Ascot racecard - March Raceday 2021

M A R C H R A C E D AY Sunday 28th March 2021

THE WAIT ONLY ADDS TO THE DRAMA

15–19 JUNE 2021

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AT ASCOT.CO.UK FINE DINING PACKAGES FROM £384+VAT.

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME Welcome to the final fixture of our 2020/21 Jumps season.

We have seen some tremendous performances this season, with the highlight surely the epic battle between Paisley Park and Thyme Hill in the Porsche Long Walk Hurdle at Christmas. An interview with Paisley Park’s owner Andrew Gemmell features in the ROA Owners Focus section of this racecard where Andrew says it is his favourite moment of the season and I’m sure he won’t be alone in thinking that.

We also witnessed the start of Chantry House’s chasing career in November and he went on to win the Grade 1 Marsh Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

You may have noticed we have been highlighting the leading jockeys, trainers and owners at Ascot this season in these pages. Heading into the final meeting, Dan Skelton leads the way on the training front with eight winners to Nicky Henderson’s six and we will be delighted to send a small prize to whoever comes out on top for the yard to enjoy.

In normal times our concluding Jumps fixture would be a family day with lots of Easter activities but, sadly, we remain behind closed doors as we have been for a year now.

However, we are very excited about the prospect of opening our doors once again for Royal Ascot and hoping for a crowd of 10,000 each day, so long as the government’s roadmap out of lockdown remains on schedule.

Today’s opening race is the Sky Sports Racing Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, recognising our satellite television partners who are showing today’s meeting exclusively.

Also on today’s card is the Betfred Juvenile Handicap Hurdle and our thanks go to Betfred, Official Bookmaker at Ascot, for their support throughout the year.

Since 2017, Ascot Racecourse has worked in partnership with the Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) - Berkshire’s charitable hub - whose stated mission is to connect people who care with the causes that matter. They are part of a network of Community Foundations working across the UK. Through this association, Ascot provides an annual fund under the “Ascot Racecourse Supports” banner which enables donations to be made available to a wide range of charities in our region.

To date, this fund has helped support over 11,000 beneficiaries.

Today, we are marking our relationship with BCF via the “Berkshire Community Foundation Handicap Steeple Chase.” We are also raising awareness with race names for a selection of charities who are beneficiaries through BCF and through our wider programme. These include: Parents And Children Together (PACT), Age Concern Bracknell Forest and Berkshire Women’s Aid. More information on the work these important organisations do can be found within this racecard.

Racing concludes with The Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Virtual Open Day Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase. Sadly, due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, this incredibly popular fixture in racing’s calendar cannot take place at the trainers’ yards this year but we are sure it will be a great success online.

Our 2021 Flat Season begins with Royal Ascot Trials Day on Wednesday 28th April as we build up to the big week in June – a week that will be bigger than ever in terms of the race programme as we will now be running seven race cards as a permanent fixture.

Sir Francis Brooke Bt. Her Majesty’s Representative & Chairman WELCOME

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WELCOME

HOW TO READ THE RACING PAGES

A S H O RT H I S TO R Y

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TO DAY ’ S SPONSORS

TODAY’S OFFICIALS & R AC E C O N D I T I O N S

T H E A S C OT E N Q U I RY

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R AC I N G PAG E S Your guide to all of today’s races

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1st Race 1.00pm The Sky Sports Racing Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle Race This handicap hurdle race for four-year-olds and upwards rated from 0-140 is run over two miles and about five and a half furlongs. In a handicap, the weight that each of the runners carries is determined by their official handicap rating, which is based on their level of form shown so far. The aim is to ensure competitive racing by asking the higher-rated horses to carry more weight than a lower-rated rival. As a guide, horses rated 60 tend to be at the lower end of the scale, whilst the very best performers would be rated as high as 170.

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2nd Race 1.35pm The Parents And Children Together (PACT) Maiden Hurdle Race (GBB Race)

The term ‘maiden’ inspires thoughts of damsels in distress but in horse racing terms it takes on a different meaning. When a horse is referred to as a maiden, be it a colt or a filly, it simply means that they have yet to win a race. Many of the runners aged four-years-old and upwards in this two miles and about three and a half furlongs race will still be inexperienced over hurdles and almost certainly improve for the racecourse experience that they gain today.

PAGES 28-29

3rd Race 2.10pm The Age Concern Bracknell Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (GBB Race)

Novice races tend to be for younger horses that are still learning their way over hurdles or fences, allowing them to compete against each other before graduating up the ranks. Horses are classed as a novice if they have yet to win a race under the respective code prior to the official start of the season, which is towards the end of April. This particular contest is a novices’ steeple chase for horses aged five and upwards, run over two miles and about one furlong.

PAGES 36-39

4th Race 2.45pm The Betfred Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Race (GBB Race) Juvenile races are designed solely for four-year-olds in order to allow the younger horses to gain valuable experience by racing against each other before taking on their older, more battle-hardened rivals.

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CONTENTS

This race is a handicap, so to qualify for a rating horses must have won a race, been placed twice or raced at least three times in order for the Handicapper to gauge the level of form shown. This rating then dictates the weight to be carried in a handicap. In simple terms, a horse rated 130 in this particular race would be required to carry 5lb more than a rival rated 125.

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5th Race 3.20pm The Berkshire Community Foundation Handicap Steeple Chase

This handicap steeple chase for five-year-olds and upwards rated from 0-135 is run over two miles and five furlongs. Once a horse has qualified for a handicap rating this is regularly reassessed. A below-par effort could result in a reduced rating whilst a strong performance could see the rating increased. Occasionally, horses are entered to race before their handicap rating has been reviewed and so to avoid recent winners being un-penalised they are allotted a mandatory penalty – 7lb in this race, as is usually the case.

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6th Race 3.55pm The Berkshire Women’s Aid Veterans’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Leg 5 of The Veterans Chase Series)

This handicap steeple chase for ten-year-olds and upwards rated from 0-50 is run over three miles.

In most National Hunt handicaps, there is a minimum weight of 10st so any horse whose official rating would allocate them less than that still has to shoulder that burden. The horses that fall into this category are said to be racing from ‘out of the handicap’ – usually a distinct disadvantage.

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7th Race 4.30pm The Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Virtual Open Day Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase

A Hunter Chase gives the regulars of the Point-toPointing world a chance to shine under National Hunt rules. A horse is only qualified for this type of event if it holds a Hunters’ Certificate, something provided by a Master of Hounds to prove that the horse has the required amount of hunting experience. This particular event is for five-year-olds and upwards, and is to be run over three miles.

HOW TO READ THE RACING PAGES 1

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1 ALTIOR (IRE) (23)

Nico de Boinville

B g High Chaparral (IRE) - Monte Solaro (IRE) (Key of Luck (USA)) Owner: Mrs Patricia Pugh Horse Age: 9 Weight: 11 7 Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Lambourn Colours: BLACK, DARK GREEN and Breeder: Paddy Behan GREY striped sleeves.

Sponsor: Unibet Form: 1/111-11 CD

BET WITH ASCOT VIEW HHHHH Star attraction who is unbeaten in 16 attempts over obstacles, including last season’s Champion Chase; typically strong at the finish in the Tingle Creek on reappearance and followed up in Kempton Grade 2 over Christmas; beat Diego Du Charmil by 19l in latter and ought to extend his winning run.

Official BHA Rating 175

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1. Owner’s Silks (illustration) 2. Colour of horse B = Bay Br = Brown Ch = Chestnut Gr = Grey Ro = Roan 3. Horse’s Number on saddle cloth 4. Sex of horse c = colt f = filly g = gelding h = horse m = mare 5. Horse’s name 6. Sire (Father) 7. Dam (Mother) 8. Birthplace of horse (if not Great Britain) 9. Number of days since last ran 10. Damsire (Grandfather) 11. Form Guide 12. Racing Post star rating 13. Horse’s sponsor details 14. Breeder 15. Owner(s) 16. Trainer and location of training establishment 17. Age of horse 18. Owner’s Colours (description) 19. Previous performances / = Denotes new season – = Denotes new year B = Brought down F = Fell P = Pulled Up U = Unseated rider 20. Form details C = Course winner D = Distance winner CD = Has won a race over the same distance at Ascot before.

C D = Has at won a race at Ascot before but over a different distance. They have also won over today’s trip at another course.

BF = Finished beaten favourite on their previous run.

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21. Weight (stones/pounds) 22. Official BHA Rating The BHA Handicappers allot ratings to horses once they have taken part in a sufficient number of races to enable the Handicappers to make a numerical assessment of each horse’s ability. The principal purpose of the ratings is to determine the weight to be carried by each runner in handicap races, with the Handicappers aiming to provide each participant with an equal chance based on its best recent form under its optimum conditions. A horse rated 100, for example, would be set to carry 1lb more than a horse rated 99 (ignoring penalties and allowances). The ratings published in the racecard for handicap races are the ratings that were used to calculate the weight to be carried by each horse, whilst in non-handicapped races the rating shown is that of each runner at the time that the entries for the race were confirmed. Any subsequently published change in rating, either up or down, is shown in brackets following the rating.

For novice steeple chasers, their latest hurdle race rating may be shown until such time as the Handicappers allot a separate steeple chase rating. Such ratings are prefixed by the letter h.

23. Jockey’s name and photo If there is a number next to the name, this indicates that the jockey can claim that amount in weight (lbs) off the stated riding weight.

H O W T O R E A D T H E R A C I N G PA G E S

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A SHORT HISTORY ASCOT’S BEGINNINGS Few sporting venues can match the rich heritage and history of Ascot Racecourse.

Over the past 300 years, Ascot has established itself as a national institution; with Royal Ascot becoming the centrepiece of the British social calendar and the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world.

THE FIRST RACECOURSE The racecourse was laid out by William Lowen, assisted by a team including a carpenter, a painter, and a racing administrator. The first permanent building was erected around 1794 by a local Windsor builder. Holding 1,650 people, it was used for almost fifty years.

It was Queen Anne in 1711 who first saw the potential for a racecourse at Ascot (in those days called East Cote). Whilst out riding near Windsor Castle she came upon an area of open heath that looked, in her words, “ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch”.

In 1813, Parliament passed an Act of Enclosure, which ensured that Ascot Heath would be kept and used as a racecourse for the public in the future. Racing at Ascot was now secure.

THE FIRST RACE MEETING The first race meeting ever held at Ascot took place later that year, on Saturday 11th August. The inaugural event was Her Majesty’s Plate, worth 100 guineas and open to any horse, mare or gelding over six years of age. Each horse was required to carry a weight of 12 stone and the seven runners were all English hunters, rather different to the speedy thoroughbreds that race on the Flat today.

The nature of the contest also bears little resemblance to modern day racing at Ascot.

That race consisted of three separate heats, each four miles long – about the length of today’s Grand National course. The winning horse would have required tremendous stamina, but sadly there is no record of who claimed that first Plate.

Queen Anne’s gift to racing, founding the Royal Racecourse, is marked by the tradition of opening Royal Ascot with The Queen Anne Stakes.

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A S H O RT H I STO RY

ROYAL ASCOT The precise origins of the Royal Meeting are unclear, as the event evolved from the first four-day meeting that took place in 1768.

The meeting as it’s known today only really started to take shape with the introduction of The Gold Cup in 1807. Royal Ascot was the only race meeting held at Ascot until 1939.

The Gold Cup remains the feature race of the third day of Royal Ascot, traditionally the busiest day of the week, when high fashion and exquisite millinery take centre stage alongside Flat racing’s most elite stayers.

In 2009, Yeats, ridden by Johnny Murtagh and trained by Aidan O’Brien, won his fourth consecutive Gold Cup – a magnificent achievement, and one that Stradivarius could emulate this year.

MANAGING ASCOT Although founded by a Queen and located on Crown property, the administration of Ascot is handled on behalf of the Crown by a representative appointed by the Monarch. Up until 1901, the racecourse was managed on the Sovereign’s behalf by the Master of the Royal Buckhounds. In 1901, Lord Churchill was appointed as His Majesty’s Representative, responsible for running the course and determining entrance to the Royal Enclosure.

The Ascot Authority was established in 1913 by an Act of Parliament, with His Majesty’s Representative becoming Senior Trustee.

Today, as Ascot Authority (Holdings) Limited, Ascot has a formal board chaired by Sir Francis Brooke Bt., who also serves as Her Majesty’s Representative at Ascot.

As an owner and breeder of racehorses, Her Majesty The Queen takes a keen interest in the races, and has had great success with her own horses over the years. The jockeys riding Her Majesty’s horses can be identified by The Queen’s racing colours: purple body with gold braid, scarlet sleeves, and black velvet cap with gold fringe – the same as those of King Edward VII and George IV as Prince Regent.

During Royal Ascot, The Queen traditionally presents The Gold Cup and The Diamond Jubilee Stakes. New versions of these trophies are made each year and presented to the winners to keep.

Ascot Racecourse closed for a £200 million redevelopment in 2004, and was reopened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on 20th June 2006.

HIGHLIGHTS AT ASCOT SINCE 2006 There have been several landmark occasions since Ascot Racecourse reopened in 2006 and none more memorable than two special Gold Cup days – when Yeats completed his four-timer of Gold Cup wins in 2009 and when The Queen herself won the stayers’ championship with Estimate in 2013.

In 2011, Ascot celebrated its tercentenary and staged the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day, now the culmination of the European elite Flat racing season.

