Ascot 31st October Racecard

O C T O B E R R A C E D AY Saturday 31st October 2020

THE WAIT ONLY ADDS TO THE DRAMA

15– 19 JUNE 2021

ON SALE NOW. BOOK BEFORE 5TH NOVEMBER FOR 2021 WHILE BEST PRICES ARE AVAILABLE. TICKETS FROM £29 AND FINE DINING PACKAGES FROM £277+VAT.

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME Welcome to the start of the Jumps season at Ascot.

When we ran Royal Ascot behind closed doors back in June, I don’t think any of us thought we would still be racing without crowds come the start of the winter sport.

Today would normally be one of our popular family days, with fireworks. We dearly look forward to welcoming the public back but in the meantime, are delighted to be hosting another exciting card on ITV and Sky Sports Racing.

Today’s highlight is the £80,000 Grade 3 Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase over three miles. Last year’s impressive winner Vinndication heads to Wetherby today for the Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase, where he will take on the highest-rated horse in training and Ascot favourite Cyrname, with connections of both horses seeking to explore Gold Cup possibilities.

Today’s renewal of the Sodexo Gold Cup features plenty of familiar names to get Jumps fans excited about the coming season including Black Corton, Blaklion, Might Bite, Mister Malarky and Walk In The Mill.

Sodexo, who we partner with on our hospitality wing, 1711 By Ascot, also support the preceding two mile Listed Handicap Hurdle with our grateful thanks.

Also sponsoring today are the UK Tote, who are backing four races on the card.

I encourage you to try the new “Survivor” bet which was launched as an on-course bet at Royal Ascot and is now being widely rolled out.

The outcome of the concluding tote.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat race may well be worth following in the future, with last year’s race throwing up the Grade 2 Dovecote Hurdle winner Highway One O Two and Third Time Lucki who was third in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. The 2018 running was won by the high-class Emitom and today we will see the exciting Arturus - a three-parts brother to the dual Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly make his debut. Our thanks go to the UK Tote and to our further race sponsors; Ascot Underwriting and Fever-Tree.

Sir Francis Brooke Bt. Her Majesty’s Representative & Chairman WELCOME 3

2020-21 JUMPS SEASON PREVIEW

CYRNAME (LEFT) GETS THE BETTER OF ALTIOR IN LAST YEAR’S RENEWAL OF THE GRADE 2 1965 CHASE

On a day’s racing that would usually be rounded off by a spectacular fireworks display, the new Jumps season at Ascot will nevertheless get underway with a resounding bang this afternoon – and there is much to look forward to throughout the 2020/21 campaign.

The second day of our next meeting (Saturday 21st November) features a pair of Grade 2 contests. The Coral Hurdle has has been won by numerous Champion Hurdlers in the past, including Dawn Run, Hardy Eustace, Annie Power and Faugheen. This year’s renewal could see the seasonal bow of the former Cheltenham Festival and Grade 1 winning-mare Laurina, an interesting new recruit to the championship yard of Paul Nicholls from Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins.

On the same card, The 1965 Chase is expected to act as an early-season target for a number of top staying chasers being primed for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Last year’s running saw the Nicholls-trained Cyrname end the 19-race unbeaten run of Nicky Henderson’s magnificent dual Champion Chaser Altior with an exemplary performance over fences. Britain’s highest-rated chaser heads to Wetherby for the Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase this afternoon, stepping up to three miles for the first time since his 2019 King George defeat to stablemate Clan Des Obeaux. We hope to welcome Cyrname back to Ascot - a course at which he has won three times - later this season.

The highlight of our two-day Christmas meeting is The Long Walk Hurdle on Saturday 19th December. As one of Britain’s most prestigious long-distance hurdle races, the Grade 1 has been claimed by many of the very best staying hurdlers including Baracouda, Big Buck’s, Thistlecrack and Paisley Park, all of whom landed the spoils en route to Cheltenham Festival glory in the Stayers’ Hurdle.

The previous day features a pair of novice contests, both of them interesting trials ahead of Cheltenham next March.

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2020-21 JUMPS SEASON PREVIEW

Quality racing continues to come thick and fast in the new year. Another valuable card on Saturday 23rd January is spearheaded by the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase, a high-class affair which should attract some of the most elite two-mile chasers in training. The race has been won by the likes of Desert Orchid, Sprinter Sacre, Sire De Grugy, Altior and the hugely popular three-time winner Un De Sceaux, who in the 2020 renewal finished second to Philip Hobbs’ stable star Defi Du Seuil in one of last season’s most hotly-anticipated clashes.

The card also includes a Grade 2 Mares’ Hurdle - registered as The Warfield - which in recent years has been won by Grade 1 winners Vroum Vroum Mag, Bitofapuzzle and La Bague Au Roi, as well as Grand National runner-up Magic Of Light, the winner of the last two renewals.

Saturday 20th February is likely to be one of the very last chances to see some of racing’s biggest names in action ahead of Cheltenham the following month. The Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase, run over 2m5f, is yet another seasonal highlight boasting an impressive roll of honour, previous winners including the brilliant Kauto Star, Cue Card, Silviniaco Conti and Cyrname.

The card also includes the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase, an important stepping stone to The Festival’s RSA Chase which has been won by many fine horses over the years, none more so than the great One Man in 1994. Last year’s edition was taken by the progressive Copperhead, who overcame testing conditions to seal a hat-trick of consecutive victories over fences, galloping home by 17 lengths. Colin Tizzard’s hugely exciting chaser lines up at Wetherby for the Grade 2 West Yorkshire Hurdle this afternoon before a tilt at the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury, a race for which he is currently second favourite.

Although racegoers will - for now - be unable to experience the action at the track itself, we hope you enjoy what promises to be a thrilling season packed with established stars and rising talent alike, and look forward to welcoming you back to Ascot in the future.

DEFI DU SEUIL (RIGHT) WAS AN IMPRESSIVE WINNER OF THE 2020 CLARENCE HOUSE CHASE FROM THREE-TIME WINNER OF THE GRADE 1 UN DE SCEAUX

2020-21 JUMPS SEASON PREVIEW 5

CONTENTS 03

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WELCOME

HOW TO READ THE RACING PAGES

A S H O RT H I S TO RY

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TO DAY ’ S SPONSORS

TODAY’S OFFICIALS

R AC E CONDITIONS

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

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PAGES 34-36

1st Race 12.15pm The tote.co.uk Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Race (GBB Race) (Div I)

5th Race 2.32pm The Fever-Tree Novices’ Hurdle Race (GBB Race)

This handicap hurdle for novice three-year-olds and upwards which have been rated from 0 to 120 is run over two miles and about three 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.

PAGES 16-18

2nd Race 12.47pm The tote.co.uk Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Race (GBB Race) (Div II)

This is the second division of Race 1. Some races can often prove very popular with owners and trainers and as a result, more horses are declared to run than the official safety limit allows for. To avoid horses being denied a run, which is obviously disappointing for connections, the British Horseracing Authority allows the race to be split into two divisions, with each contest carrying identical race conditions.

PAGES 22-24

3rd Race 1.20pm The Ascot Underwriting Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase (GBB Race)

This steeple chase for novice four-year-olds and upwards which have been rated from 0 to 140 is run over two miles and about three furlongs. To qualify for a handicap 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 140 in this particular race would be required to carry 5lb more than a rival rated 135.

PAGES 28-30

4th Race 1.55pm The tote.co.uk Handicap Steeple Chase (Listed Race)

Listed races are high class and only bettered by a Grade 1, 2 or 3 contest. In effect, it is an intermediate level and many of the four-year-olds and upwards lining-up in this steeple chase run over two miles and about one furlong will be using the race as a springboard to possibly even better things.

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CONTENTS

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 two-mile novices’ hurdle is for horses aged four and upwards.

PAGES 40-42

6th Race 3.05pm The Sodexo Handicap Hurdle Race (Listed Race) (GBB Race)

Like the 1.55pm contest, this is a Listed race, although this particular handicap hurdle is to be run over two miles and has been designed for four-year-olds and upwards.

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 – 6lb in this race.

PAGES 44-46

7th Race 3.40pm The Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Steeple Chase (Grade 3) (GBB Race)

This Grade 3 contest is a three-mile handicap steeple chase for four-year-olds and upwards. The majority of handicaps are designed for horses from within a specific ratings band, but this particular race has no rating restrictions attached to it which allows horses with a higher rating to take part. Even so, the higher-rated horses must still concede weight to their lower-rated rivals, which tends to make open handicaps very competitive races.

PAGES 48-50

8th Race 4.17pm The tote.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (GBB Race)

As the title suggests, a National Hunt Flat Race, or ‘bumper’ as they are more commonly referred to, is a race that takes place without any fences or hurdles.

Designed for young horses that, it is presumed, will go jumping in time, only debutants or horses that have run in this type of race (or an Irish or French equivalent) are qualified to run. If they have previously run on the Flat or in hurdle races or steeple chases (except for point-to-points), they are barred from entry. This particular contest is restricted to horses aged four, five and six, and will be run over two 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 Weight: 11 7 Horse Age: 9 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 Official BHA Rating 175 over Christmas; beat Diego Du Charmil by 19l in latter and ought to extend his winning run.

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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 7

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 next 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 9

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15 – 19 JUNE 2021

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R AC E 1 1 2 .1 5 P M T H E TOT E .C O. U K C O N D I T I O N A L J O C K E Y S ’ N OV I C E S ’ H A N D I C A P H U R D L E R AC E ( C L A S S 4 ) ( D I V I ) ( 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 novice three yrs old and upwards Total race value £9400. Owners Prize Money. Winner £3962; Second £1313; Third £657; Fourth £328; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280.

(Penalty Value £5198.40) Weights raised 1lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. A See page 52 for conditions of this race.

tote 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 ELECTRON BLEU (FR) (247)

B g Saddex - Odyssee du Cellier (FR) (Dear Doctor (FR)) Owner: B Jones & Son Horse Age: 6 Weight: 12 2 Trainer: Tim Vaughan, Cowbridge Colours: BLACK and PINK stripes, Breeder: I. Pacault, A. Pacault & M. Pacault hooped sleeves, BLACK cap.

Form: 6P3622-

Jockey Charlie Price (3)

HHH Chase winner in France; with this trainer since early 2019; had wind surgery last December and returned with good second of six on soft ground at Newcastle (2m6f; front-running) and Ludlow (2m5f handicap; held up); should give his running but looks more exposed than some.

Official BHA Rating 122

2 ASK HENRY (IRE) (42) B g Ask - Miss Muppet (IRE) (Supreme Leader) Owner: Turf Club 2018 and Graeme McPherson Trainer: Graeme McPherson, Stow-On-The-Wold Breeder: Brittas House Stud Sponsor: Longcroft Building Services Ltd

Max Kendrick (3)

Horse Age: 7 Weight: 11 12 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, YELLOW striped sleeves, hooped cap.

