owner said: “I’m really proud of Cape Byron and Defoe. When the ground changed my horses performed better that normal.

“I agreed straight away when the trainer said we should drop Cape Byron from seven furlongs to six. The jockey [Andrea Atzeni, also successful on Defoe] also said Cape Byron is fast and better at six furlongs than seven.”

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REVIEW ROYAL ASCOT

Image supplied by Ascot Racecourse

© meganrosephotography.photoshelter.com

Ridden by Andrea Atzeni, the five-year-old son of Shamardal ran on strongly to win the six-furlong contest Varian, Atzeni and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum [owner] were registering doubles following the success of Defoe in the Hardwicke Stakes earlier in the afternoon.

Atzeni, recording his fifth victory overall at the Royal Meeting, said: “Cape Byron did it well. We were very hopeful coming into the race.

“His homework was pretty good and he has good form at Ascot having won a Victoria Cup over seven furlongs.

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“He has lots of pace, but also stays very well.

The thing with is that he’s probably a seven-furlong horse, but he doesn’t always get a good pace over that trip.

“Over six furlongs, he is usually guaranteed a good gallop and that is what he needs.

“Cape Byron is improving with every run. These handicaps are tough to win and you need a good horse to win those races.

“He is going the right way and has an entry in the July Cup, but I’m sure Roger and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum will make a decision as to where he goes next.”

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ROYAL ASCOT REVIEW Winning owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, said: Sheikh Obaid: “I am happy, especially because today the ground changed and my horses have performed better than normal. Cape Byron has won over seven furlongs, but Roger said we would drop him to six. The jockey said he is fast enough and could be better over six furlongs than seven.”

Tiz Marvellous and Danzeno hit the line together for the second and third spot in the Wokingham Handicap a length and a half behind the race winner Cape Byron.

The decision went to a photo, and it was the Clive Cox-trained Tiz Marvellous who was announced the runner-up, a head in front of Danzeno.

CLEONTE LIFTS THE CLOSING QUEEN ALEXANDRA STAKES The closing Queen Alexandra Stakes, the final race of Royal Ascot 2019, went the way of Cleonte, giving owners King Power Racing a winner after several near misses.

Twelve horses ran in this 2 ¾ mile race, including plenty of names familiar for their jumps exploits.

Champion jockey Silvestre de Sousa had to wait until the thirtieth and last race of the Royal Meeting for a winner, but after Cleonte got the better of last year’s victor Pallasator in the Queen Alexandra Stakes he was as pleased for owners King Power Racing as he was for himself.

De Sousa has enjoyed a fantastic first half of the season as retained rider to King Power for the first time, but in the week that mattered most the partnership had to settle for second with Beat The Bank, Fox Chairman and Bangkok, in addition to which de Sousa had also been second on Dee Ex Bee in the Gold Cup. After the Andrew Balding-trained Cleonte had beaten Pallasator (Oisin Murphy) by a length and a quarter, with Max Dynamite (Ryan Moore) four lengths back in third de Sousa said: “We had a lot of runners here and we had a few hard luck stories.

That’s just racing, you win and you lose, but I’m just delighted to have a winner for Fox Power on the big stage. We’ve had a lot of winners this year, but these

are the days that matter most.”

He added: “Last time at Chester he hated the ground. He was the best horse in the race here and I just rode him to win. I put everything in and I’m delighted. I just wish it had come a bit earlier in the week for all of the family here.”

Oisin Murphy was delighted with the quirky Pallasator. He said: “Nobody wants to finish second, but it was a great performance by Pallasator and I’m thrilled King Power have had a winner at last after hitting the crossbar a few times.”

David Redvers, racing manager to Pallasator’s owners Qatar Racing Limited, added: “He’s the horse of a lifetime, he really is. Gordon [Elliott] said he was in great form, and this race was made for him. We forget he broke the track record when he won as a nine-year-old a year ago.

“I guess he might come back next year. I don’t fancy the job of hunting him!”

Andrew Balding is the main trainer for King Power so it was fitting that the Kingsclere trainer provided the first winner for King Power.

“We thought at the beginning of the week that he was one of our better chances - we have just had some near misses for King Power - it seems a long time ago since Beat The Bank was beaten on the first race of the meeting!” laughed Balding.

“It is just a thrill for them as it has been a real journey over the last 12 months. Silvestre gave this horse such a great ride. This was always the target after Chester, and I think a race like the Lonsdale might be the next.

“It is a significant place for them, they have a house near here and the Chairman’s passion for racing was coming to Ascot - he loved Ascot and this is what ignited his interest. He would be so proud.”

On Beat The Bank, Balding added: “He has come out of the Queen Anne well, and on reflection I think the Sussex might be the next.”

King Power’s racing manager Alastair Donald added: “It feels like winning five Group Ones! We’ve been hitting the post all week, we’ve just not had the run of luck though they have been running well.

“I think during the race, his son and the group put a photo of the Chairman on the table - it is all quite emotional.”

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FEATURE NEWMARKET JULY FESTIVAL

The Moet & Chandon July Festival FA SH I ON, CHA MPAG N E & H I G H C L AS S R AC I NG

One of the high points of the entire flat season, Newmarket’s Moet & Chandon July Festival is three days of the highest calibre of racing.

But coming a couple of weeks after Royal Ascot, the meeting continues the theme of fun, fashion and social occasion.

Amy Starkey, Director for the Jockey Club East, looks ahead to this exciting meeting.

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What dates does the Moët & Chandon July Festival take place this year?

We are all very excited for this year’s Moët & Chandon July Festival, which begins on Thursday, 11th July and concludes on Saturday, 13th July with the Group 1 Darley July Cup.

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NEWMARKET JULY FESTIVAL FEATURE How many people came to the July Festival in 2018?

Almost 37,000 racegoers flocked to the July Course during the three days of the festival last year, which was ever so slightly down on previous years. Many racecourses in Britain found it a struggle to get people to go racing last summer, thanks in no small part to England’s remarkable progress to the World Cup semi-finals and the extraordinarily high temperatures but our team did an amazing job and put on an event that did the meeting’s history and tradition proud.

Are there any figures for what this does for the local economy?

Are there any changes to the big race order?

Working with ITV Racing, who are broadcasting on their main channel on the Saturday, we have made some alterations to that day’s card. While no races have switched days, the Darley July Cup, which was the third race of the day last year, is the penultimate race of the seven this time. The bet365 Superlative Stakes and bet365 Bunbury Cup move to the middle of the card, the third and fourth races respectively, with the day opening up with the Rossdales British EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes over seven furlongs.

There are one other significant change to note. This year sees the introduction of the bet365 Trophy, which replaces the Silver Bunbury and will open the second day of racing.

Worth £120,000, the race is a Class 2 handicap over 1m6f open to horses aged four years and up. It represents a fantastic opportunity for stayers at a key time of the year and we’re exciting to be able to support such horses. We’re also grateful to bet365 for their support.

Like all of our major events, the Moët & Chandon July Festival is an important contributor to the local economy.

From bookings at hotels and restaurants in the town and those surrounding it, through to people buying their outfits from some of the high street’s fine fashion outlets and making use of trains and taxis to get here, it is a responsibility we take seriously.

Everybody who works at the racecourse knows that the three days present a fabulous opportunity to show our town at its best, which in turn encourages visitors to come again later in the season and in years to come.

Tell me about the Tattersalls sponsorship and any other new sponsorships taking place

We were delighted to be able to agree a new three-year deal with Tattersalls earlier this year that not only continued their association with the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes, Group 3 Tattersalls Stakes and October Auction Stakes but added the Tattersalls July Stakes and Princess Of Wales’s Tattersalls Stakes to their portfolio.

Tattersalls is Europe’s leading thoroughbred auction house, we’re proud to call them our neighbours and I am excited about working with them during the coming years.

We are grateful too to all of our sponsors throughout the Moët & Chandon July Festival.

Aside from the racing, there is always plenty going on at the July Course. What are the main highlights planned for 2019 in terms of fashion, competitions, education?

The July Course has become synonymous with world-class entertainment and we have some fantastic artists set to grace the stage this year. Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra will bring that summer vibe with their unique take on Ibiza classics, while chart toppers Rudimental and Years & Years

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FEATURE NEWMARKET JULY FESTIVAL are sure to be a big hit. With favourites like Madness also returning for another year, there is something for everyone as far as our Newmarket Nights and Summer Saturday Live events go.

Our Summer Saturdays should prove popular once again, with some great themes to get racegoers in the mood, including a Gin & Fizz Raceday and our School’s Out For Summer Raceday, which will be perfect for all the family.

Full details of all of our racedays throughout the summer can be found at www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarket/eventstickets.

At the Moët & Chandon July Festival, we’re exciting to be hosting The Style Awards once again. With a fresh new look, we’re confident racegoers will be inspired to throw everything at their outfits this year to win prizes from partners including Porsche, Midsummer House Restaurant and Penhalligon’s.

The Best Dressed Lady competition kicks things off on Thursday 11th July, before we crown the Best Dressed Gentleman the following day and conclude with the Best Dressed Couple. For the first time, there is also a Milliners’ Award, looking for the best headpieces on the opening day which is, of course, Ladies’ Day. In terms of education, we have the Godolphin Under Starter’s Orders Education Programme, a partnership between the racecourse, Godolphin and the National Horseracing Museum at Palace House, with events managed and delivered

by Racing To School. More than 200 pupils from eight local primary schools were signed up to the programme in 2018.

Each school is given the opportunity to visit Dalham Hall Stud, before a rare opportunity to tour the July Course. A record 209 young people descended on the track in 2018, each wearing their own set of silks.

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Given the time of year, the weather, the activities, how important is the July Festival as a medium for attracting new racegoers?

There are few places in world racing to rival the July Course as a place to watch our great sport. The place oozes with history and tradition and our grounds staff do such a wonderful job every year of making it look sensational. There are, for example, more than 20,000 plants across the site, with the colour theme each year designed to make it sing. This year’s theme is pastel shades, so keep an eye out for that!

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A big part of the offering at the course, and something I believe is key to bringing people into our sport, is the proximity to the horses that racegoers can enjoy. From the stunning pre-parade ring and parade ring, through to the views offered from the stands-side rail, visitors can hardly be closer to these magnificent animals and as many of us know, that is the key to falling in love with racing.

Where can people find out more about the Festival and bookings?

Our website has everything you need to know about timings, tickets and hospitality packages on offer, while tickets are also available online or over the phone, by calling 0344 579 3010.

For group bookings, call 01638 675 500 and select option four.

There are a hosts of fantastic events at the July Course throughout the summer, not least our Newmarket Nights concerts, featuring some of the biggest names in music, including Madness, Kaiser Chiefs, Rudimental and Years & Years.

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BIG RACE HISTORY THE DARLEY JULY CUP

BIG RACE HISTORY The Darley July Cup

O

ne of the rare delights of the English summer is to go racing at Newmarket’s July Course, where there is a distinctly laid-back approach to racing.

The highlight of the course’s programme is the July Festival which takes place in the second week of that month each year.

And the jewel in the crown across the three days of action is undeniably the July Cup, a Group 1 contest, open to horses aged three years or older. Whilst the race is regarded as one of the key components of the Champion Sprint Division, the 6 furlong trip takes place on a rollercoaster of a course with a stiff uphill finish and plenty of milers and seven furlongs experts have landed the July Cup down the years.

The race was first competed for in 1876, with the colt Springfield, bred by Queen Victoria, successful in the first two renewals. Charibert repeated this feat in 1880 and 1881 but the first superstar to win came in 1887 when the Triple Crown winner Ormonde beat two rivals. At this point in time the race was known as the Imperial Gold Cup. The new Century heralded the most successful horse in the history of the July Cup as Sundridge won three consecutive renewals from 1902 to 1904. Sundridge was trained by Charles Morton for the last two of these victories which helped contribute to his tally of five successes (he also won the race with Spanish Prince in 1912 and 1913 and Golden Sun the following year). All five of Morton’s wins made Jack Joel the leading owner in the history of the race.

Morton’s success was matched by Dr Vincent O’Brien thanks to: Thatch (1973), Saritamer (1974), Solinus (1978), Thatching (1979) and Royal Academy (1990).

There was no race in 1917 but just one year after the First World War came to its conclusion, the outstanding Diadem

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won back to back runnings in 1919 and 1920.

Diomedes won the race in 1925 and became the latest dual winner the following year; although he dead-heated with Phalaros in the only such outcome in the July Cup’s long history.

Bellacose won consecutive renewals in 1935 and 1936 but the Second World War called a halt to proceedings.

Abernant ended a tumultuous decade on a high note with wins in 1949 and 1950 and Right Boy was another dual winner in 1958 and 1959, ridden by the young wizard Lester Piggott, who had also ridden Vigo to win the race in 1957.

In all Piggott rode a record 10 winners of the July Cup with his other triumphs thanks to: Tin Whistle (1960), Thatch (1973), Saritamer (1974), Solinus (1978), Thatching (1979), Moorestyle (1980) and Mr Brooks (1992).

The 1977 renewal saw the only disqualification in the long history of the July Cup as Maransky was first past the post but demoted to second place behind Gentilhombre.

The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the July Cup was initially classed at Group 2 level.

It was eventually promoted to Group 1 status in 1978.

That year saw Piggot ride the first of another three consecutive winners in the race as he partnered the O’Brien colt Solinus who would become Champion Sprinter for the year with other victories in the King’s Stand Stakes and William Hill Sprint Championship.

A year later, the duo was back with the superbly fast Thatching, who beat a quality field including the 1,000 Guineas winner One In A Million. Then in 1980 Piggott rode the superb Moorestyle to victory over Vaigly Great and Sharpo.

The 1980s proved a golden era for the July Cup as 3 year old horses who had just fallen short in Classics were dropped

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in distance to take on the existing sprint status quo.

A prime example came in 1981 when Sir Michael Stoute’s filly Marwell – just beaten in the Guineas by Fairy Footsteps, got the better of the previous year’s winner Moorestyle.

A year later Sharpo gained compensation for his defeat two years earlier and Jeremy Tree’s 5 year old proved an outstanding sprinter over three seasons.

In 1983 the fillies took centre stage as the brilliant Habibti – another failed Classic contender who didn’t quite stay the Guineas mile, brilliantly defeated the prolific filly Soba in a quality field that included Salieri and the future Sussex Stakes winner Noalchoholic.

The 1984 race was another vintage renewal, featuring the Sprint Queen Habibti, the exciting Committed, Never So Bold, Forzando, top juvenile Superlative – and the giant Chief Singer. Ron Sheather’s colt had finished an excellent second to El Gran Senor in the 2,000 Guineas before routing his rivals by 8 lengths in the St James’s Palace Stakes. In the July Cup, Chief Singer and Ray Cochrane got the perfect split when it mattered and burst through, with the colt’s giant stride devouring the uphill finish and helping him to pull away from the outstanding Never So Bold.

A year later and Never So Bold truly ruled the sprinting division – although he had a desperate tendency to pull up

lame immediately after races. Having already won at Royal Ascot, Never So Bold found himself up against another Classic filly in Dafayna – who had dropped back in trip to win at the Royal meeting – as well as Committed. Steve Cauthen delivered Never So Bold with a perfectly timed run to take up the running around the furlong pole and the colt lengthened his style in the manner of a champion, drawing clear of Committed and Dafayna.

In 1986 it was another Classic contender and Guineas runner-up who lifted the July Cup. Green Desert had been second in the 2,000 Guineas to the mighty Dancing Brave but failed efforts at the Curragh and in the St James’s Palace Stakes convinced Sir Michael Stoute that the horse might be more effective dropped in trip. A field of just 5 runners made this a tactical July Cup with Grey Desire going on from the brilliant French colt Last Tycoon but Green Desert had gone on by halfway and repelled all raiders to give the Al Maktoum family a first July Cup in the colours of Sheikh Maktoum.

His brother Sheikh Mohammed would win the next two renewals, with Ajdal – yet another Classic contender reverting to sprinting, proving that 6 furlongs was his real forte. Ajdal had tantalisingly won the previous year’s Dewhurst Stakes but his stride appeared to shorten in the final furlong leaving question marks about his stamina. At 3 years old he beat Don’t

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BIG RACE HISTORY THE DARLEY JULY CUP Forget Me in the Craven Stakes but that form was reversed in the Guineas where Ajdal bumped Most Welcome and was disqualified, losing his unbeaten record. He met further defeat in the Irish equivalent and then ran down the field in the Epsom Derby. So Sir Michael Stoute dropped him back in distance with spectacular results. In the July Cup he beat the very fast pair of Gayane and Bluebird, having raced up with the pace from early on. He would go on to become Champion Sprinter.

The 1988 renewal went to a very classy miler in Soviet Star. Winner of the previous year’s French 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes, Soviet Star had been locking horns with the outstanding Miesque but the contours of Newmarket’s July course seemed tailor-made for this powerful colt. In the July Cup he put some top class sprinters to the sword including Indian Ridge, Gallic League, Handsome Sailor and Big Shuffle, with his stamina coming to the fore allowing him to dominate in the final furlong.

The Maktoum domination of the race meanwhile, continued in 1989 as Olivier Douieb trained the brilliant Cadeaux Genereux to victory. This colt had sprung to prominence as a hugely progressive 3 year old the year before and had been unlucky when disqualified in the Prix de l’Abbaye, for interference early in the race, even though

he had decisively won the contest. Despite being under par so far in 1989, he bounced back to his best in the July Cup as Sheikh Maktoum got the better of Sheikh Mohammed’s French filly Golden Opinion, with Guineas placed Danehill in third in another vintage renewal.

The Maktoum stronghold was finally broken in 1990 by O’Brien’s final July Cup winner, Royal Academy. The 3 year old colt had run second in the Irish 2,000 Guineas to Tirol but had misbehaved at Royal Ascot when refusing to enter the stalls for the St James’s Palace Stakes and he was beginning to look like a disappointment. However he confounded critics by dropping down in distance, entering the stalls and blitzing the Sheikh Maktoum pair of Great Commotion and Magic Gleam, who were split by another 3 year old Guineas contender Rock City. Whilst Royal Academy could not live with Dayjur later on, his name is forever remembered for the ride he gave Lester Piggott as he returned from 5 years of retirement to land the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

In 1991 Guy Harwood’s Polish Patriot beat the 2,000 Guineas runner-up Lycius as the 3 year olds dominated older horses of the calibre of Elbio and Polar Falcon. Sadly Polish Patriot was injured in wining and promptly retired to stud.

Lester Piggott was very much enjoying a renaissance during 1992 which had seen him forge an irresistible

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partnership with the dual Guineas and multiple Group 1 winner Rodrigo de Triano. However Piggott was also seen to best effect aboard Mr Brooks, a colt who had improved dramatically when dropped in distance, having contested the 1990 Derby. In the 1992 July Cup Mr Brooks was not really expected to give much of a race to Sheikh Albadou, the undoubted star turn who had travelled to America and beaten the local sprinters in the previous year’s Breeders’ Cup. Also in the line-up was the superbly fast Shalford and Paris House, not to mention Wolfhound and the Guineas placed Pursuit Of Love. As Shalford blazed a trail Piggott was content to sit in last place, with the entire field covered. In a dramatic finish, Sheikh Albadou went on but was passed by Mr Brooks inside the final furlong. The Sheikh fought back while against the rails Pursuit Of Love stormed home on the inside. The trio flashed past the post together but it was Mr Brooks and the peerless Piggott who got the verdict.

The Maktoums were back in business in 1993 as Hamas sprung a surprise to run a lifetime best and reverse Royal Ascot form with Vincent O’Brien’s College Chapel.

But 1993 was really all about that flying filly Lochsong, who was on her day virtually untouchable over 5 furlongs and a flat 6 furlongs. However, the July Course is far from flat at its demands seemed just beyond Ian Balding’s magnificent star. Even so, in 1994 Lochsong started favourite for the July Cup against some prodigious rivals including the outstanding miler Barathea, French raider Dolphin Street and the very fast Catrail. However it was the 3 year old Owington – who had failed to stay in the Greenham Stakes before reverting successfully to sprinting, who narrowly defeated Dolphin Street as Lochsong failed to strike a blow.

Dolphin Street as Lochsong failed to strike a blow.

Owington was back to defend his title in 1995 amid thunder storms and overcast skies. But it was the Geoff Lewis

trained Lake Coniston who had improved from 3 to 4 years and sprinted 4 lengths clear of Piccolo, with Owington an honourable fourth.

France had not won the July Cup since Soviet Star’s 1988 success for Andre Fabre, but Criquette Head-Maarek was about to change that as she sent her fast-improving colt Anabaa to Newmarket for the 1996 renewal. The colt had physical problems as a youngster and was largely unwanted but the trainer persisted with him and he just got better and better. At Newmarket he dominated to beat Lucayan Prince, Hever Golf Rose, Mind Game and Pivotal.

One of the big shocks of recent years came a year later when Compton Place easily disposed of the top class Royal Applause to give jockey Seb Sanders his first Group 1 success.

Compton Place was back the following year and one of an unusually large field of 17 runners. However he finished well down the field as Elnadim got the better of the smart 3 year old Tamarisk and Danetime.

The 20th Century ended with an explosive burst of speed as Stravinsky blitzed another large field. Aidan O’Brien’s colt had once entertained Classic hopes but failed to sparkle in the spring and failed to stay. So he was brought back in trip and took on 16 rivals including 1,000 Guineas placed Wannabe Grand, Bold Edge and Bertolini. Indeed the race appeared to be between the latter two horses but at the furlong pole, Stravinsky stormed through on the far side in distinctive red blinkers and duly raced away from his opponents as if they were running through treacle.

The new Century heralded a truly international feel to the July Cup which has persisted up to the time of writing. In 2008 the race became part of the Global Sprint Challenge and currently forms the sixth leg of this series.

But back in 2000, the race was already attracting international interest and that year it saw a landmark victory.

The previous autumn the Japanese colt Agnes World travelled to France and shocked the world with victory in the Prix de l’Abbaye. He lined up at Newmarket against former Classic aspirants Primo Valentino and Monashee Mountain, as well as the top class older horses Lend A Hand (once second in the 2,000 Guineas to King of Kings), Pipalong and Bertolino.

Primo Valentino and Lincoln Dancer cut out the running but the Japanese raider was always poised just in behind and joined the leaders at the furlong marker before battling Lincoln Dancer and Pipalong all the way to the line in a thrilling three-way photo. The result marked the first major Japanese success in English racing and helped to pave the way for far more Japanese runners in Europe.

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BIG RACE HISTORY THE DARLEY JULY CUP Stravinsky had been brilliant when landing the July Cup in 1999 and the Aidan O’Brien stable had another colt with a similar 3 year old profile two years later as Mozart lined-up for the race. The field split and raced across the course with Primo Valentino leading the far side group while Mozart lead a bigger cluster against the stand rails. With a furlong to race it was clear that Mozart had the advantage as he saw off the challenge of Shibboleth and Cassandra Go, while Pipalong battled on bravely to head the far side group. With a furlong to race Mozart had gone clear and his rivals were never able to strike a blow as he waltzed clear.

The following year there was a remarkable one-two for Lucayan Stud as the Dandy Nicholls-trained pair of Continent and Bahamian Pirate fought out the finish to the race, with the former winning the battle.

In 2003 the international significance of racing really hit home as the giant Australian sprinter Choisir dominated the Group 1 sprints at Royal Ascot, winning both contests against the cream of Europe’s sprinters. Behind Choisir in the Kings’ Stand Stakes had been Oasis Dream, the brilliant winner of the previous year’s Middle Park Stakes, who was having his seasonal debut at Royal Ascot. At Newmarket he proved much fitter and stormed to victory in memorable style.

Another Australian runner looked set to dominate the July Cup of 2004 as Sheik Mohammed’s exciting charge Exceed and Excel travelled from Down Under with a prodigious reputation. UP against him were 19 rivals including the brilliantly fast filly Airwave, the Dandy Nicholls pair of Continent and Bahamian Pirate (who were now rank outsiders), Nayyir, Kheleyf, Antonius Pius and Somnus. But it was James Fanshawe’s improving mare Frizzante who burst through to land the prize ahead of outsider Ashdown Express and Balmont.

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The placed horses were back in 2005, along with Bahamian Pirate, Somnus and Ifraaj, but with rain softened ground, the Hughie Morrison trained Pastoral Pursuits proved best before embarking on a career at stud.

Les Arcs had an unusual path to the 2006 July Cup and proved a real rags to riches racehorse. When he landed a small handicap on the Lingfield Park all-weather, just a week before Christmas 2005, few can have guessed that this was a first stepping stone to Group 1 glory. Further victories followed on the all-weather during the early months of 2006 as Les Arcs racked up a five-timer, before reverting to normal form on the turf. Having finished down the field behind Australia’s latest star Takeover Target in the Kings’ Stand Stakes, few took notice of Les Arcs in the Golden Jubilee Stakes on the Saturday of Royal Ascot but the 6 year old came back to form to shade Balthazar’s Gift. In the July Cup he confirmed that victory was no fluke as he narrowly defeated Ifraaj, with Ashdown Express again making the frame just ahead of the smart Amadeus Wolf.

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THE DARLEY JULY CUP BIG RACE HISTORY

© www.cranhamphoto.com

Hughie Morrison was back to contest the 2007 July Cup with his latest sprint star as Sakhee’s Secret came to the race seeking a four-timer. A quality renewal saw the 3 year old beat his contemporary Dutch Art, with the smart Red Clubs in third. Also in the field were the smart French grey Marchand D’Or, Asset, Borderlescott and Amadeus Wolf.

A year on and Marchand D’Or had developed into a real Group 1 horse. En route to the July Cup Freddie Head’s charge had won a Group 2 at Chantilly but he had also defeated Dutch Art in a Group 1 the previous summer.

The improvement in Marchand D’Or was confirmed at Newmarket as he beat US Ranger and War Artist, with Kingsgate Native further down the field.

Despite dominating the big sprints at Royal Ascot, an Australian sprinter had still to win the July Cup. In 2009 Scenic Blast had made a huge visual impression as he beat the 4 year old filly Fleeting Spirit in the King’s Stand Stakes.

His compatriot Takeover Target was also in the line-up along with Fleeting Spirit, the South African superstar JJ The Jet

Plane, French filly African Rose, the star miler Paco Boy and the brilliantly fast Art Connoisseur. But it was the filly Fleeting Spirit, who showed great precocity to burst clear of the improving colt Main Aim, with JJ The Jet Plane finishing just ahead of Paco Boy. It was in 2010 that the Australian hoodoo was finally broken – albeit by an ex-Australian trained runner.

Starspangledbanner had been a leading sprinter in his homeland before he was purchased by Coolmore and sent to race in Ireland for Aidan O’Brien. After taking a race to warm up when fifth in the Duke Of York Stakes, the real Starspangledbanner came to the fore in the Golden Jubilee Stakes with a blistering victory over Society Rock. At Newmarket he burst through against the far rail and repelled the challenge of Equiano, with another Australian Alverta in third, ahead of Fleeting Spriti, French horse Varenar, Society Rock, American horse Kinsale King and another Australian runner Nicconi.

There was another first in 2011 as Dream Ahead, another failed miler, confirmed that 6 furlongs was very much up his street – the same distance he had annihilated his rivals over in the Middle Park Stakes the previous autumn. The first came for his rider Hayley Turner, as she landed the first Group 1 victory of her career. Dream Ahead was beating a classy field that included Bated Breath in second, Hitchens in third, while also in the line-up were Delegator (who had finished second to Sea The Stars in the 2,000 Guineas), Libranno and Australian challenger Star Witness.

The 2012 July Cup was run in heavy ground and went the way of confirmed mud lark Mayson, as his rivals were strung out like chasers at the end of a 3 mile steeple chase.

Following Mayson home 5 lengths adrift was The Cheka, while Society Rock ran well for third place, just ahead of the smart Australian filly Ortensia.

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BIG RACE HISTORY THE DARLEY JULY CUP

© www.cranhamphoto.com

In 2013 the race was run on much quicker ground as Clive Cox’s brilliant grey Lethal Force followed up his dominance in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes with a convincing victory over the perennial Society Rock. Slade Power finished a promising third and by season’s end had confirmed himself a leading sprinter over 6 furlongs, while his stable mate Sole Power disappointed on the day but had further Group 1 victories in the future.

In recent years, Dream Ahead aside, the focus of the July Cup has been increasingly on the international challengers. In 2014 that point was prevalent as the Irish-trained Slade Power won the race from Tropics, with the American challenger Undrafted a fine fourth.

Twelve months later and Tropics again went desperately close. In the final analysis he was edged out of first place by the outstanding three year old colt Muhaarar.

In 2016 the four year old Limato powered up the hill to win the July Cup under Harry Bentley. Later in the year the colt would add the Group 1 Prix de la Foret to his impressive record.

Limato was back in 2017 and gave a credible defence of his crown, finishing second to the Clive Cox-trained Harry

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Angel. The July Festival that year featured a two year old who ran well in the July Stakes but really came into his own later that season.

U S Navy Flag ended 2017 by becoming the first horse since Diesis, in 1982, to complete the Middle Park StakesDewhurst Stakes double.

In the spring of 2018, Aidan O’Brien’s now-three year old, failed to make his mark over a mile. He dropped down to six furlongs and landed the July Cup from Brando and his stable mate Fleet Review.

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WINNERS OF THE JULY CUP 1876 Springfield 1877 Springfield 1878 Trappist 1879 Phenix 1880 Charibert 1881 Charibert 1882 Tristan 1883 Clairvaux 1884 Geheimniss 1885 Energy 1886 Melton 1887 Ormonde 1888 Fullerton 1889 Mephisto 1890 Queen of the Fairies 1891 Memoir 1892 Workington 1893 Prince Hampton 1894 Best Man 1895 Woolsthorpe 1896 Worcester 1897 Kilcock 1898 Ugly 1899 Eager 1900 Running Stream 1901 Lord Bobs 1902 Sundridge 1903 Sundridge 1904 Sundridge 1905 Delaunay 1906 Thrush 1907 Dinneford 1908 Lesbia 1909 Jack Snipe 1910 Amore 1911 Sunder 1912 Spanish Prince 1913 Spanish Prince 1914 Golden Sun 1915 Volta 1916 Torloisk 1917 no race 1918 Irish Elegance 1919 Diadem 1920 Diadem 1921 Tetratema 1922 Pharmacie

1923 Golden Corn 1924 Drake 1925 Diomedes 1926 Diomedes / Phalaros 1927 Highborn II 1928 Golden Oracle 1929 Tiffin 1930 Sir Cosmo 1931 Xandover 1932 Concerto 1933 Myrobella 1934 Coroado 1935 Bellacose 1936 Bellacose 1937 Mickey the Greek 1938 Shalfleet 1939 Portobello 1940 no race 1941 Comatas 1942–44 no race 1945 Honeyway 1946 The Bug 1947 Falls of Clyde 1948 Palm Vista 1949 Abernant 1950 Abernant 1951 Hard Sauce 1952 Set Fair 1953 Devon Vintage 1954 Vilmoray 1955 Pappa Fourway 1956 Matador 1957 Vigo 1958 Right Boy 1959 Right Boy 1960 Tin Whistle 1961 Galivanter 1962 Marsolve 1963 Secret Step 1964 Daylight Robbery 1965 Merry Madcap 1966 Lucasland 1967 Forlorn River 1968 So Blessed 1969 Tudor Music 1970 Huntercombe 1971 Realm course-specialist.co.uk

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1972 Parsimony 1973 Thatch 1974 Saritamer 1975 Lianga 1976 Lochnager 1977 Gentilhombre 1978 Solinus 1979 Thatching 1980 Moorestyle 1981 Marwell 1982 Sharpo 1983 Habibti 1984 Chief Singer 1985 Never So Bold 1986 Green Desert 1987 Ajdal 1988 Soviet Star 1989 Cadeaux Genereux 1990 Royal Academy 1991 Polish Patriot 1992 Mr Brooks 1993 Hamas 1994 Owington 1995 Lake Coniston 1996 Anabaa 1997 Compton Place 1998 Elnadim 1999 Stravinsky 2000 Agnes World 2001 Mozart 2002 Continent 2003 Oasis Dream 2004 Frizzante 2005 Pastoral Pursuits 2006 Les Arcs 2007 Sakhee’s Secret 2008 Marchand d’Or 2009 Fleeting Spirit 2010 Starspangledbanner 2011 Dream Ahead 2012 Mayson 2013 Lethal Force 2014 Slade Power 2015 Muhaarar 2016 Limato 2017 Harry Angel 2018 US Navy Flag

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FEATURE TATTERSALLS JULY SALES

TATTERSALLS JULY SALES The Tattersalls July Sale has long been renowned as a tried and trusted source of equine quality.

Taking place during the Newmarket July Festival, it is always well attended and its timing has global appeal.

Course Specialist recently caught up with Jason Singh, Marketing Manager at Tattersall, to look ahead to this year’s renewal.

What dates does the July Sale take place this year?

The Tattersalls July Sale takes from July 10th - 12th.

How many horses are typically likely to be consigned and what are the elements of the sale (in terms of horses in training / yearlings etc.?

We are still finalising the catalogue, but we hope to catalogue around 850-900 lots. The sale is a mix of Horses and Fillies in training as well as broodmares including large consignments from Godolphin, Shadwell Estates and Juddmonte amongst others.

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Why is July such an important time to hold a sale and how well does this particular sale tie-in with the July Festival at Newmarket Racecourse?

Since the start of the millennium, the Tattersalls July Sale has doubled in size and more than quadrupled in turnover.

The July Festival is a great time to be in Newmarket with top class racing and the international crowd enjoy the mix of sales and racing. It’s also important to give both studs and

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Tattersalls July Sale Europe’s Premier Midsummer Sale July 10 – 12 Horses/Fillies in Training, Broodmares, etc.

800

+

Horses/Fillies in Training, Broodmares, etc. including large consignments from Godolphin, Shadwell Estates, Juddmonte Farms, etc.

SEEKING SOLACE dam of TEN SOVEREIGNS Middle Park Stakes, Gr. 1 purchased for 65,000gns at the July Sale

Tel: +44 1638 665931 sales@tattersalls.com www.tattersalls.com

QUEENOFTHEFAIRIES dam of FAIRYLAND Cheveley Park Stakes, Gr. 1 purchased for 32,000gns at the July Sale

FEATURE TATTERSALLS JULY SALES stables an outlet to sell at during the year rather than at the more established sales later in the year. We also find that some buyers, such as those from the Middle East often prefer to buy in July as it give their purchasers more time to acclimatise before their racing seasons start.

Does July hold more significance for southern hemisphere buyers too?

The one thing the July Sale offers southern hemisphere buyers is the chance to pick up a well-bred filly that can then be covered shortly after to southern hemisphere time. With the likes of Kingman and Frankel doing so well and not shuttling to Australia it’s the perfect opportunity for southern Hemisphere buyers to secure a potential mate for them.

Which July Sales graduates have been the most famous / successful subsequently on the racecourse?

Recent July Sale purchases to have hit the headlines include Seeking Solace who was purchased for 65,000 guineas and who is the dam of Group 1 Middle Park Stakes winner Ten Sovereigns, Queenofthefairies, dam of Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Fairyland and purchased for 32,000 guineas and Little Book, purchased for just 7,000 guineas and dam of the Japanese Derby winner Roger Barows.

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TATTERSALLS JULY SALES FEATURE

I understand that Tattersalls is extending its sponsorship involvement at Newmarket in 2019. What races will this include and strategically, why have you decided to make this move?

Tattersalls are delighted to increase our presence at the prestigious Moët & Chandon July Festival, not only continuing their support of the Group 1 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes for fillies and mares but adding the Group 2 Tattersalls July Stakes, for two-year-old colts and geldings, and the Group 2 Princess Of Wales’s Tattersalls Stakes, a 12-furlong contest for three-year-olds and upwards. Our sponsorship reinforces our commitment not only to Newmarket Racecourses, but also to supporting British racing in as many ways as we can.

Given the continued political and economic uncertainty of Brexit, how is 2019 shaping up in the sales ring so far this year?

It’s hard to say what effect Brexit is having on the market, other than depressing the pound which is making it more attractive for overseas buyers to buy here. The market at the top is as strong as it has ever been, as is the quality of the stallions standing in the UK and Ireland. Over production is a problem though and whilst we’ll be trying to find as many buyers as we can for the stock in all of our sales, there will be some pain until the production levels return to a more sustainable level. course-specialist.co.uk

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FEATURE JOHN SMITH’S CUP

John Smith’s Cup When did John Smith’s first sponsor the race?

1960 was the first year that John Smith’s sponsored the race; then called the Magnet Cup. This summer, on the 13th July, we’ll be celebrating our Diamond Anniversary as it will be the 60th year of their sponsorship. It’s the longest commercial sponsorship in flat racing and one of the longest in all sports.

What was the original concept for the race?

A competitive race for valuable prize money delivered with a sense of both occasion and fun

Who have been the stand-out winners over the years?

Only two horses have won it twice, Prominent (1971 &72) for Arthur Budgett with Geoff Wragg in the saddle then Chaumiere (1985 & 86) gave Robert Williams and jockey Tony Ives, the double.

The legendary Dick Hern won the race an incredible six times (1961, 1962, 1976, 1978, 1983 and 1984) while jockeys

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Geoff Baxter (1971, 1972 and 1974), Willie Carson (1975, 1978 and 1983), and Tony Ives (1985, 1986 and 1989) each rode winners on three occasions.

In 1987 we had a dead heat with Sir Henry Cecil’s Wolsey crossing the line with Brave Dancer, trained by Guy Harwood.

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ENJOY

The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 August To book your raceday experience go to yorkracecourse.co.uk or call 01904 620911

FEATURE JOHN SMITH’S CUP

Those with a sense of humour would smile at a horse called Sobriety wining in Millennium year with the comedian Mel Smith as one of the connections.

The 2004 champion, Arcalis, was later seen winning at the Cheltenham Festival.

