Thoroughbred Owner Breeder

£5.95 APRIL 2020 ISSUE 188

Over and out British racing grinds to a halt after Cheltenham

www.theownerbreeder.com

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first foals

EXPERT OPINIONS S E E F O R Y O U R S E L F AT J U D D M O N T E . C O M

“The Expert Eye colt out of Daring Life is a lovely individual with great presence and conformation. He also has definite markings like his sire and grandsire.”

PAUL CASHMAN, RATHBARRY STUD

“We felt that Expert Eye was the best looking, best performed and best value first season sire to retire in 2019 and we are delighted with the result. This is a correct, great walking filly, who, hopefully, will promote the legacy of her grandam Time Charter.”

2020 b c Expert Eye - Daring Life (Cape Cross)

WILL EDMEADES, BLOODSTOCK MANAGER TO W & R BARNETT LTD 2020 b f Expert Eye - Time Honoured (Sadler’s Wells)

“A strong colt, full of quality with a great walk and super stride, he is light on his feet and very attractive.

I will certainly be sending my Gr.3-winning mare back to Expert Eye and hope to breed another just like him!”

SALLY ROWLEY-WILLIAMS, BREEDER 2020 b c Expert Eye - Precious Gem (Sadler’s Wells)

“We are really happy with the filly. She is a good size for a first foal and has a lovely eye.

Hopefully she will inherit some of the natural speed and ability of her sire.”

TIM GREDLEY, STETCHWORTH & MIDDLE PARK STUDS 2020 b f Expert Eye - Roulette (Poet’s Voice)

“We are thrilled with our Expert Eye colt, who is very strong, well-made with lots of quality. The stallion is a nobrainer as he was a high-class 2YO who did it at the highest level as a 3YO. And Juddmonte know how to make stallions.”

JOHN & PETER FAGAN, DEERPARK STUD 2020 b c Expert Eye - Sar Oiche (Teofilo)

“From day one the reports on this foal were very positive and we are delighted. We were very keen to use Expert Eye when he went to stud. His Vintage Stakes win was the best 2YO performance of the season, in my opinion, and to follow up at Royal Ascot and again at the Breeders’ Cup really showed his brilliance. He is also a great looking horse with a big walk” TROY STEVE, BLOODSTOCK AGENT FOR CASTLE ESTATES LTD 2020 b c Expert Eye – Oeuvre D’Art (Marju) Pictured

+44 (0)1638 731115 nominations@juddmonte.co.uk www.juddmonte.com

®

Welcome

Challenging times for the industry and country

Editor: Edward Rosenthal Bloodstock Editor: Nancy Sexton Luxury Editor: Sarah Rodrigues Design/production: Thoroughbred Group Editorial: 12 Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 1SB editor@ownerbreeder.co.uk www.theownerbreeder.com Twitter: @OwnerBreeder Instagram: ownerbreeder Equine Advertising: Giles Anderson/ Anna Alcock UK: 01380 816777 IRE: 041 971 2000 USA: 1 888 218 4430 advertise@anderson-co.com Subscriptions: Keely Brewer subscriptions@ownerbreeder.co.uk Thoroughbred Owner Breeder can be purchased by non-members at the following rates:

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1 Year 2 Year UK £60 £100 Europe £90 £150 RoW £120 £195 Thoroughbred Owner Breeder is published by a Mutual Trading Company owned jointly by the Racehorse Owners Association and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association is a registered charity No. 1134293 Editorial views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the ROA or TBA Our monthly average readership is 20,000 Racehorse Owners Association Ltd 12 Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 1SB info@roa.co.uk • www.roa.co.uk Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Stanstead House, The Avenue, Newmarket CB8 9AA Tel: 01638 661 321 • Fax: 01638 665621 info@thetba.co.uk • www.thetba.co.uk

£5.95 APRIL 2020 ISSUE 188

Over and out British racing grinds to a halt after Cheltenham

www.theownerbreeder.com

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Cover: Politologue and Harry Skelton soar over the third fence on their way to an impressive victory in the Grade 1 Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham Photo: George Selwyn

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Edward Rosenthal Editor

26/03/2020 14:39

uddenly the Cheltenham Festival seems a very long time ago. The Grand National has been cancelled, the start of the Flat season put on hold, and racing is holding its collective breath hoping that the current shutdown doesn’t last too long and cause irreparable damage to the industry.

The world has been turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic, which has affected people and businesses across the spectrum.

Terms that we didn’t know or understand just a few weeks ago – self-isolation, social distancing – are now central to the everyday discourse as countries battle to protect their populations.

In Britain, restrictions on movement mean that normal life has stopped for the vast majority of people. Working from home is the new pattern for a huge section of the nation.

All sport domestically, and across much of the globe, has ceased, including racing, which may or may not restart in May. Of course, with 14,000 racehorses to look after, staying at home is not an option for many in British racing’s workforce. These animals may not be racing but they require feeding, exercise and general care.

While the sport remains dormant, trainers are under pressure to maintain high standards of welfare in their stables and continue to employ grooms to carry out necessary duties.

Owners are paying out for horses but denied the chance to recoup costs on the racecourse.

The bloodstock community, which relies on free movement and international trade, is looking on anxiously as the familiar sales schedule falls apart.

Jockeys are suddenly without their main source of income and, like many self-employed workers in the country with mortgages and bills to pay, are concerned about the length of the enforced hiatus. PJ McDonald, who was looking forward to kicking on after his best season in 2019, tells Tim Richards how he is coping without racing in this month’s Talking To feature (pages 48-52).

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced

that the government will pay the wages of those unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic, contributing 80% of the salary for staff who are kept on by their employer, up to £2,500 per month. A plan to help selfemployed workers was due to be announced shortly after this magazine went to press.

As if proof were needed that the current situation is having a serious impact on businesses, the Racing Post revealed it was temporarily suspending its print edition due to the absence of racing and betting. Editor Tom Kerr promised that the newspaper would return “when the worst of this disease has passed”.

“Let’s hope we can return to normality in the not too distant future” Racing has been lucky to have a daily paper and I look forward to seeing the Racing Post back on newsstands in the coming months.

As for the Owner Breeder team, all of whom are now working remotely, we will continue to publish high-quality, interesting content for those that love this wonderful sport.

The challenges of putting together a magazine from home are of course trivial compared to the monumental efforts that NHS staff and others are making on a daily basis to combat the virus that is ravaging the country.

Their courage is an inspiration during these difficult times.

Let’s hope the measures implemented by the government start to turn the tide and we can all return to some sense of normality in the not too distant future.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Contents

April 2020

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96

30

News & Views

International Scene

ROA Leader

View From Ireland

Distribution of prize-money debate needed

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7

News Racing ceases due to coronavirus

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12

Howard Wright Gambling industry under scrutiny

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39

Features The Big Picture Cheltenham Festival action

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From The Archives Rhyme 'N' Reason in 1988

Talking To...

People and property

Breeze-up sales preview

Top Flat jockey PJ McDonald

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36

Around The Globe

Racing Life Chris Wright on his life outside racing

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GĂŠrald MossĂŠ's new chapter

Arrests shock US racing

Changes News in a nutshell

34

Continental Tales

TBA Leader Supporting members in tough times

Sourcing NH talent in Europe

Eddie O'Leary looks ahead

30 48 54

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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54

48 68

Features

Forum ROA Forum

Breeders’ Digest Sales season schedule changes

Richard Johnson's new ambassador role

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Exeter hosts first forum of 2020

Sales Circuit Markets soften amid uncertainty

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68

Dr Statz Top producers in focus

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96

Forum The Thoroughbred Club Claudia McDougall takes the reins

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82 90

Data Book Graded Races

The Finish Line With GBRI's Amanda Prior

Vet Forum Managing the feet of thoroughbreds

Caulfield Files War Front's sons make an impact

TBA Forum

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Latest winners

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Did you know?

Our monthly average readership is

20,000 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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SUPPORTING YOU We connect, support and champion the people who make racing great

ROA.CO.UK

ROA Leader

Nicholas Cooper President

Protect the top while supporting grass roots W

hen these dark days of the coronavirus are behind us, we will once more be reminded that it is big events and star performers that draw publicity to any sport and racing is no different.

It is why we have to protect the quality and heritage of our major races and racing festivals and why we have to ensure they continue to attract the best horses and jockeys, stimulating public interest and driving a constantly evolving fan-base.

Allowing prize-money levels to deteriorate for major races would be to British racing’s peril. Our sport is, if nothing else, a meritocracy where the best horses rise to the top and the inferior ones gravitate towards the bottom.

This is how any racing industry has to be structured but that is not to say prize-money levels between classes of horse and race should not be under constant review, especially when it comes to horses of lesser ability, of which, of course, there are many.

As the imbalance of costs against prize-money continues to reflect a bleak economic picture for the vast majority of owners, so British racing remains dependent on the goodwill of these owners indulging their hobby, while dreaming that one day an outstanding horse might come their way.

We see this in racing’s pyramid structure which shows us that, in 2018, about 5% of horses that ran in Britain each won £30,000 or more and 25% won £7,500 or more, while, at the bottom of the scale, 30% won prize-money of between £1 and £2,500, and 20% of horses won no prize-money at all.

These figures show why a more pragmatic approach to setting minimum prize-money levels for races below Class 1 should be considered for the benefit of the many horsemen who operate at the domestic level of our sport.

Although, individually, good horses and good races generate more betting turnover than moderate ones, the fact is there are many, many more horses and races at the bottom end. It means that our prize-money system is not based on an entirely equitable distribution of available funds but on a system where, paradoxically, the moderate horses in training subsidise those further up the meritocracy scale.

Historical data gives us a good idea of how much betting turnover each class and type of race generates. We know the Levy Board take this into account in the prize-money funding they pay to each racecourse but whether this has a direct effect on setting minimum prize-money values is a different question.

Racing purists may be aghast at the idea of skimming

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money off the higher tiers to put into lowly races and they would be right – unless it was done in a way that ensured the very best races were protected and the race programme on all its levels continued to accommodate the needs of the horse population.

The running plans of individual owners and trainers might not obviously be affected by, say, Class 5 or 6 races being a few hundred pounds more valuable than they are now, but, on a macro level, it would tell a significant number of owners they were losing less, thus persuading some of them to stay in the game for longer. If we truly believe in sustaining and possibly increasing the number of horses in training, this,

“Putting more money into Class 5 and 6 races might help keep some owners in the game for longer” potentially, is a way to do it.

In keeping with this, we have confirmation from a recent survey of trainers that prize-money continues to be a major factor in deciding running plans, whereas levy expenditure on bonus schemes, such as Plus 10 and MOPs, has virtually no influence on trainers as to where they run their horses.

The distribution of prize-money influences the number of horses in training, which in turn affects racing’s overall level of funding. Every factor, therefore, should be open to assessment when building this crucial part of racing’s financial model.

When life returns to normal, this is a debate that needs to be had.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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The TBA, with you for the journey We continually review our membership benefits to ensure that we provide you with the best possible support for your thoroughbred breeding interests.

Our members have access to a whole range of services including; employer support, tax and legal hotlines, buying group discounts, guidance documents, events, regional days, training courses, seminars, race badge offers and much more.

Why wouldn’t you support us?

thetba.co.uk

TBA Leader

Julian Richmond-Watson Chairman

Coronavirus puts health concerns in the spotlight W

hen I sat down to write this column, the uplifting subject was going to be the new and exciting breeders’ scheme, which was due to be launched at the end of March. Unfortunately, but understandably, fast-moving events surrounding the coronavirus outbreak have clearly overtaken everything, and it was decided to delay introduction of the unique and far-reaching scheme until the whole situation affecting the breeding and racing industries is clearer.

The unprecedented measures to combat Covid-19, introduced by the UK government almost on a day-to-day basis, mean that whatever I write about the situation is likely to be out of date by the time of publication. Nevertheless, the overall themes of separation and isolation will probably last for some considerable time.

Being a farmer as well as a stud owner, it has struck me how different this virus is from those that we normally encounter.

We are quite used to employing strict biosecurity measures for our horses and other animals, or to dealing with disease and pestilence in our crops, but they are all healthy now and not affected by Covid-19. Instead, it is humans who need to rethink our practices and social habits.

Naturally, the TBA will continue to provide members with as much advice and updates whenever possible and relevant. Our website remains the main method of communication between executives at Stanstead House, most of whom are working from home, and members, who can also keep in touch via email at info@thetba.co.uk.

The immediate consequence of government advice and the cancellation of racing from March 18 until at least the end of April is that several TBA-hosted events have been put on hold.

However, we hope to reschedule all these events when things return to normal.

On the more practical workings of the breeding industry, stallion owners are bringing in various different practices to protect their staff. So, please check with your stallion stud before taking any mare for covering and try to complete all paperwork electronically.

The TBA is not equipped to give advice on human interaction, which is more appropriately covered by government guidelines available through the media or on the official website gov.uk and that operated by Public Health England. The advice here is to follow the recommendations as they develop and fit them into individual circumstances.

In terms of how the Covid-19 virus will impact the British breeding industry generally, the TBA has been heavily involved and will continue to work hard in helping to co-ordinate racing’s approach to government for financial help. I know that many

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members will be worried about the timing of future public auctions and consequent cash flow, and we will keep everyone updated as the situation progresses.

While engaged in lengthy industry discussions about Covid-19 and how racing should react, I recalled the reason why the TBA was created in 1917 during the First World War. All members were sent a copy of the centenary book, and it is worth reading again the first chapter, in which Tony Morris notes that the birth of the TBA “was a direct consequence of the conflict, more specifically, a reaction to the restrictions imposed on racing by the government.”

Times have changed, and the current shutdown is not the result of an imposition by the government, but a decision made

“I know many members will be worried and we will keep everyone updated as the situation progresses” by the industry as a whole based on official guidance. However, at some point, racing will need to make the same and even more pertinent points about the need to bring a much larger sport back to the racecourse, as it did a century ago.

None of us can protect everyone all the time, and we are currently in the middle of emotive and emotional times. When the time is right, the balance of risk and reward has to come back into play. Let us hope that the risk declines quickly, and everyone can move forward to the point of returning to normality as soon as possible.

These are very difficult times for everyone. The TBA team will keep members informed as much as they can, but also please heed government advice so that we can get through this quickly.

I wish you all good health.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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News

Racing under lockdown Spread of coronavirus causes sport to cease in the UK and beyond

T

GEORGE SELWYN

here will be no horseracing in Britain for the foreseeable future as the country grapples with the severity of the coronavirus pandemic.

The British Horseracing Authority took the decision on March 17 to suspend all racing from March 18 until the end of April. However, the decision will be kept under constant review.

Confirmed just hours after the Jockey Club announced the cancellation of the Randox Health Grand National meeting, the lockdown has resulted in the loss of a host of other high-profile meetings, among them Doncaster’s Lincoln fixture, the traditional curtain raiser to the Flat turf season, Newmarket’s Craven meeting British racecourses are empty venues after the decision to stop racing, a far cry from the scenes at this year’s Cheltenham Festival (above)

and Sandown’s jumps season finale.

The decision, which mirrored those already taken across continental Europe, was made by the BHA board based on statements from government earlier that week, as the coronavirus outbreak tightened its grip on the country.

“This is a national emergency the like of which most of us have never seen before,” said Nick Rust, Chief Executive of the BHA. “We’re a sport that is proud of its connection to rural communities and to the local businesses that support our industry. But our first duty is to the health of the public, our customers and to racing industry participants and staff so we have decided to suspend racing following the government’s latest advice.

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“By stopping racing, we can free up medical resources, doctors and ambulances, be they private sector or NHS, to assist in the national effort to fight this virus. And we can support racing industry participants and staff as they face up to the personal challenges ahead and care for their own families.

“There will be difficult months ahead for many of us. We need to focus now on ensuring that we can continue to look after our horses as the virus affects the thousands of participants and staff who dedicate their lives to caring for animals. We need to do what we can to support businesses inside and outside racing and the many people whose livelihoods depend upon

this £4 billion industry.”

The move to suspend racing will severely impact the working lives of people across the industry, in some cases placing livelihoods at risk. There are also fears amid the uncertainty of the pandemic that racing might not resume until later than originally hoped.

It is estimated that 14,000 racehorses are currently in training in Britain. Their owners now find themselves in the situation of paying training fees without the prospect of racecourse action, while trainers face the immediate challenge of daily costs, including employment, veterinary care and feed supplies.

Those who are self employed within the industry, such as jockeys, will also be greatly affected by the stoppage.

The breeze-up sales season, which was due to start at Ascot on April 1, has tentatively been rearranged to accommodate postponed sales.

The BHA has been in daily liaison with the government and in light of the pledged financial package aimed at assisting British businesses unveiled by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, was at the time of writing planning to lead a submission seeking financial support for those within the racing industry who have been most affected.

“We know these are anxious times for everyone in our industry,” read a statement issued jointly by Nick Rust, the RCA’s David Armstrong, the NTF’s

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Stories from the racing world Rupert Arnold and Charlie Liverton, representing the ROA and Horsemen’s Group.

“Whilst everyone is worrying about the health of their families, we now face this huge disruption. We know people are worried about their jobs and the survival of their businesses. We are working around the clock to present the most powerful case we can to the UK and devolved governments.

“People will have many, many questions as a result of this uncertainty.

We cannot answer them all at present and must focus on preparing a case that sets out clearly and carefully the issues we face as an industry. The need to look after the 14,000 horses in training and the many more who are part of the breeding industry will be central to that case. Their welfare must be maintained.

We pride ourselves on the high standards of care for horses in racing and we will not let those drop.

“As we present our case, we also know that there will be a point at which racing can return. We want to ensure the industry remains ready to resume whenever that’s possible. That will start money flowing back to the businesses that support us and to the rural economy. We know that’s well understood by government.”

Racing in Ireland had been continuing

under a closed door policy with greater restrictions in place; no double fixtures or evening cards, no overseas runners allowed to compete, no owners allowed to attend, and jockeys’ weight allowances increased by 2lb. However, on March 24, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced that all sporting events in

“We know these are anxious times for everyone in our industry” the country would cease until April 19.

Much of continental Europe, notably France, Germany and Italy, has also been forced to lock down entirely until midApril at the very earliest.

Further afield in the US, Churchill Downs has taken the unprecedented step of rescheduling the Kentucky Derby. Originally set for May 2, the Classic is now due to take place on September 5.

Keeneland’s popular April meeting has also been cancelled although tracks such as Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs and Oaklawn Park are among those still operating on a closeddoor policy.

In Australia, the country’s iconic juvenile race, the Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill, was held without spectators on Saturday, March 21.

At that meeting, British jockey Tom Marquand sealed his maiden Group 1 victory on the William Haggas-trained Addeybb in the Ranvet Stakes.

Racing in Victoria and New South Wales will continue with a closed-door policy in place in both states. However, the sport has stopped in New Zealand for a period of four weeks. South Africa has imposed a three-week shutdown with no racing until April 17.

The Dubai World Cup meeting was called off less than a week before it was due to be staged without spectators on Saturday, March 28.

An Emirates Racing Authority statement said: “In light of the fastdeveloping Covid-19/coronavirus situation and with the health and safety of our participants as our top priority, it is with regret that the Emirates Racing Authority cancel the remainder of the UAE racing season. Additionally, Dubai World Cup 2020 will be postponed.”

Phelps: recovery plan required BHA Chair Annamarie Phelps has sent a message of solidarity to the racing community as the industry works out its next steps in securing financial assistance for its participants.

Work is under way to identify the funding available from government while also considering how the sport can manage its people and horses at a time of severe restrictions on movement and activity.

Phelps said: “We are now working out what the new restrictions mean for our industry, our racecourses and those who care for our horses.

“Our team have been in ongoing contact with government seeking to clarify how the new rules apply to the training and exercise of horses. The submission to government and our operational plan will be adapted accordingly, and I know the industry team will update on progress as soon as they can.”

The BHA and other industry leaders are supporting a plan that focuses on the areas of people, horses, money/ finances and resumption, and while the prospect of racing restarting remains uncertain, Phelps explained that the sport would develop a strategy for recovery in the coming weeks.

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She explained: “It is not too early to think and plan for how to come back as an industry, making sure that when we do resume, we are in the right shape to compete for interest, investment and customers, even if the sport must take place behind closed doors at first. It’s not top of the list right now, but we need to ensure that we resource this, too.

“The BHA board will be meeting to consider how we maintain the most appropriate team, consistent with our role in the industry’s immediate response, making sure we engage effectively with government and have the right resources in place to start racing again when we can.”

Phelps added: “I’ve been in sport for a long time but I’ve never seen so many people come together so quickly and work as hard as everyone is at present, on racecourses, in yards, at studs, and, of course, at home.

“We are all supporting one another through this difficult time: through shock, in some cases anger, and fear, and whilst we are all under so much pressure it is hard to find time to fully understand the impact of this on each of our colleagues personally, on their families, parents, and grandparents. So please, stay safe and look after each other.”

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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26/03/2020 17:30

News

‘Huge legacy’ left by Joe Crowley Joe Crowley, one of the truly great patriarchs of Irish racing, died peacefully last month aged 91.

Crowley’s six daughters include Pat Smullen’s wife Frances and Aidan O’Brien’s wife Annemarie – champion jumps trainer in 1992/93 – while he will be remembered as a brilliant horseman.

“He’s built up a huge legacy that will be here for years to come,” said Pat Smullen.

“He’s had an unbelievable impact on racing and was a great man in his own right.

“I was very lucky to go around with him at the sales for a few years and he’s probably the best judge of a horse I have ever known. He could buy inexpensive

When he completed the move to Ballydoyle in 1998, Frances Crowley took over the helm at Owning.

The first woman to claim the amateur riders’ title in 1995, Crowley saddled toplevel winners over jumps and also won the Galway Plate with Moscow Express in 1999.

Joe Crowley, pictured with wife Sarah and his extended family in 2011 (above), bred outstanding miler Rock Of Gibraltar with Aidan and Annemarie O’Brien

horses and turn them into money. What he achieved was quite remarkable, building everything up from scratch.”

Nine-times champion Irish Flat jockey Smullen, speaking to the Racing Post, added: “He was something to everybody in the family and everyone relied on him for advice and guidance.

“All the girls got huge opportunities through what himself and his wife built up. It truly is a huge legacy that he has left behind.”

Crowley’s own achievements include producing the young Bregawn, who led home Michael Dickinson’s famous 1-2-34-5 in the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup,

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and saddling Hairy Molly to win the 2006 Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. He also bred dual 2,000 Guineas victor Rock Of Gibraltar with Aidan and Annemarie O’Brien.

Among the Kilkenny man’s best Flat horses while training were 1985 Irish Cesarewitch winner Ravaro and Listed winners Blue Corrig and Golden Storm.

Crowley’s legacy, however, was in providing the Ballydoyle building blocks.

On taking over the licence from Crowley’s daughter in 1993, Aidan O’Brien took control of the yard in Owning – now home to Joseph O’Brien – and there began his conquest of world racing.

“He’s had an unbelievable impact on racing and was a great man” After relocating to Clifton Lodge at the Curragh in 2003, she became the first woman officially to saddle a Classic winner in Ireland when Saoire landed the 2005 Irish 1,000 Guineas.

When Crowley celebrated his 90th birthday, there were 15 jockeys in the photographs, including champion riders Joseph and Donnacha O’Brien.

Angela, the joint-youngest of his daughters along with her twin Monika, is married to broadcaster Kevin O’Ryan, while Breda is married to former jockey Trevor Horgan. Teresa, an artist, is the owner of Molesworth Gallery in Dublin.

As well as his daughters, Crowley is survived by wife Sarah and 17 grandchildren.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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26/03/2020 17:30

An eye for success

April 2020

LADIES COMPLETE GAUCHO DERBY!

visit studlife online: tweenhills.com/studlife

IN SAFE HANDS

We are so proud of The Ledbury Ladies – Laura Redvers and Louise Daly – who finished joint-6th of 16 in the inaugural Gaucho Derby in mid-March, despite the race almost being abandoned after a ferocious snow storm early on.

Laura said: “The race was the easy part – getting home proved much harder! I can’t quite put into words what an adventure it was from start to finish. We definitely saw Patagonia in all its glory – good and bad – and we certainly experienced the real Gaucho culture… out of necessity!”

Louise ‘Weasel’ Daly and Laura Redvers

STAFF PROFILE Werner Aucamp Farm Manager

Tell us about your upbringing…

I grew up on a farm – beef and dairy – in Dundee, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

I try to go home every 3 years with my family, and also on my own in between – if I can – to spend time with my brother on his beef and game farm.

The Ladies raised over £10,500 for the Midlands Air Ambulance – a big thank you to all their supporters.

NEXT GENERATION

FESTIVAL TRIUMPH Congratulations to long-time Tweenhills friend – and Qatar Racing’s Irish Representative – Peter Molony who enjoyed a fantastic Cheltenham Festival.

Peter is racing manager for Kenny Alexander whose Honeysuckle and Elfile finished first and third in the Gr.1 Mares’ Hurdle.

Watch out Champ! A day to remember for young pony racer Joe Leavy as he meets his hero Oisin Murphy.

And how is Tweenhills life?

Well, I’ve been here 8 years now. We are currently in the middle of calving and have already reached our goal of 65% cows to have calved in the first 3 weeks. We are also in the process of getting all the fields and fences ready for turning animals out.

We have three bulls for sale too.

What about away from the farm?

Well I live on one of the Tweenhills farms so I’m never far away. I ‘braai’ whenever the weather allows – I like smoking meat at home. I play golf in the summer and watch rugby; naturally I support Gloucester. I’m going to take my daughter Chloe to play cricket this year.

Here’s a photo from our friends at Culworth Grounds – Charlie Redvers on hand to give some expert care for the delivery of a Hot Streak colt.

Also at the Festival, Navajo Pass (pictured) finished fourth in the Gr.1 Triumph Hurdle – he’d been bought with the race in mind as a yearling by David Redvers for owner Tim Leslie.

Happy babies! Finally the rains sub sided long enough for us to get our older foals out on the grass.

Tweenhills, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BG W: www.tweenhills.com T: + 44 (0) 1452 700177 M: + 44 (0) 7767 436373 E: davidredvers@tweenhills.com

Changes

Racing’s news in a nutshell

People and business Tipperary

Venue is chosen as the site of Ireland’s second all-weather track, to be built alongside existing turf courses by 2022.

The Racing League

New six-week evening team racing competition is officially launched in London; the first meeting is planned for July 16.

Robert Havlin Jockey, 46, rides 1,000th career winner when Pitcher’s Point scores at Lingfield; he is most closely associated with trainer John Gosden.

Tessa Greatrex

TBA National Hunt Committee member joins the Arqana overseas representative team with a focus on National Hunt in Britain.

Betway

Bookmaker hit with record £11.6 million penalty by Gambling Commission for social responsibility and moneylaundering failures.

GVC Holdings

Marcus Corban

Owner of Ladbrokes and Coral anticipates closing 450 shops after FOBT limits, less than half the number initially estimated.

Announces resignation as general manager of Cambridge Stud in his 40th year as a key figure at the famous New Zealand nursery.

Fred Done

Betfred boss buys 3% stake in William Hill, believing rival bookmaker is well placed to exploit burgeoning US betting market.

Racing Post

Daily newspaper temporarily ceases publication due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on racing, sports and betting.

Animal Health Trust

Leighton Aspell

Jockey who won back-to-back Grand Nationals on Pineau De Re and Many Clouds retires from the saddle aged 43.

Newmarket-based charity established in 1942 is faced with closure due to financial difficulties amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Tom Marquand

Jockey secures first Group 1 victory on the William Haggas-trained Addeybb in the Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill in Australia.

Movements and retirements Un De Sceaux

Mud-loving chaser is retired aged 12; he won 23 of his 34 starts, including ten Grade 1s, and £1.58 million in prize-money.

Apple’s Jade

Outstanding mare, winner of 15 races including 11 Grade 1s, is retired aged eight and is set to be covered by Walk In The Park.

12

Ubaltique

Grand servant to owner Tim Leslie and trainer Donald McCain, winner of ten races over hurdles and fences in Britain, is retired aged 12.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Changes

Horse obituaries

Double Trigger 29

Outstanding stayer for owner Ron Huggins and trainer Mark Johnston, winner of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 1995.

Casamento 12

Copper Gone West 7

Fast Company 15

Belong To Me 31

Sunnyhill Stud loses exciting NH stallion, a Group 1 winner by Shamardal, sire of Communique and Kings Will Dream.

Darley stallion and sire of Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Jet Setting among 28 stakes performers.

Bahamian Bounty 26

Dual top-level winner who sired smart sprinters, including Group 1-winning brothers Pastoral Pursuits and Goodricke.

Three-time winner for the Bowtell family and Tim Vaughan yard who suffered a fatal injury in this year’s Pertemps Final.

Multiple Graded stakes-winning son of Danzig who stood at Lane’s End for 22 years and shuttled to Australia.

War Emblem 21

Winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 2002; he proved a talented but difficult stallion, siring fewer than 200 foals.

Marlinka 12

Star broodmare for Elite Racing Club, dam of dual Group 1-winning sprinter Marsha, subsequently sold for 6 million guineas.

A.P. Indy 31 His top-level wins included the 1992 Breeders’ Cup Classic, later siring outstanding duo Bernardini and Mineshaft.

14

People obituaries Richard Gamez 67

Veteran jockey dies from his injuries after being unseated from his mount in a race at Rillito Park racecourse in Arizona.

Joe Crowley 91

Irish racing patriarch whose six daughters include Pat Smullen’s wife Frances and Annemarie O’Brien, wife of Aidan.

Gerry Dilger 61

Master of Dromoland Farm who had a reputation for giving experience to youngsters hoping to enter the industry.

Reg Lomas 88

Former head groundsman at Cheltenham and Stratford racecourses. He was awarded an MBE in 2002.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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FIRST YEARLINGS 2020

MONDIALISTE GALILEO - OCCUPANDISTE DUAL GROUP 1 WINNING SON OF GALILEO

A LANDMARK FAMILY Sire: GALILEO – Champion: won Gr.1 Derby S, Gr.1 Irish Derby, Gr.1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S, etc: Multiple Champion Sire and Sire of Sires, incl: FRANKEL (Triple Champion, sire), TEOFILO (Champion 2yo, sire), NEW APPROACH (Champion, sire), RULER OF THE WORLD (Gr.1, sire), NATHANIEL (Gr.1, sire), SIXTIES ICON (Gr.1, sire), INTELLO (Gr.1, sire) CHURCHILL, ULYSSES, (Gr.1, sire) etc.