Form: 431-324

HHH Sole win (11 starts) was three-runner maiden hurdle at Musselburgh in February when 4-6; stays 2m4f and acts on soft; three runs this July-September, with form dipping somewhat on latest start and he is now tongue tied first time; involved if back to his best but probably vulnerable to an improver.

Official BHA Rating 118

3 PIANISSIMO (GB) (27)

B g Teofilo (IRE) - Perfect Note (Shamardal (USA)) Owner: Mr Chris Butler Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 11 Trainer: Anthony Carson, Newmarket Colours: WHITE and RED stripes, BLACK Breeder: Godolphin sleeves, WHITE and RED quartered cap.

Sponsor: CJB Commissioning Services Ltd Form: 43

Graham Carson (7)

HHHH Useful stayer on the Flat; promise when switched to hurdles for minor honours at Uttoxeter (2m, good to soft) in August and this month; although his best form on the Flat has been on AW, he should bring potential to this handicap hurdle debut given the step up in trip.

Official BHA Rating 117

4 S O M E T I M E S A LWAY S ( I R E ) ( 3 0 7 ) B g Presenting - Noras Fancy (IRE) (Brian Boru) Owner: Mr S. J. Cox Trainer: Ian Williams, Alvechurch Breeder: Michael Dixon Sponsor: Tote

Jack Tudor

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 10 Colours: BLACK, BROWN stars, BLACK sleeves and cap.

Form: 544-

HHHH Significant ability and promise late last year in his bumper and two 2m3f hurdle races, the first two at this track and all three on good to soft or soft; Jack Tudor booked; one to note on handicap/seasonal debut.

Official BHA Rating 116

5 XC I TAT I O N S ( G B ) ( 1 5 ) B g Universal (IRE) - Bonnet’s Pieces (Alderbrook) Owner: G. Libson,D. Bayliss,T. Davies & P. Sly Trainer: Pam Sly, Peterborough Breeder: Mrs P. Sly Sponsor: Pam Sly Racing

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 9 Colours: DARK GREEN, WHITE chevrons, RED sleeves, DARK GREEN and WHITE hooped cap.

Form: 65F30-2

HHH Similar form over 2m4f in his last three starts, in handicaps last two occasions; no match for the impressive favourite at Fakenham (good; acts on soft) on recent reappearance but beat the other 11, so needs some respect as an in-form contender.

Official BHA Rating 115

1 2 R A C I N G PA G E S

Paul O’Brien

1 6 L E G R A N D F R O M AG E ( G B ) ( 3 1 ) B g Kayf Tara - Megalex (Karinga Bay) Owner: Galloping On The South Downs Partnership Trainer: Tom Lacey, Woolhope Breeder: Pleasure Palace Racing Sponsor: Plusbac

Jason Dixon (6)

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 9 Colours: MAUVE and BLACK (quartered), MAUVE sleeves, WHITE cap.

Form: 2P40-3

HHHH All five starts have been on soft ground; challenged in the straight on handicap debut at Newbury (2m4f, soft) in February only to fade into seventh; keeping-on third when next seen at Bangor (2m, soft) one month ago, which sees him back up in trip again today; well bred and early days, so he needs a second look despite requiring improvement.

Official BHA Rating 115

7 NO NO MAESTRO (IRE) (279) B g Mahler - Maisey Down (Rakaposhi King) Owner: Don Sebastiao Partnership Trainer: Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham Breeder: Michael Lacy Sponsor: Whiting Landscape Ltd

Connor Brace (3)

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 8 Colours: DARK BLUE, LIGHT BLUE chevron, chevrons on sleeves, LIGHT BLUE cap.

Form: 2460-

HHH Easily the pick of his four starts last season when fourth of 13 on hurdling debut at Plumpton (2m, heavy) one year ago; has left Oliver Sherwood; interesting to gauge market strength on this handicap debut for yard that’s already notched up so many wins this term.

Official BHA Rating 114

8 C O L L E G E OA K ( G B ) ( 3 3 )

Ch g Norse Dancer (IRE) - Katmai (IRE) (Bob Back (USA)) Owner: Radleian Society, L Lovell & P Stacey Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 7 Trainer: Jamie Snowden, Lambourn Colours: BLACK and MAUVE diabolo, Breeder: Donhead Stud MAUVE cap, BLACK diamond.

Sponsor: Betvictor Form: 2/124-15

Page Fuller (3)

HHH Reliable in his six starts, including winning a Sedgefield bumper (soft) and hard-fought success in Uttoxeter novice (2m4f, good to soft); creditable fifth of 13 on good ground at Newton Abbot last time but a return to softer today is a possible benefit.

Official BHA Rating 113

9 C A LV I N I S T ( G B ) ( 2 )

B g Holy Roman Emperor (IRE) - Sharp Relief (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)) Owner: Mr M. Roberts Horse Age: 7 Weight: 11 5 Trainer: Kevin Frost, Newark Colours: DARK BLUE, WHITE star, RED and WHITE Breeder: Fonthill Stud striped sleeves, DARK BLUE cap, WHITE stars.

Sponsor: Kevin Frost Racing Form: 20-3301

NON RUNNER

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Official BHA Rating 111

1 0 N O R T H E R N P O E T ( I R E ) ( 2 3 )

B g Yeats (IRE) - Crowning Virtue (IRE) (Jimble (FR)) Owner: The Hope Springs Syndicate Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 2 Trainer: Nick Gifford, Findon Colours: RED and YELLOW (quartered), Breeder: David Russell WHITE sleeves and cap.

Sponsor: Avtrade Limited Form: 1243-3

Tabitha Worsley

HHHHH Showed plenty of ability in three bumpers on Lingfield AW and promise when third in novice hurdles at Huntingdon (2m, soft) and Exeter (2m2f, good to firm); stable appears in good form and this opening mark should be manageable sometime soon, perhaps today.

Official BHA Rating 108

1 1 T O WA R D S T H E DAW N ( G B ) ( 2 5 5 ) B g Midnight Legend - Wakeful (Kayf Tara) Owner: Mrs Charles Lloyd-Baker Trainer: Ben Pauling, Bourton-on-the-Water Breeder: C. G. M. Lloyd-Baker Sponsor: Jeremy Houghton - Houghtonart

Luca Morgan (6)

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 10 13 Colours: PURPLE and WHITE (halved), sleeves reversed, LIGHT BLUE cap.

Form: 3/PF-

HHH Very green when third on debut at Ludlow in January 2019, off for 343 days afterwards; also showed ability at Doncaster (2m3f, soft) in February but faded markedly and late mistakes culminated in a fall at the last; far from the finished article in that campaign but could have potential.

Official BHA Rating 105 Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 2.

Blinkers worn by No. 3. Tongue Strap worn by No. 6.

2019: MASON JAR (FR) 5 11 3 Cillin Leonard 11-4 (Dr Richard Newland) 13 ran

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RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST: 5-1 Sometimes Always (IRE), 6-1 No No Maestro (IRE), Northern Poet (IRE), 7-1 Electron Bleu (FR), 8-1 Pianissimo (GB), Calvinist (GB), 9-1 Xcitations (GB), College Oak (GB), 10-1 Ask Henry (IRE), Le Grand Fromage (GB), 16-1 Towards The Dawn (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.

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

RACES 1, 2, 4 & 8

Tote are the UK’s pool betting operator and the creator of some of your favourite bets including the Placepot, Scoop6 and Jackpot. Founded by Winston Churchill in 1928, Tote are on a mission to bring pool betting back to the masses with better value, new bets, a revamped website and a brand new Placepot App. With the new Tote Guarantee you’ll always get at least SP and quite often even more. When you bet with the Tote, part of your stake goes back into funding racing. Sign up at Tote.co.uk for a £10 risk free first bet. T&Cs apply.

RACE 3

Ascot Underwriting is a Lloyd’s of London syndicate and a leading global specialty insurance underwriter. With a reputation for excellence, we offer our clients the expertise and security of a large insurer while maintaining a personal approach to their risks, delivering solutions where others fall short. ascotgroup.com

RACE 5

In 2005, Fever-Tree co-founders Charles Rolls and Tim Warrillow pioneered the premium mixer category, travelling to some of the most remote parts of the world to source the finest ingredients - including quinine from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ginger from the Ivory Coast, India and Nigeria, and lemons from the slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily. Fever-Tree products are served in the most prestigious venues across the world, from Claridge’s in London to Raffles in Singapore and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, as well as nine of the ten best restaurants in the world. fever-tree.com

RACES 6 & 7

Sodexo is the world’s largest services provider and the 19th largest employer worldwide. In the UK and Ireland, its 34,000 people deliver quality of life services to clients at some 1,850 locations in the corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, justice and defence sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, Sodexo delivers a range of services ranging from catering and hospitality, cleaning and reception to asset management, security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling clients to focus on their core business.

To find out more, visit www.uk.sodexo.com A SCOT S P O N SO R S 1 5

R AC E 2 12.47PM T H E TOT E .C O. U K C O N D I T I O N A L J O C K E Y S ’ N OV I C E S ’ H A N D I C A P H U R D L E R AC E ( C L A S S 4 ) ( D I V I I ) ( G B B R AC E )

RACE START

RACE FINISH

Two miles about three and a half furlongs (2m 3f 58yds) (3,800 metres) For novice three yrs old and upwards Total race value £9400. Owners Prize Money. Winner £3962; Second £1313; Third £657; Fourth £328; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280. (Penalty Value £5198.40) A See page 52 for conditions of this race.

tote 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 KNOWN (IRE) (290)

B g Fame And Glory - Aasleagh Lady (IRE) (Presenting) Owner: The Rose and Thistle Partnership Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 12 Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Lambourn Colours: LIGHT BLUE, RED star, LIGHT Breeder: Rollx Syndicate BLUE sleeves, RED stars.

Sponsor: Unibet Form: 4453-

Jockey Alfie Jordan (10)

HHHHH Flopped in his second Huntingdon novice hurdle but back to form when never-dangerous third to stable star Shishkin at Newbury (2m, heavy) in January latest; had earlier shown he stays an extended 2m3f on hurdle debut; of major interest on this handicap debut.

Official BHA Rating 119

2 S T R AW FA N J A C K ( G B ) ( 1 8 )

Gr g Geordieland (FR) - Callerlilly (Double Trigger (IRE)) Owner: Mr Graham Wilson Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 11 Trainer: Sheila Lewis, Brecon Colours: RED, WHITE stars, WHITE and Breeder: Whitegate Stud BLACK striped sleeves, BLACK cap, WHITE star.

Sponsor: Tote Form: 204P-F1

Sean Houlihan

HHH Held when falling at Bangor on reappearance but much improved to win ten-runner novice at Hereford (2m3f, good to firm; 25-1) two weeks later; further progress is needed on this handicap debut but he did the job in tidy style at Hereford. Official BHA Rating 118

3 RIGGS (IRE) (248) B g Mahler - Cousin Kizzy (IRE) (Toulon) Owner: Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates - Riggs Trainer: Dan Skelton, Alcester Breeder: Bernard McCabe

William Marshall (8)

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 9 Colours: RED, WHITE chevron, ROYAL BLUE sleeves, YELLOW stars, WHITE cap.