The great Frankel won The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day in 2011, and the curtain came down on the career of officially the best horse of all time when he won The Champion Stakes a year later. Sir Henry Cecil’s pride and joy won five of his remarkable unbeaten run of 14 races at Ascot in all.

2012 also saw Ascot at the heart of the country’s celebrations to mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, with The Golden Jubilee Stakes renamed The Diamond Jubilee Stakes and won by the great Australian mare, Black Caviar.

Ascot has continued to cement its reputation as Europe’s premier destination for the best horses in the world. In recent years it is the Americans who have had most success, with Tepin’s win in the 2016 Queen Anne Stakes and Lady Aurelia’s King’s Stand Stakes victory the following year being notable highlights.

The latter filly was trained by Wesley Ward, who has now saddled 11 winners at the Royal Meeting.

It is not just international horses which Ascot is known for, of course. Jockeys also come from all over the world to ride here – perhaps most notably at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, a unique fixture in the global racing calendar which each year sees many of world’s top jockeys compete for points to lift racing’s ultimate team prize, with four teams battling it out across a thrilling six-race contest.

While the grandeur of the Royal Meeting takes centre stage each June, Ascot is also renowned for hosting Europe’s premier midsummer middle-distance contest the following month.

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes has been won by many of racing’s most distinguished champions including Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Dancing Brave, Nashwan, Galileo and - most recently - the remarkable mare Enable, who in July 2020 made history by becoming the first horse to win three renewals of this prestigious prize.

A S H O RT H I STO RY

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ASCOT JUMPS SEASON 2020/21 LEADING PARTICIPANTS Updated throughout the season, the below tables highlight the leading jockeys, trainers and owners at Ascot in the current season.

JOCKEYS

1 2 3 4 5

HARRY SKELTON NICO DE BOINVILLE MATT GRIFFITHS DAVID BASS JAMES BOWEN

6 15 WINS: 5 RIDES: 16 WINS: 3 RIDES: 4 WINS: 3 RIDES: 15 WINS: 2 RIDES: 5 WINS: RIDES:

STRIKE-RATE:

40%

STRIKE-RATE:

31%

STRIKE-RATE:

75%

STRIKE-RATE:

20%

STRIKE-RATE:

40%

TRAINERS

1 2 3 4 5 8

DAN WINS: 8 RUNNERS: 24 SKELTON NICKY WINS: 6 HENDERSON RUNNERS: 27 JEREMY WINS: 3 SCOTT RUNNERS: 5 ANTHONY WINS: 3 HONEYBALL RUNNERS: 8 KIM WINS: 3 RUNNERS: 10 BAILEY 2 0 2 0 / 2 1 L E A D I N G PA R T I C I PA N T S

STRIKE-RATE:

33%

STRIKE-RATE:

22%

STRIKE-RATE:

60%

STRIKE-RATE:

38%

STRIKE-RATE:

30%

OWNERS WINS: 3 RUNNERS: 4

STRIKE-RATE:

1

MRS B TULLY AND R LOCK

2

JOHN P MCMANUS

WINS: 3 STRIKE-RATE: RUNNERS: 20 15%

3

AN SOLOMONS

WINS: 2 RUNNERS: 2

4

PHIL MUNNELLY

=

GC STEVENS IMPERIAL RACING PARTNERSHIP 2016 THE ALBATROSS CLUB

= =

WINS: 1 RUNNERS: 1 WINS: 1 RUNNERS: 1

WINS: 1 RUNNERS: 1 WINS: 1 RUNNERS: 1

75%

STRIKE-RATE:

100%

STRIKE-RATE:

100%

STRIKE-RATE:

100%

STRIKE-RATE:

100%

STRIKE-RATE:

100%

Dashel Drasher, ridden by Matt Griffiths and trained by Jeremy Scott, was the winner of the feature Betfair Ascot Chase at our last meeting for owners Mrs B Tully and R Lock. Click the image below to see a replay of the race:

2 0 2 0 / 2 1 L E A D I N G PA R T I C I PA N T S

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OWNERS FOCUS

CONNECTIONS OF PAISLEY PARK AFTER HIS BRILLIANT SUCCESS IN THE 2019 STAYERS’ HURDLE AT THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

www.roa.co.uk It is hard to know who is more famous, Paisley Park or his dedicated owner Andrew Gemmell, the pair have touched the heart of racing, nationwide.

Having first attended York races with his parents in the school holidays Andrew has always loved the atmosphere and it was a long-held dream fulfilled when Emma Lavelle told him about a horse called Paisley Park that was looking for an owner – the rest, as they say, is history.

Born without his eyesight Andrew’s relationship with his horses is unequivocal.

Having won the Porsche Long Walk Hurdle back in December, after a gargantuan effort from the home bend, Paisley returned to the paddock and was led to the parade ring fencing where he nuzzled Andrew as his proud owner gave him a congratulatory stroke. “He always seems to know when it’s me and is kind and gentle.”

Asking Andrew how many horses he owns is akin to asking a lady how many pairs of shoes she owns, with Andrew answering, “I think it’s about 20 but I only own bits and pieces of most of those.” Asked if there was a horse that he would like to own he states Monkfish would top the list.

Although his most famous relationship is with Paisley, Andrews interests lie also in Flat racing and each year he travels to Australia to attend the Melbourne Cup which, when asked, is also the race he would love to win. He has had ‘interests’ in horses that have run in it, most recently Trip to Paris, and this would be the cherry on the cake if one day this could be added to his collection.

There are many owners who have little involvement in the day to day activities of their horses but Andrew has one tradition that he tries to follow “I always try and visit Paisley at home before he is due to run, I take him and De Rasher Counter

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some polo’s and make a fuss of them at Emma Lavelle’s yard in Wiltshire. Paisley is a kind and gentle horse, always polite and pleased to see me. De Rasher Counter gently takes his mints then bangs on the door if I try and walk away.”

Having unexpectantly finished seventh in the 2020 Stayers’ Hurdle due to an issue with his heart, Paisley’s return to the track this season was always going to be tinged with worry for all connections but he made his return to the track at Newbury in November. He showed that he was back to himself as he battled it out with Thyme Hill to be pipped at the post, but he then went on to reverse that result in the Porsche Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot weeks later, a race Andrew says was the highlight of his season. “It was just incredible, and I felt very fortunate to be able to be there.” Paisley battled on at Cheltenham last week for 3rd place but finished in one piece and healthy and will now be aimed at Aintree, where Covid regulations allowing, Andrew will once again be there to soak up the atmosphere, be amongst his fellow owners and be back doing CLICK HERE TO RELIVE PAISLEY PARK’S MEMORABLE WIN IN THE 2020 LONG WALK HURDLE what he has loved for over 50 years.

OWNERS FOCUS

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ASCOT JUMPS SEASON REVIEW

FIRST FLOW LANDED TWO MAJOR PRIZES HERE THIS SEASON - CLICK HERE TO SEE A REPLAY OF HIS SUCCESS IN THE GRADE 1 CLARENCE HOUSE CHASE

Opening scenes The opening winner of Ascot’s 2020/21 Jumps season set the scene for the winter ahead with College Oak providing a first Ascot success for the impressive Page Fuller. It was a ride of skill, daring, bravery, commitment and conviction – all themes that we would see play out time and again from jockeys, trainers, owners, stable staff and horses as the season developed.

Fuller had ridden out her claim earlier that month and once again marked herself out as one of the most promising young jockeys in the weighing room as she produced the Jamie Snowdentrained five-year-old to perfection in a steadily run race.

Elsewhere, trainer Anthony Honeyball saddled a treble, headed by the evergreen Regal Encore who won the feature Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase at the age of 12. It was a success that warmed the spirit and reminded us all of the joys that jump racing can bring to so many when old favourites return to the track year-after-year.

November novices to follow The two-day November Meeting was full of class throughout, starting with Chantry House in the opening novice chase. He only had two rivals to contend with but a 26-length victory confirmed his liking for the larger obstacles and he duly went on to win the Grade 1 Marsh Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last week.

Metier also won the Play The Coral ‘Racing Super Series’ ‘Introductory’ Hurdle on the card before winning the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown and was sent off a leading fancy in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

On the Saturday, David Bass kicked off a big-race double with Imperial Aura who graduated out of novice company with a taking performance in the Grade 2 Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase.

Bass then needed to be at his very best to win a quality renewal of the Coral Hurst Park Handicap Chase on First Flow, who held Amoola Gold by a neck. As it turned out, this was just a warm up for Kim Bailey’s dashing black gelding who would be back for more in January.

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A SCOT J U M P S S E A S O N R EV I E W

Christmas cheer from Paisley With another lockdown looming and the prospect of spectators returning to the track snubbed at the last minute, the December Meeting brought much needed cheer to many at home.

What a thrill it would have been to have had a large crowd to roar home Paisley Park, Thyme Hill and Roksana in the Porsche Long Walk Hurdle, one of the races of the season. As it was, many had to make do with Simon Holt’s superb commentary instead as Paisley Park reeled in Thyme Hill to lead in the dying strides and land a second success in the race.

‘Got him!’ barked Holt as Emma Lavelle’s popular stayer pulled it out the fire but even that wasn’t enough to drown out the anguished cry of the beaten Richard Johnson.

A day earlier My Drogo had oozed class when winning the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle, brushing aside subsequent Betfair Hurdle winner Soaring Glory. Connections opted to miss Cheltenham but he won another Grade 2 at Kelso in March instead and will be a chaser to watch for Dan Skelton next season.

Success flows again It had been a long time between Grade 1 drinks for trainer Kim Bailey but when David Bass sent First Flow on to challenge Politologue as the field headed into Swinley Bottom in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Clarence House Chase you could sense the thirst was about to be quenched.

It was a daring, brilliant, race-winning move from Bass who simply ran the finish out of his rivals all the way up the hill and into the straight. The vanquished champion chaser Politologue stayed on for second while Waiting Patiently could only manage third, leaving Bass and Bailey to toast an emotional success for First Flow and his 91-year-old owner, Tony Solomons.

Dashing through the mud We finish where we started, with another heart-warming story in the final Grade 1 race of the winter at Ascot, the Betfair Ascot Chase.

Already a dual course and distance winner this season, Dashel Drasher was a not unfancied 4/1 chance in the race but that only tells half the story as he lined up against the goliath-like presence of Cyrname, so long dubbed the best chaser in Britain off the back of his 2019 success in this race.

This was a day for the David-like Dashel to rise up though and claim a famous Grade 1 victory for trainer Jeremy Scott and jockey Matt Griffiths. The closing stages might not have looked pretty but his connections, who also bred the horse, will not have cared one bit as Dashel Drasher was as brave in the finish as he had been bold over his fences.

CLICK HERE TO SEE DASHEL DRASHER’S BRILLIANT DISPLAY IN THE GRADE 1 ASCOT CHASE

In a difficult winter for many reasons, the commitment, daring, skill, bravery and conviction of all participants, equine and human, has given us much to cheer at Ascot. Here’s to next winter, when hopefully the cheers of the crowds will return as well.

A SCOT J U M P S S E A SO N R E V I EW

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R AC E 1 1.00PM T H E S K Y S P O R T S R AC I N G CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ H A N D I C A P H U R D L E R AC E

(CLASS 3)

RACE FINISH

RACE START

Two miles about five and a half furlongs (2m 5f 141yds) (4,300 metres) For four yrs old and upwards Total race value £10900. Owners Prize Money. Winner £3964; Second £1983; Third £991; Fourth £496; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280.

(Penalty Value £5173.70) Weights raised 1lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. A See page 62 for conditions of this race.

Sky Sports Racing will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and £100 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race.

No Horse

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STO N E R’S C H O I C E (G B ) ( 3 5 )

Br g Great Pretender (IRE) - High Benefit (IRE) (Beneficial) Owner: Mrs Carolyn Kendrick Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 12 Trainer: Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham Colours: DARK GREEN, RED cross belts Breeder: John R. Hales and armlets, quartered cap.

Sponsor: Dunraven Group of Companies Form: 0-21112

Jockey Max Kendrick

HHHH Three novice wins (2m, 2m1f and 2m2f) in the autumn, on good on last two occasions; three months off before second of five in 2m4f Listed event at Market Rasen (soft) five weeks ago, shaping as if more to offer at this sort of trip; it is needed on this handicap debut but he’s one to note.

Official BHA Rating 139

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IRISH PROPHECY (IRE) (136)

B g Azamour (IRE) - Prophets Honor (FR) (Highest Honor (FR)) Owner: Mr N. Mustoe Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 10 Trainer: Emma Lavelle, Marlborough Colours: BLACK, BLACK and PINK Breeder: Mr N. Mustoe check cap.

Sponsor: Hatherden Horse Transport Form: 120321

Jack Foley (7)

HHH Hurdles form (last hurdles run November 2019) is way below this mark but the best of his chase form this season, notably his win at Taunton (2m7f, good; left clear at the last) in November last time, makes him look well treated; took well to cheekpieces last two outings.

Official BHA Rating 137

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ECCO (GB) (29)

B g Maxios - Enjoy The Life (Medicean) Owner: Mr Colm Donlon Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Breeder: Stiftung Gestut Fahrhof Sponsor: Morson Group

Lorcan Williams (3) Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 9 Colours: ROYAL BLUE and YELLOW (quartered), ROYAL BLUE sleeves, YELLOW spots, ROYAL BLUE cap.

