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CONTENTS way a range of We have ce Chester Ra t a et b to Pick the 1s ner Pick the win e f the rac

Pick the 1s

ON-COURSE BETTING & HOW TO READ YOUR RACECARD page 6-7

LAST YEAR’S WINNERS page 30-31

CHESTER CUP HISTORY page 41-42

TODAY’S TIPS page 8

FACTS & STATISTICS page 12-13

TITLE SPONSORBOODLES page 72-73

CHESTER PLATE HISTORY page 74-75

IMPORTANT INFORMATION page 82

TODAY’S SPONSORS Chester Race Company would like to thank the following for their generous sponsorship of today’s racing.

TODAY’S RACING CHESTER CUP DAY FRIDAY 9 MAY 2025

RACE TIMES The Caa Stellar Earl Grosvenor Handicap Stakes

1.30pm

The Boodles Darley EBF Maiden Stakes

2.05pm

2.35pm

3.05pm

3.40pm

4.10pm

4.45pm

The Ladbrokes Chester Cup

The Precision Facades Handicap Stakes

The Ire-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Huxley Stakes

The Xenon Workplace Apprentice Handicap Stakes

The Ladbrokes Get Rewarded With Ladbucks Chester Plate Handicap Stakes

TODAY’S JOCKEYS AND TRAINERS

Listed below are the Jockeys and Trainers in action at today’s meeting

Jockeys George Bass

Duran Fentiman

W. J. Lee

Kieran O’Neill

Connor Beasley

Warren Fentiman

Ashley Lewis

Saffie Osborne

Kaiya Fraser

Tom Marquand

2.35

1.30, 4.45

1.30, 3.05

1.30, 3.40, 4.10

4.45

3.05, 4.10

Paddy Bradley

2.35, 3.40

4.10

1.30, 2.05, 2.35, 3.05, 4.45

2.35

1.30, 3.05, 3.40, 4.45

Mason Paetel 1.30, 4.10

Andrew Breslin

Elizabeth Gale

Grace McEntee

Aiden Brookes

Rob Hornby

Oisin McSweeney

David Probert

Ryan Moore

Alistair Rawlinson

Oisin Murphy

Callum Shepherd

4.10

3.05, 4.10

Harry Davies 2.05, 3.05

4.10

1.30, 3.05

Pierre-Louis Jamin 2.35, 3.05, 3.40

4.10

1.30, 4.10

1.30, 2.05, 2.35, 3.05

Ray Dawson

Ryan Kavanagh

Joe Fanning

Richard Kingscote

1.30, 2.05, 2.35, 3.05, 3.40, 4.45

Joe Leavy

4.10

3.05

4.10, 4.45

2.05, 3.05, 3.40, 4.45

1.30, 3.40, 4.45

4.10

3.05, 3.40, 4.10

Shay Farmer

Jack Nicholls

Connor Planas 1.30, 4.45

1.30, 2.05, 3.05, 3.40, 4.45

3.40

1.30, 3.05, 4.45

Zak Wheatley 3.05, 4.10

George Wood 1.30, 3.05, 3.40

Trainers Michael Appleby

Tom Dascombe

T. J. Kent

Jonathan Portman

Andrew Balding

Tim Easterby

Daniel & Claire Kubler

George Scott

3.40

1.30, 2.05, 2.35, 3.05, 3.40

David & Nicola Barron

1.30

Michael Bell

2.05, 3.05, 3.40

Harriet Bethell 1.30

K. R. Burke 2.35, 4.10

Owen Burrows 2.05

Jennie Candlish 1.30, 4.10

Tony Carroll

4.10

Declan Carroll 3.05

Jack Channon 2.35, 3.40

Anthony Charlton

3.05, 4.10

Clive Cox 1.30

3.05, 3.40 1.30, 4.45

Brian Ellison 4.10

4.10

3.40

David Loughnane 1.30, 4.45

Harry Eustace

Donald McCain

Charlie Fellowes

Gary & Josh Moore

3.05, 3.40 1.30

John & Rhys Flint 4.10

Ivan Furtado

4.10 4.10

Patrick Morris 4.45

J. P. Murtagh

3.05

1.30, 3.40

2.05, 2.35

3.05

William Haggas Alice Haynes 2.35

Charles Hills 1.30

Joseph Patrick O’Brien Jamie Osborne 1.30, 3.40

James Owen 2.05, 3.05, 4.10

Darryll Holland

Hugo Palmer

Charlie Johnston

David Pipe

1.30

2.05, 3.40, 4.45

Adrian Keatley 4.10, 4.45

1.30, 3.05, 3.40 3.05

1.30

3.05

P. Twomey 2.35

Ian Williams 4.10, 4.45

Venetia Williams 3.05

ON COURSE BETTING & HOW TO READ THE RACECARD WAYS TO BET WIN ONLY The most common form of bet. You win if your horse is first past the post. Example: £5 win at 8/1 would return £45 (8 x £5 = £40 + £5 stake) EACH WAY Backing a horse to win or be placed. This doubles your bet – for example: £5 each way = £5 to win and £5 for a place = £10 total stake. STANDARD EACH WAY TERMS In conjunction with The RCA, the bookmakers have introduced standard each-way terms. Bookmakers will provide these terms, or better, when offering each-way betting. • • • • • •

Fewer than 4 runners - all on to win 5 – 7 runners (inclusive) – 1/4 odds a place 1,2 8 or more runners – 1/5 odds a place 1,2,3 Handicaps with 12 to 15 runners (inclusive) – 1/4 odds a place 1,2,3 Handicaps with 16 to 21 runners (inclusive) – 1/5 odds a place 1,2,3,4 Handicaps with 22 or more runners – 1/4 odds a place 1,2,3,4