Form: 642-

HHHH Ran in a bumper and two hurdle races early in year, much improved when second at Market Rasen (soft) on step up to 2m4f on final start; changed hands since for £40,000; goes handicapping and should have more to offer.

Official BHA Rating 116

4 SC E N E N OT H E R D ( I R E ) ( 2 1)

B g Aizavoski (IRE) - Jessaway (IRE) (Dr Massini (IRE)) Owner: Swanee River Partnership Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 9 Trainer: Charlie Longsdon, Chipping Norton Colours: MAROON, PINK sleeves, Breeder: Michael and Fiona O’Connor DARK BLUE cap.

Sponsor: Tote Form: FP/13-41

Tom Buckley (6)

HHHH Irish maiden point winner; close fourth at Warwick (2m5f, good) on hurdling debut and made all in clearcut fashion at Hexham (2m4f, good to soft) three weeks ago; also showed plenty in a bumper on soft; promising handicap newcomer.

Official BHA Rating 116

5 C E LT I C J O Y ( I R E ) ( 2 3 )

B g Kayf Tara - No Time For Tears (IRE) (Celtic Swing) Owner: Hawksmoor Partnership Horse Age: 7 Weight: 11 8 Trainer: Emma Lavelle, Marlborough Colours: MAROON, WHITE chevron, Breeder: Mr S. Gorman striped sleeves and cap.

Sponsor: Hatherden Horse Transport Form: 2/2126-0

HHHH Backward steps in his last two handicap chases (February and October) but he did well last year over hurdles and on initial chase outings, with the latter form in particular reading well give his lower hurdles mark; not proven on worse than good to soft.

Official BHA Rating 115

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Lee Cosgrove (10)

2 6 SIR CANFORD (IRE) (24)

B g Canford Cliffs (IRE) - Alexander Divine (Halling (USA)) Owner: www.Select-Racing-Club.co.uk Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 8 Trainer: Ali Stronge, Eastbury Colours: MAROON, LIGHT BLUE sleeves, Breeder: Thomas Maher WHITE diamonds, WHITE cap, MAROON diamond.

Sponsor: Topspec Equine Ltd Form: 24-3

Jack Tudor

HH Dual 1m2f Flat winner (once on soft) at a modest level; may well be a bit better in this sphere, with minor honours on all three attempts and best form when third in maiden at Sedgefield last time, but he’s not as sure as some to be suited by this longer trip.

Official BHA Rating 115

7 FIFTY BALL (FR) (28)

B g Cokoriko (FR) - Voix de Montot (FR) (Voix du Nord (FR)) Owner: Mr Steven Packham Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 6 Trainer: Gary Moore, Horsham Colours: WHITE, RED stripe, Breeder: Mr J. Berger & Mr J. Lamborot diabolo on sleeves.

Sponsor: K M Elite Products Ltd Form: 4/511-32

Niall Houlihan (6)

HHH Won two French bumpers (1m4f/1m5f) last autumn; placed at Fontwell (2m1f/2m3f) in two novice hurdles this autumn, showing again last time that he acts on soft; goes handicapping and should still be capable of better. Official BHA Rating 113

8 FA Z AY T E ( F R ) ( 2 2 8 ) B g Spider Flight (FR) - Vakina (FR) (Arvico (FR)) Owner: Mrs C. Antcliff Trainer: Tom Symonds, Hentland Breeder: O. Roussel, S. Moisson & N. Moisson Sponsor: Gun Dog Gin Ltd

James Nixon

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 5 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, LIGHT GREEN hoop, LIGHT BLUE and YELLOW striped sleeves, YELLOW cap.

Form: 333/434-

HH Second favourite when fourth of eight on handicap debut at Wetherby (2m, soft) in March when last seen, showing improved form; needs better again and the new trip might offer something extra.

Official BHA Rating 112

9 D U H A L LOW L A D ( I R E ) ( 32 9) B g Papal Bull - Macca Luna (IRE) (Kahyasi) Owner: Burnham P & D Ltd Trainer: Alan Jones, Timberscombe Breeder: Hardys Of Kilkeel Ltd. Sponsor: Burnham Plastering & Drylining Ltd

Connor Brace

Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 2 Colours: DARK BLUE and RED (halved), DARK BLUE sleeves, WHITE cap.

Form: 2/54/415-

HHHH Cracking chance if judged on best efforts over fences, all registered in handicaps over about 2m3f on soft or heavy; all his starts over hurdles were in the winter of 2017/18, showing promise; has to be in calculations. Official BHA Rating 109

1 0 S I LV E R N I C K E L ( I R E ) ( 2 4 8 )

Gr g Gold Well - Cooper’s Rose (IRE) (Roselier (FR)) Owner: Mrs Deborah Potter Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 0 Trainer: Seamus Mullins, Amesbury Colours: WHITE, MAUVE stripe, Breeder: Patrick Doyle striped cap.

Sponsor: We Do Vans Form: 003/003-

Daniel Sansom

HHHH Has contested three bumpers and three novice hurdles, easily best when third of 17 at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) in February on latest outing; there was clear promise for this longer trip and he’s considered on this handicap/seasonal debut.

Official BHA Rating 107

11 WHOOPSEY (GB) (23) B m Presenting - Whoops A Daisy (Definite Article) Owner: StrachanGabbSalweyInkinGriffithGraham Trainer: Henry Daly, Ludlow Breeder: N. J. Henderson and Mrs S. A. Aston Sponsor: Humphrey Butler Ltd

Ben Godfrey (3)

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 10 8 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE sleeves, RED cap.

Form: 40/5-04

HH Best effort when fourth of nine in maiden hurdle at Exeter (2m1f, good to firm) last time; has work to do off this opening mark but the step back up in trip looks a big plus point on pedigree.

Official BHA Rating 101 Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 6.

2019:(See Div 1)

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BETTING FORECAST: 5-1 Known (IRE), Scene Not Herd (IRE), 6-1 Straw Fan Jack (GB), Fifty Ball (FR), 7-1 Riggs (IRE), 8-1 Celtic Joy (IRE), 9-1 Silver Nickel (IRE), 11-1 Sir Canford (IRE), 12-1 Whoopsey (GB), 14-1 Fazayte (FR), 50-1 Duhallow Lad (IRE)

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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

R AC E 3 1.20PM T H E AS COT U N D E RW R I T I N G N OV I C E S’ L I M I T E D H A N D I CA P S T E E P L E C H A S E ( C L A S S 3 ) ( G B B R AC E )

RACE FINISH

RACE START

Two miles about three furlongs (2m 2f 175yds) (3,700 metres) For novice four yrs old and upwards

Total race value £16400. Owners Prize Money. Winner £7430; Second £2462; Third £1232; Fourth £615; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280. (Penalty Value £9747) See page 53 for conditions of this race.

Ascot Underwriting 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 DR SANDERSON (IRE) (12) B g Jeremy (USA) - Guydus (IRE) (Old Vic) Owner: Mr John P. McManus Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Breeder: R. T. MacAuley Sponsor: Morson Group

Jockey Aidan Coleman

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 8 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, YELLOW hoops, WHITE cap.

Form: 5/P525-1

HHHH Best form on good/good to soft; triple hurdle winner and although the switch to fences was anything but seamless last winter he hardly put a foot wrong when impressing in 2m3f novice handicap at Plumpton on recent return; up 7lb but hard to knock.

Official BHA Rating 139

2 FA L C O B L I T Z ( I R E ) ( 2 3 1 ) B g Falco (USA) - Ignited (Red Ransom (USA)) Owner: Axom LXXVII Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Lambourn Breeder: Niarchos Family Sponsor: Axom Ltd

Nico de Boinville

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 1 Colours: DARK BLUE, WHITE sleeves, DARK BLUE diamonds and cap.

Form: 2/12415- C

HHH Course winner over hurdles who had useful handicap form over 2m5f/3m on soft at Cheltenham last winter; lacks experience of fences but his Irish point form looked solid; good contender for top yard.

Official BHA Rating 132

3 SMARTY WILD (GB) (231) B g Fair Mix (IRE) - Blaeberry (Kirkwall) Owner: Mr Michael and Mrs Norma Tuckey Trainer: Philip Hobbs, Minehead Breeder: Lady Bland Sponsor: Philip Hobbs Racing

Richard Johnson

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 1 Colours: DARK GREEN and WHITE diamonds, WHITE sleeves.

Form: 1/01446- D

HH Four hurdle wins between February and November in 2019, three of them in handicaps at 2m1f-2m3f (good to soft/soft); looked weighted to his best over hurdles in recent starts and likely to need improvement on chase debut against rivals with potential.

Official BHA Rating 132

4 TRINCOMALEE (GB) (30)

B g Malinas (GER) - Royal Tango (Petoski) Owner: Hot to Trot Jumping&Mrs E Gordon Lennox Trainer: Lucy Wadham, Newmarket Breeder: Mrs Elizabeth Gordon Lennox Sponsor: Weatherbys Hamilton LLP

Bryony Frost

Horse Age: 7 Weight: 10 10 Colours: MAROON, BEIGE braces, BEIGE cap.

Form: 33214-3

HH An improver over hurdles, notably when successfully upped to 2m5f (good to soft) in a Warwick novice; didn’t have a lot going for him at the weights over 2m on chase debut at Warwick this month where he ran respectably enough but didn’t jump with enough fluency to be fancied for this.

Official BHA Rating 127

5 D O R K I N G B OY ( G B ) ( 1 1 ) Ch g Schiaparelli (GER) - Megasue (Kayf Tara) Owner: Galloping On The South Downs Partnership Trainer: Tom Lacey, Woolhope Breeder: Pleasure Palace Racing Sponsor: Plusbac

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 10 9 Colours: MAUVE and BLACK (quartered), MAUVE sleeves, WHITE cap.

Form: 21140-2

HHHHH Winner of handicap hurdles at 2m-2m4f (good to soft/soft) and was still staying on in the latter at Newbury when the leader capsized at the last; likeable chase debut at Exeter (2m1f, good to firm) when jumping confidently late on and hunting up one who had plenty in his favour; can improve.

Official BHA Rating 126

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Stan Sheppard

3 6 S U L LY D ’ O C A A ( F R ) ( 2 8 0 )

B g Konig Turf (GER) - Samarra d’Oc (FR) (Moon Madness) Owner: Mr John P. McManus Horse Age: 6 Weight: 10 8 Trainer: Anthony Honeyball, Beaminster Colours: EMERALD GREEN, YELLOW hoops, Breeder: Mr Jean-Manuel Charmes EMERALD GREEN cap, WHITE star.