What has led to John Smith’s retaining its sponsorship for 60 years? What has been the attraction / measured success?

It has retained its original vision, as both a competitive valuable race and a great day out; things that appeal to the brand values of John Smith’s.

Where does John Smith’s Cup Day feature in York’s busy programme?

Put simply it’s the informal party highlight of our season; a summer occasion that has been inked into family calendars for generations now.

How important is the John Smith’s Cup in John Smith’s racing sponsorships programme and what has this done for the marketing?

It’s the longest standing sponsorship in their portfolio, run at the course nearest to the Tadcaster brewery.

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How much prize money is up for grabs in 2019 and how is this distributed?

This year £200,000 will be shared amongst the top six, the winning horse landing nearly half of that at £97,000.

What has been the enduring appeal for the public do you think?

A race that is both high quality and competitive set at a venue that delivers a great day out; it really is a fantastic day of summer racing.

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JOHN SMITH’S CUP FEATURE How big a crowd will York typically attract for John Smiths Cup day?

If the sun shines to encourage the locals to picnic then over 40,000 can cheer on the favourite.

Are there any special plans to commemorate the 60th running?

Our first stop in celebrating the event was renaming the race the Diamond Jubilee Cup. We’ve also commissioned a series of 60 videos which we’re releasing on each of the 60 days counting down to the big race. Each video is a snapshot of history explaining what was going on both on and off the course at that time. From the first episode of Coronation Street to the moon landings and the London Olympics; it’s a fun way of highlighting the history of a race we’re all hugely proud of here at York.

On the day celebrations will pick up this theme with both the trophy and a commemorative time capsule due to be presented by the Royal Patron of York Racecourse, HRH The Duke of York

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FEATURE QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL

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QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL FEATURE

QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL The end of July and beginning of August mean just one thing for British racing fans: the Qatar Goodwood Festival, better known as Glorious Goodwood.

Five magnificent days of high class racing, fashion and society, set in the majestic settings of the Goodwood Estate, ensconced in the South Downs.

The picturesque scene is quintessentially English. The history weighs heavily on a meeting which has witnessed many champions down the years.

Over the past forty years, horses of the calibre of Ardross, Le Moss, Kris, King’s Lake, Chief Singer, Little Wolf, Rousillon, Sonic Lady, Soviet Star, Warning, Zilzal, Lochsong, Sayyedati, Double Trigger, Midday and Frankel, have graced the historic turf at this meeting.

Course Specialist recently caught up with Goodwood Racecourse, to get more of a flavour for one of the must-see events in the racing calendar.

What dates does the 2019 Qatar Goodwood Festival take place?

This year’s Qatar Goodwood Festival takes place over 5 days, starting on Tuesday 30th July and culminating on Saturday 3rd August.

What sets apart the Qatar Goodwood Festival as an event both in racing terms and for the visitor?

Image supplied by Goodwood Racecourse

It’s got Pimms, Panama hats, fast horses and one of the most scenic race tracks in the world, what’s not to love?

The Qatar Goodwood Festival is a special and glorious summer racing festival owing to the high-quality and thrilling racing action set against the magnificent backdrop of the rolling Sussex countryside.

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FEATURE QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL What are the must-see or must-do activities at Goodwood?

The Qatar Goodwood Festival, also known as “Glorious Goodwood” because of its laid-back atmosphere and dress code is celebrated for its summer garden atmosphere. Enjoy complimentary strawberries and cream on the sweeping lawns and soak in the atmosphere. If you want to do Goodwood ‘in style’, there is no where better than the Sussex Roof Garden, located in the Gordon enclosure is a chic space with breathtaking views of the racecourse. A delicious gin-based cocktail awaits you upon arrival along with a mouth-watering cheese & charcuterie board.

Are there any changes to the running order for the big races this year?

The Lillie Langtry and Gordon Stakes have swapped places meaning the Gordon Stakes is now on Thursday and the Lillie Langtry on Saturday.

Goodwood have also introduced a new 5 furlong 2yo fillies conditions race worth £50,000 to fill the gap between the Queen Mary Stakes and the St Hughes in the racing calendar.

Have there been any infrastructure developments at Goodwood since last year?

During the winter months, much investment has taken place at the racecourse. The inside of the March Grandstand has seen further redevelopment, creating a superb new betting facility and two new cafés. The Richmond Enclosure boasts a beautiful new hospitality space in The Long View which provides enchanting views across the racecourse; a typical package includes admission, a Coates & Seely sparkling wine reception and two-course lunch alongside other great benefits.

When did the Festival first take place?

The 3rd Duke of Richmond tentatively launched the first ever two-day Goodwood Festival in 1802. On the very first day, the Duke romped home with a horse called Cedar, but his luck soon ran out. On the third day, Cedar was beaten by Trumpator, owned by the Prince of Wales – later the Prince Regent and King George IV.

Image supplied by Goodwood Racecourse

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QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL FEATURE

Image supplied by Goodwood Racecourse

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FEATURE QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL How did the Festival grow?

Horse racing was suspended during the Second World War, but Goodwood’s popularity as a horse racing venue began to grow rapidly during the second half of the 20th Century.

In 1953, 55,000 spectators were there for the July Meeting’s Tuesday meeting.

The current Duke of Richmond ensures that the Goodwood Estate is enjoyed by a wide range of visitors and maximises its fullest potential - while retaining its essentially English charm. The racecourse is undoubtedly the jewel in the family’s crown.

When and how did the “Glorious” Goodwood label develop?

King Edward VII once called Goodwood, a “garden party with racing tacked on”. It is known as Glorious due to it being perched high on the Downs, with views towards Chichester

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and the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. On a clear day, it is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful racecourses. It is also perhaps the best viewing course in Britain; from wherever you are in the stands, from the most exclusive members-only Richmond Enclosure to the cheapest standing area, you have a perfect vantage view as the horses roar down the hill towards the finish line.

How many people will attend this year’s Festival?

Approx. 100,000 will attend over the course of the 5 days.

Aside from the racing, what else will be going on to keep the public engaged?

Access to all the finest Restaurants and Bars at the Racecourse in the Richmond and Gordon Enclosures. Meanwhile, in the Lennox Enclosure, racegoers can bring their own picnics.

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QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL FEATURE How easy is it to get to Goodwood Racecourse?

Goodwood Racecourse is located just to the north of Chichester, only 60 miles from London and 30 miles from both Brighton and Southampton. It is a short bus journey from Chichester Railway Station.

Last year saw the first Group One renewal of the Goodwood Cup. How well did this change go?

It couldn’t have gone any better! The Champion Stayer and Ascot Gold Cup winner Stradivarius won the race for the 2nd year in a row on his way to win the £1m Weatherby’s Hamilton Stayers Million. It was a thrilling race as he got the better of Torcedor. Hopefully, Stradivarius will return to try and claim his third Goodwood Cup this year.

Image supplied by Goodwood Racecourse

How many Group races will take place over the five days?

There are 14 pattern races during Qatar Goodwood Festival

Why did Qatar identify the Goodwood Festival as an important event to sponsor?

It is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the British Summer of sport. Qatar’s investment has lead to a huge rise in quality of racing due to the added prize money and prestige. There have been a wide variety of international runners as well.

How can people book tickets and find out more about the Qatar Goodwood Festival?

By visiting the website, www.goodwood.com/horseracing/ qatar-goodwood-festival, you will be able to secure tickets at the very best price. You can also take advantage of Goodwood’s ticket packages and fantastic group rates.

Image supplied by Goodwood Racecourse

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FEATURE GARY STEVENS

© www.cranhamphoto.com

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GARY STEVENS FEATURE

A ROYAL COMMAND PERFORMANCE

A

s preparations are well under way for the 2019 York Ebor Festival, it is hard to believe that twenty years have passed since Royal Anthem illuminated the Knavesmire with a stunning victory in the Juddmonte International Stakes.

His story was part of a much bigger one, as his rider that afternoon, American jockey Gary Stevens, added colour and intrigue to a long, warm summer in 1999.

Course Specialist was hugely privileged to catch up with Gary recently, as he recalled his time in England, riding for two training legends and of course partnering Royal Anthem.

The seeds were sown on Gary’s English adventure the previous year, when he met up with Sir Michael Stoute in Dubai.

At that time, Gary was already a global superstar of horse racing, with a glittering resume that included three Kentucky Derby victories (Winning Colors, Thunder Gulch and Silver Charm), in addition to the Preakness (Silver Charm) and the Belmont Stakes on Thunder Gulch and Victory Gallop.

Another important victory had come on the Sir Michael Stoute trained/Sheikh Mohammed-owned Singspiel, in the 1997 Canadian International at Woodbine.

When Gary arrived in Newmarket, he wasn’t sure what the reception would be for him. He needn’t have worried.

English racing has long welcomed overseas riders who have

carved their niche in the great annals of turf history.

Steve Cauthen, the Kentucky Kid, who arrived on these shores as an 18 year old, became part of the fabric of British racing as fans took him to their hearts. Steve was still fresh in our memories, while Italian Frankie Dettori was already embraced as an adopted son.

So Gary’s arrival and reputation were keenly anticipated

by British racing, particularly as he was coming over to take on one of the biggest jobs anywhere in the racing world, as stable jockey to Sir Michael Stoute.

“Sir Michael and I spoke in Dubai in 1998 and he let me know that he was interested in me coming over to England as stable jockey.

“I had been leading money winning jockey in America several times and we met in Dubai and talked about it and came to an agreement,” Gary recalls.

“He spoke to all of his main owners – the most powerful owners in the world, people like Sheikh Mohammed, Lord Weinstock, Khalid Abdullah, Cheveley Park and the Magniers and they were happy for me to ride.

“We formed a partnership and a friendship that lasts today.”

Gary decided for the early part of 1999 to focus on racing in North America, riding in the Triple Crown before heading to England as the height of summer arrived.

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FEATURE GARY STEVENS “The idea was to ride in the Triple Crown and to come over when the major Flat Season was kicking on.

“The first major ride I had came in the Derby on Beat All and we finished third (behind Oath). I had never ridden at Epsom before!

“I had ridden a winner at Sandown on my first day on the job, which was about ten days before Epsom.”

The undulations of the South Downs made for an entirely different race riding experience than those Gary was used to in the States.

The variation in British racecourses quickly made Gary very aware of the differences between racing on different sides of the Big Pond.

“The racetracks were more difficult and I adapted my riding style and the way I sat on a horse.

“But I am ashamed to say that I never won a race at Epsom. I really wish I could have won a race there; I finished second but never got that victory.

“With the undulations and the straight mile at Newmarket, with its uphill final two furlongs, you ride it in a different way.

“I had to change and it made me a better jockey for the rest of my career.”

Not only was Gary learning on the job, but he was competing against jockeys with a lifetime of experience, who had honed their craft on British racecourses.

“I learned quickly which were the best riders and I figured they were the ones to follow closely during races as they would invariably be involved in the finishes.

“I figured that in a race you follow traffic and stay close to the best.

“There were lots of very talented jockeys but the three that really stood out for me were Frankie Dettori (who I already knew), Richard Hughes and Kieran Fallon, who I built up a great friendship with, which still lasts today.”

Any doubts that Gary might have had about the welcome he would receive in the weighing room, were quickly dispelled.

“I was pleasantly surprised as I didn’t know if I would be accepted.

“It was completely the opposite and I was accepted and helped.

People like Mick Kinane got on very well with me and helped.

“There was a mutual respect and I learned from other jockeys and hope that I was able to help some of the younger jockeys at the time too.

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that there were a lot of different riding styles and there are many ways to skin a cat in terms of riding styles. I adapted my own racing style and it was a great experience!”

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But it was not only the race riding experience that was something of a culture shock for Gary.

Riding work in the mornings in Newmarket, a bustling country town, means walking horses through traffic, to reach gallops which are undulating and set in rolling countryside or on flat heath land, was a totally new experience to riding work on the racetrack in America.

“I rode for Sir Michael two days a week and I always loved morning workouts. That is where the work really takes place – the rewards come on race afternoon but all the hard work is done in the morning. Morning work was something I always loved and probably kept me in the sport as long as I did.

“Riding work in Newmarket got to be a routine that I fell in love with. You could be sat on a horse for 45 minutes or an hour, walking to the gallops, crossing a busy road, sharing jokes and conversation with the stable lads and lasses.

“But a lot of planning goes into training. I remember observing which gallops Sir Michael Stoute would use when preparing a horse, according to the race.”

ROYAL ANTHEM Gary soon found his feet and immersed himself in the culture of British racing.

But then fate dealt him an unexpected hand.

“I had ridden for Prince Ahmed Salman in America, before I came to England.

“I was enjoying my time in England and at Glorious Goodwood, had just ridden a couple of winners, when the news broke that Kieran and Sir Henry Cecil had split.

“Soon afterwards, I received a phone call from Prince Ahmed’s racing manager, Richard Mulhall.

“He asked if I would be interested in riding in America for Prince Ahmed. I told him that I was happy but then he made me an offer that I couldn’t refuse.

“In the meantime, Sir Michael Stoute called me, having got word that I was returning to America and he asked me to ask Kieran, if he would be his stable jockey.

“I was going to play golf with Richard Hughes, Frankie and Kieran and I was sharing a golf buggy with Kieran and we were opening champagne as driving down the first fairway, when I told him! I remember him saying “You’re an ass!”

The rest is of course history, as Kieran took the job with Sir Michael and landed back to back Derbies in 2003 and 2004 aboard Kris Kin and North Light.

Gary in the meantime, was the new rider of the Thoroughbred Corporation horses, which included an imposing four year old called Royal Anthem.

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GARY STEVENS FEATURE

© Breeders Cup

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FEATURE GARY STEVENS Trained at Warren Place, by Sir Henry Cecil, Royal Anthem had not raced at two but had made giant improvement with age – and to that point, had been one of the horses Kieran Fallon had regularly partnered.

“So the next festival was the Ebor,” Gary remembers.

“I was to ride Royal Anthem and Kieran couldn’t have been more genuine and kind. He told me every secret about Royal Anthem and I rode to Kieran’s instructions in the Juddmonte.

“No-one rooted more for Royal Anthem. Kieran loved that horse.”

Kieran and Gary had effectively switched roles and as the saying goes, one good deed deserves another.

Gary’s good deed for Kieran was to help with the preparation of an exciting two year old colt that Sir Michael Stoute trained, who would ultimately land a Classic under Fallon.

“I rode King’s Best to win his maiden at Newmarket and coming in, told Sir Michael that he would win the Guineas the following year.

“He laughed and asked how I could know, when I had never ridden in the Guineas! But the following year, he did just that, under Kieran.”

But now Gary was heading to Warren Place, the legendary base of Stoute’s great rival and friend, Sir Henry Cecil.

“I had one sit on Royal Anthem and was impressed.

“The two trainers were fierce competitors with each other but friends.

“One morning I met Henry on Warren Hill and I asked him how he knows he has a good horse.

“Racing uphill on the gallops, there is a section where the horses temporarily disappear from view and then reappear at the top of the hill.

“He said that if they are still travelling when the reappear, then you know you have a Derby horse.

“Henry was a great man, a peaceful man and a great horseman.”

“We hadn’t gone half a mile into the race and he gave me the feel that he was invincible on the day.

“I wanted to wait until the home straight and I let him glide and waited until the furlong pole and he just pulled right away.”

It was a scintillating performance as Royal Anthem slammed Greek Dance by eight lengths, with Sir Henry’s Chester House taking third place.

THE 1999 JUDDMONTE INTERNATIONAL STAKES As the big race neared, Gary was very clear on his biggest danger at York.

“The thing I feared most was me making a mistake.

“I knew I was riding the best horse and he gave me a great feel before the race.

“Henry gave me very few instructions. He told me to hold him up but said “If you feel something develop, use your own judgment.”

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GARY STEVENS FEATURE In the immediate aftermath, Royal Anthem’s sensational victory drew comparisons with some of the greatest equine names in racing history.

Gary Stevens had not been on these shores very long, but had now formed a partnership with a prospective superstar.

But it was sadly all too short-lived.

“That evening we went out and celebrated a bit, but I was riding a lot of top horses (including King’s Best) that week and I ended up Champion Jockey that year at York.

“That was the last major meeting I rode before I went back to America.”

REFLECTIONS “If I have any regrets in my career it would be that I left.

“I went with the financial end of it rather than my heart, but also had some difficulties with my knees and the undulations of the European courses weren’t helping. “ I had thought that coming to Europe and racing on turf would help my knees but it didn’t.

“I spent plenty of time in Sir Michael’s swimming pool and would apply lots of ice on my knees going from race meeting to race meeting.

“And there were a lot of meetings and lots of hours spent in the car. I got a new respect for English jockeys for the travel and I was not sure how many of them survived on the prize money on a normal run of the mill day’s racing.”

Gary’s career Stateside delivered him a glorious Indian Summer of success, but was interspersed with periods of injury and retirement.

Great horses followed Royal Anthem, names like Point Given and Oxbow added further Triple Crown lustre to Gary’s resume, as did the great Beholder and Mucho Macho Man, at the Breeders’ Cup. But that brief spell in England – and the success on Royal Anthem, rank highly in Gary’s fondest memories and helped shape him going forwards.

“I love Newmarket; it is one of my favourite places on Earth.

“In America, we have Lexington, Kentucky, which is the racing capital. In England it is Newmarket. In France you have Chantilly - and I have spent time at all three.

“I felt as warmly welcomed in Newmarket as in Lexington and I was not afraid to do the rounds and visit the pub and have a pint with the stable lads who would prepare the horses for the afternoon.

“It was a part of the culture that I loved.”

Gary’s magnificent riding career came to an end in 2018 and he now does TV work Stateside, where he of course made an enormous mark as a jockey.

But he can also proudly reflect on his spell in England in 1999 and a remarkable York performance, which people still talk fondly about.

© Breeders Cup

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FEATURE YORK EBOR FESTIVAL

The Million Pound Race for the Ebor York’s Ebor Festival now stretches to four days, with the Saturday being added in 2011.

The big race of the day is the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap, the race after which the festival gets its name.

The big race was first contested in 1843 and for the first time this year, will be worth £1 million.

Michael Shinners, Horse Racing PR Manager for sponsors Sky Bet, explains the importance of racing and Yorkshire in its PR and marketing strategy.

When did Sky Bet first sponsor the Ebor Handicap?

We took over sponsorship of the Sky Bet Ebor in 2018 and have signed a five year contract.

What is the significance of the Ebor to Sky Bet?

The Ebor is one of the most iconic handicaps in the flat racing calendar. The opportunity came about to sponsor the race and with an already excellent relationship with York racecourse in place, it seemed a great chance to further cement our commitment to racing in the UK.

How many races does Sky Bet sponsor during the course of the year?

We have a wide portfolio of races that we sponsor throughout the year. Our jumps sponsorship includes the Sky Bet Chase from Doncaster, which we’ve sponsored for 15 years and the Sky Bet Supreme at the Cheltenham Festival. We’re now in the sixth year of the Supreme sponsorship and signed a five year extension last year. As part of the sponsorship we sponsor a number of races in the “Road To Cheltenham” series, which also takes us across the Irish sea to Punchestown for the Sky Bet Moscow Flyer. The flat season sees us at our local track York a number of times and also the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival where we visit eight of the nine Yorkshire tracks.

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YORK EBOR FESTIVAL FEATURE

Image supplied by York Racecourse

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FEATURE YORK EBOR FESTIVAL

How important is horse racing and sponsorship in Sky Bet’s marketing strategy?

Horse Racing and sponsorship is incredibly important and something we are very passionate about. We believe that the best sponsorships work if you have both commitment and longevity. We feel we have achieved these with our longstanding associations with the Sky Bet Chase, Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival and the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

How do you measure the success of such sponsorships?

Ultimately, our goal is to create a flagship event with our key partner York and we’ll always aim to enhance every event we sponsor for fans of that sport. In terms of measurable, this would be done through customer and fan research, brand tracking metrics and media coverage.

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When and why was the decision taken to make the Ebor a million pound race?

There has always been a passion to ultimately have a million pound Ebor. Working closely with William Derby, we managed to get the million pound prize money over the line and it’s certainly created plenty of interest.

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YORK EBOR FESTIVAL FEATURE Are you looking to attract a potential Melbourne Cup winner by upping the ante with the quality of entries?

The Sky Bet Ebor is an obvious stepping stone to the Melbourne Cup. We’re looking to build relationships with the VCR and it would be brilliant to see an Ebor winner going to Melbourne and taking the prize.

How is the prize money distributed?

The winner receives 600k, second 180k, third 95k, with prize money going all the way down to 8th place getting 5.7K.

How important has the move to a Saturday Ebor been in your sponsorship and plans?

The Ebor on a Saturday makes perfect sense, although it’s been on that date way before we got involved. We sponsor throughout the Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival and from a turnover perspective we will be very busy with the highlight being the Saturday.

What are your hopes and objectives with this year’s Ebor?

Like every race we sponsor, I want an exciting finish with all the horses and jockeys coming home safe and sound. We’ve got some exciting plans to promote the race and I’m hoping they will be well received throughout the industry and local community.

Image supplied by York Racecourse

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FEATURE DONCASTER ST LEGER FESTIVAL

DONCASTER ST LEGER FESTIVAL © Steven Cargill

What dates will the St Leger Festival run from this year?

The 2019 William Hill St Leger Festival runs between Wednesday 11th and Saturday 14th September.

E

© www.darleyeurope.com

arly September rings with it a sense of Classic anticipation in Yorkshire.

With the Go Racing In Yorkshire Ebor Festival completed, all eyes turn to Doncaster and the world’s oldest Classic, the William Hill St Leger.

But the four-day Festival is about more than just the St Leger, raising funds for charity, offering fashion and entertainment, along with top class racing.

Course Specialist went behind the scenes to see how preparations are underway for the 2019 William Hill St Leger Festival.

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When do preparations begin for the Doncaster St Leger Festival and how much of a challenge is it to maintain the ground and racecourse facilities over such a sustained period of racing?

The preparations for the St Leger meeting for the next year start pretty much the Monday after the race takes place! We always make sure to assess everything that has gone on at the meeting and see what we can do differently for the coming year.

Doncaster is obviously a very busy racecourse, running 36 jumps and flat meetings throughout the year, so the Groundstaff team have their work cut out in keeping the surface in the best condition, which can be tricky given the unpredictability of the British weather. The team, lead by Clerk of the Course Roderick Duncan, do a great job and always make sure that the track looks fantastic all four days of the William Hill St Leger Meeting.

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DONCASTER ST LEGER FESTIVAL FEATURE

© Steven Cargill

What is the maximum crowd capacity at Doncaster and is St Leger Day the most popular of the year?

St Leger Day itself is certainly the highlight of the racing calendar at Doncaster, and is incredibly popular with local racegoers. We’ll expect anywhere between 25 and 30,000 people on site on the Saturday of the meeting, which gives the place a real buzz, whether you’re on the popular Champagne Lawn, in the Premier Enclosure or in the centre of the track that hosts corporate hospitality.

summer, along with races from York, Chester, Musselburgh, Hamilton Park, Goodwood and Ascot. Jockeys accrue points based on their finishing positions throughout the Series, with the overall winner receiving The Tufnell Trophy at Doncaster.

Megan Nicholls has won the trophy for the first two runnings of The Silk Series, and the charity link with Cancer Research UK has helped raise over £100,000 so far.

What is Doncaster Racecourse doing this year to encourage the public to attend the St Leger Festival? Are there any special nonracing events this year?

The four days of the St Leger Festival all offer something different, and obviously the Saturday (featuring the St Leger itself ) is incredibly popular social occasion along with the high class racing.

One of the newer additions to the meeting is The Silk Series Final, which takes place on the Thursday of the meeting.

It is a race restricted to female jockeys and is the pinnacle of a series of races that take place across ARC racecourses over the course-specialist.co.uk

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FEATURE DONCASTER ST LEGER FESTIVAL Are there any new sponsors on board for the big races?

We’re delighted to once again welcome William Hill as the sponsor of the St Leger and the Festival, now in their third year of sponsorship.

How big a public draw has the Jockey Legends race proven?

The Wednesday traditionally hosts the popular Leger Legends Stakes, which offers racing enthusiasts the chance to see some of their heroes from the past back in the saddle. In conjunction with the race, The Leger Legends Committee host a fantastic charity lunch and auction that has raised over £1,000,000 for the Northern Racing College and Jack Berry House.

In recent years the race has been won by the likes of Joseph O’Brien, Sir AP McCoy and Ted Durcan and the race offers a really fun bit of something different for racing fans.

With changes in the racing programme, how challenging is it to attract the very best horses to Doncaster at this time of year? Have the changes affected the Doncaster Cup and Park Stakes in particular?

The British and European Pattern remains a highly competitive area, and we’re always gratefully for the support that the fixture gets. In recent years, we’ve seen some real superstars win at the St Leger meeting, with the 2017 St Leger itself living long in the memory. In the race won by Capri, we also got to see the likes of Crystal Ocean along with Stradivarius who has gone on to dominate the British staying division and Rekindling who won the Melbourne Cup. Equally, we’ve seen some excellent juveniles at the meeting in recent years, including Laurens, who won the May Hill Stakes in 2017 and Too Darn Hot and Phoenix of Spain who were 1-2 in the Champagne Stakes last year. These races, along with the form of the Vertem Futurity in October are great for offering some insight into some of the potential top performers for seasons to come.

How can people book tickets for the Doncaster St Leger?

Tickets are available for the William Hill St Leger Festival online at www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk.

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DONCASTER ST LEGER FESTIVAL FEATURE

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FEATURE DONCASTER ST LEGER FESTIVAL

ST LEGER MEMORY

Mark Tompkins recalls Bobs Return

T

he summer of 1993 was a time when racing was very much dominated by the likes of the Al Maktoum family and Prince Khalid Abdullah.

Yet despite the exploits of Commander in Chief and Opera House, a magnificent, almost black colt came along who captured the imagination of the racing public and embodied the spirit and glorious uncertainty of racing. Bob’s Return was purchased for a very modest sum and went to Epsom with strong Derby credentials and by season’s end had won the St Leger for proud Yorkshire man Mark Tompkins.

Tompkins had already made his name thanks to the

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success of horses like Cesarewitch winner Private Audition and the top class hurdler Halkopous, but Bob’s Return would take his Newmarket stable to a new level.

His association with Bob’s Return came about after a trip to Ireland and two old friends discussing the merits of racehorse ownership, as Tomkins recalls: “Stuart Andrews owned horses that I trained and he also owned the Tudor Gate Hotel in Finedon, Northamptonshire.

George Smith dined there regularly and through Stuart, asked if I could buy a race horse as a surprise anniversary present for his wife.

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DONCASTER ST LEGER FESTIVAL FEATURE

Image supplied by Mark Tomkins

“I went to Goffs in Ireland and purchased three or four horses at the time, one of whom was Bob! He had been bred by a German lady and at the time he wasn’t very fashionably bred being by Bob Back, but he had a lovely head, good eye, good walk and legs.

“We all see things differently and I often get feelings about horses and how they might perform and I just knew looking at him that he would be genuine. If a horse is genuine they will always give their best and even if they are not very quick, you can usually place them to good effect. In the end I managed to purchase Bob’s Return for about 14,000 punts.

“I phoned that night from Ireland and said I had bought several that day – and George picked Bob. He became the first racehorse they had ever owned! He later also got involved with Staunch Friend, who became a top class hurdler, so he was very lucky.”

Bob’s Return did not take long to settle into his new surrounds and a new regime as a racehorse, showing plenty of

speed from an early age. He was ready to run by June of 1992 and started out in the GRP Massey Two Year Old Trophy, taking on experienced horses with several previous winners in the field.

Running fifth in such circumstances was no disgrace but Bob’s Return came back from Beverley with sore shins, a result of immaturity. Given time off, the colt returned to action at Yarmouth’s big September meeting and ran fourth of sixteen runners to Racing’s Telegraph over 6 furlongs.

That run proved both beneficial and educational for Bob’s Return and a month later Philip Robinson was returning to the Winners’ Enclosure after victory in a 21-runner Pontefract maiden over a mile. Despite the speed he was showing, it was already clear that Bob’s Return had plenty of stamina in his locker too.

Tompkins gave his young protégé one more outing in 1992, stepping the horse up in trip for the ultimate juvenile test in the 10 furlong Zetland Stakes over Newmarket’s wide expanses. Bob’s Return showed plenty of strength and willingness to beat Bobbie Dee by ¾ of a length, despite conceding 5 pounds in weight. It was a lovely way to end a progressive first campaign and left connections very hopeful for 1993.

“He always showed plenty of speed; the good horses always have plenty of speed,” remembers Tompkins. “He wintered well and mentally he was always correct and very straight forward. We took our time with him in the spring and never entered him for the Guineas; we thought he might make a Derby or St Leger horse if he was good enough but we were never pressured.

“He first ran in the Lingfield Derby Trial and he won that well so we went to Epsom. I remember feeling really pleased with him when he finished sixth but Philip (Robinson) was so disappointed afterwards and said “That’s not him” and walked off as if he had just been beaten in a seller!”

Despite the mixed opinions on his Derby effort, both Tompkins and Robinson were very much focussed on the St Leger after Bob’s Return had recorded a quite brilliant victory in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York in August.

“The horse did not put on a lot of weight over the summer and was always a nice strong horse throughout his life. After Epsom I always wanted to take him to York for the Voltigeur and I have always thought that race is the best Leger trial. The good galloping tracks were ideal for him.”

York underlined Bob’s Return’s outstanding St Leger credentials as he stormed clear to win the Great Voltigeur by six lengths from Foresee.

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FEATURE DONCASTER ST LEGER FESTIVAL “He didn’t need to progress too much from York and there were about three weeks between then and the St Leger, so it was a case of keeping him ticking over. We gave him a few days off after York and then resumed cantering,” says Tompkins.

The tell tale signs of Bob’s Return’s well being came in a memorable gallop, the Sunday before the St Leger, as Tompkins remembers with a smile: “He was never a strong worker at home and my head lad at the time, the late Johnny Easter (himself a fine National Hunt jockey) asked if he could watch the horse gallop. I put in a lead horse who promptly beat Bob’s Return by 3 lengths.

I remember Johnny saying that we simply couldn’t run Bob’s Return in the St Leger after working so badly but I knew better – and so did Philip, who came back in enthusing about how well the colt had worked!”

St Leger Day duly arrived with soft ground and a formidable rival in the shape of Sir Henry Cecil’s chestnut colt Armiger.

By now Bob’s Return had very much earned his place in the affections of the racing public as one of those magnificent horses that every now and then breaks through into the big time, punching above their weight on breeding and price.

Whilst Mark Tompkins was a name familiar to race goers, he had not been associated with too many Group 1 winners at that stage of his career – and here he was with a horse that had justifiably shot to favouritism for the final Classic of the year, against horses from stables used to competing at the top table.

“Looking back on it there wasn’t too much of a threat,” says Tompkins. “He could be a bit keen in his races but at York he was fine and our main worry was just that he was up in trip and we didn’t want to go on too soon. We didn’t have a specific plan for the race and in any case Philip was a top tactician and understood the horse well.”

As the field turned for home, with that long Doncaster straight ahead of them, Armiger’s white face was already in front, with Philip Robinson beautifully positioned on his withers in second place, poised to pounce and Azzilfi a close third on the inside.

With half a mile to race, Pat Eddery and Armiger were still free-wheeling along up front, with Bob’s Return patiently ridden and travelling strongly behind him. Already the race was developing into a two-horse battle as the rest of the field came under pressure for the first time.

However at the 3 furlong pole Pat Eddery started to get serious on Armiger and Bob’s Return cruised upsides and past his opponent and smoothly into the lead, with Philip Robinson barely moving a muscle. The next question was how the horse would cope with the extra distance he was racing

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over for the first time.

Bob’s Return continued to build momentum as Philip Robinson kept him up to his work; to his credit, Armiger stuck to his task for a while but the leader was an irresistible force and by the furlong pole a gap had formed between the two horses and the result appeared a foregone conclusion. That final furlong turned into a glorious procession as Bob’s Return galloped on resolutely, building an uncontested lead and sailing past the post 3 ½ lengths clear of the gallant Armiger.

For Mark Tompkins it was pure manna, a Yorkshire man winning a Classic in Yorkshire! And what a remarkable accomplishment for Mr and Mrs Smith, who had won a Classic with their first ever racehorse!

“The aftermath was good,” recalls Tompkins, “everybody who was anybody descended on the house and there was lots of champagne and wine and beers and I am sure we sent out for more by 10 o’clock that evening!

“Everybody was so kind and they knew that it was a dream for a yard like mine at the time.”

Bob’s Return remained in fine condition after his Doncaster escapades and the decision was quickly made to have a crack at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

“He ran sixth in the Arc and I remember him hitting the front turning in and shouting “Come on Bob” at the top of my voice. He ran a good race there and it is hard for a 3 year old St Leger winner to then go for the Arc.” Bob’s Return remained in training as a 4 year old in 1994, running fourth in the Group 1 Prix Ganay (to Marildo) on his seasonal debut and then running a fine second (beaten just ¼ of a length) to Bobzao in the Hardwicke Stakes.

“We were trying to win a mile and a quarter or mile and a half race with him and he showed great speed when beaten 1 ½ lengths by Ezzoud in the Coral Eclipse Stakes.”

After three more races Bob’s Return was retired to stud and became a National Hunt stallion. His trainer saw a small upturn in owner interest following Bob’s Return’s racing career and just three years later had another top class Classic prospect on his hands in the shape of Even Top, who was beaten just a short head by Markofdistinction in the 1996 2,000 Guineas and later won the Strensall Stakes at York and finished fourth in the Champion Stakes.

Mark Tompkins continues to train in Newmarket and has been chairman of the Newmarket Trainers’ Federation since 1997, is on the trainers’ committee of the British Racing School and is a trustee of the New Astley Club.

For more information please visit www.marktompkins.co.uk

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DONCASTER ST LEGER FESTIVAL FEATURE

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FEATURE NEWMARKET OPEN WEEKEND

Saddle up for the Newmarket Open Weekend 2019

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n Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September horseracing’s HQ throws open its door for the Newmarket Open Weekend. Saddle up for a weekend of exploring behind the scenes and great entertainment. During the Open Weekend visitors will get the chance to see some of the world’s best racehorses at Warren Hill Gallops, tour a number of Newmarket’s finest equine sites, go racing at the Rowley Mile racecourse, and visit the yards of leading Newmarket trainers.

Leading the preparations for September is local trainer and Chairman of the Newmarket Open Weekend, Charlie Fellowes, who recently moved to the historic Bedford House Stables after Luca Cumani’s retirement last year. “The Open Weekend is a fantastic way to showcase the town and horseracing to the public, whilst also raising much needed funds some very worthy causes,” explains Fellowes. “My yard will be one of many trainers’ yards open on Sunday morning, and there is a host of other exciting attractions and entertainments happening over the weekend. The Clipper Logistics Show Jumping at the Severals on Sunday afternoon is always a highlight and this year we will also be introducing a Pony Club Games Yard competition.”

Numerous sites will be open to visit or tour over the two days, including Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Newmarket Equine Hospital, British Racing School, Tattersalls Auctioneers, National Stud, Jockey Club Rooms, and the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art. Racing at the Rowley Mile racecourse will take place on Saturday afternoon, during which trainers and other racing figures will take part in the open weekend’s annual commentary challenge. Each competitor will face the microphone to commentate on a race and help raise money for NOW’s chosen charities.

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SAVE THE DATE!

21ST-22ND SEPTEMBER 2019 Saturday 21st September

Racing at the Rowley Mile with the annual NOW racing commentary challenge

Sunday 22nd September

See the horses on Warren Hill gallops and visit some of Newmarket’s top trainers yards KIDS UNDER 12 GO FREE ALL WEEKEND!

FOR MORE INFORMATION INCLUDING THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS PLEASE VISIT WWW.NEWMARKETOPENWEEKEND.CO.UK

Sunday promises to be action-packed, starting on Warren Hill Gallops at 8am where fans can watch superstars be put through their paces by Newmarket’s top trainers, followed by the yards opening, before joining on the Severals for the afternoon entertainment. Horses are not the only four legged creatures in action at the Severals as our annual fun dog show will also return for your canine pals.

The weekend is raising funds for Racing Welfare’s

Newmarket Housing Project, the Racing Centre, and the British Racing School. Further information regards the weekend can be found on the Newmarket Open Weekend website at www.newmarketopenweekend.co.uk. Tickets will be available to purchase in advance online or can be purchased on the day at all car parks, equine sites, and yards.

Prices start at £15 per person. Kids aged 12 and under go free all weekend.

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NEWS UK RACING

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

KALASHNIKOV ON TARGET TO GIVE AMY MURPHY A FIRST GRADE ONE VICTORY Kalashnikov fulfilled his promise over fences and a longer trip, as he toughed it out to beat La Bague Au Roi in the Grade One Devenish Manifesto Novices’ Chase at Aintree. In the process, he gave trainer Amy Murphy a first success at the highest level.

The opening race of the Grand National Festival got underway with a classy field of six for this 2 ½ mile contest.

As the tapes went up, it was Glen Forsa and Mengli Khan who led, with the former asserting shortly after the first fence.

However, the mare La Bague Au Roi came to join Glen Forsa at the second and held a narrow lead from Glen Forsa and Mengli Khan, with Kalashnikov and Spiritofthegames next and Bags Groove a couple of lengths detached, as the field left the back and took the fifth fence.

They raced down the home straight with little change in the order and La Bague Au Roi took them out with a circuit to race.

At the tenth, La Bague Au Roi was ridden into

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the fence by Richard Johnson, with Glen Forsa still keeping the mare honest, while Mengli Khan and Kalashnikov tracked these.

Spiritofthegames belted the last in the back straight and the race developed into a four-horse affair as they took the fourth from home.

Turning for home, La Bague Au Roi was pressed

by Mengli Khan and Kalashnikov, as Glen Forsa dropped away.