Some bookmakers also offer ‘betting without the favourite’, where you can back your selection at reduced odds to either win or finish second to the horse nominated by the bookmaker as favourite. You may bet with confidence with any bookmaker on course as they operate with Administration Of Gambling On Tracks Ltd. (AGT) approval. In the unlikely event of a dispute with a bookmaker, please call upon the assistance of the AGT Betting Ring Manager, who can be found on the ground floor of the Grandstand Enclosure. The AGT also offers a ‘late pay’ service in case the bookmaker leaves the course before you have collected your winnings. Late pay claims should be sent to: AGT, 3A Kings Hall, Parsons Green, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 4WY. PLACING A BET Experiencing the buzz of the betting ring may be a little daunting at first, but you will soon find it is very easy to place a bet. Here are some guidelines for racegoers to follow: 1. Each bookmaker will be offering slightly different prices, so shop around for the best odds against your selection. 2. Call your bet clearly to the bookmaker by stating the name and / or number of your chosen horse and the stake. 3. Listen to the bookmaker repeat your bet to his / her clerk and correct him immediately if any details are called wrongly. 4. Make sure you obtain a ticket from the bookmaker and keep it safe. 5. If your selection wins, hand the ticket back to the bookmaker for settlement. Never destroy or dispose of your ticket until after the “Weighed in” announcement has been made. Betting with the bookmaker is tax-free. Deductions are made only if a horse is withdrawn after the betting market has been formed. Please check the minimum stake accepted by each bookmaker on his display board. Some bookmakers do not take sums under £5, especially in the main betting ring, but there will be others who are happy to accept £2 bets. Please tender the correct change when possible.

FALCON EIGHT (IRE) (314) 2145/34-

Br B g Galileo (IRE) - Polished Gem (IRE) O Moyglare Stud Farms Ltd

9-10

(10)

Frankie Dettori J D. K. Weld, Ireland T

B Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Smart performer who bagged 2m Sandown Listed race under Frankie Dettori in 2019. Fair efforts in only 2 outings last year. Yard’s runners over here always respected. TFRHHHII BHA104

1. Colours Graphic - a visual of the Owners Silks that the Jockey will be wearing

9. Weight the horse carries (stones and pounds)

2. Horse’s number on saddlecloth

10.Draw

3. Colour and sex of horse: B - Bay Br - Brown h - horse Ch - Chesnut c - colt (followed by Sire and Dam) g - gelding Gr - Grey f - filly m - mare Ro - Roan

11. Owner’s Name(s)

4. Horse’s name 5. Birthplace of horse if not born in Great Britain 6. Number of day’s since horse last ran 7. Details of horse’s previous performances: Bold type indicates All-Weather Track form / denotes new season - denotes new year C - The horse has won on this racecourse D - The horse has won over this distance CD - The horse has won over a race over this course and distance BF - The horse was a beaten favourite on its last run 8. Age of horse

12. Breeder 13. Trainer’s Name and location of training establishment 14. A guide to the horse’s recent form and star rating. Each horse has been given a star rating, these are defined below: HHHHH Selected to win the race. HHHHI Good chance of being placed. HHHII By no means out of the reckoning but at least one or two hold stronger claims HHIII Unlikely to win but not totally without hope. HIIII Can be given little or no chance. 15. Jockey’s 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

OFFICIAL BHA RATINGS 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 any penalties or 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-handicaps races the rating shown is that of each runner at the time that the entries for the race were confirmed. Any subsequently published change to a rating, either up or down, is shown in brackets following the rating.

RACE 1

TODAY’S TOP TIPS A chance can be taken on TWO TEMPTING, who stepped forward from a disappointing effort in the Lincoln when keeping on into a creditable fourth at Newbury next time. The six-year-old is berthed well in stall one and is only 1lb higher than when successful over C&D in August. Dual course winner Divine Libra was an eye-catching sixth on his seasonal reappearance over 7f at Haydock and he warrants respect stepping up in trip, with Ryan Moore a positive jockey booking. Gorak, second in that Haydock contest, is also noted.

RACE 2

TOTEWIN: TWO TEMPTING

It’s difficult to rule out any of these and only marginal preference can be afforded to AMMES. James Owen’s colt chased home a useful rival at over 1m2f at Kempton recently and is likely to appreciate a step up in trip. If handling a switch to turf along with the course, he should go close. Orionis showed up well for a long way on her return at Wetherby last month and she remains of interest, while Wise Counsellor appeals most of the remainder.

RACE 3

TOTEWIN: AMMES

RACE 4 RACE 5

TOTEEACHWAY: SPACE LEGEND

This prestigious handicap can go the way of EAST INDIA DOCK, who was only worn down after the last in what looked a strong renewal of the Triumph Hurdle. The fouryear-old proved capable on the level last year when trained by James Fanshawe and, with a handy draw in stall six, he may be able to make his class tell from a workable mark of 89. An easy winner here last September, Who’s Glen must enter calculations along with unexposed Irish raider Leinster, who could relish the steep rise in trip, and last year’s winner Zoffee. TOTEWIN: EAST INDIA DOCK

TOTEEACHWAY: WHO’S GLEN

WARDA JAMILA (fourth) may have less than a length to make up with the reopposing Rathgar (second) from their recent clash at Epsom, but Andrew Balding’s charge is better drawn on this occasion and boasts every chance of reversing that form. A capable sort last year, she is narrowly preferred to Take Heart, who landed a valuable handicap at Goodwood last July and ran creditably most recently at Cork. Grey Cuban and Penzance have the form to get involved in proceedings as well. TOTEWIN: WARDA JAMILA

RACE 6

TOTEEACHWAY: ORIONIS

THE FOXES had somewhat of an interrupted campaign last season, but he ﬁnished an excellent fourth in the Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin before chasing home Rebel’s Romance in a Group 3 in Qatar. Andrew Balding’s entire can resume his progress back on home soil this year. Space Legend wasn’t disgraced in the Great Voltigeur when last seen and given that he’s gone well when fresh previously, must be considered. Liberty Lane might not be far away either. TOTEWIN: THE FOXES

TOTEEACHWAY: TAKE HEART

SPORTINGSILVERMINE is unbeaten in two starts since switching to the James Owen yard and may have been worth more than the winning margin suggests at Musselburgh last time. The son of Holy Roman Emperor has Mason Patel claiming a handy 7lb and remains relatively unexposed over this distance. The hat-trick seeking Obsidian Knight is likely to have his supporters after recording a double at Lingﬁeld and he needs to be taken seriously. Of the remainder, Small Fry makes the most appeal. TOTEWIN: SPORTINGSILVERMINE