Sponsor: Geegeez.co.uk Form: 1/P/6256-

Richie McLernon

HHHH Triple hurdler winner in France; not yet off the mark in handicap chases in Britain but he showed good form when runner-up at Newbury last November (2m, soft) and has possibilities if able to repeat it on return from layoff; has had wind surgery and is tongue tied.

Official BHA Rating 125

7 COPPER COIN (GB) (52)

Ch g Sulamani (IRE) - Silken Pearls (Leading Counsel (USA)) Owner: Mr P. E. Truscott Horse Age: 7 Weight: 10 7 Trainer: Michael Scudamore, Bromsash Colours: LIGHT BLUE, BROWN braces, Breeder: Mr & Mrs P. E. Truscott BROWN sleeves, LIGHT BLUE armlets, YELLOW cap.

Sponsor: Tote Form: 22/F/40-3

Tom Scudamore

HH Has shown up well in 2m4f maiden hurdles on soft/good, including at Uttoxeter last month, but his lack of chasing experience could make it tough for him in this warm race.

Official BHA Rating 124

8 REPUBLICAN (GB) (231)

B g Kayf Tara - Noun de La Thinte (FR) (Oblat (FR)) Owner: Mr Edward J. Ware Horse Age: 5 Weight: 10 6 Trainer: Oliver Sherwood, Upper Lambourn Colours: BLACK and WHITE (quartered), Breeder: Miss V. M. Williams SCARLET sleeves and cap.

Sponsor: Rewards 4 Racing Ltd Form: 503126- D

Tom Cannon

HH Tackled some promising novice hurdlers last winter, putting up a stout show to beat one of them at Taunton in December (2m3f, soft); little between him and Falco Blitz on Kempton handicap form (2m5f) when last seen in March but this is another who is a blank page now he goes chasing.

Official BHA Rating 123

9 EDITEUR DU GITE (FR) (309)

B g Saddex - Malaga de St Sulpice (FR) (Saint Cyrien (FR)) Owner: The Preston Family, Friends & T Jacobs Horse Age: 6 Weight: 10 3 Trainer: Gary Moore, Horsham Colours: RED, ROYAL BLUE stripe, Breeder: Mr Daniel Gerault RED sleeves, WHITE stars, RED cap, WHITE star.

Sponsor: K M Elite Products Ltd Form: 2/1/P6-

Joshua Moore

HHH Winning hurdler in France (2m2f, heavy); ran only twice last winter after an absence, pulling up in Sandown handicap before always behind in Kempton Grade 2, albeit hinting at better to come; could go well at a price. Official BHA Rating 120

1 0 S U B C O N T I N E N T ( I R E ) ( 2 3 8 ) B g Dubawi (IRE) - Saree (Barathea (IRE)) Owner: Shire Birds Trainer: Venetia Williams, Hereford Breeder: Ballygallon Stud Limited Sponsor: Faucets Limited

Charlie Deutsch

Horse Age: 8 Weight: 10 3 Colours: RED, GREY stars, RED sleeves and cap.

Form: 006/414-

HH Out of form in spring 2019 but back to form when winning 2m5f handicap hurdle at Ludlow in December (soft); made a rather laboured start to chase career in March, however, and needs to put that behind him; yard going well.

Official BHA Rating 119 Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 6.

Hood, Tongue Strap worn by No. 5.

Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 6.

Adjusted Long Handicap Weight: Subcontinent 10-2 2019: DOCTOR DEX (IRE) 6 10 8 Jonathan Burke 9-2 (Tom George) 10 ran

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WE L

4-1 Falco Blitz (IRE), 11-2 Copper Coin (GB), 6-1 Dr Sanderson (IRE), 13-2 Republican (GB), 7-1 Smarty Wild (GB), 8-1 Sully D’oc AA (FR), 9-1 Dorking Boy (GB), Subcontinent (IRE), 12-1 Editeur du Gite (FR), 18-1 Trincomalee (GB)

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Record collection

R AC E 4 1.55PM T H E TOT E .CO.U K HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE ( C L A S S 1 ) ( L I S T E D R AC E )

RACE FINISH

RACE START

Two miles about one furlong (2m 167yds) (3,300 metres) For four yrs old and upwards Total race value £25000. Owners Prize Money. Winner £10895; Second £4473; Third £2238; Fourth £1118; Fifth £560; Sixth £280. (Penalty Value £14237.50) See page 53 for conditions of this race.

tote will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and £150 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race.

No Horse

1 CAPELAND (FR) (232) B g Poliglote - Neiland (FR) (Cyborg (FR)) Owner: Mrs Kathy Stuart Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Breeder: Alain Couetil Sponsor: Morson Group

Jockey Bryony Frost

Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 12 Colours: DARK BLUE, PINK epaulets and star on cap.

Form: 4/D1450- CD

HHHHH Clear in a duel when forced through the wing of final fence in this race last year (good to soft); made amends with easy C&D win next time (soft); failed to go on from that but a break may have helped and he’s dropping back in grade; a mark 7lb higher than for last win shouldn’t stop him if back to best.

Official BHA Rating 150

2 CAID DU LIN (FR) (273)

Gr g Della Francesca (USA) - Asia du Lin (FR) (Agent Bleu (FR)) Owner: Foxtrot Racing Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 8 Trainer: Dr Richard Newland, Droitwich Colours: LIGHT BLUE, WHITE epaulets, Breeder: Mme Nathalie & M. Jean-Pierre Trinquier halved sleeves, RED cap.

Sponsor: Foxtrot Racing Syndicates Form: 24P15U- CD

Charlie Hammond (3)

HH Won at Ludlow (2m, soft) last December and he has a good reappearance record, while trainer won this two years ago; however, he’s never won off a mark this high and may find a few too good; fourth in this last year.

Official BHA Rating 146

3 AZZURI (GB) (8)

B g Azamour (IRE) - Folly Lodge (Grand Lodge (USA)) Owner: The Blind Squirrels Horse Age: 8 Weight: 10 10 Trainer: Dan Skelton, Alcester Colours: BLACK, BLACK and PINK Breeder: Shutford Stud check sleeves and cap.

Sponsor: Tote Form: 5P-2350 D

William Marshall (7)

H Two good efforts in a row at Southwell (2m, good) this summer but arrives with something to prove having twice finished tailed off this month (2m/2m3f, good), following a break; best form is on good ground.

Official BHA Rating 134

4 AMOOLA GOLD (GER) (17)

B g Mamool (IRE) - Aughamore Beauty (IRE) (Dara Monarch) Owner: Mr & Mrs Gordon Pink Horse Age: 7 Weight: 10 8 Trainer: Dan Skelton, Alcester Colours: YELLOW, DARK BLUE cross belts, Breeder: Gestut Romerhof YELLOW sleeves, PINK armlets, DARK BLUE and Sponsor: Badgeworth Livery Centre YELLOW quartered cap.

Form: 3/3025-1

Bridget Andrews

HHH Form up and down last season but he reappeared with a 1l win at Wetherby (1m7f, good to soft) recently; 5lb higher in a hotter race today but he’s a lightly raced 7yo who may be able to find the necessary further improvement; also effective on soft; Official BHA Rating 132 not ruled out.

5 IBLEO (FR) (244)

B g Dick Turpin (IRE) - Mahendra (GER) (Next Desert (IRE)) Owner: The Bellamy Partnership Horse Age: 7 Weight: 10 8 Trainer: Venetia Williams, Hereford Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE hoop Breeder: Mr H. Honore & Mr P. Pietro di Pietro and sleeves.

Sponsor: Faucets Limited Form: 10/0//112- D

HHHH Returned from long layoff in January, having had a wind op, and won first two chase starts (1m7f/2m novice handicaps, soft/ heavy) with lots in hand; didn’t quite see out 2m4f in March; up in grade for return to action but this unexposed 7yo is open to further progress now back down in trip, and trainer won this with reappearing runners in 2013 and 2015; best form on soft/heavy.

Official BHA Rating 132

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Charlie Deutsch

4 6 MOLINEAUX (IRE) (248)

B g King’s Theatre (IRE) - Steel Grey Lady (IRE) (Roselier (FR)) Owner: John and Heather Snook Horse Age: 9 Weight: 10 5 Trainer: Colin Tizzard, Sherborne Colours: ORANGE, BLACK triple diamond, Breeder: Mrs M. Brophy chevrons on sleeves.

Sponsor: Coral Racing Limited Form: 0/00142-

Tom Scudamore

HH Won at Wincanton (1m7f, soft) in January and solid second of four there (2m4f, soft) when last seen in February; however, his best efforts have come at Wincanton and his reappearance record doesn’t inspire confidence today. Official BHA Rating 129

7 FLAMINGER (FR) (28)

Gr g Racinger (FR) - Landalouse (FR) (Iris Noir (FR)) Owner: Mrs E. Avery Horse Age: 5 Weight: 10 0 Trainer: Gary Moore, Horsham Colours: PURPLE and YELLOW (quartered), diabolo Breeder: Mme Claudine Winkel on sleeves, YELLOW and PURPLE quartered cap.

Sponsor: K M Elite Products Ltd Form: 21134-1

Joshua Moore

HHH Front-runner; won twice last December (2m2f/2m3f, heavy) and better than ever on reappearance at Fontwell (2m2f, soft) four weeks ago; up 6lb in much higher grade today but did well to win last time given his jumping lacked fluency (not normally the case) and this 5yo is open to further improvement.

Official BHA Rating 124

8 LITTLE LIGHT (FR) (28)

B m Walk In The Park (IRE) - Luna Rossa (IRE) (Lit de Justice (USA)) Owner: Suiter Developments Limited Horse Age: 6 Weight: 10 0 Trainer: Lucy Wadham, Newmarket Colours: YELLOW, BLACK epaulets, Breeder: F. Pailhes, S. Blanes & J. F. Kevorkian diabolo on sleeves, BLACK cap.

Sponsor: E.N. Suiter & Sons Ltd Form: 41331-3

Jack Tudor (5)

HH Comfortable win in first-time blinkers (retained since) at Southwell (2m, heavy) in March; there could be more to come from this 6yo, who may have needed reappearance at Fontwell (behind Flaminger) four weeks ago, but she’s 2lb out of the handicap now up in grade and has work to do; best form on soft/heavy.

Official BHA Rating 122 Blinkers worn by No. 8. Tongue Strap worn by No. 1, 2, 3. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 2.

Adjusted Long Handicap Weight: Little Light 9-12 2019: DIEGO DU CHARMIL (FR) 7 11 9 Lorcan Williams 13-2 (Paul Nicholls) 12 ran

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BETTING FORECAST: 3-1 Capeland (FR), 10-3 Ibleo (FR), 5-1 Flaminger (FR), 6-1 Amoola Gold (GER), 7-1 Little Light (FR), 15-2 Caid du Lin (FR), 10-1 Molineaux (IRE), 20-1 Azzuri (GB)

3 0 R A C I N G PA G E S

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R AC E 5 2.32PM T H E F E V E R -T R E E N OV I C E S’ H U R D L E R AC E ( C L A S S 3 ) ( G B B R AC E )

RACE FINISH

RACE START

About two miles (1m 7f 152yds) (3,100 metres) For novice four yrs old and upwards Total race value £12000. Owners Prize Money. Winner £5944; Second £1969; Third £985; Fourth £492. (Penalty Value £7797.60) See page 53 for conditions of this race.