Dam: OCCUPANDISTE – won 6 races, incl Gr.1 Prix de la Forêt, Gr.1 Prix Maurice de Gheest; dam of 7 winners, incl MONDIALISTE, IMPRESSIONANTE (Gr.2 Prix de Sandringham, 2nd Gr.1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, Gr.1 Prix d’Astarté; herself dam of INTELLO, by GALILEO [Gr.1 Prix du Jockey Club, Gr.3 x 2, 3rd Gr.1 x 3, promising young sire]), ONLY ANSWER (Gr.3 Prix de Saint-Georges, Gr.3 Prix du Petit Couvert, LR Prix du Cercle), PLANETAIRE (by Galileo; LR Prix Pelleas, 3rd Gr.3 La Coupe) Her grandam ELLE SEULE won Gr.2 Prix d’Astarté; dam of 10 winners, incl ELNADIM (Champion Sprinter, sire), MEHTAAF (Champion, Gr.1 1,000 Guineas, dam of a Champion).

Her dam FALL ASPEN (Gr.1 Matron S); dam of: FORT WOOD (Gr.1, Champion Sire), HAMAS (Gr.1, sire), NORTHERN ASPEN (Gr.1), TIMBER COUNTRY (Champion at 2, sire), BIANCONI (Gr.2, sire), COLORADO DANCER (Gr.2, dam of DUBAI MILLENIUM [Champion, sire of DUBAWI].

DUBAWI

First foals sold with an average of

€37,500

STANDING AT ELWICK STUD Elwick Stud, Sheraton Farm, Co. Durham TS27 4RB

t: +44 (0) 1429 856 530 e: info@elwickstud.co.uk w: www.elwickstud.co.uk

FEE £6,000

The Big Picture

16

THE OWNER BREEDER

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26/03/2020 13:37

Cheltenham Festival

Nine is divine for McManus JP McManus has a special affinity with the Cheltenham Festival and in particular the Unibet Champion Hurdle, his green and gold silks carried to victory for the ninth time this year on Epatante, who powered up the hill under Barry Geraghty to defeat Sharjah (left) by three lengths. Unlike his previous winners of the Group 1 prize, three-time scorer Istabraq, Binocular, Jezki, dual hero Buveur D’Air and Espoir D’Allen, Epatante is a mare. When her racing days are over, perhaps Epatante’s progeny could help enhance McManus’s Champion Hurdle record further. For trainer Nicky Henderson, it was an eighth victory in a race he first won with See You Then in 1985.

Photo George Selwyn

THE OWNER BREEDER

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The Big Picture All hail Politologue Harry Skelton takes few outside rides these days but the jockey teamed up with former boss Paul Nicholls to deliver an outstanding front-running ride on Politologue in the Grade 1 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase. Racing in the silks of John Hales (pictured with Skelton), the nine-year-old produced an exhibition round of jumping to see off stablemate Dynamite Dollars (blue/yellow silks) by nine and a half lengths.

Photos George Selwyn

18

THE OWNER BREEDER

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26/03/2020 13:44

Cheltenham Festival

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THE OWNER BREEDER

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26/03/2020 13:44

The Big Picture

Oscar-winning performance Adam Wedge enjoyed a first Cheltenham Festival success on the Rebecca Curtis-trained Lisnagar Oscar in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle. The 50-1 chance, owned by Racing For Fun, defeated Ronald Pump as favourite Paisley Park, the 2019 winner, produced a below-par effort, coming home in seventh.

Photos George Selwyn

20

THE OWNER BREEDER

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Cheltenham Festival

Six-year-old mare Put The Kettle On jumped her rivals ragged in the Grade 1 Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase under Aidan Coleman, to the delight of trainer Henry de Bromhead (left), while below, Shishkin and Nico de Boinville (yellow/black) deny Abacadabras and Davy Russell by a neck in the Grade 1 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, one of four winners at this year’s Festival for trainer Nicky Henderson

THE OWNER BREEDER

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The Big Picture

The ecstasy and the agony Rachael Blackmore salutes the crowd after a superb victory on Honeysuckle in the Grade 1 Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.

The British-bred six-year-old, trained by Henry de Bromhead for Kenny Alexander, saw off Benie Des Dieux by half a length to remain unbeaten.

For Jamie Moore (opposite), there was only despair after his mount Goshen stumbled after the last flight when well clear in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Photos George Selwyn

22

THE OWNER BREEDER

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Cheltenham Festival

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The Big Picture Easy does it JP McManus has a crosscountry star on his hands in the handsome form of Easysland, emphatic winner over dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll in the Glenfarclas Chase.

Trained by former jockey David Cottin and ridden by Jonathan Plouganou, Easysland was recording a first Festival success for France since Moulin Riche and Kelami struck for Francois Doumen in 2005.

Photos George Selwyn

24

THE OWNER BREEDER

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26/03/2020 13:43

Cheltenham Festival

Above: Brilliant six-year-old Envoi Allen, trained by Gordon Elliott for Cheveley Park Stud, retains his unbeaten record with a decisive victory in the Grade 1 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle under Davy Russell.

Right: Min and Paul Townend (pink) see off Saint Calvados and Gavin Sheehan after an epic tussle in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase

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The Big Picture

26 THE OWNER BREEDER

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26/03/2020 13:38

Cheltenham Festival

Photo finishes first again Al Boum Photo became the first horse to win the Grade 1 Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup twice since Kauto Star regained his crown in 2009 and the first to land back-to-back editions of the blue riband since Best Mate notched the second of three victories in 2003. Paul Townend’s astute tactical ride gave his opponents a target to catch and though Santini (third in shot) was staying on strongly in the closing stages, Al Boum Photo kept him at bay by a neck, with Lostintranslation (jumping nearside) filling third spot. Townend, who was on board in 2019, clearly enjoyed his second Gold Cup strike, seen left returning to the winner’s enclosure with trainer Willie Mullins and owner Marie Donnelly.

Photos Trevor Meeks

THE OWNER BREEDER

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Published here is the FINAL LIST of European stallions registered in full with the EBF for the 2019 covering season. The progeny of these stallions, CONCEIVED IN 2019 IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, (the foal crop of 2020) will be eligible to enter the EBF races to be held during the year 2022 and thereafter. They will also be eligible for other relevant benefits under the EBF terms and conditions in force in Great Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany and Switzerland.

A ABDEL (FR) ACCLAMATION (GB) ACHTUNG (GB) ACLAIM (IRE) ADAAY (IRE) ADLERFLUG (GER) AFFAIRE SOLITAIRE (IRE) AFFINISEA (IRE) AGE OF JAPE (POL) AGENT SECRET (IRE) AIZAVOSKI (IRE) AL KAZEEM (GB) AL WUKAIR (IRE) ALBAASIL (IRE) ALBERT DOCK (JPN) ALEX THE WINNER (USA) ALHEBAYEB (IRE) ALKAADHEM (GB) ALMANZOR (FR) ALTRUISTIC (IRE) AMARILLO (IRE) AMARON (GB) AMERICAN DEVIL (FR) AMICO FRITZ (GER) ANABAA BLUE (GB) ANJAAL (GB) ANODIN (IRE) ARAKAN (USA) ARCADIO (GER) ARCANO (IRE) ARCTIC COSMOS (USA) ARDAD (IRE) AREION (GER) ARRIGO (GER) ASCALON (GB) ASK (GB) ASSERTIVE (GB) ATTENDU (FR) AUSTRALIA (GB) AUTHORIZED (IRE) AVIATION CHIEF (IRE) AWTAAD (IRE) AXXOS (GER) B BALKO (FR) BALLINGARRY (IRE) BARASTRAIGHT (GB) BATED BREATH (GB) BATHYRHON (GER) BATTLE OF MARENGO (IRE) BEAT HOLLOW (GB) BEAUMEC DE HOUELLE (FR) BELARDO (IRE) BENVENUE (IRE) BERKSHIRE (IRE) BIRAAJ (IRE) BIRCHWOOD (IRE) BLEK (FR) BLU AIR FORCE (IRE) BLU CONSTELLATION (ITY) BLUE BRESIL (FR)

EBF - TOB April 2020 dps.indd 2

BOBBY’S KITTEN (USA) BOLLIN ERIC (GB) BORN TO SEA (IRE) BOW CREEK (IRE) BRAMETOT (IRE) BRAVE MANSONNIEN (FR) BRAZEN BEAU (AUS) BULLET TRAIN (GB) BUNGLE INTHEJUNGLE (GB) BURATINO (IRE) BURWAAZ (GB) C CABLE BAY (IRE) CALIFET (FR) CAMACHO (GB) CAMELOT (GB) CANNOCK CHASE (USA) CAPPELLA SANSEVERO (GB) CAPTAIN CHOP (FR) CAPTAIN GERRARD (IRE) CAPTAIN MARVELOUS (IRE) CARAVAGGIO (USA) CARLOTAMIX (FR) CASAMENTO (IRE) CASTLE DU BERLAIS (FR) CAT JUNIOR (USA) CENTAURIAN (IRE) CHANDUCOQ (FR) CHARDONNEY TCHEQUE (FR) CHARM SPIRIT (IRE) CHARMING THOUGHT (GB) CHASEDOWN (IRE) CHEMICAL CHARGE (IRE) CHICHI CREASY (FR) CHOEUR DU NORD (FR) CHURCHILL (IRE) CIMA DE TRIOMPHE (IRE) CITYSCAPE (GB) CLODOVIL (IRE) CLOTH OF STARS (IRE) CLOUDINGS (IRE) CLOVIS DU BERLAIS (FR) COACH HOUSE (IRE) COASTAL PATH (GB) COCKNEY REBEL (IRE) COKORIKO (FR) CONDUIT (IRE) COTAI GLORY (GB) COULSTY (IRE) COUNTERATTACK (AUS) COURT CAVE (IRE) CRACKSMAN (GB) CREACHADOIR (IRE) D DABBERS RIDGE (IRE) DABIRSIM (FR) DALYAKAN (FR) DANDY MAN (IRE) DANSANT (GB) DARIYAN (FR) DARK ANGEL (IRE) DARTMOUTH (GB)

DASTARHON (IRE) DAWN APPROACH (IRE) DE TREVILLE (GB) DECORATED KNIGHT (GB) DESINVOLTE (FR) DIAMOND BOY (FR) DIAMOND GREEN (FR) DICK WHITTINGTON (IRE) DINK (FR) DIOGENES (IRE) DOCTOR DINO (FR) DOHA DREAM (FR) DOYEN (IRE) DRAGON DANCER (GB) DRAGON PULSE (IRE) DREAM AHEAD (USA) DSCHINGIS SECRET (GER) DUBAWI (IRE) DUE DILIGENCE (USA) DUNADEN (FR) DUTCH ART (GB) DUX SCHOLAR (GB) DYLAN THOMAS (IRE) E EAGLE TOP (GB) EARL OF TINSDAL (GER) EASTERN ANTHEM (IRE) ECTOT (GB) EGERTON (GER) EL KABEIR (USA) EL SALVADOR (IRE) ELECTRIC BEAT (GB) ELIOT (GER) ELLIPTIQUE (IRE) ELM PARK (GB) ELUSIVE CITY (USA) ELUSIVE PIMPERNEL (USA) ELVSTROEM (AUS) ELZAAM (AUS) EQUIANO (FR) EREWHON (USA) ESTEJO (GER) ESTIDHKAAR (IRE) EXCEED AND EXCEL (AUS) EXCELEBRATION (IRE) EXPERT EYE (GB) F FAIRLY RANSOM (USA) FALCO (USA) FAMOUS NAME (GB) FARHH (GB) FASCINATING ROCK (IRE) FAST COMPANY (IRE) FASTNET ROCK (AUS) FAYDHAN (USA) FEEL LIKE DANCING (GB) FIGHT CLUB (GER) FINSCEAL FIOR (IRE) FLAMINGO FANTASY (GER) FLEMENSFIRTH (USA) FLY WITH ME (FR) FOOTSTEPSINTHESAND (GB)

FOREVER NOW (GB) FORTHE MILLIONKISS (GER) FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH (IRE) FRACAS (IRE) FRANKEL (GB) FREE EAGLE (IRE) FREE PORT LUX (GB) FRENCH FIFTEEN (FR) FRENCH NAVY (GB) FRONTIERSMAN (GB) FUISSE (FR) FULBRIGHT (GB) FULL OF GOLD (FR) G GALE FORCE TEN (GB) GALILEO (IRE) GALILEO GOLD (GB) GALIWAY (GB) GAMUT (IRE) GARSWOOD (GB) GATEWOOD (GB) GEMIX (FR) GENGIS (FR) GENTLEWAVE (IRE) GEORDIELAND (FR) GEORGE VANCOUVER (USA) GETAWAY (GER) GIROLAMO (GER) GLADIATORUS (USA) GLENEAGLES (IRE) GOKEN (FR) GOLDEN HORN (GB) GOLDEN LARIAT (USA) GREAT PRETENDER (IRE) GREEN MOON (IRE) GREGORIAN (IRE) GRIS DE GRIS (IRE) GUIGNOL (GER) GUILIANI (IRE) GUSTAV KLIMT (IRE) GUTAIFAN (IRE) H HAAFHD (GB) HAATEF (USA) HARBOUR LAW (GB) HARRY ANGEL (IRE) HARZAND (IRE) HAVANA GOLD (IRE) HAVANA GREY (GB) HAWKBILL (USA) HEERAAT (IRE) HELLVELYN (GB) HELMET (AUS) HERALD THE DAWN (IRE) HIGHLAND REEL (IRE) HILLSTAR (GB) HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR (IRE) HOT STREAK (IRE) HUNTER’S LIGHT (IRE) I ICE BREEZE (GB) IDAHO (IRE)

IFFRAAJ (GB) IMPERIAL MONARCH (IRE) INDIAN HAVEN (GB) INTELLO (GER) INTRINSIC (GB) INVINCIBLE SPIRIT (IRE) IQUITOS (GER) ISFAHAN (GER) ITO (GER) IT’S GINO (GER) IVANHOWE (GER) IVAWOOD (IRE) J JACK HOBBS (GB) JAMES GARFIELD (IRE) JET AWAY (GB) JEU ST ELOI (FR) JIMMY TWO TIMES (FR) JOHNNY BARNES (IRE) JOSHUA TREE (IRE) JUKEBOX JURY (IRE) JUNGLE CAT (IRE) K KALANISI (IRE) KALLISTO (GER) KAMSIN (GER) KANDAHAR RUN (GB) KANDIDATE (GB) KAP ROCK (FR) KAPGARDE (FR) KARAKTAR (IRE) KARGALI (IRE) KAYF TARA (GB) KENDARGENT (FR) KESSAAR (IRE) KHALKEVI (IRE) KHELEYF (USA) KIKUJIROU (GB) KINGFISHER (IRE) KINGMAN (GB) KINGSALSA (USA) KINGSTON HILL (GB) KODI BEAR (IRE) KODIAC (GB) KONIG BERNARD (FR) KONIG TURF (GER) KOROPICK (IRE) KOUROUN (FR) KUROSHIO (AUS) L LANGTANG (GER) LAURO (GER) LAVEROCK (IRE) LAWMAN (FR) LE CADRE NOIR (IRE) LE HAVRE (IRE) LE REBEL (FR) LE VIE INFINITE (IRE) LEADING LIGHT (IRE) LEHAIM (FR) LETHAL FORCE (IRE) LIBERTARIAN (GB)

LIFE FORCE (IRE) LIGHTNING MOON (IRE) LIGHTNING SPEAR (GB) LIMARIO (GER) LINDA’S LAD (GB) LITERATO (FR) LIZIO (GB) LOPE DE VEGA (IRE) LORD OF ENGLAND (GER) LUCAYAN (FR) LUCK OF THE KITTEN (USA) LUCKY JOE (IRE) LUCKY LION (GB) LUCKY SPEED (IRE) M MACHUCAMBO (FR) MAGADINO (FR) MAGICIAN (IRE) MAGNETICJIM (IRE) MAHLER (GB) MAHSOOB (GB) MAKE BELIEVE (GB) MALINAS (GER) MAMOOL (IRE) MANATEE (GB) MANDURO (GER) MARCEL (IRE) MARKAZ (IRE) MARTINBOROUGH (JPN) MASKED MARVEL (GB) MASSAAT (IRE) MASTER CARPENTER (IRE) MASTERCRAFTSMAN (IRE) MASTEROFTHEHORSE (IRE) MASTERSTROKE (USA) MAXIOS (GB) MAYSON (GB) MEHMAS (IRE) MEKHTAAL (GB) MESHAHEER (USA) MIDI (GB) MIKESH (IRE) MIKHAIL GLINKA (IRE) MILAN (GB) MILLENARY (GB) MILLOWITSCH (GER) MISTER FOTIS (USA) MIZZOU (IRE) MONDIALISTE (IRE) MONITOR CLOSELY (IRE) MONSIEUR BOND (IRE) MONTGOLFIER (GER) MONTMARTRE (FR) MOONJAZ (GB) MORANDI (FR) MORES WELLS (GB) MORPHEUS (GB) MOTIVATOR (GB) MOUNT NELSON (GB) MUHAARAR (GB) MUHTATHIR (GB) MUKHADRAM (GB)

25/03/2020 16:28

The European Breeders’ Fund, Lushington House, 119 High Street, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 9AE, UK T: +44 (0) 1638 667960 F: +44 (0) 1638 667270 E: info@ebfhorseracing.co.uk www.ebfstallions.com

MUSIC MASTER (GB) MY DREAM BOAT (IRE) MY RISK (FR) MYBOYCHARLIE (IRE) N NATHANIEL (IRE) NATIONAL DEFENSE (GB) NATIVE RULER (GB) NAYEF (USA) NEATICO (GER) NEW APPROACH (IRE) NEW BAY (GB) NICARON (GER) NIGHT OF THUNDER (IRE) NIGHT WISH (GER) NO NAY NEVER (USA) NO RISK AT ALL (FR) NOOZHOH CANARIAS (SPA) NORSE DANCER (IRE) NOTNOWCATO (GB) NUTAN (IRE) O OASIS DREAM (GB) OCOVANGO (GB) OL’ MAN RIVER (IRE) OLDEN TIMES (GB) OLYMPIC GLORY (IRE) ORDER OF ST GEORGE (IRE) ORIENTOR (GB) OUTSTRIP (GB) P PALAMOSS (IRE) PALAVICINI (USA) PANIS (USA) PAOLINI (GER) PARISH HALL (IRE) PASSING GLANCE (GB) PASTORAL PURSUITS (GB) PASTORIUS (GER) PEARL SECRET (GB) PEDRO THE GREAT (USA) PENNY’S PICNIC (IRE) PETHER’S MOON (IRE) PETILLO (FR) PETIT SPECIAL (FR) PHOENIX REACH (IRE) PIGEON CATCHER (IRE) PILLAR CORAL (GB) PIVOTAL (GB) PLANTEUR (IRE) PLUSQUEMAVIE (IRE) POET’S WORD (IRE) POLARIX (GB) POLICY MAKER (IRE) POLISH VULCANO (GER) POMELLATO (GER) POP ROCK (JPN) PORTAGE (IRE) POSTPONED (IRE) POUNCED (USA) POUR MOI (IRE) POUVOIR ABSOLU (GB)

EBF - TOB April 2020 dps.indd 3

PRINCE GIBRALTAR (FR) PRINCE OF LIR (IRE) PROCONSUL (GB) PROFITABLE (IRE) PROTECTIONIST (GER) PUIT D’OR (IRE) Q QUEST FOR PEACE (IRE) R RAIL LINK (GB) RAJASINGHE (IRE) RAJJ (IRE) RAJSAMAN (FR) RAVEN’S PASS (USA) RECOLETOS (FR) RECORDER (GB) RED JAZZ (USA) RELIABLE MAN (GB) RENAISSANCE MAN (IRE) REQUINTO (IRE) RETIREMENT PLAN (GB) RIBCHESTER (IRE) ROARING LION (USA) ROB ROY (USA) ROBIN DU NORD (FR) ROCK OF GIBRALTAR (IRE) ROSENSTURM (IRE) ROSS (IRE) ROYAL VIGIL (IRE) RULE OF LAW (USA) RULER OF THE WORLD (IRE) S SADDLER’S ROCK (IRE) SAGEBURG (IRE) SAINT DES SAINTS (FR) SANDMASON (GB) SANS FRONTIERES (IRE) SAONOIS (FR) SAXON WARRIOR (JPN) SCALO (GB) SCHIAPARELLI (GER) SCISSOR KICK (AUS) SCORPION (IRE) SEA MOON (GB) SEA THE MOON (GER) SEA THE STARS (IRE) SEABHAC (USA) SEAHENGE (USA) SECOND THOUGHT (IRE) SEPTEMBER STORM (GER) SHAIBAN (IRE) SHALAA (IRE) SHAMALGAN (FR) SHAMARDAL (USA) SHANTARAM (GB) SHANTOU (USA) SHAYWAN (IRE) SHIROCCO (GER) SHOLOKHOV (IRE) SHOWCASING (GB) SILAS MARNER (FR) SILVER FROST (IRE)

SILVER POND (FR) SIOUX NATION (USA) SIR PERCY (GB) SIXTIES ICON (GB) SIYOUNI (FR) SLADE POWER (IRE) SLEEPING INDIAN (GB) SLICKLY (FR) SMOKEM KITTEN (USA) SMOOTH DADDY (USA) SNOW SKY (GB) SOLDIER HOLLOW (GB) SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (IRE) SOLITARY STONE (USA) SOMMERABEND (GB) SOUL CITY (IRE) SPANISH MOON (USA) SRI PUTRA (GB) STARSPANGLEDBANNER (AUS) STIMULATION (IRE) STORM THE STARS (USA) STORMY RIVER (FR) STRATH BURN (GB) STYLE VENDOME (FR) SUMBAL (IRE) SUN CENTRAL (IRE) SUPPLICANT (GB) SWIPE (USA) SWISS SPIRIT (GB) T TAAREEF (USA) TAGULA (IRE) TAI CHI (GER) TALE OF TWO CITIES (IRE) TAMAYUZ (GB) TASLEET (GB) TAU CETI (GB) TEAM FLIGHT (FR) TELESCOPE (IRE) TEOFILO (IRE) TERRITORIES (IRE) THE ANVIL (IRE) THE GREAT SPIRIT (FR) THE GREY GATSBY (IRE) THE GURKHA (IRE) THE LAST LION (IRE) THE TURNING POINT (FR) TIBERIUS CAESAR (FR) TIGER GROOM (GB) TIGRON (USA) TIME TEST (GB) TIN HORSE (IRE) TONKIN (IRE) TOP TRIP (GB) TORONADO (IRE) TOTXO (IRE) TOUGH AS NAILS (IRE) TRIPLE THREAT (FR) TULLAMORE (USA) TUNIS (POL) TWILIGHT SON (GB)

U U S NAVY FLAG (USA) ULTRA (IRE) ULYSSES (IRE) UNFORTUNATELY (IRE) URBAN POET (USA) URSA MAJOR (IRE) V VADAMOS (FR) VALE OF YORK (IRE) VALIRANN (FR) VANISHING CUPID (SWI) VATORI (FR) VENDANGEUR (IRE) VERTIGINEUX (FR) VERY NICE NAME (FR) VICTORY SONG (IRE) VIF MONSIEUR (GER) VITA VENTURI (IRE) VOCALISED (USA) W WALDPARK (GER) WALK IN THE PARK (IRE) WALZERTAKT (GER) WAR COMMAND (USA) WASHINGTON DC (IRE) WATAR (IRE) WELL CHOSEN (GB) WESTERNER (GB) WHERE OR WHEN (IRE) WHIPPER (USA) WHITECLIFFSOFDOVER (USA) WIESENPFAD (FR) WILD CHIEF (GER) WILLYWELL (FR) WINGS OF EAGLES (FR) WOOTTON BASSETT (GB) WORKFORCE (GB) WORTHADD (IRE) Y YEATS (IRE) YORGUNNABELUCKY (USA) YOUMZAIN (IRE) Z ZAMBEZI SUN (GB) ZANZIBARI (USA) ZARAK (FR) ZAZOU (GER) ZEBADIAH (IRE) ZELZAL (FR) ZOFFANY (IRE) ZOUSTAR (AUS)

EBF INTERNATIONAL STALLIONS STALLION ARROGATE (USA) COLLECTED (USA) DAIWA MAJOR (JPN) DEEP IMPACT (JPN) DREFONG (USA) DURAMENTE (JPN) EPIPHANEIA (JPN) HARBINGER (GB) HEART’S CRY (JPN) HONOR CODE (USA) JUST A WAY (JPN) KARAKONTIE (JPN) KITASAN BLACK (JPN) KIZUNA (JPN) LORD KANALOA (JPN) MAURICE (JPN) MIZZEN MAST (USA) MOHAYMEN (USA) MR SPEAKER (USA) NOBLE MISSION (GB) ORFEVRE (JPN) QUALITY ROAD (USA) RULERSHIP (JPN) SATONO DIAMOND (JPN) TAMARKUZ (USA) UNIFIED (USA) UNION RAGS (USA)

STANDS USA USA JPN JPN JPN JPN JPN JPN JPN USA JPN USA JPN JPN JPN JPN USA USA USA USA JPN USA JPN JPN USA USA USA

The stallions listed above stood OUTSIDE THE EBF AREA IN 2019 and have been registered as EBF International Stallions.

The progeny of these stallions, CONCEIVED IN 2019, (the foal crop of 2020), will be eligible to enter and run in EBF races to be held during 2022 and thereafter, with no further nomination payments.

Further details from the Chief Executive, European Breeders’ Fund.

25/03/2020 16:28

From The Archives

Down but not quite out!

Backers of Rhyme ‘N’ Reason, whose 27-year-old rider Brendan Powell is sporting a purple cap with white star, would have been down in the dumps at Becher’s first time round in the 1988 Grand National, with their hope on his knees and right out the back. He jumped the next fence in last place, yet a circuit later was in a remarkable second spot after going over Becher’s. Durham Edition looked all over the winner jumping the last, but Rhyme ‘N’ Reason, trained by David Elsworth for owner Juliet Reed, was not to be denied and rallied to a famous win.

Photo Alan Johnson

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Rhyme ‘N’ Reason at Aintree on April 9, 1988

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The Howard Wright Column

Anti-gambling lobby could cause a rumpus T wo memorable moments from vintage TV comedies spring to mind as – once the situation returns to something like normal following the Covid-19 shutdown – British racing faces up to its two biggest medium-term challenges outside the perennial debate about funding. The success, or otherwise, of both will have long-term consequences for the sport.

The first came in the opening to the Harry Worth Show, where he approached the plate-glass window of a shop, raised an arm and a leg, and gave the illusion of having lifted both arms and legs off the ground at the same time.

In terms of its relationship with the gambling industry, which is coming under increasing moral scrutiny, racing needs to create the impression it is capable of facing in both directions at once, linked inextricably with betting but at the same time offering a pleasant, fun-filled experience to the vast majority of those involved.

Ground down by threats from the modern puritan movement, often involving parties that would normally never be seen standing shoulder to shoulder, gambling has endured a torrid time, suffering badly for not being able, or not being nimble enough, to mount an adequate defence. The FOBTs debacle was its nadir.

So far, racing has dodged the bullets. Perhaps keeping its collective head largely below the parapet has enabled the sport to avoid many of the worst misconceptions about problem gambling.

That position may not always hold good. With a myriad of investigations taking place, from the government review of the 2005 Gambling Act to the House of Lords select committee inquiry into the social and economic impact of the gambling industry, racing’s inseparable reliance on betting may yet become the focus of unwelcome and unhelpful attention.

Racing has to be prepared for that eventuality, otherwise it could emulate the second memorable TV comedy sketch, in which David Jason, Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, slowly and gracefully disappears from sight as he goes to lean on the

bar, not realising that the flap had been raised. Racing will fall flat on its face if it does not prepare for serious questioning by the anti-gambling lobby.

The sport needs friends in the right places. Thankfully, fears that February’s Cabinet reshuffle would wipe away alliances appear not to have been realised.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, to which racing answers, survived, when wholesale disbandment had been forecast, and although new Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is the fifth holder of the office in three years and

Racing’s reliance on betting could come under increased scrutiny

Confused? You’re not the only one Advocates of a single satellite broadcaster for British horseracing should take the first train to Nottingham, where, if they look closely, they will spot why their hopes are unlikely to be realised in the near future.

Ask the taxi driver to head for Colwick Park on the A612 out of the city, and instead of turning right for the racecourse car park, drive straight on. There, about 300 yards down the road, stands Nottingham greyhound stadium, new home of the Greyhound Derby and the latest acquisition of Arena Racing Company.

Talk about parking tanks on the opposition’s lawn, for the racing venue just a couple of furlongs away belongs to Jockey Club Racecourses.

With greyhound attendance sinking almost as fast as the Titanic, the reason for ARC’s growing interest in the sport can be traced to betting opportunities, especially those in

overseas markets, where many punters prefer the short, sharp continuity of six- and eight-dog races to the confusion of small or extremely big fields in horseracing.

ARC’s involvement in greyhounds started in May 2017, when it nipped in under the nose of SIS to buy the Newcastle and Sunderland tracks from William Hill – a prominent shareholder in SIS, no less – bolstering its new betting-shop channel The Racing Partnership (TRP).

Cutting a long and acrimonious story short, the value of the north-east quota of greyhound fixtures became obvious when TRP lined up with the Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service (Bags), after Racecourse Media Group, whose Racing UK channel was rival to the ARC-dominated At The Races, had come knocking on the door of Bags’ previous betting-shop rights-holder SIS. Confused? You are entitled to be, especially since RUK

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“Racing needs to create the impression it is capable of facing in both directions at once” evidence. However, racing would do itself a favour by aligning with those aims and policies of the BGC that have so far been formulated. It could prove to be a significant ally for the sport.