RACE 7

TOTEEACHWAY: DIVINE LIBRA

TOTEEACHWAY: OBSIDIAN KNIGHT

Each of the last three winners of this prize has been a ﬁve-year-old and ARTISAN DANCER is taken to continue that trend. Charlie Johnston’s gelding battled it out with Surrey Belle to prevail by a head at Ripon, shaping as if this extra distance could eke out further improvement. He can conﬁrm his authority over that rival to complete a double, while Tailorman is the pick of the Ian Williams trio after his close third at Nottingham. TOTEWIN: ARTISAN DANCER

TOTEEACHWAY: SURREY BELLE

RACING PHRASE BOOK ACCUMULATOR bet involving two or more selections in different races: winnings from one are placed on the next ALL WEATHER RACING flat racing which takes place on an artificial surface AMATEUR (rider) on racecards, their names are prefixed by Mr, Mrs, Captain, etc., to indicate their amateur status ANTE-POST betting (usually on the most important races) days, weeks and even months before the race is due to take place

DRAW for ﬂat racing only, describes a horse’s position in the starting stalls, drawn randomly the day before shortly after the horses are declared to run EVENS or EVEN MONEY when your stake exactly equals your winnings thus £5 at evens wins a further £5

APPRENTICE young jockey tied by annually renewed contract to a licensed trainer while he or she is learning the business of race-riding BACKWARD used of a horse which needs time to mature CLAIMER of a race: a claiming race; of a jockey: an apprentice COLT male, ungelded horse up to four years old DAM mother of a horse DISTANCE the length of a race: 5 furlongs is the minimum and the 4 1⁄2 miles of the Grand National the longest. Also, the margin by which a horse wins or is beaten by the horse in front: this ranges from a short head to ‘by a distance’ (more than 30 lengths); a ‘length’ is measured from the horse’s nose to the start of its tail

FILLY female horse up to four years old FOAL horse of either sex from the time of its birth until 1 January the following year FURLONG 220 yards (one eighth of a mile)

For the Grace & For the Glory

GELDING castrated horse GOING the description of conditions underfoot on the racecourse. Official BHA going reports progress as follows: Heavy - soft - good to soft - good good to ﬁrm - ﬁrm - hard GREEN (of a horse) inexperienced HAND unit of four inches in which a horse’s height is measured, at the shoulder JOLLY betting parlance for the favourite in a race - the horse with the shortest odds

PLATE shoe worn by horse for racing PLATER horse which usually runs in selling races (selling ‘plates’) PONY betting parlance for £25 RULE 4 betting rule covering deductions made from winning bets if a horse is withdrawn after the betting market has been formed but before the ‘Under Starter’s Orders’ signal; the amount deducted depends on the price of the withdrawn horse SIRE father of a horse

JUDGE official responsible for declaring the finishing order of a race and the distances between the runners JUVENILE two-year-old horse MAIDEN horse which has not won a race MARE female horse five years and over MONKEY betting parlance for £500 OBJECTION complaint by one jockey against another regarding breach of rules during a race ODDS ON odds where the winnings are less than the stake (which is of course returned to you): thus a winning £2 bet at 2-1 on wins you £1 PADDOCK area of the racecourse incorporating the pre-parade ring, parade ring and winner’s enclosure PATTERN the elite races, divided in Flat racing into Groups One, Two, Three and Listed, and in jumping into Grades One, Two and Three PENALTY weight added to the allotted handicap weight of a horse which has won since the weights were originally published PHOTO FINISH electronic photographic device which determines minimal distances in a close finish

SPREAD A PLATE when a racing plate or horseshoe becomes detached from an animal’s hoof, this sometimes causes a delay while the horse is re-shod SPRINGER/STEAMER a horse which shortens dramatically in the betting SP/STARTING PRICE the official price of horse at which bets are settled in betting shops STEWARDS the panel of men and women - usually a total of four who are responsible for seeing that the Rules of Racing are adhered to STEWARDS’ ENQUIRY enquiry by the stewards into the running of a race TIC-TAC the bookmaker’s method of relaying odds information on the racecourse, by means of hand signals WEIGH IN/WEIGH OUT weighing of jockey before and after a race to ensure that the correct weight has been carried; the announcement ‘weighed in’ signals that the result is official, and all bets can be settled YANKEE combination bet involving four selections in different races: six doubles, four trebles and one four-horse accumulator - eleven bets YEARLING horse of either sex from 1 January to 31 December of the year following its birth.

2 3

1. THE AVERAGE FLAT JOCKEY is below 5’6 (although there are exceptions) and weigh between 8 & 9st 2. JOCKEYS BOOTS They are mostly synthetic and can weigh as little as 300 grams 3. RACING SADDLE Weighs between 1 & 2lb 4. JOCKEYS WHIP A jockey’s whip is made from a core of light-weight carbon ﬁbre surrounded by layers of air cushioned foam and

light-weight leather. Usage of the whip is strictly controlled by the British Horseracing Authority Stewards who are present on raceday 5. SILKS The silks that a jockey wears belong to the racehorse owner rather than the jockey. Each set is unique, such is the demand for certain designs that some colours can sell for thousands, or even tens of thousands of pounds

4 5 1

6 11

7 12

6. BREATHING The horse’s lungs breath in and out 140 times per minute delivering 150 litres of air per second. At 10,000 litres per race, that is what a human breaths in a day 7. HEART CAPACITY Up to 240 beats per minute moving 60 pints of blood during a race. A racehorse’s heart weighs the equivalent of 4 bags of sugar (around 4 kgs)

8. STRIDE LENGTH An average racehorses’ stride length is 20-21ft 9. STRIDE FREQUENCY Between 130 and 140 strides per minute 10. AVERAGE SPEED 37.5 mph 11. HORSES WEIGHT A horses weight is approximately half a tonne 12. FUEL CONSUMPTION A horse uses 35,000 calories per day, whereas a human adult male is advised to eat 2,500

2024 WINNERS

PERCY’S LAD CAA Stellar Earl Grosvenor Handicap

MINA RASHID Boodles Darley “Conﬁned” Maiden Stakes

ZOFFEE Duke Of Westminster Supporting The Chester Cup

ALPHONSE LE GRANDE Duke Of Westminster Supporting The Chester Plate Handicap Stakes

WHO WILL WIN THIS YEAR?