Fever-Tree 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 FEARLESS (IRE) (29)

B g Arakan (USA) - La Spezia (IRE) (Danehill Dancer (IRE)) Owner: Tim Syder & Dominic Burke Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 4 Trainer: Olly Murphy, Wilmcote Colours: RED and WHITE check, Breeder: Mount Coote Stud and M.H. Dixon WHITE cap.

Sponsor: McCoy Contractors Form: 15/3U1-2 BF

Jockey Aidan Coleman

HHHH Won his bumper on good ground but has looked fine on softer over hurdles; however, he was left for dead by the winner when penalised at Fontwell (2m1f, soft) and surprising if there’s not something even smarter lurking here; will do well to win giving Official BHA Rating 122 weight all round.

2 ADDIS ABABA (IRE) (266)

Ch g Declaration of War (USA) - Song of My Heart (IRE) (Footstepsinthesand) Owner: Manhole Covers Ltd Horse Age: 5 Weight: 10 12 Trainer: Johnny Farrelly, Midford Colours: BLACK, WHITE star, BLACK Breeder: Sir Robert Ogden and RED striped sleeves, quartered cap.

Sponsor: Manhole Covers Ltd, Johnny Farrelly Racing Form: 3-

Mitchell Bastyan (5)

HHHHH Useful Flat handicapper for David O’Meara, for whom he stayed 1m2f and handled soft ground; changed hands for 72,000gns and ran a fine third behind the high-class Chantry House on his hurdling debut at Newbury (2m, good) in February; that form brings him right into this.

Official BHA Rating -

3 ANNUAL INVICTUS (IRE) (279) B g Mahler - Shantou Rose (IRE) (Shantou (USA)) Owner: Mr Thomas Michael Smith Trainer: Chris Gordon, Winchester Breeder: Mrs Deborah Hobson Sponsor: Owley Ltd

Richard Johnson

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 10 12 Colours: PINK, PURPLE stars, PURPLE and PINK chevrons on sleeves, PURPLE cap, PINK star.

Form: P/125-

HHH Point winner in October and not disgraced either start under rules, finishing runner-up in a bumper before fifth in a maiden hurdle at Fontwell (2m3f, soft); beaten 12l in both and needs better here in a warm race.

Official BHA Rating -

4 ARONIUS (GER) (831)

B g Pastorius (GER) - Aronia (IRE) (Rock of Gibraltar (IRE)) Owner: Mr Mark Adams Horse Age: 5 Weight: 10 12 Trainer: Dan Skelton, Alcester Colours: RED, LIGHT BLUE stars, Breeder: J. Imm Sponsor: Ladbrokes, YELLOW cap, LIGHT BLUE stars.

The Air Ambulance Service (Warwickshire & Northamptonshire) Form:

Bridget Andrews

HHH Won two of his eight starts on the Flat, his wins coming at trips just beyond 1m in Germany (soft/AW); found Group/ Listed company a struggle when last seen in 2018 and although no surprise should he make a hurdler for top connections, this is no easy introduction after so long out.

Official BHA Rating -

5 C A P TA I N M O R G S ( I R E ) ( 3 0 ) B g Milan - Gold Donn (IRE) (Beneficial) Owner: The Albatross Club Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Lambourn Breeder: Brian and Mrs Bronagh Lawler Sponsor: Unibet

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 10 12 Colours: WHITE, BLACK and WHITE halved sleeves, YELLOW cap, WHITE spots.

Form: 2 BF

HHHH €55,000 3yo out of a half-sister to smart chaser Chief Dan George, so he’s bred to stay well; narrowly failed to justify favouritism in a Warwick bumper (good) but he is bred to do better with experience and the stable has won this with My Tent Or Yours and Altior in recent seasons.

Official BHA Rating -

3 4 R A C I N G PA G E S

Nico de Boinville

5 6 FRERO BANBOU (FR) (569) B g Apsis - Lady Banbou (FR) (Useful (FR)) Owner: Mr P. Davies Trainer: Venetia Williams, Hereford Breeder: Madame Evelyne Banchereau

Charlie Deutsch

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 10 12 Colours: DARK BLUE, BROWN chevrons, DARK BLUE sleeves and cap.

Form: 24011/-

HHH Had five runs in France (all on very soft to heavy; 2m1f-2m2f), failing to win three times over hurdles but unbeaten in both his chase runs; posted respectable RPRs in the process but probably best watched on this return to hurdling for British debut.

Official BHA Rating -

7 GRISBI DE BERCE (FR) (252)

B g Tin Horse (IRE) - Volupia de Berce (FR) (Lavirco (GER)) Owner: Charles Dingwall & Alan King Horse Age: 4 Weight: 10 12 Trainer: Alan King, Barbury Castle Colours: WHITE and BLACK check, Breeder: E.A.R.L. Les Grandes Alouettes YELLOW sleeves, BLACK stars, YELLOW cap.

Sponsor: Hare Group Ltd Form: 0-

Tom Cannon

HHH Finished midfield in a traditionally warm Kempton bumper (good to soft) in February, when he did plenty wrong (raced freely/hung right); improvement is on the cards at some stage.

Official BHA Rating -

8 P ROT ECT E D GU E ST (G B ) ( 3 1)

B g Helmet (AUS) - Reem Star (Green Tune (USA)) Owner: John Guest Racing Horse Age: 5 Weight: 10 12 Trainer: George Margarson, Newmarket Colours: WHITE, ROYAL BLUE hoop, Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited diabolo on sleeves, ROYAL BLUE cap.

Form:

Tom Queally

HH All four Flat wins came at Yarmouth (1m-1m3.5f); peak RPR of 104 is an indication to his high level of ability but he has mostly steered clear of soft going throughout his career and ground conditions are a concern for this first run over hurdles.

Official BHA Rating -

9 SOPRAN THOR (FR) (237)

B g Authorized (IRE) - Sopran Slam (IRE) (Grand Slam (USA)) Owner: Galloping On The South Downs Partnership Horse Age: 5 Weight: 10 12 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: 63-

Joshua Moore

H Flat-bred gelding; beaten 22l in a Sandown bumper (heavy) and even further when a remote third at Warwick; this is a big ask Official BHA Rating on hurdling debut.

1 0 S T R I K I N G A P O S E ( I R E ) ( 2 0 )

B g Getaway (GER) - Clonsingle Native (IRE) (Be My Native (USA)) Owner: I & C Gosden, M Sharp & G Kennington Horse Age: 4 Weight: 10 12 Trainer: Colin Tizzard, Sherborne Colours: MAUVE and WHITE check, Breeder: Gerry Caplis WHITE sleeves, MAUVE armlets.

Sponsor: Coral Racing Limited Form: 1-3 BF

Tom Scudamore

HHH Bought for ÂŁ95,000 after winning an Irish point in some style and perhaps found Newton Abbot too tight a track when beaten 16l there on his hurdling debut (2m1f, good to soft); better can be expected.

Official BHA Rating -

Running for the first time since Gelding No. 4.

Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 4.

Stewards Note: ADDIS ABABA: Following its run on 8/2/2020 it was reported that the horse had a cut leg.

GRISBI DE BERCE: Following its run on 22/2/2020 it was reported that the horse ran freely and hung right late-on.

2019: ECCO 4 11 4 Bryony Frost 11-10 (Paul Nicholls) 8 ran

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5 RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST: 5-2 Captain Morgs (IRE), 5-1 Fearless (IRE), 6-1 Protected Guest (GB), 7-1 Addis Ababa (IRE), 8-1 Aronius (GER), 10-1 Frero Banbou (FR), Grisbi de Berce (FR), Sopran Thor (FR), 16-1 Striking A Pose (IRE), 20-1 Annual Invictus (IRE)

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

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R AC E 6 3.05PM T H E S O D E XO H A N D I CA P H U R D L E R AC E ( C L A S S 1 ) ( L I S T E D R AC E ) ( G B B R AC E )

RACE FINISH

RACE START

About two miles (1m 7f 152yds) (3,100 metres) For four yrs old and upwards Total race value £18000. Owners Prize Money. Winner £7844; Second £3220; Third £1611; Fourth £805; Fifth £403; Sixth £202.

(Penalty Value £10251) Weights raised 9lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

See page 53 for conditions of this race.

Sodexo will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and £200 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race.

No Horse

1 TEQANY (IRE) (13)

Gr g Dark Angel (IRE) - Capulet Monteque (IRE) (Camacho) Owner: Mrs June Watts Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 12 Trainer: Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham Colours: PURPLE, PINK stars, MAUVE Breeder: Yeomanstown Stud sleeves, PINK stars, PURPLE cap, PINK star.

Sponsor: Pertemps Investments Form: 1-34114 D

Jockey Connor Brace (3)

HHH Took form to a new level last month, gaining good-ground wins at Newton Abbot (2m1f) and Bangor (good); subsequent Listed fourth at Kempton (2m, good) was perfectly respectable but today’s slower conditions are a worry. Official BHA Rating 144

2 S E BASTO P O L ( I R E ) ( 273 )

B g Fame And Glory - Knockcroghery (IRE) (Pelder (IRE)) Owner: Mr C. Boultbee-Brooks Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 10 Trainer: Tom Lacey, Woolhope Colours: LIGHT BLUE, BLACK star, BLACK sleeves, Breeder: Mr J. Nicholson LIGHT BLUE stars, LIGHT BLUE cap, BLACK star.

Sponsor: Boultbee Brooks Real Estate Limited Form: 1/43/141- D

Richard Johnson

HHHH 2-3 in handicap hurdles, the latter win in the Scottish County Hurdle at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) in February; could easily have more improvement in him this season and goes on the shortlist. Official BHA Rating 142

3 DEAR SIRE (FR) (21) Gr g Al Namix (FR) - Polismith (FR) (Poliglote) Owner: Green Day Racing Trainer: Donald McCain, Cholmondeley Breeder: Mr Gregory Derat Sponsor: Betsson Services Ltd

Theo Gillard (7)

Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 10 Colours: RED, YELLOW stars, armlets and star on cap.

Form: F4-1321 D

HHH Looked as good as ever when winning quite comfortably for Theo Gillard at Chepstow (2m, good) three weeks ago, his ninth hurdle success, and a subsequent 4lb rise doesn’t look excessive; has won on soft ground but may be ideally suited by a sounder surface.

Official BHA Rating 142

4 CAIUS MARCIUS (IRE) (54)

B g King’s Theatre (IRE) - Ain’t Misbehavin (IRE) (Trempolino (USA)) Owner: Mr C P Norbury & Tarzan Bloodstock Horse Age: 9 Weight: 11 9 Trainer: Nicky Richards, Greystoke Colours: YELLOW, LIGHT BLUE sash, Breeder: Sean Gorman armlets and diamond on cap.