In that respect another, more recent appointment by the BGC is worth noting. After almost 20 years as an eminent political journalist, Kevin Schofield has left that field of endeavour to become BGC’s Director of Communications and Digital. Poacher turned gamekeeper comes to mind, but an inspired, experienced choice, and one that racing may wish to emulate with animal welfare, the second biggest medium-term challenge, in mind.

Much of the thrust of the Horse Welfare Board’s opening strategy report centres on the need to translate the sport’s good-news stories into public appreciation. That requires expertise of a kind not regularly seen in racing. A Kevin Schofield clone, perhaps.

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minister for sport Nigel Huddlestone the fourth in the last 16 months, they can be expected to stay in place for some time yet.

Outside parliament, hope has arisen for a meaningful relationship between racing and betting in political terms through the creation of a new standards body, the Betting and Gaming Council, as a single industry organisation amalgamating the Association of British Bookmakers and Remote Gambling Association.

The BGC has made sound appointments in chair Brigid Simmonds, who knows all about defending embattled trades from a similar role representing the pubs and drinks industries, and Chief Executive Michael Dugher, a former MP who on taking up his position at the beginning of February promised “a race to the top on industry standards.”

Understandably, their focus will be on gambling operators and what they can do to stem the tide of unfavourable publicity, particularly that based on bias and ill-conceived

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Now it’s every man for himself, and international jurisdictions and betting operators are the ones with confused looks on their faces, as they ponder who is selling what and on whose behalf. Interested observers had only to glance at delegations to the recent Asian Racing Conference in Cape Town, where RMG, SIS and SSR, not to mention the Jockey Club and ARC, were represented, to wonder what the cost to British racing might be.

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34

Tiernan. “We didn’t have a Grade 1 win, but we have that now [with Itchy Feet in the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase], and five runners from the system at Cheltenham, which is their ultimate goal.”

Not all are from France but that is Tiernan’s preferred source because he feels upbringings there are more natural – and more professional.

“For example, Jean Pierre Dubois; his foals are taken out from under the mares at four months,” he says. “Then they are all out together until being

“Solwhit was by nothing, out of nothing, but a gorgeous young horse” brought in during November and put on the walker. They are treated as professionals from day one. Mostly they live out, even when they are in pretraining, from yearlings to two-year-olds.

This seems to be the way to get a really healthy horse.

“Where Dominateur was bred, they all live out, and they are fed the leftover goats’ milk, mixed into their food. They are fantastically healthy, big and strong.

“I’ve no worry about the sire, because we aren’t there to sell commercially. We are buying an individual on looks; if it has a pedigree, brilliant.

“If the stallion is unknown, do some homework. Make sure he’s not throwing horses with wind problems, for example, or horses that are half nuts.”

In January and February, Tiernan and the Brookses won a Grade 1 with Itchy Feet, a Grade 2 with Rouge Vif, and Cheltenham handicaps with Simply The Betts – subsequently successful at the Cheltenham Festival – and Skandiburg.

As the season draws to a close, the one to watch for next term is Brave Kingdom. In keeping with Tiernan’s favourite theme, he’s by French hurdles winner Brave Mansonnien, and cost €10,000 as a yearling.

“He’s four now and was third in a point-to-point, but wasn’t drilled like the others,” said Tiernan. “Andrew named him for Tom Cooper, because he’s from the Kingdom of Kerry.”

There is a final strand to Tiernan’s system – life after racing – which has not yet been fully tested, though came to the fore last April.

“There’s been only one serious injury since I started, with Willy Boy,” he said.

“He suffered a sever to his tendon but no expense was spared and he’s now with a 15-year-old girl in Wicklow – he’s her pet. It is my job to find them a home.”

Itchy Feet: a Grade 1 winner in the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase

GEORGE SELWYN

L

ast month this column asked why Irish-breds no longer dominated the Gold Cup. This month it speaks to Irish bloodstock agent Sean Tiernan, who champions small French breeders, making a name by sourcing from unproven sires.

What began with eight-time Grade 1 winner Solwhit, by little-known Solon, has grown into buying Grand National hopefuls from goat farmers and Cheltenham Festival heroes from yards without a flat surface to trot on.

“Solwhit was by nothing, out of nothing, but a gorgeous young horse with a great walk and a nice presence about him,” said Tiernan. “We bought Itchy Feet [by Cima De Triomphe] as a yearling standing in muck up to his knees, in the middle of nowhere.

“Within ten kilometres, all near Belgium where Solwhit came from, I also bought Ch’tibello [Sageburg] and Le Breuil [Anzillero]. Neither of those guys have anywhere to trot the horses. They have a place to gallop and hack around, but to trot up, they have to stop the traffic lights on the main road.

“Dominateur [Desir D’Un Soir] was owned by a goat farmer who produces goat milk about three hours from Moulin. We got some lovely goat milk, and cheese, and two horses! He doesn’t even have a mobile phone.

“When you have a relationship with these guys, they will ring [vet] Bernard Stoffel and the message gets back to me. They won’t be the price of a secondhand car. They don’t cost a fortune.”

The Wexford man now lives in Copenhagen and is employed to buy high-end jumpers by owners Kate and Andrew Brooks, thanks to Ch’tibello, who put Tiernan on trainer Dan Skelton’s radar. The partnership is just four years old and only now is the system Tiernan devised paying dividends.

Switching from buying horses in-training, Tiernan now buys broken but unraced two- and three-year-olds for the Brookses. They are then sent to trainer Tom Cooper in County Kerry for pre-training, where they are schooled over hurdles and fences at a young age, before progressing to schooling bumpers, and some to point-to-points.

Before Cheltenham comes the meeting to decide which will make the grade and be put into training in the UK. “We had 42 winners in the UK last season, which was their best ever,” said

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26/03/2020 15:45

By Jessica Lamb

When you welcome a Willie Mullinstrained star back from the brink of retirement, chances are the reason for their return to racing is Tracey Gilmour.

Renowned for breaking and pre-training, as well as being Florida Pearl’s work rider, of late the County Carlow-based horsewoman has moved to care only for injured racehorses. It came as a surprise, then, that at the end of February her own colours were carried to victory by the Sean Treacytrained More Music.

In Gilmour’s own words, the son of Morozov was “slow to come to hand”, but through hard work, he opened his account in a Clonmel handicap hurdle.

“His future is over fences,” said Gilmour. “Like everything I have, he is for sale, and I’d hope to find him a new owner, but if not, I think he’s capable of picking up another race.”

More Music is an example of Gilmour’s patience. Leasing Treacy’s yard, she has built up a book of clients that have horses in training with Mullins, as well as receiving recommendations from the champion trainer himself. But why the switch?

“Like everybody else, I’ve gotten older and I decided I didn’t want to ride the young horses myself any more.” she said. “It’s more difficult to find staff for a small breaking stable and I felt that I always enjoyed the veterinary work anyway, so it was probably the best way to go.

“We broke-in a few horses last summer but I have basically stopped that. Luckily, I have some very good neighbours who now ride off the young horses if needs be, and I get them back when they are a bit safer.

“I think I’d go mad if I didn’t have something to ride out, so it’s great to have one or two.”

With capacity for 20 horses, Gilmour does most of the work herself. The vast majority of horses she is caring for are injured racehorses, or those recovering from surgery. Their injuries are monitored and tended to, and their health and well-being kept up by whatever small exercise they can do, generally only walking in hand, or long-reining.

GEORGE SELWYN

Time the best healer for an expert in field

Outstanding mare Quevega spent time with Tracey Gilmour Gilmour’s job is to return each horse to the point where they can go back into training, or safely into a paddock for further recuperation.

“A lot would be very fresh when they first come,” she said. “With the people I work for, you know that the horse is going to get every chance. I know whatever the horse needs for recovery, they will get.”

She added: “The vets we work with are exceptional and the amount of them that do come out the other side is far greater than the ones that don’t.”

Gilmour echoes age-old sentiment that there is no substitute for time when asking a thoroughbred to heal, but also believes that they heal better away from racing yards. In her setting, they are the norm, not the exception. It relaxes them, and it relaxes the trainer, who is then more likely to give them the time they need.

“Out of sight out of mind,” said Gilmour. “It lowers the stress; if the trainer isn’t looking at the horse every day, they are not as anxious about the fact they aren’t working.”

Gilmour also does not agree with the opinion that thoroughbreds are fragile.

“One of the things you see with the thoroughbred is their power to recover; their ability to overcome injuries or shortcomings is amazing,” she said.

“What they get away with, if we as humans had their difficulties, we would probably still be laying in bed.”

It is an occupational hazard that Gilmour will have to break bad news that a horse is not going to race again, while often she is then turned to in

order to find the horse a retirement home.

“You have to be very careful who you are rehoming with,” she said. “And very careful not to leave the horse with an injury that will be causing pain for the rest of its life.

“Being human, I do end up keeping some, but I’m quite good now; I have only one and he should be able to go point-to-pointing next year.”

It is a challenge that has now been recognised by Horse Racing Ireland, with the December appointment of John Osborne as Director of Equine Welfare, and in February the creation of the Irish Thoroughbred Welfare Council.

Osborne has admitted that Ireland is playing “catch up” to Britain in this respect, but there has already been an open forum to discuss possible schemes to address that, with one being a registry of people who wish to take on a retired racehorse.

Gilmour would support this. “I don’t see why there would be any harm if there was a registry of some sort, where people could put their name down and there would be home checks done so people have a place to turn to.

“Because if it is left to the owners, they might not be familiar with the horsey crowd. They might not know what to look out for, or where to look.”

She added: “We get to watch so many going out and being superstars the next season. I find it very rewarding.

The more severe the injury, the more you invest in it. I suppose you should stay a bit detached, but I never would have been that way anyway.”

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Continental Tales

Mossé set for new chapter in the saddle

Gérald Mossé still enjoys riding and has no plans to retire just yet

ITALY

36

GEORGE SELWYN

O

n hearing the news that Gérald Mossé is leaving his Newmarket base to open a new chapter of his career, most people will presume that the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Melbourne Cup-winning French jockey has hung up his riding boots.

Not a bit of it. At the grand old age of 53 and with some 65 Group or Grade 1 triumphs under his belt, accumulated on four different continents, Mossé will relocate to Milan and, coronavirus allowing, become stable jockey to trainer Bruno Grizzetti.

After a brief and abortive spell employed by big-spenders Phoenix Thoroughbreds, Mossé has spent the last two years in Britain as retained jockey to the Hong Kong owner, Dr Johnny Hon. Prior to that he enjoyed a successful time in Hong Kong, where he notched over 650 victories and became the winningmost rider at the annual International Race meeting. But he is probably still best known for his exploits in his homeland, where he has won every one of the Classics and spent nine years carrying the famous green and red silks of the Aga Khan.

Explaining the move, Mossé says: “My contract with Dr Hon ran out at the end of December and remaining in Britain without the backing of a big yard or a big trainer was going to be very complicated. So I was looking for a job and I was approached by one of Mr Grizzetti’s owners who made me a good offer.

“I will be sad to leave the UK as it had always been an ambition of mine to ride here and I definitely want to keep coming back. I like the atmosphere and the horsemanship in this country. They only race three or four times a week in Italy so it would be a pleasure if I get the opportunity to come back occasionally.

“Going to Italy is something new and

I am excited about it. I have ridden there many times in the past and though it is a country where racing has suffered from a lot of political problems, with people not being paid on time and the racetracks not always being well maintained, they have made me a very kind offer and I am very happy to go there as it will be an experience and I like to travel.”

Asked about the possibility of retirement, Mossé insists: “I won’t carry on riding for many more years but at the moment I am still really enjoying what I do.

“I have spoken in the past of following my father and taking up training and that is still a possibility, though maybe I have left it a bit late in life to start. But currently I see a situation where a lot of trainers are struggling.”

One major boon of being based in Britain is the superb modern facilities available here when jockeys suffer injuries and require assistance getting back to full fitness.

Mossé has had first-hand experience of what is on offer, having been sidelined after breaking his foot at the International Trophy meeting at Sakhir in Bahrain in late November, and sings the praises of both Oaksey House in Lambourn and Peter O’Sullevan House in Newmarket.

“I have used both and what they have

created there for jockeys is really proper.

It’s fantastic and I am very impressed – British jockeys are incredibly lucky to have access to these places.

“I have been out for three months and I tried to be fit in time for the Saudi Cup, but I have only just started riding gallops again so it came a bit too soon.

You do get rusty when you’ve been away and I want to be properly ready when I come back, but apart from being a little bit heavy I feel good.”

The enforced lay-off has at least allowed him to fully enjoy a very important moment in the life of his daughter, Kimberley. In February she married the dual Italian champion jockey, Umberto Rispoli, who is her long-term partner and father of their two-year-old son, Hayden, in the fairytale setting of Malibu Beach in Los Angeles.

Rispoli has himself recently moved to a new jurisdiction, attempting to start afresh in California after a near seven-year stint in Hong Kong, which had a number of highlights but of late had seen him grow increasingly exasperated at seeing his best rides taken over by the superstars Joao Moreira and Zac Purton.

“Attending the wedding of my eldest daughter was one of the best feelings I have ever had,” Mossé recalls. “It was a unique and lovely ceremony which brought on some beautiful emotions.”

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26/03/2020 16:21

By James Crispe, IRB

Nordic raiders capture Carnival cash A noticeable trend of this year’s Dubai World Cup Carnival has been the increase in number of Swedish-trained visitors both escaping the ravages of a Nordic winter and plundering the enormous number of Dirhams on offer.

Swedish participation at this annual jamboree has a long history but, until recent years, not a particularly affluent one. The Norwegian shipper, Avon Pearl, was the first Scandinavian to enjoy the sweet taste of Meydan success in 2014 and it was not until a year later that Volatile broke the Swedish duck.

Last year another Swede, I Kirk, proved that Scandinavians can beat the locals on not just their home turf but their home dirt as well and this term the number of participants flying the blue with yellow asymmetrical cross ‘Flaggan’ has exploded.

No less than 43 Swedish runners have taken part in the Carnival’s first nine meetings, over £185,000 in prize-money has been pouched, and a red letter day was enjoyed on January 30 when Plata O Plomo and Stricker notched a famous 1-2 for the Viking invaders in the Mina Hamriya Handicap.

Ecstasy in the Emirate has come in stark contrast to news from back home that three meetings on Sweden’s

DUBAI RACING CLUB/ERIKA RASMUSSEN

SWEDEN

Plata O Plomo and Carlos Lopez land the Mina Hamriya at Meydan on January 30 75-strong 2020 fixture list have been axed and prize-money has been cut by 17% across the board owing to funding issues.

This move comes in response to a fall in the contribution to racing’s

coffers from ATG, the Swedish tote. ATG used to enjoy a monopoly but, partly to combat illegal bookmaking, the industry decided to open up the market at the beginning of last year.

Return of TV coverage set to boost industry SPAIN Spain may not rank as one of the premier European racing nations but last August I marvelled at the high standard of pictures available when searching out race replays on hipodromodelazarzuela.es, the website of La Zarzuela racecourse in Madrid. Now, after a lengthy blackout, Iberian aficionados of our sport willl once again be able to enjoy excellent, and extensive, television coverage.

Spanish racing had been lacking any kind of national broadcast coverage since 2014. While racing is currently cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, when the sport is staged again, one of the country’s

leading television stations, RTVE, will host a one-hour show to include two live races at every single Flat fixture.

Live coverage of all other races will be available on the new website lascarreras.com. It may only be an internet station, but the programme looks most professional.

For instance, day two of its existence (March 8) happened to coincide with the annual international female jockeys’ competition at La Zarzuela which, much to the frustration of its organisers, went ahead without British participation owing to a clash with the hastily put-together all-female International Women’s Day card at Southwell.

Jockey and trainer interviews were

plentiful, including in foreign languages rapidly translated into Spanish, not to mention overhead drone shots.

Another positive step for the industry was a new kind of ready-torun two-year-old sale staged on February 29 by one of the nation’s top studs, Yeguada Milagro.

Nine of their home-bred juveniles were placed with nine different Madrid trainers a week before the auction, allowing the respective handlers to get to know their new inmates and give advice to potential bidders, before the hammer was raised. Six of the nine two-year-olds found new homes and the average price realised was a healthy €25,000.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Around The Globe

The Worldwide Racing Scene

Maximum drama after Saudi win

JOCKEY CLUB OF SAUDI ARABIA/MARTIN DOKOUPIL

Luis Saez celebrates after winning the inaugural Saudi Cup on Maximum Security

NORTH AMERICA

By Steve Andersen

A

fter the biggest payday of his riding career, albeit not his most famous ride, jockey Luis Saez’s thoughts turned to his family.

Saez won the inaugural $20 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 29 aboard the Americantrained Maximum Security, well-known for being disqualified from the Kentucky Derby last May because of an incident of interference.

In the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest race, Maximum Security caught fellow American Mucho Gusto in the stretch and held off a late threat from another runner from the United States, the mare Midnight Bisou, to win by three-quarters of a length.

As he rode Maximum Security into the winner’s enclosure, Saez had an ear-to-ear grin on his face as he gave an international shout-out on an early evening in the Middle East to family and friends watching in the late morning in Central America.

“This is for my family, all my people,” he said. “It’s special for my mother in Panama and my dad.”

Saez paused for a moment and looked skyward. “And my brother Juan,” Saez said. “He’s here with me.”

Juan Saez, Luis’s little brother, was a jockey who died as a result of a head injury sustained in a spill at Indiana Grand racecourse in October 2014 at the age of 17. He was four months into his career.

Luis and Juan Saez had graduated from the Laffit Pincay Jr. Jockey Training Academy in Panama before moving to the United States. Luis arrived first, in the summer of 2009, aged 17. Within four years, he had ridden his first champion in Will Take Charge, the outstanding threeyear-old male of 2013. Maximum Security won the same title six years later.

Maximum Security, owned by Gary and Mary West and the Coolmore syndicate and trained up to the Saudi Cup by Jason Servis, earned $10 million for the Saudi Cup win, the colt’s fourth consecutive stakes victory and his eighth win in ten starts.

The excitement surrounding Maximum Security’s win in Saudi Arabia was shortlived. On March 9, Servis was one of 27 individuals in American thoroughbred and standardbred racing arrested in conjunction with a federal investigation into manufacturing, distributing and administering illegal medications to horses.

Maximum Security was subsequently transferred away from Servis to California-based trainer Bob Baffert.

Servis could now face a prison sentence of up to five years.

The arrests shocked American racing.

Servis was the most high-profile trainer arrested, along with Jorge Navarro, who trained X Y Jet, the winner of the Golden Shaheen Sprint at Meydan in 2019. X Y Jet died of a suspected heart attack in January while training.

Regulatory reaction was swift.

The New York Gaming Commission suspended the licenses of Servis, Navarro and others. Horses trained by Servis and Navarro were moved to other trainers.

Tracks owned by The Stronach Group, notably Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita, banned those horses from racing for 60 days after they were transferred, to ensure they had no illicit substances in their systems.

Federal officials said the illegal medications could not be detected in post-race tests.

Servis was alleged to have administered an illegal substance to Maximum Security prior to the colt’s second-place finish in the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth Park last June, in his first start since the Kentucky Derby.

After the Saudi Cup, Saez returned to riding on a daily basis at Gulfstream Park.

Saez ranked seventh in North America with career-best earnings of $18.2 million in 2019. Later this year, he is scheduled to ride at the lucrative Saratoga summer meeting. Last year, Saez finished fifth in the jockey standings at Saratoga with 36 wins over the eight-week season.

Saez, 27, was at his winter base in Gulfstream Park last March when he rode Maximum Security for the first time in the Grade 1 Florida Derby. Four months earlier, in December 2018, Maximum Security scored on his debut by nine and three quarter lengths in a $16,000 claimer for maidens. Maximum Security has been first past the post in nine of his ten starts.

With Saez aboard for the first time, Maximum Security won the Florida Derby easily to solidify his position as a Kentucky Derby contender. Maximum Security set the pace in the Kentucky Derby but on the turn, drifted out and was ruled to have caused interference. He was disqualified and placed 17th of 19.

The loss still stings Saez. He makes references at times suggesting Maximum Security is still the rightful winner of the Kentucky Derby.

“It was a tough moment,” the jockey reflected. “Thank God we came to Arabia and won the big race. All of the world was watching the race.

“The Kentucky Derby will always be in my heart. I’m here and I’m healthy and I’ll keep fighting and I hope one day I’ll win it again.”

As the USA battles to contain the coronavirus pandemic, Churchill Downs announced that this year’s Kentucky Derby has been rescheduled from May 2 to September 5. Other schedule changes and cancellations are sure to follow.

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Around The Globe

Ryan and Team Hayes delight in seeing the Stars AUSTRALIA

By Danny Power

40

PA IMAGES

T

he win of Fifty Stars in the historic Group 1 Australian Cup was not only a triple triumph of momentous proportions for the iconic Hayes family of trainers and Fifty Star’s owner, Victorian businessman Gerry Ryan, but also for top European sire Sea The Stars.

Fifty Stars powered home from near last under Irishman John Allen to beat the West Australian Regal Power in the 1m2f feature at Flemington in early March; it was a performance that he’d promised to deliver since he first stepped out on an Australian racetrack as an under-aged colt to beat older horses in a maiden at Warrnambool in March 2018.

Back then he was trained by Darren Weir, now disqualified, and there was a degree of excitement about the neat, well-built colt who went on to win his next three starts and took a further step forward when he beat subsequent Group 1 winner Manuel at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup carnival the following November.

A few months later, after Weir was disqualified for four years over animal cruelty allegations, Fifty Stars was transferred to the Lindsay Park training partnership of David Hayes, his son Ben and nephew Tom Dabernig. Within a month he had won the Group 2 Blamey Stakes – a race he won again this year – and the Group 2 Ajax Stakes at Rosehill.

A potential and intriguing new star was born.

However, it has taken another year for Fifty Stars to land a Group 1 and in doing so he gave the iconic Hayes family its tenth win in the Australian Cup – patriarch, the late Colin Hayes, trained three and his sons David (six) and Peter (one) added seven.

David’s nephew, Tom Dabernig, has been in partnership with him for the past four wins and son Ben Hayes has been in the partnership as well for the past three.

The third-generation pair will share the licence when David Hayes moves to

Fifty Stars with a delighted John Allen - the duo won the Australian Cup by half a length

Hong Kong to train later this year.

Fifty Stars’ win means Team Hayes has won four of the past six Australian Cups, following the wins of Britishbred duo Spillway in 2015 and Harlem, successful in 2018 and 2019.

The intrigue in Fifty Stars wasn’t in the fact he’s an imported middledistance galloper – Australia has more of those than Melbourne has coffee shops – but because he was

“Fifty Stars is the second son of Sea The Stars to win at the top level in Australia” purpose-bought as a yearling to race in Australia, which bucked the trend of buying proven, well-performed horses for big money that has become an obsession with Australians in the past ten to 15 years.

Entrepreneurial businessman Gerry Ryan dabbled in buying overseas horses with form and stuck gold with Americain, the 2010 Melbourne Cup winner he part-owned, but he quickly realised that he’d probably used his luck and established horses were only

going to get dearer. In 2011, he changed tack and sent noted bloodstock agent John Foote to Tattersalls to source a yearling that would fit the profile.

Foote paid 75,000 guineas for an Authorized colt who raced in Australia as Signoff. It was an immediate pay-off that almost produced the fairytale result when Signoff won the 2014 Lexus Stakes at Flemington and three days later finished fourth behind Protectionist in the Melbourne Cup. Foote and Ryan, with their appetites whetted, were back to Newmarket in 2015. This time they bought Last Week, by Tamayuz, for 26,000 guineas.

Although he didn’t reach the heights of Signoff, the gelding won $A269,000 from three wins.

It was enough to keep stoking the fire. In 2016, Foote bought two colts for Ryan: from Ireland’s Airlie Stud he paid 110,000 guineas for a Sea The Stars colt; and from New England Stud he spent 60,000 guineas on a colt by Camelot.

The Sea The Stars colt is Fifty Stars and the Camelot colt was named Furrion, who also burst on the racing scene in Australia, winning six of his first seven starts. At the time it was hard to work out which was the better of the two.

Furrion, now a gelding, hasn’t been seen since winning the Listed Warrnambool Cup in May 2019, but it’s Fifty Stars that has emerged as a genuine Group 1 horse with a potential to find a place on a commercial stallion roster.

He is the second son of Sea The Stars to win at the highest level in Australia following trainer Chris Waller’s gelding Shraaoh, in last year’s Sydney Cup. Importantly for local breeders, he is the first that can stand here as a stallion that is proven under Australian conditions and with a turn of foot to be competitive at a mile.

The Ryan-Foote partnership continued their frugal and successful buying at Tattersalls in 2017, spending 65,000 guineas on the Champs Elysees colt Grand Promenade, who started racing late in 2019 and has now won his past three starts in impressive fashion.

The 2018 Tattersalls buys – colts by Camelot, Australia and Sea The Stars – are yet to race. Last year, the Aussie dreamers bought another four, by Zoffany, Camelot, Australia and Exceed And Excel.

Fifty Stars, who is heading for Group 1 assignments in Sydney with a bank balance in excess of $A2 million, is paying for them all; for Ryan, the caravan rolls on.

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Al Kazeem TOB-April 2020:Oakgrove Stud

13/3/20

08:56

Page 1

Al Kazeem

Group 1 Sire!

2020 FEE PRIVATE Call David Hilton 07595 951248

bay 2008, 16.1hh by Dubawi - Kazeem (Darshaan) N Four-time Gr.1 winner by DUBAWI Won Gr.1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, 2015, Gr.1 Coral-Eclipse, 2013, Gr.1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes, 2013, Gr.1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, 2013 N Joint Champion Older Horse in Europe in 2013 (9.5f-10.5f ) N Timeform rated 128 in three consecutive seasons N Sire of ASPETAR, Gr.1 Preis von Europa and Gr.2 Grand Prix de Chantilly (new race record), black type sprinter GOLDEN SPELL (RPR 103) and promising three-year-old filly FINERY N 56% winners to runners from his first crop N 9% black type horses to foals from his first crop

Another star for the future... filly by Al Kazeem ex Desert Berry half-sister to Gr.3 Winner FLYING THUNDER

STANDING AT OAKGROVE STUD Oakgrove Estate, St Arvans, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 6EH For Nominations Contact: David Hilton: 07595 951248 G Email: david@oakgrovestud.com

Racing Life

edited by Sarah Rodrigues

MY LIFE OUTSIDE RACING In the first in a new series, Sarah Rodrigues talks to music mogul Chris Wright Chris Wright has bred and owned a number of high-class horses, including Breeders’ Cup heroine Chriselliam (right)

GEORGE SELWYN

“I

t depends on how you define decadent,” says Chris Wright, when asked about the hedonism of the music industry in the 1970s. “But yes, most of the things you read about are not over the top – in fact, in a lot of instances, I’d say that they underplay what it was really like. You may watch films recreating that time and think, ‘Well, that would never happen’, but I can assure you: it did all happen.”

Having worked with the likes of Billy Idol, Pat Benatar, Ultravox and Spandau Ballet over the course of his career, it’s no exaggeration to say that Chris Wright is something of a legend in the music industry. Yet his beginnings were far more modest: born into a long line of farmers, he went to Manchester University to study Politics and Modern History and became the university’s social secretary in the mid-60s.

“I started running a blues night at a club in Manchester once a week – the rest of the week it was a working men’s club, with strippers and comedians – and when I finished my studies, I sort of drifted into working as an agent, booking music groups into colleges and universities. Terry Ellis, my ex- business partner, had a very similar profile to me in Newcastle, so we created one company and started doing it throughout the country.”

Calling the company Chrysalis – a combination of Wright’s first name and his partner’s surname – their big break came with a band called The Jaybirds, who Wright signed and renamed Ten Years After. “In 1968 they went to play in America and really laid the foundations for us signing other artists – Jethro Tull, for instance. When we couldn’t get a record deal for them, we made the record ourselves – and when no one would release it, we released it ourselves. I know things like this are more common these days, but back then it was unheard of – and that was really the start of Chrysalis Records.”

It’s this type of thinking that has characterised much of Wright’s career, remaining sanguine and pragmatic, even when presented with challenges. “With any business, you encounter obstacles,” he says. “The greater the challenge, the greater the euphoria when something

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Chris Wright

works out. It’s the same with the horses – many don’t give you much of a return financially, emotionally or excitementwise, but when you get one that does, you enjoy the moment.”

It was with ‘a few mates in the music business’ that Wright first got together to buy a few horses and a small training yard in Lambourn.

“The first yearling I bought, Crime Of Passion, turned out to be a successful runner and it all developed from that.

She went on to become the foundation mare for my stud; I now have shares in about 20 racehorses in training, and another twenty broodmares scattered around the world.”

Racing is just one of the sports about which Wright is passionate. “I’m a sports nut, really – I love most sports.

I owned QPR football team for a while, and Wasps rugby club for 11 years.” On a personal level, Wright plays tennis most days, wherever he is in the world. “The fact that it keeps me fit is an additional benefit, but I play because I enjoy it,” he says. “I don’t go to the gym or run, that’s for certain!”

Having sold the record label arm of Chrysalis to EMI in 1991, Wright came back as chairman and co-owner in 2016, but has recently sold it again. In the intervening years, he’s had other

Apr_188_RacingLifeV2.indd 43

“In the music industry, you can’t sign everyone you want to sign” music, radio and television production concerns, and is responsible for bringing Midsomer Murders and Doc Marten to our screens. His current production company, Chrysalis Vision, is still in its infancy but “it’s a business I know very well and I’m eager to see what we can make of it,” he says.

Dividing his time between London and the Cotswolds, Wright relishes having a little more time on his hands than he did when the music industry was at its pre-streaming peak. “I have time to play bridge now, which I enjoy very much,” he says. “Collecting – and drinking! – wine is also a passion, as is buying and collecting art.” Having the opportunity to travel for leisure is also something that he is making the most of, with time for trips to more far-flung

destinations. “I recently travelled to Nicaragua, Panama and Providencia, the remote Colombian islands off the Nicaraguan coast. Access isn’t very easy – you have to fly from Colombia or Panama to San Andrés Island and then take a small plane to Providencia, some 90 kilometres to the north – but it’s well worth the journey.”