CITY STREAK tote.co.uk Free Bet Friday Handicap Stakes

PASSENGER IRE-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Huxley Stakes

OMAN Horse PWR Apprentice Handicap (Div I)

CHASE THE DOLLAR Horse PWR Apprentice Handicap (Div II)

The Roar. Th e Drama. The Feeling.

Never beaten by SP Tote or Starting Price? We’ll pay whichever is better on win bets.

We’ll always pay at least SP on Win bets and if the Tote dividend is greater, we’ll pay out at that price. Tote.co.uk, Tote.ie, Tote App and selected UK racecourse customers only. Promotion applies to Tote Win and win part of each way bets on all UK & Irish races. Staking limits apply. Full terms and conditions available at Tote.co.uk/promotions. 18+. BeGambleaware.org

Pick a placed horse in races 1 to 6

No slip, no problem! We want to make putting your Placepot on as easy as possible. Simply fill out this page and show it to any member of the Tote team who will process your bet. Remember to place your bets early and check your receipt carefully.

Unit Stake:

Meeting: Selection 1 Horse No.

Selection 2 Horse No.

Selection 3 Horse No.

Total Stake: Selection 4 Horse No.

Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 Race 4 Race 5 Race 6

How To Play 1. Fill in the race meeting above.The Placepot is available at every UK & Irish meeting. 2. Write the racecard number of the horse(s) you want to select in the boxes above. Enter ‘FAV’ if you would like the ‘SP favourite’. Pick at least one selection in each race. 3. Finally, choose how much you want to spend.The minimum total stake is £2.

WE’RE BIG ON

BOOSTS FOR CHESTER Get BIG value you can bet on at the May Festival

18+ Eligible UK+IRE players. Max boost limits may apply. Some deposit types, markets & bet types excl. T&Cs apply. Full terms at www.ladbrokes.com. PLEASE BET RESPONSIBLY gambleaware.org Need Help? Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 802 0133.

FACTS &

STATS THE CAA STELLAR EARL GROSVENOR HANDICAP STAKES

CLASS 2

2024

WINNER

RUN OVER

PERCY’S LAD

7 1/2F

Percy’s Lad improved on his thirdplaced ﬁnish in this contest the year before with a one-and-a-half length victory over favourite Dancing Magic for trainer Daniel and Claire Kubler. Jockey Richard Kingscote was on board as the six-year-old made all. Despite having a wide draw, Percy’s Lad responded well to produce a career-best effort. Dancing Magic was a real threat from four furlongs out and kept on well but it wasn’t enough to catch the winner.

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£45,000

23,193 TO THE WINNER

KEY TRENDS No favourite has won this race out of the last 9 renewals

4-year-olds have a great track record in this race

Andrew Balding has trained 2 of the last 9 winners of this race

ROLL OF HONOUR 2015-2024 YEAR 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015

WINNER Percy’s Lad Revich (IRE) Red Mirage (IRE) Grove Ferry (IRE) MEETING ABANDONED Sha La La La Lee Baraweez (IRE) Sound Advice Hillbilly Boy (IRE) Newstead Abbey

AGE 6 7 4 4 4 8 8 6 5

WEIGHT SP 9-11 16/5 8-12 9/2 8-9 6/1 9-6 5/1 8-5 8-2 9-0 8-10 8-11

12/1 7/1 12/1 13/2 11/2

TRAINER D & C Kubler Richard Spencer Andrew Balding Andrew Balding

RUNNERS 13 10 10 10

JOCKEY Richard Kingscote Jim Crowley David Probert David Probert

Tom Dascombe Brian Ellison Keith Dalgleish Tom Dascombe David Barron

12 15 11 11 8

Jane Elliott Phil Dennis Dougie Costello Richard Kingscote Graham Gibbons

We Represent Champions

www.caa-stellar.com @caastellar

FIRST RACE 1.30

THE CAA STELLAR EARL GROSVENOR HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)

7f 127y

for four yrs old and upwards Total prize fund £45000 Owners Prize Money. 1st £18284, 2nd £9144, 3rd £4572, 4th £2286, 5th £1143, 6th £572. (Penalty Value £23193)

race one

RACE DESCRIPTION This is a seven furlongs handicap race for four-year-olds and upwards which have been rated from 0 to 105. 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 40 tend to be at the lower end of the scale whilst the very best performers would be rated as high as 130.

Br Breeding colours

O Owner

B Breeder

J Jockey

T Trainer

horse

age

st-lb

Draw

TARKHAN (GER) (180) 331113- D

10-0

(2)

Br B g Soldier Hollow - Turfmaid (GER) O Mr R A Pegum and Mr P A Henry B Gestut Auenquelle

Saffie Osborne J Jamie Osborne, Upper Lambourn T

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful performer who completed a hat-trick in Munich listed event (6.5f) in October. Solid third in Group 2 at Milan on ﬁnal start for Roland Dzubasz so can’t be dismissed on his UK/stable debut. TFRHHHII BHA107

NEVER SO BRAVE (IRE) (217) 116020- CD

9-8

(15)

Br B g No Nay Never (USA) - Chica Whopa (IRE) Non Runner J R NE Andrew Balding, Kingsclere T O Mr Saeed Suhail N U B C. O. P. Hanbury N-R

Nup a notch when second in 7f handicap at Chelmsford City in TIMEFORM VIEW C&D winner last May and took his form August for Sir Michael Stoute. Resumes for in-form new yard with more to offer in 2025. Interesting. TFRHHHHH BHA101 HHHHH BHA 101 3

GORAK (FR) (13) 00330-2 D

Br B g Goken (FR) - Ponte Bawi (IRE) O D MacAuliffe, Anoj Don & First Tuesday B Guy Pariente Holding Spral

9-3

(7)

Callum Shepherd J Charlie Fellowes, Newmarket T Class1Personnel S

TIMEFORM VIEW Winless in 2024 but produced some ﬁne efforts in defeat and returned with a very good second of 10 in handicap at Haydock (7f, good to ﬁrm) 13 days ago. Ought to be in the shake-up once more. TFRHHHII BHA96

TWO TEMPTING (IRE) (27) 010-504 CD

Br Ch g New Bay - Dangle (IRE) O Berkeley Racing B Miss S. Von Schilcher

9-3

(1)