But three from home, Mengli Khan made an error.

Heading to the second last, Kalashnikov joined La Bague Au Roi and although he met it wrong, his momentum was still building and he asserted on the flat.

An extravagant jump at the last saw Jack Quinlan push out Kalashnikov and try as she might, La Bague Au Roi could not draw alongside the gelding.

At the line, Kalashnikov had the measure of her by about a length, with Mengli Khan an honourable third.

Kalashnikov has long been the stable star at Amy Murphy’s Newmarket stables, having landed the Betfair Hurdle, but had twice finished second in Grade One company.

His success today gave not only Murphy, but also Quinlan, a first Grade One triumph.

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UK RACING NEWS

KEMBOY DOMINATES IN THE BETWAY BOWL

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

PENTLAND HILLS ON TOP AT AINTREE Pentland Hills maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles with a hard fought victory in the Grade One Doom Bar Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree.

A quality field of nine took part in this race over just short of two miles and a furlong.

Song For Someone took the field on the long run to the first flight, with a narrow lead over Fakir D’oudairies.

The latter moved into the lead as the field passed the stands and headed out, with a circuit to race.

Fakir D’oudairies took the third last ahead of Christopher Wood, with Pentland Hills closing.

Racing to the last, Mark Walsh got more out of Fakir D’oudairies, but on the flat, Nico De Boinville asked the Triumph Hurdle winner for his effort and he quickly picked up the leader.

Pentland Hills went maybe a length up, but was never able to draw clear as Fakir D’oudairies fought back and at the line, it was pretty tight.

However, Pentland Hills got the verdict after a photo finish, with a gap back to Christopher Wood and Adjali, which suggests that the front two are top class hurdlers.

The Nicky Henderson trained Pentland Hills is now three from three over hurdles.

Kemboy was allowed to dictate and made all, before sprinting away from his rivals for a decisive victory in the Grade One Betway Bowl Chase at Aintree.

Kemboy took the field along on their first circuit, with fellow Irish raider Balkos Des Flos next and then Bristol De Mai and Clan Des Obeaux.

There was little change as the field set off with a circuit to run.

Leaving the back, with four to jump, Kemboy still led Balko Des Flos, with Bristol De Mai and Clan Des Obeaux next, followed by Road To Riches, while Elegant Escape was detached.

Into the home straight, Kemboy was challenged

by Balko Des Flos, but Ruby Walsh sat tight on the leader who opened up at the last to go clear in impressive fashion.

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Balko Des Flos put up a game effort, but blundered at the last and that put paid to his chances.

However, at that point, Kemboy was already in command and he scooted away on the flat, to win by nine lengths from Clan Des Obeaux, with Balkos Des Flos third, just ahead of Bristol De Mai. The Willie Mullins trained Kemboy, had unseated his rider at the first fence in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, his prior start.

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NEWS UK RACING

SUPASUNDAE LANDS THE AINTREE HURDLE

TOP WOOD TRIUMPHS IN THE FOXHUNTERS’

Supasundae won an incident-packed race for the Grade One Betway Aintree Hurdle.

A high class field of seven lined-up for this 2 ½ mile contest.

Faugheen, one of two Champion Hurdle winners in the field, set off in front, under Ruby Walsh, with the dual Champion, Buveur D’Air, racing alongside Melon, a dual Champion Hurdle runner-up.

Faugheen was given an easy lead and his stable mate Melon moved second, with Buveur D’Air next and then Ch’tibello and Supasundae.

With a circuit to race, Melon went on and quickly moved five lengths clear. However, Faugheen was pulled up heading away from the stands and dismounted. Afterwards he seemed fine.

Top Wood, runner-up in 2018 Cheltenham Foxhunters’, went one place better, as he showed terrific tenacity to win the Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase at Aintree.

A full field of 27 horses lined-up for this race over two miles and five furlongs of the Grand National course.

As the tape rose, Starkie and Champagne West were prominent, but Shimla Dawn was almost down at the first.

Clearing the second, Road To Rome, Starkie, Champagne West and Sir Jack Yeats led as they all streamed over the Chair.

Heading to the fifth, it was Road To Rome who led from Star Key, while Bear’s Affair pulled up before that fence.

Over the open ditch Ucello Conti and Pass The Hat pulled up and the remaining runners headed to Becher’s Brook with no fallers.

At Becher’s, Road To Rome and Starkie were clear but Seefood unseated.

Road To Rome started to open up and took Foinavon with a clear lead from Road To Riches, while Wonderful Charm was pulled up at the back of the field.

They all cleared the Canal Turn and Road To Rome led three lengths clear of Road To Riches and Sir Jack Yeats, with Top Wood next and then Starkie, who fell after Valentine’s Brook.

Road To Rome took the third last with Top Wood challenging and then Sir Jack Yeats, as Road To Riches blundered and dropped back.

Further back, Shantou Magic was pulled up.

Top Wood pressed on leaving the back and he turned for home with a four length lead over Road To Rome and Sir Jack Yeats, while Road To Riches, Burning Ambition and Green Salt were still closing.

But Top Wood cleared the last about three lengths clear of Burning Ambition and Road To Riches.

As they reached the Elbow, Burning Ambition went on but Top Wood fought back gamely under Tabitha Worsley and got back up to win by a couple

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Melon moved further clear down the back, with Buveur D’Air leading the pack from Ch’tibello, Supasundae and Silver Streak.

Three from home, Melon still led, although the field had closed. However, he dived at the flight and took a heavy fall, which slightly impeded Buveur D’Air. Supasundae was left in front of Buveur D’Air and Ch’tibello.

All three were tired horses and it turned into a slog, with Supasundae leading and needing all of his stamina to see off Buveur D’Air on the run-in, while Ch’tibello kept on at the one pace, but was unable to close in third.

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UK RACING NEWS of lengths, with Road To Riches third and Coastal Tiep in fourth.

The 12 year-old Top Wood, formerly trained by David Pipe, is now in the care of Kelly Morgan.

THE GLANCING QUEEN IMPRESSES The Glancing Queen ran out a ready winner for Alan King, as she landed the Grade Two Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race at Aintree.

Twenty contested this valuable prize over two miles and a furlong.

Hawthorne Cottage went into the lead from Farne and Kissesforkatie.

The leader held a length and a half lead down the home straight, with the field relatively bunched in behind.

FAUGHEEN SUFFERS IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT Faugheen was pulled up at an early stage of the Aintree Hurdle – and in the aftermath, the racecourse veterinary officer reported that the former Champion Hurdle winner had suffered from an irregular heartbeat.

Ruby Walsh said after the race: “Faugheen just wasn’t going. He didn’t take me to any of his hurdles. He did everything he doesn’t do, the telltale sign that something isn’t right. He didn’t feel like he normally does. He was just lifeless. He’s sound but he just didn’t feel right.”

Whilst connections had initially suggested Faugheen could run at Punchestown, the subsequent vet’s report seems likely to scupper that plan and there may be a possibility that the eleven year-old won’t race again.

FELIX DESJY MAKES ALL IN THE TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Hawthorn Cottage was still in front in the home straight, but the pack quickly closed and Farne, Minella Melody, Kissesforkatie and The Glancing Queen went on.

It was The Glancing Queen who struck the front with a furlong to race, chased by Minella Melody and Daylight Katie.

But The Glancing Queen, fifth in the Champion Bumper on her latest start, who proved much too good under Wayne Hutchinson.

Minella Melody just held off Daylight Katie for second, with Farne coming home fourth.

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Felix Desjy showed power and pace and had enough in the tank to hold on in the Grade One Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

Seven lined-up for this two mile, half a furlong race.

Rouge Vif and Felix Desjy went on and quickly moved five lengths clear of Aramon, who led the rest of the field.

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NEWS UK RACING Felix Desjy assumed command at the first flight and moved four lengths clear of Rouge Vif, who in turn was seven lengths ahead of Southfield Stone and Aramon, as they set off with a circuit to run.

Racing into the back straight, Felix Desjy moved 8 lengths clear, but stepped into the first hurdle and was lucky to stay on his feet, his lead reduced to five lengths.

However, having regained his balance, Felix Desky and Jack Kennedy headed into the home straight with an 8 length lead over Rouge Vif, with Aramon closing in third.

The leader cleared three out with a five length lead, but his lead was gradually being whittled away, as he raced to the last.

Felix Desjy took the last well but Aramon began to close down the leader, who was vigorously ridden.

But the long-time leader held on by a couple of lengths from Aramon, with Rouge Vif just repelling Itchy Feet for third.

LOSTINTRANSLATION REVELS IN MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE VICTORY Lostintranslation, who had been campaigned over shorter trips, looked a smart staying prospect as he landed the Grade One Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree by a widening margin.

Six took part in this race over three miles and a furlong.

From the off it was Top Ville Ben who led from Crucial Role and Lostintranslation.

With the first three fences safely negotiated, Top Ville Ben had a six length advantage over Crucial Role, who was three lengths clear of Lostintranslation, with Topofthegame next and then Mr Whipped and Chris’s Dream.

The leader took the seventh with a similar lead over Crucial Role and continued to motor along, as he entered the home straight once again.

However, taking the eleventh, Top Ville Ben led by three lengths from Crucial Role, with Lostintranslation, with the next three all bunched.

That was the order, as Top Ville Ben headed out on the final circuit, with a widening lead once again.

The leader took the last in the back with a three length lead over Crucial Role, with Lostintranslation closing and Chris’s Dream taking much closer order.

But four out, the field closed on the leader and it was a wide open race turning for home.

Top Ville Ben took the third last ahead, but Crucial Role took a heavy fall to the inside which sadly later proved to be fatal.

The leader landed two lengths clear of Lostintranslation two out but the latter went on heading to the last.

Both jumped the last wearily, but Lostintranslation eased clear on the flat for an impressive victory on his first start over this trip.

A long way back, Topofthegame, who never seemed to travel well, stayed on gamely for second, just pipping Top Ville Ben. The Colin Tizzard trained Lostintranslation has been a model of consistency this season and relished this extra distance under Robbie Power.

MIN IMPERIOUS IN THE MELLING CHASE

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Min slammed his rivals with a faultless display in the Grade One Melling Chase at Aintree (sponsored by JLT).

Six horses contested a fascinating renewal of this 2 ½ mile race, including last year’s first and second, Politologue and Min. As the tapes went up, it was Min and Ruby Walsh who led from Politologue and Hell’s Kitchen, with Top Notch close up, Waiting Patiently to the

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UK RACING NEWS

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

outside and God’s Own settled in arrears.

Min continued to set the tempo, but five lengths covered the sextet, as they headed down the home straight.

Once again the six headed down the back straight, with Min bowling along in front of Hell’s Kitchen, who travelled well before making a bad blunder. Politologue raced patiently, while Top Notch came under pressure, having also made a mistake.

Min took four out well, where Top Notch, already demoted to last, made another bad blunder.

The leader turned into the home straight and took the third last ahead of Politologue, where Waiting Patiently made an error.

Min piled it on though and stormed clear heading to the last, which he jumped well.

Last year’s runner-up skipped home by a long margin, with Politologue a remote second and Waiting Patient third. Hell’s Kitchen took fourth.

The Willie Mullins-trained Min, was putting up a career best effort here.

CADMIUM STORMS TO TOPHAM CHASE GLORY Cadmium turned the Grade Three Topham Chase into a one-horse affair as he took complete control from an early stage, before slamming his rivals, at Aintree.

A maximum field of 27 took on just over a circuit of the Grand National course.

As the runners got into line and were sent on their way, it was Activial and More Buck’s who led,

but at the first fence, Indian Temple fell.

More Buck’s and Call It Magic led at the second and then Cadmium took over at the Chair, with O O Seven also prominent, followed by Mercian Prince and Call It Magic. More Buck’s unseated at the water jump, but the remaining 25 headed out on their full circuit.

Cadmium took the fifth in front of Call It Magic, O O Seven and Mercian Prince, with Equus Secretus out wide.

Racing to Becher’s Brook, Cadmium and Equus Secretus led, with Call It Magic to the inside.

Over Becher’s, the whole field jumped safely and Cadmium cut the corner over the Canal Turn, where Call It Magic unseated.

The leader cleared Valentine’s Brook still clear, while his stable mate Polidam was pulled up.

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Divine Spear fell at the final ditch and Cadmium took three out from Equus Secretus, while Peregrine Run was a faller.

Cadmium turned for home with a four length lead over Equus Secretus, Forest des Aigles, Doitforthevillage and O O Seven, with Janika making ground two out.

But Cadmium headed to the last five lengths clear of Doitforthevillage and Janika, where sadly Forest des Aigles went wrong and was quickly pulled up with what sadly proved to be a fatal injury.

Cadmium and Paul Townend were far from stopping approaching the Elbow – and bound clear on the run-in for an impressive victory, with Sub Lieutenant running on for second, third home came Doitforthevillage and then came Janika.

Cadmium was completing a great double for Willie Mullins, who had landed the Melling Chase with Min in the previous race.

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CHAMP ATONES FOR CHELTENHAM DEFEAT Champ got back to winning ways with an impressive performance in the Grade One Doom Bar Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

A dozen lined-up for this three-mile, half a furlong contest.

It was Kingsplace who went on with Trevelyn’s Corn and Lisnagar Oscar, as they took the first flight.

Racing away from the stands for the first time, Trevelyn’s Corn, pulling for his head, held a narrow lead over Lisnagar Oscar.

The order remained unchanged as they raced down the back straight, with Trevelyn’s Corn continued to lead from Lisnagar Oscar, with Kingsplace and Downtown Getaway.

Racing down the home straight again, the field were covered by six lengths and still headed by Trevelyn’s Corn and Lisnagar Oscar and that was the case, with one final circuit to run.

Trevelyn’s Corn made an error at the first in the back straight and surrendered his lead to Lisnagar Oscar, with a host of horses bunched in behind. The Captains Inn was short of room as they left the back and he was quickly pulled up.

Turning for home, Lisnagar Oscar and Trevelyn’s Corn were the first two, with Dallas Des Pictons, Ardlethen and Champ all poised.

Two out and Champ joined Lisnagar Oscar, before cruising to the front at the last.

A good jump assisted and Champ stormed up the run-in, chased by Emitom, but it was a futile task as Champ and Mark Walsh, deputising for Barry Geraghty, who had been injured in the Topham, won by about three lengths.

Lisnagar Oscar kept on for third place, ahead of Walk Away.

MCFABULOUS WINS A THRILLER IN THE BUMPER McFabulous made it three wins from four starts in the Grade Two Weatherbys Racing Bank Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race at Aintree.

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Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Twelve exciting prospects took part in this race over two miles and a furlong, the concluding race on the Friday of the Grand National Festival.

Ebony Jewel was quickly into stride and led from The Cob and then Blackhillsofdakota.

With a circuit to race, Ebony Jewel still had the lead from The Cob, with Blackhillsofdakota, with Malystic, Onthefrontfoot and Santa Rossa in close order.

As they left the back straight, Ebony Jewel still held the call by a length over The Cob and Santa Rossa, with Master Debonair getting closer.

Ebony Jewel turned for home in front, with Santa Rossa second and then The Cob and Master Debonair.

The long-time leader came under pressure and Santa Rossa went on with Thebannerkingrebel and McFabulous and this trio fought out the finish.

With a furlong to race, Santa Rossa faded and the battle stretched across the width of the course, with McFabulous and Harry Cobden to the stands side and Thebannerkingrebel and Gavin Sheehan to the far side.

Neither horse would give way, but it was McFabulous who just got up from Thebannerkingrebel, with a gap back to Santa Rossa in third, with Dew Cup staying on in fourth.

RESERVE TANK IMPRESSES IN THE MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE Reserve Tank confirmed himself a smashing prospect for the Tizzards, with a clear cut victory in the Grade One Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

Nine lined-up for this 2 ½ mile race.

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UK RACING NEWS As the race got underway, it was Reserve Tank who disputed the lead with The Big Bite, with Kateson tracking these and then Colonel Custard.

With two flights cleared, Reserve Tank held a narrow lead over The Big Bite, while in behind, Angels Breath was fighting hard for his head.

With a circuit to run, The Big Bite and Reserve Tank set the pace from Colonel Custard, Angels Breath, Brewin’upastorm and Kateson.

The Big Bite pressed on down the back straight and moved a length clear of Colonel Custard and Reserve Tank.

As they left the back, Colonel Custard joined the leader, but six lengths covered first to last, as they turned for home.

It was The Big Bite who led straightening up, with Reserve Tank coming to challenge to the inside, while Kateson, Brewin-upastorm and Angels Breath were in touch.

At the last it was Reserve Tank who led, but Brewin’upastorm came to close, however, Robbie Power had more in reserve and went away again in the final half a furlong, for a decisive victory.

Brewin’upastorm came home second, with One For Rosie and Angels Breath dead-heating for third place.

Reserve Tank made it three consecutive wins.

ORNUA ALL THE WAY IN THE MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE Ornua dictated matters and had enough in hand to land the Grade One Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree.

Seven took part in this two mile race.

Ornua was straight into the lead with Knocknanuss to the inside and then Lalor, while Caid Du Lin was deliberate at the first two fences.

Ornua took the third with a length lead, while Destrier made a bad mistake.

With a circuit to race, the lead was a couple of lengths ahead of Knocknanuss and Us And Them, with Clondaw Castle and Destrier next, followed by Lalor and Caid Du Lin. Ornua headed down the back straight in a good rhythm, still ahead of Knocknanuss. Further back,

Lalor made a blunder at the open ditch.

Ornua took the fifth last going well and left the back straight ahead of Us And Them, with Knocknanuss moved wider and Destrier to the inside.

The leader turned for home still going well, with four challenges, as Lalor and Caid Du Lin dropped out of contention.

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Two from home and Ornua led from Destrier, with three lengths back to Us And Them.

Ornua and Davy Russell quickened on the flat and skipped over the last well, keeping up the gallop for an all the way success.

Us And Them stayed on for second passed Destrier.

The Henry De Bromhead trained Ornua, had run well at Sandown Park earlier in the season, but had been a faller at an early stage of the Arkle.

The trainer had won this race in 2013 with the much-missed Special Tiara.

IF THE CAP FITS WINS A BRILLIANT RENEWAL OF THE LIVERPOOL HURDLE Three horses battled magnificently and it was If The Cap Fits who won the call in a memorable renewal of the Grade One Ryanair Stayers’ Hurdle – better known as the Liverpool Hurdle, at Aintree.

Fifteen contested this race over three miles and half a furlong.

At flag fall – and following a false start, it was Apple’s Jade who led from The Worlds End, with Sam Spinner also prominent.

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MARMELO BACK WITH A WIN IN THE JOHN PORTER STAKES

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The mare Apple’s Jade, headed away from the stands with a two length advantage over Sam Spinner, with a similar gap back to Clyne, Kilbricken Storm and The Worlds End. Apple’s Jade travelled sweetly at the head of affairs, as they left the back for the first time, but Sam Spinner appeared to be under a little pressure

and dropped to third, behind Clyne.

Back into the home straight, Apple’s Jade still led easily from Clyne and Sam Spinner, with Sykes behind these and then Kilbricken Storm.

That was the order, with a circuit to race and Nautical Nitwit tailed off and soon pulled up.

Down the back straight once again, Apple’s Jade was joined by Sam Spinner, with If The Cap Fits, Wholestone and Kilbricken Storm, as the pack closed.

Turning away from the back and towards the home turn, Sam Spinner and Apple’s Jade led, while The Worlds End, Sykes and Agrapart had dropped back.

Straightening up and taking the third last, Apple’s Jade still led but ducked right, putting off Sam Spinner, who made an error.

If The Cap Fits challenged the mare, but Jack Kennedy asked her for more at the last and she responded, although blundering.

Apple’s Jade continued to dig deep, as Roksana came to join the fray, with If The Cap Fits having to switch.

In a pulsating finish on the flat, Apple’s Jade held on grimly, with Roksana a huge danger and If The Cap Fits rallying between the two mares.

Apple’s Jade’s resolve just faltered in the dying strides and If The Cap Fits and Sean Bowen edged to the front right on the line, with Roksana inches behind in second and the long-time leader a close third.

This brilliant race got the partnership of Sean Bowen and Harry Fry off to the perfect start.

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Melbourne Cup second Marmelo, made a triumphant return to action with victory in the Group Three Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes (Registered As The John Porter Stakes) at Newbury.

Nine horses went to post for this 1 ½ mile race, including last year’s winner Defoe.

As they got underway, it was Communique went into the lead, but Pilansberg was awkward out of the stalls and unseated Luke Morris.

Communique took the field along from Laraaib to his outside, while Defoe was caught out wider still.

Pilansberg, running loose, slightly hampered Communique, as they left the back, while Defoe moved up to second, ahead of Laraaib and Blakeney Point.

Turning into the home straight, Communique still led, with Defoe close-up and Laraaib next, while Young Rascal started to improve.

With two furlongs to race, Defoe went on but was immediately challenged by Laraaib, while Aspetar challenged between the two.

Aspetar showed a good turn of foot to move two lengths clear and looked set for victory.

However, Marmelo, renowned as a stayer, quickened well under Gerald Mosse in the final furlong and sprinted past Aspetar to win by a length.

Laraaib finished third, with Defoe a subdued fourth.

Hughie Morrison’s Marmelo had run a brilliant second in the Melbourne Cup on his most recent start.

DANDHU EDGES THE FRED DARLING STAKES Dandhu and Gerald Mosse won a race of inches to land the Group Three Dubai Duty Free Stakes (Registered As The Fred Darling Stakes) at Newbury.

The first major 1,000 Guineas trial of the season saw a field of fifteen fillies run in this seven furlong race.

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UK RACING NEWS At the break it was Yourtimeisnow and So Perfect who were up with the pace and quickly raced alone on the far side, as the rest of the field, headed

by Star Terms, raced towards the stands side.

Yourtimeisnow had the overall lead at halfway, with Muchly and Queen Jo Jo next.

With two furlongs to race, the two groups converged and So Perfect and Dandhu came through with Star Terms.

Dandhu, racing between her rivals, got her head in front, while Iconic Choice finished fast and late on the stands side.

On the line, Dandhu, Iconic Choice and So Perfect flashed past the post almost in a line, with Star Terms a length behind.

After a photo finish, Dandhu was called first, ahead of Iconic Choice and So Perfect, to give David Elsworth a live 1,000 Guineas contender.

Image supplied by Newbury Racecourse

MOHAATHER LANDS THE GREENHAM STAKES Mohaather stamped himself as a Guineas prospect with a decisive win in the Group Three Watership Down Stud Greenham Stakes at Newbury.

Sadly Too Darn Hot missed his intended seasonal bow, but eight colts took part in this traditional 2,000 Guineas trial over the straight seven furlongs.

As the stalls burst open, Boitron led from Hello Youmzin, with Urban Icon tracking these and Mohaather to his outside.

Settling down, Boitron continued to set the pace at halfway, with Hello Youmzin to his outside and then Urban Icon and Mohaather, while No

Image supplied by Newbury Racecourse

Nonsense came under pressure to the inside.

Mohaather went on inside the two furlong marker and went clear, but drifted across the track.

Great Scot picked up from further back, but Jim Crowley straightened Mohaather up and the colt kept on well to score by about ¾ of a length, with Urban Icon third and Hello Youmzain just holding off Boitron for fourth.

Mohaather had won the Group Three Horris Hill Stakes at Newbury last October and Marcus Tregoning’s colt looks likely to head to Newmarket next.

VERDANA BLUE TAKES THE SCOTTISH CHAMPION HURDLE Top weight Verdana Blue outclassed her rivals to give her young jockey by far his biggest winner to date, in the Grade Two CPMS Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr. Fourteen contested this two mile limited handicap.

As the tapes went up it was Leoncavallo and Pearl Of The West who led from Irish Roe. Leoncavallo took no prisoners up front and they passed the post with a circuit to run and the pace dropped a little.

Racing down the back straight, Leoncavallo and Pearl Of The West led from Captain Moirette, with Irish Roe and Nube Negra next.

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NEWS UK RACING Reaching the end of the back, Redicean began to close on the leaders, while Brain Power had dropped to the back.

Leoncavallo led back into the home straight from Irish Roe and Nube Negra, with Redicean and Verdana Blue next, while Dino Velvet made ground.

But racing to the last, Verdana Blue powered into the lead and stormed clear on the run-in for a wide-margin win under Connor Brace.

Second home came Dino Velvet, with Equus Amadeus third.

Nicky Henderson has of course had many winners, but for Brace, this was just a 19th career success in his fledgling career.

SECRET INVESTOR ON TOP AT AYR Secret Investor was given a positive ride and had plenty in hand at the finish, to win the Grade Two Jordan Electrics Ltd Future Champion Novices’ Chase at Ayr. A field of seven went to post for this prestigious 2 ½ mile race.

The race got underway with Monbeg Legend and Castafiore, with Secret Investor out wider, also up with the early pace.

Settling down, Monbeg Legend had the lead from Secret Investor, with Ballywood moving third and then the mare Castafiore.

With a circuit to race, Monbeg Legend and Secret Investor disputed the lead with a two length gap back to Ballywood.

Five out and the order remained unchanged, with Castafiore still there in fourth and then Louis’ Vac Pouch.

Secret Investor pressed on in the home straight, but clouted the fourth last fence and Ballywood came to challenge.

Secret Investor took the second last but was pressed by Louis’ Vac Pouch.

At the last Secret Investor found more for Harry Cobden and jumped well, storming to victory from Louis’ Vac Pouch, with Monbeg Legend third.

Secret Investor was giving Paul Nicholls a seventh success in this race.

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TAKINGRISKS WINS THE SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL Takingrisks gave the north a big winner as he landed the Grade Three Coral Scottish Grand National.

With five non-runners, 23 took part in this fourmile contest.

At flag fall, Vintage Clouds and Sizing Codelco were up with the leaders, along with Geronimo.

Settling down, Geronomio, Cogry, Vintage Clouds and Sizing Codelco set the pace, with Morney Wing also prominent and then Cloth Cap. Vintage Clouds led the field into the home straight for the first time, with Cogry to the inside rail and Geronimo racing between the two.

Crosshue Boy fell at the second in the straight and hampered Big River and Carole’s Destrier, while Skipthecuddles pulled up.

Meanwhile, Cogry, Geronimo and Vintage Clouds took the remainder out on the second circuit, tracked by Sizing Codelco, Van Gogh Du Granit and Cloth Cap. Morney Wing had dropped to the back of the field and was losing touch.

Leaving the back, Geronimo and Van Gogh Du Granit made errors at the fourteenth and Vintage Clouds and Cogry moved into a clear advantage.

They turned back into the home straight, with Red Infantry moving into third place.

Cogry pressed on and took what would be the last fence in a circuit’s time, with a length advantage over Vintage Clouds.

Cloth Cap continued to travel well, while Impulsive Star was making progress, having been towards the rear on the first circuit.

Cogry set off on the final circuit with Vintage Clouds and the two pulled a couple of lengths clear of Red Infantry and Cloth Cap, with Crosspark and Takingrisks getting closer. Sizing Codelco pulled up.

Racing towards the home turn, Cogry led with Takingrisks and Crosspark, as Vintage Clouds faded.

Four out and Takingrisks led from Crosspark and Cogry.

Crosspark came to join Takingrisks and this pair raced to the last with the race seemingly between them. Further back, Cogry made a dreadful blunder

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UK RACING NEWS and unseated.

Takingrisks took the last in front and dived but kept up the gallop under Sean Quinlan and won by about four lengths.

It was tight for the places, with Crosspark slowing quickly on the run-in and almost passed

by Crosspark and Blue Flight, who finished in that order, with Big River, doing well to recover from trouble in running, in fifth.

Takingrisks was giving trainer Nicky Richards a first win in the Scottish Grand National, a race his father Gordon had twice won.

LANDMARK 200TH WINNER FOR DAN SKELTON A remarkable six-timer on the day brought Dan Skelton to 200 winners for the season.

The victory of Montego Grey , ridden by Skelton’s brother Harry, at Market Rasen, delivered the landmark number.

Skelton Tweeted: “AMAZING!!! What an afternoon, an incredible way to get our 200th winner with a six-timer on the day. Well done to owners Dick & Mandy Higgins on sealing the day with Montego Grey. A top effort from the whole team; owners, staff, supporters, friends & family...THANK YOU”

BLACK CORTON AND BRYONY FROST SOAR TO OAKSEY CHASE GLORY Black Corton was an apt winner of the Grade Two bet365 Oaksey Chase (For the Menorah Trophy) at Sandown Park.

With forecast torrents of rain failing to reach Esher in time, there was a deluge of non-runners on Jumps Finale.

A field of seven took part in this two miles, 6 ½ furlong contest.

At the off it was Cobra De Mai took no prisoners as he set off in front of Go Conquer.

Heading over the Island Fences, Cobra De Mai’s lead was reduced, with Go Conquer to the inside

and then Black Corton and Charbel, as the field raced to the Pond Fence for the first time.

The septet headed down the home straight and with a circuit to go, Cobra De Mai Narrowly led Go Conquer and Charbel, with the field bunched.

Cobra De Mai continued to lead down the back, with Black Corton throwing down the gauntlet, as Go Conquer and Charbel hit flat spots.

Again the leader found more over the Railway Fences, while Gold Present and San Benedeto closed and Go Conquer pulled up.

Cobra De Mai raced to the Pond Fence with a length lead over Black Corton, with Gold Present and San Benedeto next.

Black Corton went on at the third last and turned for home with Gold Present challenging and San Benedeto staying on.

But Black Corton and Bryony Frost moved three lengths clear at the last, which they jumped well – and strode up the Esher hill to an emphatic victory over Gold Present, with San Benedeto third and then Cobra De Mai. Black Corton was giving Champion Conditional rider Bryony Frost a big comeback win after the best part of a month off injured, while completing a double for trainer Paul Nicholls, crowned Champion Trainer for the eleventh time.

ALTIOR A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION AT SANDOWN Altior broke records as he raced to victory in the Grade One bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown Park.

All eyes were on dual Champion Chaser Altior, who was bidding to win this two mile prize for the third successive season and faced just four rivals.

At flag fall it was Altior who went on under Nico De Boinville, but the pace was pedestrian.

Over the second fence, Altior put in a spectacular leap to lead Diego Du Charmil by two lengths, with a similar gap back to God’s Own and Sceau Royal, with Vosne Romanee last of the five, as they headed off with a circuit to run.

Altior took the field down the back straight and jumped out to his left a little, but had moved five lengths clear.

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NEWS UK RACING Over the water, Altior was still three lengths clear of Diego Du Charmil and Sceau Royal, with God’s Own patiently ridden behind these.

The leader ran to the Pond Fence with a two length advantage and his rivals still in touch.

Over that fence, ALtior was again out to his left but led into the straight, with Sceau Royal still in touch and then God’s Own. The second last saw Sceau Royal make an error and Altior moved on.

But the race was still not decided and over the last, both God’s Own and Sceau Royal had their chances.

But the leader took the final fence well and whilst idling a little, responded well to Nico De Boinville on the flat, striding up the Sandown hill to win well from Sceau Royal and God’s Own. That made it 10 Grade One wins for Altior, who surpassed Big Buck’s in winning his 19th straight contest.

For Nicky Henderson, this victory will have provided some pick-up, following the loss of Josses Hill.

TALKISCHEAP POWERS TO BET365 GOLD CUP VICTORY Talkischeap was perfectly produced and stormed to victory in the Grade Three bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown Park.

Fifteen horses went to post for the final big race of the UK jumps season, after five horses had been pulled out earlier in the day.

As the race got underway, it was last year’s winner Step Back, who led with another former winner The Young Master, with West Approach also in the front line over the first fence.

At the second, Present Man pressed on, while The Young Master all but unshipped his rider and did well to survive.

Present Man headed out with two full circuits ahead of him, with Step Back to the inside and Joe Farrell also prominent.

At this early stage, Prime Venture and Beware The Bear were detached from the main field.

Up front, Step Back went back to the lead from Present Man and Joe Farrell, with West Approach fourth.

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As the field left the Railway Fences behind, Beware The Bear was tailed off.

Step Back and Present Man continued to lead, as they took the Pond Fence, with Rock The Kasbah, The Young Master and Joe Farrell next and then West Approach and Rolling Dylan, to the inside.

At the fence in front of the stands, Le Reve made a bad blunder and was down on his nose.

But as they headed out with a final circuit to race, fourteen of the field were still in striking distance.

Step Back still led, with The Young Master improving into second place and then came Present Man and Talkischeap. Beware The Bear, never travelling, was pulled up, while Rock The Kasbah had dropped to last and soon followed suit.

Up front, The Young Master moved to the lead from Step Back as the field became strung out.

Further back Talkischeap moved third with Present Man. Joe Farrell and Vyta Du Roc were pulled up.

But the front two continued to race clear of Talkischeap, who was creeping closer, as they headed to the Pond Fence, with Rathlin Rose staying on in fourth.

Three out and The Young Master was under pressure, but moved three lengths clear, with Step Back and Talkischeap closing.

Racing to the last, The Young Master was joined and passed by Talkischeap, with Wayne Hutchinson pressing on for a wide margin win.

The Young Master was a gallant second, with Step Back third and then Give Me A Copper.

Trainer Alan King has his team in great form at the moment, last week he trained two winners at Newmarket’s Craven Meeting.

YOUNEVERCALL IMPRESSES AT SANDOWN Younevercall put up an impressive display to run away with the Grade Two bet365 Select Hurdle at Sandown Park.

Seven ran in this two mile, five furlong race, the final Graded contest of the 2018/19 National Hunt Season in the UK. As the race got underway, it was Younevercall

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UK RACING NEWS who led Black Op and Thomas Campbellk, with Rayvin Black soon moving to the lead, on his final start.

Rayvin Black, racing to the inside, led by a length from Younevercall and Black Op, as they took the third flight.

Racing down the home straight, Rayvin Black was three lengths clear of Younevercall and Black Op and he took the field out on their final circuit, with the field closing.

Heading into the back straight, Younevercall went back in front of Rayvin Black, with two lengths back to On The Blind Side and Black Op. Younevercall was still in front as they left the back straight, with several of his rivals under pressure.

The two challengers to the leader were On The Blind Side and Black Op, with Blu Cavalier closing in fourth and then Mia’s Storm.

Younevercall led at the second last, with On The Blind Side second, but the leader travelled well still.

David Bass and Younevercall powered away between the final two flights and took the last well, sauntering to an easy victory for the Kim Bailey stable.

On The Blind Side came second, with Thomas Campbell third and Black Op fourth.

LAH TI DAR MADE TO WORK IN MIDDLETON STAKES RETURN Lah Ti Dar was again successful on the Knavesmire, but had to work hard to overcome Rawdaa in the Group Two AL Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies’ Stakes at York.

A field of six older fillies and mares went to post for this 1 ¼ mile contest.

Queen Of Time was soon sent to the front by James Doyle and led from Nyaleti.

Into the home straight, Sun Maiden and Lah Ti Dar went on but it was hard work.

To the inside, Rawdaa began her run and came to challenge Lah Ti Dar. The two were locked in battle in the final furlong but Lah Ti Dar asserted late on to win narrowly under Frankie Dettori, with Sun Maiden back in third.

Gosden said: “I think she’s done well to win over a mile and a quarter on summer ground.

“We can have a look at the Coronation Cup (at Epsom). She’ll appreciate the step up in trip, she’s very game and genuine, but that would not have been her speciality today.”

Stoute said of the runner-up: “That was a big step forward, it was a long way ahead of anything she’s ever achieved before, so I’m very pleased.”

He added: “Sun Maiden looked the winner at one stage. She showed a good attitude, which was nice, as her form tapered off badly in the second half of last season, so it was good to see her being so competitive.”

TELECASTER LANDS A SHOCK IN THE DANTE STAKES Telecaster had not seen a racecourse before late March, but his improvement saw him defeat last year’s Champion Two Year Old, Too Darn Hot, in the Group Two Al Bast Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York.

A fascinating renewal of this important Derby trial, brought together a quality field of eight over 1 ¼ miles.

As the stalls burst open, Almania badly missed the break and it was Turgenev who led from Telecaster, who failed to settle.

The front pair quickly pulled five lengths clear of Nayef Road, with Too Darn Hot settled in fourth.

Turgenev continued to bomb along from Telecaster, with six lengths back to Nayef Road, Too Darn Hot, Line Of Duty, Japan and then Surfman and Almania.

Into the home straight, Turgenev and Telecaster led but Too Darn Hot was closing, while those in behind were under pressure.

Too Darn Hot switched to the inside, as Telecaster went on with two furlongs to run.

Too Darn Hot was under pressure and whilst he harried Telecaster, he could not go past and lost his unbeaten record.

At the line, Telecaster and Oisin Murphy beat Too Darn Hot by about a length. There was a break back to Surfman, who made up ground late on for third, with Japan a never dangerous fourth.

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NEWS UK RACING

Image supplied by www.darleyeurope.com

Trainer Hughie Morrison would have to convince owners to supplement Telecaster for the Derby at a cost of £85,000.

The trainer said of the son of Derby winner and Darley stallion, New Approach: “He’s obviously pretty special,” said Morrison.

“I haven’t a clue how good, though, because I’ve had nothing like him before. In the spring he and Marmelo went up the hill at home and Marmelo suddenly felt he wasn’t going as well as Telecaster, so he gave him a quick bite.

“It’s great to be on the top table. We only have ten three-year-old colts, so to have one who could be thought of running in the Derby with a bit of chance is great for the whole team.”

“We’ll give it a few days. The Derby is obviously the way you would like to think we’ll go, but there are only 16 days between the races and he has had more than a racecourse gallop today. It’s also fast ground out there and that takes its toll,” he added.

John Gosden nominated the St James’s Palace

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Stakes over a mile – rather than the Derby, as the next port of call for Too Darn Hot: “Frankie said he didn’t want to get closer to a nice, even pace, the winner used the pacemaker well.