Form: 031212 C

HHHH Awarded race at Doncaster in December and also won a jumpers’ bumper in February; good second at Kempton (2m5f) on last two outings as a hurdler and he should be bang there in what looks a less competitive race this time.

Official BHA Rating 136

4 BA N N I XTOW N G LO RY ( I R E ) (9 1)

B m Fame And Glory - Me Auld Segosha (IRE) (Broadway Flyer (USA)) Owner: Miss C. McCracken Horse Age: 7 Weight: 11 6 Trainer: Donald McCain, Cholmondeley Colours: RED, ROYAL BLUE seams, Breeder: Ms Deidre O’Donnell sleeves and cap.

Sponsor: Proactive Personnel Limited Form: 013115

Theo Gillard (6)

HH Seen mostly on good ground and it’s a possibility that soft going was to blame when her progressive sequence came to an end at Christmas, although she’d also shot up the weights after a Listed win time before; cheekpieces last three outings; off three months and needs to resume progress.

Official BHA Rating 133

5

DAG U E N E AU ( I R E ) ( 1 3 4 )

B g Champs Elysees - Bright Enough (Fantastic Light (USA)) Owner: Mr Andrew Gemmell Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 2 Trainer: Emma Lavelle, Marlborough Colours: ROYAL BLUE, PINK disc, MAROON sleeves, Breeder: Diomed Bloodstock Ltd ROYAL BLUE stars, DARK BLUE cap, PINK spots.

Sponsor: Hatherden Horse Transport Form: 1-12506 D

HHH First and second (2m7f at Uttoxeter on handicap hurdle debut) in his two races last summer but his three runs in the autumn were underwhelming; needs to be back at his best, with headgear (tried sometimes in earlier Flat career) returning.

Official BHA Rating 129

14

R A C I N G PA G E S

Ben Jones

1 6

S O U T H T E R R AC E ( I R E ) ( 9 0)

B g Fame And Glory - Supreme Sales (IRE) (Supreme Leader) Owner: South Terrace Partnership Horse Age: 6 Weight: 10 10 Trainer: Dr Richard Newland, Droitwich Colours: RED and WHITE stripes, WHITE sleeves, Breeder: Michael Lee DARK BLUE stars, DARK BLUE cap, WHITE stars.

Sponsor: Carehome Selection Ltd Form: PD2-641

Charlie Hammond (3)

HHHHH First past the post in an Irish point (3m, soft; disqualified for banned substance) in December 2019; easily best of three runs over hurdles late last year when winning a maiden at Catterick (2m3f, soft) last time; sold out of Phil Kirby’s for £30,000 in January; should bring potential to this handicap/stable debut; trainer 5-19 over hurdles here last five seasons.

Official BHA Rating 123

7

BELLS OF PETERBORO (IRE) (32)

Gr g Carlotamix (FR) - Power of Future (GER) (Definite Article) Owner: Mr S. Grys & Mr M. O’Boyle Horse Age: 6 Weight: 10 3 Trainer: Tim Vaughan, Cowbridge Colours: YELLOW, LIGHT GREEN stripe, halved Breeder: J. B. Bloodstock Ltd sleeves, LIGHT GREEN and YELLOW quartered cap.

Sponsor: Hercules Direct Marketing Ltd Form: U21-412 BF

Charlie Price (3)

HHH Absent 12 months before showing progressive form in handicaps this season, on last two starts (2m4f/2m5f, heavy) winning at Fakenham and second at Ludlow; unraced on good ground since May 2019 but needs respect.

Official BHA Rating 116 Tongue Strap worn by No. 1. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 2, 3, 4, 5.

2020: MEETING ABANDONED

A S C O T R E S U LT ST

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RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST:

3-1 Ecco (GB), 4-1 South Terrace (IRE), 5-1 Bells of Peterboro (IRE), 6-1 Stoner’s Choice (GB), Dagueneau (IRE), 7-1 Irish Prophecy (IRE), Bannixtown Glory (IRE)

R A C I N G PA G E S

15

£10 £7

EACH

£14

£4

The World's Finest Racecourse Has A Shop

£55

Shop online at ascot.co.uk

£16

£4

£3

TODAY’S SPONSORS Ascot would like to take this opportunity to thank today’s race sponsors for their generous support.

RACE 1

Sky Sports Racing HD is the eleventh Sky Sports channel and is dedicated to horse racing.

Attheraces.com is the largest digital platform for horse racing in the UK and Ireland.

We’re delighted to be partnering with Ascot Racecourse and bringing live coverage of every Ascot fixture to 14 million Sky and Virgin Media TV homes in the UK and Ireland.

Look out for more TV cameras on the finishing straight and stalls, super slow-motion shots and touch screen analysis from our world class team of presenters including Alex Hammond, Jason Weaver, Mick FitzGerald, Matt Chapman and Luke Harvey.

RACE 2

Parents And Children Together (PACT) is an independent adoption charity and family support provider which helps hundreds of families every year through outstanding adoption services, award-winning therapeutic support and inspirational community projects across the south of England. Established in 1911, PACT places children with secure and loving families and provides specialist support for life to help children to overcome difficulties in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood resulting from trauma and neglect. PACT also runs community projects in the Thames Valley supporting vulnerable children and women facing a range of issues including domestic abuse, homelessness and debt. Their current community projects include the Alana House which supports women facing multiple disadvantages and Bounce Back 4 Kids - a domestic abuse recovery programme for children. For more information visit: www.pactcharity.org

RACE 3

Age Concern Bracknell Forest was established in 1979 and sets out to inspire and support the elderly community. They offer a range of multi-group activities, entertainment and actively encourage relationship building and conversation. They offer a variety of stimulating multi-group activities including games, crafts, bingo, fitness, films and more plus serve lunch and refreshments. They also provide advice, guidance and signposting support to carers who are also welcome to call in. The centre is dementia-friendly and has a dedicated care team who have substantial experience in supporting those diagnosed.

To find out more, call 01344 422048.

RACE 4

Betfred are the official bookmaker of both Royal Ascot and Ascot racecourse. Established with a single shop in Salford, Manchester back in 1967 by brothers Fred and Peter Done, Betfred now operate over 1600 high street betting shops and a flourishing on-line and mobile product at Betfred.com and have recently opened up operations in both Spain and the United States. Betfred have become renowned throughout the industry for offering its customers terrific value and unbeatable bonuses. Betfred.com

RACE 5

Berkshire Community Foundation is Berkshire’s charitable hub - connecting people who care with the causes that matter. They are part of a network of Community Foundations working across the UK. With over 35 years of expertise and experience, they ensure that any form of philanthropy is effective and brings greatest benefit to our local communities.

They distribute grants, provide advice and raise the profile of local charities and community groups that address crucial needs across Berkshire. They work in partnership with companies, individuals, families and charitable trusts to target funds and provide expertise to ensure the maximum positive impact. To find out more, visit www.berkshirecf.org or email info@berkshirecf.org

RACE 6

Berkshire Women’s Aid provides confidential support, information, outreach services and refuge accommodation for women and their children who are affected by domestic abuse and violence. They work throughout Bracknell, Reading, West Berkshire and Wokingham, and are affiliated to the Women’s Aid Federation of England (WAFE).

Their vision is that all women, children and men should be able to live free from the fear and experience of domestic abuse and violence in their homes and relationships. Their confidential helpline can provide immediate assistance plus information about housing, legal, financial, council and other services related to domestic abuse.

Tel: 0118 950 4003 or email helpdesk@bwaid.org.uk.

RACE 7

The Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day is organised to raise money for the welfare of Lambourn’s hard working stable staff and their families. The staff’s care and love for their horses is vital and second to none and they need our support. This year the event will be held virtually on Friday 2nd April and will include 360° stable yard tours, insightful films plus a silent auction and raffle that will go live from 26th March.

Please visit www.lambournopenday.com to find out more.

A S C OT S P O N S O R S

17

Outstanding First Northern Hemisphere Foals

Colt out of dual Gr.1 winner La Collina

Filly out of Gr.3 winner Lightening Quick

Colt out of Gr.3 winning 2YO sprinter La Rioja

Filly out of Sudu Queen

Colt out of Stakes placed 2YO sprinter White Bullet

Colt out of Dream Of Joy

“I’m excited about Zoustar but I’m even more excited about him now that I’ve seen his foals. We foaled 9 here and they are a cracking bunch. Scopey, muscled and with a good walk they should go down very well at the sales.”

The Hon. Peter Stanley, New England Stud

“We have 4 Zoustar foals on the farm.

They all have great presence, good movers and are good-looking foals. I think these Zoustar’s are what every breeder hopes for and when they see them they’re going to sell very well.”

David Cox, Baroda Stud

“Our Zoustar colt has inherited his sire’s imposing physicality. Loads of bone and muscle with a great outlook. At 71kg birth weight this precocious fellow is exactly what we were hoping from the mating.”

Dr Pat Sells, Chasemore Farm

ASCOT RACECOURSE SUPPORTS SPOTLIGHT ON

PACT is an independent adoption charity and family support provider which helps hundreds of families every year through outstanding adoption services, award-winning therapeutic support and inspirational community projects across the south of England.

Established in 1911, PACT places children with secure and loving families and provides specialist support for life to help children to overcome difficulties in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood resulting from trauma and neglect.

Despite 2020 being a difficult year, PACT found permanent and loving families for 89 children. PACT continues to appeal for people to consider adopting and providing the love and stability children need to thrive. The charity is particularly keen to hear from people who are open to adopting children over three years old, sibling groups, children with additional needs or children from black, minority and ethnic backgrounds.

PACT holds regular information events where anyone thinking about adoption can find out more about what’s involved in the adoption process and hear from an adopter about their own experiences. Currently, these events are online and free to attend but places can be booked in advance by calling the friendly enquiries team on 0300 456 4800.

2 0 A S C OT R AC E C O U R S E S U P P O RT S

PACT also runs community projects in the Thames Valley supporting vulnerable children and women facing a range of issues including domestic abuse, homelessness and debt. Their current community projects include the Alana House which supports women facing multiple disadvantages and Bounce Back 4 Kids - a domestic abuse recovery programme for children.

Their vision is to reach and help the families that need support the most and to design and provide quality services where there is currently unmet need.

This need for support has never been more vital. These projects are only possible through fundraising and donations.

In recognition of their important work which is especially poignant, our 1.35pm race has been donated in their honour.

For more information click here: www.pactcharity.org; or to donate: https://pactcharity.enthuse.com/ Registered Charity No. 285214

A S C OT R AC E C O U R S E S U P P O RT S

21

R AC E 2 1.35PM T H E PA R E N T S A N D C H I L D R E N TO G E T H E R ( PAC T ) M A I D E N H U R D L E R AC E ( C L A S S 4 ) ( G B B R AC E )

RACE FINISH

RACE START

Two miles about three and a half furlongs (2m 3f 58yds) (3,800 metres) For maiden four yrs old and upwards Total race value £6000. Owners Prize Money. Winner £2504; Second £1252; Third £626; Fourth £313. (Penalty Value £3267.60) See page 62 for conditions of this race.

Parents And Children Together (PACT) will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and £100 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race.

No Horse

1

C A S C O VA ( I R E ) ( 2 3 )

B g Casamento (IRE) - Sina Cova (IRE) (Barathea (IRE)) Owner: Chelsea Thoroughbreds & Trull House Stud Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 2 Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Lambourn Colours: LIGHT BLUE, ROYAL BLUE Breeder: Mr Colm Ratty sleeves, WHITE cap.

Sponsor: Oliver Brown Form: 20/P-2P2

Jockey Nico de Boinville

HHHHH Pulled up on two of his four hurdle starts and ideally needs to learn to settle better but posted good effort when second at Newbury (2m4f, good) this month and will be hard to beat if in similar form again here.

Official BHA Rating 129

2

MANVERS HOUSE (GB) (28)

B g Schiaparelli (GER) - Freydis (IRE) (Supreme Leader) Owner: K S B, Mr M Doughty & Mrs Sarah Tizzard Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 2 Trainer: Robert Walford, Blandford Colours: BLACK, YELLOW disc, BLACK Breeder: Mrs Joanna Daniell sleeves, YELLOW stars, quartered cap.

Sponsor: Tote Form: 20323-2

James Best

HHHH 0-10 over hurdles, having made his debut in November 2018, but has often run to a fairly useful level; matched peak RPR (124) when clear second on last month’s belated seasonal debut at Fontwell (2m3f, good to soft) and ought to play a significant role here too.

Official BHA Rating 122

3

S E I N E S AT I O N A L ( G B ) ( 1 8 2 )

Sam

Twiston-Davies B g Champs Elysees - Kibara (Sadler’s Wells (USA)) Owner: Chris Stedman Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 2 Trainer: Dr Richard Newland, Droitwich Colours: LIGHT BLUE, BROWN Cross of Breeder: Fittocks Stud Lorraine, striped sleeves and star on cap.

Sponsor: Carehome Selection Ltd Form:

HHH 8-33 on the Flat for William Knight; looked as good as ever and posted RPRs in the 90s when winning twice over 1m6f last summer; bought for 32,000gns in the autumn; makes stable/hurdle debut after six-month absence but still looks interesting; swaps usual visor for first-time cheekpieces.