Rob Hornby J Jonathan Portman, Upper Lambourn T Pump Technology Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Enjoyed a ﬁne 2024, winning 5 times at around 1m, and comes here on the back of a good fourth of 14 in handicap at Newbury (8f, good) 27 days ago. Expected to be bang there eased 1lb. TFRHHHHI BHA96

DIVINE LIBRA (IRE) (13) 60020-6 C

9-1

(11)

Br Gr g Dark Angel (IRE) - Rakiza (IRE) Ryan Moore J O McLaren Horse Racing Charles Hills, Lambourn T B Mogeely Stud McLaren Horse Racing, Wishanger Estates Ltd S TIMEFORM VIEW Course winner last May who reappeaared with a solid sixth of 10 in handicap at Haydock (7f, good to ﬁrm) 13 days ago. Can make his presence felt. TFRHHHII BHA94

CRACKING GOLD (GB) (21) 04-2310 D

Br Ch g Havana Gold (IRE) - Meaning of Time O Paul & Clare Rooney B Whitwell Bloodstock

9-0

(10)

David Probert J Clive Cox, Hungerford T Clive Cox Racing Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Keen-going sort resumed winning ways at Southwell (1m) in March but not seen to best effect (got no cover) when 11th in 1m Newcastle handicap three weeks ago. Worth another chance. TFRHHHII BHA93

YANIFER (GB) (224) 052150- C D

Br B g Dandy Man (IRE) - Fondie (IRE) O H & W Bethell B Daniel Hunt

9-0

(5)

Oisin McSweeney (3) J Harriet Bethell, Arnold T Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Likeable sort scored here last August and largely in good form later in 2024. Has gone well fresh so needs considering on his seasonal return. TFRHHHII BHA93

S Sponsor Jockey

TRANSCENDING GLORY (IRE) (222) 126105- 4

Br B g Cotai Glory - Reﬂect Alexander (IRE) O Kildare Racing/Kilmichael Racing B Mountarmstrong Stud

8-13

(14)

Tom Marquand J J. P. Murtagh, Ireland T

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful Irish gelding was a dual 6f/7f winner in 2024 but he ended the season rather out of sorts. Still much respected after a break though with his yard among the winners. TFRHHHII BHA92

PERSUASION (IRE) (20) 3100-01

Br B g Acclamation - Effervesce (IRE) O Mr Laurence O’Kane B Norelands Bloodstock

8-12

(8)

Connor Beasley J David & Nicola Barron, Thirsk T Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Resumed winning ways in 9-runner handicap at Musselburgh (7f, good) 20 days ago. Up 4lb but can’t be ruled out. TFRHHHII BHA91

10 KINDEST NATION (IRE) (201) 531146- C

Br Br f Sioux Nation (USA) - The Dylan Show (IRE)

8-11

(3)

Richard Kingscote J Hugo Palmer, Malpas T Coral Racing Limited S

O John Brown & The Owens B Sherborough Developments Co Ltd

11 PEARL EYE (GB) (2) 65-4105 D

Br B g Expert Eye - Treat Gently O Harraton Court Stables Ltd B Andrew Davis

8-9

(4)

Mason Paetel (7) J Darryll Holland, Newmarket T

TIMEFORM VIEW Spring Mile winner at Doncaster (second past post but subsequently promoted) in March but only ninth in 1m Newbury handicap following month. Creditable ﬁfth of 13 here 2 days ago, and needs a bit more. TFRHHHII BHA88

12 SPIRIT GENIE (IRE) (2) 010-050 C D Br B g Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Prima Luce (IRE) O Mrs Ros Marriott B Kilcarn Stud

8-9

(9)

George Wood J Jennie Candlish, Leek T Torvic Magnets, PRA World Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Course winner who got back on track when ﬁfth of 8 in handicap at Musselburgh (7.1f, good) 26 days ago. Only respectable effort here 2 days ago. TFRHHHII BHA88

13 CHESHIRE DANCER (IRE) (232) 614026- D Br Gr f Phoenix of Spain (IRE) - Kristal Xenia (IRE) O Manor House Stables Syndicate B Ciara Eglington

8-2

(6)

Connor Planas (3) J Hugo Palmer, Malpas T Coral Racing Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Scored at Newcastle last June and in good form after until just sixth of 7 in handicap at Ayr (10f) in September. Has gone well when fresh though so possibilities. TFRHHHII BHA81

14 YERMANTHERE (IRE) (22) 01600-6 Br Ch g Fast Company (IRE) - Fast Jazz (IRE) O Mr Ambrose Turnbull & Partner B Kilnamoragh Stud

8-2

(13)

Duran Fentiman J Tim Easterby, Malton T Easthorpe Hall Stud S

TIMEFORM VIEW Capitalised on a reduced mark at Carlisle (7f) last August and wasn’t disgraced on his return from 6 months off when sixth in 1m Ripon handicap 22 days ago. No forlorn hope. TFRHHHII BHA80

15 PARTISAN HERO (IRE) (9) 2-33112 D Br B g Muhaarar - Mad About You (IRE) O D Lowe & S Hoyland B Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd

8-2

(12)

Warren Fentiman (5) J David Loughnane, Tern Hill T Dave Loughnane Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Is enjoying an excellent season, scoring at Kempton and Pontefract, before a good second of 7 back at Pontefract TFRHHHII BHA78 (8f, good) 9 days ago. This game sort can go well again despite being 3lb “wrong” in the weights.