“He (Too Darn Hot) was hard on the bridle and fresh, like I said he would be, he’s run his race a little bit early on.

“Frankie was clear in his mind that in the last furlong the lack of a race (told) — but also his stamina was giving out.

“We were here for a trial today to find out if we went for the Derby or the St James’s Palace, and we’ll run in the St James’s Palace.

“I’m delighted with the horse, he might get 10 furlongs later in the year, but not fresh off a lay off — he was vulnerable off a lay off.

“He’d had two weeks walking, he’s run a solid race but it was a matter of stamina. If you are going to a Derby, you can’t go playing around — I wanted to come for a proper trial and we’ve had one.”

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UK RACING NEWS

STRADIVARIUS BACK WITH A WIN IN THE YORKSHIRE CUP Last season’s Champion Stayer, Stradivarius, set down a marker for a similar campaign, with victory in the Group Two Matchbook Yorkshire Cup at York.

Eight went to post in this 1 ¾ mile contest.

From the gates it was Sevenna Star who cut out the running with Mildenberger and this pair soon went five lengths clear of Southern France.

The order remained the same but in the home straight, Southern France and Ryan Moore went on towards the stands side.

From further back, Frankie Dettori was rousting Stradivarius along and whilst he hit a flat spot, he began to stay on.

The five year-old gradually wore down Southern France and was on top and three quarters of a length clear at the line, with five lengths back to Mildenberger in third.

Winning trainer John Gosden said: “Stradivarius is the best stayer I’ve trained but he’s never going to go and win by five lengths and show off – that’s not his style.

“The season will map itself. We haven’t trained him hard for this and the Gold Cup is a different ball game over two and a half miles.

“The pace was slowed right down, which wasn’t ideal, but I liked the way he showed a bit of grit at the end and he was a little ring-rusty so should come forward.

“He’s not the polished, finished article but we hope to have that right at Royal Ascot.”

MUSTASHRY LANDS AN EIGHTH LOCKINGE STAKES FOR SIR MICHAEL STOUTE Sir Michael Stoute extended his extraordinary record in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes to eight victories, 33 years after he secured his first, when Mustashry saw off the challenge of superstar filly Laurens to claim a stirring renewal of Newbury’s Flat showpiece on Saturday.

Mustashry pulled two and a half lengths clear

Image supplied by Newbury Racecourse

of five times Group 1 winner Laurens, ‘the Queen in the north’, with last year’s Queen Anne Stakes winner Accidental Agent third, to claim the contest for owner Hamdan Al Maktoum.

On only his second start in top level company Mustashry became the first six-year-old to win the opening Group 1 race for older horses of the British Flat season since Rakti 14 years ago and earned his trainer a first success for 13 years.

“We knew he was in very good shape,” said Stoute.

“He’s had his niggles over his career but I don’t think we’ve had him in better shape than he is here.

“I would think he would go for the Queen Anne but he is a versatile horse. He’s won at a mile and a quarter as well but I think the Queen Anne would be what Sheikh Hamdan would want to go for and would be the right move.”

Jockey Jim Crowley was experiencing his first taste of Lockinge success and said: “He is a really solid horse who has got better every year. He has beaten a good filly in second. He is just a proper horse. He won well today.”

Mustashry looks set to contest the Queen Anne Stakes next, in which the first three finishers are likely to lock horns again. Both Laurens and Accidental Agent came into the race without the benefit of a prep run unlike the winner.

Laurens’ trainer Karl Burke said: “She proved there that she is going to be a force in this division.

If she can boss it I don’t know, but against fillies you would have to wonder what can beat her. She’s ran a great race and I’m delighted with her.”

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NEWS UK RACING Accidental Agent was running on at the finish to get within half a length of Laurens and his Blewbury trainer Eve Johnson Houghton said: “I’ve been saying he needed it but he’s run so well. If he runs like that again he has another Group 1 in him which is so exciting. And he lost a front shoe as well.

It’s great to have him back because we had a lot of doubters. He’s our superstar.”

HELLO YOUMZAIN DELIVERS A SANDY LANE STAKES SHOCK Hello Youmzain put an end to Calyx’s unbeaten record in emphatic style in the Group Two Armstrong Aggregates Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park.

Just four horses lined-up for this six furlong race, but that was largely due to the presence of the unbeaten Calyx.

As the gates opened, it was Royal Intervention who led from Hello Youmzain and True Mason, as Calyx sat last of the quartet.

Royal Intervention continued to set the tempo from Hello Youmzain, as they headed to the two furlong pole, where Calyx and Rab Havlin began to close.

With a furlong to race though, Calyx seemed to falter and hung left - and Hello Youmzain stormed into the lead and romped clear under Kevin Stott, to beat Calyx by an easy three lengths.

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Calyx only just held off Royal Intervention for second, with True Mason last of the four.

The Kevin Ryan trained Hello Youmzain had seemed not to stay the seven furlongs of the Greenham Stakes and looks a major contender for the Commonwealth Cup.

BATTAASH PROVES UNSTOPPABLE IN THE TEMPLE STAKES Battaash was back to his awesome best with a commanding performance to win his second Group Two Armstrong Aggregates Temple Stakes at Haydock Park.

Six ran in this five furlong race, with plenty of Group One winners.

As the race got underway, it was Kachy who broke well with Caspian Prince, while Alpha Delphini also showed good early pace.

With two furlongs to race, Kachy went on, but Battaash cruised into the lead and quickly went clear.

At the furlong pole, Battassh was three lengths clear and absolutely unstoppable, winning easily from Alpha Delphini, with Mabs Cross a well held third.

This was a scintillating performance from Battaash, as he made it back to back wins in this race.

In the process he was capping a glorious half an hour for trainer Charlie Hills, who also won the Irish 2,000 Guineas with Phoenix Of Spain.

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CHANDLER’S LEAP and other stories from Warwick Racecourse ‘Chandler’s Leap and other stories from Warwick Racecourse’ is an intriguing treasure chest of stories concerning the long history of Warwick Racecourse.

The stories date back to the Great Fire of Warwick in 1694. From the ashes, rose a phoenix in 1707 - and the creation of a racecourse which has delivered a feast of champions, records, triumphs, tragedies and drama over the ensuing three centuries, beautifully recorded now for posterity, by Chris Pitt.

‘Chandler’s Leap and other stories from Warwick Racecourse’, charts the evolution of not only the racecourse, but the Sport of Kings and in many ways society.

It resurrects names long lost in the annals of time, such as Derby winner Coronation and the extraordinary Carlow – reported to have won a race aged 23 years old, right through to modern day champions like Long Run and Buveur D’Air. Warwick’s history of high class runners is a true testimony of the consistent quality of a racetrack situated in the Heart of England.

With forwards by 20-time Champion Jockey AP McCoy and Warwick Racecourse’s Ambassador, trainer Dan Skelton, this is a must-read book for anyone passionate about racing history.

Copies are available direct from Warwick Racecourse at a cost of £16.50 + £2.50 p&p (within the UK) www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/warwick Telephone 01926 405560 Email: warwick@thejockeyclub.co.uk

First class award winning horse racing photography since 1977 www.healyracing.ie Contact Pat Healy on +353 (0)86 877 6855 or email pat@healyracing.ie

NEWS IRISH RACING

NEVER NO MORE LANDS THE 2,000 GUINEAS TRIAL Never No More continued his progression, as he ended Madhmoon’s unbeaten record in the Listed Ballylinch Stud ‘Red Rocks’ 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes at Leopardstown.

Seven three year-old colts took their chances in this seven furlong contest on soft ground, with all eyes on the unbeaten Madhmoon.

At the break, it was Wargave and Copia Verborum who led from San Andreas and Never No More.

Settling down, Wargrave went into a length lead over Could Be King, with Madhmoon moving closer to the outside.

On the turn for home, Wargrave still led and tried to kick, with Could Be King under pressure and Madhmoon asked for his effort.

Madhmoon hit the front with a furlong to race, but was laboured to do so, while in behind, Never No More and Ryan Moore were in his slipstream.

Moore moved his charge out into a challenging position and he impressively picked up Madhmoon to go on and score by about half a length, with a couple of lengths back to Could Be King and Wargrave.

The Aidan O’Brien trained Never No More, a son of No Nay Never, had won the Madrid Handicap at Naas, on his recent return.

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

by a length from Chicas Amigas, with Iridessa to the outside and Black Magic Woman next.

But Lady Kaya travelled powerfully into the home straight and went two lengths clear very easily, with Iridessa unable to make any impression.

At the line, Lady Kaya was still two lengths clear of Happen, who finished well for second, ahead of Iridessa and Zagitova.

Sheila Lavery’s stable star Lady Kaya, had finished a fine second to Skitter Scatter, in last year’s Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes.

BROOME STORMS TO AN EMPHATIC WIN IN THE BALLYSAX STAKES Broome took his rivals apart with an exhilarating run in the Group Three P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown.

LADY KAYA SLAMS 1,000 GUINEAS RIVALS Lady Kaya proved much the best in the Group Three Ballylinch Stud ‘Priory Belle’ 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes at Leopardstown.

Fourteen three year old fillies contested this seven furlong race, which two years ago produced Winter.

As the race got underway, it was Chicas Amigas who led from Elleanthus.

Settling down, Lady Kaya was sent to the front from Chicas Amigas.

As they reached the home turn, Lady Kaya led

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IRISH RACING NEWS Six horses took part in this Derby trial over 10 furlongs.

At the break it was Sovereign who went on from Guaranteed and Sydney Opera House.

Guaranteed asserted and led from Sovereign, with the pair moving 10 lengths clear of Pythion and Sydney Opera House.

The front runners quickly came back to the field as they approached the home turn, with Guaranteed still just in front on the inside rail.

Sovereign straightened up in front, but Broome and Ryan Moore quickly swept to the front and stormed clear to beat Sovereign by a brilliant 10 length, with Pythion third and then Sydney Opera House.

Aidan O’Brien enjoyed a one-two here and Broome, a Group One runner-up at Longchamps last season, has clearly trained on and looks a live Derby candidate.

MISTER BLUE SKY LANDS FAIRYHOUSE GRADE TWO Mister Blue Sky was delivered with perfect timing to land the Grade Two Fairyhouse Racecourse Supporting Irish Injured Jockeys Association Novice Hurdle.

Six lined-up for this two-mile contest.

As the race got underway, it was Cash Back and All For Joy who led from Valdieu.

Cash Back established a clear lead leaving the stands, with All For Joy second and a break back to Valdieu and Éclair De Beaufeu, with Mister Blue Sky and Roll Again at the back.

The front two continued to lead by a wide margin over Éclair De Beaufeu, while Roll Again was detached from the rest.

At the third last, Cash Back and All For Joy were starting to come back to their pursuers, with Mister Blue Sky moving third on the home turn.

Two out and Cash Back just led from All For Joy, with Mister Blue Sky travelling powerfully to join him at the last.

The grey Mister Blue Sky landed narrowly in front, but Cash Back fought back.

However, Ruby Walsh galvanised Mister Blue

Sky on the flat and he got up by ¾ of a length from Cash Back, in a Willie Mullins one-two, with Valdieu a long way back in third.

DOMMAGE POUR TOI AND BLACKMORE IN GRADE TWO VICTORY Dommage Pour Toi caused a shock as he repelled his rivals in game style to land the Grade Two Fairyhouse Easter Festival Novice Hurdle.

A field of twelve took part in this 2 ½ mile contest.

At the start it was Dommage PourToi who led at the first from Castlebawn West and Harrie.

Settling down, Harrie and Patrick Mullins moved into a clear lead over Castlebawn West, Dommage Pour Toi and Cap York, with Zero Ten also close-up.

Harrie set off with a circuit to run and a two length advantage.

Five from home, Harrie led Dommage Pour Toi and Castlebawn West, with Zero Ten next and then Espanito Bello. Cap York began to tail off.

Three out and Harrie was joined by Zero Ten and Dommage Pour Toi, with Court Maid challenging to the outside and chased by Easy Game.

Zero Ten and Dommage Pour Toi took the last, with Easy Game finishing to some effect.

But Rachel Blackmore got more out of Dommage Pour Toi and held on from Zero Ten and Easy Game, to give Henry De Bromhead another big race win as he broke his maiden in fine style.

IMAGING SWOOPS LATE IN THE GLADNESS STAKES Imaging came with a late challenge to win the Group Three Gladness Stakes at Naas.

Nine horses took part in this seven furlong race, including plenty of old favourites, including the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Romanised and Jersey Stakes winner Le Brivido.

As the gates burst open, it was Psychedelic Funk, last year’s winner, who went into the lead from Texas Rock and Nebo.

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NEWS IRISH RACING Psychedelic Funk turned into the home straight to the inside of Texas Rock, with the paid three lengths clear of Smash Williams and the under pressure Nebo.

But with a furlong to race, the leaders came back to the field and Psychedelic Funk was all out on the rails.

However, Imaging and Oisin Orr, picked up along the wide outside and the Dermot Weld colt swept into the lead late on.

Imaging won by half a length from No Needs Never, with Le Brivido close to these in third and Smash Williams and the unlucky in running Romanised, close-up.

HONEYSUCKLE DELIVERS A FIRST GRADE ONE FOR RACHEL BLACKMORE Rachel Blackmore and Henry De Bromhead have enjoyed a fine season and the jockey sealed that with a first Irish Grade One aboard Honeysuckle, in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championships Final at Fairyhouse.

Sixteen went to post for this 2 ½ mile contest, including seven from the Willie Mullins stable.

As the tapes went up, it was Honeysuckle who led with Moskovite and Caravation, as the field took the first of ten flights.

MAGICAL IMPRESSES IN THE ALLEGED STAKES Magical stated her case to as one of the leading middle distance protagonists for 2019, as she romped to success in the Group Three Alleged Stakes at Naas.

A high quality renewal of this 1 ¼ mile race featured eight runners, including Classic winners Flag Of Honour and Latrobe.

From the stalls it was Mustajeer and Success Days who led, with Still Standing moving up to join the leaders.

Success Days bound into the lead from Flag Of Honour and Still Standing, with Magical next.

The leader was joined by Flag Of Honour and this pair raced two lengths clear of Still Standing and Magical, with a gap back to Mustajeer and Hazarpour.

Into the home straight, Flag Of Honour went on from Success Days who fought on gamely.

But with 1 ½ furlongs to race, Magical and Ryan Moore pressed on and quickly drew well clear.

At the line, Magical was four lengths clear of Flag Of Honour, with a similar gap back to Latrobe, who stayed on for third.

Aidan O’Brien’s filly Magical, had given superstar Enable a tough battle in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on her previous start and this performance creates keen anticipation for their rematch.

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Image supplied by Tattersalls Ireland

Moskovite pressed on with Caravation and this pair moved five lengths clear of Honeysuckle and Salsaretta, with Tintangle next.

Five out and Robin De Carlow fell, thankfully getting to her feet quickly.

Up front, Moskovite faded and Caravation led a bunching field, with Honeysuckle and Tintangle prominent and then Salsaretta and Eglantine Du Seuil.

Honeysuckle took over as they raced to the second last, with Tintanlge handy.

Running to the last, Honeysuckle found plenty for Rachel Blackmore and went clear but six lengths.

A good jump sealed an emphatic victory for Honeysuckle, with Elfile coming second and then Eglantine Du Seuil and Tintangle.

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IRISH RACING NEWS

VOIX DU REVE LANDS THE RYANAIR GOLD CUP Voix Du Reve had plenty in hand as he sauntered to victory in the Grade One Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase at Fairyhouse.

Just the five horses lined up for this 2 ½ mile contest.

As the race got underway, it was Mengli Khan who went on from Voix Du Reve, with a gap quickly forming to Cubomania, Real Steel and Winter Escape.

With a circuit to run, Mengli Khan led Voix Du Reve by a length, with the order in behind much the same.

Racing down the back, Mengli Khan continued to lead, moving 2 lengths clear of Voice Du Reve, with the chasing trio slightly closer, at the ninth last.

Six out and Voix Du Reve joined the leader and the pair moved further clear of Cubomania, Real Steel and Winter Escape.

Four out and Voix Du Reve touched down in front, but Cubomania sadly took a heavy fall.

Voix Du Reve and Ruby Walsh moved clear in the home straight, chased by Real Steel.

Racing to the last fence, Voix Du Reve had a three length advantage and jumped well.

Real Steel kept up the gallop but could not close, as Voix Du Reve won well in a Willie Mullins onetwo.

Winter Escape stayed on for a remote third, with Mengli Khan last of the four finishers.

FRENCH MADE HOLDS ON IN FAIRYHOUSE THRILLER French Made just held on at the finish to an exciting Grade Two Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Nine went to post for this two-mile contest and it was Way Back Home who took them along from French Made for much of the contest.

Ruby Walsh took closer order from the fourth last and French Made had gone on at the next flight, with Gardens Of Babylon and Couer Sublime closing.

On the home turn French Made had the call and drew away at the final flight.

However, Mark Walsh began to conjure a run from Gardens Of Babylon who began to close and it became close at the line, with French Made just holding on.

There was a gap back to Couer Sublime in fourth.

French Made was continuing the fine recent form of Willie Mullins.

RASHAAN BACK ON SONG AT FAIRYHOUSE Rashaan came back to his best form to land the Grade Two Keelings Irish Strawberry Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

A field of seven took part in this 2 ½ mile contest.

From the start it was Petit Mouchoir who went off into the lead from Not Many Left and Rashaan.

Petit Mouchoir and Rachel Blackmore moved a couple of length clear, heading into the home straight for the first time.

At the third, Wicklow Brave took a crashing fall and it was a relief to see him get up quickly.

Petit Mouchoir passed the post and headed out with a full circuit to race, leading Not Many Left and Rashaan, with Off You Go next and then Joey Sasa and Tombstone.

The field bunched racing down the back, with Petit Mouchoir still in front but seemingly not setting a strong gallop.

The pace quickened as Petit Mouchoir raced to the third from home, with Not Many Left and Off You Go still there, but Tombstone beginning to struggle.

Petit Mouchoir turned for home with Not Many Left throwing down a challenge.

There was littlebetween the pair two out, but Rashaan went on racing to the last and jumped it well, with Off You Go trying to close hard but unable to breach the gap.

At the line, Rashaan and Davy Russell were 1 ½ lengths clear of Not Many Left, who rallied late to pass Off You Go, with Petit Mouchoir keeping on a the one pace in fourth.

The Colin Kidd-trained seven year old Rashaan, had sprung to prominence four years ago as a juvenile hurdler and this was his biggest success since then.

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JETT MAKES ALL IN THE DEVENISH CHASE Jett put it all together on the day to run out a convincing winner of the Grade Two Devenish Chase at Fairyhouse.

Six horses contested this 2 ½ mile race.

The Storyteller and Jett were the early leaders.

The two horses collided at the second fence but were clear of Snow Falcon and Ordinary World, with Crosshue Boy between runners and Doctor Phoenix at the back.

The Storyteller narrowly led as the field set off on their final circuit, but was quickly passed by Jett.

Racing down the back, Jett moved 1 ½ lengths clear of The Storyteller, with a gap back to Ordinary World. At the back, Doctor Phoenix blundered badly and was under pressure in last place.

Jett raced to the sixth last still travelling well, with The Storyteller second and then Ordinary World and Snow Falcon.

With four to jump it was Jett who led and he turned for home with a two length lead over The Storyteller who was under pressure, while Snow Falcon gave chase and these three drew clear.

Jett raced to the second last with The Storyteller finding more to chase, while Snow Falcon had no more to give.

Jett and Robbie Power took the last well and bound clear on the run-in to win comfortably from The Storyteller and Ordinary World.

The Jessica Harrington trained Jett, was recording the biggest success to date in his career.

BURROWS SAINT LANDS A FIRST IRISH NATIONAL FOR WILLIE MULLINS Willie Mullins finally annexed the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse – and in some style, saddling four of the first five home led by Burrows Saint.

A maximum field of thirty lined-up and as the tapes went up, it was Total Recall who led to the first with Monbeg Notorious and Bellow Mome and

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Isleofhopeandreams, while Measureofmydreams went at the first.

At the fourth, Total Recall was clear of stable mate Acapella Bourgeois, while another Willie Mullins runner, Pairofbrowneyes, crashed out.

C’est Jersey fell at the sixth and hampered Valseur Lido and Down The Line.

Total Recall, meanwhile, stayed out of trouble at the front of the field under Patrick Mullins, with Acapella Bourgeois and Bellow Mome, while Any Second Now was a faller further back.

The leader raced back into the home straight with a two length lead over Acapella Bourgeois and Isleofhopeandreams, with General Principle, Whisperinthebreeze and Roaring Bull next.

Total Recall set off on the final circuit with a reduced lead over Acapella Bourgeois. Auvergnat pulled up at the back of the field.

Back into the back stretch, Total Recall, racing wide, led from Whisperinthebreeze and Acapella Bourgeois, with Bellow Mome just behind these.

Whisperinthebreeze went on as the early leader made an error and dropped away, while Acapella Bourgeois was second and the front two moved clear. Kimberlite Candy pulled up and Total Recall was not long in following.

Meanwhile, Whisperinthebreeze moved clear of Acapella Bourgeois and moved ten lengths clear of Burrows Saint giving chase and then Acapella Bourgeois and Bellow Mome.

The leader was slightly weary six out but still clear of Burrows Saint and Acapella Bourgeois.

The field began to close at the fifth last and the leader was caught by Burrows Saint and Acapella Bourgeois on the turn for the third last.

Burrows Saint and Acapella Bourgeois moved on from Isleofhopeandreams.

But Burrows Saint powered on at the second last from Acapella Bourgeois and Islepfhopeandreams, who chased hard to the last.

Burrows Saint took the last well under Ruby Walsh and held off Isleofhopeandreams, with Acapella Bourgeois staying on for third to complete a clean sweep for trainer Willie Mullins.

Snugsborough Benny stayed on for fourth, ahead of another Mullins runner in Bellow Mome, with Roaring Bull next home.

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IRISH RACING NEWS Mullins has had a magnificent season and his first Irish Grand National came just over a month after he had landed the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the first time too.

STRAIGHT FORWARD FOR MAGICAL IN THE MOORESBRIDGE STAKES Magical was confidently ridden to run out a convincing winner of the Group Two Coolmore Highland Reel Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh.

Four older horses ran in this ten-furlong race, with all eyes on the top class four year old filly Magical.

The King was slowly away and it was Flag Of Honour who went off three lengths in front of Magical, with Latrobe next.

Flag Of Honour strode further clear of stable mate Magical, with a similar gap to Latrobe and again back to The King.

The Irish St Leger winner Flag Of Honour, turned for home with a two-length advantage over Magical and with two furlongs to race, Ryan Moore moved Magical out to deliver her challenge.

The filly went on at the furlong pole and was kept up to her work to beat her three rivals, who finished in a bunch, by a couple of lengths.

It was an Aidan O’Brien trained one-two, as Flag Of Honour just claimed second from The King, with Latrobe racing between the pair.

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MAGICAL EASES TO TATTERSALLS GOLD CUP SUCCESS Magical outclassed her rivals with a facile success in the Group One Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.

Just five horses went to post for this 10 ½ furlong contest, with all eyes fixed on the top class filly Magical.

The Irish St Leger winner Flag Of Honour was soon into the lead and was three lengths clear of stable mate Magical, with Verbal Dexterity and Zihba matching strides, as Mustajeer sat last of the five runners.

Flag Of Honour maintained his three length advantage over Magical, who was maybe ten lengths ahead of the remaining trio, as the leaders turned for home.

Magical edged closer to her stable mate and ranged alongside Flag Of Honour at the two furlong pole.

She quickly asserted and was four lengths ahead at the furlong pole and stretching further clear.

At the line, Magical was maybe eight lengths clear of Flag Of Honour, with Mustajeer third.

The Ryan Moore ridden Magical was never in any danger here as she made it three wins from as many starts this season.

HERMOSA PULVERISES IRISH GUINEAS RIVALS Hermosa controlled affairs and slammed her rivals in a dominant display in the Group One Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

A field of ten fillies took part in the second Irish Classic of the year, over one mile.

The first Irish Classic of the year for fillies, got underway with an even break and the first to show were Hermosa, Foxtrot Liv and Pretty Pollyanna.

Settling down, Hermosa, on the rails, held a narrow lead from Foxtrot Liv and Pretty Pollyanna, with Just Wonderful and Iridessa next.

At halfway, Ryan Moore and Hermosa just shaded Foxtrot Liv and kicked on approaching the

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two furlong pole. At the back of the field, Qabala was behind a wall of horses and struggling and would never prove a factor.

Hermosa took a length out of her rivals and it was Pretty Pollyanna who gave chase, but was chasing shadows, as the leader streaked clear.

At the line, Hermosa was four lengths clear of Pretty Pollyanna, with Foxtrot Liv third and then Iridessa.

The victory gave Aidan O’Brien an eighth success in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and put to bed any arguments about who the best filly was.

GIGGINSTOWN TO GRADUALLY WIND DOWN OPERATIONS All-powerful Gigginstown House Stud is to wind down its operations, Eddie O’Leary has announced.

The shock announcement indicated that scalingback will begin with immediate effect, as O’Leary announced the operation will not be restocking at the store sales.

Speaking on behalf of his brother Michael O’Leary, Eddie O’Leary was reported by the Racing Post to have said: “Michael’s children are now growing with their activities, leaving less and less time for racing last season and for the foreseeable future.

“We’ve just had our best season ever in terms of winners and it’s been an amazing year capped

by Tiger Roll winning the Grand National for the second time last month.

“We have lots of young stock to be allocated among our trainers over the coming weeks and each

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IRISH RACING NEWS of our trainers will receive their usual allocation of young point-to-pointers.”

Trainer Gordon Elliott, who has saddled many of Gigginstown’s biggest winners, including dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll and Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Don Cossack, is sure to feel the loss of horses keenly, having inherited many after their 2016 split with Willie Mullins.

Henry de Bromhead, Noel Meade and Joseph O’Brien are the other Gigginstown trainers, with Pat Doyle and Mouse Morris handling the pointto-pointers.

Morris had trained War Of Attrition to win the 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the eary big successes for the operation.

2019 PUNCHESTOWN FESTIVAL KLASSICAL DREAM SCORES AT PUNCHESTOWN Klassical Dream backed up his Cheltenham Festival success with another victory in the Grade One Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Six went to post for this two-mile, 100 yard contest.

Felix Desjy led Klassical Dream over the first flight and moved a couple of lengths clear, with a gap quickly opening to Quick Grabim and Champagne Platinum.

There was little change in the order, as the Aintree winner Felix Desjy continued to set the tempo from Klassical Dream and Ruby Walsh.

Leaving the back and taking the third last, Klassical Dream edged closer to the leader, while Champagne Platinum had moved third, but a long way back.

Klassical Dream went clear on the home turn and straightened up with a widening lead.

He took the final flight eight lengths clear and was just kept up to his work by Walsh, for a decisive win.

Felix Desjy came second, with Mister Blue Sky well back in third.

UN DE SCEAUX RULES AGAIN IN THE BOYLESPORTS CHAMPION CHASE

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

Micheal O’Leary added: “We wish to sincerely thank all our trainers and their teams for the enormous success we’ve enjoyed over the past decade, but as my children are growing into teenagers I’m spending more and more of my time at their activities and I have less and less time for National Hunt racing, a situation that will continue for the foreseeable future.

“I hope that by running down our string over an extended four-or-five-year period it will give our trainers ample time to replace our horses without disruption.”

Un De Sceaux belied his years to make it back to back victories in the Grade One BoyleSports Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival.

As the rain fell, the tape went up and it was Un De Sceaux and Ordinary World who shared the lead from Min. Un De Sceaux and Paul Townend went on, with Min keeping close tabs on his stable mate and the two soon drew clear.

The leader left the back and took the fourth last with Min trying to keep up and the pair well clear of Great Field and Castlegrace Paddy.

Min appeared less exuberant as they took the second last and Ruby Walsh was asking Min for more on the home turn.

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© www.healyracing.ie

Un De Sceaux skipped over the second last with his rival labouring.

At the last Un De Sceaux was four lengths clear and a great jumped sealed a famous victory for this popular horse.

It was a one-two for Willie Mullins, with Min taking second, clear of Castlegrace Paddy.

DELTA MAKES SHORT WORK OF PUNCHESTOWN RIVALS Delta Work won in a manner that suggested he has serious Gold Cup credentials in 2020, as he easily won the Grade One Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Eight lined-up for this three-mile ½ a furlong race.

The race got underway with Drovers Lane setting the pace from Discorama and Articulum.

There was little change in the order as Drovers Lane took the field along, but Articulum inched ahead with a circuit to race.

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

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Articulum took the tenth with a length lead over Getabird, with Drovers Lane third and then a slight gap to the remainder. Winter Escape made a bad error at the tail of the field.

Six out and the field began to bunch behind Drovers Lane, while Chris’s Dream was losing touch.

Leaving the back, Articulum moved back ahead of Drovers Lane and Getabird, with A Plus Tard and Delta Work closing.

Four from home and Getabird made a jolting error.

Delta Work pressed on at the third from home, while Articulum pulled up.

The leader turned into the straight with A Plus Tard challenging but under pressure and these two went clear of Drovers Lane.

But Delta Work had this well sewn up and moved clear at the last, jumping well and sauntering to a very wide-margin victory.

Discorama stayed on for second, with A Plus Tard third and Drovers Lane was last of four to complete.

MINELLA INDO DOUBLES UP AT PUNCHESTOWN Minella Indo made it successive Festival victories as he landed the Grade One Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Allaho took the field along for much of the race, while Commander Of Fleet and Defi Bleu pulled up with a circuit to run.

Rachel Blackmore bided her time on Minella Indo and made her move in the straight, powering on to a two-length success over the Willie Mullins pair, Allaho and Carefully Selected.

Winning trainer Henry De Bromhead, commented: “I thought turning in Ruby had us all gone but he just stays so well.

“Rachael said as soon as she pulled him out he took off and he pricked his ears coming to the last.

“It’s lovely to come here and win this on top of the Albert Bartlett. I’m a bit lost for words to be honest, just delighted.

“Chasing is the plan next season. That’s what he was bought to do, he won a point-to-point, and that will be the plan.”

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IRISH RACING NEWS

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

KEMBOY WINS TITANIC SCRAP FOR PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP In an enthralling race, Kemboy out-lasted his Gold Cup winning stable mate Al Boum Photo, to land the Grade One Punchestown Gold Cup. Kemboy and Definitely Red set a testing pace and Ruby Walsh was still to the fore on the second circuit.

Early on the final circuit, Snow Falcon made a calamitous blunder at the eighth and all but lost his rider and any chance he had.

Gradually Kemboy’s rivals fell away, with Monalee pulling up and Sub Lieutenant pulling up, while Definitly Red eventually succumbed as they raced to the third last, where Bellshill was under pressure.

However, Paul Townend and Al Boum Photo had not been shaken off and whilst last year’s winner Bellshill, could not close in the straight, the former was still stalking Kemboy.

The outcome was uncertain two out, but Kemboy found much more on the approach to the last and jumped it well.

Al Boum Photo rallied gamely but Kemboy had enough in hand to record a famous win in a Willie Mullins one-two, with The Storyteller a parish back in third, ahead of Bellshill.

COLREEVY JUST CHAMPION AT PUNCHESTOWN Colreevy was a gutsy winner of the Racing Post App Champion INH. Flat Race for The Conyngham Cup at Punchestown.

Colreevy and Golden Spread were soon to the fore and the Mullins pair led from House Island and Mt Leinster.

The front pair continued to ace in tandem ahead of House Island and Abacadabras and Beacon Edge, with Mt Leinster still in contention.

Racing to the end of the back straight, the field bunched behind Colreevy and Golden Spread.

Turning for home, Colreevy edged a length clear of Golden Spread and Beacon Edge and she moved further clear in the straight.

Inside the final furlong, Colreevy was closed down by Abacadabras and Embittered, but Jamie Codd and the long-time leader held on.

At the line, Colreevy was still holding on to win by a length from Abacadabras, with Embittered and Beacon Edge next, as Willie Mullins lifted another Grade One.

GYPSY ISLAND POWERS TO EMPHATIC WIN Gypsy Island looked a star in the making as she blitzed her rivals in the Grade Three Weatherbys General Stud Book Irish EBF Mares Flat Race at the Punchestown Festival.

Colreevy, the earlier Grade One winner, had finished behind Gypsy Island on her prior start, a clear pointer to the mare’s chances.

Fifteen went to post for the final race on the second day of the Punchestown Festival.

At the off it was Jeremys Flame and Darrens Hope who took them along, with the former quickly moving three lengths clear.

Jeremys Flame continued to lead down the back from Darrens Hope who moved closer, with Minella Melody next.

Turning for home, Minella Melody went on, but Gypsy Island cruised upsides and stormed away under Derek O’Connor.

Gypsy Island went further clear for a most impressive victory, with Daylight Katie second and then Minella Melody.

The Pater Fahy trained five year-old was making it four wins from five starts.

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CHACUN POUR SOI ANNOUNCES HIMSELF AT PUNCHESTOWN Chacun Pour Soi was a brilliant winner of the Grade One Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Seven went to post for this two-mile contest, with Aintree Grade One winner Ornua, taking them along from Voix Du Reve.

Us And Them went at the third fence, while Defi Du Seuil also blundered on the way round.

Racing down the back, Ornua built up a three length lead over Duc De Genievres and Voix Du Reve.

However, leaving the back and racing to four from home, the field closed on Ornua, who led by two lengths from Duc De Genievres, while Chacun Pour Soi travelled powerfully into contention.

Turning for home, Duc De Genievres went on with Chacun Pour Soi travelling well and he went on at the second last, moving clear as he raced to the last.

The exciting French import Chacun Pour Soi and Robbie Power were clear, but Defi Du Seuil gave chase to make a race of it.

However, the leader had plenty in reserve and took the last well and Chacun Pour Soi powered clear on the flat for a most taking victory.

The Willie Mullins trained Chacun Pour Soir looked a real superstar in the making, having only won a beginners’ chase prior to this race of champions. JLT winner Defi Du Seuil took second, with Arkle winner Duc De Genievre third.

UNOWHATIMEANHARRY ROLLS BACK THE YEARS AT PUNCHESTOWN Unowhatimeanharry was very much back in the big time as he landed a dramatic race for the Grade One Ladbrokes Champion Stayer Hurdle at Punchestown.

A field of ten took part in this three-mile race.

At flag fall, it was Killultagh Vic who led from Unowhatimeanharry and Cracking Smart.

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Image supplied by Newbury Racecourse

Racing into the straight for the first time, Killultagh Vic led by about 1 ½ lengths from Unowhatimeanharry and Cracking Smart, with Bacardys next and then Aux Ptits Soins.

With a circuit to race, there was little change in the order, with Killultagh Vic a couple of lengths ahead.

Down the back straight, the field began to bunch up behind the leader, who took the fourth from home with a length lead from Unowhatimeanharry and Aux Ptits Soins, with Bapaume moving closer.

Turning for home, Unowhatimeanharry came to challenge Killultagh Vic, with Aux Ptits Soins on the rails and then Bapaume and Vision Des Flos.

Killultagh Vic found plenty, but his resolution folded ahead of the last flight, where Unowhatimeanharry led from the improving Vision Des Flos.

As Unowhatimeanharry cleared the flight, Vision Des Flos made a dreadful error which brought him to a standstill. Further back, Not Many Left took a crashing fall and thankfully was up alright.

Unowhatimeanharry and Mark Walsh were left clear and won by three lengths, with Bacardys staying on for second, past Bapaume.

The Harry Fry trained Unowhatimeanharry, had landed this prize in 2017 too, but this victory was less expected, given he is now in the veteran stage.

Fry said afterwards: “I’m over the moon. We brought a lorry load here and if we could pick any of them to win this week it would be him but to be honest he was possibly the least likely. He’s just thrived since he’s come over here, and the change of scenery appears to have sparked him up.”

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IRISH RACING NEWS

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

BUVEUR D’AIR ALL CLASS IN THE PUNCHESTOWN CHAMPION HURDLE Buveur D’Air was back to his very best as he slammed a class field in the Grade One Betdq Punchestown Champion Hurdle.

A sumptuous seven lined-up for this two-mile contest.

Melon and Apple’s Jade led to the first, with Petit Mouchoir coming to join these and going on.

Heading out with a circuit to race, Petit Mouchoir led by three lengths from Melon and Apple’s Jade, with Summerville Boy and Buveur D’Air next.

Racing out of the back and towards the third last, the order remained the same, with Petit Mouchoir still travelling well up front.

However, Melon closed on the leader from then, as Apple’s Jade came under pressure.

Turning for home, Petit Mouchoir kicked, with

Melon under pressure – but Buveur D’Air smoothly made progress to take it up and took the last flight going away.

Davy Russell kept the dual Champion Hurdler winner up to his work for an emphatic win from Supasundae, who stayed on for second, while Wicklow Brave took third from Petit Mouchoir.

RESERVE TANK HOLDS THE ACES AT PUNCHESTOWN Reserve Tank lived up to his name with an abundance of resolve to land the Grade One Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Eleven horses went to post for this 2 ½ mile race.

Royal Rendezvous went on from All For Joy in the early stages.

All For Joy was a faller at the second, leaving Royal Rendezvous a long way clear of Reserve Tank and Dommage Pour Toi.

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NEWS IRISH RACING Gradually the field closed on the leader but Royal Rendezvous continued to travel well from Reserve Tank and Dommage Pour Toi. Reserve Tank went on three out with Dommage Pour Toi and City Island challenging with Gallant John Joe. Into the home straight, Reserve Tank was challenged by Sams Profile and the two took the last together.

Reserve Tank found more on the flat for Robbie Power to go clear, but Sams Profile raillied to close late on.

But Reserve Tank held on narrowly, with Eglantine Du Seuil taking third.