Official BHA Rating -

4 SOPRAN THOR (FR) (16)

B g Authorized (IRE) - Sopran Slam (IRE) (Grand Slam (USA)) Owner: Galloping On The South Downs Partnership Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 2 Trainer: Gary Moore, Horsham Colours: MAUVE and BLACK (quartered), Breeder: Azienda Agricola San Giacomo MAUVE sleeves, WHITE cap.

Sponsor: K M Elite Products Ltd Form: 3-65422

HHH Seems to be improving as he gains experience over hurdles and comes here after finishing second in two 2m4f Sandown handicaps, the latter on good to soft ground this month; has a bit to find on the figures with a the top two on the racecard and doesn’t help himself by tending to take too strong a hold but should still go well.

Official BHA Rating 120 Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 3.

2 2 R A C I N G PA G E S

Jamie Moore

2 A S C O T R E S U LT D I S TA N C E

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BETTING FORECAST:

5-4 Cascova (IRE), 3-1 Manvers House (GB), 7-2 Sopran Thor (FR), 5-1 Seinesational (GB)

GREAT BRITISH BONUS SCHEME The Great British Bonus (GBB) offers multiple bonuses of up to £20,000 per eligible race for British-bred fillies and mares.

R A C I N G PA G E S

23

SECTIONAL SPOTLIGHT

PAISLEY PARK PICKED UP IMPRESSIVELY TO LAND THE LONG WALK HURDLE FOR A SECOND TIME IN DECEMBER - CLICK HERE TO SEE A REPLAY OF THE THRILLING RACE

This winter, for the first time ever, Total Performance Data’s tracking system has been in use for all Jumps races at Ascot, providing a wealth of time and stride data for racing supporters to enjoy. The benefits to the sport that this insight provides is widespread, offering increased betting engagement and insightful post-race data for the media to analyse. You can view all the data in the results section of the At The Races website after each raceday.

Finishing speeds One of the most interesting aspects of the data is the finishing speed % – this indicates how quickly (or slowly) a horse is finishing the final four furlongs of a race compared to their speed throughout the rest of the contest. Over the course of the season it has been possible to establish an expected finishing speed % which is then useful to assess the differences between the expected finishing speed and the actual finishing speed. This in turn tells us more about how the race was run and the merits of each performance.

The expected, or par, finishing speed % on both the hurdles and chase course at Ascot is around 100%, give or take and the exact numbers for each discipline and distance are below. To explore this in more detail, let’s take the Grade 1 Porsche Long Walk Hurdle as an example, won in such thrilling style by Paisley Park.

The expected finishing speed % for a three-mile hurdle race is 100.5% but Paisley Park produced a figure of 103.37%, well above par and higher than any other horse in the race. That means he was running quicker towards the end of the race than in the early and middle stages. What was even more impressive about his performance is that the second and third placed horses, Thyme Hill and Roksana, were not finishing slowly – both had a finishing speed % of around 103% making it even more impressive that Paisley Park had the speed, to match his stamina, to pick them both up and win.

2 4 S EC T I O N A L S P OT L I G H T

2m Chase

2m3f Chase

2m5f Chase

3m Chase

100.5%

100.5%

100.8%

101.0%

2m Hurdle

2m3f Hurdle

2m5f Hurdle

3m Hurdle

NHF

100.0%

100.8%

100.8%

100.5%

100.0%

The sectional eyecatchers

Fastest final furlong – The fastest final furlong recorded by any horse this season so far is Song For Someone when winning the Grade 2 Coral Hurdle in November.

His closing furlong of 13.86s is the only sub 14-second time and he went on to confirm his class when winning the International Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Top speed – Song For Someone also clocked 32.46mph during the closing section of the Coral Hurdle which is the fastest by any horse. Amoola Gold registered 31.22mph in November and was the fastest chaser.

One to look out for - Benson from the Betfair Exchange Trophy in December.

He may have only finished fourth but his closing furlong of 14.25s was well over a second quicker than the first three home. He remains a horse to look out for in the future on that evidence.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SONG FOR SOMEONE RECORD THE FASTEST FINAL FURLONG OF ASCOT’S JUMP SEASON SO FAR IN THE CORAL HURDLE

S ECT I O N A L S P OT L I G H T 2 5

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Record collection

R AC E 3 2 .1 0 P M T H E AG E C O N C E R N B R AC K N E L L N OV I C E S ’ H A N D I C A P S T E E P L E C H A S E RACE START

RACE FINISH

( C L A S S 2 ) ( G B B R AC E ) Two miles about one furlong (2m 167yds) (3,300 metres) For novice five yrs old and upwards

Total race value £28000. Owners Prize Money. Winner £11130; Second £5564; Third £2783. (Penalty Value £14568.40) Weights raised 8lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

See page 63 for conditions of this race.

Age Concern Bracknell will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and £100 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race.

No Horse

1

F U N A M B U L E S I VO L A ( F R ) ( 3 1 )

B g Noroit (GER) - Little Memories (IRE) (Montjeu (IRE)) Owner: My Racing Manager Friends Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 12 Trainer: Venetia Williams, Hereford Colours: BLACK, RED star, WHITE and Breeder: Mr Gilles Trapenard RED striped sleeves, BLACK cap, RED star.

Sponsor: My Racing Manager Form: 5-15121

Jockey Charlie Deutsch

HHHHH Won chase/seasonal debut on good to soft at Wetherby and has added further handicap wins on soft at Newbury and Chepstow; made all last time; easily his worst show this term was the only one going right-handed (also the only one at 2m4f) but he needs plenty of respect.

Official BHA Rating 141

2

MONSIEUR LECOQ (FR) (16)

B g Diamond Boy (FR) - Draga (FR) (Smadoun (FR)) Owner: Mrs Jane Williams Horse Age: 7 Weight: 11 9 Trainer: Mrs Jane Williams, South Molton Colours: ORANGE, BLACK star and Breeder: Jean-Charles Haimet & J-Pascal Liberge star on cap.

Sponsor: Nick & Jane Williams Racing Form: 5-46321

Chester Williams (5)

HHH Smart hurdler in 2019, when peak RPR was at this track; has not fired in anything like the same way in his seven starts since but comfortably making all in a four-runner race at Leicester 16 days ago suggests he is getting the hang of fences; best efforts on soft or heavy, unraced on good.

Official BHA Rating 138

3

R I KO B OY ( F R ) ( 2 2 )

B g Enrique - Dikanika (FR) (Nickname (FR)) Owner: Mr David J. Smith Trainer: Dr Richard Newland, Droitwich Breeder: Jacques Seror Sponsor: Carehome Selection Ltd

Sam Twiston-Davies

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 0 Colours: DARK BLUE, MAUVE stars, DARK BLUE cap, MAUVE star.

Form: 34312P D

HHHH Big improvement when winning at Market Rasen and second at Musselburgh, both about 2m on soft; his jumping was not so good when pulled up at left-handed Doncaster (also reportedly bled from the nose) three weeks ago, so perhaps this right-handed track will prompt a return to form; well treated if so.

Official BHA Rating 129 Tongue Strap worn by No. 3.

Stewards Note: RIKOBOY: Following its run on 6/3/2021 it was reported that the horse was found to have bled.

A S C O T R E S U LT ST

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2 8 R A C I N G PA G E S

TIME

3 RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST:

11-10 Funambule Sivola (FR), 13-8 Rikoboy (FR), 7-2 Monsieur Lecoq (FR)

GREAT BRITISH BONUS SCHEME The Great British Bonus (GBB) offers multiple bonuses of up to £20,000 per eligible race for British-bred fillies and mares.

R A C I N G PA G E S

29

ASCOT MEETS.....

Rishi Persad From attending Saturday racing in Trinidad to school in the UK, 4 Olympics, the US Masters and interviewing racing legends such as Henry Cecil, Lester Piggott and AP McCoy – this is all just in a day’s work for popular sports presenter Rishi Persad.

We catch up with Rishi to find out why he has a passion for racing, the interview he would like to do again and why he certainly made the most of his mum’s advice.

What is your first racing memory from growing up in Trinidad?

My dad took me racing to the Queen’s Park Savannah when I was about three-years-old and being around horses and incredibly excited racing fans was infectious and I was hooked. It helped that he owned a small stud farm as well and so I would spend almost every weekend of my childhood with horses and the gang at the farm having a great time.

Did you study journalism at University?

No. I did law at University, but never had a passion for it and never had any intention of pursuing it as a career as I wanted to be involved in sport, which I did have a passion for.

Growing up, and going through school, did you know you wanted to be a sports presenter?

Growing up I wanted to bat at no.3 for the West Indies and walk out at the Queen’s Park Oval in my maroon cap - sadly my cricketing skills never quite matched up to my dreams. Sports presenting never came into focus until I was in my late 20s.

What was the best piece of careers advice you received and from whom?

My mum used to say that I should always be ready for when opportunity eventually knocked otherwise I may have to live with regret.

Does your family still have racing connections in Trinidad?

Sadly not anymore. My parents moved to the UK in the early 1990s and ended their association with racing in Trinidad, but I keep an eye on what happens there periodically.

A SCOT M E E T S . . . . .

31

ASCOT MEETS.....

Rishi Persad (continued) What was the first racecourse in the UK that you attended, and do you remember how it felt to be at the races?

I went to a race meeting at Newmarket’s July Course in the summer of 1983 as my parents had a runner in a two-year-old maiden. Our horse got well beaten, but the race was won by Lear Fan and he turned out to be a terrific racehorse.

Do you remember your first visit to Ascot?

It was the summer of 1985. I was in awe of the history of the racecourse and I remember how beautiful the old paddock was. I loved the old paddock.

The horses always looked so relaxed.

What has been the most surreal sporting moment in your career so far?

I have been privileged to be at or involved in some memorable moments in sport. Holding the mic when Sir AP McCoy announced his retirement was surreal, as was being at Augusta in 2019 to witness Tiger Woods win the US Masters and being pitch-side when GB’s Women won their first ever Hockey gold medal in Rio. You have commentated on a plethora of sports – what makes horse racing stand out?

There is something so noble and beautiful about the racehorse itself and so aesthetically pleasing watching them in action - it makes the soul feel good.

Your favourite racing interview and why?

It would have to be with Sir Henry Cecil after Frankel won his final race, the Qipco Champion Stakes on Champions Day. When I asked him what was the best thing about training Frankel he said “He’s the best I’ve ever had, the best I’ve ever seen, I’d be surprised if there’s ever been better.”

32 A SCOT M E E T S . . . . .

Do you have an interview you would like the chance to do again?

There are a few for sure, but early in my career being at the Arc at Longchamp and was so distracted whilst interviewing Lester Piggott in the paddock, I was on autopilot and asked him “What brings you to the Arc?” The advice you would give a student who wants to follow in your shoes.

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes in path to being better, but learn from them.

Then immerse yourself in your passion, know as much as you can about it so that when your opportunity comes along you are ready to take it.

What is your career highlight to date?

I have been very lucky in my career so far to work on many amazing events but being able to say that I have represented the BBC at the last 4 Olympic Games in a row, working on a wide variety of sports, is something I am very proud of.

One person from the worldwide racing industry you would like to interview and why?

I’d love to sit down and chat to Steve Cauthen. He had the most fantastic career in the saddle and was one of my heroes in the sport, particularly during the 80s.

Your favourite Ascot memory?

I remember being at the King George in 1997 just on my own, purely as a racegoer.

The weather was atrocious, and I got soaked and wondered why was I there. Then I went to the old paddock and watched Pilsudski, Swain, Singspiel and Helissio parading and instantly felt better. They were four magnificent racehorses and they produced a sensational race.

What career would you have chosen if you had not followed the presenting pathway?

In my dreams I would have been a pro-golfer or a West Indies cricketer. In reality probably something in law, following in the footsteps of my father.

Why should people look to work within the racing industry?

Racing has such a wonderful fraternity of friendship around the world. If you are involved in the sport it offers incredible opportunities to make connections and sample experiences that help us learn about others and ourselves and also helps us grow as individuals.

A SCOT M E E T S . . . . . 3 3

NEXT S TO P G LO RY ROYA L ASCOT T R I A LS DAY W E D N E S DAY 28TH APR IL

An exhilarating season opener as Royal Ascot hopefuls take to the turf in search of glory as the Flat season gets underway.

Visit ascot.co.uk

PROUD TO BE THE

R AC E 4 2.45PM THE BETFRED J U V E N I L E H A N D I C A P H U R D L E R AC E ( C L A S S 2 ) ( G B B R AC E )

RACE FINISH

RACE START

About two miles (1m 7f 152yds) (3,100 metres) For juvenile four yrs old Total race value £30000. Owners Prize Money. Winner £11925; Second £5961; Third £2982; Fourth £1491; Fifth £744; Sixth £372.

(Penalty Value £15609) Weights raised 8lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

See page 63 for conditions of this race.

Betfred will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and £100 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race.

No Horse

1

TINNAHALLA (IRE) (51)

B g Starspangledbanner (AUS) - Bright Bank (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA)) Owner: Mrs J. A. Wakefield Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 12 Trainer: Olly Murphy, Wilmcote Colours: PURPLE, WHITE sleeves, Breeder: Churchtown, Lane & Orpendale Bloodstock PURPLE stars, PURPLE cap, WHITE star.