DECLARED RUNNERS 15 2024: PERCY’S LAD 6 9 11 Richard Kingscote 16-5 (Daniel & Claire Kubler) 13 ran Blinkers worn by No. 11. Visor worn by No. 10. Tongue Strap worn by No. 6, 12. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 3, 6, 8, 12, 15. Running for the ﬁrst time since Gelding No. 1, 2. Stewards Note: YANIFER: Following its run on 27/9/2024 it was reported that the horse was unsuited by the going. Probable S.P.’s: 5-1 Never So Brave (IRE), 7-1 Gorak (FR), Divine Libra (IRE), 10-1 Persuasion (IRE), 11-1 Yanifer (GB), 12-1 Cheshire Dancer (IRE), 14-1 Two Tempting (IRE), 16-1 Transcending Glory (IRE), 18-1 Partisan Hero (IRE), 20-1 Cracking Gold (GB), 22-1 Spirit Genie (IRE), 28-1 Kindest Nation (IRE), Pearl Eye (GB), 33-1 Yermanthere (IRE), 50-1 Tarkhan (GER) Plenty are in with a shout but this could go the way of NEVER SO BRAVE who can boast a C&D win and appeals as a likely improver this season now starting out for the in-form Andrew Balding team. The handily-weighted Two Tempting heads the list of dangers, PLAY SMARTER although the likes of Gorak, Divine Libra, Cracking Gold and Yanifer all warrant plenty of respect too. TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.NEVER SO BRAVE (IRE) 2.TWO TEMPTING (IRE) 3.GORAK (FR)

race one

TIMEFORM VIEW On the up last autumn when visored, scoring over 7f here, and not disgraced given her poor draw when sixth in listed race at Longchamp (7f) ﬁnal start. Considered. TFRHHHII BHA90

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FACTS &

STATS THE BOODLES DARLEY EBF MAIDEN STAKES

CLASS 2

2024

WINNER

RUN OVER

MINA RASHID

1M 4 1/2F

Mina Rashid was signiﬁcantly up in trip for this contest and newly hooded and that certainly did the trick with the Andrew Baldingtrained gelding securing a lengthand-a-quarter victory over market favourite Ephesus in second. Ephesus was well supported in the market but Mina Rashid was helped by his rivals going for home too soon before he stayed on well to give jockey Oisin Murphy a relatively comfortable victory.

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£40,000

20,616 TO THE WINNER

ROLL OF HONOUR (First run in 2023) YEAR 2024 2023

WINNER Mina Rashid Banderas (IRE)

AGE 3 3

WEIGHT SP 9-7 17/2 9-7 5/4F

TRAINER Andrew Balding Michael Bell

RUNNERS 5 6

JOCKEY Oisin Murphy Ryan Moore

WINNING CONNECTIONS Trainers and jockeys with some of the strongest records at this meeting.

TRAINER

Andrew Balding Today he Saddles Wise Counsellor

JOCKEY

Ryan Moore Today Ryan rides The Pouncing Lion

BREED YOUR CHAMPION

SECOND RACE 2.05

THE BOODLES DARLEY EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBB/GBBPLUS RACE)

1m 4f 63y

for maiden three yrs old Total prize fund £40000 Owners Prize Money. 1st £16252, 2nd £8128, 3rd £4064, 4th £2032, 5th £1016, 6th £508. (Penalty Value £20616) RACE DESCRIPTION This one mile and four furlongs contest for three-years-old only is a maiden stakes - a race for horses that have yet to record a racecourse victory. There are a variety of reasons why the older horses in this race could still be maidens. Stoutly bred horses are unlikely to be seen at their best over the shorter distances of their juvenile season whilst a setback or injury can curtail even the most precociously bred horse’s two-year-old career.

Br Breeding

race two

colours

O Owner

B Breeder

J Jockey

T Trainer

horse

st-lb

Draw

AL WASL STORM (IRE) (16) 02

9-7

(2)

Br Gr c Affinisea (IRE) - Dearborn (FR) O Green Team Racing B Gavin Wallace

S Sponsor Jockey

David Probert J Owen Burrows, Lambourn T

TIMEFORM VIEW €7,000 foal, Affinisea colt. Dam unraced from very good family of Poule d’Essai des Pouliches winner Baiser Vole. Left debut behind when second of 9 in maiden at Lingﬁeld (12f, AW, 17/2) 16 days ago, clear of rest. Derby entrant who must be respected. TFRHHHHI BHA-

AMMES (IRE) (18) 4-2

9-7

Br B c No Nay Never (USA) - Crystal Diamond O J Melville and A Mehrad B Barronstown Stud

(3)

Harry Davies J James Owen, Newmarket T

TIMEFORM VIEW No Nay Never colt. Brother to 10.7f-1 1/2m winner Autocrat and half-brother to 1m winner Benitoite. Improved from debut 6 months on when beaten only by a useful prospect at Kempton 18 days ago. Should progress again up in trip and the one to beat. TFRHHHHH BHA-

POLE STAR (GB) (-)

9-7

Br B c Teoﬁlo (IRE) - Lunar Maria O Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum B Godolphin

(1)

Joe Fanning J Charlie Johnston, Middleham T Johnston Racing Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Teoﬁlo colt. Brother to 1m winner Tribal Moon. Dam 1m winner out of lightly-raced half-sister to high-class winner up to 1m Kingmambo. The only newcomer in the ﬁeld so probably needs to be well above average to make a winning debut in what looks a warm maiden. TFRHHIII BHA-

THE POUNCING LION (IRE) (208) 3-

Br B c Ghaiyyath (IRE) - Northeast Moon (IRE) O Valmont B McCracken Farms

9-7

(4)

Ryan Moore J Michael Bell, Newmarket T Michael Bell Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW 92,000 gns foal, 140,000 gns yearling, Ghaiyyath colt. Half-brother to 6f-1m winner North East Star and winner up to 1m Circe. Dam unraced half-sister to high-class 9f-1 1/2m winner Prince Bishop. Green when third in novice at Goodwood (9f, heavy) on debut in autumn. Will improve and Ryan Moore booked. TFRHHHII BHA-

WISE COUNSELLOR (GB) (20) 622

Br B g Nathaniel (IRE) - Know The Truth O Kingsclere Racing Club B Kingsclere Stud

9-7

(5)

Oisin Murphy J Andrew Balding, Kingsclere T Kingsclere Stud S

TIMEFORM VIEW Stepped up on debut when runner-up next 2 starts but was no match for the winner on both occasions. Headgear on. TFRHHHII BHA78

ORIONIS (GB) (12) 6-3

9-2

Br B f Sea The Stars (IRE) - Troarn (FR) O Cheveley Park Stud B Cheveley Park Stud Limited

(6)

Tom Marquand J William Haggas, Newmarket T Cheveley Park Stud Limited S

TIMEFORMVIEWSea The Stars ﬁlly. Half-sister to useful 1m winner Yaanaas. Showed more than ﬁrst time up without meeting market expectations after 5 months off when third at Wetherby 12 days ago. Remains with potential stepping up in trip. TFRHHHHI BHA-

DECLARED RUNNERS 6 2024: MINA RASHID 3 9 7 Oisin Murphy 17-2 (Andrew Balding) 5 ran Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn ﬁrst time by No. 5. Probable S.P.’s: 15-8 Ammes (IRE), 4-1 Orionis (GB), 9-2 Al Wasl Storm (IRE), 7-1 The Pouncing Lion (IRE), 15-2 Wise Counsellor (GB), 20-1 Pole Star (GB)

AMMES pulled clear of the rest when runner-up at Kempton on return and he looks the one to beat with further progress likely. This does look a warm maiden, though, with Al Wasl PLAY SMARTER Storm and Orionis both having similar proﬁles to the selection. TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.AMMES (IRE) 2.AL WASL STORM (IRE) 3.ORIONIS

Don’t forget to bet on the 2:10 at MARKET RASEN and 2:20 at ASCOT.