BENIE DES DIEUX BACK ON SONG AT PUNCHESTOWN Benie Des Dieux consigned her Cheltenham fall to history as she bounced back to win the Grade One Irish Stallion Farms EBF Annie Power Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.

A field of five lined-up here, including three from the all-conquering Willie Mullins stable.

Stormy Ireland jumped off in front, but Tintangle lost many lengths at the start and was effectively tailed off.

Stormy Ireland continued to lead from Good Thyne Tara and Beniue Des Dieux and then came With Discretion and the remote Tintangle.

That was the order, with a circuit to race.

The front trio, all trained by Willie Mullins, were a few lengths clear of With Discretion at halfway, while Tintangle pulled up.

Racing to the second last, Stormy Ireland led by a couple of lengths from Benie Des Dieux, who was in hot pursuit, while Good Thyne Tara had weakened.

Heading to the last flight, Benie Des Dieux and Paul Townend went on and flew the last, powering clear for an easy win.

Second home came Stormy Ireland, with Good Thyne Tara making it a clean sweep for Willie Mullins.

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FUSIL RAFFLES MAKES UP FOR LOST TIME Fusil Raffles, absent since sustaining a nasty cut in February, made up for lost time with victory in the Grade One AES Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown.

Five juveniles lined-up for this two-mile contest.

Fakir D’oudairies and French Made disputed the lead early on, but it was the former who stretched into a four length lead down the back.

The leader was chased by French Made and Fusil Raffles, with a gap back to Coko Beach and Way Back Home.

With three to jump, Fakir D’oudairies was three lengths clear of Fusil Raffles and French Made.

The leader was challenged two out by Fusil Raffles, but Derek O’Connor tried to kick on the home turn, with Fusil Raffles travelling well.

At the last, Fusil Raffles went on from Fakir D’oudaries and the Nicky Henderson runner kept on to beat Fakir D’oudairies by a couple of lengths, with French Made third.

SPENCER MASTERPIECE AS MR LUPTON LANDS THE GREENLANDS STAKES Jamie Spencer rode the perfect race to bring Mr Lupton from last to first in the Group Two Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh.

A field of nine took part in this six furlong sprint.

From the stalls it was Ardhoomey who lead from Speak In Colours and Gobi Desert, with the three close-up.

Ardhoomey led to the halfway point with Speak In Colours the grey and Gobi Desert, with Chessman behind these.

Speak In Colours headed Ardhoomey, but from the stands side, Jamie Spencer brought Mr Lupton from last to first for a narrow win.

Gordon Lord Byron took third.

This was a masterpiece ride from Jamie Spencer, as the Richard Fahey runner recorded his biggest career success to date.

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IRISH RACING NEWS

PHOENIX OF SPAIN STORMS TO IRISH 2,000 GUINEAS GLORY Phoenix Of Spain slammed his rivals with a brilliant performance in the Group One Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

A field of fourteen colts lined-up for a fascinating renewal of this one mile Classic.

As this keenly anticipated race got underway, it was an even break, with Phoenix Of Spain well up with Skardu and Magna Grecia, with Guaranteed up there through the first furlong.

Settling down, Emaraaty Ana went on from Phoenix Of Spain and this pair took them through halfway, with Too Darn Hot to the outside and being niggled along.

At the three furlong pole, Phoenix Of Spain led with Too Darn Hot under pressure to close, with Magna Grecia failing to pick up.

But Phoenix Of Spain and Jamie Spencer cleared away most impressively for a three length win over Too Darn Hot, reversing two year old form emphatically.

Decrypt ran on well to pip Skardu for third.

The Charlie Hills trained grey Phoenix Of Spain, became the first colt in 45 years to win the Irish 2,000 Guineas on his seasonal debut.

He had been trained for a crack at the English or French Guineas, but a minor issue kept him off the track until the Curragh.

“It was very impressive. We were slightly concerned with the draw in one and were really concious to get a good start. We just didn’t want to get stuck on the rail in behind a few,” said Hills.

“Luckily he jumped good. The plan wasn’t really to make the running but Jamie gave him an absolute peach and he’s some horse.

“To sustain that gallop all the way through and he just keeps lengthening. He’s a big horse and whatever he did last year was a bonus. He’s got a hell of a future ahead of him.

“We had a setback in January which put us back three or four weeks and it’s always hard chasing a horse to get ready for an English Guineas.

“We did get him there but unfortunately we had a dirty scope prior to the race so we couldn’t run.

“We had given him a racecourse gallop at Newmarket on Craven week and the week after that he scoped dirty, Who knows it might have been a blessing in disguise.

“He had some fantastic form last year when he was beaten by Too Darn Hot and Magna Grecia.

“He’s got a great family on the dam’s side and he’s by a fantastic sire in Lope De Vega. Whatever he was going to go he was going to be better at three.

“At Doncaster things didn’t work out for us.

Unfortunately we just got too far back and if we had rode him a little bit more like today I think he would nearly have won that race.

“I had my first classic winner here with Just The Judge back in 2013. That was a tremendous thrill and this is very special as well.

“It’s so great for the owners, Ann and Tony, who have put so much into the sport over recent years and they deserve every success they get.

“We’ll obviously enjoy today and then sit back down in a couple of days time and prepare him for Ascot and the St James Palace.

“After that we’re really looking forward to stepping him up to a mile-and-a-quarter. He has an Eclipse entry as well.”

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BESHAAYIR MAKES ALL IN THE LANWADES AT THE CURRAGH Beshaayir did it the hard way as she made all to win the Group Two Lanwades Stud Stakes at the Curragh.

Seven older fillies and mares took part in this one mile race, with William Haggas bringing two contenders over from Newmarket.

At the off it was one of those fillies, Beshaayir, who went on from Shekiba and this pair went five lengths clear.

Into the home straight, Beshaayir continued to lead from Shekiba, with Normandel three lengths back and a couple clear of the rest.

The leader appeared to see off Shekiba at the two furlong pole, but her stable mate One Master began to improve.

At the furlong pole, Beshaayir’s lead was reduced as the pack closed.

But she held on under Frankie Dettori to beat I Can Fly and Red Tea, with One Master fourth.

RUBY WALSH RETIRES AFTER KEMBOY TRIUMPH Ruby Walsh, one of the great jockeys of the Century, announced his retirement immediately after Kemboy’s success in the Grade One Punchestown Gold Cup. Walsh, who turns 40 in a couple of weeks, is a 12-time Irish Champion Jockey, a remarkable feat given his long association with Paul Nicholls at DItcheat.

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Walsh landed two Grand Nationals, memorably aboard Papillon, for his father, in 2000 – and the pair duly followed-up with Commanche Court in the Irish Grand National a few days later.

Ruby Walsh won the Aintree spectacle again in 2005 on Hedgehunter.

With Paul Nicholls, he won two Gold Cups on Kauto Star and also rode Denman, Big Buck’s and Master Minded among a galaxy of stars.

In 2013, Walsh decided to focus on Willie Mullins runners and forged memorable partnerhships with Hurricane Fly (two-time Champion Hurdle winner), Faugheen (2015 Champion Hurdle), Annie Power (2016 Champion Hurdle), Vautour, Un De Sceaux and Kemboy, among many outstanding horses.

Walsh retires having won 59 Cheltenham Festival winners.

Image supplied by The Jockey Club

PAT SMULLEN ANNOUNCED AS LONGINES IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND AMBASSADOR Horse Racing Ireland and the Longines Irish Champions Weekend Committee are delighted to announce that Pat Smullen will be the racing ambassador for this year’s Longines Irish Champions Weekend.

In his new role, Smullen, the nine-time champion jockey, will be involved in the promotion of the sixth renewal of one of the world’s leading racing festivals to be held at Leopardstown Racecourse and the Curragh Racecourse on the weekend of September 14 and 15.

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IRISH RACING NEWS jockey in Ireland. There is no doubting that he was one of the great jockeys and the way he has faced up to his recent challenges marks him out as a true champion. We are very excited that Pat has come on board as the Longines Irish Champions Weekend ambassador and we will all be working hard to make the weekend a success and fulfil Pat’s fundraising ambitions for pancreatic cancer research.”

For the first time, Longines Irish Champions Weekend will include a number of fundraising activities and events with all proceeds going towards the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Pat Smullen said: “I was made acutely aware of the great work that is being done in the area of pancreatic cancer research and my objective is to return to my carers three things: awareness, funds and gratitude. Being involved with the greatest show in town is exciting for me and I appreciate the support of the Longines Irish Champions Weekend committee, Leopardstown and the Curragh in my efforts.”

Brian Kavanagh, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “Pat Smullen is the perfect fit for Longines Irish Champions Weekend being a nine-time champion

TRAGEDY AS GUINEAS RUNNERUP LADY KAYA IS PUT DOWN Lady Kaya, second in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, has tragically lost her life, following a gallops accident.

Trainer Sheila Lavery announced on Twitter that the filly had broken a leg whilst being prepared for a crack at the Group One Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

The daughter of Dandy Man had given a great account of herself at two, but sprang to Classic prominence when beating Happen by 2 ½ lengths in the Group Three 1,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown, in early April.

Whilst stamina doubts prevailed, she stayed the Newmarket mile well to finish a length second to Hermosa.

Image supplied by Goffs

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SISKIN BLITZES HIS RIVALS IN THE RAILWAY STAKES The Prince Khalid Abdullah silks have been carried with great distinction down the years and he looked to have another top class colt as Siskin was a brilliant winner of the Group Two GAIN Railway Stakes.

A fascinating field of six took part in this six furlong race for some of the top two year-olds so far this season.

Siskin was well away, by Romero and Fort Myers went on.

At halfway, Romero had a narrow lead from Fort Myers, with Siskin quickly going on at the two furlong marker.

Monarch Of Egypt tried to follow him through, but Siskin and Colin Keane drew right away in the style of a high class colt.

Late on, Monarch Of Egypt closed a little, but at the line the margin was still 2 ½ lengths.

Further back, Fort Myers and Real Force finished together.

Afterwards, winning trainer Ger Lyons, who was recoding a treble on the card, said: “First and foremost it’s a huge result to be training for these people in the first place. To get a good one so early in our career with them is a bonus.

“Credit to them because they let me do what I wanted to do with him. I didn’t want to go to Ascot, I could have been rushed into that, but they let me do what I wanted.

“I’m just one of those lucky lads because things are falling together for us. We have the best jockey in the country riding for us and Juddmonte are on the team now.

“Even if they try not to give me a good horse I’m going to get a good horse!

“My job is to just use the experience we’ve had in 20 years looking for these horses. We should know what we’re doing at this stage and it’s nice to have one.”

When asked if the First Defence colt could go all the way to the top he responded:- “I don’t know about going all the way, I wasn’t confident about winning today.

“You don’t win over here until you win because

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of who you are taking on. The plan was to come here and then go to the Phoenix.

“If we got beat today then we had to make a second plan but at the moment we’re still on track.

“As Teddy said it’s grand when a plan works.

After the Marble Hill this was my immediate plan, and it was rude of me to be fair because I said it without discussing it with the owners.

“I’ve been beat in the Coventry and it’s a lonely place to be in second or third. I love having winners in Ireland. If we have to travel I’ll travel but I want to win races in Ireland.

“It’s not about what I want to do but when I said that was my plan they backed me 100 percent.

“I made the entry at Ascot because I felt guilty after sort of forcing this route on them. On the Sunday morning before Ascot Teddy said ‘what do you want to do’ and I said I wanted to stick to the plan.

“At this minute the plan is still in tact.

“It’s a great day but you are as good as your last winner. You couldn’t pick me up off the ground the past week and people were telling me the horses were out of form.

“We’re in a very competitive game over here and you can’t win every race. This is a huge bonus.

“I said to Kerri in the stands that this is a cruel game because I’ve had two winners but if this doesn’t win I’m going to go home disappointed. That’s the game we’re in.

“Hopefully we can get this guy in one piece to the Phoenix and hopefully he’s still the best around at the time.

“He doesn’t excite you, he’s actually the opposite as he keeps you calm. I just know that he’s going to go out and do it.

“I keep expecting Aidan to pull one out of the hat, because he normally does, and when he does none of us will be surprised but hopefully I can win that Group One.” Keane said:- “He’s been very straight forward from day one, and he makes my job very easy.

“He settles and when you give a squeeze he goes away and does it. He’s a brilliant horse to have in the yard.

“I gave him a flick of the stick as I wasn’t sure where Ryan was and I didn’t want him to come and do me.

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IRISH RACING NEWS “I think he can go further as he’s so easy to ride and settles so well but time will tell.

“He walks around with his head in between his knees, and walking back in he doesn’t get fussed up about it.”

TWILIGHT PAYMENT ALL HEART IN CURRAGH CUP VICTORY Jim Bolger’s Twilight Payment showed a willing attitude to fight back and claim the Group Two Comer International Group Curragh Cup. This 1 ¾ mile contest attracted a competitive field of ten.

The field were all loaded when a fire alarm went off, resulting in the stands being evacuated and causing a delay.

After a delay of roughly five minutes, the race got underway, with Raa Atoll going on from Twilight Payment, who soon went on from Latrobe.

Twilight Payment bowled along in front under Kevin Manning and moved two lengths clear of Latrobe and there was a gap then to Western Australia and Raa Atoll.

Heading to the turn into the long home straight, Twilight Payment was still a couple of lengths clear of the field, with Latrobe still his nearest pursuer.

Manning was soon asking his mount for more and Latrobe came to challenge approaching the furlong pole.

Latrobe just about got his head in front, but next to the rails, Twilight Payment found more for a game victory, with a gap back to Raa Atoll in third.

ALBIGNA SPROUTS WINGS AT THE CURRAGH Albigna turned on the turbos late on to win the Group Two Airlie Stud Stakes at the Curragh.

Ten juvenile fillies lined up for this six furlong race.

At the off it was an even break and Ickworth and Windham Belle showed good early speed to lead.

Settling down, Windham Belle took them along from Peace Charter to the stands’ side.

Windham Belle passed the two furlong pole but

was passed by Ickworth, while Peach Charter and Precious Moments delivered their challenges to the stands’ side.

Precious Moments appeared to have it sewn up, but from miles back, Albigna and Shane Foley began to storm home and got up to win by ½ a length, going away.

The Jessica Harrington trained Albigna, a daughter of Zoffany, was making it two from two, having won at the Curragh in late May.

IRIDESSA BACK WITH A BANG IN THE PRETTY POLLY STAKES Joseph O’Brien’s Iridessa came back to her best form to win the Group One Juddmonte Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.

A small cut select field of five fillies and mares took part in this 1 ¼ mile contest.

At the break it was Magic Wand who was the early leader from Iridessa and Wild Illusion, with Pink Dogwood and Worth Waiting settled at the back.

Wild Illusion and James Doyle pressed on into the lead from Magic Wand and Iridessa.

The Godolphin filly was first to turn for home, holding a narrow lead from Magic Wand to her outer, with Iridessa and Pink Dogwood, while Worth Waiting was struggling in last.

At the two furlong pole, Magic Wand pressed on but was chased by Iridessa.

Wayne Lordan and Iridessa hit the front inside the final furlong, but Magic Wand appeared to have to be snatched up.

However, any interference was marginal and Iridessa went on to win by a couple of lengths from Magic Wand, with Pink Dogwood a laboured third and then Wild Illusion.

“She won very well and it was a huge performance. Wayne gave her a lovely ride and the race worked out well for her. I’m over the moon,” said the winning trainer.

“It was very strong race. There wasn’t a big field, but there were some very very good fillies in the race.

“We were hopeful, and confident of a good run from her. The lads at home felt that she was as good as she has been all year.

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“Obviously the step up in distance was a big help to her as well.

“It was fairly obvious from her pedigree that she should step up once she went up in trip, but obviously you don’t always know that until you do it.

“She ran well here in the Guineas. She had to battle for her position through the race and she still ran on well.

“She seemed to improve as she went on last year and naturally she carries condition and she’s strong and hardy.

“That’s obviously a career-best again today and she’s progressed with each run so far this year.”

O’Brien is now turning his attentions towards the Kerrygold-sponsored Irish Oaks next.

“We’ll see how she comes out of this. Obviously against her own age group it would probably make

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sense to go to the Oaks,” he said.

“It would be the logical step, but at the same time she won today like a pacey filly. We’ll get her home and have the conversation then.”

SOVEREIGN DELIVERS AN ALMIGHTY SHOCK IN THE IRISH DERBY Aidan O’Brien duly landed his 13th Irish Derby with a clean sweep, but it was a shock outcome, as Sovereign won the Group One Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

Eight ran in one of Ireland’s biggest races of the whole year, over 1 ½ miles of the Curragh.

As the race got underway, Sovereign, just as he

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IRISH RACING NEWS had at Epsom, went straight into the lead, under Padraig Beggy, with Norway keeping him company, as the pair moved five lengths clear of Anthony Van Dyck and Guaranteed.

Sovereign pressed on and moved a couple of lengths clear of Norway, with a much wider gap to Guaranteed, with another break to Anthony Van Dyck and Madhmoon, with the field well strung out.

Up front, Sovereign continued to bowl along, with Norway giving chase and a long gap to Guaranteed and Anthony Van Dyck, as they turned into the home straight.

Norway soon came under pressure in the home straight, but Sovereign kept up the gallop and moved four lengths clear.

At the furlong pole, Anthony Van Dyck was staying on into a remote second, but never threatened to close on the long-time leader.

Sovereign and Beggy passed the post six lengths clear of Anthony Van Dyck, with Norway just holding off Madhmoon for third.

“They were all there and they were all trying their best,” said O’Brien.

“It was all very straight forward. Everyone knew Padraig was going to lead and Seamus was going to follow him. He’s a very honest-to-god horse.

“The race maybe unfolded a little bit unusually.

What happened was that Donnacha’s horse missed the break, he came out very slow, and everyone might have expected him to fill the third position.

“Then Kevin decided to take up that position.

The lads had a nice lead but they were still close enough.

“Padraig set perfect fractions, increased it from halfway and he wasn’t for stopping.

“This horse had a very good run last year when Donnacha rode him in the Beresford ahead of Japan.

“He won his maiden by ten lengths in Galway before that and it was always there. He’s a Galileo and when they start galloping they usually don’t stop.

“I’m delighted for Padraig and everyone involved with him.

“It was going to be a solid race. It was going to be a full mile-and-half and this track lends itself to that.

“They have to get the trip. This place is very uncomplicated and there is nowhere to hide out there.

“The winner is a staying horse and he’s going to stay well. He won’t mind going the Leger trip.

“He’s a great solid horse to have because he’ll jump and he’ll go along in any kind of a good race.

“He could go to the King George or go to Grand Prix de Paris in France and then could have a break and go to the Leger.

“He’s a solid horse and very uncomplicated.

Padraig gave him a great ride.

“Ryan’s horse ran very well. He was the only horse to chase after him but probably Padraig was gone at the time.

“I thought he ran very well. We were going to decide with him after this whether we go to the Grand Prix de Paris or the King George.

“I’d say they are still options as there was nothing wrong with the run.

“Broome never got going at all.”

Padraig Beggy said:- “I’m over the moon. This would be more important to me (than the Epsom Derby) as an Irishman, the Irish Derby.

“I served my time with Kevin Prendergast just up the road and this was the race that you grew up wanting to win. That was my main aim as an apprentice.

“I’m just very, very lucky that I’ve won the English and the Irish Derby. That is down to a big group of people but I would have to say mainly Aidan O’Brien to put me on. Aidan would give you confidence and that helps.

“I just got into a lovely comfortable rhythm and I felt like I could go quicker all through the race. My horse really enjoyed here, a big galloping track.

“I knew I was after quickening and lengthening up the straight. I did think that something would be coming to me, and when I was close enough to have a peep at the big screen I knew I was clear. I just said ‘keep him organised to the line now, you’ve won’. Dreams come true!

“It will take a while to sink in. Two things I set out as a kid to achieve were the Irish Derby and the English Derby, so that’s not too bad!”

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BELLAFINA PUTS A MARKER DOWN FOR THE KENTUCKY OAKS

SPICED PERFECTION HOLDS ON IN THE MADISON STAKES

Bellafina put up an authoritative performance as she bossed the Grade One Santa Anita Oaks.

Just the four went to post for this 8 ½ furlong contest on the dirt, but it was a case of quality over quantity.

There was an even break and it was Flor De La Mar who went on into the first bend, with Slewgoodtobetrue second and Chasing Yesterday, moving up between the two.

Heading into the back, it was Chasing Yesterday who went to the front but three lengths covered the quartet.

With three furlongs to race, Flor De La mar went back to the lead on the inside, but at the two, Bellafina, racing wide, hit the front and she turned for home and poured it on.

Inside the final furlong, Bellafina put distance between herself and her rivals to win by four lengths from Flor De La Mar and Chasing Yesterday.

Spiced Perfection and Amy’s Challenge delivered a compelling dual down the Keeneland home stretch, with the former just holding on to land the Grade One Madison Stakes.

Nine four year-old fillies contested this seven furlong contest on the dirt.

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS At the break it was Spiced Perfection who led with Amy’s Challenge and Cathedral Reader.

Settling down, Amy’s Challenge went on from Spiced Perfection.

At the top of the stretch, Amy’s Challenge and Spiced Perfection shot clear of the field and battled all the way down the home stretch.

Spiced Perfection and Javier Castellano appeared to gain the day with 1 ½ furlongs to race, but against the rails, Amy’s Challenge fought back and began to close again.

But the wire came too soon and Spiced Perfection held on for a narrow victory, while Late Night Pow Wow came home a remote third.

WORLD OF TROUBLE ON TOP IN THE CARTER HANDICAP World Of Trouble was a decisive winner of the Grade One Carter Handicap at Aqueduct.

Eight contested this seven furlong dash on the dirt.

Skyler’s Scramjet broke and took the lead, but World Of Trouble was also close up.

Settling down, Skyler’s Scrampjet disputed the lead, racing wide, with Honor Up to the inside.

World Of Trouble to the outside, hit the front in the home stretch and moved a length clear – Skyler’s Scramjet kept on well, but was ¾ of a length down at the wire.

Honor Up took third, with Vino Rosso fourth.

© Keeneland Photo

have gone on to win the Oaks, including Monomoy Girl last year.

Out for a Spin, whose two previous victories from four starts had come over wet tracks, tracked favoured Jaywalk, the champion 2-year-old filly of 2018, through fractions of :23.19 and :46.46.

On the far turn, Restless Rider ranged up to make it a three-way scramble before Jaywalk began to fade.

Restless Rider appeared to take aim on Out for a Spin, but with Paco Lopez riding the rail, Out for a Spin surged again to prevail by a neck.

VEKOMA LANDS THE BLUE GRASS STAKES Gatsas Stable and R.A. Hill Stable’s Vekoma took command from Somelikeithotbrown in the middle of the far turn and went on to post a 3½-length victory over Win Win Win in the 95th running of the Toyota Blue Grass a Keeneland.

OUT FOR A SPIN A SHOCK WINNER OF THE CENTRAL BANK ASHLAND Commonwealth Stable’s Out for a Spin, turned back a challenge from Restless Rider in the stretch to win the 82nd running of the Grade One Central Bank Ashland at Keeneland.

The race for 3-year-old fillies, over 8 ½ furlongs, saw Out for a Spin hold on by a neck.

Her victory earned her 100 points on the road to the Kentucky Oaks, to be run on May 3rd at Churchill Downs.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING Trained by George Weaver and ridden by Javier Castellano, Vekoma covered the 1 1/8 miles on a fast main track in 1:50.93. It was the first victory in the race for Weaver and Castellano.

Vekoma became first horse since Coaltown in 1948 to win the race in only his fourth career start.

The victory was worth 100 points on the road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, which takes place on May 4th.

Win Win Win, who rallied to get second by a nose over Signalman, picked up 40 points to boost his total to 50 (14th). Signalman added 20 points to boost his total to 38 (18th) and Somelikeitbrown added 10 points to increase his total to 30 (22nd).

Somelikeithotbrown took the early lead out of post position one with Vekoma closely tracking in second through fractions of :23.26, :47.03 and 1:11.55. On the far turn, Castellano sent Vekoma after the leader and, entering the stretch, quickly opened up.

Signalman moved into second at midstretch only to have Win Win Win nip him at the wire for the runner-up spot.

TACITUS ON TOP IN THE WOOD MEMORIAL STAKES Tacitus furthered his Kentucky Derby credentials with victory in the Grade Two Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct.

Eleven went to post for this nine furlong contest.

Tax and Joevia went on from the break, with Tacitus tucked in behind these.

As they entered the back stretch, Joevia and Not That Brady moved eight lengths clear.

At the top of the stretch, Not That Brady saw off Joevia, but was quickly caught and passed by Tax and Tacitus.

The two settled down to a fine battle, with Tacitus and Jose Ortiz getting the better of the argument to win by a length from Tax, with Haikal coming home third and Math Wizard fourth.

Racing in the Juddmonte colours, the Bill Mott trained Tacitus is likely to head to the Kentucky Derby next.

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ROADSTER SCORES IN THE SANTA ANITA DERBY Roadster is on the journey to Churchill Downs after landing the Santa Anita Derby.

Six lined-up for this nine-furlong contest.

As they sextet left the stalls, it was Instagrand who went into the lead as they headed into the first bend, with Nolo Contesto in second.

Instagrand set a moderate pace into the back stretch, with Nolo Contesto second and then Synthesis.

Racing towards the end of the stretch, Game Winner moved up on the outside, with a wide gap back to Roadster.

At the top of the stretch, Instagrand still led from Game Winner, while Roadster began to sprout wings down the outside.

Roadster took up the running under Mike Smith, with a furlong to race, with Game Winner unable to close/ At the line, Roadster was half a length up on stable mate Game Winner, in a Bob Baffert onetwo. Instagrand took third.

GIFT BOX WINS A THRILLER FOR THE SANTA ANITA HANDICAP Gift Box got the better of a titanic struggle with McKenzie, for the Grade One Santa Anita Handicap.

Six older horses rook part in this 10 furlong race on the dirt.

From the gates it was Prime Attraction who took the field along, with McKenzie also well away.

Into the first turn, Prime Attraction led at a moderate pace from Gift Box and McKenzie, with Mongolian Groom fourth, a long way clear of Prince Of Arabia and Campaign.

The order was still the same as they headed towards the end of the back stretch, with Prime Attraction still setting the fractions.

On the home bend, Gift Box went into the lead, with McKenzie coming to challenge – and the two pulled clear for a thrilling battle.

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS In a desperately tight finish, Gift Box edged the verdict under Joel Rosario, to beat McKenzie by a nose, with the pair well clear of Mongolian Groom.

BEAUTY GENERATION STROLLS TO VICTORY IN THE CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY Beauty Generation cemented his sky high reputation with an impressive victory in the Group Two Chairman’s Trophy at Sha Tin. A field of nine contested this one mile contest, with all eyes on Beauty Generation.

At the break it was Beauty Generation who went to the front with Mission Tycoon, the pair drawn wide, but soon moving across to the inside.

Beauty Generation and Zac Purton took them along from Mission Tycoon and Conte.

Turning for home, Beauty Generation had the call from Mission Tycoon, who was under pressure, while Conte was also under a ride. To the outside, Pakistan Star improved.

But in the home straight, Beauty Generation had plenty in hand to win comfortably, with Eagle Way storming down the wide outside fast and late for second, ahead of Pakistan Star.

SHAMAN MAKES ALL IN THE PRIX LA FORCE Shaman looked a smashing prospect as he repelled all challengers to make all in the Group Three Prix La Force at Longchamp.

A field of seven contested this nine-furlong race.

At the off it was a fairly even break, with a scrimmage for the early lead, which was won by Shaman.

Settling down, Shaman held the lead from Urwald and Sottass, with Veronesi next.

Shaman continued to lead and reached the home straight with Urwald and Sottass, while Veronesi came under pressure.

Urwald challenged but next to the rails, Maxime Guyon found more from Shaman and whilst Rockemperor finished fast and late, it was not enough.

Shaman won by half a length, with Roman Candle coming third.

RATTAN UPSETS THE BIG GUNS IN THE SPRINT CUP Rattan caused a surprise as he ran down his rivals to land the Sprint Cup at Sha Tin. A field of six took part in this six furlong race.

Mr Stunning went on from Rattan, who broke best.

Heading into the home bend, Mr Stunning held a length lead from Beat The Clock and Rattan, with Pingwu Spark behind these.

Into the home straight, Beat The Clock challenged Mr Stunning who found more, while Rattan chased them both down.

Rattan and Chad Schofield found the best turn of foot and late on got up to beat Beat The Clock and Mr Stunning in a thrilling finish.

PLATANE LANDS THE PRIX VANTEAUX Platane advertised her Classic pretensions with a hard fought success in the Group Three Prix Vanteaux at Longchamp.

Eight three year old-fillies ran in this ninefurlong race.

The race got underway with Platane leading with Zighidi.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING Settling down, Zighidi went two lengths clear of Lady Te, with Platane next.

Zighidi and Lay Te continued to set the tempo with Etoile moving closer as the field reached the home straight.

Zighidi was joined by Lady Te, while to the outside, Platane came to join the fray and on the inside, Etoile challenged.

It quickly developed into a two-horse battled with Platane just holding the upper hand to beat Etoile, with Lady Te in third.

Platane’s victory brought up a double for the Wertheimers and trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias.

MORGAN LE FAYE IMPRESSES IN THE PRIX ZARKAVA Andre Fabre saw a top class performance from the exciting Morgan Le Faye, who won the Listed Prix Zarkava - Fonds Europeen de l’Elevage with contemptuous ease at ParisLongchamp.

A dozen fillies and mares contested this 10 ½ furlong race.

At the break it was An even break, with Hermaphrodite and Arusha prominent.

Settling down, Magnolia Springs and the grey Cheshmeh shared the lead from Amazing Lips.

Magnolia Springs took up the running and went a length clear of Amazing Lips, with Cheshmeh to the inside and Lady Athena racing wider.

As they turned for home, Amazing Lips galloped over Magnolia Springs and hit the front, but the long-time leader fought back.

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However, to the outside, Shahnaza came with a run and burst into the lead, but was followed through

by Morgan Le Faye and Mickael Barzalona.

Morgan Le Faye simply breezed past Shahnaza and coasted to a smooth three length win in the Godolphin silks, with Shahnaza second and Lady Sidney in third.

GHAIYYATH MAKES A SENSATIONAL RETURN IN THE PRIX D’HARCOURT Ghaiyyath was a brilliant winner of the Group Two Prix d’Harcourt at Paris Longchamp.

Seven older horses competed in this mile and a quarter race, with Godolphin responsible for four of the field.

At the gates it was Ghaiyyath who led from Nocturnal Fox and Soleil Marin, with Volfango to the inside.

Image supplied by Goffs

Ghaiyyath and William Buick moved three lengths clear of Nocturnal Fox and continued to stride well, moving six lengths clear into the false straight.

At the home turn, Ghaiyyath was ten lengths clear and pouring it on in emphatic fashion.

Nothing could get close and Ghaiyyath stormed to an easy win, easing down to beat Soleil Marin by two lengths, with Intellogent third.

Charlie Appleby and Buick enjoyed a terrific Dubai Carnival and look to have another serious horse in Ghaiyyath, a one-time Derby hope who missed much of his three year-old season through injury.

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS

THE MACKEM BULLET IMPRESSES IN THE APPALACHIAN STAKES

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The Mackem Bullet revelled in the conditions and slammed her rivals in the Grade Two Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland.

Eleven three year-old fillies went to post for this one mile contest on rain-sodden turf.

There was a very even break and The Mackem Bullet was up with the early pace with Catch A Thrill, with Clause to the inside.

Into the back stretch, Catch A Thrill led by half a length from The Mackem Bullet and Clause, with Angel Alessandra to the wide outside and then Princesa Carolina and Hard Legacy.

They reached the end of the back and Catch A Thrill still led The Mackem Bullet, who swept into the lead early in the home straight.

The Mackem Bullet opened up by five lengths and although Regal Glory came out of the pack to chase her, she never got nearer than two lengths to the former Brian Ellison trained filly. Third home came Princesa Carolina.

Now trained by Wes Ward, The Mackem Bullet still holds an entry in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

DELTA PRINCE LEAVES IT LATE TO LAND THE MAKERS’ 46 MILE Delta Prince came from last to first to win the Grade One Makers’ 46 Mile Stakes at Keeneland.

A field of eight went to post on the turf track.

At the break it was Raging Bull to the inside and heart To Heart on the outside, who were best away.

Heart To Heart led into the first bend, but was joined by Great Wide Open, into the back stretch.

The front two raced four lengths clear of Qurbaan, with a firther gap to Clyde’s Image.

Into the home stretch, the leaders faded and the race complexion changed.

Clyde’s Image hit the front, but was immediately challenged on either flank, with Qurbaan to the inside and Delta Prince, settled in last and way off the pace for much of the race.

Javier Castellano brought Delta Prince with a perfectly-timed run down the outside, to beat Clyde’s Image by a comfortably couple of lengths.

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WINX GOES OUT IN WINX STYLE IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES Winx ended her illustrious career with another fabulous performance to win the Group One Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick Park.

All eyes beforehand were on Winx, the worldrecord breaking mare, on what was intended to be her final race.

There was a true carnival atmosphere among the packed stands, as the great mare and pilot Hugh Bowman went to the start of this 10-furlong race, facing eight rivals, including some familiar names.

Winx was the last one to load.

As the gates burst open, there were further huge roars from the crowd and it was Hartnell who went on with Harlem prominent and Winx settled just off the pace.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING Mask Of Time pressed on from Harlem and Hartnell, with Happy Clapper behind these, as Bowman dropped Winx back.

Harlem began to move up on Mask Of Time, with Hartnell still travelling well and followed by Happy Clapper.

Bowman began to move Winx up on the outside and she cut through the field on the home bend.

Straightening up, Kluger went on, but Winx swept through at her imperious best for a third Queen Elizabeth, in her own inimitable style.

Winx beat Kluger by about 1 ½ lengths, with Hartnell third and Happy Clapper fourth, to end her career with 33 straight victories.

BIG BROTHERS PRIDE SCORCHES TO SUCCESS IN THE PRIX SIGY The filly Big Brothers Pride proved a cut above her rivals with an impressive victory in the Group Three Prix Sigy at Chantilly.

Eight lined-up for this 5 ½ furlong race, with three British trained runners.

Barbill broke well to the wide outside, with Big Brothers Pride and Vintage Brut also prominent.

Big Brothers Pride pressed on towards the stands side under Pierre-Charles Boudot.

The leader extended his advantage with a furlong to race and moved well clear for an emphatic win by four lengths from Happy Odyssey, with Kenbaio back in third.

RUSHING FALL MAKES ALL IN THE JENNY WILEY STAKES

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Rushing Fall and Javier Castellano led into the back stretch from Princess Warrior.

At the top of the stretch, there was no change, although the sprint was on into the home stretch, where Rushing Fall moved three lengths clear.

With a furlong to race, Rymska and Got Stormy closed, but Rushing Fall saw them all of impressively.

At the wire, Rushing Fall was still a length to the good over Rymska, with Got Stormy a close third and Onthemoonagain finishing well in fourth.

Rushing Fall was coming here from a four month lay-off and did it well as she led home a Chad Brown one-two.

BEAT THE CLOCK TIMES IT TO PERFECTION IN SHA TIN Beat The Clock got the best of a tactical race to land the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin. A field of nine contested this Group One race over six furlongs.

RUSHING FALL IMAGE The talented Rushing Fall confirmed that she retains all her ability as she made all to land the Grade One Coolmore Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland.

A field of eight fillies and mares took part in this 8 ½ furlong contest on the turf.

At the break it was Rushing Fall who went on and led into the first turn, narrowly from Princess Warrior to the outside, with Phantom Opening on the inside rail.

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS At the break it was Rattan who was away best and led from Little Giant and Beat The Clock.

Settling down, Rattan had the call from Japanese mare Nac Venus, with Little Giant and Beat The Clock next.

On the home bend, Rattan led and kicked, with Nac Venus and Beat The Clock.

Beat The Clock began to reel in the leader and got up in the final half a furlong to beat Rattan by about ¼ of a length, with Little Giant right on their coattails. The Australian hope Santa Ana Lane was too far back and finished well to close in fourth, but the leaders had flown.

Third home came Simply Brilliant and then Seasons Bloom, but they were all playing second fiddle to Hong Kong’s superstar, who was making it nine wins on the trot.

WIN BRIGHT LIFTS THE QE II CUP FOR JAPAN

BEAUTY GENERATION EFFORTLESS IN THE FWD CHAMPIONS MILE Beauty Generation was leagues better than his rivals as he landed the FWD Champions Mile with disdain at Sha Tin. Seven took part in this Group One contest, but all eyes were on Beauty Generation.

From the gats Beauty Generation was in front and led Simply Brilliant and Singapore Sling.

But Beauty Generation and Zac Purton had control and led Romantic Touch and Singapore Sling, reaching the home turn with a two length lead and travelling powerfully.

Beauty Generaton easily pulled three lengths clear with Purton hardly moving.

Singapore Sling was all out for second but simply could not make any impression on the imperious Beauty Generation, who passed the post a facile winner.

Image supplied by Hong Kong Jockey Club

Image supplied by Hong Kong Jockey Club

Win Bright came fast and late to win the FWD QE II Cup at Sha Tin. Thirteen ran in this ten furlong Group One. At the break it was Glorious Forever who went on into the lead from Time Warp and Pakistan Star, who broke best.

Time Warp pressed on down the back straight and moved a couple of lengths clear of Glorious Forever, with Pakistan Star still in third and then Furore and Win Bright.

Glorious Forever close up on Time Warp approaching the home turn, while Eminent dropped away and was eased down.

Into the straight Time Warp led but Glorious Forever edged on, only to be passed by Pakistan Star, who squeezed between the two horses.

Pakistan Star looked set for the victory, but a group of horses quickened down the outside and engulfed him.

It was the Japanese-trained Win Bright, under Masami Matsuoka, who showed the best turn of foot to win from Exultant and Lys Gracieux.