Sponsor: Black Castle Sports Management Ltd Form: 421 D

Jockey Aidan Coleman

HHH Maiden on Flat; steadily progressive form in three starts over hurdles, opening his account at Catterick latest; has to overcome a 16lb rise in his mark, which puts him on top weight; tongue-tie added.

Official BHA Rating 126

2

B U R G U N DY M A N ( F R ) ( 1 2 )

B g Manduro (GER) - Kapirovska (FR) (Muhtathir) Owner: Kate & Andrew Brooks Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 11 Trainer: Venetia Williams, Hereford Colours: LIGHT BLUE, RED braces, WHITE sleeves, Breeder: Mme Elza Petit & Mme Hannah Petit RED armlets, LIGHT BLUE and RED quartered cap.

Sponsor: Faucets Limited Form: 2P0U

Gavin Sheehan

HH Ex-French maiden who stumbled and unseated rider at the first flight in the Fred Winter on British debut; still quite hard to assess accurately, and is best watched.

Official BHA Rating 125

3

OV E R P R I C E D M I X E R ( G B ) ( 1 0 2 )

B g Harbour Watch (IRE) - Chincoteague (IRE) (Daylami (IRE)) Owner: Owners Group 051 Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 8 Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Lambourn Colours: MAUVE, BLACK chevrons Breeder: Glebe Farm Stud on sleeves, BLACK cap.

Sponsor: Owners Group Form: 1U0 D BF

Nico de Boinville

HHH 7f/1m winner on the Flat and proved suited by a sharp 2m on good ground at Kempton on debut over hurdles; soft surface was against him on latest outing; stiff track may be the issue this time.

Official BHA Rating 122

4 FIRST IMPRESSION (IRE) (123) B g Make Believe - Charmgoer (USA) (Nureyev (USA)) Owner: Blackburn, Fox, McWilliams, & Pendelbury Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 7 Trainer: John Quinn, Malton Colours: BEIGE, RED seams, Breeder: John Dwan & Make Believe Syndicate armlets and cap.

Sponsor: JJ Quinn Racing Ltd, Sheridan Fabrications Ltd Form: 251 D

Sam Twiston-Davies

HHHHH Absent since showing fair form at Wetherby in autumn, winning last time despite making mistakes; ideally needs to brush up his jumping but otherwise looks interesting, as he’s well treated judged on Flat exploits.

Official BHA Rating 121

5

M A R TA D E S M O T T E S ( F R ) ( 2 9 )

B f Montmartre (FR) - Oktavia des Mottes (FR) (Lando (GER)) Owner: Mr Simon Davies Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 6 Trainer: Tom Symonds, Hentland Colours: DARK BLUE, BEIGE star, GREY sleeves, Breeder: E.A.R.L. Ecurie Des Mottes BEIGE stars, DARK BLUE cap, BEIGE star.

Sponsor: Simply Stunning Interiors Form: 14150

HHH Scored twice over hurdles in France; has struggled in Taunton Listed race and Kempton Grade 2 for new yard but may find life easier in this handicap; opening British mark was 12lb higher.

Official BHA Rating 120

3 6 R A C I N G PA G E S

A. P. Heskin

4 6

P Y R A M I D P L AC E ( I R E ) ( 2 9 )

B g Authorized (IRE) - Attima (Zafonic (USA)) Owner: PP & R Syndicate Trainer: Milton Harris, Warminster Breeder: Kingsley Park Ltd

Daryl Jacob

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 6 Colours: MAROON and MAUVE stripes, diabolo on sleeves, quartered cap.

Form: 210116 D

HHH Well beaten in the Finale and Dovecote; has form figures of 2111 over hurdles (on soft/heavy) when racing below Graded level and he’s 2-2 in handicaps; tongue-tie added; may have more to offer back down in class.

Official BHA Rating 120

7

HERBIERS (FR) (23)

B g Waldpark (GER) - Qualanke (FR) (Sassanian (USA)) Owner: The Nevers Racing Partnership Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 4 Trainer: Oliver Greenall, Malpas Colours: EMERALD GREEN, Breeder: Jacques Cypres PINK armlets, PINK cap.

Sponsor: Swansway, Smartplanner Form: 410213 D BF

Paddy Brennan

HHHH Solid record since switched to hurdles; ties in closely with Siroco Jo on Newbury running 23 days ago, when attempting to follow up his Hereford win; open to further progress and enters calculations.

Official BHA Rating 118

8

N A I Z AG A I ( G B ) ( 1 3 )

B g Dark Angel (IRE) - Nazym (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Mrs Carolyn Kendrick Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 4 Trainer: Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham Colours: DARK GREEN, RED cross belts Breeder: Hesmonds Stud Ltd and armlets, quartered cap.

Sponsor: Dunraven Group of Companies Form: 322243

Max Kendrick (3)

HHH Consistent, including in handicaps, since scoring at Cartmel last August; should give his running but looks vulnerable for the win spot, being somewhat exposed now.

Official BHA Rating 118

9

SIROCO JO (FR) (23)

Ch g Hurricane Cat (USA) - Diana Vertica (FR) (Vertical Speed (FR)) Owner: Mr P. J. Vogt Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 2 Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE chevron, Breeder: Mr Jacques Seror & Mr Philippe Metivier hooped sleeves, WHITE cap.

Sponsor: Morson Group D Form: 2P1

Harry Cobden

HHHH Went close on sole French start; dropped away on British debut but looked a different proposition at Newbury (good) last time and should build on that success; yard won this race in 2016 and 2018; respected.

Official BHA Rating 116

10 LEYLAK (IRE) (34)

B g Born To Sea (IRE) - Lidaya (USA) (Elusive Quality (USA)) Owner: Notalotterry Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 2 Trainer: Dan Skelton, Alcester Colours: RED, EMERALD GREEN star.

Breeder: H H The Aga Khan Form: 3335 Sponsor: Ladbrokes

Harry Skelton

HHH Following three placed efforts (including in jumpers’ bumper) his form dipped when fifth back over hurdles last time; however, looks open to improvement now handicapping in first-time headgear.

Official BHA Rating 116

1 1 R O YA U M E U N I ( I R E ) ( 8 )

B or Br g Galileo (IRE) - Night Lagoon (GER) (Lagunas) Owner: Mrs E. Avery Horse Age: 4 Weight: 10 13 Trainer: Gary Moore, Horsham Colours: PURPLE and YELLOW (quartered), diabolo Breeder: Coolmore on sleeves, YELLOW and PURPLE quartered cap.

Sponsor: K M Elite Products Ltd Form: 0414 D

Joshua Moore

HHH Recorded emphatic wins on AW at Lingfield (jumpers’ bumper and Flat handicap) prior to finishing fourth in novice hurdle at Kempton last weekend; well handicapped judged on the Flat success.

Official BHA Rating 113

12 IRON HEART (GB) (22) B c Muhaarar - Kiyoshi (Dubawi (IRE)) Owner: Decimus Racing VIII Trainer: David Pipe, Wellington Breeder: The Kiyoshi Partnership Sponsor: W & S Recycling

Fergus Gillard (5)

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 10 13 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, ROYAL BLUE chevrons, LIGHT BLUE sleeves and cap.

Form: 35331 D

HHHH Took well to change of headgear in novice handicap at Newbury (good) last time, adding to his Flat wins; still looks well treated despite 6lb rise, and may have more to offer in the retained blinkers; shortlisted.

Official BHA Rating 113

R A C I N G PA G E S

37

4 1 3 B A L K A R DY ( F R ) ( 2 2 )

Ch g Balko (FR) - Kalimnos (FR) (Limnos (JPN)) Owner: Balkardy Breezers Trainer: Evan Williams, Llancarfan Breeder: Mr Hugo Merienne & Mr Yann Hamon Sponsor: Tote

Isabel Williams (5)

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 10 8 Colours: PURPLE, GREY spots, PURPLE cap.

Form: 333

HHH Consistent thus far, having finished third in all three starts; did best work at the finish in Doncaster handicap latest, suggesting he may need further before long, but the form gives him place possibilities.

Official BHA Rating 108

1 4 G L O B A L AG R E E M E N T ( G B ) ( 1 5 )

Ch g Mayson - Amicable Terms (Royal Applause) Owner: Charlie Holding, Emdells & Partners Trainer: Milton Harris, Warminster Breeder: Richard Kent & Robert Percival Sponsor: Icm

Mitchell Bastyan (3)

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 10 5 Colours: WHITE, WHITE and ROYAL BLUE check sleeves and cap.

Form: 24P32

HH Well-held second in four-runner handicap at Sandown two weekends ago, taking overall record to 0-16; seems unlikely to go one better in this deeper race; yard also runs Pyramid Place.

Official BHA Rating 105

Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 1, 6. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 10.

Hood worn by No. 1, 6. Blinkers worn by No. 12. Tongue Strap worn by No. 7.

Hood, Tongue Strap worn by No. 8. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 7.

Stewards Note: OVERPRICED MIXER: Following its run on 16/12/2020 it was reported that the horse ran too freely.

BALKARDY: Following its run on 6/3/2021 it was reported that the horse ran green and was outpaced.

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BETTING FORECAST:

11-2 Siroco Jo (FR), 6-1 First Impression (IRE), 13-2 Overpriced Mixer (GB), 15-2 Tinnahalla (IRE), Leylak (IRE), 8-1 Iron Heart (GB), 10-1 Marta des Mottes (FR), Naizagai (GB), 11-1 Herbiers (FR), 12-1 Royaume Uni (IRE), 18-1 Global Agreement (GB), 20-1 Pyramid Place (IRE), 22-1 Burgundy Man (FR), 25-1 Balkardy (FR) 3 8 R A C I N G PA G E S

4 GREAT BRITISH BONUS SCHEME The Great British Bonus (GBB) offers multiple bonuses of up to £20,000 per eligible race for British-bred fillies and mares.

INT E TY

WE L

I GR

RE FA

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Call

08000 852 580 (free 24 hours a day)

Visit

britishhorseracing.com/RaceWISE

LI

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TY

SAF

If you have concerns about the integrity of British racing or the wellbeing of the sport’s participants, human or equine, please contact RaceWISE. Anonymous reporting.

D IN

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EQ

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R A C I N G PA G E S

39

ASCOT SUPPORTS – WHERE ARE THEY NOW

CLICK HERE TO SEE A REPLAY OF DODGING BULLETS GETTING THE BETTER OF SPRINTER SACRE IN THE 2015 CLARENCE HOUSE CHASE

Dodging Bullets always drew much attention throughout his career for both his success on the track and for the fact he was bred by one of the most famous Flat jockeys of all time, Frankie Dettori.

His adaptability saw him win on the Flat, over hurdles and over fences with a total of 36 runs under rules, winning ten. Dodging Bullets made his mark at Ascot winning the Clarence House ridden by Noel Fehily, a successful prep run before he headed to Cheltenham and the biggest win of his career, the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Dodging Bullets arrived at Paul Nicholls’ Somerset establishment in November 2011 and from day one he was cared for by Lucy Sharp. From his daily exercise to attending to him at the races, it was Lucy who was by his side and it was whilst celebrating his Champion Chase win that it was mentioned to her that his owners, Sir Martin and Jocelyn Broughton, hoped that when the day came Dodge would go to live out his retirement with Lucy.

“We had all been celebrating rather well so although I always wished he would be mine one day I didn’t dare let myself believe it would actually happen,” said Lucy.

“It was on his final race a couple of years later when I was in the stables caring for him after his race that I was called back to the racing room at Cheltenham as his owners wanted to speak to me. It was then that they told me that Dodge had run his last race and asked if I would like him. I couldn’t stop crying, one week later he came home to my yard.”

Dodge is still treated like a king with Lucy enjoying his many quirks. “If you feed him polo’s he has to put his nose in the air and if you ignore him he either nudges you or pulls on your clothes until you give him some fuss.”

40 WHERE ARE THEY NOW

Dodge also plays his own version of ‘king of the castle,’ insisting on standing on the shavings bale when it is placed in his stable so that he can look down on Lucy.

Dodge spends his days enjoying the company of his Shetland friend called Lady or herding up the chickens who share his paddock. Lucy has worked hard to settle his enthusiastic nature: “He has always loved to get on with his work, he loves to jog and I still cannot eat anything before riding him, but he still makes me smile all the time.”

Lucy says being part of the RoR parade at Cheltenham was one of her proudest moments: “People in the crowd were telling me how brilliant he looked and how much they loved him, I never realised what a fan club he had, and it was a truly unforgettable experience. I would recommend anyone who owns an ex-racehorse to join the RoR and when restrictions allow I can’t wait to do more with them.”

Dodge’s education continues, and Lucy works closely with Paul Nicholls’ assistant Harry Derham to ensure Dodge can make the most of his new life: “He has always been a bad traveller and although he can now perform a foot-perfect dressage test at home Harry and I are working out ways we can help him to travel better so he can go to more competitions.”

Eventing and showing are on Lucy’s wish list for Dodge to be able to compete in.

Lucy’s passion for thoroughbreds both on and off the track doesn’t stop with Dodge. He shares his field with Pacha du Polder and Lucy already has her eye on another beautiful thoroughbred currently in training with Paul. Lucy says: “When you take on an ex-racehorse you know they have had the best care possible.”

ror.org.uk

WHERE ARE THEY NOW

41

ASCOT RACECOURSE & BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Ascot Racecourse has partnered with Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) to help address needs in the county since 2017. To date, “Ascot Racecourse Supports” has provided over £160,000 of grant funding via BCF, supporting 25 local charity projects which in turn will have helped more than 11,000 beneficiaries.