He’s also a keen writer, contributing articles on politics and current affairs to a number of publications, and having penned his own autobiography – a task that took him two to three years, with the help of a researcher. Entitled One Way or Another, the book shares its name with one of the biggest hits from iconic punk and new wave band Blondie – another Chrysalis signing.

Is there anyone whom he regrets not signing? “We signed some people and didn’t sign others,” he says. “There’s no point in looking at it like that. In any business, you have to make decisions: in the music industry, you can’t sign everyone you want to sign. It’s like going to the yearling sales and, later, saying to the bloodstock agent, ‘That one turned out to be a Derby winner, why didn’t you buy that one?’ The only way you’re going to not make a mistake is by buying every yearling – and then you’re going to go bust.”

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Racing Life

ADVERTORIAL

From small acorns…

Oakwrights’ beautiful oak frame designs can turn your dreams into reality

Welcome to Gryffyns Stud: this bespoke oak frame yard has ten boxes and 24-hour observation facilities

H

ayley Ringrose has always loved the beauty of oak and when she made the decision to build a stud for competition horses at her family’s farm in Sussex, there was only one material that she wanted to build with.

After contacting Oakwrights, a Herefordshire-based oak frame supplier who design and construct bespoke oak frame homes, extensions and outbuildings, Hayley’s exciting plan for Gryffyns Stud began to take shape.

“Oak is a lovely, tactile material,” Hayley said. “I could not see the point of building something in blockwork that would undoubtedly deteriorate visually over time, when I could create something beautiful that would last for hundreds of years – and which would cost about the same to build.

“The yard would be a fully operational, working environment so the structure needed to withstand the inevitable everyday wear and tear.

Foaling boxes are jet-washed and disinfected so it was important that the primary construction material had longevity, as well as character.

“I knew exactly what dimensions I needed for ten stables, the veterinary stocks and the feed and equipment store. It was also imperative to be able to provide 24-hour observation,

particularly at foaling time, and every aspect of the build needed to be as safe as possible.”

Alex Edey, from Oakwrights, designed the overall concept for the stud and also advised on a number of key design decisions, such as the yard’s orientation to ensure it was south-facing.

“Positioning the yard in this way has created a stable area that is sheltered and sunny,” Hayley explained. “Due to the enclosed nature and walk through to the turnout paddocks, it is also incredibly

Mares and foals were very much in mind during the design stage of the project

safe when leading mares and foals in and out.”

The design of the yard also features a cruck arch in one roof section, which has helped to create a bespoke space where Hayley’s team can stay in close proximity to the foaling mares, and can also look down onto the foaling boxes through a triangular window from the observation room, without needing to disturb the horses or just relying on CCTV. Alex Edey commented: “This yard was a dream project to design.

Drawing the structure using 3D modelling software created clear designs, which Hayley and I could then work from to determine the exact location for other bespoke aspects, such as the staircase and the spaces upstairs, while ensuring enough headroom throughout.”

The last word, however, goes to Hayley, who is thrilled with her oak frame yard. “The delivery and erection of the frame was amazing,” she explained. “It all fitted together in no time at all and the team were onsite for three days in total.

“I absolutely love how the yard works and would not change a single thing.” oakwrights.co.uk

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4330 TOB full page April.qxp_Layout 1 19/03/2020 17:39 Page 1

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Well appointed stud manager’s house and guest cottage • Four staff dwellings • 88 boxes in traditional and modern yards and barns • Comprehensive spa and treatment buildings • Horsewalkers, lunge rings, canter • Extensive paddocks, schooling grounds and 6-furlong gallop In all about 217 acres.

For sale Freehold as a whole in 2 lots Price on application

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Racing Life

Property

PROPERTY NEWS U

New capital gains tax rules are due to be enforced as of April, which will have significance for landlords and investors when selling a property that isn’t their main residence

nder old legislation, capital gains tax (CGT) was paid through the vendor’s self-assessment tax return, so didn’t need to be declared and handed over until the following tax year. The amount owed – which is currently 18% for basic rate tax payers and 28% for those paying the higher rate – won’t change unless the rates do, but under the new rules, vendors will only have 30 days to pay the full amount owed, or risk facing a penalty.

“The requirement to estimate and pay the CGT due on a sale within 30 days of completion shouldn’t have much of an effect on values, but it is yet another factor to be taken into account when planning the timing of a sale,” says George Windsor Clive of Windsor Clive International. “It will give sellers wishing to roll over their CGT liability into another property more of an incentive to dovetail their sale and purchase – will there be a delay in reclaiming the tax paid on account if it is required for purchase?”

Speaking specifically on stud farms and rural properties, he points out that the new rules are likely to delay what already tends to be a lengthy process.

“The combination of anti-money laundering legislation, and compliance with an ever-increasing number of requirements, make the sale process for rural property a surprisingly slow operation even if the sale itself is agreed in principle quite quickly. This is another factor to slow the process further.”

Something else worth considering where rural property is concerned, he

A 200-acre stud farm on the edge of Newmarket and on the market with George Windsor Clive International – will the substantial investment be recouped? says, is that “as a general rule, a rural property bought after 2008 is unlikely to carry with it a really significant CGT liability, as many properties are selling for below their original construction costs.”

Tom Lockton, of Savills, also advises that this shortened timeframe makes it all the more important to consider whether Principal Private Residence (PPR) relief may be available. “Broadly speaking, if the home is your main residence you should be eligible for 100% CGT relief through PPR. However, the ‘Permitted Area’ for this relief only extends to 0.5 hectares (1.25 acres) - which means that owners of rural property, whose grounds often exceed this, will be liable to pay tax on any further land or buildings, unless it can be shown that they are ‘required’ for the reasonable enjoyment of the property.”’ It’s important, therefore,

A training yard in Newmarket, on the market with George Windsor Clive International.

Selling after over 20 years, this range might show a gain on its own, but there were other costs to absorb

to seek the assistance of an agent who has successfully assisted owners across the country in claiming the inclusion of a larger area, outbuildings and ancillary accommodation with the thorough drafting of a report containing supporting evidence that can be defended if challenged by HMRC.

OTHER CHANGES Shorter private residence relief period Landlords who used to live in a property that they now rent out have currently got 18 tax-exempt months after moving out, but this is soon to shorten to nine months. The upshot is that if you wish to avoid paying CGT on the sale of a property you have lived in, you will need to sell it sooner, rather than later.

Letting relief changes Letting relief is set to become far less lenient under the new rules.

Previously, if selling a residential property which was at one time the vendor’s main residence but had subsequently been rented out, it was possible to deduct letting relief of up to £40,000 from any capital gain. As of April 2020, this relief will no longer be available unless the owner of the property was residing in the property along with their tenants.

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Talking To...

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PJ McDonald

Riding out

the storm PJ McDonald enjoyed his best season for

winners in 2019 and the jockey is doing all he can to keep in shape while the coronavirus pandemic keeps the country in lockdown mode Interview: Tim Richards • Photos: George Selwyn

F

irst of all, how are you handling the cancellation of racing in Britain due to the coronavirus pandemic?

I am doing everything I can within the government guidelines to keep myself going. I ride out three lots a morning for Mark Johnston and then try and keep myself in shape at home. There is nothing like race-riding for fitness but I have everything in my garage to keep myself in shape. It’s not a full-on gym but there is everything I need to keep ticking over.

You just have to make the best of your own situation and do what you can to get through these strange times. Of course we get an income for riding out, but it doesn’t measure up to our regular earnings when we’re race-riding.

Patrick Joseph McDonald: looking forward to getting back on a racecourse when the situation allows

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How has this stoppage had an impact on the wider ranks of jockeys?

It can affect many of us mentally. When you think about it we are on the go 24/7, out and about dashing here, there, north and south. You’re rushing to ride out first thing in the morning and then rushing to the races all over the country. Then suddenly it all stops and you have to stop.

Your head doesn’t know what’s going on because you’ve got so much time on your hands and it can be very stressful trying to adjust to a new and unknown situation. But we must remember this virus is affecting the whole country, top to bottom.

Everybody’s life has changed, not just in racing. A lot of people are a lot worse off than we are. But I have

to say it is alarming how many seem to have had a total disregard for the government guidelines by going out and becoming part of unnecessary crowds. The sooner everybody gets on board, the sooner we can all get back to work.

In your role as the Flat jockeys’ President of the Professional Jockeys Association, are you pushing for financial help for your colleagues who are self-employed?

I don’t think anyone has any idea when racing might start up again. But rest assured the PJA are working tirelessly

“It’s stressful but this virus is affecting the whole country, top to bottom” trying to make sure their members are financially and mentally looked after.

Various financial plans and ideas have been put forward. We must just try and ride out the storm while a lot of people are pulling together in the interests of the jockeys. No situation is perfect at the moment and we all have to adapt, not forgetting that the heroes of the country

››

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Talking To... ›› are the people looking after the sick. We

just have to wait and listen for what the government wants us to do next and make sure we follow their advice. My wife Abby has started home-schooling our two young daughters and we’ll have to see how that goes.

The Karl Burke-trained filly Laurens provided you with four Group 1 victories and ultimately a retainer with her owner, John Dance. What is your lasting memory of the crack northern-trained filly and what difference has she made to your life and career?

The first morning I rode Laurens work as an unraced two-year-old she told me how good she was. A couple of Karl Burke’s jumped off at the five-furlong marker and I jumped off at the six with

“The Diane was an amazing day; becoming a Classic-winning jockey meant a lot to me” another horse who could only stay with me for two furlongs. The front two were only there as a bit of a guide, but with a furlong to go Laurens strode pass them and pulling up I knew I was on something special.

She has since raised my profile professionally. At that stage I was already on the up with winners increasing yearon-year, but you do need a horse like Laurens to take you to the next level.

She helped me to show that I could produce the goods on the big stage. A very straightforward animal, except as a four-year-old there were times when she wouldn’t let you into her stable; it was her’s and she’d make sure you knew it!

Which of her big wins meant the most to you, and why?

The Prix de Diane at Chantilly was an amazing day. Abby was over with me and the Diane had been the plan ever since Laurens finished second as a two-year-old at Deauville. When you make a long-range plan, getting there fit and healthy on the day is one thing, but to win as well is extra special, particularly a Classic. Becoming a

Laurens and McDonald see off a host of challengers to take the 2018 Prix de Diane at Chantilly

Classic-winning jockey meant a lot to me.

Laurens has given me the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The weirdest day was watching her win the Matron Stakes from a wheelchair at Leopardstown after breaking both my feet at Newcastle. I was delighted for connections but at the same time absolutely distraught at missing out.

It took a bit of getting over, but then the prospect of teaming up with Laurens again got me back riding within a month of my accident.

With just three winners on the Flat in your first four seasons in Ireland, you joined the late Ferdy Murphy in Middleham. What did you learn during your time together?

I couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel in Ireland and a friend got me the job with Ferdy. In two and a half years at Wynbury Stables, I learnt more than

I’m ever likely to learn in the rest of my life – watching how Ferdy handled horses, people, owners, jockeys, the ins and outs of racing, how to conduct yourself.

Being a jockey, there is so much more than just rocking up and riding horses.

Ferdy taught me that. It was the right place for me at that stage of my career.

I needed someone like Ferdy and had so much respect for him. You knew when to question him and when not to question him. You had to work hard and I loved every moment of it. He instilled confidence in me. Don’t get me wrong, he gave me plenty of bollockings, but there would also be a comforting arm round the shoulder when needed.

You rode Ferdy’s Hot Weld to win the 2007 Scottish National before moving back to the Flat. Why did you make the switch and what are the biggest

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PJ McDonald

differences between the two codes?

I loved jumping and thought I was going to be a jump jockey. But when Ferdy turned all his horses out in the summer he would get me a job at Karl Burke’s or riding out somewhere else on the Flat. I came into contact with Alan Swinbank and after riding 25 jumping winners and about 30 Flat winners that summer, Alan, who trained 100 Flat horses, offered me a job as second jockey to Neil Callan. Ferdy told me I’d be mad not to give it a go. It was a no-brainer and the Flat took off.

Of course there are differences between the two codes, but if you can ride a horse you can do it over five furlongs or three miles. You must adapt to circumstances and have to be a bit sharper on the Flat, because there’s less time to make decisions. But don’t forget we can ride two miles five on the Flat at

Apr_188_TalkingTo.indd 51

Pontefract and half an hour later switch to a five-furlong sprint.

As representative and spokesman for your weighing-room colleagues in your PJA role, what are your views on the much-publicised issues of welfare?

We are in 2020, times change and we all have to adapt whatever our sport or business. Jockeys are very much on board with the BHA and authorities trying to make racing more appealing to the general public. There isn’t a jockey in the weighing-room that didn’t get involved in racing because he or she didn’t love horses. We see the horses every day and know how well looked after they are, but you only need one bad story and the public latch on to it. Then the public perception becomes distorted. I’m afraid that’s the world we live in.

It was an honour to be asked to do this

job with the PJA. I have always had an opinion and liked to get my point of view across. Plus, I love the racing industry and want to see it move forward in the modern age.

The Horse Welfare Board has recommended increased penalties for whip offences. Do you and your colleagues support this move?

Yes, we do. The whip issue is never going to go away and we want to be on board and work with the BHA and try to come to an understanding where we are all happy. No jockey goes out there with the intention of breaking the rules, but it is a competitive sport and things happen in the heat of the moment. We want to do our best for the people we’re riding for and for the horse because we want to win. But we’ll work together on any new penalties within reason.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Talking To...

PJ McDonald CLOSE UP AND… PERSONAL

Favourite music when I’m driving… The Script My pet hate is… middle lane motorway drivers Ideal holiday destination…

Mauritius Four dinner party guests… comedian Kevin Hart, Ally McCoist, Mike Tyson and Abby, my wife I’d love to meet… Tyson Fury

CLOSE UP AND… PROFESSIONAL McDonald is excited about renewing his association with Fitri Hay’s Duke Of Hazzard

››

Some in racing believe that the sight of jockeys carrying whips will soon be consigned to history. Could you do your job effectively without the whip?

Personally, I hope it doesn’t happen. I learnt to ride with a stick the first time I sat on a horse and have carried one ever since. But we can’t bury our heads in the sand and everyone in racing has to sing from the same sheet. I accept it is tough being under scrutiny all the time and it bothers me that we are having to adapt to the views of people who are not involved in racing or with horses. We shouldn’t forget that racehorses are athletes bred to be in top flight and sometimes need a little bit of encouragement.

We know jockeys are under huge stress at certain times. Are the support structures in place to provide help when it all gets too much?

In the last five years conditions have improved a great deal. We have a lot of help and support from all aspects, nutritionists and mental health specialists who are on call on a 24/7 help line. Also physios on every racecourse. The sport has moved forward so much and it’s only going to get better; I have no worries on that front. Since my girls Amelia, 5, and Lavinia, 3, have been around I have handled the tough times a lot better.

When I walk in the door after a bad day they smile, run up, greet you and you quickly forget any frustrations. They put things in perspective for me.

You met your wife Abby when you were both working for Ferdy Murphy. What role does Abby play in your career?

I’d be lost without her. She is an absolute

rock for me and I would not be able to do what I am doing without her. It’s as simple as that. Abby keeps me going and is there to give me a boost when times are tough as well as when things are going well. She brings our two daughters up virtually on her own for three-quarters of the year. She’s there 24/7 for all of us. I have loved racing all my life and for a long time I didn’t have a balance. My life used to be defined by what was happening on the track, what trainers were saying to me and how I was performing on a daily basis.

Abby and the girls have given me a much needed, different outlook.

Could your experience working on behalf of the jockeys encourage you to take up a role involved in stewarding or starting when you step out of the saddle?

Abby is always suggesting I should be thinking about putting plans in place, but right now I am one hundred per cent concentrating on my riding. Racing has been my passion all my life and I think I’d find it quite a shock if I was ever working away from the sport. I would want to be involved in some form. Working with the PJA is a great experience and provides me with an opportunity to speak to lots of different people and take on board their different views.

How do you spend time with your family away from racing?

The girls have a pony each, sometimes they want to go for a ride, other times they don’t. We like to go out with them, maybe for a meal and that’s when we’re most relaxed and chilled out. I have been a Liverpool fan all my life and enjoyed watching them these last few years. I trained for boxing at school and had a few

Best horse I have seen… Frankel Favourite sportsman/woman…

Tyson Fury Alternative career… professional footballer or boxer I deal with pressure by… spending time with Abby and the girls Toughest rivals are…

Paul Mulrennan and Tom Eaves, but there are plenty including Joe Fanning, who is so hard to get by in a finish

spars. Nowadays I enjoy following and watching professional boxing.

Having ridden a century for the past three seasons, could you see yourself challenging for the jockeys’ championship this year when racing restarts?

My main target is to continue riding at the top of my game for the people who support me. After that, what will be will be. I can’t go out and try any harder than I have been. If I found myself in a position to challenge for the championship it would be brilliant. Would I lie awake at night worrying about it? Absolutely not.

Which horses are you most looking forward to riding this season?

James Tate has a lovely sprinter, Far Above, who I partnered three times last year and we won all three. It is not set in stone that I ride him but he’s one I would look forward to after our victories together. Duke Of Hazzard, trained by Paul Cole for Fitri Hay, is another lovely horse. I won a couple of Pattern races on him and he could be competing at the top level. Two nice horses and hopefully I can keep a leg on either side of them.

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Breeze-up sales preview Eddie O’Leary (standing) has high hopes for his 2020 draft of breezers

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Style over

SPEED

Eddie O’Leary’s Lynn Lodge Stud enjoyed an excellent run with its breeze-up graduates last season and he hopes to repeat the trick in 2020 Words and photos: Amy Lynam

T

he breeze-up sales continue to prove a top-class source of talent and even in the early stages of 2020, this year proves no different. As I write in March, a leading American Classic hope, Ete Indien, had been sourced at the European breeze-up sales while another four graduates recently won Graded contests in the US. It follows on from a strong performance by breezers in Europe during 2019.

For instance, Donjuan Triumphant captured the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot while among the juveniles, Valdermoro took the Acomb Stakes at York.

Both were offered by Eddie O’Leary’s Lynn Lodge Stud in County Westmeath, which is certainly no newcomer to the breeze-up sales nor the talent it produces. Since learning his trade with uncle Tony O’Callaghan of Tally-Ho Stud, whom O’Leary describes as “the first breeze-up man”, O’Leary has proved a force to be reckoned with at the yearling and breeze-up sales, which he does alongside managing Gigginstown House Stud on behalf of brother Michael.

Recent additions to the breezer honour roll also include the high-class Gronkowski while going further back, 2014 graduate The Wow Signal was crowned French champion two-year-old.

Although there’s no denying the talent to be sourced at the breezeup sales, they can be an intimidating place for inexperienced buyers. Do you follow the yearling selection process of pedigree and physical, or do you aim for those who ‘clock’ the fastest times?

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“Style” – that’s what O’Leary looks for and aims to produce in his Lynn Lodge Stud consignment, which has been responsible for some of the highestrated horses to come out of European breeze-up sales in recent years. “Don’t mind the clock,” he adds. “Just stand and watch them. Look for something forward-going, with a bit of action.”

My memory of attending breeze-up sales is buyers and vendors comparing notes on times, focusing on the millisecond differences between each lot. They should be looking elsewhere, says O’Leary.

“The most important furlong in the

“Don’t mind the clock; watch them and look for something forward-going” breeze is the furlong before the start – I want to see them walk up, looking happy, and break into a trot on a loose rein,” he says. “Then, when they get to the three pole, away they go. I want to see a horse that you can ride and you can train.”

Not that you have to take O’Leary’s word for it – his horses do plenty of talking, too.

“Donjuan Triumphant is a great

››

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Breeze-up sales preview horse but he was a Group 1 sprinter,” he says.

The figures seem to back O’Leary up. Donjuan Triumphant’s price of 30,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale, when bought by Middleham Park Racing, suggests he didn’t top buyers’ lists on his breeze time yet he proved what he could do on the track. A Group 2 winner at two, he later won a Group 1 as a six-year-old.

Purchased by Lynn Lodge Stud as a foal, he was bought back as a yearling, which is how much of their breeze-up consignment begins.

“We buy a bunch in America and then we keep the yearlings we don’t sell, so the breeze-ups mop up our yearling trade,” says O’Leary. “I have one horse this year by Kodiac who cost a lot of money as a foal, and because of that we brought him to Book 1. But he was too small – he just didn’t grow.

“His brother by Tagula was a fast breezer the previous year, so I thought I had better breeze him. He’s not small now and he can fly! But people didn’t want him as a yearling, because you couldn’t see growth in him – they’d want to see him now.”

Catalogued to the Goffs UK BreezeUp Sale, the Kodiac colt is described by O’Leary as ‘an aeroplane’. He is joined in the draft by a Muhaarar colt. “He can run,” says O’Leary. “He’s worked very well.”

Completing the Doncaster line-up is a Mehmas grandson of Group 3 winner Danehill Music. “He goes very well,” he says. “He has a good attitude and there’s a bit of talk about Mehmas.

“Our Awtaad colt is nice too and we have a lovely horse by Buratino who goes well.”

Both the latter colts are part of a sextet originally catalogued to the Tattersalls Craven Sale. It was at that sale in 2017 that Lynn Lodge sold Belmont Stakes runner-up Gronkowski, a horse that O’Leary is especially proud of, for 300,000gns to Kerri Radcliffe.

“Gronkowski was beaten a whisker in the Dubai World Cup, too,” says O’Leary.

“If he’d won... imagine that. He measured 16.3 as a two-year-old, but he was a beautiful horse. Our Kitten’s Joy colt reminds me of him.”

The Kitten’s Joy heads to the Craven alongside colts by Camacho, Holy Roman Emperor and Acclamation.

“I have a very stylish Camacho colt – he’s an elegant horse with a beautiful action,” says O’Leary. “The Acclamation is a nice horse and the Holy Roman

Ascot a happy hunting ground for Cool Silk

Sands Of Mali: purchased by Matt Coleman (inset)

At the time of writing, the coronavirus pandemic had thrown the European breeze-up season into disarray, writes Nancy Sexton.

As it stands, the Tattersalls Ascot and Craven Breeze-Up Sales have been amalgamated to cover three days in Newmarket from April 29 to May 1.

The Tattersalls Guineas Sale has been postponed until May 27.

The status of the Goffs UK Doncaster Breeze-Up Sale, originally set for April 22-23, will be reviewed on March 30. In France, Arqana remain committed to its breeze-up schedule of May 8-9, although Osarus have pushed their auction back to May 12-13.

On a brighter note, breeze-up graduates are doing a fine job of promoting the sector on the track, including those from the Ascot BreezeUp which has become a particularly fruitful hunting ground for Peter Swann’s Cool Silk Partnership and Matt Coleman of Stroud Coleman Bloodstock.

“We bought two horses at Ascot last year and they turned out to be Summer Sands and Flaming Princess,”

Emperor works well, too.”

He adds: “Of course, it’ll be selective.

If you breeze well, you’ll sell well. The racecourse success of the breeze-up sales is phenomenal. A leading hope for the Kentucky Derby was bought at the European breeze-ups. People are now much more aware of the horses coming out of them. A lot of that is because of the Breeze-Up Consignors Association – they’ve done a fantastic job of highlighting the success.”

There are a number of benefits to buying at the breeze-up sales, he

GEORGE SELWYN

›› example; he wasn’t a fast breeze-up

says Coleman.

Redcar Two Year Old Trophy winner Summer Sands was purchased for £85,000 from Robson Aguiar while fellow Listed winner Flaming Princess cost £60,000 from Dunsany Stables.

“Peter, his son Chris and I attend the sale, we watch the breezes and videos, and after seeing the horses Peter makes the final decision,” says Coleman. “Robson was complimentary about Summer Sands and he breezed very well, and Flaming Princess was very quick but also looked tough.”

Cool Silk enjoy having Royal Ascot runners and to that end, breeze-ups have served them well via Norfolk Stakes winner Prince Of Lir and top sprinter Sands Of Mali, runner-up in the Commonwealth Cup and later successful at Group 1 level.

“Sands Of Mali was the first horse to breeze in Europe in his year,” says Coleman of the colt who cost £75,000.

“He was well liked by Con Marnane and breezed brilliantly – I remember him galloping all the way down to Swinley Bottom as Micky Cleere struggled to pull him up!”

continues. “Soundness, action and attitude – that’s the benefit of buying at the breeze-ups as opposed to as a yearling. Plus, it’s that much further on, so with some of the sharper types, you can buy them and run them.”

One star graduate of the Lynn Lodge academy is an excellent example of taking a chance on a risky yearling choice and winning the gamble the following spring. Bought by O’Leary as a yearling for €13,000, the Starspangledbanner colt fell foul of what many buyers won’t tolerate.

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“He was crooked,” O’Leary explains.

“But was a lovely horse from the side.

His legs were like steel when you galloped him whereas you could have a perfectly correct horse whose joints puff up after you gallop him. So we’ve taken that risk out of it for the buyer by the time the breeze-ups come round.”

He adds that he’s willing to overlook conformation for a good-looking individual. “When you’re looking at yearlings, you’re checking if they toe in or out, but when’s the next time you look at them from the front?”

The colt was sold to John Quinn for £50,000 at the Brightwells Ascot Breeze-Up Sale, with O’Leary retaining a 50% share. Named The Wow Signal, he won by nine lengths on debut before selling to Al Shaqab Racing, for whom he won the Coventry Stakes and Prix Morny.

The Wow Signal’s price of £50,000 would suggest he didn’t clock the fastest time on the day, but was

“Valdermoro was not a fast horse but you can’t confuse speed with talent” recommended to John Quinn by O’Leary.

“The breeze-up is very much a vendor sale,” says O’Leary. “I remember last year I had a horse selling as lot 7

at the Craven. He was a big, beautiful horse, but not fast. There was no one in the ring when he went in and after no bid, I told Richard Fahey to bid. He wanted to know what he was, but I said ‘Just bid, I’ll keep half of him’. He bought him, but ended up selling all of him.”

O’Leary must have been slightly disappointed that he no longer owned a share in the son of Declaration Of War; named Valdermoro, he won his second start before capturing the Acomb Stakes.

“He wasn’t a fast horse but he was a racehorse. You can’t confuse speed with talent,” O’Leary points out.

Throughout our conversation, O’Leary is keen to dispel myths on the importance of the clock.

“In my mind, some have ruined it by concentrating on the clock and speed,” he says. “But hopefully, it’ll evolve again

››

Exciting prospects set to shine in three-year-old division

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A’Ali (right): Norfolk Stakes winner is a Goffs UK graduate

GEORGE SELWYN

The breeze-up scene enjoyed a rich season last year as the source of Preakness Stakes winner War Of Will and Prix de Diane heroine Channel, and chances are that similar high-profile rewards will be forthcoming in 2020, writes Nancy Sexton.

In Europe, the crop includes 2,000 Guineas hopefuls Kenzai Warrior and Ropey Guest, the first two home in the Horris Hill Stakes at Newmarket, alongside Cheveley Park Stakes third Tropbeau, Andre Fabre’s sole entry in the 1,000 Guineas.

The unbeaten Kenzai Warrior carries the hopes of owners Rae and Carol Borras and trainer Roger Teal, who paid £45,000 for the Karakontie colt out of last year’s Goffs UK Doncaster BreezeUp Sale with Howson and Houldsworth Bloodstock.

“Roger Teal has bought three horses off me and another was High Acclaim, who won the Spring Mile,” says his vendor Johnny Collins of Brown Island Stables.

“The thing about Kenzai Warrior was that he would just drop his head and try.

I had to put in a bit of work to sell him as he didn’t have the greatest of walks, but he was very athletic in his faster paces.

He was a big, weak horse at the time but he was always going to improve and his best days are certainly ahead of him.”

A classy three-year-old crop also includes two potential leading players within the sprint division in the Flying

Childers and Norfolk Stakes winner A’Ali, a graduate of Star Bloodstock, and Group 3 scorer Al Raya, who was sold by Longways Stables. Both are also graduates of Doncaster, having been bought by Anthony Stroud and Simon Crisford.

“A’Ali came from a good consignor and did a good time,” says Stroud of the £135,000 purchase. “I also bought his sire Society Rock as a breezer so there’s a certain amount of attachment there.

“Al Raya also breezed very well and she’s well bred, being by Siyouni out of a Listed winner. At the time, it looked a great deal of money [Al Raya set a new sale record at £450,000] but history relates that it was a good thing to do.”

Meanwhile, European breezers are enjoying a terrific run in the US thanks

to Ete Indien, Mr. Monomoy, Vitalogy and Outburst, all Graded-stakes winning three-year-olds of recent weeks.

In Fountain Of Youth Stakes winner Ete Indien, the Arqana May Breeze-Up Sale has a live chance of supplying yet another American Classic winner to follow War Of Will.

Trainer Patrick Biancone paid €240,000 for the Summer Front colt out of the Powerstown Stud draft in Deauville last year.

“He had three great qualities,” says Tom Whitehead of Powerstown Stud, who pinhooked Ete Indien for $80,000 out of the Keeneland September Sale. “A great constitution, soundness and bags of energy. He also had the temperament to go with it and was just a nice, simple horse to deal with.”

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Breeze-up sales preview First-crop sires in the spotlight

GEORGE SELWYN

Shalaa: subject of positive reviews

››

from that. Of course, it’s great to have a horse that clocks, but our horses don’t clock. If they do, they’re very good. Our horses breeze well, but they’re usually in the 25 to 45 category on the times.”

He adds: “Is there a big difference between 22.1 and 22.7? The ground can affect certain horses, but anything can go wrong – all it takes is for a horse to have a little look around and his time is gone. My best horse last year, a colt by Medaglia d’Oro, happened to get hit by a massive headwind during his breeze.

That cost him a second and a half, so instead of being in the top 20, he was in the top 40 or 50.”

O’Leary has proven his theory as a buyer too.

“I went to Goresbridge last year just for something to do – I wasn’t selling,” he says. “I watched the horses breeze and had three fillies on my list. I bought one to race and she was Listed-placed on her third start. She clocked the second slowest time at Goresbridge last year, but she’s a very good filly.”