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WALDGEIST TAKES THE PRIX GANAY BY STORM Waldgeist dismantled his rivals with a superb performance to lift the Group One Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp.

Five older horses of the highest calibre, contested Europe’s first top level race of the year, over 10 ½ furlongs.

There was no clear leader from the gates and eventually, Study Of Man, last year’s Prix du Jockey Club winner, went on, under sufferance.

However, William Buick decided to take Ghaiyyath to the head of affairs, as he had done three weeks earlier.

Ghaiyyath led Study Of Man and Waldgeist, with Soleil Marin and Intellogent.

The leader turned into the home straight with a 1 ½ length advantage over Study Of Man, with Waldgeist a length further back.

Cartiem ran out a narrow winner of the Group Three Prix Penelope at Saint-Cloud.

A field of four went to post for this 10 ½ furlong trial for the Prix de Diane.

From the gates it was Phoceene who led, but the pace was slow, with Agnes second and then Cartiem and Romanciere.

Turning for home, Phoceene still led, with Cartiem tracking her but pushed along by Cristian Demuro, with two-furlongs to race.

Phoceene found more, but late on she tired and Cartiem wore her down late on to win by a neck, with Romanciere third.

PLUMATIC BACK TO FORM Plumatic got the better of a tight finish to deny Olmedo in the Group Two Prix du Muguet at Saint-Cloud.

Seven lined-up for this mile race.

From the gates it was Tornibush who led from Graphite, but Ostilio quickly pulled his way to the front.

Ostilio failed to settle even when in front, and turned for home ahead of Olmedo and Tornibush.

The leader was soon pushed along and Olmedo swept into the lead, but was unable to repel the wide challenge of Plumatic and Vincent Cheminaud, who got up by a neck.

A close third came Mer Et Nuages.

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Ghaiyyath was asked to lengthen two furlongs out, but was gradually overhauled by Waldgeist and Study Of Man. It was Waldgeist and Pierre-Charles Boudot, who went on - and in the final furlong drew clear in taking fashion, slamming his rivals by four lengths from Study Of Man, who just edged Ghaiyyath for second place.

The Andre Fabre trained Waldgeist has continued to improve with age and at five, could be set for another big year.

Cartiem edges to Prix Penelope victory

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ROMAN CANDLE TRIUMPHS IN THE PRIX GREFFULHE

SHE’S A JULIE STAMINA WINS THE LA TROIENNE

Andre Fabre’s fine spring continued as Roman Candle lifted the Group Two Prix Greffulhe, a notable Derby Trial, at Saint-Cloud.

Five went to post for this 10 ½ furlong race and it was Pappalino who went on from Roman Candle and Goya Senora.

There was little change in the order and Pappalino turned for home a length ahead of Roman Candle.

However, Mickael Barzalona got to work inside the final furlong and whilst Pappalino proved stubborn, Roman Candle got up by a neck, with Starmaniac third.

She’s A Julie got the better of the chase as she overhauled Secret Spice to win the Grade One La Troienne Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Ten older fillies and mares took part in this 8 ½ furlong race on the dirt.

At the break it was She’s A Julie to the inside who was away best, but into the first turn, the grey Awe Emma got the call from Secret Spice and Divine Miss Grey.

At the top of the stretch, Awe Emma was joined

by Secret Spice, who moved clear into the straight, chased by She’s A Julie.

She’s A Julie continued to wear down Secret Spice and finally got up a few strides from the wire.

Blue Prize took third place.

MCKINZIE STORMS TO ALYSHEBA SUCCESS Mike Smith and Bob Baffert got the Derby Meeting off to a flyer as McKinzie annihilated his rivals in the Grade Two Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Eleven horses contested this big prize over 8 ½ furlongs, on a sloppy dirt track.

From the gates it was Tom’s D’Etat and McKinzie who disputed the lead from Bourbon Resolution.

Tom’s D’Etat saw off McKinzie approaching the home stretch, but the latter rallied and went on.

McKinzie stormed away from his rivals for a dominant victory by four lengths from Tom’s D’Etat and Seeking The Soul.

Earlier on the card, Newspaperofrecord, on her seasonal debut, suffered a shock defeat at the hands of in the Edgewood Stakes.

Newspaperofrecord led for much of the race from Fortunate Girl and turned for home with a wide lead.

Into the home stretch, Newspaperofrecord began to tire as Concrete Rose wore her down and shot away to win by four lengths, with Winter Sunset third.

SERENGETI EMPRESS WINS THE KENTUCKY OAKS Serengeti Empress made virtually all of the running to win the Grade One Longines Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.

A field of fourteen three year-old fillies contested this historic nine-furlong race on the dirt.

At the break Positive Spirit was squeezed, clipped heels and fell; thankfully she was up OK. Meanwhile the rest of the field headed into the first bend, with Serengeti Empress leading from Motion Emotion and Jaywalk.

Heading into the back stretch, Serengeti Empress moved three lengths clear of Motion Emotion and Lady Apple.

At the top of the stretch, Serengeti Empress led but Liora challenged the leader in the home stretch, with the pair clear.

Serengeti Empress was not for passing though and Jose Ortiz drew away from Liora to win by 1 ½ lengths, with four lengths back to Lady Apple and Champagne Anyone, with Bellafina fifth.

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MIA MISCHIEF TAKES THE HUMANA DISTAFF Mia Mischief, always up with the pace, claimed the Grade One Humana Distaff at Churchill Downs.

Seven went to post for this seven furlong contest on the dirt.

From the gates it was Mia Mischief who led from Amy’s Challenge.

Amy’s Challenge pressed on into the home straight with Mia Mischief still on the premises.

Into the straight, Mia Mischief shot clear and went into a four length lead.

Marley’s Freedom began to close and got to within two lengths, but no nearer, as Mia Mischief claimed the spoils. Amy’s Challenge held on for fourth.

BEAU RECALL STORMS TO DISTAFF VICTORY Beau Recall came fast and late to win the Grade Two Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Ten ran in this one mile contest, with Take These Chains the early pace-setter.

Heading into the back stretch, it was Take These Chains who led by 2 ½ lengths from Valedictorian and Capla Temptress.

However, the leader raced very wide and conceded her lead quickly to Capla Temptress and Valedictorian.

It was Capla Temptress who led on the turn for home but Got Stormy swept through and into a two length lead, looking set for victory.

However, Beau Recall and Irad Ortiz Jr flew down the wide outside and her momentum carried her to a 1 ½ length victory over Got Stormy and Daddy Is A Legend.

MITOLE AN EXCITING WINNER OF THE CHURCHILL DOWNS STAKES Mitole looked a star of the future as he took the Grade One Churchill Downs Stakes by storm.

Eleven ran in this seven furlong race on the dirt.

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The race got underway with Promises Fulfilled leading.

Settling down in the back stretch, Bobby’s Wicked One went on from Promises Fulfilled and Mitole.

Into the home stretch, Promises Fulfilled and Mitole came to challenge Bobby’s Wicked One on the inside.

It was Mitole who struck the front and while Bobby’s Wicked One was stubborn and fought back, the former passed the post with a four length lead. Promises Fulfilled took third.

DIGITAL AGE MAKES IT THREE FROM THREE IN THE AMERICAN TURF STAKES Tattersalls Graduate Digital Age, extended his unbeaten record with a strong finish to land the Grade Two American Turf Stakes.

Thirteen ran in this 8 ½ furlong contest.

From the break it was Marquee Prince who led with A Thread Of Blue, who went on into the first turn.

A Thread Of Blue took the field into the back stretch with a length lead over Marquee Prince and Social Paranoia, with Casa Creed next and then Forever Mo. At the top of the stretch, A Thread Of Blue still held the lead and turned for home with a two length lead.

The leader faltered in the final furlong and it became desperate, with Digital Age flying down the wide outside under Irad Ortiz Jr. The unbeaten Digital Age made it three from three with a comfortable length victory over A Thread Of Blue and Social Paranoia.

BRICKS AND MORTAR IMPRESSES AT CHURCHILL DOWNS Bricks And Mortar had the best turn of foot as he was delivered late to land the Grade One Old Forester Turf Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Thirteen took part in this nine furlong race.

Qurbaan was well away, but it was Markitoff who led Clyde’s Image into the back stretch, with

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS Qurbaan to the inside.

The pace was not strong as Markitoff continued to lead into the top of the stretch.

As they reached the home stretch Clyde’s Image challenged Markitoff, with Qurbaan still third and then Prime Attraction, while Bricks And Mortar began to close.

Qurbaan got to the lead inside the furlong pole, but his dash for glory was inevitably short-lived, as Bricks And Mortar came flying down the outside.

Bricks And Mortar got there in time under Irad Ortiz Jr. to win well from Qurbaan, followed by Clyde’s Image and Raging Bull.

KENTUCKY DERBY SENSATION AS MAXIMUM SECURITY IS DISQUALIFIED AND COUNTRY HOUSE WINS Maximum Security simply would not yield in an attritional race for the Grade One Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, but was unable to overcomel a Stewards’ decision, which saw him disqualified in favour of Country House.

Nineteen horses set off for the Run for the Roses, over ten furlongs.

Heavy rain meant that the track conditions became sloppy ahead of the 145th renewal.

As the race finally got underway, it was Maximum Security, Long Range Toddy and Vekoma who broke best, with Bodexpress coming to join them on the outside.

Into the first bend, Maximum Security had the lead on the inside from Long Range Toddy and Bodexpress, with War Of Will just behind these and then Improbably and Vekoma.

Luis Saez continued to dictate on Maximum Security at the top of the stretch.

Into the home stretch, Code Of Honor stormed through on the inside of Maximum Security, but Country House on the outside challenged.

However, Maximum Security was all guts and dug so deep to battle back.

At the line, the Jason Servis trained colt was remarkably going away again for an amazing victory.

Country House made an audacious bid for glory

under Flavien Prat and was rewarded with second, with Code Of Honor taking third.

That effort from the runner-up would ultimately prove significant.

Having passed the post first and clearly being the best horse in the race, a long, drawn-out Stewards’ Enquiry followed, leaving Maximum Security unconfirmed.

The reason was that Maximum Security had changed lanes on the home bend, impeding horses as he did so and compromising their chances.

The Stewards deliberated whether those horses might have placed and therefore whether or not Maximum Security would be thrown out.

Country House who finished second, was marginally affected.

But the Stewards decided the interference – which affected Long Range Toddy and War Of Wills most, was enough to change the result.

So Bill Mott trained Country House to a shock 65/1 victory in the Kentucky Derby.

Code Of Honor was promoted to second, with Tacitus third.

CHANNEL MAKER LANDS THE MAN O’ WAR STAKES Channel Maker cruelly cut down Hunting Horn’s audacious front-running bid late on, to win the Grade One Man O# War Stakes at Belmont Park.

Nine horses went to post for this one mile, three furlong contest on good ground.

From the gates it was an even break and Hunting Horn went on and led at a good pace into the first bend, with Epical 2 ½ lengths second and then came Channel Maker and Village King, with the field well strung out.

Hunting Horn and Michael Hussey headed into the back stretch with a three-length lead over Epical.

At the far turn, Hunting Horn was six lengths clear, with Epical under pressure.

He turned for home still miles clear, with Channel Maker and Magic Wand closing.

Channel Maker began to mow down the leader late on and Joel Rosario’s mount hit the front in the final 100 yards.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING Further back Magic Wand closed but was onepaced and Arklow flew home down the outside.

At the wire, Channel Maker was a length to the good over Arklow, with Magic Wand third and Hunting Horn fourth.

The Bill Mott trained five year old is an established turf star in North America and was conceding weight to all of his rivals.

PERSIAN KING WINS THE FRENCH GUINEAS Persian King quickened to the inside to land the Group One Emirates Poule d’Essai dea Poulains, better known as the French 2,000 Guineas, at ParisLongchamp.

Eleven three year-old colts lined-up in this one mile contest.

From the gates, it was Shaman who broke well but Senza Limiti went on.

Senza Limiti moved 1 ½ lengths clear of Shaman, with Duke Of Hazard third and then Munitions.

Into the home straight, Senza Limiti still led, with Duke Of Hazzard to the inside, while Persian King picked up on the inside.

Persian King hit the front inside the furlong and whilst ridden out, was just under a length clear of Shaman and San Donato at the line.

The Andre Fabre colt had beaten Newmarket 2,000 Guineas winner Magna Grecia, at Newmarket last autumn.

CASTLE LADY WINS A THRILLER FOR THE FRENCH 1,000 GUINEAS Castle Lady narrowly got up to give Godolphin a French Classic Guineas double in the Group One Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, also known as the French 1,000 Guineas, at ParisLonchamp.

Ten three year-old fillies contested this one mile Classic.

Imperial Charm took the field along with Suphala.

The front two set a fairly sedate early pace and turned for home a length ahead of Matematica and Castle Lady.

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Imperial Charm kicked for home in the straight and had most of her rivals under pressure.

But Matematica got by and then Castle Lady swept through to lead under Mickael Barzalona.

Castle Lady looked booked for a decisive win however Commes stormed home down the inside to join the Godolphin filly on the line in a very close finish.

East came from off the pace to finish a strong third, with Imperial Charm fourth.

Castle Lady was called the winner, giving trainer Henri-Alex Pantall a first success in the French Classic.

For Godolphin it proved a landmark success, for it was the 300th Group One victory for the team, who first tasted victory at the highest level, when Balanchine landed the 1994 Oaks at Epsom.

BENIE DES DIEUX STORMS TO FRENCH CHAMPION HURDLE GLORY Benie Des Dieux powered to a remorseless victory, beating last year’s winner De Bon Coeur in the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil (French Champion Hurdle).

The mare was one of five Willie Mullins runners in the contest and she settled well in behind pacesetters Galop Marin and De Bon Coeur.

Yorkhill settled at the back of the field, while Melon ran in snatches. Mr Adjudicator raced well off the pace but a succession of blunders hampered his chances.

Melon dropped to the back of the field on the final circuit and ran a disappointing race.

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS Turning for home, Paul Townend took Benie Des Dieux to the stands side, while stable mate Yorkhill improved from the back to appear a challenger on the inside, momentarily.

But he was no match for the mare who hit the front two out, and went clear to win by six and a half lengths from De Bon Coeur, with Berjou third and Bapaume fourth in the Rich Ricci colours of the winner.

“I was surprised how easily she did it,” Mullins told Sky Sports Racing.

“De Bon Coeur appeared to be travelling so well the whole way. I could see Paul travelling well, too, but I thought De Bon Coeur might have more and they decided to come on the outside down the back and we stuck to the inside.

“I don’t know whether that was a winning or losing move, but our mare did it nicely and Bapaume ran on to be fourth.

“However, I was disappointed with my other runners. They all have excuses, but I’m very happy for Rich Ricci’s two horses.”

He went on: “We only raced her in the mares’ races because they were there and winnable and we’re lucky enough to have horses to run in the other races. I wouldn’t have any problem running against the geldings with her.

“I did think she’d stay. I didn’t know if she was good enough.”

Townend had gone into the race not certain if Benie Des Dieux would stay.

He said: “The trip was an unknown, but we felt she would stay.

“I got a good run round. I was able to follow the favourite and it couldn’t have gone sweeter or smoother for me, and she picked up really well.

When I went for her, she pulled out loads.

“We always thought she was very good and stepping up to that trip she was able to go within herself so well.

“It went very straightforward for me - as it normally does when you have a willing partner.”

War Of Will lands the 144th Preakness Stakes War Of Will got the perfect break on the final turn to win the Grade One Preakness Stakes at Pimlico.

The 144th renewal of this Triple Crown contest attracted a field of thirteen horses for this 9 ½ furlong contest, with the first three home in the Kentucky

Derby all absent and no Maximum Security, the horse who was disqualified.

At the break Bodexpress unseated John Velasquez. Meanwhile, Warrior’s Charge led from Mark King and Anothertwistafate.

Warrior’s Charge headed into the back stretch with the field well strung out but soon starting to bunch.

At the top of the stretch, Warrior’s Charge led from ANothertwistafate and Always Winning, while War OF Will got a lovely opening on the inside rail.

War Of Will and Tyler Gaffalione went on from Warrior’s Charge and moved a couple of lengths clear.

Late on Everfast and Owndale finished fast, but the Mark Casse trained War Of Will was 1 ¼ lengths clear of Everfast at the wire.

GOLIATH DU BERLAIS A BRILLIANT WINNER AT AUTEUIL Goliath Du Berlais signed-off on his racing career with a magnificent and totally dominant display in the Grade One Prix Ferdinand Dufaure at Auteuil.

Eight four year-olds took part in this 2 ¾ mile chase.

Royal Et Tic and Goliath Du Berlais set off in front, with the latter, taking up the mantle over the second fence.

With a circuit to race, Goliath Du Berlais, on what was likely to be his final start before a career at stud, travelled well and led Bel Apsis by two lengths, with Royal Et Tic demoted to third and then came Altus and Thrilling, with Figuero racing on the inside.

Goliath Du Berlais continued to lead with Bel Apsis making an error at the last in the back straight.

Turning for home, Goliath Di Berlais powered clear, with stable mate Thrilling chasing hard and nothing else in contention.

But thrilling blundered badly at the second last leaving Goliath Du Berlais well clear.

A good jump at the last sealed a facile victory for this brilliant horse, who retires with seven victories in his career.

Bel Apsis came home a distant second, with Thrilling taking third ahead of Royal Et Tic.

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AUTEUIL GLORY FOR DAVY RUSSELL AND CARRIACOU Carriacou and Davy Russell pulverised their rivals in a fantastic performance to win the Grade One Zeturf Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris at Auteuil.

The French Gold Cup, over 3 ¾ miles, attracted a field of nineteen runners, including five from Willie Mullins.

The race got underway with Acapella Bourgeois and So French disputing the lead.

So French went on with Spirit Sun taking second and then came Acapella Bourgeois, with stable mate Burrow Saint prominent too.

Passing the stands, So French made a bad error at the water and his mistake baulked Eludy on the inside, who fell.

© ScoopDyga

Spirit Sun momentarily went on but So French was soon back in front, with Saint Pistol close to the inside and Burrow Saint also prominent, as they took the big ditch, where So French made a bad error.

Spirit Sun went on from Roxinela who raced wide, as they headed into the home straight again.

The field bunches as they passed the stands, with Roxinela leading by a length from Spirit Sun and the grey Bipolaire and Sainte Turgeon.

Roxinela led Bipolaire and Burrow Saint, as they raced down the back.

Bipolaire pressed on approaching the big ditch, but made an error, where Crystal Beach and Docteur De Ballon both fell.

At the next fence, Spirit Sun took a crashing fall and further back, Saint Pistol was another to hit the deck.

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Roxinela took the last in the back straight and turned for home with Bipolaire for company, with Burrow Saint to the outside and also Carriacou.

Racing to the last, Carriacou travelled easily for Davy Russell and jumped well, easing clear of Bipolaire, for a facile victory.

Third home came Roi Mage, with Roxinela fourth.

FEU FOLLET POWERS TO GRADE ONE SUCCESS AT AUTEUIL Feu Follet was different class to his rivals as he ran riot in the Grade One Prix Alain Du Breil - Course de Haies de Printemps des Quatre Ans at Auteuil.

Nine four year-olds took part in France’s premier race for juvenile hurdlers, over two miles, 3 ½ furlongs.

Pat Du Pont went on from the imposing Feu Follet, with Lee D’Anjou next.

Feu Follet was soon in front and with a circuit to race, led from Polirico and Laterana.

Racing down the back, the field all took a wide berth, with Feu Collet leading by a couple of lengths from Politico and Laterana, with French Made improving into fourth.

The leader cleared the last down the back and turned for home with a five lengths advantage, although Polirico began to close.

Two out and Feu Follet led and drifted right across the course to the stands side, clearing the last and romping home emphatically.

Feu Follet beat Polirico by and easy five lengths from Polirico and French Made.

FOX CHAMPION WINS GERMAN 2,000 GUINEAS FOR RICHARD HANNON There was Classic glory for Richard Hannon and Oisin Murphy, as Fox Champion led a clean sweep for British runners in the German 2,000 Guineas at Cologne.

Fox Champion, having his firsts start over a mile, was given a positive ride by Murphy and dictated the pace throughout.

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS He was challenged in the home straight and had to fight hard to repel his rivals.

In a tight finish, the King Power owned colt just held off Mark Johnston’s Arctic Sound and Tom Dascombe’s Great Scot to win by a neck and the same, with Johnston also fielding the fourth home, Marie’s Diamond.

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Hannon was pleased to register a first Classic success in the King Power Racing colours.

“It looked a very good race, with a lot of nice horses in there, and he did it the hard way.

“I’ve always thought he was very good, and it’s nice to train a Classic winner for King Power — I think it’s their first one, and I hope it’s the first of many. They’ve got a real live chance in the Derby, too (Bangkok, Andrew Balding).

“He’s a very tough horse — he’ll be in the Jersey and the St James’s Palace. I’ll talk to the owners, and we’ll see where we go.

“I’m delighted — it was another step up for him, and it looks like he needs that trip now. He made most of the running, was pressed on all sides — and stuck his head out.”

MAIN EDITION LANDS GERMAN 1,000 GUINEAS FOR MARK JOHNSTON Mark Johnston’s fine run of form continued in Dusseldorf, as Main Edition landed the 99th German 1,000 Guineas.

Eleven fillies went to post for this Group Two one mile contest.

Late on, the race developed into a three-way battle with Axana in front of Main Edition and Shalona.

Joe Fanning galvanised Main Edition down the outside and in a desperately close finish, just got up from Axan, with Shalona less than a length away in third.

Main Edition, a daughter of Zoffany, had previously disappointed in the Nell Gwyn Stakes behind Qabala.

MORGAN LE FAYE IMPRESSES AGAIN IN THE PRIX CORRIDA Morgan Le Faye confirmed herself one of France’s leading older fillies and mares with another impressive victory in the Group Two Prix Corrida at Saint-Cloud.

Six went to post for this 10 ½ furlong race.

As the race got underway, it was Golden Legend who went on from Tosen Gift, but the pace was far from a strong one.

Golden Legend continued to lead from Tosen Gift to her outside, then came Shahnaza to the inside, with Morgan Le Faye tracking these.

Turning for home, the field raced down the centre of the track, with Golden Legend making the best of her way home.

However, once Mickael Barzalona pulled Morgan Le Faye out to deliver her challenge, she simply powered past her rivals and went clear with ease.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING At the line, Morgan Le Faye was two lengths clear of Listen In, who stayed on from the back for second, while Shahnaza took third.

EXULTANT SEALS A MAGNIFICENT SEASON AT SHA TIN Exultant confirmed himself Hong Kong’s champion stayer with victory in the Group One Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup at Sha Tin. The final Group One of the Hong Kong season attracted a field of nine runners over 1 ½ miles.

They included last season’s first two home, Pakistan Star and Exultant.

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The former broke well, but it was soon the siblings Time Warp and Glorious Forever who set the tempo, with Pakistan Star settled in third and Exultant fourth.

The order remained the same into the home straight, where Pakistan Star got a nice break and gradually overhauled the two front-runners.

But with a furlong to race, Exultant got on top and Zac Purton pressed on into a decisive lead.

The Tony Cruz trained Exultant ran out a comfortable winner as Rise High flew from the back of the field for second, ahead of Dark Dream and the weakening Pakistan Star.

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SIYARAFINA EXTENDS UNBEATEN RECORD IN THE PRIX SAINT ALARY Siyarafina stamped herself one of the leaders of her generation, with a fine turn of foot to settle the Group One Saxon Warrior Coolmore Prix Saint Alary at ParisLongchamp.

Eleven three year old fillies ran in this 1 ¼ mile race which serves as an important trial for the Prix de Diane.

At the break, it was Idiosa who led with Fount prominent, but Merimbula soon went to the front, followed through by Imperial Charm.

Andrea Atzeni allowed Imperial Charm to move through into a clear lead, tracked by Fount and Merimbula, with Phoceene next.

Imperial Charm led by a length from Fount, as they turned for home – and the sprint was immediately on.

The leader quickened well and Fount came under pressure and could not make any impression.

From further back, Siyarafina and Christophe Soumillon began to accelerate on the outside.

It took Siyarafina a while to hit top gear, but she was well on top in the final furlong to beat Olendon and Imperial Charm by just over a length, with these clear of Cala Tarida.

The Alain De Royer-Dupre trained Siyarafina, a daughter of Pivotal, is now unbeaten in three starts.

GROUP ONE JOY FOR VARIAN WITH ZABEEL PRINCE Zabeel Prince confirmed his improvement with a first Group One victory in the Prix d’Ispahan at ParisLongchamp.

Nine horses took part in this nine furlong race.

The Godolphin pair of Dream Castle and Wild Illusion were fast away, but confirmed front-runner Knight To Behold, quickly seized the initiative.

Knight To Behold moved two lengths ahead of Wild Illusion, with Zabeel Prince moving third, ahead of Dream Castle.

Turning for home, Knight To Behold was asked for more and responded well, but was unable to

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS came with a strong run although he was under pressure to close on the leader.

Boulevard led to 1 ½ furlong out but Called To The Bar swept down the outside to hit the front and drew away to a 2 ½ length victory from Way To Paris, with Call The Wind third and then Malkoboy.

The Pia Brandt trained Called To The Bar was an impressive winner here under Theo Bachelot.

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repel the challengers, with Dream Castle and Wild Illusion first to commit.

But it was Zabeel Prince and Andrea Atzeni who had the best turn of foot and took a length out of the field and held off the late finish of Study Of Man, with Trais Fluors third.

The Roger Varian trained Zabeel Prince had impressed at Newmarket in April, when he had subsequent Lockinge Stakes winner Mustashry behind him.

CALLED TO THE BAR SCORES IN THE PRIX VICOMTESSE VIGIER A tactically odd race was settled in decisive fashion

by Called To The Bar, in the Group Two Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at ParisLongchamp.

Eleven lined-up for this one mile, seven furlong race.

At the off it was the grey Way To Paris who led from Called To The Bar, with Call The Wind racing wide and Holdthasigreen even wider.

Passing the post and heading out on their full circuit, My Swashbuckler went on but Holdthasigreen soon took the lead, while Way To Paris raced to the inside and Boulevard raced very wide as the jockeys had a complete difference of opinion.

Boulevard and Christophe Soumillon went on from Funny Kid and Way To Paris, with My Swashbuckler and Holdthasigreen next.

Into the home straight, Boulevard led from Way To Paris and My Swashbuckler, but Holdthasigreen

JAPANESE DERBY WINNER ROGER BAROWS AIMING FOR ARC TILT Having already been entered in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1) by his connections on the 15th May 2019, the 3-year-old from Japan, Roger Barows, has now most probably guaranteed his starting place in the biggest showcase race in the world following his win on Sunday, 26th May, 2019. The colt won the Japan Derby (Group 1, 2,400 metres) in record time at Tokyo racecourse. He won in 2’22’’60. The previous course record dated back to 2015, when the Japanese Champion Duramente won in 2’23’’20.

Roger Barows carries the colours of Hirotsugu Inokuma, and the owner commented after the race that he would be aiming his colt at the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Of course, Roger Barows will need to come out well from his race, and in order to aid him in this he will have a few weeks’ break. Katsuhiko Sumii, who trains Roger Barows, suggested that he will prep the colt for the Arc if his owner so wished. Katsuhiko Sumii has previously had a runner in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Victoire Pisa, who finished in 7th place in the 2010 running of the race.

The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the greatest flat race in the world, takes place on the 6th October at ParisLongchamp.

OBLIGATE EDGES TO VICTORY IN THE PRIX DE SANDRINGHAM The Frankel filly Obligate made it three from three, but had to work very hard to hold on in the Group Two Prix de Sandringham at Chantilly.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING Seven three year old fillies contested this onemile race on a hot afternoon in France.

As the race got underway, it was Pure Zen who went into the early lead, with the imposing Obligate racing wide and failing to settle.

Obligate soon went on and set a good pace, turning into the home straight with a two length lead over Pure Zen, with the field well strung out.

Obligate continued to lead Pure Zen and Rocques, with the rest well out of their ground, as the leader passed the two furlong pole.

However, the leaders began to tire at the furlong pole and it became hard work for Obligate, with Pure Zen inching closer.

Pierre-Charles Boudot had to ask Obligate for everything but just held off Pure Zen narrowly, as Glance and Hidden Message finished fast.

INNS OF COURT OUTCLASSES RIVALS IN THE PRIX DU GROSCHENE Inns Of Court was an effortless winner of the Group Two Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly.

Just the five went to post for this five-furlong dash.

As the stalls burst open, it was Major Jumbo who led with Sestilio Jet and Frankie Dettori to the outside, as the field raced down the centre of the track.

Jamie Spencer and Major Jumbo continued to lead Sestilio Jet, with Inns Of Court travelling smoothly to the inside.

Inns Of Court went on with two furlongs to race and pulled three lengths clear in impressive style, under Mickael Barzalona.

The Andre Fabre five year-old coasted home an easy winner.

Sestilio Jet came home second, with Major Jumbo third.

GROUP TWO SUCCESS FOR ASPETAR AT CHANTILLY Roger Charlton made his French raid count as Aspetar ran out a convincing winner of the Group Two Grand Prix de Chantilly.

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Seven ran in this 1 ½ mile race.

At the start it was Silverwave who disputed the lead with Ziyad, with a break to Petit Fils and another gap to the rest.

Silverwave, winner of the race in 2017, continued to take them along with a length lead over Ziyad and then came Petit Fils and Listen In, with Aspetar next.

The seven year old Silverwave, led them into the home straight and the field were well strung out, with Ziyad keeping tabs on the leader and then came Petit Fils.

The leader reached the two furlong pole still travelling well, but Aspetar began to close on the front two.

Gradually the leader tired and James Doyle and Aspetar took over inside the final half a furlong, going on to beat Ziyad by about ¾ of a length, with Silverwave third, ahead of Folamour.

The Roger Charlton trained Aspetar, had finished second to Marmelo, in the John Porter Stakes at Newbury, in early April, but had been well behind Petit Fils in France, subsequently.

SOTTSASS AN EMPHATIC WINNER OF THE PRIX DU JOCKEY CLUB Sottsass ran out a clear cut winner of the Group One Qipco Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

Fifteen colts lined-up for the French Derby, over 10 ½ furlongs.

As this prestigious race got underway, Slalom badly missed the start.

Kick On was well away with Motamarris and Blenheim Palace, while Persian King raced very wide.

Motamarris led overall from Kick On and Blenheim Palace, with Surfman handy and ROckemperor tracking the leaders, followed by Joe Francais.

Leaving the back straight, Motamarris disputed the lead with Blenheim Palace to the inside rail and these two led Rockemperor into the home straight.

Persian King cruised into contention at the two furlong pole and joined Motamarris.

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS

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The French Guineas winner went into the lead, but from further back, Sottsass and Cristian Demuro came with a withering run and cut down Persian King readily.

Sottsass powered away in impressive style to beat Persian King by 2 ½ lengths, going away.

It was a couple of lengths back to Motamarris in third and then came Cape Of Good Hope, who did his best work late on.

Sottsass, a son of Siyouni, was giving trainer Jean-Claude Rouget a fourth success in the Prix du Jockey Club.

What they said: Cristian Demuro (the jockey of Sottsass, 1st) “He’s a super colt and, before the loading process got underway, I was able to get him to relax. I forced the issue somewhat as the gates opened in order to take up a position behind the leaders. It was perfect.

He showed some turn of foot! I would personally like to thank Jean-Claude Rouget and all his team for affording me the opportunity to ride the colt, and for a job well done.”

Pierre-Charles Boudot (the jockey of Persian King, 2nd) ”We’re a bit disappointed to be beaten but have no excuses. The winner was a cut above today. We had a good race. He came on to the bridle at the ‘chateau’.”

Lisa-Jane Graffard (the French representative of Godolphin SNC, the owners of Persian King, 2nd , and Roman Candle, 5th) “According to his rider, Persian King saw out the trip but without getting fatigued. However, the winner showed a superior turn of foot. We’re not looking for too many excuses. That’s racing. Roman Candle ran very well and we’re delighted by the way he ran. He was little flat-footed as the gates opened but he finished with a flourish. If everything goes to plan, and André Fabre is satisfied by the way things pan out, he could go for The Grand Prix de Paris.”

Freddy Head (the trainer of Motamarris, 3rd) “The colt ran very well and there was plenty of pace. My colt’s progress was a bit hindered by a horse on his inside and, consequently, his passage after attempting to go the shortest way around wasn’t a smooth one. It’s a drawback when the bigger picture is factored in. Apart from that, everything went well and nothing more needs to be said. The colt is probably still a little immature and will improve.

He should be better at the backend. It’s not that too long ago that I thought that he wasn’t good enough for a race such as the Jockey-Club. He has been progressing along the right and how he performed here was great! This was a very good edition of the Jockey-Club and Motamarris was beaten by two very good colts. I believe that he will stay 2.400m.”

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING Aidan O’Brien (the trainer of Cape of Good Hope, 4th) “We’re very pleased with how he performed and Ryan [Moore] gave him a very good ride. We believe that the trip suited him – even if he may stay a little further. His brother, Highland Reel, was second in this race and, after this race, he made a lot of progress. So we are also hoping that this colt, too, will progress. Mohawk, the mount of Donnacha [O’Brien], also ran very well. It was something of a real test for him, as he had raced a week earlier.”

Midnight Bisou, with Pacific Wind settled last of the quintet.

At the top of the stretch, Come Dancing continued to lead, with Midnight Bisou travelling powerfully to the inside but short of room.

Once into the home stretch and in the clear, Midnight Bisou and Mike Smith simply scorched clear for a three length victory over Come Dancing, with Mopotism third.

The Steve Asmussen trained four year-old, was making it four on the bounce.

RUSHING FALL IMPERIOUS AT BELMONT PARK

WORLD OF TROUBLE SENSATIONAL IN THE JAIPUR INVITATIONAL

Rushing Fall eased to a dominant victory in the Longines Just A Game Stakes at Belmont Park.

The first Grade One action of the evening saw a field of six older fillies and mares take part in this one mile contest on the turf.

From the gates it was and even break, with Rushing Fall moving into the lead from Daddy Is A Legend.

Rushing Fall soon moved two lengths to the good as the field headed down the back stretch.

Daddy Is A Legend came to join Rushing Fall at the top of the stretch but the leader had more, with the rest of the field unable to close.

Javier Castellano eased the Chad Brown filly into a comfortable three length advantage as she passed the wire an impressive winner.

Beau Recall came home second, with Daddy Is A Legend third.

MIDNIGHT BISOU STORMS TO VICTORY IN THE OGDEN PHIPPS Midnight Bisou ran out a brilliant winner of the Grade One Ogden Phipps Stakes at Belmont Park.

Five older fillies and mares ran in this 8 ½ furlong contest on the dirt track.

From the gates, Escape Clause broke well, but Come Dancing soon headed her.

Escape Clause continued to lead down the back stretch from Escape Clause and then Mopotism and

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World Of Trouble made all for a scorching victory in the Grade One Jaipur Invitational Stakes at Belmont Park.

Nine lined up for this six-furlong charge on the New York turf.

As the gates burst open it was an even break and World Of Trouble, racing wide, was quickly into stride and led.

World Of Trouble blazed a trail from Belvoir Bay, with Om next to the rails and then Diamond Oops.

Into the home stretch, World Of Trouble led by 1 ½ lengths from Belvoir Bay who began his move into the straight, while Disco Partner finished fast.

But World Of Trouble and Manny Franco were untouchable, making it five straight victories with a sensational performance.

Om came home second, ahead of Disco Partner and Diamond Oops.

A NEW STAR IS BORN AS GUARANA STORMS TO VICTORY IN THE ACORN STAKES Guarana announced herself a superstar with a magnificent performance in the Grade One Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park, on just her second ever racecourse start.

Nine three year-old fillies contested this mile race on the dirt.

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS At the stalls burst open, it was Serengeti Empress, Cookie Dough and Fancy Dress Party who led.

The Kentucky Oaks winner, Serengeti Empress set a scorching early pace from Cookie Dough and Guarana.

At the top of the stretch, Serengeti Empress still led, but the once-raced Guarana eased past her sensationally and went away to an emphatic win.

Guarana had won her maiden by 15 lengths and was thrown into deep waters here.

The Chad Brown filly fully vindicated that with the fastest ever time in the Acorn Stakes, as she slammed Serengeti Empress by five lengths.

Jeltrin came home third, ahead of Ce Ce. This was a truly special performance and it spoke volumes when Jose Ortiz jumped off Serengeti Empress in favour of Guarana.

HOG CREEK HUSTLE WINS A BELMONT PARK THRILLER Hog Creek Hustle got the verdict in an exciting finish to the Grade One Woody Stephens Stakes at Belmont Park.

Eleven three year-olds lined-up for this sevenfurlong dash on the dirt.

From the break it was Wendell Fong and Strike Silver who were up with the early leaders.

Settling down, Strike Silver led from Wendell Fong and Complexity, with Landeskog next.

On the final bend, Silver Streak still led and travelled well from Wendell Fong, while Honest Mischief travelled well three-wide.

Honest Mischief swept into the lead, but was quickly swamped, as the race complexion changed.

Silver Streak n the inside, fought his way back to the front inside the final furlong, but down the outside, Hog Creek Hustle and Corey Lanerie were closing fast.

Hog Creek Hustle overhauled Silver Streak, while further back, the grey Nitrous began to fly.

But Hog Creek Hustle held on from the fastfinishing Nitrous, by a diminishing half a length, with Borracho a close third.

MITOLE LANDS THE METROPOLITAN HANDICAP Traffic problems proved a factor as Mitole landed the Grade One Runhappy Metropolitan Handicap from the luckless McKinzie, at Belmont Park.

Nine contested this famous one-mile race on the dirt, including dual Dubai World Cup winner Thunder Snow.

Coal Front went to the early lead from Mitole.