Sponsor: Equine Products UK Ltd Form: 114-322 D

Danny McMenamin (3)

HHH Placed twice over hurdles this summer (both 2m, good) and also ran well when second off his higher chase mark at Perth (2m4f, good) last month; probably best on good ground but can cope with good to soft, and Danny McMenamin’s useful 3lb claim helps here.

Official BHA Rating 141

5 SCARAMANGA (IRE) (17)

B g Mastercraftsman (IRE) - Herboriste (Hernando (FR)) Owner: Mr Malcolm C. Denmark Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 9 Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Colours: BLACK and WHITE check, YELLOW Breeder: Sarl Elevage du Haras de Bourgeauville sleeves, BLACK and WHITE quartered cap.

Sponsor: Leaflet Company Ltd Form: 12/0100- D

HHH Hiked up 12lb after ready success at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft) last December but that form has worked out quite well and he wasn’t beaten far when 11th in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m1f, soft) in March; in good form on the Flat since; could have a say.

Official BHA Rating 141

4 0 R A C I N G PA G E S

Bryan Carver (5)

6 6 HANG IN THERE (IRE) (28) B g Yeats (IRE) - Jaldemosa (FR) (Cadoudal (FR)) Owner: Tim Syder & Andrew Gemmell Trainer: Emma Lavelle, Marlborough Breeder: Mr Daniel Furini Sponsor: Hatherden Horse Transport

Nick Scholfield

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 7 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, PINK disc, MAROON sleeves, ROYAL BLUE stars, DARK BLUE cap, PINK spots.

Form: U115F-6 D

HHHHH Safely held on this month’s seasonal/handicap debut at Fontwell but impressed when winning Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham (2m, soft) last November; remains unexposed and could be very dangerous if that recent outing has done him good; Official BHA Rating 139 hood removed after one use.

7 M A L AYA ( F R ) ( 2 5 9 ) B m Martaline - Clarte d’Or (FR) (Kendor (FR)) Owner: Mrs Johnny de la Hey Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Breeder: Mr Athanase Poulopoulos Sponsor: Morson Group

Bryony Frost

Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 6 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, PINK hoops, armlets and cap.

Form: 10/3602- CD

HH Won over C&D in 2018 and is now only 2lb higher than when winning the Imperial Cup at Sandown (2m, soft) in March 2019 but hasn’t been in the same form since; plugged on for second here (2m3f, soft) on latest outing in February but others have Official BHA Rating 138 more persuasive profiles.

8 KID COMMANDO (GB) (252)

B g Robin des Champs (FR) - Banjaxed Girl (King’s Theatre (IRE)) Owner: Chapman, Hanger, Kingston & Langford Horse Age: 6 Weight: 11 4 Trainer: Anthony Honeyball, Beaminster Colours: BLACK, WHITE braces, YELLOW Breeder: Little Lodge Farm & Rahinston Farm sleeves, BLACK stars, YELLOW cap, WHITE star.

Sponsor: Geegeez.co.uk Form: 1/12513- D

Aidan Coleman

HHH Point/bumper winner who made promising start to hurdling career in early 2020, easily winning Plumpton maiden (2m, soft) before staying-on third in Grade 2 at Kempton (2m, good to soft); needs to improve to make winning seasonal/handicap debut here but has significant potential.

Official BHA Rating 136

9 COUNTISTER (FR) (315)

B m Smadoun (FR) - Tistairly (FR) (Fairly Ransom (USA)) Owner: Mr John P. McManus Horse Age: 8 Weight: 11 3 Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Lambourn Colours: EMERALD GREEN, Breeder: Daniel Mazieres & Sylvie Mazieres YELLOW hoops, WHITE cap.

Form: 15/30/00- D

Nico de Boinville

HHH Excellent third off 2lb lower in the 2019 County Hurdle at Cheltenham but wasn’t in same form on either appearance last season; may not have coped with heavy ground in C&D Grade 3 on latter occasion but has a bit more to prove than some of these.

Official BHA Rating 135

1 0 B Y R O N F LY E R ( G B ) ( 3 5 ) B g Byron - Nursling (IRE) (Kahyasi) Owner: Anchor Men Trainer: Ian Williams, Alvechurch Breeder: Barton Stud Sponsor: Tote

William Kennedy

Horse Age: 9 Weight: 11 0 Colours: WHITE, PURPLE stars, armlets and star on cap.

Form: 55//6/11-4 D

HH Versatile 9yo who is useful under all codes and has won 12 times; not quite in peak form on the Flat on recent outings and may not have much margin for error off current hurdle mark; best on good ground; others preferred. Official BHA Rating 132

Hood worn by No. 3. Tongue Strap worn by No. 1, 2. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 4, 10.

2019: GUMBALL (FR) 5 11 1 Ben Jones 11-2 (Philip Hobbs) 15 ran

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6 RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST: 4-1 Sebastopol (IRE), Kid Commando (GB), 5-1 Hang In There (IRE), 7-1 Countister (FR), 8-1 Scaramanga (IRE), Malaya (FR), 10-1 Dear Sire (FR), Caius Marcius (IRE), 12-1 Teqany (IRE), 20-1 Byron Flyer (GB)

4 2 R A C I N G PA G E S

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R AC E 7 3.40PM T H E S O D E XO G O L D C U P HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE ( C L A S S 1 ) ( G R A D E 3 ) ( G B B R AC E )

RACE FINISH

RACE START

About three miles (2m 7f 180yds) (4,700 metres) For four yrs old and upwards Total race value £80000. Owners Prize Money. Winner £34864; Second £14312; Third £7160; Fourth £3576; Fifth £1792; Sixth £896.

(Penalty Value £45560) Weights raised 15lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

See page 53 for conditions of this race.

Sodexo will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and £200 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race.

No Horse

1 B L AC K C O R TO N ( F R ) ( 2 5 2 )

Br g Laverock (IRE) - Pour Le Meilleur (FR) (Video Rock (FR)) Owner: The Brooks Family & J. Kyle Horse Age: 9 Weight: 11 12 Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Colours: DARK BLUE, ROYAL BLUE stars, Breeder: Dominique Guyon halved sleeves, WHITE cap.

Sponsor: Morson Group Form: 1/23242- CD

Jockey Bryony Frost

HHHH Novice campaign was extremely fruitful; has managed to win just one of his last 14 races but summer wind surgery may enable him to deservedly get back on the scoresheet; 2lb lower than when third in this race in 2019; creditable second to Mister Malarky at Kempton last time out.

Official BHA Rating 161

2 MIGHT BITE (IRE) (234)

B g Scorpion (IRE) - Knotted Midge (IRE) (Presenting) Owner: The Knot Again Partnership Horse Age: 11 Weight: 11 3 Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Lambourn Colours: LIGHT BLUE and YELLOW check, Breeder: Mr John O’Brien ORANGE and BLACK hooped sleeves and cap.

Sponsor: Unibet Form: 0P/UP30- D

Nico de Boinville

HH Won the King George in December 2017 and was second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following March; has lost his way in the last two seasons and a switch to cross-country racing did not have the desired effect when last seen. Official BHA Rating 152

3 MISTER MALARKY (GB) (235) Ch g Malinas (GER) - Priscilla (Teenoso (USA)) Owner: Wendy & Malcolm Hezel Trainer: Colin Tizzard, Sherborne Breeder: H. T. Cole Sponsor: Coral Racing Limited, Tote

Tom Scudamore

Horse Age: 7 Weight: 11 2 Colours: PURPLE, PINK stars, PURPLE sleeves, PURPLE cap, PINK star.

Form: 2/06P1P- CD

HHH All wins on good/good to soft, the most recent in a major handicap chase at Kempton (3m) where he beat Black Corton by 2l; failed to show his form on soft ground at the Cheltenham Festival last time; beaten a long way on reappearance in this contest 12 months ago (blunder didn’t help).

Official BHA Rating 151

4 WA L K I N T H E M I L L ( F R ) ( 2 74 )

B g Walk In The Park (IRE) - Libre Amour (FR) (Lost World (IRE)) Owner: Baroness Harding Horse Age: 10 Weight: 11 1 Trainer: Robert Walford, Blandford Colours: DARK BLUE, WHITE stripe Breeder: Mr Alain Jollivet & Mme Celine Lefevre and sleeves.

Sponsor: Tote Form: 334/P12- CD

James Best

HH Good record over the big fences at Aintree, winning the last two runnings of the Becher Chase and fourth in the 2019 Grand National; those races are likely to be his main aims this time round; best watched here. Official BHA Rating 150

5 COMMANCHE RED (IRE) (252) Ch g Mahler - Auntie Bob (Overbury (IRE)) Owner: Mr Richard & Mrs Carol Cheshire Trainer: Chris Gordon, Winchester Breeder: Mr J. Travers Sponsor: Owley Ltd

Horse Age: 7 Weight: 11 1 Colours: LIGHT BLUE, large ROYAL BLUE spots, ROYAL BLUE cap, LIGHT BLUE spots.

Form: 1P/3313-

HHHHH Exciting contender as he’s a second-season chaser who should have more to offer and was impressive at Kempton (2m4f, soft) on sole handicap start over fences, beating Simply The Betts and On The Slopes who have subsequently franked the form in a big way; likely to stay this new trip.

Official BHA Rating 150

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

Tom Cannon

7 6 VA LT O R ( F R ) ( 2 5 9 ) B g Nidor (FR) - Jossca (FR) (Badolato (USA)) Owner: Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Lambourn Breeder: Eric Leray & Veronique Leray Sponsor: Ptarmigan Media Limited

Aidan Coleman

Horse Age: 11 Weight: 11 1 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, DARK GREEN sleeves, DARK GREEN and EMERALD GREEN quartered cap.

Form: P0/1532- CD

HHH Form figures at Ascot read 112, most recently second in Listed handicap chase on soft ground in February; nearly 12-years-old but has each-way hopes kept to this venue.

Official BHA Rating 150

7 BLAKLION (GB) (623)

B g Kayf Tara - Franciscaine (FR) (Legend of France (USA)) Owner: Darren & Annaley Yates Horse Age: 11 Weight: 11 0 Trainer: Dan Skelton, Alcester Colours: BLACK, SILVER D Y. Breeder: Mrs M. D. W. Morrison Sponsor: Ladbrokes, Form: 2BP/005/- D The Air Ambulance Service (Warwickshire & Northamptonshire)

Bridget Andrews

HH Smart chaser for Nigel Twiston-Davies on his day; won the 2016 RSA and 2017 Becher Chase; signs of decline when last seen and now returns from a long absence on debut for Dan Skelton; check the market signals. Official BHA Rating 149

8 REGAL ENCORE (IRE) (259)

B g King’s Theatre (IRE) - Go On Eileen (IRE) (Bob Back (USA)) Owner: Mr John P. McManus Horse Age: 12 Weight: 10 10 Trainer: Anthony Honeyball, Beaminster Colours: EMERALD GREEN, Breeder: Mr John Browne YELLOW hoops, WHITE cap.