O’Leary paid €65,000 for the filly, now named Orchid Gardens and a recent third in the Patton Stakes at Dundalk.

“I remember a couple of years ago, Libertarian was the slowest horse in the Craven Sale but he was second in a Derby,” adds O’Leary. “Of course the clock has a place if you’re looking for an Ascot two-year-old. But there’s no point expecting a fast horse if he’s

by Authorized and out of a Sea The Stars mare – what does the clock mean

“I had Mshawish [dual Grade 1 winner] as a breezer himself and my colt by him for Tattersalls Ireland is very smart. He’s very like the sire – he has the same constitution and temperament. My Belardo colt for the Craven goes well, too. I certainly wouldn’t mind another one by him.”

Johnny Collins, Brown Island Stables

be most positive on at the moment.

We have a few nice colts heading to Doncaster – a strong bay by California Chrome, a colt by Protectionist out of a mare who was very good at two, and a colt by Markaz who goes quite well. I also like a colt by Mshawish – he’ll probably head to Arqana.” Tom Whitehead, Powerstown Stud

“Our Adaay colt for Doncaster has plenty of speed and strength with a fantastic attitude. He’s very like Adaay himself.” Pamela O’Rourke

“I like a colt by The Gurkha which heads to the Craven Sale. He’s shown me quite a bit so far; he’s sharp and is giving me all the right vibes. We also have a colt by Tamarkuz who is a nice type, but not as early – he’ll probably make a nice seven-furlong horse. Then of my Goffs UK horses, I particularly like a colt by The Last Lion. He looks a nice horse and seems precocious.”

Willie Browne, Mocklershill

“We have two by Shalaa. Both are nice types and look smart.” John Cullinan, Horse Park Stud “We have two particularly nice horses by Shalaa – he’s the new sire I’d

there? Nothing. If he does a fast time, people think he must be brilliant. No – he’s confused. You’ve got to pragmatic about it.”

Those who look beyond the clock will be rewarded, and O’Leary nominates two particular buyers.

“Ross Doyle bought an Intello horse off us last year [Tremor],” he says. “He wasn’t a fast horse, but he was a trier. He ran badly first time out on fast ground but then he won the Golden Horn maiden at Nottingham by four lengths. Ross is a very good judge and he picks them out for their style. Anthony Bromley also does a fantastic job.”

The above makes the next story slightly less surprising.

“We’ve sold jumps horses at the Craven,” O’Leary says proudly. “Cardinal Hill, In The High Grass and Oodachee.

Oodachee won ten races for Charlie Swan and Cardinal Hill was probably the best horse we ever had because as a four-year-old, Noel Meade worked him with Sunshine Street who was fourth in the Derby that year. Cardinal Hill came 20 lengths clear of him so, never mind jumping, how good was he?”

Cardinal Hill won five races, his greatest success coming in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.

The importance put on times can also overshadow breeze-up horses bred to excel as three-year-olds, often the same horses that prove less popular at the yearling sales. It’s something O’Leary can’t quite understand.

“An important point to make is if you

have a three-year-old rated 85 over five or six furlongs, he’s worth €30,000, but if you have a three-year-old rated the same over a mile and two, or a mile and a half, he’s worth €300,000,” he says.

“But yet, we can’t sell those as yearlings, breezers or foals – why is that?”

Playing devil’s advocate, I point out that many owners aren’t prepare to pay training fees for a horse who won’t race until it’s second year in training.

“Isn’t it worth waiting for a nice horse?” O’Leary says. “The horse most want to buy is worth nothing in three months’ time – I find it hard to wrap my head around.”

It’s clear that the breeze-up sales are something O’Leary is passionate about.

“I love the breezers and getting to know the horses so well,” he says.

However, offering a dozen two-yearolds each year pales in comparison by numbers of his yearling operation, which is made up of pinhooks and homebreds from their 40-strong broodmare band.

As O’Leary himself says: “I’m not a breeze-up man – I’m a yearling man with a hobby in the winter.”

He ends our conversation with a similarly practical view.

“You asked what horse I’m most proud of,” he says. “Three or four years ago when I got to the Craven Sale, all of the seven horses we’d sold the previous year had won. I was most proud of that. The breeze-up, more than any other sale, is repeat business. The same people tend to buy off me every year, so it’s important that I sell good horses.”

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Breeders’ Digest

Nancy Sexton Bloodstock Editor

Our bloodstock coverage this month includes: Sales Circuit: Markets soften amid uncertainty – pages 62-66 Caulfield Files: War Front sons strengthening sire’s legacy – pages 68-69 Dr Statz: Multiple Group 1 producers are few and far between – page 94

Hoping breeze-up season can be salvaged for everyone’s sake

I

Apr_188_BreedersDigest-3.indd 61

be hoped that some of the 2020 breeze-up season can be salvaged for everyone’s sake.

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS

SARAH FARNSWORTH/GOFFS UK

think we’ve all had enough of 2020. As the coronavirus pandemic ravages the economy with significant ramifications for the racing industry, one wonders how the bloodstock industry, particularly those operating within the middle and lower markets, will come out the other side.

At the time of writing, livestock was still allowed free movement across Britain, allowing the breeding season to proceed. But with the situation evolving so rapidly, the idea that restrictions were on the horizon were becoming more real by the day; indeed, as this issue was going to press, French breeders were bracing themselves for a severe disruption on their breeding season, something that could ultimately have dire consequences for many operations, small and large.

Within our own bubble, the ramifications are immense and a number of livelihoods of some people at real risk. British racing is in lockdown until the end of April at the very earliest, thereby throwing the first weeks of the Flat season into disarray — viewed as a draconian measure by some at the time of the announcement, it now appears an increasingly optimistic return date.

Alongside that, the breeze-up sales season is also under major threat.

The breeze-up sector is invariably under huge financial pressure regardless of the outside situation. Research has shown that pinhookers pump upwards of £20 million into the European yearling market each year. By the nature of the beast, some of those acquisitions work out, some do not. Often a good score makes up for the others that didn’t hit the target. Yet those pinhookers still return to the autumn marketplace and reinvest.

As the coronavirus pandemic evolved, it became increasingly clear that significant changes to the Spring sales calendar would be needed, despite the cries of ‘business as usual’ from some sides. As such, a new tentative schedule

The breeze-up sales are in the midst of an excellent run on the track worldwide

has been released.

In the US, the Florida-based Ocala Breeders’ Sale Company pressed ahead with plans to stage its flagship March two-year-old auction as the world closed its doors around them. Vendors were seemingly appreciative to have an outlet for their stock but trade was unsurprisingly tough, with sparse demand for those middle and lower market horses contributing to drops of 34% and 38% in the average and median.

Sadly I think we can expect similar returns here, for all that breeze-up graduates are in the midst of an excellent run worldwide. As Eddie O’Leary of Lynn Lodge Stud highlights in this magazine’s pages, “the racecourse success of the breeze-up sales is phenomenal”, having yielded the likes of Sands Of Mali, Channel, Donjuan Triumphant, A’Ali and Kenzai Warrior in recent seasons. And that is just in Europe. Currently, the sector is on something of a wave in the US thanks to Preakness Stakes winner War Of Will and the Graded-stakes winning three-year-olds Mr. Monomoy, Ete Indien, Vitalogy and Outburst.

No doubt plenty of the same awaits in this year’s catalogues and it is to

Measures introduced to boost the appeal of National Hunt mares were much needed. At present, jumps-bred fillies are still often overlooked at auction but the effort put in by the various authorities – for instance, the TBA’s own NH MOPS scheme has paid out 111 bonuses to date – has gone some way to addressing the antipathy towards racing such mares.

Yet nothing quite drives home the point more than racecourse success and for that, look no further than this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Girls beat the boys in three Grade 1 races. Put The Kettle On turned in a brave performance to win the Arkle Chase and register her sixth success since May. Burning Victory won the Triumph Hurdle while of course Epatante was brilliant in victory in the Champion Hurdle.

Not only that, two of the competitive handicaps fell to members of the fairer sex, with Dame De Compagnie and Black Tears filling the first two positions in the Coral Cup and Indefagitable landing a blow for Overbury Stud’s Schiaparelli under a big weight in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.

There were some cracking runs when it came to the minor places, notably Happy Diva’s runner-up effort in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate. There was also plenty of promise in the run of Queens Brook to be third in the Champion Bumper.

And that is all before we come to the finish served up by Honeysuckle and Benie Des Dieux in the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle, for some the race of the meeting. They are two of the best hurdlers to currently grace the turf and along with Epatante and Put The Kettle On, are yet further glowing examples of the rewards available when it comes to campaigning National Hunt mares.

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Sales Circuit • By Carl Evans

Markets soften across the sectors amid uncertainty Fluctuation in figures is nothing new at horses-in-training sales, but in the niche world of lightly-raced, selected point-to-pointers there tends to be a level of consistency.

It was therefore surprising to see the average price at this event tumble from a six-figure sum to one of £78,900, down 22%. Turnover slipped seven per cent, while the median figure of £60,000 was a dip of nine per cent.

On the plus side the clearance rate rose four points to 75%, through sales of 30 of the 40 lots, but the big prices which have become familiar at this event were reined in, and several leading buyers (both agents and racehorse owners) made little or no show.

Could it be that a succession of heavy-ground meetings during the wettest and most depressing of winters had left buyers in a state of caution?

Did they fear that an impressive winner on barely-raceable ground could be outpaced on the good-to-soft going familiarly found at the spring festivals?

In 2017 a record price for a pointer of £480,000 was given at this sale for the ill-fated Flemenshill, and the following year Envoi Allen arrived off the back of an Irish point-to-point win, was sold for £400,000 and remains unbeaten under

TATTERSALLS CHELTENHAM

Tattersalls Cheltenham February Sale

Point winner Only The Bold sold for £215,000 at the Tattersalls Cheltenham February Sale

Rules for Gordon Elliott and owners Cheveley Park Stud. Last year Wide Receiver headed trade when selling for £410,000, yet the top price at this edition of the sale was £215,000 – a substantial amount for a twice-raced

five-year-old, but some way below the highs of previous Cheltenham sales.

Evan Williams, the Glamorgan-based trainer, and his clients William and Angela Rucker gained the day’s star lot, a son of Jeremy called Only The Bold

Tattersalls Cheltenham February Sale Top lots Name/sex/breeding

Vendor

Price (£)

Buyer

Only The Bold g Jeremy - Cloghoge Lady

Bernice Stables (Warren Ewing)

215,000

Brandy Love f Jet Away – Bambootcha

Milestone Stables (Colin Bowe)

200,000

Guardino g Authorized – Monicker

Ballyboy Stables (Denis Murphy)

170,000

Highflyer Bloodstock/Ben Pauling

Glenglass g Ocovango - Funny Times

Milestone Stables (Colin Bowe)

155,000

Aidan O'Ryan/Gordon Elliott

Star Gate g Imperial Monarch - Supreme Judge

Milestone Stables (Colin Bowe)

140,000

Evan Williams

Evan Williams Harold Kirk/Willie Mullins

Three-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (£)

Average (£)

Median (£)

Top price (£)

2020

30

2,367,000

78,900

60,000

215,000

2019

25

2,542,000

101,680

66,000

400,000

2018

29

3,063,000

105,621

65,000

410,000

62 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Overview and analysis of the latest events in the ring

TATTERSALLS CHELTENHAM

TALKING POINTS

Evan Williams: Glamorgan-based trainer came away with top lot Only The Bold

who at Tyrella in January won in a time that was by far the card’s quickest.

Trainer Warren Ewing had purchased Only The Bold as a store for €46,000 at Goffs’ Land Rover Sale some 18 months earlier.

The sale’s top-priced filly, four-yearold Brandy Love, was sold for £200,000 to Harold Kirk and Willie

• It was hard going for vendors of British pointers. Four were offered and just one sold, the four-year-old Striking A Pose, a handsome horse with size and scope by Getaway, and a winner on debut six days before his ring appearance.

Bought for €32,000, he made £95,000, on paper a profitable transaction for trainer Tom Ellis and partners, yet he could prove very well bought at that price

by Ross Doyle on behalf of trainer Colin Tizzard.

Ellis had hopes for slightly more – and may have been a little unlucky to place his horse in a sale where very big prices were noticeable by their absence – while a pair of debut-winning pointers consigned by Herefordshire’s Tom Lacey failed to find a buyer when bidding halted at £95,000 and £28,000.

Lacey’s sales horses have been well received at public auctions over the past five years but given that his own training career under Rules is in steady ascendancy, it could be that buyers had formed the assumption he would be unlikely to sell a talented horse in the ring when he could find a buyer within his yard.

Given that Lacey is a pinhooker as well as a trainer, buyers may have missed out on two useful prospects.

Mullins, a combination which have sourced no end of high-class racemares. Brandy Love, who hails from the first crop of Jet Away, had been bought for just €15,000 as a Goffs’ Land Rover store by trainer Colin Bowe and one of his work riders Rob James,

who is also a leading rider on the Irish pointing circuit.

The same duo had bought Star Gate for €20,000 at Tattersalls Ireland’s May Store Sale, and sold him at this event for £140,000 to Williams and the Ruckers.

The second established Cheltenham sale of the year took place during the Festival, and like the February version there were falls in the figures.

Sharp gains in 2018 and smaller ones in 2019 could not be maintained as buyers shunned the temptation to spend big or leave with horses deemed of lesser quality. As a result, the top price tumbled from £400,000 to £300,000 and the clearance rate fell from 91% to 62.5% through sales of 15 of the 24 lots.

Turnover was down 55% to a mark of £2,195,000, there was an 11% fall in the average price to £146,333 and a 30% cut in the median to £115,000.

For those vendors who sold a horse the returns were good, and most would have shown a profit on the prices they had paid for their stock when unbroken.

Being on the shopping list of trainer Colin Tizzard and his bloodstock advisor Ross Doyle was an advantage, for that duo bought three lots for a total of £840,000.

The trio included £300,000 top lot Killer Kane, a five-year-old Irish pointer whose Noel Meade-trained half-brother Go Native won the 2009 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, a fine advertisement for his younger sibling given the location of the sale.

Donnchadh Doyle of Monbeg Stables

Apr_188_SaleCircuit.indd 63

TATTERSALLS CHELTENHAM

Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale

Amarillo Sky was among the high-profile lots bought to join Colin Tizzard

had paid €70,000 for Killer Kane at last year’s Derby Sale and saddled the son of Oscar to win at Ballycahane six days before his appearance in Cheltenham’s winner’s enclosure, which is the venue for

this sale.

Tizzard and Doyle also bought Monbeg Stables’ Shirocco’s Dream, a five-year-old daughter of Shirocco who made £260,000 – she had finished

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››

second on her Irish pointing debut to Rose Of Arcadia, a mare who had subsequently joined Tizzard’s stable and become an easy winner on her first British start at Taunton – and fouryear-old Amarillo Sky, a winning son of Westerner who was consigned by trainer Colin Bowe and who made £280,000.

Bowe, who was enjoying a fabulous Cheltenham Festival before the sale commenced through the Grade 1 victories of his former pupils Envoi Allen, Ferny Hollow and Samcro, also netted £240,000 for €85,000 store Gerri Colombe, who was sold to agent Mags O’Toole.

TATTERSALLS CHELTENHAM

Sales Circuit

Buyers Colin Tizzard and Peter and Ross Doyle accounted for £840,000 worth of stock

TALKING POINTS • This sale took place against a backdrop of coronavirus precautions which were to become notably ramped up the following week, when British racing was shut down and Irish racing went behind closed doors.

During Cheltenham bookies had already decided Aintree would not take place, and few at the Festival expected racing to get away without a closure of some length, which was not the ideal backdrop for any auction. That alone would not explain the downturn in the Festival Sale’s figures, since the horses on offer were all destined for a break and would not be expected to return until the autumn, by which time it must be hoped normal times will have returned.

So what caused the falls? The first is that horses-intraining catalogues vary, the second that heavy ground has dogged the point-to-point circuit on both sides of the Irish Sea. Many meetings in Britain had been postponed or abandoned, which probably cost this sale one or two nice horses, and it is certain that Irish handlers have plenty more quality arrows to fire when the ground improves – it was hoped that Irish pointing would go on behind closed doors as this magazine went to press.

More pertinent to this auction may have been private

sales, which one agent said had removed several possible lots. He said their buyers did not wish their names, or those of their agents, to appear in public, and given sensitivity around coronavirus-related lay-offs, that would be more relevant than at other times.

The same agent said the £200,000 horse was selling for £300,000 and the £300,000 horse was making £400,000.

Was that due to buyers being prepared to secure a horse at an inflated price to dissuade vendors from heading to auction?

• The names of Colin Tizzard’s clients who invested in three horses at this sale were not divulged, although a number of his patrons were at the ring.

It could be that the stable expected a windfall, for the following day Lostintranslation ran a blinder in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, looking a likely winner between the final two fences before finishing third.

It was a huge step up on his disappointing run when pulled up in Boxing Day’s King George VI Chase, following which he had a wind operation. He collected some £66,000 at Cheltenham, but on another day it might well have been a six-figure sum. It was still a handy contribution to the previous evening’s investments.

Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale Top lots Name/sex/breeding

Vendor

Price (£)

Buyer

Killer Kane g Oscar - Native Idea

Monbeg Stables (Donnchadh Doyle)

300,000

Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock/Colin Tizzard

Amarillo Sky g Westerner - Bag Of Tricks

Milestone Stables (Colin Bowe)

280,000

Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock/Colin Tizzard

Shirocco's Dream m Shirocco - Dream Function

Monbeg Stables (Donnchadh Doyle)

260,000

Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock/Colin Tizzard

Hollow Games g Beat Hollow - I'm Grand

Baltimore House Stables (James Doyle)

255,000

Aidan O'Ryan/Gordon Elliott

Gerri Colombe g Saddler Maker - Ruse De Guerre

Milestone Stables (Colin Bowe)

240,000

Margaret O'Toole

Three-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (£)

Average (£)

Median (£)

Top price (£)

2020

15

2,195,000

146,333

115,000

300,000

2019

21

3,410,000

162,381

150,000

400,000

2018

20

3,165,000

158,250

147,500

330,000

››

64 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Enter now!

At our 2019 Premier Yearling Sale: • 3 yearlings sold for more than 350.000 € • 21 yearlings sold for more than 100.000 € • Average price: 56.300 €

ch. f. by Sea The Stars – Anna Mia Vendor: Gestüt Brümmerhof Purchaser: Godolphin

Our 2020 sales Spring Breeze Up and HIT Sale, 22nd May, Entries close: 10th April Premier Yearling Sale, 4th September, Entries close: 24th April October Mixed Sales, 16th and 17th October, Entries close: 7th September

www.bbag-sales.de

Sales Circuit

Coronavirus’s impact was having farreaching consequences around the world as this two-day auction went ahead.

OBS sales director Tod Wojciechowski summed up the feelings of many in the industry when saying: “We were pleased we were able to get the sale in. Not for our sake, but for horsemen’s sake in general.”

Wojciechowski had already announced that fees for unsold horses would be waived, a concession that was appreciated at a time when people from all walks of life were facing a loss of income and disruption in their work patterns. Even the sacred Kentucky Derby had been knocked off its May perch and put back as far as September.

Not surprisingly the figures took a hit, although breeze-up vendors in Europe would doubtless be as grateful as their American counterparts for the chance to find a sale in which to offer their stock.

At the time of going to press most European breeze-ups were hopeful of taking place, but often at later dates and in some cases with revised formats.

That this sale took place may have surprised some, but it was a timely boost given that other US breeze-ups faced uncertainty. Set against marked falls in the stock market and the likelihood that a global recession is on its way, consignors spoke of the need to convince their clients to set realistic reserves. On the day the sale finished the pound slumped to a 34-year low

GEORGE SELWYN

Ocala Breeders’ Sale March Breeze-Up

A second-crop daughter of US Triple Crown hero American Pharoah led proceedings at OBS

some way below the two lots who made seven-figure sums at the sale 12 months ago.

Ciaran Dunne of Wavertree Stables sold the top lot and also enjoyed one of the sale’s leading pinhooks when converting a $30,000 Daredevil yearling colt, bought at Fasig-Tipton in October, into a $400,000 breezer.

Airdrie Stud’s first-crop stallion Upstart was responsible for the leading colt. He made $600,000 when selling to agent Mike Ryan on behalf of racehorse owner Jeff Drown, completing a happy pinhook for consignors Woodford Thoroughbreds, who bought him for $220,000 as a yearling.

against the dollar – a marked recovery will be needed if autumn yearling sales in the US are to see the usual numbers of British investors.

Turnover fell 36% to $27,902,500, the average by 34% to $95,885 and the median by 37.5% to $50,000. The clearance rate of 60% was derived from sales of 291 of the 482 lots.

Japan knows about Covid-19 restrictions, but in a sign that trade must go on leading racehorse owner and breeder Katsmui Yoshida invested $650,000 to secure the top lot, an American Pharoah filly whose paternal siblings have been running with credit in Yoshida’s homeland. That top price was

Ocala Breeders’ Sale March Breeze-Up Top lots Sex/breeding

Vendor

Price ($)

Buyer

F American Pharoah – Megalicious

Wavertree Stables, Inc.

650,000

Katsumi Yoshida

C Upstart - Blue Beryl

Woodford Thoroughbreds

600,000

Mike Ryan, agent

F Bernardini - Song Collection

Eddie Woods, agent

575,000

Stonestreet Stables LLC

C Constitution – Screwgie

Wavertree Stables, Inc.

550,000

Dennis O'Neill

C Into Mischief - Montessa G

de Meric Sales, agent

500,000

Myracehorse.com & Spendthrift

C Tapizar – Allencat

Brick City Thoroughbreds

500,000

Narvick International

Three-year tale Year

Sold

Agg ($)

Average ($)

Median ($)

Top price ($)

2020

291

27,902,500

95,885

50,000

650,000

2019

309

44,422,500

143,762

80,000

2,000,000

2018

254

42,592,000

167,685

110,000

875,000

66 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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KEVINROSS BLOODSTOCK Another Cheltenham Festival winner IMPERIAL AURA, became our 10th Cheltenham Festival Winner.

Well done to owners Imperial Racing, Kim Bailey & David Bass.

Looking forward to BREEZE-UP Sales 2020 Past Purchases include: SUNNY SPEED (in HK now, Prev. CRACK ON CRACK ON) cost €70,000, won 3, OR 104.

I COULD DO BETTER cost €40,000, won 3, OR 95.

JUST THE MAN cost €66,000, won 3, OR 92.

Also purchased: GOOD VIBES - L.W. & Gr. 3 winner in 2019.

Web: kevinrossbloodstock.co.uk Email: kevin@mounttopstud.com • anna@mounttopstud.com • @annarossKRB Tel: Kevin Ross : 07710 586975 • Anna Ross : 07515 994629

PROCONSUL

FIRST YEARLINGS 2020

Galileo - Kind (Danehill)

First foals averaged 16 x the stud fee Exceptional pedigree and excellent conformation The Full-Brother to Champion Sire FRANKEL and Champion Sire NOBLE MISSION

MASSAAT

FIRST FOALS 2020

Te o f i l o - M a d a n y ( A c c l a m a t i o n )

Gr.1 performer from 2 to 4 Winner of the Gr.2 Hungerford Stakes (7f) Excellent SPEED PEDIGREE Half-brother to Gr.1 winner EQTIDAAR Contact: Richard Kent • Ternhill, Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 3QW Tel: 01630 638840 • Home: 01630 684171 • Mobile: 079 73 315722 Email: mickleystud@btconnect.com

Fractional ad pages April 2020.indd 67

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25/03/2020 16:01

Caulfield Files

Future looks bright for War Front legacy as sons make an impact

B

DRAWING ATTENTION

GEORGE SELWYN

earing in mind that War Front has ranked as America’s highest-priced stallion for the last two years, at a fee of $250,000, it is easy to forget that he was available at one-twentieth of that amount – just $12,500 – when this son of Danzig began his stallion career at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky in 2007.

That comparatively modest fee reflected War Front’s failure to win a Grade 1 event during a 13-race career which had yielded only four wins, with his solitary Graded success coming in the Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap over six furlongs. In a country which gave birth to the expression that second place is just the first loser, War Front probably wasn’t greatly helped by having finished second in five Graded sprints as a four-year-old, even if two of these seconds came in Grade 1s.

War Front, who was born when Danzig was 25-years-old, also had to overcome the fact that none of Danzig’s Americanbased sons had come close to matching the influence exerted by two of their European counterparts in Danehill and Green Desert. Many had tried. Among them were performers of the calibre of the champion two-year-old Chief’s Crown, the Belmont Stakes winner Danzig Connection, the dual Grade 1 juvenile winner Polish Navy, the exceptional sprinter Dayjur, the Preakness Stakes winner Pine Bluff, the Breeders’ Cup Mile hero War Chant and the multiple Grade 1 winner Langfuhr.

However, with the support of a syndicate which featured his breeder Joseph Allen, War Front has developed into the true heir to Danzig’s throne at Claiborne (even if his percentage of black-type winners, which stood at 12% at the end of 2019, falls short of Danzig’s 18%, achieved in a very different era).

The question now, with War Front already 18-years-old, is whether his success as a sire of sires is going to mirror that of the great Danzig. As with all stallions, there have been some hits and some misses (such as War Command) among War Front’s older sons, but the overall picture is definitely encouraging.

Two sons from War Front’s eye-opening first crop did well enough to earn places at leading Kentucky studs. Data Link, a Grade 1 turf mile winner who joined his sire at Claiborne as a fee of $7,500 in 2014, was pensioned at the age of 11 in 2019 and has

War Front: leading American stallion is now forging a legacy as a sire of sires

yet to sire a Graded stakes winner.

There has been better news of The Factor, a grey son of War Front who shone at around seven furlongs in California, where his victories included the Grade 1 Pat O’Brien Stakes and Malibu Stakes at three and Grade 2 San Carlos Stakes the following year. Despite the presence of the Grade 1-winning twoyear-old Noted And Quoted in his first

“War Front has developed into the true heir to Danzig’s throne” crop, The Factor made a rather quiet start with his first two crops and he was leased to Japan for the 2018 season. Fortunately, he enjoyed something of a breakthrough year in 2019, ranking as high as 14th on North America’s leading sires’ list, with the help of 13 black-type winners, led by the Grade 1-winning sprinter Cistron.

The Factor also finished as high as seventh among North America’s turf sires, so he may be following in the footprints of his sire, another dirt performer whose progeny are often at home on a variety of surfaces.

A couple of War Front’s sons from his second crop – Declaration Of War and Summer Front – are also drawing attention to themselves.

Although Declaration Of War’s record stood at four wins from five starts by the end of his three-year-old season, it wasn’t until his demanding four-year-old campaign that he showed an enviable combination of talent and toughness, plus admirable versatility in terms of distance and racing surfaces. He won the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes over a mile before adding a second Group 1 success in the Juddmonte International.

He also covered himself in glory when returned to his native land for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, handling the fast dirt course so well that he was beaten only a nose and a head by the dirt specialists Mucho Macho Man and Will Take Charge.

Rather like Giant’s Causeway, another Coolmore star who went close to landing the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Declaration Of War was transferred to Coolmore’s American branch at Ashford Stud after only one year in Ireland. By October 2018, though, an announcement was made that he would stand the 2019 season at the Japanese Bloodhorse Breeders’ Association’s Shizunai Stallion Station. This now looks to have been a one-way ticket, as there has been no return to Kentucky.

The motivation for the move probably stemmed from a combination of factors.

His Irish crop hadn’t exactly set the Liffey on fire, even though it contained Olmedo, winner of the 2018 Poule d’Essai des Poulains, and the speedy Group 3-winning filly Actress. His cause probably also wasn’t helped by the fact that turf appeared to be the preferred surface of several of his best American runners, such as Speed Franco, Opry and Uncle Benny.

Although Declaration Of War had covered 192 mares at a fee of $40,000 in 2015, his first year in Kentucky, he had attracted ‘only’ 154 mares at the same fee in 2016. A reduction in his fee to $35,000 in 2017 didn’t help, with his book falling to 128 mares, and a further reduction, to $25,000 in 2018, again failed to halt the decline, with his number of mares dropping to 110.

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HIGH SUMMER

Whereas Declaration Of War took up stud duties when he was five, the good-looking Summer Front had to wait until he was seven. It was a bold decision by Brereton C. Jones and his family to add him to the stallion roster at their Airdrie Stud, an operation with a reputation for making stallions.

Summer Front hadn’t won a Grade 1 and he had spent most of his career racing on turf, as might be expected of a War Front colt with a dam by El Prado.

What he had done was win all three of his starts at two, including a couple of stakes races over a mile, and he had been rated 115 on the Experimental Free Handicap. He also trained on so well that he enjoyed Graded stakes success at the ages of three, four and five, earning in excess of $1 million.

Priced at $10,000, Summer Front started with a 2016 book of 137 mares but by his fourth season, in 2019, he was down to 59 mares. It is a safe bet that he

Declaration Of War (above) is enjoying a successful run worldwide while Due Diligence (right) got off to a good start with his first two-year-olds last year

is covering far more than that in 2020, following the bright start made by his first crop. Fighting Seabee became his first Graded winner when he landed the Grade 3 With Anticipation Stakes on turf as a two-year-old, but the colt who promises to put Summer Front on the map is Ete Indien. With a dam by Mizzen Mast, Ete Indien has won on turf and dirt and this €240,000 Arqana purchase scored by more than eight lengths in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes.

Another of 2019’s successful firstcrop stallions was War Front’s son Due Diligence, who started his racing career with a victory at Saratoga as a juvenile before being switched to Ireland.

Although very capable – as illustrated by a Timeform rating of 120 – Due Diligence won nothing better than a Listed race and he’s best judged on his second to Slade Power in the Grade 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

The Whitsbury Manor team took a chance with him and he repaid their faith with a pair of Group 3 winners and a Listed winner among his 85 first-crop foals, sired at £6,500. He clearly has plenty of potential, but a degree of patience may be required, as his second crop numbers just 39 foals and his third and fourth crops are even smaller.

Hopefully he is receiving much stronger support in 2020, at his increased fee of £8,500.