Settling down, Coal Front held a narrow lead from Mitole and Promises Fulfilled, with Thunder Snow settled in fourth and then came Prince Lucky.

Turning into the home stretch, Mitole went on from Coal Front, who fought back, with Promises Fulfilled to the outside, while Thunder Snow was short of room and so too was McKinzie.

But Mitole and Ricardo Santana Jr got first run to land the spoils from McKinzie who finally got a run too late and was closing fast. Thunder Snow was a close up third.

The Steve Asmussen trained four year-old Mitole, was making it seven successive wins.

BRICKS AND MORTAR A SOLID WINNER OF THE MANHATTAN STAKES Bricks And Mortar powered to an impressive victory in the Grade One Manhattan Stakes at Belmont Park.

Ten took part in this 1 ¼ mile race on the turf.

From the break Bandua and Qurbaan set the pace and led the field into the back stretch, building a three length advantage over Catcho En Die. Qurbaan pressed on and moved 3 ½ lengths clear of Bandua, with Catcho En Die, Channel Makter and Robert Bruce next.

The lead reduced on the final turn and Channel Maker, race wide, went on from Bricks And Mortar, Bandua and Qurbaan.

But Bricks And Mortar and Irad Ortiz Jr. streaked clear in the final furlong to win by a comfortable couple of lengths for Chad Brown.

Robert Bruce came home second, with Raging Bull third, ahead of Channel Maker.

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SIR WINSTON WINS THE BELMONT STAKES Sir Winston made a decisive move early in the straight to win the Grade One 151st Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park.

The final leg of a controversial 2019 Triple Crown Series, saw a field of ten race over 1 ½ miles of the dirt track, including the Preakness Stakes winner War Of Will.

The race got underway with Joevia to the inside and Tax prominent.

Joevia led into the first turn, with Tax to his outside and then a length break to Spinoff, War Of Will, Everfast and Intrepid Heart, while the Japanese runner Master Fencer, sat last.

Down the back stretch, Joevia continued to lead from Tax and Spinoff.

At the far turn, Tax joined the leader with the big guns having not played their hands.

Into the home stretch, Joevia and Tax led, while War Of Will was closing with Sir Winston and from wider out, Tacitus was asked to close.

It was Sir Winston who made the move and went past War Of Will, while Joevia stuck to his guns on the inside rail.

Joel Rosario and Sir Winston went into a length lead, but tired late on.

At the line he had a length to spare over Tacitus, who did his best work late on, having failed to find enough early in the straight, when asked for his effort.

Joevia kept on for a gallant third, ahead of Tax, as War Of Will, involved in a bumping match with Tacitus on the final turn, bombed out.

Winning trainer Mark Casse, ended up winning two legs of the Triple Crown.

JUBILATOIRE INCHES TO AUTEUIL GRADE TWO WIN Jubilatoire shaded it in a desperate finish to the Grade Two Prix Des Drags at Auteuil.

With Sainte Turgeon withdrawn at the start, eleven lined-up for this 2 ¾ mile chase on heavy ground.

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At the off, it was Poly Grandchamp who led from Baie Des Isles and Montgeroult, with Total Recall settled in fourth.

Heading down the back for the first time, Montgeroult took up the running from Poly Granschamp and Baie Des Isles.

The leader moved into a wide-margin lead, while further back, Corazones unseated.

Montgeroult headed back into the home straight with a five length lead over Poly Grandchamp, with Edgeoy taking third from Baie Des Isles.

Over the water, the leader was joined by Edgeoy and Poly Grandchamp, but sadly, Isleofhopendreams appeared to suffer a serious injury and was immediately pulled up.

Montgeroult moved back into a three length advantage down the back straight and took the last ahead of Poly Grandchamp and Edgeoy, with Total Recall moving fourth.

On the turn for home, Poly Grandchamp went on and two lengths clear as the sprint to the last was on.

At the last, Poly Grandchamp led, with Jubilatoire challenging to the inside and getting up, while Docteur De Ballon also finished fast.

In a desperately tight finish, the three horses flashed home together, with Poly Grandchamp, sandwiched between rivals, in third place.

After a few minutes of delay, Jubilatoire was called the winner by the narrowest of margins from Docteur De Ballon.

MR ADJUDICATOR WINS THE PRIX LA BARKA There was a familiar trainer’s name associated with the winner of the Grade Two Prix La Barka, as Mr Adjudicator won for the fourth successive time for Willie Mullins at Auteuil.

Nine went to post for this race over just short of 2 ½ miles, with Willie Mullins saddling five of the field in his quest for a sixth win in the race.

Blue Dragon set off in front of Stormy Ireland and Jazz In Montreux.

At the second flight, last year’s winner Bapaume made an error.

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS

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Meanwhile, Blue Dragon and Stormy Ireland moved six lengths clear of the remainder.

Passing the stands, Blue Dragon and Stormy Ireland continued to lead with a healthy break back to Jazz In Montreux and Adagio Des Bordes and that was the order, heading down the back straight, where the field spread across the track, with Mr Adjudicator sticking to the inside.

The field closed as Blue Dragon and Stormy Ireland raced out wide.

At the last in the back, Jazz In Montreux took a crashing fall.

Turning for home, Stormy Ireland moved ahead of Blue Dragon as Bapaume and Mr Adjudicator closed.

Blue Dragon saw odd Stormy Ireland who quickly folded but Bapaume went on and took the last in front.

However, Bapaume had not seen off stable mate Mr Adjudicator and Bertrand Lestrade on the inside. With the width of the track separating them, it was Mr Adjudicator who got up late on to win by a couple of lengths, with Blue Dragon keeping on at the one pace in third.

AL HILALEE WINS THE PRIX HOCQUART A step up in trip showed Al Hilalee in a different light as he made all in the Group Two Prix Hocquart Longines at Chantilly.

Five three year-old colts took part in this 1 ½ mile race.

From the break it was Al Hilalee who led from fellow Godolphin runner Khagan, with San Huberto also prominent to the far side.

Settling down, Al Hilalee continued to dictate the pace under James Doyle, with a length lead over Khagan and San Huberto, with Kasaman racing third and then Soft Light.

Al Hilalee left the back with a 1 ½ length advantage over San Huberto and Khagan and he was first into the straight, where Doyle asked him for more.

San Huberto was soon seen off and the challenge came to the inside rail from Khagan.

But Al Hilalee, stepping up in trip, held off Khagan, only to be challenged late on by Soft Light, who finished with verve down the outside.

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However, Al Hilalee held on by about half a length, with Khagan not far behind in third.

Charlie Appleby’s Al Hilalee had been an unbeaten juvenile and was supplemented for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.

After running down the field there, he was a well-beaten third to Raise You in a Newmarket Listed contest, over 1 ¼ miles.

This victory will have opened up more options for the son of Dubawi, out of the top class mare Ambivalent.

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CHANNEL LANDS THE PRIX DE DIANE Channel won a sprint for the Group One Prix de Diane Longines at Chantilly.

The French Oaks attracted a field of sixteen fillies over 10 ½ furlongs.

At the break it was Platane who went on with Wonderment and Channel, while Nausha fought for her head and suffered with some scrimmaging.

Settling down, Platane grabbed the lead from Channel and Cartiem, with Wonderment racing prominently, out wider.

Platane left the back and led by a length from Wonderment, as they turned into the home straight, with Channel, Cartiem amd Nausha.

Racing to the two furlong pole, Wonderment came to challenge the leader while Channel loomed large.

Channel hit the front in the final furlong and was challenged by Commes, with a blanket finish for third, as a wave of horses swept down the outside late on, with Grand Glory taking third ahead of Etoile.

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But Channel landed the spoils under PierreCharles Boudot, for trainer Francis-Henri Pantall.

The winning filly, a daughter of Nathaniel, had won a conditions race on her previous start and was completing a hat-trick.

MEHDAAYIH IMPRESSES IN THE PRIX DE MALLERET Mehdaayih bounced back to form with a comprehensive victory in the Group Two Prix de Malleret at Saint-Cloud.

Seven three year-old fillies contested this 1 ½ mile race.

As the race got underway, it was an even break, with Merimbula going on with Villa D’Amore and Sekura Zenson.

Merimbula forged on into a length lead from Villa D’Amore, with Sakura Zenson and Edisa, while Frankie Dettori had Mehdaayuh settled last of the seven.

Turning for home, Merimbula still held an uncontested lead from Villa D’Amore, while

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INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS Mehdaayih began to close down the outside.

At the furlong pole, Mehdaayih led from Edisa and Merimbula and went clear.

Dettori was not hard pressed to win by 2 ½ lengths from Edisa, with Merimbula third.

The John Gosden trained Mehdaayih, a daughter of Frankel, had impressed in the Cheshire Oaks, before disappointing in the Investec Oaks.

through for a narrow victory, with Lah Ti Dar battling on in third.

John Gosden’s Coronet had placed seven times in Group One races before getting off the mark today.

HEADMAN CAREERS AWAY TO WIN THE PRIX EUGENE ADAM

CORONET TRIUMPHS IN THE GRAND PRIX DE SAINT-CLOUD Coronet finally gained her maiden Group One victory with a hard fought success in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

Seven older horses took part in this 1 ½ mile race, with five of the field trained in England.

At the break Lah Ti Dar and Ziyad were the early leaders from Morgan Le Faye and Coronet.

Ziyad pressed on into a two length advantage over Lah Ti Dar. The order remained the same with three furlongs to race and Ziyad headed into the home straight ahead of Lah Ti Dar who came under pressure, while Morgan Le Faye and Coronet fought on.

Ziyad led inside the furlong, but Coronet and Frankie Dettori wore him down late on to squeeze

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Headman put up an authoritative performance to easily win the Group Two Prix Eugene Adam at Saint-Cloud.

Six three year-olds lined-up for this 1 ¼ mile contest.

As the race got underway, it was Flambeur who led but was soon passed by Jalmoud and James Doyle.

Settling down, Jalmoud led from Flambeur, with Flop Shot third and then Headman, whohad failed to settle.

Jalmoud turned for home with a two length lead and travelling very easily.

However, Headman and Jason Watson quickly closed down the leader and sprinter away for an easy three length victory over Jalmoud, with Flop Shot a never dangerous third.

The Roger Charlton trained Headman, a son of Kingman, had looked a useful horse on the allweather. However, he came into this Group Two race the winner of a handicap.

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FEATURE CHEVELEY PARK STUD

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CHEVELEY PARK STUD The Cheveley Park Stud racing colours have been a fabric of the British racing scene for decades and the stud farm itself, located just outside of Newmarket, in the village of Cheveley, has a wealth of history.

Course Specialist was privileged to recently catch up with Chris Richardson, Managing Director at the Stud, to look at its long, proud history – and exciting future.

What is the history of the stud?

The stud site has a rich history and association with horses, stretching back to the time of King Aethelstan in the 10th Century. Cheveley Park became an established centre of thoroughbred breeding in the early 18th Century under the fifth Duke of Rutland, who bred four Classic winners. Harry

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McCalmont purchased the 7,800 acre estate in 1892. He built a large mansion and a number of stud buildings, most notably Isinglass’s spacious box which Pivotal now occupies. The latest chapter began in 1975, the year that David and Patricia Thompson purchased Cheveley Park Stud.

What famous stallions have stood at Cheveley Park down the years?

Isinglass was bred by Harry McCalmont and was born at the stud in 1890. Isinglass was a phenomenal horse, a Triple Crown winner who set a world record for prize money attained. In turn, Isinglass sired three Classic winners and later became the leading broodmare sire. In 1977 Mr and Mrs Thompson retired their Gimcrack Stakes winner, Music Boy, to the stud.

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FEATURE CHEVELEY PARK STUD From a crop of just 17 foals, Music Boy became Champion First Season Sire and his progeny earned over £2.5 million.

Other notable sires include Primo Dominie, Polar Falcon and, of course, the ’mighty’ Pivotal, whose legacy continues to influence the breeding industry and will be long lived.

How much land does Cheveley Park Stud cover and how many staff work there?

Cheveley Park Stud, Sandwich Stud, Ashley Heath Stud and Warren Hill Stud all encompass approximately 1,000 acres between them. There are currently more than 50 members of staff working across the estate.

How many horses are typically based there? Do you board or just have your own broodmare string?

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Currently, we have about 340 horses on the stud, including stallions, mares, horses out of training, yearlings and foals.

Cheveley Park Stud caters for Mr and Mrs Thompson’s private broodmare band, thus does not board any outside mares.

Which stallions are you standing for 2019?

We are currently standing Pivotal, Ulysses, Intello, Dutch Art, Twilight Son, Unfortunately, Mayson, Garswood, and Lethal Force. Unfortunately is an exciting addition to the roster for 2019; he is a Group 1-winning Champion Juvenile and the top rated son of Society Rock, who was himself a Champion First Crop Sire.

How many mares will Pivotal cover nowadays? Is his fertility as high as ever?

Pivotal will cover a book of around 50 mares in 2019, as he did in 2018. He looks marvellous for a 26 year old and is a real legend and his fertility, this season, remains around 88%.

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CHEVELEY PARK STUD FEATURE How is Ulysses doing at stud and what are the early signs for him with the foals that have been born?

Ulysses has settled in to his new life exceptionally well. He is a magnificent specimen with an impeccable pedigree and a race record to match. In his first year at stud he covered 115 mares, including 8 Group 1 winners, the dams of 6 Group 1 winners, and 18 full or half-sisters to Group 1 winners. Mr and Mrs Thompson are eager to give Ulysses every chance to succeed and his first two books contain a good level of support from their own broodmare band. We have been delighted with Ulysses’ first foals, who all have great depth, bone and athleticism. All in all, the early indications are very exciting indeed.

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Images supplied by Cheveley Park Stud

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FEATURE CHEVELEY PARK STUD

How important is it for the stud farm to have representatives on the racecourse in those famous silks? How has that helped to maintain the profile of the stud farm?

Extremely important, after all, the primary aim of the stud operation is to breed success on the racecourse. Mr and Mrs Thompson have loved seeing their colours carried to victory on the track for over 40 years and the famous red, white and blue silks have become part of the fabric of British horse racing.

How many racehorses do you have in training this year?

We have about 118 Flat horses in training for this season, spread between 16 different trainers. We also have about 18 National Hunt horses, who provided Mr and Mrs Thompson with a great deal of excitement through the winter.

What prompted Mr and Mrs Thompson to have National Hunt runners this past winter and how much did it mean to win at the Cheltenham Festival?

Mr Thompson decided last year that he wanted to have some fun and some entertainment during the winter. They obviously love what goes on at the stud and on the Flat, but Mr Thompson felt the winters were a bit slow. He wanted to have runners at Cheltenham and five were provided for them this year, and to have had two winners was sublime and an enormous thrill for the Thompson family and all of us associated with Cheveley Park Stud.

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Image supplied by Cheveley Park Stud

Which racehorses are you most looking forward to during 2019?

Our flagbearers for the upcoming season will include Pilaster, winner of the Group 2 Lillie Langtry; Regal Reality, winner of the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes; Veracious, winner of the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes; and Angel’s Hideaway, winner of the Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes. They will all have Group 1 ambitions during the course of the year. In addition, we have plenty of exciting unraced young stock on the stud and in training who we can dream about.

What are your main hopes for the stud this year?

We are extremely pleased with the first crop of foals by Ulysses, so we are obviously looking forward to showcasing some of them later in the year. Twilight Son has his first crop of yearlings to sell this year, who look typical Kyllachy/trainer’s types. His foals were very popular last year and returned a very good average, of just under 30,000 Guineas, with a strong median in relation to his fee. Judging by how well his first crop are developing as yearlings, we are very hopeful that they will prove just as popular at the sales this year.

To discover more about Cheveley Park Stud, please visit: www.cheveleypark.co.uk

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July 2019

Tattersalls July Sale Europe’s Premier Midsummer Sale July 10 – 12 Horses/Fillies in Training, Broodmares, etc.

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Horses/Fillies in Training, Broodmares, etc. including large consignments from Godolphin, Shadwell Estates, Juddmonte Farms, etc.

SEEKING SOLACE dam of TEN SOVEREIGNS Middle Park Stakes, Gr. 1 purchased for 65,000gns at the July Sale

Tel: +44 1638 665931 sales@tattersalls.com www.tattersalls.com

QUEENOFTHEFAIRIES dam of FAIRYLAND Cheveley Park Stakes, Gr. 1 purchased for 32,000gns at the July Sale

NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES

Image supplied by Tattersalls Ascot

SWISS SPIRIT COLT TOPS TATTERSALLS ASCOT BREEZE UP SALE The final lot of the sale, a Swiss Spirit colt costing £110,000 topped a buoyant Tattersalls Ascot Breeze Up Sale where there was an increase in trade which produced a clearance rate of 86%. The aggregate of the sale concluded at £1,377,000, the median at £13,000 and the average of £20,552.

Last but not least was certainly the case at today’s sale. The final lot of the day, Lot 91 topped the sale selling to Jamie Osborne for £110,000.The Swiss Spirit colt, who oozed presence and class, was consigned

by Knockanglass Stables. Osborne, standing with assistant Katie Moffatt, saw off competition from the Cool Silk Partnership and Matt Coleman of Stroud Coleman Bloodstock for the colt.

Lot 58 produced a lucrative pinhooking success for Robson Aguair. Aguair purchased the Coach House colt at the fledgling Ascot Yearling Sale

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in September for just £2,000. Fast forward eight months and the colt, closely related to Hellvelyn is knocked down for £85,000 to Stroud Coleman Bloodstock and the Cool Silk Partnership who have experienced such success with their Ascot Breeze Up graduate Sands Of Mali.

Lot 51, the US bred Summer Front colt out of Iboughtheranyway consigned by Brown Island Stables realised £85,000 to Blandford Bloodstock and trainer Richard Hughes.

Earlier in day, Jamie Osborne secured Lot 28, a grey colt by the Yeomanstown resident Gutaifan from Meadowview Stables for £60,000. The March born colt out of the two-time winning mare Burning Dawn, is from the family of US black-type performers Ski Holiday and Boxwood.

Lot 84 also shared the second highest price of £60,000. Dusany Stables, consignor of 2018’s top lot, sell the Hot Streak filly to the Cool Silk Partnership and Stroud Coleman Bloodstock. The filly is out of Qatar Princess who is a half-sister to the consistent Group performer Hawksmoor.

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July 2019

BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS

GIGGINSTOWN OFFLOAD GRADE ONE SERVANTS DON POLI AND OUTLANDER Gigginstown House Stud managed to offload two horses that have served them well, when selling Grade One winners Don Poli and Outlander, at the Goffs Aintree Sale.

10-year-old Don Poli, a multiple Grade One winner, was sold to North Yorkshire-based trainer Philip Kirby for £170,000. Kirby was due to run Blaklion in the £ Grand National before the recently-purchased horse was ruled out of the race through injury. Blaklion was owned by Darren Yates and Don Poli will run for the same owner on Saturday.

The underbidder on Don Poli was Tom Malone for Paul Nicholls.

Image supplied by Goffs

Kirby said: “Obviously, we bought Blaklion to run for Darren in the Grand National. He wanted a runner and fair play to him, he has stumped up the money to have another runner in the race. I think the ground will be in his favour as he appreciates soft ground, so hopefully he runs well.

“It’s nice to have good owners who believe in us and are willing to pay significant sums of money for these horses. He will be transferred into our name and run for us in the Grand National.”

Fellow Grade One scorer Outlander was

purchased for £165,000 on behalf of Phil Cunningham’s Rebel Racing by J D Moore. He will run in Richard Spencer’s name.

Moore, a bloodstock agent, said: “Outlander will run on Saturday in trainer Richard Spencer’s name on behalf of Rebel Racing.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to run in the race. A lot of people spend a lot of money on horses and never get to run in the Grand National.

“Outlander could run in the French Gold Cup at Auteuil after this race and could also run at the Cheltenham Festival in the Cross Country Chase next year.

“The Rebel Racing lads are delighted to have a runner in the race and we’re looking forward to it.”

Both horses change trainers and will now run in their new owners’ respective colours.

GOFFS CHANGES AUTUMN SALES PROGRAMME FOR YEARLINGS IN UK AND IRELAND Goffs have announced changes to their later yearling sales programme following feedback last year.

The first change is to the Goffs UK sale calendar with the existing Doncaster September Sale expanding to accommodate a new yearling session and be rebranded as the September HIT & Yearling Sale.

The new format will offer a day dedicated to yearlings on Tuesday 17th September followed by a day of horses-in-training on Wednesday 18th September. The change will mean the Doncaster Autumn Sale, held in late October, will no longer hold its traditional yearling session so avoiding a category clash with the Arqana October Yearling Sale and allowing it to focus purely on horsesin-training and pointers in a one day session on Thursday 24th October.

Meanwhile the Goffs Autumn Yearling & HIT Sale will return to its traditional slot in October with a two day sale on Monday and Tuesday, 21st and 22nd October (as opposed to 5th & 6th November) which avoids the clash with the lead in to Breeders’ Cup and the November sales in Kentucky which proved an issue for several clients last year.

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES REVISED AUTUMN SALES PROGRAMME Doncaster September HIT & Yearling Sale: Tuesday & Wednesday, 17th & 18th September • G offs Orby Yearling Sale: 1st – 2nd October • G offs Sportsman’s Sale: 3rd October • Goffs Autumn HIT & Yearling Sale: Monday & Tuesday, 21st & 22nd October • Doncaster Autumn HIT Sale: Thursday 24th October • G offs November Sale: 17th – 24th November • D oncaster December Sale: 6th December • Goffs December NH Sale: 11th – 12th December

TAPIT FILLY MAKES $1.3 MILLION AT KEENELAND APRIL SALE A 2-year-old daughter of Tapit and Grade 1 winner My Conquestadory who is a full sister to 2019 Xpressbet Fountain of Youth runner-up Bourbon War sold to Chad Schumer, agent, for $1.3 million to top Keeneland’s April Two-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age Sale.

Hill and Gal in a Ruckus. Champion Beautiful Pleasure also is an April Sale graduate.

The 2014 auction produced champions Lady Eli and Roy H. During Monday’s Preview Show, which featured catalogued juveniles working over the dirt track and turf course, the sale-topping Tapit filly breezed an eighth of a mile in the co-fastest time of :10 over the main track.

At $500,000, the top-priced horse of racing age is this year’s Twinspires.com Fair Grounds Oaks third-place finisher, Sweet Diane. Ina Bond’s River Bend Farm acquired the 3-year-old daughter of Will Take Charge, who has been in the money in each of her five career starts.

ELiTE, agent, consigned Sweet Diane, who is from the family of Glinda the Good, dam of champion Good Magic, and Grade 1 winner Magical Maiden. She was a late supplement to the sale.

KINGMAN FILLY BREAKS RECORD ON OPENING DAY OF TATTERSALLS CRAVEN BREEZE UP A daughter of KINGMAN lit up the sale ring on the opening day of the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale, becoming the highest priced filly ever sold at the fixture when knocked down for 850,000 guineas. A total of 43 lots sold for 5,261,000 guineas, with an average of 122,349 guineas and a median of 70,000 guineas.

© Keeneland Photo

The April Sale returned after a five-year hiatus and featured for the first time an offering of horses of racing age.

During the single-session sale, Keeneland sold 67 horses for $6,083,500. The average was $90,799, and the median was $40,000.

Keeneland held the April Sale from 19932014, and graduates include six classic winners: Belmont winner Palace Malice; Preakness winner and champion Lookin At Lucky; Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner and champion Big Brown; Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner and champion Thunder Gulch; and Kentucky Oaks winners Keeper

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July 2019

BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS

KINGMAN FILLY STARS FOR TALLY-HO Tally-Ho Stud’s Roger O’Callaghan was celebrating after his KINGMAN filly out of the ACCLAMATION mare SHYRL was knocked down to Anthony Stroud on behalf of Godolphin for 850,000 guineas after he saw off the efforts of underbidder Kerri Radcliffe. She became the highest priced filly ever sold at the Craven Breeze Up Sale and the equal third highest-priced lot. It was a great pinhooking result for Tally-Ho having purchased the filly via Matt Coleman at the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale for 92,000 guineas.

“She was sold as part of the Blue Diamond Stud dispersal,” said Coleman. “She is out of a mare who was a breeze-up horse and was herself placed in the Queen Mary.

“As a yearling we thought this filly looked as though she might be quick and as she was out of a filly who was a breeze up, it would bode well.

“She is by Kingman, who is making his mark – all the stars have aligned, I just wish I had a share in her!”

Stroud, who was standing with Sheikh Mohammed when bidding, said; “We hope she will be one to get to Ascot, that will be the idea. She did a very good breeze, vetted well and comes from a good hotel.”

The Godolphin team will be hoping history repeats itself having purchased the subsequent Grade 1 winner LA PELOSA from Tally-Ho Stud at this sale last year.

PINHOOK TRIUMPH FOR BROWN ISLAND STABLES Johnny Collins of Brown Island Stables enjoyed a pinhooking triumph when his NIGHT OF THUNDER colt, purchased for 48,000 guineas at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2, sold for 375,000 guineas. He was bought by Stroud Coleman on behalf of Godolphin, with Stephen Hillen the underbidder.

“He was a very nice yearling, very uncomplicated sound horse with a great temperament,” said Collins

after the sale. “He has been a pleasure to deal with throughout. There has been a good word for his sire.”

The colt is out of the STREET CRY mare SUNSET AVENUE and is a half-brother to the Grade 3 Robert J Frankel Stakes placed EXCELLENT SUNSET. The 2,000 Guineas winner NIGHT OF THUNDER, a son of DUBAWI, has his first two-year-olds this year.

GODOLPHIN STRIKE FOR FARHH COLT The Godolphin team struck again when securing Oak Tree Farm’s FARHH colt out of the NAYEF mare ANYTHING GOES for 300,000 guineas. The sale was another pinhooking triumph for Oak Tree Farm’s Norman Williamson who purchased the colt at Book 3 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale for just 35,000 guineas via agent Margaret O’Toole.

“He is a gorgeous horse,” said Williamson. “It is a bit of a funny story. It was towards the end of the yearling sale here and I couldn’t get a flight home. I thought I would have a look around, Farhh had done well and I saw this colt and just thought, ‘Wow!’” The colt’s dam ANYTHING GOES is a daughter of the ALZAO mare WINONA, winner of the Group 1 Irish Oaks and third in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes.

INVINCIBLE SPIRIT COLT TOPS DAY 2 OF TATTERSALLS CRAVEN BREEZE UP Norman Williamson’s Oak Tree Farm enjoyed another profitable day when selling their INVINCIBLE SPIRIT colt out of the Group 3 winner and Group 1 Prix Vermeille third MARE NOSTRUM for 575,000 guineas. The half-brother to the Group 1 winner ERUPT was purchased by Godolphin with Justin Casse the underbidder.

The colt did a great breeze - all the more meritorious as his rein snapped through the piece of work meaning the gallop could not be completed successfully. A new rein was found and the colt breezed for a second time, putting in a strong time

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES and a good performance.

“He showed a remarkable temperament to essentially breeze twice and did a good breeze the second time,” said bloodstock agent Anthony Stroud. “He looks a lovely colt, is from a strong Niarchos pedigree and Norman does a great job producing these horses.”

Williamson, who purchased him as a yearling for 90,000 euros said: “He proved that he is a good sound colt, he did a fantastic breeze, he is a lovely horse. I have been lucky with the breeder before – I sold War Of Will last year.”

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A son of WAR FRONT, WAR OF WILL was a Grade 1 runner-up last September, finished fifth in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf and was successful at Grade 2 level in February. He is trained in the US by Mark Casse, having been purchased by his brother Justin - and today’s underbidder – last spring.

Late in the evening US-based bloodstock agent Sam Wright went to 340,000 guineas to secure the Grove Stud consigned SHAMARDAL colt out of PATRONISING on behalf of Hong Kong based clients.

“I was delighted to get the chance to buy a Shamardal last year,” said Grove Stud’s Brendan Holland after selling this colt by the sire for 340,000gns. He bought the colt for 150,000 guineas at Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.

“I had sold a filly by Shamardal before and she went on to be a Group 1 winner for Roger Varian.

“I knew this family really well too – Kevin Lynch had Hoity Toity and bred Lillie Langtry and Count of Limonade and he is just a mile away from us at home.”

Colts by the 2,000 Guineas winner NIGHT OF THUNDER have been popular this week and Houghton Bloodstock’s colt out of the

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AUTHORIZED mare PERMISSION SLIP maintained the form selling to Godolphin for 300,000 guineas. In total the sire had four lots sell this week for a total of 1,020,000 guineas at an average of 255,000 guineas. The colt, who was a 65,000 euros yearling purchase, is from the family of the champion two-year-old filly and Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes winner BINT ALLAYL and the Group 3 Jersey Stakes winner KHELEYF. Cian Hughes’ C H Thoroughbreds enjoyed a stunning pinhooking success when selling their COMPETITIVE EDGE filly for 280,000 guineas. The daughter of the Group 3 placed mare HUG AND A KIS was knocked down to Daithi Harvey, on behalf of Lindsay Laroche, having been purchased as a yearling for 32,000 euros.

“I was in the US and saw some by the sire and thought they were nice horses,” explained consignor Cian Hughes. “Her page caught my eye in the yearling catalogue – her dam was Group 3 placed in France – so I took a look at her. She is a lovely filly and I did not think we’d buy her.

“She is a real two-year-old type, but I have not been hard on her, I like to mind them.”

Hughes worked for long-time breeze-up consignor Jim McCartan and prepares both Flat and National Hunt horses. He also got a great result at the Tattersalls Cheltenham Sale last December when selling point-to-point winner CHANTRY HOUSE for £295,000.

The filly was the sole lot brought to the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale by Hughes, who said: “I knew from working with Jim that I had to bring a nice one here.”

He has one lot to come to the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up Sale - a colt by WICKED STRONG catalogued as Lot 196.

Harvey Bloodstock’s Daithi Harvey commented; “She is a gorgeous beautiful filly. She did a good sectionals, but is also out of a mare rated 107, who was a 10-furlong performer so we hope she’ll train on as a three-year-old too.

“She goes to trainer Gavin Cromwell and is for Lindsay Laroche, who had Princess Yaiza with Gavin. Lindsay is building up a breeding programme, hopefully this filly will get some stakes form and be able to join the broodmare band.”

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July 2019

BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT At the conclusion of the 2019 Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented; “An improved clearance rate and a good cross section of buyers, both domestic and overseas, are positives to take from the 2019 renewal of the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale. We deliberately catalogued fewer two year olds than last year and understandably the turnover has reflected this decision, but it was definitely prudent to keep a tighter rein on the numbers.

“The sale has as ever produced some outstanding pinhooking successes, most notably Tally Ho Stud’s outstanding 850,000 guineas KINGMAN filly who is the highest priced filly ever sold at a European Breeze Up Sale, and it has been encouraging to see new faces from Hong Kong and the USA participating as well as a significant number of buyers from throughout the Gulf region active at all levels of the market. Trainers have also responded positively to the new £15,000 Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Bonus and we look forward to rewarding owners for their confidence in the Craven Breeze Up as the season unfolds. In the meantime we look forward to the forthcoming Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up and Horses in Training Sale which features a further 172 quality Breeze Up two year olds and 132 horses in training.”

RECORD TOP PRICE HEADLINES STRONG DONCASTER BREEZE UP SALE A new record top price of £450,000 along with another three horses selling for £200,000 or more saw today’s Goffs UK Breeze Up Sale at Doncaster produce significant gains on last year’s figures and a new record average.

Longways Stables’ Siyouni filly out of the listed winning mare Fig Roll (Lot 112) proved the star of the show, attracting bids from several parties before narrowing to just two, Blandford Bloodstock and Stroud Coleman, with the latter securing the filly on behalf of Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Other lots to feature included Grove Stud’s Kingman colt (Lot 79) which sold to Blandford

Bloodstock for £230,000, Powerstown Stud’s Malibu Moon colt (Lot 100) which was knocked down to Karl Burke for £220,000 and Mocklershill’s Cable Bay colt (Lot 77) who was purchased by Peter and Ross Doyle for £200,000.

TATTERSALLS APRIL SALE ENJOYS ACROSS THE BOARD INCREASES A top price of £180,000 in addition to 9 horses selling for £100,000 or more produced an impressive increased set of returns with the aggregate finishing on £2,851,000 (+125%), the average on £64,795 (+28%) and the median on £57,500 (+22%). The clearance rate concluded on 83%.

Monbeg Stables’ Cormac Doyle consigned the top lot of the day, Coconut Splash (Lot 17), a four-year-old gelding by Stowaway who was a four length winner on debut at Castletown-Geoghegan.

The smart sort was secured by Evan Williams for £180,000.

Further stand-out lots on a strong day of selling included Bride Park Stables - Eamonn Gallagher’s Idas Boy (Lot 58), the eight-length winner at Dromahane being knocked down to Margaret O’Toole and Noel Meade for £155,000, Denis Murphy’s Ballyboy Stables consigned winning fouryear-old Grangeclare Native (Lot 44) selling to Margaret O’Toole and Gordon Elliott for £125,000 and Francesca Nimmo’s Station Yard consigned Switch Hitter (Lot 40), a debut winner of a Maiden at Maisemore and selling to Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls for £120,000.

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES At the conclusion of the sale, Director of Horse in Training Sales Richard Pugh commented; “The strong demand witnessed at today’s sale has resulted in a positive increased clearance rate of 83%. The sale has showed real strength and depth at every level of the market. It was particularly pleasing to see British Point to Pointer Switch Hitter make £120,000 which highlights the increased quality of young pointers in the UK. “We now look forward to the Tattersalls Cheltenham May Sale. This venue continually rewards vendors who send promising young Point to Pointers and Form horses to us where they can stand out in a select environment.”

RECORD PRICE OF €360,000 AT GOFFS PUNCHESTOWN SALE There were records all round at the ninth renewal of the Goffs Punchestown Sale which took place after racing today, with a new top price for the sale of €360,000 and increases in turnover, average and median. Topping the vibrant trade was Monbeg Stables’ four year old Getaway gelding The Big Breakaway (Lot 12), a winner at Quakerstown on Easter Sunday, who was bought by Ross Doyle on behalf of Colin Tizzard.

Image supplied by Goffs

The Inish Stables-consigned Noreen Bawn (Lot 6), a four year old daughter of Jeremy who impressed at Dromahane last weekend, was the next highest priced lot at Punchestown when selling for €220,000 to Gerry Hogan who also secured Lot 9, the four year old Shirocco gelding Unbreakable Bond from Monbeg Stables for €210,000.

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Another highlight of the catalogue was Barbado’s Buck (Lot 11), an impressive runner-up at Dromahane at the weekend for Beechmount Stables. The Getaway four year old was knocked down to Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls for €210,000. Roger Brookhouse went to €170,000 for the winning pointer Gabbys Cross (Lot 17), consigned by Ballinagore Stables, while Peter Molony of Rathmore Stud – purchaser of Grade 1 winner Honeysuckle at the 2018 Punchestown Sale – secured another high class mare in Southern Girl (Lot 8). The daughter of Getaway was a recent 12-length winner at Quakerstown and sold for €155,000.

Ireland’s only boutique National Hunt Sale saw a 15% rise in average price to €144,385, while median rose 5% to €115,000 and turnover increased by 7% on last year.

Offered 17 Sold 13 (76%) Aggregate €1,877,000 +7% Average €144,385 (+15%) Median €115,000 (+5%)

QATAR BLOODSTOCK TRAILBLAZER JUST THE JUDGE PASSES AWAY Just The Judge, one of the trailblazers for Qatar Bloodstock, has been put down, at the age of nine.

The winner of the 2013 Irish 1,000 Guineas suffered complications, following surgery for colic.

The daughter of Lawman had been an unbeaten juvenile, culminating in her victory in the Group Two Rockfel Stakes.

Hopes were high that the Charlie Hills trained filly would develop into a Classic performer and she finished second to Sky Lantern in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, before going one place better in the Irish equivalent, defeating Rehn’s Nest.

Just The Judge continued to perform with credit, placing third in four Group One contests before landing the 2014 Grade One EP Taylor Stakes at Woodbine, at the expense of Odeliz.

“It was my second season of training when she went unbeaten as a two-year-old. She was a

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS

Image supplied by Tattersalls Ireland

tremendously gifted filly and won Group races at two, three and four, which takes a good bit of doing, and she was a great filly to have around.

“We bought her as a yearling and she was such a well-balanced filly with good size and scope and a tremendous action. She’ll be hugely missed not just by me but all our family as well.”

David Redvers, racing manager for Qatar Racing, who owns Tweenhills Stud Farm, where Just The Judge was based, said: “There’s always an element of risk when you’re dealing with livestock. We knew we were taking a particular risk with Just The Judge, but she’s such an important broodmare to our operation.

“She was Sheikh Fahad’s first Classic winner, the first Classic winner I had anything to do with, and was a very important part of our operation.

“Her first two foals sold for over a million and her Galileo filly this year was born at the end of the first week in March. The cavity out of which the foal came leaves a fair space as you can imagine, a big place, and she flipped her colon, as in her large intestine, and this is a fairly common phenomenon and one that is normally easily rectified.

“The excellent team at Three Counties operated on her and it was all straight-forward and went extremely well. As you see from the footage taken of the mare and foal, she was in great fettle and we thought we were out of the woods and that everything was perfect.

“Two days ago, she was a bit grumbly in the paddock at lunchtime so we brought her in. She was obviously in a bit of discomfort so rather then calling the vet out or anything, we sent her straight to Three Counties Equine Clinic and I got a relatively pleasing message that evening to say it had all settled down, that it just looked like a bit of gas and was of no consequence.

“That night things suddenly took a turn for the worst and she was operated on immediately, and in spite of all of their best efforts and the great work put in by John Campbell and the team, she had to be put down today. I have just come back from saying goodbye to her.”