BCF is Berkshire’s charitable hub - connecting people who care with the causes that matter. They are part of a network of Community Foundations working across the UK. With over 35 years of expertise and experience, BCF ensure that any form of philanthropy is effective and brings greatest benefit to our local communities. The Foundation distribute grants, provide advice and raise the profile of local charities and community groups that address crucial needs across Berkshire. They work in partnership with companies, individuals, families and charitable trusts to target funds and provide expertise to ensure the maximum positive impact.

Gerry Lejeune OBE, CEO of Berkshire Community Foundation writes: When we launched our ‘Vital for Berkshire Coronavirus Appeal’ days before the first national lockdown in March last year, we could never have imagined how broadly or deeply the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic would be felt, or for how long. But we could also never have imagined the speed and scale of Ascot’s generosity when it mattered most. The management and staff stepped forward to support our communities in an incredible way and, most importantly, have stuck around to help us all see it through.

With Ascot’s help we have enabled food deliveries to the vulnerable, helped charities offer online mental health support, worked with domestic abuse charities to safeguard those at risk, worked with groups tackling homelessness, supported Thames Hospice in finally opening the doors of its new hospice building and much more.

42

As we emerge from the crisis, the volunteers who have worked tirelessly in the last twelve months – be it in running well-established groups or setting up new groups to respond to the crisis – still need support. We are very much looking forward to working with the team at Ascot in the coming months and years to continue this vital work, which ensures that people across Berkshire’s communities feel connected and cared for in such difficult times.

Today, we recognise BCF and two of the new charities that our fund will be supporting this year by naming races in their honour. Firstly, Age Concern Bracknell Forest, who are looking to relaunch their essential respite day centre and welcome back older people and those with dementia. Secondly, Berkshire’s Women’s Aid, who provide support to families impacted by domestic abuse – our grant will enable them to continue their services which have seen a dramatic rise in demand during the pandemic.

Find out more at www.berkshirecf.org or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

To get in touch, email info@berkshirecf.org.

Registered Charity No. 1155173 B E R K S H I R E C O M M U N I T Y F O U N D AT I O N 4 3

R AC E 5 3.20PM THE BERKSHIRE C O M M U N I T Y F O U N DAT I O N HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE

(CLASS 3)

RACE FINISH

RACE START

Two miles about five furlongs (2m 5f 8yds) (4,200 metres) For five yrs old and upwards Total race value £13400. Owners Prize Money. Winner £5008; Second £2504; Third £1252; Fourth £626; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280. (Penalty Value £6535.20) Weights lowered 2lb.

See page 63 for conditions of this race.

Berkshire Community Foundation will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and £100 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race.

No Horse

1

M A R R AC U DJA ( F R ) ( 8 )

B g Martaline - Memorial (FR) (Homme de Loi (IRE)) Owner: Foxtrot Racing Marracudja Horse Age: 10 Weight: 11 10 Trainer: Dan Skelton, Alcester Colours: LIGHT BLUE, WHITE epaulets, Breeder: E.A.R.L. De Cordelles et al halved sleeves, RED cap.

Sponsor: Foxtrot Racing Syndicates Form: 034331

Jockey Harry Skelton

HH Can lead; paid a handicapping price for his fine third in Grade 1 here last January (2m1f, heavy; handles most ground) but is more realistically treated now as he showed when third at Wetherby in February; below-par in his one run since though (before a walkover) and his best form is at up to 2m1f.

Official BHA Rating 133

2

D E A U V I L L E DA N C E R ( I R E ) ( 1 2 8 )

B g Tamayuz - Mathool (IRE) (Alhaarth (IRE)) Owner: Mr G.Brandrick & Partner Trainer: Olly Murphy, Wilmcote Breeder: Ruskerne Ltd Sponsor: McCoy Contractors

Aidan Coleman

Horse Age: 10 Weight: 11 10 Colours: WHITE and DARK BLUE stripes, DARK BLUE sleeves, WHITE stars.

Form: 312/26-U

HHH Has run well on the Flat here; has form on most ground but was easy to back here in November on debut for yard when unseating early after nearly a year off; not obviously ahead of his mark but interesting to see if there’s any support for him this time.

Official BHA Rating 133

3

HIGHEST SUN (FR) (38)

B g Sunday Break (JPN) - Highest Price (FR) (Highest Honor (FR)) Owner: Mr Ashley Head Horse Age: 7 Weight: 11 9 Trainer: Colin Tizzard, Sherborne Colours: DARK BLUE, PINK hoops, Breeder: Mme L. Gagneux & Mlle M. Montauban chevrons on sleeves, DARK BLUE cap.

Sponsor: Coral Racing Limited Form: 50-544P

Harry Cobden

HHH Effective at 2m5f but best form in staying chases at about 3m on heavy/good to soft, so conditions shouldn’t have been a problem at Sandown last month when pulled up; now has something to prove.

Official BHA Rating 132

4 A N OT H E R C R I C K (G B ) ( 2 2 ) B g Arcadio (GER) - Suetsu (IRE) (Toulon) Owner: Mr David Sewell Trainer: Noel Williams, Blewbury Breeder: Derwent Dene Farm Sponsor: Happiness Lab

Paddy Brennan

Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 9 Colours: YELLOW, RED spots.

Form: 211/-246

HHHHH Suited by good and soft; progressive at up to 2m4f in 2018-19 but missed last winter; has shown he retains plenty of ability since his return in December and while he couldn’t pick up when needed at Newbury recently he kept on well enough in a more competitive race; has a part to play here.

Official BHA Rating 132

5

AWA K E AT M I D N I G H T ( G B ) ( 2 9 )

B g Midnight Legend - Wakeful (Kayf Tara) Owner: Mrs Charles Lloyd-Baker Trainer: Philip Hobbs, Minehead Breeder: C. G. M. Lloyd-Baker

Horse Age: 9 Weight: 11 7 Colours: PURPLE and WHITE (halved), sleeves reversed, LIGHT BLUE cap.

Form: 42/5-012

HHHH In excellent form since blinkers fitted, winning by a wide margin at Huntingdon and giving it plenty when runner-up to a dashing front-runner at Kempton last month (2m4f, good); up a further 3lb but this slightly stiffer test promises to suit and he is a lot more solid than most.

Official BHA Rating 130

4 4 R A C I N G PA G E S

Richard Johnson

5 6

D E F I S AC R E ( F R ) ( 2 3 )

B g Network (GER) - Iowa Sacree (FR) (Trebrook (FR)) Owner: Mr I. Wills Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 2 Trainer: Richard Hobson, Little Rissington Colours: RED, DARK GREEN chevron, Breeder: Jean-Francois Magnien LIGHT BLUE cap, DARK GREEN diamonds.

Form: 2U3333

James Best

HHH Some good efforts at about 2m this winter but he needs improvement for the return to further (unseated over 2m4f in November) and didn’t seem a thorough stayer at this sort of trip over hurdles; sometimes wears cheekpieces but not today.

Official BHA Rating 125

7

D UST I N D E S M OT T E S ( F R ) (1 5 )

B g Kapgarde (FR) - Puszta des Mottes (FR) (Useful (FR)) Owner: Steve Mace, Paul Whilock & Mark Hammond Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 2 Trainer: Sarah-Jayne Davies, Leominster Colours: RED, WHITE Cross of Lorraine, WHITE and Breeder: E.A.R.L. Ecurie Des Mottes RED chevrons on sleeves, RED and WHITE hooped cap.

Sponsor: Moorland Walling & Landscape Contractors Form: 3-2036U

William Kennedy

H Four jumps wins in France; ran well in a chase here two winters ago and isn’t badly treated on his best form at 2m4f in Britain but form tailed off for Dr Richard Newland and well beaten on debut for new yard before unseating five out at Sandown this month; others are higher up the list.

Official BHA Rating 125

8

M YST I CA L C LO U DS ( I R E ) (85 )

Gr g Cloudings (IRE) - Silent Valley (Forzando) Owner: Mr A.Campbell Trainer: John Butler, Newmarket Breeder: William Hubbert

Jack Quinlan

Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 0 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, PINK epaulets, hooped sleeves and star on cap.

Form: 441-465

HHH Best form when winning 2m4f chase at Kempton (good to soft) for Alan King last February; back on the same mark here and while he hasn’t gone on from an encouraging debut for this yard in October, he has had excuses; conditions here will suit and he is not ruled out.

Official BHA Rating 123 Blinkers worn by No. 5. Tongue Strap worn by No. 1, 2, 3, 6.

Stewards Note: HIGHEST SUN: Following its run on 18/2/2021 it was reported that the horse erred badly at the second last.

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45

5 RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST:

9-4 Awake At Midnight (GB), 5-1 Another Crick (GB), 13-2 Marracudja (FR), Deauville Dancer (IRE), Defi Sacre (FR), 7-1 Highest Sun (FR), 8-1 Mystical Clouds (IRE), 16-1 Dustin des Mottes (FR)

4 6 R A C I N G PA G E S

NEW ERA FOR JUMP MARES

CLICK HERE TO SEE ROKSANA’S STYLISH SUCCESS IN THE GRADE 2 WARFIELD MARES’ HURDLE

Honeysuckle’s landmark victory in the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this month cemented her place in racing history as one of the all-time great jump horses. Her unblemished race record has earned her legions of fans - both within the racing community and the wider public – effectively making her the ‘poster girl’ for jump mare ownership. However, this superb British-bred mare was purchased as an unraced three-year-old for only €9,500 less than two years before her first Grade 1 victory.

Honeysuckle is not alone; jump mares are entering a new era, with many more in training and successfully campaigning on the racecourse, including at Ascot, where the feature mares race of the season is the Grade 2 Warfield Mares’ Hurdle. Astute trainers, agents and owners have taken note of industry initiatives and capitalised on the changes by diversifying their focus and investing in mares.

Bryan Mayoh, TBA National Hunt Committee Chairman and breeder of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John, discusses the situation…

Why now? What are the benefits of owning a jump mare?

Purchasing or leasing a mare really is the best approach to Jump ownership. Mares can enter all the same races as geldings with the benefit of the sex allowance that has helped the likes of Honeysuckle, Apple’s Jade and Annie Power beat the boys in recent years. They can also compete against their own sex in over 300 mares races each year, including 36 in which valuable Black-Type can be won. There is also the Great British Bonus (GBB), which offers a potential prize of £20,000 each time a British-bred / sired mare wins one of over 200 eligible races.

48 NEW ERA FOR JUMP MARES

Finally, when mares retire from racing, they can enjoy a second career at stud: your mare might have a significant resale value as a broodmare; you might retain her and become a breeder yourself, enjoying the camaraderie of other breeders striving to produce a champion and celebrating success at the TBA’s annual Jump Breeders’ Awards Dinner; you can visit her in the paddocks and follow her progeny on the racecourse. You might even obtain free or heavily discounted nominations to British jump stallions if your mare is rated 130 or more, via the TBA Elite Mares Scheme. The TBA has been actively involved in promoting all these initiatives, with tremendous support from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Levy Board, and they have transformed the situation for jump mares.

Is there still room for growth in terms of race opportunities and numbers of mares in training?

Despite all that has happened we are still in the ‘lift-off’ stage when it comes to enjoying mares as jump racehorses. Half the horses born are female but only around 25% of those running in jump races are. As more mares are put into training the BHA will increase the opportunities for them, in terms of mares races in general and Black-Type opportunities in particular. Due to the enhanced mares racing programme, the large bonuses already being won under GBB and the high-profile successes of such as Honeysuckle, prices for jump mares have risen – but they are still well below the levels reached by geldings of similar potential.

Are there other reasons why buying and racing mares is a good thing to do?

The past situation in which half of the horses produced for jump racing were not regarded as suitable racing prospects was bad for the competitiveness of the racing programme, damaging to the financial well-being of breeders and harmful to the development of the breed, for which breeding from mares of proven racing ability is an important aspect of selection. The increased encouragement to race mares, championed by the BHA and the TBA, have addressed all these problems - but we need to keep reminding everyone of the benefits of racing jump mares so they stay addressed.

Any closing words?

There is no better time to choose a mare, unless you have ready access to a time-machine that to the day Honeysuckle was offered as a foal (unsold) or three-year-old (€9,500). There is a great programme of mares races as well as all those in which geldings can compete; the Great British Bonus offers fantastic incentives for those nominated to the scheme; and at the end of her career you may have a valuable prospective broodmare to sell – or better still, keep to breed for yourself so that you can see her offspring win in your colours in future years.

NEW ERA FOR JUMP MARES 49

SOMETHING T R U LY WO N D E R F U L W E D D I N G S AT A S C OT R AC E C O U R S E Renowned for its hospitality, Fine Dining and unequalled sense of style, Ascot’s heritage and prestige make it an inspirational setting for an outstanding occasion.

For a 2021 wedding brochure please call 0344 346 3611 or visit www.ascot.co.uk/wedding-venue

Elegance is an attitude Kate Winslet

Record collection

R AC E 6 3.55PM T H E B E R K S H I R E WO M E N ’ S A I D VETERANS’ HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (LEG 5 OF THE VETERANS CHASE SERIES)

RACE FINISH

RACE START

About three miles (2m 7f 180yds) (4,700 metres) For ten yrs old and upwards Total race value £21000. Owners Prize Money. Winner £8348; Second £4173; Third £2087; Fourth £1044; Fifth £521; Sixth £260. (Penalty Value £10926.30) See page 63 for conditions of this race.