Sponsor: Geegeez.co.uk Form: 002P13- CD

Richie McLernon

HHHH Well suited by Ascot as he’s won three Listed handicap chases over C&D and bagged runner-up honours in this race (off 3lb lower) last year; again placed here on final start, then had second wind surgery; enters the reckoning, for all that he’s well into the veteran stage.

Official BHA Rating 145

9 ADRIEN DU PONT (FR) (252)

B g Califet (FR) - Santariyka (FR) (Saint des Saints (FR)) Owner: Mrs Johnny de la Hey Horse Age: 8 Weight: 10 9 Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Colours: ROYAL BLUE, PINK hoops, Breeder: Thierry Cypres armlets and cap.

Sponsor: Morson Group Form: 130/P46- C D

Bryan Carver (5)

HHHH Pulled-up in this contest 12 months ago (fourth in 2018) and ran below best in two subsequent starts last term, latest in the Kempton race won by Mister Malarky; however, he’s back on his last winning mark and Bryan Carver takes off a useful 5lb; Official BHA Rating 144 big danger if staging a revival.

1 0 F LY I N G A N G E L ( I R E ) ( 2 3 3 )

Gr g Arcadio (GER) - Gypsy Kelly (IRE) (Roselier (FR)) Owner: Mr R. J. Rexton Horse Age: 9 Weight: 10 7 Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies, Cheltenham Colours: DARK GREEN,YELLOW mirrored ‘R’s bisected Breeder: Arctic Tack Stud by a crossed hook,collar,cuffs & cap, DARK GREEN button Sponsor: Agetur (UK) Ltd on cap & cuffs.

Form: 6/41460- C

Tom Bellamy

HH Nicely treated off just 2lb higher than for his 8l win here (2m5f, soft) last November; however, this is a tougher race and he’s 0-7 over 3m+; does not have the best of strike-rates since Grade 1 novice win in 2017.

Official BHA Rating 142

1 1 M I L I TA R I A N ( G B ) ( 2 3 3 )

B g Kayf Tara - Mille Et Une (FR) (Trempolino (USA)) Owner: Mr Andrew J. Martin Horse Age: 10 Weight: 10 4 Trainer: Andrew Martin, Chipping Norton Colours: WHITE, BLACK chevron, BLACK Breeder: Netherfield House Stud sleeves, WHITE diamonds, quartered cap.

Form: 4/10450- CD

Shane Quinlan (5)

HH Absent since well held in the Kim Muir; this may be the time to catch him, as he recorded a 50-1 success in C&D handicap (soft) on reappearance last season; however, he’s now 1lb higher in a stronger grade.

Official BHA Rating 139

1 2 TOW N S H E N D (G E R ) ( 3 8)

B g Lord of England (GER) - Trikolore (GER) (Konigsstuhl (GER)) Owner: Mr J. D. Neild Horse Age: 9 Weight: 10 4 Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies, Cheltenham Colours: ROYAL BLUE, RED star, Breeder: H.-H.Rodenburg diabolo on sleeves and star on cap.

Sponsor: Agetur (UK) Ltd Form: 641/1P-0 CD

Jamie Neild (7)

HH Returned from layoff to win C&D amateur event under Jamie Neild in January; pulled-up in the Ultima next time and was beaten a long way off lower hurdles mark on seasonal debut; not sure what form he’ll be in.

Official BHA Rating 139

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

7 1 3 W H AT M O R E ( G B ) ( 2 3 5 ) B g Schiaparelli (GER) - Polymiss (FR) (Poliglote) Owner: Strachan, Lewis, Gabb, Graham & Inkin Trainer: Henry Daly, Ludlow Breeder: E. R. Hanbury Sponsor: Humphrey Butler Ltd

Richard Johnson

Horse Age: 8 Weight: 10 3 Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE sleeves, RED cap.

Form: 134344-

HHHH Similar profile to Commanche Red in that he’s a second-season chaser who looks open to further progress; ties in closely with Mister Malarky and Black Corton on Kempton Grade 3 form, then ended his novice campaign with a sound effort at the Cheltenham Festival (2m4f, soft); respected.

Official BHA Rating 138

14 DJANGO DJANGO (FR) (241)

Gr g Voix du Nord (FR) - Lady Jannina (Sir Harry Lewis (USA)) Owner: Martin Broughton & Friends 5 Horse Age: 7 Weight: 10 2 Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill, Cheltenham Colours: RED, EMERALD GREEN Breeder: Mr Evan Hanbury Cross of Lorraine and sleeves.

Sponsor: Wasdell Group Form: 01/3P14- D

Nick Scholfield

HHH Second-season chaser who remains unexposed over fences; seemed unsuited by Catterick on last appearance and is better judged on Newbury handicap win (2m7f) the time before; return to a galloping course looks a plus.

Official BHA Rating 137

Visor worn by No. 10. Tongue Strap worn by No. 1, 8, 9, 12.

Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 3.

Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 1, 8.

Stewards Note: COMMANCHE RED: Following its run on 22/2/2020 it was reported that the horse lost a shoe.

WHATMORE: Following its run on 10/3/2020 it was reported that the horse lost a shoe.

2019: VINNDICATION (IRE) 6 11 0 David Bass 2-1 (Kim Bailey) 16 ran

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BETTING FORECAST: 5-1 Black Corton (FR), 11-2 Valtor (FR), 15-2 Regal Encore (IRE), 9-1 Might Bite (IRE), Adrien du Pont (FR), 10-1 Commanche Red (IRE), Townshend (GER), 12-1 Flying Angel (IRE), Whatmore (GB), 14-1 Mister Malarky (GB), Walk In The Mill (FR), Django Django (FR), 16-1 Militarian (GB), 20-1 Blaklion (GB) 4 6 R A C I N G PA G E S

Elegance is an attitude Kate Winslet

Record collection

R AC E 8 4 .1 7 P M T H E TOT E .CO.U K S TA N DA R D O P E N N AT I O N A L H U N T F L AT R AC E ( C L A S S 4 ) ( G B B R AC E )

RACE FINISH

RACE START

About two miles (1m 7f 152yds) (3,100 metres) For four, five and six yrs old

Total race value £6000. Owners Prize Money. Winner £2972; Second £985; Third £493; Fourth £246. (Penalty Value £3898.80) See page 53 for conditions of this race.

tote 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 ARTURUS (IRE) (-) B g Camelot - Scandisk (IRE) (Kenmare (FR)) Owner: Mr J. Turner Trainer: Nicky Henderson, Lambourn Breeder: Drumlin Bloodstock Sponsor: Unibet

Jockey Nico de Boinville

Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 0 Colours: RED, BLACK horse, RED sleeves, dual BLACK pinstripes, RED cap, BLACK tassel.

Form:

HHHH Cost €230,000 as a 3yo and closely related to Champion Hurdle winner Hurricane Fly; trainer operating at a 21% strike-rate with his Ascot bumper runners; fascinating to see what the market makes of him.

Official BHA Rating -

2 I TA L I A N S P I R I T ( I R E ) ( - ) B g Fame And Glory - Coco Milan (IRE) (Milan) Owner: Mrs J. A. Wakefield Trainer: Olly Murphy, Wilmcote Breeder: R. Lynch Sponsor: Black Castle Sports Management Ltd

Aidan Coleman

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 0 Colours: PURPLE, WHITE sleeves, PURPLE stars, PURPLE cap, WHITE star.

Form:

HHH €85,000 3yo; first foal out of an unraced close relative of 2m hurdle winner Smokey Mountain; trainer takes these races seriously and this 4yo is his first runner in an Ascot bumper.

Official BHA Rating -

3 JERSEY (IRE) (-)

Br g Presenting - Synthe Davis (FR) (Saint des Saints (FR)) Owner: Elouise Renouard M Boothright Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 0 Trainer: Dan Skelton, Alcester Colours: WHITE, RED cross belts, Breeder: Mr K. D. Cotter Sponsor: Ladbrokes, YELLOW sleeves.

The Air Ambulance Service (Warwickshire & Northamptonshire) Form:

Bridget Andrews

HHH €75,000 3yo; second foal; dam 2m1f-2m3f hurdle/chase winner, half-sister to bumper and useful 2m4f-2m7f hurdle/ chase winner Violin Davis and the 2m5f hurdle and useful 3m1f chase winner Stradivarius Davis, out of sister to top-class 2m chaser Klairon Davis; interesting, for all that the trainer is 0-7 in bumpers here.

Official BHA Rating -

4 MARBLE SANDS (FR) (30) Gr g Martaline - Sans Rien (FR) (Poliglote) Owner: DL Adams, JA Adams & G McPherson Trainer: Graeme McPherson, Stow-On-The-Wold Breeder: Mr G. Codre & Mrs. A. & K Kepa Sponsor: Longcroft Building Services Ltd

Lilly Pinchin (7)

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 0 Colours: DARK BLUE, PINK Cross of Lorraine, PINK and DARK BLUE diabolo on sleeves, PINK cap, DARK BLUE diamond.

Form: 5

HHH Stayed on into a fairly close fifth of ten on good ground at Warwick a month ago and the runner-up Captain Morgs could give that form a boost in the earlier novice hurdle; has ability.

Official BHA Rating -

5 O F F T H E P L A N E T ( I R E ) ( 3 74 )

Ch g Presenting - Kings Diva (IRE) (King’s Theatre (IRE)) Owner: The Brushmakers Horse Age: 5 Weight: 11 0 Trainer: Philip Hobbs, Minehead Colours: RED, ROYAL BLUE stars, Breeder: Sean Hoare hooped sleeves and star on cap.

Sponsor: Philip Hobbs Racing Form: 5-

HHHHH Half-brother to a bumper winner and the race in which he finished fifth of 12 at Worcester (good to soft; 7-1) last October has worked out particularly well, with smart subsequent winners ahead of him and in behind; much respected with experience in the bag.

Official BHA Rating -

4 8 R A C I N G PA G E S

Richard Johnson

8 6 P E AC E R I V E R ( G B ) ( - ) B g Yeats (IRE) - Takotna (IRE) (Bering) Owner: Ian Payne & Kim Franklin Trainer: Alan King, Barbury Castle Breeder: Ian Payne & Kim Franklin Sponsor: Hare Group Ltd

Tom Bellamy

Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 0 Colours: EMERALD GREEN, RED star, WHITE sleeves, RED stars, RED cap.

Form:

HHH Third foal; half-brother to bumper and 2m3f hurdle winner Smith’s Bay; dam 2m3f hurdle winner, half-sister to Singapore 6f Group 1 winner Ato and the 9.7f 2yo and 2m-2m4f hurdle/chase winner Celtic Legend; market probably the best guide as to expectations.