“It’s massively disappointing for me personally and it’s hugely disappointing for Sheikh Fahad and Melissa, but it’s even more disappointing for the

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES team here. Victoria and everybody who looks after these horses on a daily basis become incredibly fond of them.

“Anyway, now the process begins of fostering the gorgeous Galileo filly across and luckily it’s a filly. And for China Horse Club and everybody that owns her, that’ll be done as seamlessly as possible.

She’s a little toughie and I’m sure she’ll work things out, but there have been better days,” Redvers added.

MELBOURNE CUP HERO DUNADEN PASSES AWAY Dunaden, another of the early stars for the Qatari Royal family, has passed away, at the age of 13.

The 2011 Melbourne up winner, who raced in the silks of Sheikh Fahad Al Thani’s Pearl Bloodstock, suffered complications following a paddock accident at his home at Overbury Stud.

The son of Nicobar was trained in France by Mike Delzangles, where he landed the Group 3 Prix de Barbeville. However, it was his success at Flemington Park which made his name, as he beat Red Cadeaux by a nose.

Sheikh Fahad’s racing manager, David Redvers, commented: “Dunaden is the horse that got Sheikh Fahad and his family hooked on horseracing. When he won the Melbourne Cup for a young Sheikh Fahad it really opened up the opportunities that horseracing can present. It’s a very sad day as he was definitely one of the family.”

Sheikh Fahad added: “Dunaden was a horse of a lifetime. Winning the Melbourne Cup is a day I will never forget. He was pure class – consistent, strong and incredibly competitive. Qipco’s initial increase in investment in racing is largely down to Dunaden’s success. It is a terrible loss.”

“He’s an absolute favourite, there’s a big bronze of him at Longholes in Newmarket, which shows the level of affection in which he’s held,” Redvers added. “Tragically the accident happened the same day we had to put down Just The Judge, which is tough for all of those who work with the horses and particularly tough for Sheikh Fahad.

Simon Sweeting, manager of Overbury Stud

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added: “It was a huge honour to have stood Dunaden at Overbury Stud. I was delighted to have been involved with him and am very sad to have lost him so early.”

AMERICAN PHAROAH COLT TOPS ARQANA BREEZE UP SALE The 2019 Breeze Up sale returned a set of figures very much on a par with the remarkable 2018 renewal.

Out of the 145 horses on offer, 114 sold setting the clearance rate at 78%.The average price remained also identical, only a fraction below €130,000 while the overall turnover reached €14,797,000. An eloquent sign of the growing international stature of this sale was the 8 juveniles who sold over €500,000, from a total of 11 at all European breeze up sales so far this year.

American Pharoah colt for €1,100,000 ARQANA ring went quiet when Laurent Benoit from Broadhurst Agency offered €1.1 Million for a son of Triple Crown Winner consigned by Grove Stud, lot 21.

The pedigree of this bay colt on his maternal line features the top class stallions: Leroidesanimaux, Cacique, Champs Elysees, and Dansili.

Two Lots by No Nay Never sold over €500.000 A protracted bidding battle took place for Lot 134, a daughter of No Nay Never from the draft of Willie Browne’s Mocklershill, and Kerri Radcliffe had to shell out €575,000 to see off the opposition.

The bay, who hails from the family of Prix Marcel Boussac winner WUHEIDA, turned many heads in her breeze.

Having been outbid on Mocklershill’s Sea The Stars filly, Jamie McCalmont and Ralph Beckett were back at it for a daughter of No Nay Never, Lot 18, from the family of dual Group 1 winner RECOLETOS, which they ultimately secured for €500,000.

Lot 151, Lope De Vega colt to new client of David Simcock’s Newmarket trainer David Simcock, bidding alongside Jamie Spencer, had to wait until the final half hour of trade to take a horse home, but it came

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS in the shape of a €700,000 Lope De Vega colt from Grove Stud (lot 151). He is out of the Groupwinning juvenile QUAD’S MELODY, who has already produced the Sussex Stakes scorer HERES COME WHEN.

TATTERSALLS IRELAND MAY STORE SALE HAILED A HUGE SUCCESS The second renewal of the May Store Sale more than consolidated the young sale’s place in the calendar showing improved returns on it’s 2018 debut. The median increased by 15% increase to €15,000, there was an improvement of 16% in the average to €17,663 and the aggregate of €2,563,200 was an increase of 14%.

Four horses fetched €50,000 and over compared with one in 2018, while 25 horses made €30,000 or more against 15 last year.

The day’s top lot was consigned by Bay View

Cottage, the gelding by the popular sire Getaway selling for €58,000 (Lot 53). He was purchased by bloodstock agent Gearoid Costello.

“He is going point-to-pointing,” said Costello.

“He is a lovely horse, a good-walking, good-moving sort. He is going to England.”

GC Bloodstock was the day’s leading purchaser by aggregate picking up six horses for €199,000, while the eight lots bought by Monbeg Stables ensured the point-to-point consignor was the leading buyer numerically.

The only lot offered though the session by Rail Link, already named Gavarlink, fetched €55,000.

He was sold by regular leading Tattersalls Ireland consignor Lakefield Farm (Lot 205) and purchased

by Harley Dunne and James Doyle.

Amateur jockey Dunne, who will be riding the horse in his points, said: “What was there not to like about this horse?! He is a big imposing type.

We’ll get him home and break him in - he’ll run in a point-to-point with a view to resale.”

Image supplied by Tattersalls Ireland

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Rathbarry Stud sold the half-brother to the graded chaser Doctor Phoenix for €50,000 to Stroud Coleman Bloodstock (Lot 119).

The black gelding is by the farm’s own stallion Sholokhov and was bought by Rathbarry as a foal at the 2016 November NH Sale for €20,000 from Dannanstown Stables.

Today’s purchaser Matt Coleman said: “He is for owner Clive Boultbee-Brooks. I thought this horse has real style and class, he is a lovely mover. The mare has already produced a smart horse and he is by a stallion who has had a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. He will go back to Clive’s farm from here and a trainer will be decided later.”

Another by Shantou in demand, Lot 199, the gelding offered by Ballyreddin Stud makes €50,000.

He was bought by Direct Bloodstock and Fergal O’Neill said: “He is lovely horse and by a good, fashionable sire. He goes to Sam Curling.”

He was bought by Ballyreddin as a foal for €14,000 from Thistletown Stud.

After the sale, Tattersalls Ireland CEO Matt Mitchell commented; “This is the second year of the Tattersalls Ireland May Store Sale and in a short period the sale has established itself successfully in the store sale calendar. The key sale indicators are very positive with a 16% increase in the average and 15% increase in the median and with a solid clearance rate of 74%.

Vendors who recognised the sales potential were rewarded with a strong trade where the market was prepared to pay for a quality individual. The large presence of UK and domestic purchasers is testament

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to the market responding to the improved offering.

“We look forward to the market leading Derby Sale and a catalogue which reflects depth in both pedigrees and individuals at all levels of the market.”

ARQANA’S AUTEUIL SALE IS TOPPED BY FONTAINE COLLONGES Lot 1 FONTAINE COLLONGES knocked down for €180,000 Offered by Fabrice Foucher, who was notably UN DE SCEAUX’s first trainer, a bay mare launched the 2019 Auteuil Sale. This four-yearold AQPS won on the flat on May 9 at Le Lion d’Angers over 2400m. She is by Saddler Maker and from the family of QUADRETTE COLLONGES and NEPTUNE COLLONGES both group winners over hurdles.

ZAMBELLA commands €100,000 Unbeaten over hurdles, ZAMBELLA (lot 5) having started out by winning on the heavy- going Nantes track as a three-year-old, she won her first hurdle race at Fontainebleau by ten lengths this season. Offered by his trainer by Joël Boisnard, the fouryear-old won the Prix Aubépine in Compiègne last month.

SAINTE DOCTOR offered by Mathieu Brasme purchased by Horse Racing Advisory. This filly recently won on debut at Nort sur Erdre on May 8 in a conditions race over 3,200m. A daughter of Doctor Dino out of a Poliglote mare, the three

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS year-old SAINTE DOCTOR (lot 10) went the way of agents Hubert Barbe and Charlie Swan from Horse Racing Advisory.

Harold Kirk buys GAMIN ORIGINAL for €100,000 GAMIN ORIGINAL offered as Lot 12 is a three-year-old AQPS whose first two outings, both on the flat over 2,400m on soft ground, concluded with promising runner-up efforts. He was offered by Anne-Sophie Pacault.

SIX-FIGURE STORES HEADLINE GOOD START TO GOFFS DONCASTER SPRING SALE The three-day Goffs UK Spring Sale at Doncaster got underway today with the Spring Store Sale producing figures largely matching last year’s trade and was headlined by four horses selling for sixfigure sums.

The sale sold 179 stores today with a clearance rate of 80% and saw two lots share the top price of £105,000. The first to reach the mark was Oak Tree Farm’s Yeats gelding (Lot 76) who sold to Aiden and Olly Murphy for £105,000. The 3YO is a halfbrother to this year’s Cheltenham Festival Grade 1 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle winner Roksana and will be trained by Olly Murphy. Later in the evening that price was matched with Ballincurrig House Stud’s Getaway half-brother to the Scottish Grand National Winner Joe Farrell (Lot 238) which was knocked down to Ross Doyle and Colin Tizzard.

Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls came out on top for the remaining two six-figure lots when bidding £100,000 to secure Treannahow Stables’ Getaway gelding (Lot 164) and Busherstown’s Sholokhov gelding (Lot 246).

The Doncaster Spring Sale will continue tomorrow from 10am with the opening day of the Spring HIT/P2P Sale which will include the dedicated point-to-point session and also offer the annual Million In Mind draft. Day two of the Sale on Thursday will offer horses-in-training including the Brittas House and Grech & Parkin Dispersal.

Spring Store Sale Statistics Offered: 225

Sold: 179 (80%) Aggregate: £4,737,800 (-14%) Average: £26,468 (-4%) Median: £21,000 (-13%)

DONCASTER SPRING HIT/P2P SALE UP AND RUNNING The Goffs UK Spring HIT/P2P Sale at Doncaster got off to a tremendous start with a cast of top-end pointers and bumper horses producing eight lots selling for sixfigure sums and two surpassing £300,000.

Owner Roger Brookhouse has found success at this sale in the past having purchased the Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival winner Summerville Boy and will be hoping his latest purchase follows in his steps as he bid a sale topping £375,000 for the debut winning pointer Lets Go Champ (Lot 479).

Offered by Donnchadh Doyle’s Monbeg Stables, the four-year-old was most impressive when winning at Bartlemy and attracted bids from around the ring before the hammer fell.

Mister Coffey was another to turn heads in the Doncaster ring following his debut bumper win at Huntingdon for Harry Whittington and after heated bidding from multiple parties he went the way of Tom Lacey for £340,000. Yesterday’s store session saw Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls secure two of the session’s top four lots and the pair were again active at the top of the market, going to £170,000 to purchase James Doyle’s debut winning four-year-old pointer Skatman (Lot 472).

Other highlights from today included Philip Rowley’s four-year-old filly Blossoming Forth (Lot 478), a representative of the UK pointing ranks, which sold to Bobby O’Ryan and Ruth Jefferson for £130,000 and the annual Million In Mind Dispersal which was topped by the dual winner Dream du Grand Val which was purchased by Gleadhill House Stud for £75,000.

Spring HIT/P2P Sale – Day 1 Statistics Offered: 208 Sold: 170 (82%) Aggregate: £4,756,100 (+21%) Average: £27,977 (-5%) Median: £15,000 (-8%)

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INTERCONNECTED SETS ALL TIME NH SALE RECORD AT GOFFS DONCASTER SPRING SALE

EXCEPTIONAL START TO TATTERSALLS IRELAND GORESBRIDGE BREEZE UP SALE

The record for the highest priced National Hunt horse sold at public auction was comprehensively beaten today at the Goffs UK Spring HIT/P2P Sale with the Grech & Parkin Dispersal consigned Interconnected selling to Darren Yates and Philip Kirby for £620,000 – the highest priced horse ever sold at Doncaster.

The inaugural Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze Up Sale got off to a fantastic start with seven lots making over €100,000 and a top price of €175,000. With the day’s aggregate just shy of €5 million, an average price of €28,037, a median of €18,000 and a healthy clearance of 91%, the day provided an excellent foundation for the new sale.

The session’s leading lot was a colt by Lope De Vega (Lot 61), sold by Norman Williamson’s Oak Tree Farm and bought by Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock.

“I am a huge fan of the stallion - he is a global sire and I believe his best is still to come,” said Brown. “This horse has a lot of quality and class and he did a very good time - for a horse who will be a 7f horse / miler, he showed a lot of speed. He is going into training with John Gosden.”

The colt was a €28,000 Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale purchase by Oak Tree Farm and it has capped a good week for the farm - its breeze up graduate War Of Will won last weekend’s Grade 1 Preakness Stakes, the son of War Front gaining recompense for his impeded run in the Kentucky Derby.

Blandford Bloodstock ended the day as leading purchaser with 11 lots bought for a total spend of €835,000. Brown’s three other six-figure purchases included a Kodiac colt (Lot 108) from Tally-Ho Stud who cost €125,000, a Muhaarar colt (Lot 111) bought for €115,000 from Glending Stables

Image supplied by Goffs

Mike Grech & Stuart Parkin’s Grech & Parkin Dispersal proved a big attraction for the sale and it lived up to the hype, producing a number of sixfigure lots headed by Interconnected (Lot 716).

The five-year-old son of Network produced an eye-catching performance on his only start under rules and proved the star of the sale when attracting bids from all over the packed Doncaster ring. The price surpassed the previous record held by Garde Champetre who sold at the DBS Spring Sale for 530,000gns (£556,500) in 2004.

The Grech & Parkin Dispersal was responsible for four of today’s five six-figure lots with the Gr.2 placed mare Lust For Glory (Lot 709) selling to Highflyer Bloodstock for £235,000, the last start Listed Chase winning mare Kupatana purchased by Rathmore Stud for £210,000 and the Gr.2 winner Claimantakinforgan selling to Highflyer Bloodstock for £100,000. The Brittas House Stud Dispersal also featured among today’s top lots with the last start bumper winner The Brass Man (Lot 639) selling to Tom George for £110,000.

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS and a €100,000 Camacho filly (Lot 41) sold by Meadowview Stables.

“The Kodiac colt is for Sheikh Hamdam, he said he wanted to buy one proper colt. This colt came highly recommended from Tally-Ho and we have had a lot of luck with the farm previously having bought horses such as Ardad and Dream Ahead”, said Brown.

“When we saw the colt we liked what we saw and when that matches up with a good recommendation, you have to take note.”

Of the Camacho filly, Brown said: “She did a very good breeze and was well clear on times - from a breeze up of 200 horses that is impressive.”

A daughter of the exciting Juddmonte sire Kingman (Lot 101) was bought by Michael Donohoe of BBA Ireland for €165,000 from Kilminfoyle Stud.

“We are delighted to get her,” said Donohoe. “She is by a sire who could turn out to be an exceptional stallion and is out of a Listed mare whose first runner was a two-year-old winner.

“This filly looks as though she will be a back-end two-year-old and a three-year-old type, however she still did a good breeze time. She took a while to get going, but then didn’t stop until she got to the top of Ballyhack! She is for a new client to race, she could be for him to breed from or for resale further down the line.”

Trainer Michael O’Callaghan bought successive lots; the first a colt by Night Of Thunder (Lot 147) was sold by Greenhills Farm and fetched €135,000 and the second is a filly by Dark Angel (Lot 148).

She made €125,000 and was sold by Knockatrina House.

“The Night of Thunder colts looks a very fast horse and did a good breeze. The stallion has been doing well and this colt has a good pedigree,” said O’ Callaghan.

Of the filly, O’Callaghan said: “She has residual value being by Dark Angel and she is a three-quarters sister to Lethal Force. She is a lovely physical and is for Robert Moran.”

He added: “When this sale was at Goresbridge it was lucky for me, and the September Yearling Sale has also been good. Let’s hope it continues!”

It was an exceptional day for Skryne Stables.

Colin Magnier offered two lots, a colt by Morpheus (Lot 130) and a filly by Canford Cliffs (Lot 198) they sold for €90,000 apiece with the colt producing considerable profit on his yearling purchase price of €5,000. It is easily the farm’s best day in the Tattersalls Ireland sales ring.

CURTAIN CLOSES ON A SUCCESSFUL SEASON AT TATTERSALLS CHELTENHAM Tattersalls Cheltenham May Sale concluded with a satisfactory set of results; five lots fetched £100,000 or more combined with an aggregate of £2,341,000, an increased median of £45,500, and an average of £50,891. The clearance finish on 72%.

Image supplied by Tattersalls Cheltenham

Headlining the sale was the son of Irish based sire Notnowcato. Largy Fix (Lot 39), boasted the youngster of the season, produced a four-length winning performance taking the four-year-old Maiden at Loughanmore for Stuart Crawford.

Crawford, who introduced The Very Man and Malone Road among others at this venue, sold the gelding for £170,000 to purchaser Margaret O’Toole.

The Donnchadh Doyle-trained French Dynamite (Lot 62) made an impressive debut in the second division of the four-year-old maiden at Tralee when winning by a comfortable length and a half. The son of Kentucky Dynamite, offered by Monbeg Stables was knocked down to Margaret O’Toole for £165,000.

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES Flash De Touzaine (Lot 9) ran a race full of promise on his debut in the INF Flat Race at the Killarney Festival in May for trainer Liz Doyle. A brother to 5 winners including the classy VALCO DE TOUZAINE, the Kapgarde gelding was sold to agent Tom Malone and trainer Paul Nicholls for £125,000.

Kakamora (Lot 54), a son of Great Pretender and out of a sister to both Golden Gael and the seven-time winning Bitofapuzzle. The four-yearold made much of the running in a very competitive maiden at Loughanmore and whilst challenged after the second last, he merely showed what he was capable of finding when required and picked up very strongly all the way to the line. Consigned by Donnchadh Doyle’s Monbeg Stables, Kakamora is sold to Gerry Hogan Bloodstock for £105,000.

The Sean McParlan-trained Royal Drumlee (Lot 14) recorded his third consecutive success when taking the competitive winners’ of two at Broughshane. The Royal Anthem gelding’s consistent performances was noted by agent Hamish Macauley and American based trainer Leslie F Young and was secured for £100,000.

At the conclusion of the Tattersalls Cheltenham May Sale, Director of Horses in Training Sales Richard Pugh commented; “Today at Cheltenham the curtain came down on another successful sales season. Undoubtedly it was the best season to date on the track; history was made with graduate Tiger Roll winning back to back Grand Nationals, Envoi Allen declared himself one of the most exciting National Hunt prospects when winning the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at The Festival and an impressive 50 black type races won by our graduates in the 2018/19 season. In the sales ring, the Festival Sale produced its best ever set of results and provided the highest priced point to point mare on record when My Whirlwind sold for £400,000.

“As we break for the season here at Cheltenham, we would like to extend a thank you to our loyal vendors and purchasers and look forward to welcoming you back to this unique venue for the Tattersalls Cheltenham November Sale.

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DAY ONE RESULTS FOR GOFFS LAND ROVER SALE A clearance rate of 91% and a surge in median and six figure sales told the story of a record opening day at Goffs Land Rover Sale.

Consistently strong trade throughout today’s session was topped by Rathmore Stud’s Yeats halfbrother to multiple Graded winner Tombstone and own-brother to Listed hurdle winner Tintangle (Lot 113 - pictured). The gelding was sold to trainer Martin Brassil for €185,000. Clifton Farm provided the next highest priced lot in Tfou (Lot 133), a son of Authorized and a half-brother to a Listed Hurdle winner in France that was purchased by Nicky Richards for €180,000.

Paul Nicholls and Tom Malone accounted for several of the 15 six figure stores, which included Pine Tree Stud’s Fame And Glory half-brother to Grade 1 Bumper winner Tornado Flyer from

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS the family of Hurricane Fly (Lot 218) bought for €175,000; as well as a Valirann gelding out of Grade 2 winner Brogella (Lot 92) from Springhill Stud for €155,000 and a Milan gelding from the top class Ballyreddin Stud draft for €150,000 (Lot 76).

Another to make the €155,000 mark was Ballincurrig House Stud’s son of Flemensfirth from the family of dual Champion Chaser Master Minded that sold to Milestone Bloodstock (Lot 162).

VIBRANT TRADE AS GOFFS LAND ROVER SALE CONCLUDES An incredible two days at the Goffs Land Rover Sale concluded with vibrant trade at Part 2 that was topped by Glen Stables’ beautiful Beat Hollow gelding (Lot 280) that sold for €90,000 to Martin Brassil (pictured), the purchaser of yesterday’s €185,000 sale-topping son of Yeats (Lot 113) from Rathmore Stud.

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Image supplied by Goffs

Other highlights of today’s trade included Busherstown’s Sea The Moon gelding Supermond (Lot 289) that was purchased by Harold Kirk and Willie Mullins for €75,000, as well as Lot 520, a son of Elusive Pimpernel consigned by Peter Nolan Bloodstock that sold to Aidan O’Ryan and Gordon Elliott for €70,000.

MOHICAN HEIGHTS TOPS TRADE AT GOFFS LONDON SALE Royal Ascot week opened in some style with the sixth renewal of the Goffs London Sale in association with QIPCO which took place in glorious sunshine at Kensington Palace Gardens. Top lot was the Fozzy Stack-trained Mohican Heights (Lot 10) who will now join trainer David Simcock who signed for the winning two year old son of Australia at £520,000.

Another highlight of the London Sale was the Andrew Balding-trained Le Don De Vie (Lot 18), a winner on Derby Day at Epsom last time out, who was knocked down to Matt Houldsworth of Howson & Houldsworth Bloodstock for £460,000 on behalf of Aziz Kheir. The Phoenix Ladies Syndicate meanwhile will have their first Royal Ascot runner this week having secured the Listed winning filly Forever In Dreams (Lot 16), who holds an entry in Friday’s Group 1 Commonwealth Cup, for £430,000 from Bansha House Stables who also sold the Listed winning colt Real Appeal to BBA Ireland and Yulong Investments for £265,000.

Reflecting on this year’s London Sale, Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said: “The sixth Goffs London Sale in association

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with QIPCO welcomed a truly international audience of buyers to the grounds of Kensington Palace on a superb summer’s evening. It was a fantastic social occasion to begin Royal Ascot week with some really good business done. Obviously we would have preferred to sell a few more of the horses but with entries at Royal Ascot we view it in an entirely different way, in that if people can achieve a premium at the sale they’ll take the money but if not they’ll go to Royal Ascot and we’ll be cheering those horses on as well. So we are very grateful for all the support and hope everyone enjoyed themselves”.

ROYAL ASCOT STAR BLUE POINT RETIRES TO STUD Blue Point, Champion sprinter elect and winner of a remarkable Group One double at Royal Ascot last week, has been retired from racing and will stand as a Darley stallion in 2020.

No European-trained horse had completed the King’s Stand/ Diamond Jubilee Stakes double since Diadem back in 1920, and perhaps even more remarkable was that Blue Point had won the King’s Stand last year too.

Blue Point was a very smart juvenile, breaking

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his maiden at the first time of asking, before winning his next race by an astounding 11 lengths. Blue Point went on to win the Group Two Gimcrack by three lengths before finding only The Last Lion too good in the Group One Middle Park and making the frame in the Dewhurst.

He returned at three with victory in the Pavilion Stakes at Ascot, where he broke the track record when beating Harry Angel, and returned to the Berkshire track to take third in the Group One Commonwealth Cup. He rounded off his threeyear-old campaign with a win in the Bengough Stakes, also at Ascot.

The highlight of his four-year-old campaign was his first Group One victory, and his first triumph in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. Facing a top-class field, he had no trouble in beating Battaash by nearly two lengths with horses including Mabs Cross and Lady Aurelia further behind.

This year, he has carried all before him, winning each and every one of his five starts.

A five-length victory in the Meydan Sprint was swiftly followed by another wide-margin win, this time in the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint. This set him up perfectly for Dubai World Cup night, where he once again dominated, this time in the Group One Al Quoz Sprint.

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS Blue Point was bred by Oak Lodge Stud and is out of Scarlett Rose, whose own sire Royal Applause won this very race back in 1997 (when run as the Cork and Orrery). A 200,000 gns yearling, Blue Point is a half-brother to juvenile Group winner Formosina.

With a Timeform rating of 132, he is the best performer to date by fellow Darley stallion Shamardal, who is already well established as a sire of sires.

Sam Bullard, Director of Stallions said, “Blue Point has been a truly outstanding racehorse throughout his career, and we are delighted that he will be standing as a Darley stallion next year.

“From his impressive Gimcrack win at two, right through to his unbeaten campaign this year culminating in last week’s outstanding Group One double, he has been a wonderful flagbearer for both Godolphin and his sire, our very own Shamardal.”

A fee and location for Blue Point will be set at a later date.

TATTERSALLS IRELAND DERBY SALE STARTS STRONGLY Derby Sale 2019 got off to a flying start with notably strong trade throughout a first session that produced a turnover of €9,003,0000, a satisfactory increase of two per cent compared with day one in 2018. The session’s average price of €52,343 and median of €45,000 were closely comparable to that of last year.

Thirteen horses sold for €100,000 or more, the same figure as in 2018, and of the 208 horses offered, 172 found new homes producing a healthy clearance rate of 83 per cent.

The day’s top lot (Lot 73) fetched €190,000 and was described by auctioneer Alastair Pim as a “Gold Cup horse of the future”.

A son of Al Namix, he is already named Gigolo’ Dai Dai and was bought by Kevin Ross Bloodstock on behalf of owner Chris Jones.

“He is a gorgeous individual, we had to push the boat out a bit, but he is our pick of the sale,” said Ross of the Sluggara Farm-consigned three-yearold. “I have not had much to do with progeny by Al Namix before but he obviously gets class horses. The first runner out of the mare is useful, which gives a lot of confidence, too.”

Of Pim’s predictions, Ross said: “When you are buying a store horse for this sort of money, you are hoping that they will get to the top. He will go to Chris’s farm to be broken in and pre-trained, I don’t know what the plan will be then.”

The bidding kicked off for Lot 57 at €100,000, slightly taking onlookers by surprise, but after a small delay the price rolled on to €180,000. Bidders for the son of Milan included Tom Malone and Tessa Greatrex, but it was Mags O’Toole who was the successful purchaser.

It was a profitable pinhooking result for consignor Roxborough Stud - the April-born bay gelding, who is the third foal out of a half-sister to the Grade 3-winning chaser Oiseau De Nuit, was bought as a foal at the November Sale for just €26,000.

Consignor Barry Fitzgerald said: “It is always exciting when bidding starts off at such a figure! He has been busy throughout his time here, there has

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been loads and loads of interest. We bought him as a foal from Ballincurrig House and he was highly recommended by the farm.

“He is by Milan and Henry de Bromhead, who trains Monalee, one of the best sons of Milan, told us that this horse is very similar.”

O’Toole added: “I have been thinking about this horse for two days! We are thrilled to get him, and he goes into training with Henry De Bromhead.”

Aiden Murphy and son Olly spent €170,000 on an Oak Tree Farm-consigned Kayf Tara gelding out of the Listed winner Whops A Daisy (Lot 91), and €165,000 on Lakefield Farm’s gelding by Fame And Glory (Lot 146). The February-born three-year-old is out of Bolly ( Jolly Jake), a half-sister to the dam of Birchdale, a Grade 2 novice hurdle winner at Cheltenham last season.

A filly by Walk In The Park (Lot 117) offered by Peter Nolan Bloodstock was the session’s top-priced filly. She was bought by Bobby O’Ryan with trainer Gordon Elliott for €80,000.

STRONG TRADE SUSTAINED AT TATTERSALLS IRELAND DERBY SALE The strong trade seen on day one of the 2019 Derby Sale continued unabated on day two resulting in an overall aggregate for the two-day sale of €17,093,500.

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It is just four per cent off the record-breaking figure achieved last year and is the third-best aggregate ever achieved by the Derby Sale.

The average of €50,572 is the sale’s third-best ever, while the median of €42,000 is on a par with 2018.

Overall, 24 horses sold for six-figure sums and the top two prices of €220,000, given for a Martaline three-year-old gelding named Clerval and sold by Oaks Farm Stables (Lot 271), and €200,000, which was spent on Gemini Cricket, a Blue Bresil gelding from Brown Island Stables (Lot 334), were both day two sales.

“I had to have him,” laughed Ronnie O’Leary after buying the Martaline, the buyer’s sixth purchase over the two-day sale. “He is my pick of the sale - I couldn’t let him go! He’s got the walk, the looks you couldn’t knock him.”

The three-year-old was pinhooked for €145,000 in France last year by George Mullins on behalf of consignors Mark Dwyer and Willie Browne.

“We loved him last year,” said Dwyer, adding: “He has the action and the size and substance - he is athletic and has the right attitude and temperament.

He has been at Willie’s all winter and prepped there.”

Not only has the gelding got the looks, he has a pedigree too. He is out of a dual-winning Saint Des Saints half-sister to Royal Auclair, a 10-time winner and successful in the Cathcart Challenge Chase.

It is also the family of Blue Sari, second in the Champion Bumper this year, and the Cheltenham

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS Festival winner Brindisi Breeze.

Johnny Collins of Brown Island Stables was delighted with the sale of the Blue Bresil gelding to bloodstock agent Tom Malone.

“I bought him privately as a foal,” said Collins.

“He was always a great mover and a lovely type. The pedigree has had a good update as his half-brother has done well, and he has proved that the mare can get runners. We came here thinking he was our biggest hit, I didn’t think he’d go for that much!”

Malone was breathing a sigh of relief after this successful purchase. “I have left some good horses as I was waiting for him,” he smiled, adding: “Thank God I managed to buy him! He goes into training with Paul Nicholls.

“He is a beautiful horse, I have had luck with Blue Bresil before and this horse’s half-brother Eden Du Houx is the winner of two for David Pipe.”

Lot 415, the sale’s top-priced filly, provided the pinhook result of the two days. Purchased as a foal for just €1,800 by Pat Kinsella, the daughter of Getaway was sold by Ballincard Stables to Mags O’Toole for €125,000.

The pedigree has enjoyed some significant updates since the filly was originally bought in 2016 - her Dubai Destination half-brother Kildisart has won five races, including the Grade 3 Betway Handicap Chase at Aintree, while her four-yearold full-brother The Big Breakaway, trained by Donnchadh Doyle, won a point-to-point on his career debut. She is also from the family of the 2017 Drinmore Chase runner-up Rathvinden.

At the conclusion of the Derby Sale, Tattersalls Ireland CEO Matt Mitchell said; “The strength and depth in the store market which was evident at this year’s May Store Sale continued through to the Derby Sale. The very strong demand is demonstrated by the median which is €42,000, and the sale of 142 horses sold between €40,000 - €80,000. Per the Tattersalls ethos the published sales figures accurately reflect the known status in respect to Vendor buy-backs prior to publication of the results.

We thank our loyal vendors for their continued support, and have no doubt that our purchasers will be rewarded with success on the track.”

Image supplied by Tattersalls Ireland

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HIGHLIGHTS A LOOK AHEAD

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A LOOK AHEAD TO JULY HIGHLIGHTS July kicks into gear on Saturday 6th, with the Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park. Won last year by Roaring Lion, this year’s contest could see the return to action of Enable.

Thursday 11th, Ladies’ Day, sees the start of Newmarket’s Moet and Chandon July Festival and three great days of top class racing. The opening day features the Group Two July Stakes and Princess Of Wales’s Stakes, won in recent years by the like of Big Orange.

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Friday 12th is Gentlemen’s Day and features the Group One Falmouth Stakes, won in imperious style by Alpha Centauri last year. The other big race on the card is the Group Two Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes for two year old fillies.

Saturday July 13th is the big race of the Festival, the Group One Darley July Cup. Champion two year old U S Navy Flag came back to form to land the spoils last year. That same day, York hosts a very special Diamond Jubilee John Smith’s Cup.

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July 2019

A LOOK AHEAD HIGHLIGHTS

AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS Galway and Goodwood continue on Thursday, August 1st, which is Ladies’ Day at both venues and features the valuable Guinness Galway Handicap Hurdle. At Goodwood, the big race on the day is the Group One Nassau Stakes, won last year by Wild Illusion.

Saturday, July 20th, Newbury host’s its ever-popular Super Saturday card, featuring the Weatherbys Super Sprint.

The same day sees the start of the two-day Curragh meeting, with the big race, the Group One Darley Irish Oaks taking place.

Sunday 21st July sees the second day of the Curragh’s meeting, including Group races for the Sapphire Stakes and Kilboy Estate Stakes.

Ascot takes centre stage on Saturday, July 27th, with the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, one of Europe’s premier all-age middle distance races. Last year saw a fabulous finish with Poet’s Word defeating Crystal Ocean.

On Monday, July 29th, Irish racing focuses on the opening day of the Galway Festival which runs through to August 4th.

July ends on a high note. Tuesday 30th, is the opening day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival – better known as Glorious Goodwood. The opening day features the Group One Goodwood Cup, won last year by the champion stayer Stradivarius.

Wednesday 31st, is the big race of the meeting, the Group One Qatar Sussex Stakes, won last year by the popular Lightning Spear. The same day, the Galway Festival has its big race of the week, the Galway Plate.

Image supplied by Goodwood Racecourse

Image supplied by www.darleyeurope.com

Friday August 2nd, Goodwood plays host to four Group races, including the Group Two King George Stakes, won last year by the blisteringly fast Battaash.

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The concluding day of the Goodwood Festival is Saturday, August 3rd, when the Qatar Stewards’ Cup takes centre stage.

Last year’s race was won by Gifted Master.

Sunday, August 4th, sees the conclusion of Galway’s Festival.

Saturday, August 17th, Newbury stages a terrific day of racing featuring the Washington Singer Stakes, Hungerford Stakes and Geoffrey Freer Stakes.

Then from Wednesday, August 21st, all eyes turn to York for the Go Racing In Yorkshire Ebor Festival.

The opening day features the Group One Juddmonte International Stakes, one of the big 1 ¼ mile contests of the year and won last year by Roaring Lion. The first day also includes the Group Two Great Voltiguer Stakes, a notable St Leger trial.

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HIGHLIGHTS A LOOK AHEAD

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

© Grossick Racing Photography

A busy and important month in the racing calendar, begins with top class action on Saturday 7th September, when Haydock stages the Group One Haydock Sprint Cup, won in 2018 by The Tin Man. Kempton Park also hosts an important afternoon of Pattern Race action, including the Group Three September Stakes, which in 2018, saw the return to action of Enable.

The Killarney Festival also beings on August 21st and runs through to Saturday 24th.

Thursday 22nd, the big race is the Group One Darley Yorkshire Oaks, which has been won by Enable and Sea Of Class the last two years.

Friday, 23rd, York’s big race sees some of the world’s best turf sprinters on show in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes, won in 2018 by the locally-trained Mabs Cross.

The Ebor Festival concludes on Saturday, August 24th, with the £1 million Sky Bet Ebor Handicap and the Group Two Gimcrack Stakes.

Meanwhile, at Goodwood, the Group Two Celebration Mile is the big contest on a quality card that features the Prestige Stakes and March Stakes.

Saturday, August 31st, sees Sandown Park’s Group Two Solario Stakes take place. The race was won last year by Champion Two Year Old Too Darn Hot.

The Listowel Harvest Festival runs from Sunday, September 8th through to Saturday, 14th, with the big race, the Kerry National, taking place on Wednesday, 11th.

Wednesday, September 11th, sees the start of the fourday Doncaster St Leger Festival, with the opening day featuring the Leger Legends charity race for retired jockeys.

Thursday 12th is Ladies’ Day and the Friday, 13th is Gentlemen’s Day and features the Group Two Doncaster Cup. The big day is Saturday 14th, when the world’s oldest Classic, the Group One St Leger, takes place. It was won the last two years by Aidan O’Brien trained colts in Capri (pictured) and Kew Gardens. The card also features the Group Two Champagne Stakes, won last year by Too Darn Hot and the ultra-competitive Portland Handicap.

Image supplied by the BHA

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© Steven Cargill •

July 2019

A LOOK AHEAD HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 14th, sees the opening day of the Longines Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown. The big race is the Irish Champion Stakes, which in 2018 produced a memorable race between Roaring Lion and Saxon Warrior.

Also on the card is the Group One Matron Stakes over a mile, in which Laurens defeated Alpha Centauri last year.

Image supplied by Goffs

On Thursday, September 26th, Newmarket stages the important Cambridgeshire Meeting.

The opening day feature is the Tattersalls Stakes for two year olds.

On Friday, 27th, the big races are the Group Two Joel Stakes, won in 2018 by Mustashry – and the Group Two Rockfel Stakes for juvenile fillies.

The action ramps up on Saturday 28th, with the first leg of the Autumn Double, the Cambridgeshire Handicap – and a field of 30 plus runners charging down the Rowley Mile. Last year’s race was won by all-weather superstar Wissahickon.

© Alain Barr

Sunday 15th, the action switches to the Curragh and another significant afternoon, headlined by the Group One Irish St Leger.

The Group One action continues with the Moyglare Stud Stakes and the National Stakes, which saw Quorto beat Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck last year.

The support card is littered with quality, with the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes and hors d’oeuvre to the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes and Middle Park Stakes, which were won by Aidan O’Brien’s Fairyland and Ten Sovereigns in 2018.

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Sunday, 15th September is also an important date in the French calendar, as ParisLongchamp stages the Arc Trials Meeting.

The big races are the Prix Niel, Prix Foy and the Group One Prix Vermeille for fillies and mares. Whilst the milers aim for Group One glory in the Prix du Moulin.

From Thursday, September 19th, Ayr stages its Western Meeting for three days, culminating in the valuable Ayr Gold Cup, on Saturday, 21st.

That same afternoon, Newbury’s Group Two Mill Reef Stakes takes place. course-specialist.co.uk

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