Berkshire Women’s Aid will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and £100 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race.

No Horse

1

C R O S S PA R K ( G B ) ( 2 9 )

B g Midnight Legend - Blue Shannon (IRE) (Be My Native (USA)) Owner: Mrs Wendy Wesley Horse Age: 11 Weight: 11 12 Trainer: Caroline Bailey, Holdenby Colours: RED and BLACK (quartered), Breeder: W. W. & Mrs J. E. Dennis diamonds on sleeves.

Sponsor: Caroline Bailey Racing Form: P-2222P D

Jockey Harry Skelton

HHHH Running another big race in last month’s Eider before pulled up sharply late on after losing his action (treated for post-race stress); unlucky not to have won a race this season, having previously been denied by no more than a length in Class 2 handicaps from 2m7f to 3m5f; being handicapped to the hilt is the problem.

Official BHA Rating 150

2

PRESENT MAN (IRE) (22)

B g Presenting - Glen’s Gale (IRE) (Strong Gale) Owner: Mr & Mrs Mark Woodhouse Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Breeder: Kenneth Parkhill Sponsor: Morson Group

Bryony Frost

Horse Age: 11 Weight: 11 6 Colours: DARK GREEN, YELLOW cross belts, diabolo on sleeves.

Form: P/P-1600 C D

HHH Edged out Crosspark in a similar event at Chepstow (2m7f, good) on reappearance and, off the same mark, he’s weighted to confirm those places; nothing to shout about since, though, and he was below-par at Newbury last time after a break (usually goes well fresh).

Official BHA Rating 144

3

W E S T A P P R OAC H ( G B ) ( 2 2 )

B g Westerner - Ardstown (Ardross) Owner: John and Heather Snook Trainer: Colin Tizzard, Sherborne Breeder: R. F. and S. D. Knipe Sponsor: Coral Racing Limited

Harry Cobden

Horse Age: 11 Weight: 11 5 Colours: ORANGE, BLACK triple diamond, chevrons on sleeves.

Form: P-24P46

HHH Ran well when close behind Activial at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) on penultimate run but down the field at Newbury after a mixed round of jumping; on a dangerous mark if everything falls right.

Official BHA Rating 143

4 GALA BALL (IRE) (22)

B g Flemensfirth (USA) - Nuit des Chartreux (FR) (Villez (USA)) Owner: Mrs Janet Gibbs Horse Age: 11 Weight: 11 3 Trainer: Philip Hobbs, Minehead Colours: EMERALD GREEN, Breeder: Thomas James PURPLE cross belts, PURPLE cap.

Sponsor: Philip Hobbs Racing Form: 14-25P0

Richard Johnson

HHHH Unlike him to run badly at Newbury last time (excellent record there; made a bad early mistake) but it was in the Greatwood Gold Cup and the previous two handicaps he contested were also strong affairs; all his best form is at up to 2m4f but perhaps he could do with a longer trip these days and his second in November off 6lb higher shows that he’s no back number; blinkers that returned last time are persevered with (has finished second in them).

Official BHA Rating 141

5

AC T I V I A L ( F R ) ( 3 2 )

Gr g Lord du Sud (FR) - Kissmirial (FR) (Smadoun (FR)) Owner: Mr R. S. Brookhouse Horse Age: 11 Weight: 11 0 Trainer: Tom George, Slad Colours: LIGHT BLUE, PINK chevrons, Breeder: Mr Francis Maze LIGHT BLUE sleeves, LIGHT BLUE cap, PINK star.

Sponsor: HBA Media Form: 3U6P-F3

HHHHH More bad days than good ones during the last two years but still has flashes of useful form and, after dropping in the weights, he ran better in one of these races at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) a month ago; that was more like it and his last win came under Tom Scudamore.

Official BHA Rating 138

5 2 R A C I N G PA G E S

Tom Scudamore

6 6

OUTLANDER (IRE) (382)

Sam

Twiston-Davies B g Stowaway - Western Whisper (IRE) (Supreme Leader) Owner: Gowing’s Eleven Horse Age: 13 Weight: 10 13 Trainer: Richard Spencer, Newmarket Colours: MAROON, WHITE cross belts, LIGHT BLUE Breeder: Ronnie O’Neill sleeves, MAROON stars, MAROON and LIGHT BLUE Sponsor: Rebel Racing Ltd, Direct Commercial Ltd quartered cap.

Form: 440/3P6- D

HH High class when owned by Gigginstown but not in the same form since crossing the Irish Sea, albeit in the face of tough assignments; this is a further rung down the ladder but he’s 13 now and others have more about them. Official BHA Rating 137

7

R O YA L VA C AT I O N ( I R E ) ( 3 6 )

B g King’s Theatre (IRE) - Summer Break (IRE) (Foxhound (USA)) Owner: Mrs Jean R. Bishop Horse Age: 11 Weight: 10 11 Trainer: Colin Tizzard, Sherborne Colours: ROYAL BLUE, PINK star on body Breeder: Tim Hegarty and cap, ROYAL BLUE sleeves, PINK stars.

Sponsor: Coral Racing Limited Form: 53P4P-5 D

Paddy Brennan

HHH Lurks on a dangerous mark even on the best of his form in the last two seasons, which includes one win and a third off 9lb higher in the Badger Ales Chase at Wincanton; last three races leave him with something to prove, though conditions were desperately tiring on his recent return from a year out; return of blinkers no bad thing.

Official BHA Rating 135

8

S I N G L E FA R M PAY M E N T ( G B ) ( 2 2 )

B g Milan - Crevamoy (IRE) (Shardari) Owner: Mr N T Griffith & H M Haddock Trainer: Henry Oliver, Abberley Breeder: Distillery Stud Sponsor: Hatt Kitchens

A. P. Heskin

Horse Age: 11 Weight: 10 6 Colours: DARK BLUE, PINK hoop, PINK sleeves, DARK BLUE armlets, PINK cap.

Form: 440-455 D

HHH Too well handicapped to dismiss with comfort but that’s been said a few times since his last win, in 2016; hasn’t really threatened this season despite odds of 9-2 or shorter and Newbury last time (3m2f) was underwhelming.

Official BHA Rating 130 Blinkers worn by No. 4, 7. Blinkers, Tongue Strap worn by No. 2.

Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 3, 6.

Stewards Note: CROSSPARK: Following its run on 27/2/2021 it was reported that the horse lost its action.

A S C O T R E S U LT ST

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53

6 RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST:

4-1 Crosspark (GB), Activial (FR), 5-1 Gala Ball (IRE), Singlefarmpayment (GB), 6-1 West Approach (GB), Royal Vacation (IRE), 8-1 Present Man (IRE), 20-1 Outlander (IRE)

5 4 R A C I N G PA G E S

T H E STAG E I S YO U R S C R E AT E YO U R P L AT F O R M F O R S U CC E S S Raise the bar by hosting your meeting, training session, away day, conference or exhibition in an inspiring setting like no other.

NEW! ‘Live Stage’ Studio and Green Screen technology for virtual/hybrid events. events@ascot.co.uk | 0344 346 3611 | ascot.co.uk/covid-secure

IT’S ON

M AY R AC I N G W E E K E N D F R I DAY 8 T H A N D S AT U R DAY 9 T H M AY

The Flat season heats up as newcomers and old-favourites compete at Ascot for the final time ahead of the Royal Meeting.

The Victoria Cup and Buckhounds Stakes provide valuable prizes and crucial pointers ahead of Royal Ascot in June.

Visit ascot.co.uk

THE PETER O’SULLEVAN 2021 LAMBOURN

VIRTUAL OPEN DAY GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 2ND

JOIN US FOR THE 2021 PETER O’SULLEVAN LAMBOURN VIRTUAL OPEN DAY • 360-degree stable tours • Silent Auction and Raffle • Series of ahort films ADVERTISE ON THE WEBSITE Call Sandra Nolan on 07887 505211

SILENT AUCTION If you would like to donate an item please call 07880 734756

INTERACTIVE STABLE TOURS Take a look at the trainer pages for a 360o

The 2021 Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day will be a virtual one. It is planned to have all the trainers’ pages, the silent auction and raffle on site by March 26.

The videos will not be on until the start of Good Friday, April 2nd. The closing dates for the Silent Auction and the raffle will be decided shortly.

The main content of the site will be left on until April 2022, just before a hopefully proper Open Day on next year’s Good Friday.

Each trainer will have a page with a 360-degree stable tour, with horses of interest listed. There will be a Silent Auction and a Raffle with some great prizes, and some interesting articles.

All of this will be viewable on this site a few days before April 2nd.

From Good Friday onwards on this site, there will be some 6-7 short films with interviews about Lambourn and racing.

There will be no charge to see everything on site. However, when everything is up and running, we do hope that you might be generous and donate via the Donate buttons, and/or support the Silent Auction and Raffle.

The money raised will go towards helping our hard-working Racing Staff and their families. Depending on the amount raised, we may also donate to The Thames Valley Air Ambulance and other needy Lambourn based organisations, as we do in normal years.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE

R AC E 7 4.30PM T H E P E T E R O ’ S U L L E VA N L A M B O U R N V I R T UA L O P E N DAY OPEN HUNTERS’ STEEPLE CHASE

(CLASS 5)

About three miles (2m 7f 180yds) (4,700 metres) For five yrs old and upwards Total race value £5000. Owners Prize Money. Winner £2087; Second £1044; Third £522; Fourth £261. (Penalty Value £2723) HC

RACE FINISH

RACE START

Bold Form Figures Indicate Point-to-Point Form

See page 63 for conditions of this race.

Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and £100 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race.

No Horse

1

A LCA L A ( F R ) ( 2 5 )

Gr g Turgeon (USA) - Pail Mel (FR) (Sleeping Car (FR)) Owner: Owners Group 016 Horse Age: 11 Weight: 12 6 Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Colours: MAUVE, BLACK chevrons Hunt: Blackmore & Sparkford Vale on sleeves, BLACK cap.

Sponsor: Owners Group Form: F120-21 D

Jockey Harry Cobden

HHHHH Useful; has been sent up to Musselburgh (3m2f) for his two starts this term, justifying odds-on favouritism last time; again has the best chance at the weights, even allowing that he’s carrying an 8lb penalty.

Official BHA Rating 137

2

M AG N A S A M ( G B ) ( 6 6 )

B g Black Sam Bellamy (IRE) - Angie Marinie (Sabrehill (USA)) Owner: Mr S. Price Horse Age: 7 Weight: 12 2 Trainer: G. Slade-Jones, Kington Colours: EMERALD GREEN, YELLOW triple diamond, Hunt: Radnor & West Hereford EMERALD GREEN and BLACK striped sleeves, YELLOW and BLACK quartered cap. Form: 10/21P-P D

Ben Jones (3)

HHH Fortunate at Ludlow (hunter chase debut) in January 2020, having been gifted the race when two rivals (including likely winner Alcala) departed two out; pulled up in two starts since; something to prove.

Official BHA Rating 110

3

STRAIDNAHANNA (IRE) (26)

Gr g Medaaly - Sue’s Song (Alflora (IRE)) Owner: Mr Anthony Ward-Thomas Trainer: Anthony Ward-Thomas, Hawkley Hunt: Hampshire

Tom Cannon

Horse Age: 12 Weight: 11 12 Colours: WHITE, RED sleeves, WHITE and RED check cap.

Form: P3531-P D

HHH Good handicap chaser in the north when with Sue Smith and has also been successful during two spells in the Irish point-to-point scene; however, pulled up at Leicester on debut for this stable.

Official BHA Rating 114

4 TA N I T R I V E R ( I R E ) ( 2 8 )

Br g Indian River (FR) - Tanit Lady (IRE) (Presenting) Owner: Mr J. T. Phillips Horse Age: 11 Weight: 11 12 Trainer: R. Llewellyn, Cowbridge Colours: MAROON, YELLOW triple diamond Hunt: Llangeinor Pentyrch and sleeves, quartered cap.

D Form: 0P0/4P-U

Alan Johns

HHHH Fairly useful for Tim Vaughan and showed he retains plenty of ability on hunter chase debut at Fontwell (3m2f) where he was in the process of running well when unseating two out; worthy of respect.

Official BHA Rating 122

5

T E E TO N S U R P R I S E (G B ) ( 3 3 )

B g Black Sam Bellamy (IRE) - Teeton Priceless (Broadsword (USA)) Owner: Ms Judy Tice Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 12 Trainer: Jennifer Mason, Cirencester Colours: GREEN, YELLOW yoke, Hunt: V.W.H. quartered cap.

Form: 11P-663 D

HHH Modest form (RPR 97) in hunter chases on soft/heavy, well-held third at Wetherby latest; however, he may improve on this forecast faster ground having gained his point wins on good; cheekpieces fitted.

Official BHA Rating -

5 8 R A C I N G PA G E S

Alexander Thorne (5)

7 Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 5.

Tongue Strap worn by No. 1, 3, 4.