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OFFICIAL RACING PHOTOGRAPHER Our thanks to on-course photographer, Alan Wright, for providing racing photography featured in the racecard. If you would like to ‘capture’ your horse in action or arrange a visit to your trainer’s stable for a portrait photograph, please contact Alan at: www.officialphotographersuk.com or call 01695 724 504.

CMY

race two

POSITION OF STALLS 1M 2F - Outside Remainder - Inside

H U X LE Y ST AKE S Passenger

NAMED after a small village nine miles south-east of Chester racecourse, the Huxley Stakes is the highest-quality race staged during the three-day Boodles May Festival. It is a Group 2 boasting a total prize fund of £120,000, meaning it ranks behind only the tote+ Chester Cup in terms of its monetary value. The inaugural edition in 1999 was won, somewhat ironically, by a horse called Chester House. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute and ridden by Kieren Fallon, he won Sandown’s Brigadier Gerard Stakes on his next start. But it was after Chester House was switched to renowned American trainer Bobby Frankel that he enjoyed his most signiﬁcant success, in the Arlington Million in Chicago in 2000, on what would prove to be a glorious swansong to his career. A decade later, the John Gosdentrained Debussy went one better than Chester House by winning the Huxley Stakes and the Arlington Million in the same season. Chester was a course which brought out the best in Debussy. In two other visits here,

H IS TO R Y

he ﬁnished third to Golden Sword in the 2009 Chester Vase, as well as notching the last of his six career wins in the Stand Cup, a Listed race, in September 2011. Only two horses have won this race on multiple occasions. Maraahel secured consecutive victories in 2007, 2008 and 2009, making him the single most successful horse to have run in the Huxley Stakes and contributing three of Stoute’s record of six wins as a trainer. Forest Ranger is the only other horse to grab the glory more than once, coming home in front in 2018 and 2019 for Malton trainer Richard Fahey and jockey Tony Hamilton. However, perhaps the Huxley Stakes’ most distinguished graduate is Noble Mission. Or at least he should be. The winner in 2014 for Sir Henry Cecil’s widow Lady Cecil, Noble Mission was all too often remembered for being the year-younger brother of the equine phenomenon that was Frankel, rather than for his own achievements on the track.

For the Grace & For the Glory

Undeniably a late-bloomer, Noble Mission’s final year was his breakthrough one at the top level. After inflicting another defeat on old rival Telescope here in the Huxley Stakes, Noble Mission notched a belated first Grade 1 victory less than three weeks later in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in Ireland. The rigours of international travel were no barrier to further success for Noble Mission. During a jet-set summer, Noble Mission won a second Group 1 in France and finished a neck runner-up in another in Germany. He returned to Britain and bowed out on a high that autumn by winning his third Group 1 of the year in the Champion Stakes at Ascot with a gutsy display on heavy ground. Last year saw Richard Kingscote and Sir Michael Stoute team up with Passenger securing the honours. FACT FILE Conditions: 4-y-o and upwards Race distance: 1m 2f about 70yds Prize money: £130,000 total prize fund

Previous Winners 2014

NOBLE MISSION

James Doyle / Lady Cecil 2:13.11

2015

MAVERICK WAVE

William Buick / John Gosden 2:15.33

2016

CANNOCK CHASE

Ryan Moore / Sir Michael Stoute 2:11.65

2017

DEAUVILLE

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien 2:10.22

2018

FOREST RANGER

Tony Hamilton / Richard Fahey 2:08.39

2019

FOREST RANGER

Tony Hamilton / Richard Fahey 2:16.26

2021

ARMORY

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien 2:16.26

2022

SOLID STONE

Ryan Moore / Sir Michael Stoute 2:07.77

2023

POINT LONSDALE

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien 2.13.98

2024

PASSENGER

Richard Kingscote / Sir Michael Stoute

2:05.24

THEREARE

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Passenger

Passenger made a triumphant return to the track at Chester on May 10, 2024, clinching the IRE-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Huxley Stakes (Group 2) in commanding fashion. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute and ridden by Richard Kingscote, the four-year-old Ulysses colt demonstrated impressive acceleration to secure victory by 1½ lengths over Israr, with Regal Reality a further 5½ lengths adrift in third. The race unfolded with Israr, the 13/8 favourite, setting a strong pace, leading into the ﬁnal furlong. However, Kingscote’s patient ride aboard Passenger paid off as he switched right and surged ahead, showcasing the colt’s growing maturity and potential.

L A ST Y E AR ’ S HU XL EY ST AK E S This victory marks an eighth Huxley Stakes win for Sir Michael Stoute, underscoring his mastery of the race. With this impressive display, Passenger has firmly established himself as a serious contender for top-tier races, and his connections will be optimistic about his future endeavors. Regal Reality, another of Stoute’s yard, finished a further five-anda-half lengths behind in third but was never really in contention to trouble the leading duo. Talking about Passenger’s performance, Kingscote said: “It’s a difficult track, he’s still learning while we were going round there, but I was very happy with him. I was comfortable with him the whole way, I thought he did a lot really nicely. It’s the sort of race that will bring him forward”.

For the Grace & For the Glory

FACTS &

STATS THE IRE-INCENTIVE, IT PAYS TO BUY IRISH HUXLEY STAKES

LISTED RACE

2024

WINNER

RUN OVER

PASSENGER

1M 2 1/2F

Passenger produced a high quality display to secure the honours in the Huxley Stakes for trainer Sir Michael Stoute and jockey Richard Kingscote. Considering this was only his fifth run, he certainly justified the support in the market. Israr went off as favourite but was headed inside the final 110 yards, eventually losing out by a lengthand-a-half. Regal Reality finished a further fiveand-a-half lengths behind in third.