War Front’s prowess as a sire of sires will soon undergo further testing, as the Group 1 two-year-old winners Air Force

GEORGE SELWYN

A ticket to Japan has often kickstarted a stallion’s career, and so it has proved with Declaration Of War. His six northern hemisphere Graded/Group winners in 2019 featured four two-yearolds and Declaration Of War ranked fourth behind Into Mischief, American Pharoah and Uncle Mo among North America’s leading sires of juveniles. One of these juveniles, Silver Prospector, won this year’s Grade 3 Southwest Stakes to put himself on the disrupted trail to the Kentucky Derby.

Declaration Of War had also shuttled to Australia for two seasons, standing the 2014 season at AUS$27,500 and the following year at only $24,750. Although he is credited with the comparatively modest total of 155 live foals, that hasn’t stopped him making a considerable splash. First to hit the Group 1 target was the filly Winning Ways, who landed the Queensland Oaks. Next came the three-year-old gelding Warning, who was a decisive winner of the Victoria Derby, and then came his greatest triumph, when Vow And Declare repelled the foreign raiders to take the Melbourne Cup. Perhaps significantly, Declaration Of War’s trio of Australian Group 1 winners have all shown they stay better than their sire, with two of them receiving help from their broodmare sire Galileo.

Declaration Of War’s French Classic winner Olmedo has now been transferred to Australia and it will be interesting to see whether he can return to Group 1-winning form.

GEORGE SELWYN

Bloodstock world views

Blue and Hit It A Bomb both have their first juveniles racing this year. Both have had their moments in the sales ring, with .Air Force Blue’s yearlings selling for up to $400,000 and his two-year-olds for up to $390,000. Hit It A Bomb, who stands for only $5,000 at Spendthrift Farm, had a two-year-old sell for $200,000.

We also have the tough-as-teak U S Navy Flag to look forward to. This winner of the Middle Park Stakes, Dewhurst Stakes and July Cup has the added attraction of having a dam by Galileo. Then there’s the very highly regarded Omaha Beach, a Grade 1 winner of the Arkansas Derby, Santa Anita Sprint Championship and Malibu Stakes, who is the U.S.’s highest priced new stallion this year, at $40,000.

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www.thethoroughbredclub.co.uk •

@TTC_GB

Claudia McDougall takes the reins as TTC Chair

L

ast month The Thoroughbred Club welcomed a new Chairman as Claudia McDougall took over from Christian Williams. A long-standing member of TTC and the committee, Claudia has been Nominations Sales Executive at Dalham Hall Stud for the past three years and worked at Darley for five.

Claudia said: “Having been a member of the committee for some years now, I am delighted to take on the role of Chairman of The Thoroughbred Club. Many young people are unaware of the incredible

opportunities the racing and bloodstock world offer, and I hope that by sharing our own passion we can inspire more to actively participate within the industry.

“The Thoroughbred Club offers a chance to network with respected industry professionals and also meet the real stars of the show, the horses themselves, with stud visits and race ticket offers throughout the season.

Educational events such as our popular careers course are vital for not only the employment, retention and personal development of staff, but also the growth of future owners and breeders, having already opened a number of doors to many who have attended.”

A graduate of Hartpury College’s BSc Equine Sports Science course, Claudia has also worked for Tweenhills and Fittocks Stud.

TTC would like to thank Christian for his time as TTC Chairman and we are pleased to announce that he will remain as a Committee member.

TTC would also like to thank long-standing member Harvey Bell for his contribution during his time on the committee.

New TTC committee Chairman Claudia McDougall

New TTC committee member Bobby Jackson

Jackson joins committee

The committee has also been bolstered by the addition of Bobby Jackson, who is the Marketing Executive at Tattersalls.

Bobby brings a wealth of knowledge from differing sectors of the industry, having worked for the BHA, GBRI, Salisbury racecourse and Whitsbury Manor Stud.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining The Thoroughbred Club committee and look forward to working with the team. I’ve enjoyed going to many of the events that TTC has organised over the years so to now be on the committee is very exciting.”

Diary Dates and Reminders Tuesday, April 21 – POSTPONED West Regional Day Tour of Lambourn gallops, Kingwood Stud & Oaksey House Thursday, April 30 – POSTPONED Scotland Regional Forum & Regional Day The Royal (Dick) Equine Veterinary Hospital & Musselburgh racecourse Monday, May 18 NH Breeders’ Awards Evening Hilton Garden Inn, Doncaster Tuesday, July 14 TBA Flat Breeders’ Awards Evening Chippenham Park, Newmarket Wednesday, July 15 TBA AGM and Annual Seminar Tattersalls, Newmarket Further information on all events can be found on TTC’s website

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Super Kalanisi!

THE CONDITIONAL

DARVER STAR

IMPERIAL AURA

WON Gr.3 Ultima Handicap Chase

3rd Gr.1 Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

WON LR Northern Trust Novices’ Handicap Chase

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL CONNECTIONS Trainer: David Bridgwater Owner: P J Cave Breeder: Brendan Ferris

Trainer: Gavin Cromwell Owner: SSP Number Twentytwo Syndicate Breeder: P Cluskey & S Fanning

Trainer: Kim Bailey Owner: Imperial Racing Partnership 2016 Breeder: Headfield Farm Ltd

Contact: William Flood +353 (0)87 2380583 Serving the Irish and UK Breeder since 1935 or John Flood +353 (0)87 9066772 www.boardsmillstud.com

Nunstainton Stud 2020 Nunstainton Stud 2020 Nunstainton Stud 2020

DRAGON DANCER DRAGON DRAGONDANCER DANCER

ByBySadler’s Wells ex.

Sadler’s Wells ex.Alakananda Alakananda By Sadler’s Wells ex.

Alakananda

Consistent Group level performer over 12F   Consistent Group level performer over 12F  Consistent Group level performer over 12F inc. beaten a short head in in the 2006 Derby. inc. beaten a short head the 2006 Derby. inc. beaten a short head in the 2006 Derby.   Sire ofof winners under both codes including Sire winners under both codes including  Sire of winners under both codes including recent Cheltenham hurdle winner Goodbye recent Cheltenham hurdle winner Goodbye recent Cheltenham hurdle winner Goodbye Dancer unbeaten 3 time French Dancerand and unbeaten 3 time French Dancer and unbeaten 3 time French Juvenile hurdle winner Wutzelino Juvenile hurdle winner Wutzelino Juvenile hurdle winner Wutzelino   Top class pedigree, looks and confirmation.

Top class pedigree, looks and confirmation.  Top class pedigree, looks and confirmation.   Fantastic Temperament Fantastic Temperament  Fantastic Temperament   Highest OR 119 119  Highest HighestOROR 119   One of a few remaining Stallions byby the One of a few remaining  One of a few remainingStallions Stallions bythe the great Sadler’s Wells. great Sadler’s Wells. great Sadler’s Wells.   2020 Fee: £1500 2020 Fee: £1500  2020 Fee: £1500

For details contact; Chris Dawson, Nunstainton Stud, Co. Durham, DL17 0LG. Forfurther further details contact; Chris Dawson, Nunstainton Stud, Co. Durham, For further details contact; Chris Dawson, Nunstainton Stud, Co. Durham,DL17 DL170LG. 0LG. Tel: 07796 530084 Tel: 07796 530084 Tel: 07796 530084

Fractional ad pages April 2020.indd 71

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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ROA Forum

The special section for ROA members

Richard Johnson named ROA Owners’ Ambassador T he ROA is delighted to announce four-time champion jockey, Richard Johnson, as its first ROA Ambassador, showcasing the work of the association across racing. The Ambassador scheme is part of the ROA’s drive to promote ownership and its impact on racing to a wider audience.

In his ROA role, Richard will regularly represent the ROA at big meetings, including Cheltenham and Aintree, as well as our extensive calendar of events, including at the AGM in York and our annual Horseracing Awards evening. He will also contribute to Owner Breeder magazine through a column and, in time, the launch of a podcast.

Charlie Liverton, Chief Executive of the ROA, said: “It’s great to have Richard on board as our first Ambassador.

The ROA is first and foremost an organisation protecting and promoting ownership and Richard will be a central part of our communications with owners and raceday visibility.

“However, the ROA does so much more beyond protecting and promoting ownership, advocating for the future of our sport on government engagement, horse welfare, breeding, funding and raceday experience. As an Ambassador, Richard will also be closely involved in the broader industry work we carry out for owners and racing. I am looking

Richard Johnson entertained members in the ROA marquee at the Cheltenham Festival

forward to working with him to make a difference for owners and our sport.”

Richard Johnson, four-time champion jockey and ROA Ambassador, said: “I have always admired the work that the ROA has done for owners but seeing its broader agenda has really excited me. We have to keep this sport going and answer some vital questions.

“I am passionate about welfare standards and, most importantly, the

next generation. Working with the ROA, I look forward to promoting their work and driving a passion for our sport to inspire the next generation of owners and racegoers.”

Richard’s first engagement as an ROA Ambassador was on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, March 10, meeting with ROA members and their guests in our marquee prior to racing.

BRITISH RACING SUSPENDED The formal decision to suspend racing in Britain until the end of April was taken by the British Horseracing Authority board last month, following consultation with senior industry leaders in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Charlie Liverton, ROA Chief Executive, said: “Public health and safety is of primary importance. I know that the owner community which we represent backs the efforts to maintain public health and safety both within and beyond racing.

“I ask that people continue to exercise common sense and good

judgement as we continue to protect the well-being of people in our industry.”

At the time of writing, racing in Ireland is continuing behind closed doors with strict protocols in place.

Horse Racing Ireland will not accept entries from overseas runners, medical personnel and facilities will be made available to government and there will be no evening or double fixtures, while contingency planning for changes to race programming and fixtures is under way.

Racing in France has been suspended until April 15 at the

earliest, while the sport in Germany will cease until April 18 according to the Direktorium.

Clearly, the shutdown in Britain, which at the time of going to press was due to last until the end of April, will have a profound impact on the ROA’s many member events and offers in the coming weeks.

Members should visit the ROA website and check the latest communications and emails for updates to our events calendar.

If you have any questions about events or racedays you have already booked, please email info@roa.co.uk.

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The novice and maiden race programme is set to change later this year

Race programming changes The industry’s Racing Group, which includes a representative from both the ROA and TBA, has responsibility for developing and improving the race programme. When the 2020 Flat season gets underway, two important changes will have been approved with this in mind.

The first change follows on from concerns raised by owners last year, including at ROA ownership days, about the difficulty in finding opportunities for lower-rated horses to run. This situation was exacerbated last season as a result of some racecourses deciding not to divide races.

Although all Flat racecourses are dividing races again in 2020, it is clear that at certain times of the year, particularly early in the season and in the autumn, opportunities for the horse rated 50 and below can be hard to find. At these times of year, when there is less evening racing than in the summer, demand for opportunities to run from higher-rated horses often leads to frustrations for the connections of horses at the other end of the scale.

There is no easy answer to this, but the Racing Group was keen to introduce a more clearly defined programme in order to help owners and trainers make appropriate plans for the campaigning of horses at the lowest levels. This will involve the creation of a more consistent programme of 0-50 Class 6 classified races at those times of the year when there is scope to stage them, namely the summer and winter. They will replace all Class 7 handicaps and

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some existing Class 6 handicaps.

These races will have an elimination sequence that favours the less experienced horse and, as Class 6 races, will be eligible to divide.

The important message to owners of lower rated horses is that the programme will cater for your horse more effectively now from January to March, and June to August. At other times of the year, however, opportunities will continue to be relatively scarce and so, to minimise frustration, the connections of horses rated 50 and below are recommended to plan accordingly.

The second change affects the Flat novice and maiden programme. The current programme was introduced for two-year-olds in 2017 and threeyear-olds in 2018. Over time, small adjustments have been made to both the qualification criteria and elimination sequences of these races to ensure that they cater for the horses for which they are intended.

Recently, further changes were made to the criteria under which a horse could qualify for a handicap

mark; a first-time-out winner that subsequently placed on its second start would be allocated a handicap mark, meaning it could move into handicaps earlier than was previously the case.

An ongoing area of focus has been the balance of the programme between auction, median auction and open novice and maiden races. From the end of the turf season this year, all auction and median auction races will cease to exist and be replaced by a hybrid of these two race types.

As a result, horses will qualify for these new restricted races by their auction value or, if they have not been through the sales ring, the median price of their sire’s progeny will become the determining factor. The aim of this change is to increase the number of races that are available to each horse to run in, whilst providing a suitable balance of opportunities across the race programme for different types of horses.

From November 14 all novice and maiden races will be divided into one of the following five categories:

Class

Category

Auction value (£)

Median auction value (£)

4+

Open

N/A

N/A

4+

Category A

50,000-80,000

<60,000

5

Category B

30,001-50,000

<40,000

5

Category C

15,001-30,000

<25,000

6

Category D

1-15,000

<12,500

For further information on these or any other race planning queries, please feel free to contact the BHA Racing Department on 0207 152 0050.

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ROA Forum

Here to help on your VAT queries Are you reclaiming VAT on your ownership costs? If not, the ROA can help.

Owner-sponsorship enables owners to register for and reclaim VAT if they own at least 50% in a racehorse. Owners in a syndicate or partnership can register a joint VAT number with their partners and claim back VAT through the registration.

VAT can be reclaimed on the original purchase price of the horse; training fees, veterinary fees, farrier and ancillary costs; and telephone bills, travel and accommodation costs incurred when watching your horse race or train.

There are a number of ways you can take advantage of the VAT Scheme. Our Tote/Britbet owner-sponsorship scheme is easy to join and owners receive a payment of £100 for every horse that joins a 12-month scheme.

You can otherwise set up your own sponsorship agreement and register it with the BHA or be covered by a trainer’s sponsorship agreement.

Lizzie Kelly sports the Tote logo on her silks

Sponsorships are lodged on the Racing Admin website so owners can check that their horses are covered by a sponsorship agreement and when the agreement ends. To find out more see www.roa.co.uk/sponsorship

Trainer tip

Trainers who are covered by yard

agreements are reminded that if and when sponsorship arrangements come to an end, they are welcome to add horses onto our owner-sponsorship scheme with Tote/Britbet. Over 380 horses were covered by the scheme in January and during the month 42% of those horses won or were placed.

Race wisely

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agile and efficient manner to concerns reported.

Posters advertising the Those who work in, bet on and follow the sport of racing now have more options to service will be displayed on speak up and report any potential breaches racecourses. The service will E INT AR of the Rules of Racing or practices which also be publicised to those E F L concern them. working in racing through An updated RaceWISE service was the relevant representative launched by the British Horseracing bodies.

Chris Watts, Head of Authority (BHA) in March. The anonymous reporting service covers four critical areas: Integrity at the BHA, said: RD UA IN G “We are here to protect the EQ the Welfare of racehorses honest majority and ensure • that those who seek to gain • protecting the Integrity of the sport an unfair advantage or act in • addressing Safeguarding and welfare concerns a manner which could damage If you have conc erns of the spor t’s part about the integrity of British racing or the well icipants, human the integrity of our sport are • maintaining Equality for everyone being or equine, plea se contact Race WISE. Anonymous rep orting. held to account.

Call 08000 852 580 (free 24 hou rs a day) “If there are people out RaceWISE takes the form of a free Visit britishh orseracing.com/ RaceWISE phoneline (08000 852 580) and there who hear, or become anonymous online form at aware, of any wrongdoing in https://forms.theiline.co.uk/bha British Racing we want them to feel confident that they can report it safely and securely. for anyone who has concerns about potential wrongdoing We will do all we can to protect the identity of those who across any area of British racing. contact us.”

The service will continue to be run in partnership The service can be contacted on 0800 0852 580 or visit between the BHA’s integrity department and www.britishhorseracing.com/RaceWISE. Crimestoppers, ensuring that the BHA can react in a more

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MY DAY AT THE RACES With John Marriott at Bangor on February 7

J

ohn Marriott’s first involvement in ownership was with a couple of legs in syndicates. “My father and I were ever present at Leicester races and we approached Reg Hollinshead in 1999 and he bought a ‘cheap’ horse for us,” explained Marriott. “An Aga Khan cast off, Behari, who never won but gave us a lot of fun. Then Reg bought us a Dolphin Street yearling filly for £6,000. We named her Ticcatoo and she won first time out at Southwell.

“We’ve had a lot of horses over the years, memorable amongst them was Flowing Cape who was serially unlucky but a wonderful racehorse. We’ve had some good jumpers; Meehan won three for us, including once at 33-1, Star Foot won five races and a McCoy Award.

“We own ten presently, eight with Ivan Furtado and two jumpers with Jennie Candlish, plus three shares including one in France with Andrew Hollinshead.”

Did you receive any welcome information as an owner in advance of the raceday?

Bangor send an excellent pre-race letter, with full details and a clear explanation, plus the emails confirming the declaration.

How was the experience of arrival at the racecourse, and collecting your owners’ badges?

The owners’ car park is clearly marked, the Welsh commandant responded positively to the ROA card. The reception for owners and trainers is well staffed. We quickly collected the badges, as did our guests who travelled independently.

Did you use the Owners’ & Trainers’ facility on the day?

Yes, the dining room was very popular.

What were your thoughts on the location, comfort and provision in the facility?

The O&T facility is well placed in relation to the pre-parade ring and parade ring. There were no issues getting the excellent carvery meal, beef and gammon, plus the full works,

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ALAN WRIGHT

Winner! John Marriott with his Bangor scorer Oscars Leader

then cheese or dessert plus half a bottle of wine each. Owners receive four lunch tickets and six O&T badges; you can buy more.

How was the pre-parade ring/ paddock experience?

It was good to see the horse parade in the pre-parade and then the parade ring, before a quick word with our jockey, Sean Quinlan. Not a man of many words. Bangor isn’t the biggest course, viewing is a little quirky, the big screen helps but you perch on a mound and the winning post is away to the side of the course.

How did you find the facilities for owners’ viewing?

Plenty of screens to watch the races, but you need to be out where you can witness the action and shout and cheer. Excellent commentary from Stewart Machin, who has a habit of calling our horses home and did again!

How were you treated as a winning owner on the day?

With a win under his belt, Oscars Leader was the star of the show, lots of pictures and then the presentation,

a delightful engraved glass bowl.

Then off to hospitality for a glass of bubbly and to watch the race again.

Bangor also give you a TV in a Card race viewer, simply open it and a replay of the race plays, the placed horse owners also get hospitality and USBs of the race – well done Bangor!

What was your overall lasting feeling of the day, based on your racecourse experience?

Always a good day when you have a winner, but Bangor make everyone welcome, the hospitality is first class and sets the standard for jumps courses. Our first winner there, but we’ll be back. The experience is a good day out.

HOW IT RATED Entry Viewing Atmosphere Owners’ facilities Food Overall score

★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ 22

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ROA Forum

Fun and friends at the Festival The ROA marquee at the Cheltenham Festival proved as popular as ever, welcoming hundreds of ROA members, guests and racing figures over the four days of top-class racing

James and Ben Parsons

Gary Daubney and Francesca O’Sullivan

Laura Marley, Tania Day and Jacqueline Marley

Sadie Evans with Clément Porcher and Clémence Cinier

Richard Johnson and Hazel Crichton

Rosario and John Stimpson with John Reid

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ROA RELOCATES TO READING The ROA team have relocated to a new office in Reading. The move is part of our drive for regional visibility, to better represent owners and improve engagement with other important racing stakeholders around the country.

Charlie Liverton, ROA Chief Executive, said: “Racing exists outside of London and it is our belief that we can better serve the interests of owners and of racing as a whole by being closer to the action. The ROA has a clear aim to protect, promote and sustain both ownership and racing. This should be done in collaboration with the people that create and support our sport on a day-to-day basis.

“Our owners have clearly stated, both at our regional meetings and as part of the feedback in the 2016 ownership survey, the need for more regional visibility. Our new Reading office is just one part of delivering that visibility.

“The new base will allow us to maintain the service we currently provide to owners whilst reorganising our structure, so that we can reach more people across the country than ever before and begin to deliver the more hands-on support, as requested by our owners.”

Louise Norman, Head of Ownership at the ROA, said: “We are always listening to owners and looking to develop both how we improve the experience for existing owners and attract new owners to the sport.

“With the office in Reading, our owners can expect to see us out and about a lot more throughout the year, promoting their interests and the value of owners to racing.”

We will be based in the recently refurbished TW12VE building, Forbury Road, Reading, having secured a tenyear lease.

Diary dates and reminders* MAY 7 ROA Owners Day and regional meeting, Huntingdon MAY 26 Breakfast With The Stars, Epsom Downs JUNE 2 ROA Owners Day and regional meeting, Newcastle JUNE 16-20 Royal Ascot hospitality packages and discount on Queen Anne admission on June 16 and 17 JUNE 30 ROA AGM at York *All dates are subject to change.

For more details please see roa.co.uk/events

News in brief Supporting you

As we go to press, the ROA is compiling guidance to owners as part of the British racing industry’s coronavirus response. Information will be made available online and relevant links will be included in ebulletins to members.

We would like to thank you for your support during these uncertain times and give reassurance that we are committed to helping owners through this challenging period.

Please do check the ROA’s online resources at roa.co.uk for the latest information. Should you have any specific queries please contact us via info@roa.co.uk.

Giving owners a voice

Last month we contacted members by letter or email with an invitation to stand for election to the ROA board to help shape racing’s future policy.

The board comprises a mix of elected and appointed directors, according to the ROA’s Articles of Association. There are three vacancies to be filled at our AGM this summer. Board members serve a

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three-year term after which they can stand for re-election.

Each year, if the number of applications to be an elected director exceeds the number of vacancies, a ballot takes place among members.

Members will be receiving details of the candidates standing for election and their manifesto pledges towards the end of this month with voting instructions.

The results of the election will be announced at the ROA AGM in York on June 30. See roa.co.uk/events.html for further details on this and other member events.

Stable hygiene

One of the National Trainers Federation objectives over the past year was to improve the standards of hygiene in racecourse stables. With collaboration from three northern racecourses, former NTF President Ann Duffield instigated research through the Irish Equine Centre which looked at the cleanliness of racecourse stables.

This led to discussions at the BHA Racecourse Committee about the

method of cleaning stables. Defraapproved disinfectants may be effective but it was uncertain how effective they are against equine specific pathogens. In a recent round of changes to the BHA General Instructions (BHAGI) racecourses must now use equine specific chemical disinfectants when carrying out a Level 1 clean.

Changes to Flat handicap qualification

Changes to the qualification criteria for a Flat handicap rating became effective for races from February 1.

Horses winning first time out and finishing in the first four on their second start are now eligible for a Flat handicap rating, subject to the existing additional requirement for a third run in handicaps worth £45,000 or more.

Approximately 40 horses qualify for a mark under the new rule, which would have previously been required to have a third run.

For further details contact the Racing Department via the forum on the Racing Admin website.

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ROA Forum

MAGICAL MOMENTS

DUBAI RACING CLUB/ERIKA RASMUSSEN

Chris Hirst has a certain star on his hands

Up for the cup: Chris Hirst with his trophy after Certain Lad’s Listed handicap victory at Meydan

T

he Dubai World Cup Carnival comes with the allure of tremendous prize-money but the knowledge it is difficult to wrestle much of it away from the grasp of local powerhouses.

This year’s ten-meeting extravaganza, which led into the Dubai World Cup card itself at the end of last month, was business as usual, with Godolphin and UAE trainers dominating.

However, one plucky plunderer from beyond the Middle East certainly did his connections proud with three fine efforts, including what his proud owner considers the most magical moment of his time in racing so far.

The owner is Chris Hirst and the horse in question is Certain Lad, who sprang a surprise when beating ten rivals in a Listed handicap to grab the near-£80,000 first prize.

The Mick Channon-trained fouryear-old followed that with a close third a fortnight later, and he was then far from disgraced when fourth behind the impressive Ghaiyyath in a Group 3.

Hirst’s black and white silks are a familiar sight on British tracks, and

“Certain Lad is an intelligent horse who seems to like travelling” so for Certain Lad to have soared in his affections speaks volumes for the gelding’s talent and character.

Racing has been part of the owner’s life for as far back as his memory extends, Hirst saying: “I’ve been interested in racing since I was five years old, after being taken to Ripon races – I have never been able to get a winner there by the way – by my elder brother, who worked at Theakston Brewery in Masham.”

The horse Masham Star is well known to racegoers and punters throughout the land, him being a typically busy inmate from Mark Johnston’s yard, and the trainer is

among those on the roster for Hirst, though Certain Lad is with Mick Channon.

He says: “Currently we have 12 in training in the UK and three in France.

Additionally, we have broodmares in Ireland, France and the UK, with various foals and yearlings.

“In the UK we’ve horses with Mark Johnston, Mick Channon, Archie Watson and Ben Haslam, with Karl Burke coming on board with a Night Of Thunder filly this spring.

“I like to work with all these trainers; they all have a great passion for racing, total commitment, are continuously driven, and hungry for success.”

It was none of these, however, who saddled the first winner for Hirst, that distinction belonging to Simon West.

Asked for his magical moments to date, Hirst replies: “The first to spring to mind is Amood, trained by Simon West, bringing us our first ever winner at Newmarket after I’d flown in that morning from Thailand as Simon expected a good performance.

“Then there’s Archie Watson for great wins on the trot with Brandon Castle, completed by a big win at

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DUBAI RACING CLUB/ERIKA RASMUSSEN

Musselburgh. Also, Isaan Queen winning a Listed race at Chelmsford, again for Archie.

“Certain Lad’s debut win at Redcar was a memorable day, as was his win at Haydock and then him running at Royal Ascot.

“Dalanijujo winning on debut at Doncaster, when all the family were there, last year was another great occasion. She’s big and scopey and was always going to be a better threeyear-old; she’ll hopefully be one to follow this year.

“I also took a lot of pleasure from Mark Johnston getting Thai Terrier to the track when it looked like he’d never, ever make it, and then him finishing second twice, by a short-head and a neck, before winning easily. I hope he can be a nice horse over a distance of ground this year.”

That little lot by no means exhausts Hirst’s enjoyable experiences as an owner since having his first runners in 2013, and there is plenty to look forward to this Flat season and beyond.

He continues: “There are so many more memorable days I could mention, and hopefully there are more to come this year as we upgrade our horses with additions by Mastercraftsman, Night Of Thunder and Toronado.

“However, the absolute highlight so far must be from the little horse with such a big heart and who always does his best – Certain Lad winning at Meydan and equalling the track record after a fantastic ride from Ben Curtis, who knows him so well.

“Certain Lad comes across as an intelligent horse, he likes to do different things; he’s won in France and up at Ayr, he seems to like travelling and we may go overseas with him again this year, once he’s had a break, maybe to America.”

Certain Lad and Brandon Castle are half-brothers, being out of Galileo mare Chelsey Jayne, who was trained

by Channon, though her diminutive size counted against her and she never came close to winning in six starts.

Hirst adds: “It turned out she was too small as she had been kicked as a

Certain Lad and Ben Curtis strike for home in the Zabeel Turf on January 16

foal and her jaw wired. Some wire was left in her mouth, though, preventing her from eating properly, and therefore she didn’t grow.

“However, she was still able to produce Certain Lad and Brandon Castle, plus Jack Regan, The Statesman and a couple of others. What might she have been without the wired jaw?”

One of the biggest thrills of being an owner is seeing your colours carried to victory, but there are invariably other aspects of the experience that delight – and disappoint.

Hirst says: “The best part of racing to me is being able to meet and cooperate with so many good, hardworking people at all the trainers’ yards. We are pleased to work with them and know them.

“The worst parts are the poor owners’ and trainers’ facilities at many courses and the arrogance of a lot of racecourse staff. Another issue is low prize-money at many meetings.”

Flying in to Britain and elsewhere from Thailand, as Hirst mentions in relation to Amood, is a regular occurrence for the owner, who explains: “I’m CEO and President of Anglo Asia Group, based in Thailand,

with operations also in Vietnam and Malaysia.

“We are south-east Asia’s largest recycler of aluminium cans, a lot of which are imported from the UK. We convert 286,000,000 cans per month, which are used to produce new can sheets for new cans – a can-to-can basis in other words.

“We also produce large volumes of aluminium alloys for the automotive companies, on a global basis, from recycled aluminium.”

The scale of the operation seems vast, and potentially all-consuming, and Hirst likes to set work aside for a few days to go and see his horses in the flesh when possible, though trips can often combine pleasure with business.

“I saw all three of Certain Lad’s runs at Meydan in January and February, and if it’s a good race I always like to be there,” he says.

“Owning racehorses can be an advantage in business as you can invite clients to the races; they’re often very interested and it’s good to be able to play a part in introducing new racegoers or potential owners to the sport.”