Official BHA Rating -

7 S A N G I O VA N N I ( I R E ) ( - )

B g Milan - Down By The Sea (IRE) (Fourstars Allstar (USA)) Owner: GDM Partnership Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 0 Trainer: Emma Lavelle, Marlborough Colours: MAROON and WHITE (quartered), Breeder: Jerry Russell checked sleeves and cap.

Form:

Nick Scholfield

HHH €48,000 3yo; fifth foal; brother to bumper and 2m/2m3f hurdle winner Youghal By The Sea and bumper winner Cruisingdownriver; dam bumper winner out of maiden half-sister to smart jumper Colonel Braxton; likely type for a stable that wins its fair share of bumpers.

Official BHA Rating -

8 S T E A DY T H E S H I P ( I R E ) ( - )

Ch g Ocovango - Vinnie’s Princess (IRE) (Vinnie Roe (IRE)) Owner: Pitch Racing Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 0 Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill, Cheltenham Colours: LIGHT GREEN, WHITE hoop Breeder: Martin Ryan and armlets, check cap.

Sponsor: Wasdell Group Form:

Richie McLernon

HHH £20,000 3yo; third foal; dam unraced half-sister to bumper and smart 2m1f/2m5f hurdle winner Backspin and 2m-2m4f hurdle/chase winner Dundrum Lad; trainer 5-21 at this track with his bumper runners.

Official BHA Rating -

9 WEE RUPERT (GB) (-)

B g Shirocco (GER) - Arctic Actress (King’s Theatre (IRE)) Owner: The Blows Hot and Cold Syndicate Horse Age: 4 Weight: 11 0 Trainer: Nick Gifford, Findon Colours: EMERALD GREEN, Breeder: Goldford Stud ROYAL BLUE star and star on cap.

Sponsor: Avtrade Limited Form:

James Davies

HHH £20,000 3yo; third foal; half-brother to winners Arctic Road (2m4f-2m7f hurdle) and Parody (2m5f hurdles); dam bumper and 2m3f hurdle winner, sister to useful bumper and 2m3f-2m4f hurdle/chase winner Monkey Puzzle; trainer has had a couple of bumper winners here down the years.

Official BHA Rating -

2019: WHERE’S TOM 4 11 0 Marc Goldstein 25-1 (Michael Madgwick) 16 ran

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8 RACE PREDICTOR

BETTING FORECAST: 5-2 Arturus (IRE), 7-2 Italian Spirit (IRE), 13-2 Steady The Ship (IRE), 7-1 Jersey (IRE), San Giovanni (IRE), 10-1 Wee Rupert (GB), 11-1 Marble Sands (FR), 12-1 Off The Planet (IRE), 22-1 Peace River (GB)

5 0 R A C I N G PA G E S

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 Peter Johnson, Ramy Saker, John Heathcock, Guy Mitchell Commentator Richard Hoiles Equine Welfare and Integrity Officers Vincent McKevitt Stuart Shilston Steve Fox Darren Stone 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

Sam Angell (Chief Steward) David Jones (Stewards’ Panel Chair) Simon Cowley, Chris Hill, Fergus Sweeney, Guy Upton

OFFICIALS

Starters James Stenning Steven Avis Clerk of the Scales Robert Cuthbert 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 12.15 - THE tote.co.uk CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ NOVICES’ HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (DIV I) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £5198 to the winning horse The second to receive £1526, the third £763, the fourth £381, the fifth £350, the sixth £350, the seventh £350 and the eighth £350. for novice three yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-120 (also open to such horses rated 121 and 122 - see Standard Conditions). £40 stake if the horse is rated 94 or higher, or £8 stake if the horse is rated 93 or lower with £32 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 29th. Penalties, after October 24th, 2020, 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 October 28th, 2020, 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. tote. co.uk has kindly sponsored this race and 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. 15 entries at £40. - Closed October 26th, 2020.

Owners Prize Money. Winner £3962; Second £1313; Third £657; Fourth £328; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280.

(Penalty Value £5198.40) Weights raised 1lbs and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. A SEE PAGE 12 FOR THIS RACE. Second Race 12.47 - THE tote.co.uk CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ NOVICES’ HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (DIV II) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £5198 to the winning horse The second to receive £1526, the third £763, the fourth £381, the fifth £350, the sixth £350, the seventh £350 and the eighth £350. for novice three yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-120 (also open to such horses rated 121 and 122 - see Standard Conditions). £40 stake if the horse is rated 94 or higher, or £8 stake if the horse is rated 93 or lower with £32 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 29th. Penalties, after October 24th, 2020, 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 October 28th, 2020, 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. tote. co.uk has kindly sponsored this race and 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. 14 entries at £40. - Closed October 26th, 2020.

Owners Prize Money. Winner £3962; Second £1313; Third £657; Fourth £328; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280.

(Penalty Value £5198.40) A SEE PAGE 16 FOR THIS RACE.

52 TODAY’S OFFICIALS

Third Race 1.20 - THE ASCOT UNDERWRITING NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £9747 to the winning horse The second to receive £2862, the third £1431, the fourth £715, the fifth £350, the sixth £350, the seventh £350 and the eighth £350. for novice four yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-140 (also open to such horses rated 141 and 142 - see Standard Conditions). £75 stake if the horse is rated 121 or higher, or £15 stake if the horse is rated 120 or lower with £60 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 29th. Lowest weight 10st 3lb; Highest weight 11st 8lb Penalties, after October 24th, 2020, for each steeple chase won 7lb. ASCOT UNDERWRITING LTD has generously sponsored this race and 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 number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of ASCOT UNDERWRITING. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 17 entries at £75. - Closed October 26th, 2020. Owners Prize Money.

Winner £7430; Second £2462; Third £1232; Fourth £615; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280. (Penalty Value £9747) SEE PAGE 22 FOR THIS RACE. Fourth Race 1.55 - THE tote.co.uk HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Listed Race) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £14237 to the winning horse The second to receive £5342, the third £2675, the fourth £1332, the fifth £670 and the sixth £335. for four yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-150. £125 stake if the horse is rated 124 or higher, or £25 stake if the horse is rated 123 or lower with £100 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m.

October 29th. Penalties, after October 24th, 2020, a winner of a steeple chase 6lb. tote.co.uk has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and award a cash prize of £150 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse in this race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of tote.co.uk. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. PLEASE NOTE: A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if it has run a minimum of three times in Steeple Chases in Great Britain, Ireland or France in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Weights and Handicapping Code 9 entries, 1 at £25 and 8 at £125. - Closed October 26th, 2020. Owners Prize Money. Winner £10895; Second £4473; Third £2238; Fourth £1118; Fifth £560; Sixth £280. (Penalty Value £14237.50) SEE PAGE 28 FOR THIS RACE. Fifth Race 2.32 - THE FEVER-TREE NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £7797 to the winning horse The second to receive £2289, the third £1144 and the fourth £572. for novice four yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, October 26th and pay £60 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m.

October 29th. Weights: 10st 12lb each Fillies and mares allowed 7lb Penalties, a winner of a Class 3 to Class 5 hurdle race 6lb Of 2 hurdle races or of a Class 1 or Class 2 hurdle race 10lb. FEVER-TREE has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and will award a cash prize of £100 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of FEVER-TREE. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 15 entries at £60. - Closed October 26th, 2020. Owners Prize Money. Winner £5944; Second £1969; Third £985; Fourth £492. (Penalty Value £7797.60) SEE PAGE 34 FOR THIS RACE. Sixth Race 3.05 - THE SODEXO HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Listed Race) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £10251 to the winning horse The second to receive £3846, the third £1926, the fourth £959, the fifth £482 and the sixth £241. for four yrs old and upwards. £90 stake if the horse is rated 124 or higher, or £18 stake if the horse is rated 123 or lower with £72 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 29th.

Penalties, after October 24th, 2020, a winner of a hurdle race 6lb No penalty to take a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb. SODEXO has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, a cash prize of £200 will also be awarded to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of SODEXO. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. PLEASE NOTE: A novice 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 17 entries, 1 at £18 and 16 at £90. - Closed October 26th, 2020. Owners Prize Money. Winner £7844; Second £3220; Third £1611; Fourth £805; Fifth £403; Sixth £202. (Penalty Value £10251) Weights raised 9lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

SEE PAGE 40 FOR THIS RACE. Seventh Race 3.40 - THE SODEXO GOLD CUP HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £45560 to the winning horse The second to receive £17096, the third £8560, the fourth £4264, the fifth £2144 and the sixth £1072. for four yrs old and upwards. £400 stake if the horse is rated 130 or higher, or £80 stake if the horse is rated 129 or lower with £320 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 29th. Penalties, after October 24th, 2020, a winner of a steeple chase 6lb. SODEXO have generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, a £200 cash prize will be awarded to the person responsible for the best turned out horse in this race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of SODEXO. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. ASCOT RACECOURSE will pay a £10,000 Bonus to the owner of the winning horse in this race, if the horse was trained in Ireland and placed in the first four places in The Guinness Kerry National Handicap Steeplechase at Listowel in September, 2020. ASCOT RACECOURSE will also pay a £2,000 bonus to any horse, trained in Ireland and placed in the first four in the Kerry National which then goes on to be placed in either the Sodexo Gold Cup or the Silver Cup at Ascot in 2020. PLEASE NOTE: A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if it has run a minimum of three times in Steeple Chases in Great Britain, Ireland or France in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Weights and Handicapping Code 23 entries, 1 at £80 and 22 at £400. - Closed October 26th, 2020. Owners Prize Money.

Winner £34864; Second £14312; Third £7160; Fourth £3576; Fifth £1792; Sixth £896. (Penalty Value £45560) Weights raised 15lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

SEE PAGE 44 FOR THIS RACE. Eighth Race 4.17 - THE tote.co.uk STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 4) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £3898 to the winning horse The second to receive £1144, the third £572 and the fourth £286. for four, five and six yrs old only, which have not run under any recognised Rules of Racing, except National Hunt Flat races, Irish National Hunt Flat races or French AQPS Flat races. Enter by noon, October 26th and pay £30 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. October 29th. Weights: 11st each Fillies and mares allowed 7lb Penalties, a winner of a race 4lb Of 2 races 7lb Of 3 races 10lb. The Riders’ Allowances under paragraph 53 of the Weights and Handicapping Code may be claimed in this race. tote.co.uk has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and a cash prize of £100 to the stable employee in charge of the best turned out horse. ELIMINATION PROCEDURE - SEE the Elimination and Balloting Procedures (contained in the Race Administration Code). 22 entries at £30. - Closed October 26th, 2020. Owners Prize Money. Winner £2972; Second £985; Third £493; Fourth £246. (Penalty Value £3898.80) SEE PAGE 48 FOR THIS RACE.

R AC E C O N D I T I O N S 5 3

VINNDICATION ( front cover)

Winner of the 2019 Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase Jockey: David Bass

Trainer: Kim Bailey

Owner: Moremoneythan Breeder: Thomas Mulhern

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