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BETTING FORECAST:

4-9 Alcala (FR), 4-1 Tanit River (IRE), 12-1 Straidnahanna (IRE), Teeton Surprise (GB), 16-1 Magna Sam (GB)

R A C I N G PA G E S

59

ASCOT’S SPONSORS Ascot would like to thank all our 2021 sponsors

O F F I C I A L PA R T N E R S QIPCO, Longines

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS AND SPONSORS Betfred, Dubai Duty Free, Fenwick, Fever-Tree, Garrard, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, Harrogate Water, Lavazza, Moët & Chandon, Pernod Ricard UK, Porsche, Sodexo, Stella Artois

R AC E S P O N S O R S Alvarium

Fortnum & Mason

Molton Brown London

Mrs Anne Cowley

Foundation Developments Ltd

Nick Miles Esq

The Anders Foundation

Gallagher Re

A Garden for All Seasons

Geotech Soil Stabilisation Ltd (Trading as GEOBIND®)

Pennyhill Park

GL events UK

PGIM Real Estate

Irish Thoroughbred Marketing

Property Raceday

Ascot Underwriting Ltd bet365 Betfair Byrne Group Plc Canaccord Genuity Ltd Carey Group Plc Champagne Jacquart Chanelle Pharma Chapel Down Charbonnel et Walker

John Guest Racing Ltd Keeneland

The October Club

The Royal Foresters Ruddy Joinery &

Kelly Group

Fit-Out Specialists

Knights

Savills

Les Ambassadeurs Casino

Signature Capital

Lexicon Recruitment Ltd Liontrust LondonMetric Property Plc

Sky Bet Tattersalls Thames Materials

Close Brothers Property Finance Limited

Long Harbour

CMS

Mar-Key Group

Coral

Matchbook

Crown Designs

McGee Group Ltd

European Breeders Fund

Merriebelle Stable

Wood & Wood Signs

eventmasters.co.uk

Millgate

The Wooldridge Group

The Vent Family UK Tote Group Ltd Veolia

ASCOT’S SPONSORS

61

TODAY’S OFFICIALS A S C OT A U T H O R I T Y (HOLDINGS) L I M I T E D B OA R D

A S C OT R AC E C O U R S E L I M I T E D B OA R D

S T E WA R D S

Doctors Roger Goulds, Peter Johnson, John Heathcock, Guy Mitchell Commentator Richard Hoiles Equine Welfare and Integrity Officers Vincent McKevitt Lisa Cook Steve Fox Carol Broodbank Veterinary Officer Amy Hawthorn

Sir Francis Brooke Bt. (Chairman and Her Majesty’s Representative) Lady Celina Carter Guy Davison Guy Henderson Ian McGregor CVO Harry Morley Nick Smith Alastair Warwick

Steve Drowne (Chief Steward) Lucinda Cavendish (Stewards’ Panel Chair) Bethany Dowswell, Cody Watkins, Richard Westropp

OFFICIALS

Starters William Jardine Kieran O’Shea Clerk of the Scales Graham Ford Judge Emily Jones

Guy Henderson (Chief Executive Officer) Ian McGregor CVO Jonathan Parker Nick Smith Alastair Warwick

A S C OT R AC E C O U R S E BETTING & GAMING L I M I T E D B OA R D Guy Henderson (Executive Chairman) Alastair Warwick (Managing Director) Ian McGregor CVO Nigel Payne Nick Smith

Veterinary Surgeons Svend Kold, DrMedVet, CUEW, RFP, MRCVS, RCVS Specialist in Equine Surgery (Orthopaedics) Bobby McEwen, BVSc, MRCVS Simon Knapp LVO, BVetMed, BSc, MRCVS Clive Hamblin, BVetMed, MRCVS Director of Racing and Public Affairs Nick Smith Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels

RACE CONDITIONS First Race 1.00 - THE SKY SPORTS RACING CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £5173 to the winning horse The second to receive £2383, the third £1191, the fourth £596, the fifth £350, the sixth £350 and the seventh £350. for four yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-140 (also open to such horses rated 141 and 142 - see Standard Conditions). £47 stake if the horse is rated 114 or higher, or £9 stake if the horse is rated 113 or lower with £38 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 26th. Penalties, after March 20th, 2021, for each hurdle race won 7lb. To be ridden by Conditional Jockeys, Overseas Jockeys eligible under Rule (B)42 and Professional Jockeys eligible to claim a weight allowance under paragraph 53 of the Weights and Handicapping Code Allowances: Jockeys who, prior to March 25th, 2021, have not ridden more than 20 such winners 3lb Jockeys who have not ridden more than 10 such winners 5lb Jockeys who have not ridden more than 5 such winners 7lb (Only one of these allowances may be claimed and wins in any races run under the Rules of Racing or the Rules of a recognised Racing Authority will count) Jockeys riding for their own stables allowed, in addition 3lb.

SKY SPORTS RACING will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, a £100 cash prize will be awarded to the stable employee responsible for the best turned out horse in this race. 16 entries at £47. - Closed March 22nd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £3964; Second £1983; Third £991; Fourth £496; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280.

(Penalty Value £5173.70) Weights raised 1lbs and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. A SEE PAGE 14 FOR THIS RACE. Second Race 1.35 - THE PARENTS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER (PACT) MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £3267 to the winning horse The second to receive £1505, the third £752 and the fourth £376. for maiden four yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, March 22nd and pay £30 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 26th. Weights: 4-y-o 10st 8lb; 5-y-o and up 11st 2lb Fillies and mares allowed 7lb. ASCOT RACECOURSE will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, a £100 cash prize will be presented to the stable employee in charge of the horse judged to be the best turned out. 14 entries at £30. - Closed March 22nd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £2504; Second £1252; Third £626; Fourth £313. (Penalty Value £3267.60) SEE PAGE 22 FOR THIS RACE.

6 2 T O D AY ’ S O F F I C I A L S

Third Race 2.10 - THE AGE CONCERN BRACKNELL NOVICES’ HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £14568 to the winning horse The second to receive £6697, and the third £3348. for novice five yrs old and upwards. £140 stake if the horse is rated 119 or higher, or £28 stake if the horse is rated 118 or lower with £112 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 26th.

Penalties, after March 20th, 2021, for each steeple chase won 6lb. Ascot Racecourse will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, a £100 cash prize will be presented to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race. PLEASE NOTE: A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if, up to and including the Saturday prior to closing, it has run a minimum of three times in Steeple Chases in Great Britain, Ireland or France or, having run in two such races, has been placed in the first four on each occasion, in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Weights and Handicapping Code 11 entries at £140. - Closed March 22nd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £11130; Second £5564; Third £2783. (Penalty Value £14568.40) Weights raised 8lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

SEE PAGE 28 FOR THIS RACE. Fourth Race 2.45 - THE BETFRED JUVENILE HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £15609 to the winning horse The second to receive £7176, the third £3588, the fourth £1794, the fifth £897 and the sixth £447. for juvenile four yrs old. £150 stake if the horse is rated 115 or higher, or £30 stake if the horse is rated 114 or lower with £120 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 26th. Penalties, after March 20th, 2021, for each hurdle race won 6lb. BETFRED will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, a £100 cash prize will be awarded to the person responsible for the best turned out horse in this race. The British Horseracing Authority’s Development Fund has generously contributed £7500 towards the prize money for this race. PLEASE NOTE: A novice or juvenile horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if it has run a minimum of three times in Hurdle Races in Great Britain, Ireland or France in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Weights and Handicapping Code 20 entries, 2 at £30 and 18 at £150. - Closed March 22nd, 2021. Owners Prize Money.

Winner £11925; Second £5961; Third £2982; Fourth £1491; Fifth £744; Sixth £372. (Penalty Value £15609) Weights raised 8lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

SEE PAGE 36 FOR THIS RACE. Fifth Race 3.20 - THE BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £6535 to the winning horse The second to receive £3010, the third £1504, the fourth £753, the fifth £350, the sixth £350, the seventh £350 and the eighth £350. for five yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-135 (also open to such horses rated 136 and 137 - see Standard Conditions). £60 stake if the horse is rated 109 or higher, or £12 stake if the horse is rated 108 or lower with £48 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 26th. Penalties, after March 20th, 2021, for each steeple chase won 7lb. Ascot will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and award a cash prize of £100 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse. 14 entries at £60. - Closed March 22nd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £5008; Second £2504; Third £1252; Fourth £626; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280. (Penalty Value £6535.20) Weights lowered 2lb.

SEE PAGE 44 FOR THIS RACE. Sixth Race 3.55 - THE BERKSHIRE WOMEN’S AID VETERANS’ HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (Leg 5 of The Veterans Chase Series) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £10926 to the winning horse The second to receive £5023, the third £2511, the fourth £1255, the fifth £627 and the sixth £312. for ten yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-150 (also open to such horses rated 151 and 152 - see Standard Conditions). £105 stake if the horse is rated 124 or higher, or £21 stake if the horse is rated 123 or lower with £84 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 26th. Penalties, after March 20th, 2021, for each steeple chase won 6lb. Ascot Racecourse will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and award a cash prize of £100 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse.

All horses which have Started in this race, as defined in the Rules of Racing, will be eligible to enter THE VETERANS’ STEEPLE CHASE FINAL, to be run over a distance of three miles about half a furlong at Sandown Park on January 8th, 2022.

In the event of the abandonment of a qualifying race, any horse which had been declared to run in that race under the provisions of Rule (F)89, or any horse entered to run in that race if the time of abandonment was prior to the declaration stage, will be qualified to enter the Final. Any horse which has been eliminated from a qualifying race will also be eligible, subject to the Rules of Racing, to enter the Final. PLEASE NOTE: A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if, up to and including the Saturday prior to closing, it has run a minimum of three times in Steeple Chases in Great Britain, Ireland or France or, having run in two such races, has been placed in the first four on each occasion, in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Weights and Handicapping Code 15 entries, 2 at £21 and 13 at £105. - Closed March 22nd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £8348; Second £4173; Third £2087; Fourth £1044; Fifth £521; Sixth £260. (Penalty Value £10926.30) SEE PAGE 52 FOR THIS RACE. Seventh Race 4.30 - THE PETER O’SULLEVAN LAMBOURN VIRTUAL OPEN DAY OPEN HUNTERS’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £2723 to the winning horse The second to receive £1254, the third £627 and the fourth £314. for five yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, March 22nd and pay £25 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. March 26th. Weights: 5-y-o 11st 11lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 12lb Mares allowed 7lb Penalties, after 2018, a winner of a steeple chase 4lb Of 2 steeple chases or of a Class 1 to Class 3 steeple chase 8lb (Half penalties for wins achieved in Novices’ and Maiden Hunters’ Steeple Chases in Great Britain or Ireland) NB: With reference to the 8lb penalty for at least two Chase wins, a horse may only claim a half penalty if all wins were in Novice or Maiden Hunters’ Steeple Chases. To be ridden by Professional Jockeys. Ascot Racecourse will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition a cash prize of £100 will be awarded to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse.

9 entries at £25. - Closed March 22nd, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £2087; Second £1044; Third £522; Fourth £261.

(Penalty Value £2723) HC SEE PAGE 58 FOR THIS RACE.

R AC E C O N D I T I O N S

63

THE ASCOT ENQUIRY Noel Fehily Noel Fehily tallied up an incredible array of wins throughout his career as a jockey, including both the coveted Ascot Chase with Silviniaco Conti in 2016 and the Clarence House Chase with our RoR featured horse Dodging Bullets in 2015.

Upon retirement Noel continues to use his racing knowledge and skills to run Noel Fehily Racing, a racing syndication business he started up with his close friend and weighing room colleague David Crosse. Their aim is to make racehorse ownership available to more individuals and the team has already tasted success with a winner at Cheltenham.

Ascot caught up with Noel to chat over his favourite memories, the guests he would like to dine with and who we should all be looking out for in the jockey ranks.

Your favourite Ascot memory?

Silviniaco Conti winning the Ascot Chase.

One horse you rode at Ascot that you would like to ride again and in which race?

Master Minded winning the 1965 Chase - he was awesome that day.

If you could pick an Ascot winner from the 2020/21 season to ride, which horse would you pick and why?

Paisley Park - he is such a favourite for everyone One fact about yourself that we might not know?

I used to be a musician.

You throw a dinner party - which four famous guests, dead or alive, would you invite? (does not have to be racing) Jamie Redknapp, Freddie Flintoff, James Corden and Romesh Ranganathan.

What career would you have chosen if you hadn’t become a jockey?

My valets used to say if I hadn’t been a jockey I would be sweeping the roads.

The best piece of advice you were given as a jockey?

Keep your head approaching an obstacle.

Name an up-and-coming jockey to look out for.

Kevin Brogan looks very good.

What do you miss most about your time in the saddle?

The winning feeling.

Hurdles or chase fences?

Chase fences.

64 T H E A SCOT E N Q U I RY

EXQUISITE

BE PART OF THE DR A M A

15 – 19 JUNE 2021

ROYAL ASCOT PRESENTS A RANGE OF BEAUTIFUL RESTAURANTS AND STUNNING FINE DINING EXPERIENCES. TICKET-INCLUSIVE PACKAGES FROM £277+VAT. MICHELIN-STARRED MENUS FROM £595+VAT. TICKETS FROM £32.

RATHLIN ROSE ( front cover)

Winner of the 2019 Sky Sports Racing Veterans’ Chase Jockey: Tom Scudamore

Trainer: David Pipe

Owner: Fergus Wilson Breeder: Cyril O’Hara

Ascot Racecourse Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JX +44 (0)344 346 3000 ascot.co.uk @Ascot