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ROA Forum Figures for period March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020

Flat Racecourse League Table Ptn Racecourse

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

Ascot York Goodwood Epsom Downs Newmarket Newbury Chester Sandown Park Doncaster Haydock Park Ayr Pontefract Chelmsford City Kempton Park Salisbury Musselburgh Ripon Hamilton Park Thirsk Wetherby Beverley Carlisle Lingfield Park Newcastle Redcar Nottingham Windsor Catterick Bridge Leicester Bath Yarmouth Ffos Las Wolverhampton Chepstow Southwell Brighton Total

Ownership

Avg racecourse spend per fixture (£)

I I I JCR JCR I I JCR ARC JCR I I I JCR I I I I I I I JCR ARC ARC I JCR ARC I I ARC ARC ARC ARC ARC ARC ARC

486,133 281,530 224,507 179,919 135,666 86,180 84,906 84,834 78,662 78,135 53,029 45,629 43,372 43,101 41,863 41,502 41,410 41,292 39,767 39,741 39,000 38,361 34,908 34,690 34,634 34,494 32,486 30,969 30,739 29,204 25,928 23,392 22,551 20,510 20,061 20,007 62,437

Avg HBLB spend per fixture (£)

Avg owner spend per fixture (£)

Avg prizemoney per fixture (£)

Total no. of fixtures 2019-20

Total prize-money 2019-20 (£)

Avg racecourse spend per fixture 2018-19 (£)

121,800 263,948 93,347 116,783 86,943 81,712 70,754 108,762 70,735 74,132 53,937 37,036 45,863 14,776 52,732 40,631 41,804 31,679 43,273 19,189 35,591 13,961 29,736 3,509 21,072 5,617 20,148 6,232 27,287 6,215 21,594 5,801 21,822 5,119 22,473 4,601 20,146 7,169 13,743 5,520 20,652 4,386 20,068 6,454 25,302 4,586 21,637 7,382 22,460 16,900 22,442 7,102 20,549 5,788 19,750 3,149 20,725 5,314 18,610 4,492 18,698 4,773 12,993 3,614 17,864 3,530 14,214 3,381 16,007 2,373 15,927 2,856 30,914 20,713

876,784 495,549 398,515 359,435 282,969 182,447 146,745 180,331 152,202 145,232 102,580 81,141 71,744 69,907 76,182 69,485 68,351 68,366 67,253 59,003 64,038 64,883 64,887 64,003 74,394 64,532 58,823 53,868 57,715 52,363 50,160 39,998 43,963 38,106 38,441 38,790 115,013

18 18 18 11 39 17 15 15 22 21 14 15 68 63 15 17 17 16 16 3 19 13 75 51 15 23 26 14 16 22 23 6 80 15 51 21 908

15,782,112 8,919,874 7,173,268 3,953,785 11,035,792 3,101,591 2,201,175 2,704,958 3,348,445 2,977,251 1,436,120 1,217,108 4,878,565 4,404,126 1,142,724 1,181,250 1,161,972 1,093,860 1,076,049 177,010 1,216,716 843,480 4,866,494 3,264,138 1,115,915 1,484,233 1,529,393 754,146 923,443 1,151,984 1,153,684 239,990 3,517,056 571,587 1,960,491 814,585 104,374,368

471,381 247,392 214,435 203,471 134,724 87,169 83,457 91,898 82,427 74,173 52,677 47,646 54,375 42,041 47,797 47,807 42,657 43,731 37,037 46,662 36,671 39,809 39,480 40,034 39,412 38,004 36,059 36,955 37,039 29,094 31,074 28,703 27,334 23,675 25,402 24,862 65,296

Jumps Racecourse League Table Ptn Racecourse

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

Aintree Cheltenham Ascot Sandown Park Haydock Park Kempton Park Newbury Ayr Kelso Doncaster Perth Fakenham Cartmel Newton Abbot Wetherby Wincanton Carlisle Taunton Chepstow Warwick Market Rasen Ludlow Huntingdon Exeter Musselburgh Newcastle Leicester Hexham Plumpton Stratford-On-Avon Uttoxeter Catterick Bridge Bangor-On-Dee Fontwell Park Ffos Las Hereford Sedgefield Worcester Southwell Lingfield Park Wolverhampton Towcester Total

Up/ down

s s s t s t s t t s s t t s t t t t s t s t t t t t t t t s t t t t t t t

Ownership

Avg racecourse spend per fixture (£)

Avg HBLB spend per fixture (£)

Avg owner spend per fixture (£)

Avg prizemoney per fixture (£)

Total no. of fixtures 2019-20

Total prize-money 2019-20 (£)

Avg racecourse spend per fixture 2018-19 (£)

Up/ down

JCR JCR I JCR JCR JCR I I I ARC I I I I I JCR JCR I ARC JCR JCR I JCR JCR I ARC I I I I ARC I I ARC ARC ARC ARC ARC ARC ARC ARC I

289,663 280,944 154,272 115,967 104,312 70,424 64,819 50,495 42,495 38,620 37,130 36,444 35,049 33,957 33,743 33,667 33,655 32,307 32,032 31,933 31,788 31,419 31,409 30,978 30,748 28,253 28,015 27,762 25,010 24,285 24,192 23,715 22,406 21,255 20,653 20,475 19,215 16,810 16,712 16,388 11,500 0 45,590

150,322 131,532 94,309 99,957 87,881 67,392 68,490 44,446 38,076 47,293 32,903 24,167 30,387 33,357 32,723 32,424 30,086 23,634 32,818 34,298 29,224 29,314 26,353 29,510 27,528 27,354 27,332 21,570 25,416 24,097 29,346 24,565 21,026 20,273 24,750 25,645 21,205 23,597 19,646 21,580 20,000 0 37,482

78,032 74,102 18,611 18,698 16,438 11,253 19,220 13,259 5,995 8,172 4,170 42 5,468 0 6,398 6,843 5,648 6,042 8,291 6,658 5,765 4,531 5,846 6,525 4,558 4,491 5,086 2,476 4,404 4,178 6,152 3,250 3,962 3,133 4,372 4,754 3,245 3,675 3,414 3,092 3,500 0 8,941

518,611 487,245 270,942 241,497 219,807 149,901 153,884 113,200 89,332 96,501 74,520 60,653 70,904 67,313 73,222 72,933 70,753 61,983 73,142 73,112 66,993 65,598 65,173 67,405 63,219 60,514 60,432 51,808 54,830 52,561 59,691 51,531 47,567 44,661 49,775 50,874 43,665 44,082 39,772 41,060 35,000 0 92,793

8 15 8 8 9 12 12 10 15 12 15 12 9 15 14 15 11 12 15 19 22 15 17 15 13 12 6 15 16 17 23 9 13 22 15 9 19 15 20 5 1 0 545

4,148,885 7,308,673 2,167,535 1,931,974 1,868,363 1,798,817 1,846,605 1,132,000 1,339,984 1,158,009 1,117,800 727,830 638,133 1,009,701 1,025,102 1,093,995 778,283 743,795 1,097,125 1,389,130 1,473,844 983,967 1,107,942 1,011,080 821,842 726,169 362,595 777,121 877,282 893,534 1,372,883 463,780 618,373 982,534 746,621 457,870 829,627 661,234 795,444 205,300 35,000 0 50,525,783

288,649 271,643 172,560 111,239 102,028 60,790 33,479 46,045 48,187 40,298 63,252 35,737 34,420 23,809 33,708 38,251 33,033 32,444 36,913 30,120 25,326 60,790 28,043 35,706 23,075 32,517 28,043 26,753 22,097 34,815 28,573 25,516 23,063 22,278 27,462 32,543 20,612 23,720 19,850 48,187 0 25,728 47,263

s s t s s s s s t t t s s s s t s t t s s t s t s t t s s t t t t t t t t t t t s t t

EXPLANATION The tables set out the average prize-money at each fixture staged by a racecourse over the last 12 months. They show how this is made up of the three sources of prize-money: 1. Racecourses’ contribution 2. Levy Board (HBLB) 3. Owners The tables also confirm the number of fixtures staged and the total amount of prize-money paid out by each racecourse throughout this period.

The racecourses are ordered by the average amount of their own contribution to prizemoney at each fixture.

This contribution originates from various sources including media rights, admission revenues and racecourse sponsors.

If a racecourse has increased its average contribution at each fixture compared with the previous 12 months, it receives a green ‘up’ arrow. If its average contribution has fallen, however, it receives a red ‘down’ arrow.

As these tables are based on the prizemoney paid out by each racecourse, the abandonment of a major fixture could distort a racecourse’s performance.

OWNERSHIP KEY JCR Jockey Club Racecourses ARC Arena Racing Company I

Independently owned racecourse

Gold Standard

Award

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THE GLANVILLES STUD

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Time to book your space for the May issue!

Booking deadline: Friday 17th April Artwork deadline: Monday 20th April Call: 01380 816777 or email: ads@anderson-co.com

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TBA Forum

The special section for TBA members

Exeter hosts first forum of 2020

F

ollowing the abandonment of the Sandown Park fixture in midFebruary due to waterlogging, the first TBA and Weatherbys forum of 2020 took place at Exeter racecourse on Tuesday, March 3.

Around 16 attendees from the South West converged in the Golden Jubilee Box in the Brockman Stand, where refreshments were served. TBA Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson introduced the session’s topics, which covered the Horse Welfare Strategy, the new incentive scheme for British-bred fillies and mares, the EU exit and future trade agreement, recruitment, retention and training, and Covid-19.

These topics were further expanded upon by TBA Chief Executive Claire Sheppard and Weatherbys Communications Director Nick Craven.

Following a rundown on the trends that have been happening in breeding over the past five years, members were provided with information on improving traceability, one of the key topics for the morning. Members were informed of the importance of the 30-day foal notification, change of ownership, and that a horse must be tracked through every step of a horse’s life cycle.

The Golden Jubilee Box at Exeter was the venue for TBA/Weatherbys forum

Members were provided with lunch before an afternoon of racing, which included the Weatherbys TBA Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase. Victory

went to owner/breeder Tim Nixon's Fortescue, a six-year-old gelding ridden by his grandson, the conditional jockey Hugh Nugent.

TBA regional days in 2020 Regional days offer members the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at some of the most successful racing and breeding operations all across the country.

Always well attended, they provide the ideal opportunity for members to socialise with like-minded people from around the area.

Due to Covid-19, the West and

Our popular behind-the-scenes outings offer a fine opportunity to get to know other TBA members

Scotland regional days, which were scheduled for this month, have been postponed.

Confirmed regional day dates for later in the year are: • Wednesday, June 10 – South East • Wednesday, September 30 – South West Please monitor the TBA website for further details about those listed above and for further regional day announcements.

If you would like to receive an application form for any of the days lisred, please contact Alix Jones (alix.jones@thetba.co.uk). As usual, priority will be given to members residing in each region if the day is oversubscribed. A maximum allocation of two places per membership for each day applies.

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Meet the regional reps Every TBA member belongs in one of seven regions, each of which is headed up by a group of volunteer regional representatives who work tirelessly to help us promote British breeding.

Over the coming months these pages will feature a number of these representatives so that members can see exactly who their local contact is and who to look out for at various events around the country.

Nick Alexander

Nick Alexander

One of the Scotland-based regional representatives, Nick says: “A longstanding member of the TBA, I have owned, bred and trained horses from my farm at Kinneston in Scotland for 30 years. Whilst down to one fourth-generation broodmare, I am passionate about how important UK-based breeders are and I understand the valuable role the TBA plays. I also serve on the executive councils of the NTF and Perth racecourse.”

Philip Bamford

A regional representative for the North, Philip says: “I am a director and third

Philip Bamford

generation of a family animal feed business in the north-west of England, and have had a keen interest in horses for most of my adult life, starting with hunting and then owning and breeding thoroughbreds. I currently own a number of horses on the track with Sir Mark Prescott, David O’Meara, Roger Fell and Tim Easterby. I also have a number of horses with leading trainers in the Western Cape, South Africa.”

Camilla Trotter

“After completing the BHA Graduate programme, I spent five years in France working for the International Racing Bureau followed by the Aga Khan Studs,” says West-based regional

Camilla Trotter

representative Camilla Trotter. “I then returned to England and spent three years with European Bloodstock News and a further two years with Juddmonte Farms. During this time I started doing part-time pedigree consultancy.

“I have been working full-time as a pedigree consultant for the last four years and clients include Fittocks Stud, Rockcliffe Stud, Stephen Hillen and Ecurie des Monceaux in France. I live in Gloucestershire with my husband, who manages Estcourt Stud for Juddmonte, and our two daughters.

We own shares in a couple of mares and their stock, something we both very much enjoy.”

Pauline Stoddart to retire A familiar and friendly face to all and a longstanding member of the Stanstead House team, Pauline Stoddart is set to retire at the end of the month. Pauline has been part of the TBA team for the past 15 years and, having taken on various roles in the office, has latterly been the CEO Office Executive.

Pauline has led events such as the Flat Stallion Parade at Tattersalls, the NH Foal Show at Bangor-on-Dee and the NH Awards, and been secretary for a number of committees.

The entire TBA team would like

to wish Pauline the very best in her retirement.

“Pauline will be a huge loss to all of the team at Stanstead House, the Board of Trustees and to the many members for whom a call to Pauline would result in their questions being answered,” commented TBA Chief Executive Claire Sheppard.

“Pauline has been a source of advice and guidance to so many at the TBA and we will all miss her terribly. I would personally like to thank her for all of her help and support over the last few years, it has been invaluable.”

Pauline Stoddart: 'will be a huge loss'

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TBA Forum

Flying the flag around the globe February was not a good month to be a jumps racecourse, as abandonments were aplenty. However, the bigger meetings on either side of the Irish Sea luckily went ahead. On the first day of the Dublin Racing Festival, star mare Honeysuckle maintained her unbeaten record in the Grade 1 Irish Champion Hurdle. Racing over two miles for only the second time in her career, the six-year-old daughter of Sulamani, who was bred by Dr Geoffrey Guy, had to overcome a mistake at the last. She went on to capture the Grade 1 Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

On the second day of the Festival and in the opener, the Roland Crellinbred Black Tears powered clear after the last to land the hugely competitive €100,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle.

The following weekend at Newbury, the Godolphin-bred Ocean Wind gained a maiden black type win in the Listed bumper.

Fences really have been the making of Copperhead this term and the sixyear-old son of Sulamani, who was bred

by Jane Micklethwait, romped home in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot in the middle of the month.

The same day, but at Haydock Park, the Grade 3 Grand National Trial Handicap Chase went the way of the Paul Zetter-bred Smooth Stepper, who was providing trainer Alex Hales with his biggest winner to date. The 11-year-old was scoring for the seventh time and is a son of the late Shade Oak resident Alflora.

Twenty five years after Dubacilla was runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and her grandson Mister Malarky, likewise bred by Henry Cole, returned to his 2019 form to take the ultracompetitive Grade 3 Betway Handicap Chase at Kempton Park.

British-bred success on the Flat was truly an international affair in February, with victories on four continents.

It could be said that February was also Frankel month, with British-breds Collide and Call The Wind contributing to his haul, which included a Japanese Group 1 scorer, an Australian Group 2

Magic Lily captured the Group 2 Balanchine at Meydan

winner and an American Grade 3 victor.

Sent down to the south of France and Cagnes-sur-Mer, Juddmonte’s homebred Collide collected the Listed Grand Prix du Departement 06, the first race in the 2020 Defi du Galop series.

A week later and at the King Abdulaziz racetrack in Riyadh, George Strawbridge’s homebred Call The Wind found a gap when needed before powering to success in the $2.5 million Longines Turf Handicap.

At Sha Tin in the middle of the month, Time Warp bounced back to form in no uncertain terms to defeat Exultant in the Group 1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup with an all-the-way success.

The son of Archipenko, who was bred

by Kirsten Rausing, had won the tenfurlong contest in 2018.

New Approach, meanwhile, was at the double. Magic Lily started the ball rolling when taking the Group 2 Balanchine at Meydan. The Godolphin homebred became the seventh filly to complete the Cape Verdi-Balanchine double in the same season.

A few days later and the Canning Bloodstock Ltd-bred Darlington Hall became his sire’s first Japanese Group winner when landing the Group 3 Tokinominoru Kinen at Tokyo.

Not to be outdone, fellow Dalham Hall Stud resident Dubawi was represented by Benbatl in the UAE. The six-year-old, a Group 1 winner in three continents on turf, proved his aptitude for dirt when winning the Group 2 Al

Maktoum Challenge Round 2 at the beginning of the month.

Other winners at Meydan this month were the Godolphin homebred pair of Zakouski in the Group 2 Zabeel Mile and Well Of Wisdom in the Listed Meydan Classic.

Previously a dual winner over the winter on the all-weather, Dubai Warrior, bred by Essafinaat Ltd, secured an easy win in the Group 3 Winter Derby at Lingfield Park, making all. A week later at the Surrey track and the Wattlefield Stud and Partnerbred Malotru made an impressive 2020 debut in the Listed Spring Cup Stakes.

That victory was gained on the final day of the month, which was also the scene for a pair of Stateside stakes victories. A smart juvenile last season, Vitalogy made a successful start to his season for Brendan Walsh when successful in the Grade 3 Palm Beach Stakes on the lawn at Gulfstream Park.

The same day Hariboux scored on the other coast at Santa Anita.

The three-year-old son of Tweenhills resident Havana Gold, who was bred by Lady Gillian Brunton, was successful in the Listed Pasadena Stakes.

Finally, making his first-up autumn campaign start at Rosehill Gardens on February 21, last August’s Ebor Handicap hero Mustajeer (Medicean) proved tough enough to secure victory in the Listed Parramatta Cup. Produced in association with GBRI

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TBA Stud Staff Employee Award Nominate now The nomination period for the TBA’s Stud Employee Award is now open.

The award, kindly sponsored by New England Stud, aims to recognise the significant contribution that stud employees make to the breeding industry and reward those who have shown dedication and excellence in their role.

The Award winner will be selected from six shortlisted candidates and will receive a £2,000 cash prize and a magnificent Charlie Langton bronze trophy. The winner will also be invited to attend the TBA's Flat Breeders' Awards Evening on Tuesday, July 14 when they will be presented with their prize and trophy.

The remaining five shortlisted nominees will be given £250 in recognition of their achievement.

Nominations can be made by downloading a form from the TBA website, where further details and

terms and conditions of the award can be found. Nominations close on Thursday, May 21. Late nominations will not be accepted.

Completed nominations should be sent by post to the TBA office or email to Melissa Parris melissa.parris@thetba.co.uk

Notify your foal’s birth When a foal is bred for racing in Great Britain the breeder/owner must notify the General Stud Book (Weatherbys) of its birth and whereabouts within 30 days of its birth (day one being the date of birth). Notification is free and should be done through the online portal www.weatherbysgsb.co.uk.

Please be aware that 30-day foal notification is different from foal registration; this must still be completed with the General Stud Book in accordance with the legislative requirements and any other Rules of Racing.

Breeders can check whether a foal has been successfully notified by using the following link: www.selim.britishhorseracing.com/ potro/

Diary Dates & Reminders NH MOPS WINNERS Wednesday, February 19 LUDLOW EBF Mares’ Novices’ Chase Winner: CHILLI FILLI Owner: Strachan, Lewis, Gabb, Graham, Salwey & Griffith Bonus: £10,000 Friday, February 21 WARWICK British Stallion Studs EBF Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race Winner: NADA TO PRADA Owner: Mrs Lynne Maclennan Bonus: £2,500 Friday, February 28 DONCASTER 888Sport Take ‘Em On British EBF Mares’ 'National Hunt' Novices’ Hurdle Winner: IT'S PROBABLY ME Owner: James & Jean Potter Ltd Bonus: £10,000

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Tuesday, April 21 – POSTPONED West Regional Day Tour of Lambourn gallops, Kingwood Stud and Oaksey House Thursday, April 30 – POSTPONED Scotland Regional Forum & Regional Day The Royal (Dick) Equine Veterinary Hospital & Musselburgh racecourse Monday, May 18 NH Breeders’ Awards Evening Hilton Garden Inn, Doncaster Wednesday, June 10 South East Regional Day Itinerary to be confirmed Tuesday, July 7 North Regional Forum Pontefract racecourse Tuesday, July 14 TBA Flat Breeders’ Awards Evening Chippenham Park, Newmarket

Tuesday, September 22 Wales & West Midlands Regional Forum Warwick racecourse Wednesday, September 30 South West Regional Day Itinerary to be confirmed Thursday, October 1 West & South West Regional Forum Salisbury racecourse Monday, November 9 South East Regional Forum Kempton Park racecourse Further information on all events can be found on the TBA website

NEW MEMBERS Andrew Twidle Keith Sivills Reginald Phillips

Wednesday, July 15 TBA AGM and Annual Seminar Tattersalls, Newmarket

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TBA Forum

EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES In our occasional series TBA members’ legal adviser Rachel Flynn looks at some changes to employment law coming into force in April 2020 Statement of main particulars of employment

All employees are currently entitled to receive a statement of main particulars of employment within two months of starting work, containing basics including name of employer and employee, job title, date employment began, place of work and address of employer, hours of work, holiday pay entitlement, sick pay arrangements, pension arrangements, notice periods, grievance and appeal arrangements, disciplinary rules and dismissal procedures.

From April 6, this right will be extended to workers as well as employees and must be given before the first day of employment.

A word on ‘worker’ status. This is often seen as a ‘halfway house’ between employee and self-employed status.

Workers are entitled to fewer rights than employees, but do have some key legal rights, including: • Protection from unlawful discrimination; • Protection against unlawful deduction from wages; • Entitlement to the national minimum wage; • Self-employed status – so no statutory employment rights.

The extent of the information set out in the particulars to be provided will be widened but not substantially.

In practical terms, any well-informed and sensible employer will already be providing contracts to employees before they start work, which should cover the

requirements that are coming into effect in April, so the changes are probably not ground-breaking. But you will now need to remember to do the same for workers as employees.

• Annual turnover is no more than £10.2 million; • Balance sheet total is no more than £5.1 million; • No more than 50 employees.

Calculation of holiday pay

Changes to National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage

The reference period for determining an average week’s pay (for the purposes of calculating holiday pay) will be increased from 12 weeks to 52 weeks.

This change is designed to even out seasonal variations in pay. Alongside this change, the government has also clarified that the holiday pay reference period should include as many whole weeks of pay information as are available (if less than 52 weeks).

Off-payroll tax rules

Of significance to large businesses are changes to off-payroll tax rules in the private sector coming into force on April 6, subject to the passing of the Finance Bill 2020.

Broadly speaking, an entity contracting with a personal service company (such as the end-user client or the last agency in a longer chain) will become primarily responsible for applying PAYE deductions and, more significantly, for paying employers' NICs. This is a huge shift in the burden of establishing whether a worker supplied by the PSC is providing services that are ‘deemed employment’.

This is big news in the quasi employment field, but likely to affect only the biggest studs, as there is an exemption for end-clients who are ‘small businesses’, meaning those meeting two or more of the following criteria:

Business ratings adviser change A new membership benefit of equestrian rating valuation and appeals is now available, in partnership with Alder King. The property consultants provide a commercial property package, including a full survey of a property to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), to ensure that property checks and challenges are supported.

Please note that the next revaluation of property comes into force on April 1 and will be based on the level of rental values as of April 1, 2019. Alder King offers stud farm operators details of leases and rent, and much more.

The initial questionnaire is online and there is a 56-day limit for

The government has responded to the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission regarding increases to the National Living Wage (NLW, for workers aged 25 and older) and the National Minimum Wage (NMW, for workers aged 24 and under). And so, from April 2020, subject to parliamentary approval, the following changes are set to take effect: • The NLW for workers aged 25 and over will increase from £8.21 to £8.72 per hour.

• The NMW for 21- to 24-year-olds will increase from £7.70 to £8.20 per hour.

• The NMW for 18- to 20-year-olds will increase from £6.15 to £6.45 per hour.

• The NMW for 16- to 17-year-olds will increase from £4.35 to £4.55 per hour.

The apprentice rate for those aged under 19 or in the first year of an apprenticeship will increase from £3.90 to £4.15 per hour.

The NLW is expected to rise to around £10.50 an hour by 2024.

We are also expecting an Employment Bill in 2020, which may introduce significant developments such as flexible working as a default position and redundancy protection for pregnant women and women on maternity leave. No draft legislation has yet been proposed.

completion. Failure to do so incurs a £100 fine and continuous fines until it is completed; therefore, it is advisable to complete the form.

Unlike in the check procedure, there is no question asking what facilities are included.

For more details on the services which Alder King provide, visit alderking.com or contact Ian Smith on 0117 317 1068.

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Join in the celebration of British-bred NH successes Tickets are now on sale for the TBA NH Breeders’ Awards Evening, which will take place on Monday, May 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Doncaster.

The event, which is kindly supported by Goffs UK and takes place the evening before the Spring Store Sale, is a celebration of British-bred successes on the racecourse from the 2019-2020 National Hunt Season.

Owners, breeders, trainers and National Hunt enthusiasts are invited to attend the evening, which will commence with a drinks reception and three-course dinner, followed by the presentation of the awards.

Tickets for the event can be purchased for £60 per TBA member or £65 for non-members from www.thetba.co.uk, by contacting the office on 01638 661321 or emailing rob.davey@thetba.co.uk

SARAH FARNSWORTH

Breeding Showcase at Cheltenham cancelled The TBA's British Breeding Showcase, which had been scheduled to take place at Cheltenham on Thursday, April 16 has been postponed as British racing has been suspended due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

Come celebrate British-bred success in National Hunt racing

IN BRIEF Nominate your 2020 Dominion Award winner

The TBA is calling on members to put forward nominees for the Dominion Award, which will be presented at the TBA’s Flat Breeders’ Awards Evening on Tuesday, July 14 at Chippenham Park.

The award, which is given to someone employed within the industry who has made a significant contribution to the British Breeding industry, was last year presented to Nick Wingfield Digby.

If you have a suggestion, please email olivia.may@thetba.co.uk.

EU Settlement Scheme & future immigration system

Employers are reminded that EU citizens can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after June 30, 2021. The scheme is free to apply to. Irish citizens are exempt from the scheme and do not need to apply to remain in the UK. To check whether an employee needs to apply visit www.gov. uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families.

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The TBA is also working with the NTF and the BHA following the recent government announcement of future plans for a points-based immigration system. Further information for employers will be released in due course.

Up to £3,000 up for grabs with 3-2-1 bonus

Having been a successful initiative over the past couple of years, the TBA’s Point-to-Point 3-2-1 Bonus returns for a third year. The bonus offers mares the opportunity of winning up to £3,000 in any of the three end-of-season bumpers.

The bonus operates on a sliding scale with the highest placed mare (within the first three finishers only) receiving a £1,000 bonus, a further £1,000 is she is British-bred and another £1,000 if she is owned by a TBA member. Mare owners with eligible horses can join the TBA to qualify for the bonus, up to the day prior to the qualifying bumper in which the horse is entered.

Races with the bonus attached to them will be run on May 15 at Aintree and May 29 at Stratford.

For further information, including qualifying criteria, please visit the 3-2-1 Bonus page at www.thetba.co.uk.

Bloodstock captures McCain’s imagination

Noah McCain has made a great start to his career in bloodstock having recently taken up a role at Aquis Farm in Australia.

The 2019 graduate of the National Stud Diploma course joined Cambridge Stud in New Zealand last year to develop his experience before accepting a job at the organisation run by former Goffs UK Chief Executive Tony Williams.

The grandson of illustrious trainer Ginger McCain, racing has been in the family for generations but it is the bloodstock side of the industry that has captured Noah’s interest.

The TBA wish Noah well in his new role and future career in stud farming.

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TBA Forum

BREEDER IN FOCUS – Hillwood Stud From foals only hours old to pensioner Bobs Worth, the postings on Tracy Vigors’ social media outlets have become a flag bearer for Hillwood Stud, near Marlborough, and a measure of the standard of welfare in the bloodstock industry.

Husband Charlie, who took over the lease of the stud with his wife in 2005, explains: “Tracy has always enjoyed taking photos and compiling videos, wanting to share her passion with as many people as possible who probably don’t have the opportunity to see or appreciate how amazing it is when a mare gives birth, and the bonding that takes place.

“It’s more a passion than a PR exercise, which grew out of nothing. She put a few photos up on her Twitter site and people said how much they liked them.”

So many people liked them that, having opened her Twitter account in 2012, Tracy had delivered more than 5,000 Tweets and gained 3,100 followers by the beginning of March.

Charlie adds: “It’s amazing how social media has taken off. Sometimes it’s not for the good, but hopefully Tracy’s posts are for the good. As everyone becomes more conscious of welfare issues, they show the care and love for horses from

“Our business is very cyclical; at this time of the year we're busy foaling” the first seconds of their lives all their way through.

“We’re lucky in having the whole spectrum, from new-born foals to old Bobs Worth, who’s in retirement with us as part of the family.”

Although the Vigorses have given up breaking yearlings and preparing breeze-up horses, the stud’s range of activities illustrates its business model.

“It’s perfect for us,” Charlie explains.

“We could use the analogy of a hotel, where you’ve got to have the bedrooms on maximum occupancy.

Tracy and Charlie Vigors with eldest son Harry

“Our business is very cyclical. At this time of year we’re busy foaling; there’s a handful of horses out of training in a separate yard from the mares and foals, and we’ve got yearlings out in the fields, growing.

“Once the mares and foals are out the jumpers come here for their summer rest. Then the yearlings come in for prep, and once they’ve been sold, Flat horses arrive for their winter holidays.

“As a business model it’s important to keep cash-flow turning throughout the year. We’ve staff wages to pay and we’ve got to make a living. You can’t really afford to have a fallow period.”

Like the majority of stud operators, Charlie retains an optimistic outlook on the future. “We’re all optimists by nature,” he says. “We’re lucky, it’s going well, but like everyone, it all comes down to the whole funding model, which needs to work for owners and breeders.

We’ve all got to be hopeful; you have to be to be in this business in the first place.”

Hillwood was buoyed last year by preparing the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale record-breaker, a Kingman colt consigned for Bob and Pauline Scott, bought by Coolmore for £440,000 and due to race for Aidan O’Brien.

“That was a fantastic day,” Charlie says. “We were delighted for Bob and Pauline, who bred the horse. You need small breeders who put a lot of money into the game to get a nice return like that. It gives us a lot of satisfaction, and it’s great when a plan comes together,

because we all know it doesn’t happen very often.”

Hillwood has a 52-year history as a stud, but the Vigors have an even longer connection with bloodstock and the stud continues to be run as a family business.

Charlie explains: “We all get involved with every aspect. Tracy’s biggest passion is foaling; she’s fantastic with the mares and foals, but she’s also key to the sale prep. I tend to run more of the office side, but I’m hands-on in the yard as well. We overlap with everything, so I wouldn’t want to compartmentalise our roles.

“From day one we gelled and worked well together. We share ideas, bat them around, and tend to agree on most things. It’s just the way things have panned out. That’s probably the key to a healthy marriage. We just get on with it.”

The family aspect continues through two other stars of Tracy’s social media output, sons Harry, ten, and Oliver, eight.

“They’re both bred for the job but at the moment Harry has the older brother syndrome,” Charlie says. “He’s absolutely passionate about all aspects of the horses, the foaling and the riding, and he’s starting to study pedigrees. Oliver enjoys it but he can slightly take it or leave it.

“We know that things can change quickly in children, but hopefully Oliver will be the sensible one, work hard at school and go and get a proper job.

Whatever happens, though, you would hope the dynasty carries on.”

88 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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The seemingly inexorable rise of Colin Tizzard to the top of the training profession is proving to be a boon for British National Hunt breeders.

His Dorset stable has been home to several top-class British-bred National Hunt horses, including Cue Card and Thistlecrack, and he might just be harbouring another star in the shape of runaway Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase winner Copperhead.

The son of former Yorton Studresident Sulamani was giving his trainer a second consecutive victory in Ascot’s Grade 2 feature following the success of Mister Malarky.

It would be fair to say that Copperhead’s rapid progress has come as something of a surprise to his trainer, who admitted that earlier in the season he believed the future of the six-year-old would be in handicaps.

That view seemed entirely justified by an undistinguished early career that consisted of three unplaced efforts in bumpers and a solitary place from the gelding’s first three starts over hurdles.

Victory in a couple of handicaps at Exeter and Sandown early last year represented a significant improvement but not one to suggest he would be up to winning Graded races.

Switched to fences this season, he was unplaced on his debut but then won three in a row, leaving connections to decide between the National Hunt Chase and RSA Chase at Cheltenham. They plumped for the latter but Copperhead was beaten when he fell at the last.

GEORGE SELWYN

JANE MICKLETHWAIT

Copperhead: Reynoldstown winner

Copperhead, a Doncaster sales graduate, is the only known foal out of How’s Business (by Josr Algarhoud), a Listed winner over hurdles at Cheltenham and Listed-placed over fences at Newbury.

How’s Business is a granddaughter of that exceptionally fast sprinter Soba.

The daughter of Most Secret defied her modest pedigree to win 13 races, including the Group 3 King George Stakes and Stewards’ Cup, although the blue-blooded Habibti regularly thwarted her bid for Group 1 honours.

Copperhead’s breeder Jane Micklethwait has a small stud at Preston, near Oakham in Rutland, and operates under the R and J Micklethwait banner.

The day-to-day running of the stud is in the hands of her long-serving stud groom Tracey Taylor, a previous TBA Stud Staff Award winner.

Micklethwait is the daughter of William Codrington, a former LordLieutenant of Rutland, and has a family connection with a remarkable horse born more than 100 years earlier.

In 1912, the owner of Preston Hall, General Sir Alfred Codrington, purchased a five-year-old horse named Lincoln. For the next two years, he became a familiar sight out with the Cottesmore Hunt, usually ridden by one of the General’s two elder sons, Geoffrey and William.

At the outbreak of war, Geoffrey was despatched to France with the Leicestershire Yeomanry and arranged to take Lincoln with him as a cavalry mount.

Badly wounded in 1917, Geoffrey returned home but Lincoln remained in France in the care of William, a Captain in the 16th Lancers. Over eight million horses died in the Great War, together with countless donkeys and mules. Of the one million horses that went from Britain to France, only 62,000 returned.

Against all the odds, Lincoln was one of the lucky few to survive four years on the battlefields of France, where three times as many horses died from exposure to the elements, starvation, sickness or sheer exhaustion than were killed by enemy action.

When peace finally arrived, Lincoln and his groom returned to Rutland, travelling in a horse carriage pulled by a train as far as Manton railway station.

His groom led him across the platform and on to the Oakham road and then, with the reins left loose over his neck and without encouragement, Lincoln walked up the hill to Preston Hall and back into his old stable.

He lived for another eight years until dying in 1926, aged 19. They buried Lincoln next to a stream in one of the fields where he once grazed at the bottom of the hill. A gravestone on a mound beneath some hawthorn bushes marks his final resting place.

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THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Vet Forum: The Expert View

NO FOOT NO HORSE: managing the

feet of the thoroughbred racehorse

H

orses need natural ability to perform at a high level in any discipline. This is especially important for the thoroughbred racehorse, where a race can be won or lost by as little as a nose. Whether you are the owner, the trainer or the healthcare provider, there is a huge desire and a continuous search for those marginal gains that may allow your horse to reach its full athletic potential.

Farriery, or more specifically our approach to the care and the management of equine hooves, plays an incredibly important part in this quest for success.

It is, however, not solely about reaching that maximum potential, but also about maintaining soundness and reducing the risk of both injury and lameness. This involves a holistic approach in the management and care of the feet.

The considerations

Managing the flat-footed thoroughbred requires a thorough understanding of both the biology underlying the make-up of the foot and the physics involved in the normal mechanical function of both the limb and the foot. Understanding these processes not only allows us to intervene but also prevents over-zealous intervention that can itself result in training setbacks.

Thoroughbreds often have long sloping pasterns with a ‘long-toe-low-heel’ conformation. This will often correlate to the breed’s natural conformation; a much lower shoulder angle, lower foot flight, longer stride length, smoother ride and ultimately quicker pace than that of other breed types.

The greatest concern, as a result of the tremendous forces experienced by the hoof during fast-paced work, is that we lose the structural integrity of the heel and the back half of the hoof. This not only exposes horses to commonly seen conditions such as heel bruising, corns and quarter cracks, but also increases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries at distant sites.

It is of the utmost importance that we aim to restore the relationship between the toe angle and the heel angle. This is often achieved by engaging the structures of the hoof similar to that of how the hoof would function naturally without shoes. This involves the sharing

The hooves of thoroughbred racehorses are subject to tremendous forces

of the responsibility of weight-bearing across multiple structures including the frog, the bars and the sole. In doing this, we increase the surface area of the hoof that is in contact with the ground and reduce the pressure absorbed by the heels alone. This can be achieved with a large emphasis on the correct balance in addition to the incorporation of modern materials and corrective shoeing styles.

Often a much quicker response in this restoration of balance and function can be achieved through the management of feet, barefoot. This is often most effective and of truly great benefit when horses have extended periods of rest or time out of training.

Benefits of a healthy hoof

The healthy hoof has a brilliant shock absorption mechanism that is able to absorb and dissipate the forces of weight-bearing around the hoof structures and up the limb. It achieves this in many ways, such as the natural expansion and return of the hoof capsule upon loading and unloading. The soft digital cushion that occupies the back half of the hoof absorbs forces and evenly transmits them across structures and away from the hoof. The large vascular network within the hoof capsule and its hydrostatic functionality acts to dampen those forces, using it to transmit blood away from the hoof, up the leg and back towards the heart.

When these structures that work so

well as a whole begin to fail, the hooves’ inability to cope with the repetitive forces from cyclic loading begins to show. At a gallop, it is believed that the foot experiences forces 2.5 times that of the horse’s own body weight. Studies would also suggest that 70% of forelimb lameness is associated with the feet, and from experience this would imply that by improving hoof health we can greatly help to reduce our chances of lameness. So we must therefore look into why thoroughbreds commonly have ‘unhealthy’ hooves. I will explain a little further.

Often, thoroughbreds are bought and sold as yearlings, enter pre-training and subsequently full training, all within a two-year period. During this time, they are shod in preparation for the sales and will then remain in shoes throughout their racing career, being shod on average every two to four weeks. During these younger years, horses are growing rapidly, developing and strengthening.

Having steel shoes nailed on can restrict the hoof and limit its natural ability to respond and compensate. This is one contributing factor to poor quality hooves, but there are many more factors, such as the continuous use of nails for shoe application on thin-walled hooves, shorter shoeing styles to avoid premature shoe loss, shorter shoeing cycles due to the use of thinner, lighter materials, and the continuous shoeing of horses yearround as we move from racing on the turf

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By Alex Ridgeway DipWCF DipHE ATF

Figure 2 & 3 The two images show horses with both long toes and relatively low heels. As the toe length increases, more pressure is experienced on the heel, also restricting heel horn growth

Figure 1 Image showing a quarter crack in the coronary region. Notice how it often correlates to the last weight bearing point of the shoe

to the all-weather surfaces.

The consequences of these factors are problems most of us would be familiar with and include corns, hoof cracks, solar bruising and nail binds. Although these commonly seen problems are impossible to rule out, a proactive approach can help to reduce the chances of having to experience such issues.

Why do we experience ‘longtoe-low-heel’ syndrome?

Long toes in combination with low heels have been linked to significant musculoskeletal injuries, and without proactive management and good farriery, pose serious risks to the wellbeing of these horses.

The hoof functions by expanding upon load, and returning to a resting state when that load is removed. This movement of the hoof is seen more so at the heel region with the opening and closing of the heel bulbs during motion.

The continuous expansion of the hoof causes wear of the soft horn at the heels against the hard steel or aluminium shoe.

This can very often be seen as a large indentation in the area of the shoe in contact with the foot upon removing the shoes. As the heels are continuously wearing down, the toe continues to grow and we get this progressive deterioration towards the typical long-toe-low-heel syndrome. As farriers we must work to restore the hoof angles and in particular, that of the heel angle, to encourage strength and structural integrity in the back half of the hoof.

This can often prove troublesome

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to correct, especially for those horses in full training. It is therefore why a proactive approach to hoof care, and an understanding that prevention, rather than a cure, is often the better solution.

from periods of rest into training allows us to be less reactive and more proactive in allowing the feet to develop and transition accordingly.

A proactive approach: conformational assessments

Regular periods of going without shoes helps to rehabilitate horses’ feet and is incredibly important in improving overall health and function.

Breaks and periods of rest from shoes should be used to allow the hoof to repair and also to restore normal balance.

Helping to restore balance and correcting the disparity between heel and toe angle helps to reduce the proven links with musculoskeletal injuries.

Understanding, assessing and predicting the consequences of conformation allows us to proactively shoe horses in order to compensate for, or to complement, conformation. Conformation is assessed both statically, assessing the build and make-up of the horse, and also dynamically, watching how the horse walks, trots and on occasion exercises.

Gathering both photographic and video data of both a static and dynamic assessment allows for the documentation of changes. Understanding best practice with relation to a particular conformation type can help to reduce the chances of commonly seen hoof problems.

Consistency in care

Regular care and the continuous monitoring of horse’s feet through daily and weekly checks allows us to detect changes occurring throughout the season or training career. Understanding those changes allows us to tailor the trimming and shoeing styles accordingly.

In addition, the understanding of what is normal as a horse ages and transitions

Barefoot management

Shoeing style

Avoiding the traditional short shoeing styles and providing support around the heels can often pre-dispose horses to premature shoe loss. Nonetheless, the advantages of helping reduce strain on the tendons, ligaments or the development of corns or heel bruising certainly outweigh the occasional inconvenience of a lost shoe. Therefore shoeing style, shoe type and shoeing cycle is decided upon an individual basis that better meets the needs of the horse.

Modern approach

Embracing the use of modern materials allows us to recover and restore strength

››

Figure 4 & 5 The two images above are nine months apart and show a significant increase in both toe and heel angle. They also show a closer correlation between toe and heel angles.

Note also the improvement in the overall condition of the hoof

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Vet Forum: The Expert View

Figure 6, 7 & 8 The images above show a range of modern materials commonly used to help manage and maintain thoroughbred feet

››

and structure to compromised feet.

Using modern materials, incorporating new technology and advances in the use of silicones, urethanes and adhesives should be included in standard practice.

This allows us to manage feet more effectively, reduce periods of lameness or poor performance and also keep horses in training that may have struggled otherwise. Modern materials

allow us to look at alternative methods of shoe attachment, solar support and cushioning, which can help us to achieve a healthier hoof.

The success of any sporting equine is achieved not only through the horse’s ability, but also through the collaboration of a great team. Working with horses is unpredictable and having a thorough understanding of the horse and the

biomechanics of its motion certainly help towards making the most efficient and effective decisions when it comes to hoof care. However, communication and close working relationships with the veterinary team, head staff, trainers and occasionally the owners is just as important. ‘No foot no horse’ is a term that is never truer than when it comes to the thoroughbred racehorse.

Order your copy today!

Call Anderson & Co on 041 971 2000 (IRE) or +44 (0)1380 816777 (UK) or order online at trainermagazine.com/books Also available Biomechanics and Physical Training of the Horse Hardback | 192 pages | ISBN: 9781840761924 | £41.99 excluding P&P

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Dr Statz

John Boyce cracks the code

Dams who double up in Group 1 races are few and far between

F

inding a mare good enough to produce a Group 1 winner is extremely difficult; finding one that can produce two even more so. But how many mares have produced two or more winners of the very same top-level race?

You can almost count them using the fingers on one hand. Internationally there have been numerous examples over the years but in Britain and Ireland, they occur once in a blue moon.

The last occasion took place at Ascot in 2014, when Noble Mission, trained by Lady Cecil, signed off his career with a neck victory over Al Kazeem in the Champion Stakes. Two years earlier, his big brother Frankel did exactly the same thing, bowing out with a victory in the same race, thus ending a 14-race career undefeated.

Just over a year earlier, the Aga Khan’s smart Darshaan mare Ebaziya produced her second Gold Cup winner when Estimate – gifted to The Queen by the Aga Khan – prevailed by a neck in the 2013 renewal. That famous double had been initiated all of 14 years earlier when the John Oxx-trained Enzeli was steered to victory by Johnny Murtagh in 1999.

Perhaps the most famous double in recent times was completed in 2009 when the brilliant Sea The Stars added another Derby to his famous dam Urban Sea’s burgeoning resume. She, of course, had already produced the 2001 Derby hero Galileo. Has there ever been two more influential stallions produced by the same mare? Possibly not. But two Derby winners from the same mare is a relatively common phenomenon.

Windmil Girl’s sons Blakeney (by Hethersett) and Morston (by Ragusa) won the Derby in a four-year period between 1969 and 1973. Though Blakeney had his moments at stud, including with the Classic-winning brother and sister team of Julio Mariner and Juliette Marny, neither stallion ultimately made much of an impact on the breed.

In 1998, Jeff Smith’s Night Shift filly Lochangel landed the Nunthorpe Stakes five years after her older sister Lochsong (by Song) had initiated that rare double under Frankie Dettori. Both were trained

by Ian Balding to reach the pinnacle of sprint racing but Lochsong was clearly superior to her younger sister, as their Timeform ratings of 129 and 119 suggest.

MARES THAT PRODUCED TWO WINNERS OF A G1 RACE IN BRITAIN & IRELAND Mare

Born

Sire

Race

Kind

2001

Danehill

Champion Stakes

Ebaziya

1989

Darshaan

Gold Cup

Urban Sea

1989

Miswaki

Derby

Peckitts Well

1982

Lochnager

Nunthorpe Stakes

Balidaress

1973

Balidar

Cheveley Park Stakes

Unsuspected

1972

Above Suspicion

Yorkshire Oaks

Sex Appeal

1970

Buckpasser

Dewhurst Stakes

Set Free

1964

Worden

Oaks

Windmill Girl

1961

Hornbeam

Derby

Feemoss

1960

Ballymoss

Gold Cup

Panaview

1960

Panaslipper

Irish 1,000 Guineas

Libra

1956

Hyperion

Irish Derby

Libra

1956

Hyperion

St Leger

Unfortunately neither mare managed to pass on their ability to their offspring, Lochsong producing two Listed winners and Lochangel only a Listed-placed gelding.

There could not be a starker contrast with the next set of siblings that won the same Group 1 race. This pair were the back-to-back 1983 and 1984 Cheveley Park Stakes winners Desirable (by Lord Gayle) and Park Appeal (by Ahonoora).

Desirable went on to produce 1,000 Guineas heroine Shadayid, while Park Appeal’s major contribution to the breed has been the top-class Cape Cross, sire of Sea The Stars and Golden Horn. She’s also ancestress of Group 1 sires Diktat and Iffraaj. The dam of these two Cheveley Park winners, Balidaress, also bred Group 1 winner Alydaress, plus the dam of Group 1 winner Russian Rhythm.

Unsuspected pair unsuccessful

Unfortunately, it was very much a case of failure at stud for our next pair Sally Brown and Untold, daughters of Unsuspected and winners of the Yorkshire Oaks in 1985 and 1986, neither producing a single black-type horse between them. But the same is not totally true for the Dewhurst winners of 1977 and 1983, Try My Best and El Gran Senor. In reality, neither of these two Northern Dancer colts made a direct impact at stud. Try My Best, however, has thriving sire lines in both Europe and Australia, through his sons Waajib and

Last Tycoon. The sub-fertile El Gran Senor was the more accomplished of the two as a stallion with 11 Group/Grade 1 winners to his name, but he has left behind no lasting legacy.

The aforementioned Juliette Marny was also part of a famous double for her dam Set Free. Juliette Marny’s 1975 Oaks victory was followed four years later by that of her half-sister Scintillate, a daughter of Sparkler. Juliette Marny went on to produce four Listed winners and her sister had a Group 2 winner, but neither created lasting dynasties.

That takes us right back to 1969, the year Levmoss won both the Gold Cup and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. His dam Feemoss would go on to produce a full-brother by Le Levanstell ten years later. That colt was named Le Moss and he would end up winning Royal Ascot’s premier staying race two years running for Henry Cecil in 1979 and 1980.

Feemoss also had the distinction of being the dam of yet another full sibling to the Gold Cup-winning pair in Sweet Mimosa, who won the Prix de Diane in 1970.

And just to include all mares foaled since 1960, we can add Panaview, the dam of the 1968 and 1970 Irish 1,000 Guineas winners Front Row (by Epaulette) and Black Satin (by Linacre).

The Ribot colt Ribero completed the Irish Derby-St Leger double in 1968, one year after his full-brother Ribocco won the same Curragh and Doncaster Classics.

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Data Book • Analysis by Andrew Caulfield Grade 1 Winners 179 BETFAIR ASCOT CHASE G1 ASCOT. Feb 15. 5yo+. 21f.

1. RIDERS ONTHE STORM (IRE) 7 11-7 £97,448 br g by Scorpion - Endless Moments (Saddlers’ Hall) O-Carl Hinchy and Mark Scott B-T. Taaffe TR-Nigel Twiston-Davies 2. Janika (FR) 7 11-7 £44,078 b g by Saddler Maker - Majaka (Kapgarde) O-Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B-H. Langot & M. Langot TR-Nicky Henderson Margins 14. Time 5:45.57. Going Soft.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-7 16 5 5 £214,465 Sire: SCORPION. Sire of 11 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - RIDERS ONTHE STORM Saddlers’ Hall G1, SCORPIANCER Silver Patriarch LR. 1st Dam: Endless Moments by Saddlers’ Hall. unraced.

Dam of 1 winner:

2012: 2013:

2015: 2016: 2017: 2019:

Sylvi (f Scorpion) ran a few times over hurdles and ran once over fences.

RIDERS ONTHE STORM (g Scorpion) 5 wins, 2nd I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle LR, Betfair Ascot Chase G1, 3rd Matchbook Greenmount Novice Chase G1.

Famous Moment (g Fame And Glory) unraced.

Ultra Viers (g Fame And Glory) unraced. (f Fame And Glory) (c Walk In The Park)

Broodmare Sire: SADDLERS’ HALL. Sire of the dams of 26 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - GLAMORGAN DUKE Flemensfirth G1, RIDERS ONTHE STORM Scorpion G1, IFYOUCATCHMENOW Westerner G2, CEDARWOOD ROAD Stowaway LR, MACK THE MAN Flemensfirth LR.

RIDERS ONTHE STORM br g 2013 Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Floripedes

Top Ville Toute Cy

Law Society

Alleged Bold Bikini

Thistlewood

Kalamoun Le Melody

Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Sunny Valley

Val de Loir Sunland

Phardante

Pharly Pallante

Montjeu SCORPION b/br 02 Ardmelody

Saddlers’ Hall ENDLESS MOMENTS b 05 Rosceen Bui

Tullow Performance Gala Performance Maid of Tullow

Riders Onthe Storm (nearside) jumps alongside Cyrname on his way to victory at Ascot As recently as May 2019, the then-sixyear-old Riders Onthe Storm was sold for no more than £50,000, having failed to complete his previous two races. He has since proved a revelation, winning each of his first three starts for his new connections and accumulating nearly £180,000 in the process. The majority of these earnings came when the son of Scorpion was one of only two finishers in the four-runner Ascot Chase.

The 18-year-old Scorpion, a winner of the Grand Prix de Paris, St Leger and Coronation Cup, is based at Shade Oak Stud in Shropshire, having started his stallion career as part of Coolmore’s National Hunt team.

Riders Onthe Storm is his fourth Gr1 winner, following Don’t Touch It (Herald Champion Novice Hurdle), Might Bite (who numbers the RSA Novices’ Chase and the King George VI Chase among his major successes) and Scorpiancer (a leading jumper in the US).

Riders Onthe Storm is bred along similar lines to Scorpiancer, as the American gelding is out of a granddaughter of Saddlers’ Hall, whereas Riders Onthe Storm is out of a daughter. This daughter, the non-winning Endless Moments, is a half-sister to Emotional Moment, a multiple Graded winner at around three miles over hurdles and fences in

Ireland. This is also the family of the Cheltenham Festival-winning chaser King Harald.

Riders Onthe Storm is inbred 3 x 3 to Sadler’s Wells, via his sons Montjeu and Saddlers’ Hall. Saddlers’ Hall, who stayed well enough to finish second in the St Leger, wasn’t represented by many high-class jumpers, but his broodmare daughters are making their mark, producing the Gr1 winners Yorkhill, Samcro, Commander Of Fleet, Colreevy and of course Riders Onthe Storm.

Commander Of Fleet, like Riders Onthe Storm, is by a son of Montjeu and is therefore also inbred 3 x 3 to Sadler’s Wells.

Grade 2 and 3 Results Date 08/02 08/02 08/02 08/02 15/02 15/02 15/02 15/02 15/02 15/02 16/02 16/02 18/02 18/02 19/02 20/02 21/02 22/02 22/02 22/02 22/02 22/02 22/02 22/02 23/02 23/02 23/02 23/02 29/02 01/03

Grade G2 G2 G2 G3 G2 G2 G2 G2 G3 G3 G2 G2 G3 GrB G3 G3 G2 G2 G2 G2 G2 G3 G3 G3 G2 G2 G3 GrB G2 GrB

Race (course) Betfair Denman Chase (Newbury) Betfair Game Spirit Chase (Newbury) Agetur Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (Warwick) Betfair Handicap Hurdle (Newbury) Sodexo Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (Ascot) Red Mills Chase (Gowran Park) A. Bartlett Prestige Novices’ Hurdle (Haydock Park) Unibet Rendlesham Hurdle (Haydock Park) Red Mills Trial Hurdle (Gowran Park) Unibet Grand National Trial Hcp Chase (Haydock Park) Ladbrokes Boyne Hurdle (Navan) Ten Up Novice Chase (Navan) Surehaul Powerstown Novice Hurdle (Punchestown) Boylesports Grand National Trial H Chase (Punchestown) Quevega Mares Hurdle (Punchestown) Markaye M.Purcell Mem. Novice Hurdle (Thurles) Racing TV J. Seymour Mares’ Nov. Hurdle (Warwick) Betway Kingwell Hurdle (Kempton Park) Betway Pendil Novices’ Chase (Kempton Park) Sky Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle (Kempton Park) Weatherbys Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (Kempton Park) Bobbyjo Chase (Fairyhouse) N. Colfer Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle (Fairyhouse) Betway Handicap Chase (Kempton Park) Stella Artois National Spirit Hurdle (Fontwell Park) Paddy Power Johnstown Novice Hurdle (Naas) Paddy Newlands Chase (Naas) P. Power Nas Na Riogh Novice H. Chase (Naas) W Hill Premier Kelso Nov. Hurdle (Kelso) TRI Carrickmines Handicap Chase (Leopardstown)

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Dist 23f 16f 16f 16f 24f 20f 24f 24f 16f 28f 21f 24f 24f 28f 20f 21f 19f 16f 20.5f 16f 16f 25f 16f 24f 19f 16f 16f 20f 18f 21f

Horse Native River (IRE) Altior (IRE) Rouge Vif (FR) Pic D’orhy (FR) Copperhead (GB) Chris’s Dream (IRE) Ramses de Teillee (FR) Emitom (IRE) Cilaos Emery (FR) Smooth Stepper (GB) Cracking Smart (FR) Captain Cj (IRE) Run Wild Fred (IRE) Ifyoucatchmenow (IRE) Elfile (FR) Five O’clock (FR) Emmas Joy (IRE) Song For Someone (GER) Who Dares Wins (IRE) Highway One O Two (IRE) Solo (FR) Acapella Bourgeois (FR) Burning Victory (FR) Mister Malarky (GB) William Henry (IRE) Jason The Militant (IRE) Any Second Now (IRE) Castle Oliver (IRE) Clondaw Caitlin (IRE) Gun Digger (IRE)

Age 10 10 6 5 6 8 8 6 8 11 8 9 6 7 6 5 7 5 8 5 4 10 4 7 10 6 8 6 5 8

Sex G G G G G G G G G G G G G M M G M G G G C G F G G G G G M G

Sire Indian River High Chaparral Sageburg Turgeon Sulamani Mahler Martaline Gold Well Califet Alflora Great Pretender Westerner Shantou Westerner Saint des Saints Cokoriko Gold Well Medicean Jeremy Shirocco Kapgarde Network Nathaniel Malinas King’s Theatre Sans Frontieres Oscar Stowaway Court Cave Stowaway

Dam Native Mo Monte Solaro Rouge Amour Rose Candy How’s Business Janebailey Princesse d’Orton Avenging Angel Queissa Jazzy Refrain Maya du Frene She’s So Dainty Talkin Madam Ifyoucouldseemenow Rapide Rodika Emma Jane Sweni Hill Savignano Supreme Dreamer Flameche Jasmine M’Oubliez Pas Priscilla Cincuenta Rock Angel Pretty Neat Belle Innocence Kilmessan Booley Bay

Broodmare Sire Be My Native Key of Luck Cadoudal Roli Abi Josr Algarhoud Silver Patriarch Saint Cyrien Heron Island Saint Preuil Jareer Le Pommier d’Or Great Commotion Talkin Man Saddlers’ Hall Assessor Kapgarde Lord Americo Danehill Dancer Polish Precedent Supreme Leader Balko Valanjou El Corredor Teenoso Bob Back Desert King Topanoora Turgeon Flemensfirth Gulland

Index 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER 95

26/03/2020 16:15

The Finish Line with Amanda Prior Amanda Prior, 30, was literally born into the bloodstock world, having grown up on Overbury Stud in Gloucestershire, home to Britain’s outstanding jumps sire, Kayf Tara, who is still covering at the grand old age of 26. A graduate of the renowned Godolphin Flying Start programme, she joined Great British Racing International in 2015 and has been in her current position of General Manager for nine months.

Interview: Edward Rosenthal

At the same time, GBRI exists to look after the international participants who already make up such a significant percentage of the ownership base in Britain. We do this predominantly via the GBRI Members’ Club, run in partnership with the RCA, which offers a range of benefits and services to owners who have at least one horse in training in Britain but have a primary domestic address overseas.

The biggest challenge is ensuring that GBRI is competing with our counterparts in Ireland, France and Australia, in spite of our much smaller budget. Naturally, working with a smaller budget can present its difficulties, but on the flip side it forces the team to be creative and resourceful. We regularly work on projects in partnership with our stakeholders to minimise costs and maximise efficiency and experience.

I genuinely believe that there is no better place to enjoy racehorse ownership than in Britain. GBRI is very fortunate to be granted access to some of the world’s most beautiful training yards, studs and racecourses, which allows us to put together truly special, behind-thescenes itineraries for prospective owners.

Witnessing a client lay eyes on these historic landmarks for the first time is intoxicating; this is the aspect of my role I enjoy the most.

We also hope to see Fiona Dowling’s recently published research into longevity of breeze-up graduates boost buyer confidence in breeze-up sales.

It reveals that breeze-up horses are as durable as their yearling counterparts.

GBRI’s statistical research supports, and in some areas boosts, Dowling’s findings.

She states that 8.3% of her sample of breeze-up horses failed to make the track, compared to 13.2% of the yearling cohort she examined. We have found that these numbers have improved further in recent years, with 93.6% of Tattersalls Ascot Breeze-Up Sale 2019 purchases graduating to the track as two-year-olds.

GBRI is a small but select team of four that works closely across all activity. I would like to think that people view us as a ‘can do’ team that can always find a solution, no matter what the query. I have seen the regularity of contact from industry professionals increase over the past five years – we are now often the first point of contact when someone is unsure who they would be best dealing with, particularly if they are based overseas.

I was brought up at Overbury Stud in Gloucestershire, home to star National Hunt sire Kayf Tara. This is where my love of horses began. Since Simon Sweeting took over the lease in 2000, it has been wonderful to see his business thrive.

Each year, the GBRI office relocates to Overbury for the Festival and we have mounted meetings each morning before arriving on course!

I would love to see the growth of American participation at British yearling sales extend to the breezeups. The expanding turf programme in the US, combined with an ever-growing infatuation with Royal Ascot, means that the appeal of British sales has never been stronger. With our research showing impressive figures for these two-yearold sales, such as Goffs UK’s Breeze-Up delivering a huge 39.2% winners to runners last year, there is every reason

Royal Ascot is a huge asset to British racing

96

for American buyers to be looking to the breeze-up market next. The breeze-up sales schedule has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and I hope we can continue to pull together as an industry and help the country get back on its feet.

The Godolphin Flying Start programme was a wonderful experience and the perfect steppingstone to my job with GBRI. The extensive international travel and networking provided me with an excellent global foundation, both in terms of an understanding of racing around the world and an invaluable international network. I am still in regular contact with many of the professionals I met during my time on the course.

GEORGE SELWYN

G

BRI plays an important but discreet role in the industry, providing a bespoke service to international clients looking to invest in British bloodstock. Through our promotion of British success globally and our travel overseas, we seek to connect anyone looking to invest in British racing – be that as an owner, breeder or sponsor – with industry professionals back home.

I joined almost two years after GBRI was set up and it has been deeply fulfilling to be part of the journey.

Today I split my time between London and Brinkley, near Newmarket. I live with my husband Matt, Head of Tattersalls Ascot and Cheltenham, and our whippet, Wiggle.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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26/03/2020 14:13

DAR20074 Owner Breeder page-CR-HA-01APR20.qxp 18/03/2020 14:40 Page 1

WORLD WORLD CHAMPION CHAMPION CRACKSMAN HARRYANGEL The best by Frankel.

The best since Frankel.

147 mares in his first book, including 139 dams, daughters or siblings of Stakes horses.

Tweets of great feats Be first with the news @DarleyEurope

The best by Dark Angel.

The best sprinter to stand in Britain since the 1980s.

136 mares in his first book, including 119 dams, daughters or siblings of Stakes horses.