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£130,000

£73,723 TO THE WINNER

KEY TRENDS Ryan Moore has won 5 of the last 9 renewals of this race

Only 1 British-bred winner in the last 10 years

Only 1 winner over the age of 5 in the last 10 years

ROLL OF HONOUR 2015-2024 YEAR 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015

WINNER Passenger (USA) Point Lonsdale (IRE) Solid Stone (IRE) Armory (IRE) MEETING ABANDONED Forest Ranger (IRE) Forest Ranger (IRE) Deauville (IRE) Cannock Chase (USA) Maverick Wave (USA)

AGE 4 4 6 4 5 4 4 5 4

WEIGHT SP 9-3 7/4 9-3 5/6F 9-3 4/1 9-1 6/5F 9-1 9-1 9-0 9-7 9-0

9/2 6/1 6/4F 11/4 4/1

TRAINER RUNNERS Sir Michael Stoute 6 Aidan O’Brien 6 Sir Michael Stoute 4 Aidan O’Brien 4

JOCKEY Richard Kingscote Ryan Moore Ryan Moore Ryan Moore

Richard Fahey Richard Fahey Aidan O’Brien Sir Michael Stoute John Gosden

Tony Hamilton Tony Hamilton Ryan Moore Ryan Moore William Buick

6 5 7 7 5

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Over 200 races in 2025

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Over €27m in sales generated

ARDISIA (IRE) T: Hugo Palmer O: Ardisia Partnership

“Superb incentive.” Alex Elliott, Agent

Flat & National Hunt supported

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THIRD RACE 2.35

THE IRE-INCENTIVE, IT PAYS TO BUY IRISH HUXLEY STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 2)

1m 2f 70y

for four yrs old and upwards Total prize fund £130000 Owners Prize Money. 1st £57928, 2nd £23777, 3rd £11895, 4th £5941, 5th £2977, 6th £1482. (Penalty Value £73723) RACE DESCRIPTION This one mile and two furlongs race for four-year-olds and upwards is a Group 2 contest and will attract some of the speediest juveniles around this season. Unlike in a handicap when a horse’s official rating reﬂects the weight that they must carry, in a Group 2 all runners carry the same weight regardless of any previous form. In this case colts and geldings carry 9st 3lb and ﬁllies 9st although any runner which has already won a Group 2 race will be issued with a 3lb penalty, 5lb for a Group 1 success.

Br Breeding colours

O Owner

B Breeder

J Jockey

T Trainer

horse

age

st-lb

Draw

BOLSTER (GB) (188) 140211- D

9-3

(3)

Br B h Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Quilting (USA) O Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum B Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

Pierre-Louis Jamin J K. R. Burke, Leyburn T

race three

TIMEFORM VIEW Returned last season with a bang to land handicaps over this trip at Pontefract (heavy) and Epsom (soft) in the spring and also bookended the season with another brace of victories, gaining listed breakthrough at Newmarket. Excellent record fresh but ground is a slight worry. TFRHHHII BHA111

CAIRO (IRE) (69) 202-626

Br B h Quality Road (USA) - Cuff (IRE) O Mr Refai Alghraiban B Coolmore

9-3

(5)

Kieran O’Neill J Alice Haynes, Newmarket T Coral Racing Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Capable of smart form and not disgraced when sixth of 8 in Singspiel Stakes at Meydan (9f) in March. It’s now 14 runs since his last win however and others more persuasive in this company. TFRHHIII BHA107

CERTAIN LAD (GB) (33) 21221-3 D

Br B g Clodovil (IRE) - Chelsey Jayne (IRE) O Mr C. R. Hirst B Barry Walters

9-3

(4)

George Bass J Jack Channon, West Ilsley T Jack Channon Racing Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW High-end handicapper earlier in his career and also successful in Listed race at Compiegne in June. Brace of runner-up efforts in Britain before regaining winning thread back in France, this time in Group 3 company. Excellent return to action at Longchamp a month ago and he’s a consistent sort. TFRHHHHI BHA112

DEEPONE (GB) (397) 11241/4-

Br B c Study of Man (IRE) - Avyanna (IRE) O Mr Vimal Khosla B Andreas Bezzola

9-3

(7)

W. J. Lee J P. Twomey, Ireland T

TIMEFORM VIEW Big career best when winning 6-runner Beresford Stakes at the Curragh (1m, soft,) by 1 3/4 lengths from Chief Little Rock on ﬁnal 2-y-o start. Shaped as though needing the run on reappearance in the Ballysax over this trip sole 3-y-o outing in April 2024 but off the track since. TFRHHIII BHA110

LIBERTY LANE (IRE) (41) 00212-5

Br B g Teoﬁlo (IRE) - Cape Liberty (IRE) O Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum B Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

9-3

(6)

Ryan Moore J K. R. Burke, Leyburn T

TIMEFORM VIEW Put up one of the handicap performances of last season when a very good winner of the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket (9f) in September. Ran to a similar level when second in Group 3 Darley Stakes there ﬁnal outing and possible to excuse a low-key reappearance at Doncaster. TFRHHHII BHA113

SPACE LEGEND (IRE) (261) 2/12244- D

9-3

(2)

Br B g Sea The Stars (IRE) - Newton’s Angel (IRE) Tom Marquand J O Wathnan Racing William Haggas, Newmarket T B Sunderland Holdings Inc Damsa Holding Company W.L.L S TIMEFORM VIEW Conﬁrmed debut promise when making a winning reappearance at Leicester a year ago and continued his progress when runner-up next 2 starts, reaching a smart level in King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. Shaped quite well in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York and can make a better 4-y-o. TFRHHHHH BHA111

THE FOXES (IRE) (83) 00514-2 D

Br B h Churchill (IRE) - Tanaghum O King Power Racing Co Ltd B Barronstown Stud

9-3

(1)

Oisin Murphy J Andrew Balding, Kingsclere T King Power International Co Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Smart performer, winning the Dante at York in 2023. Failed to ﬁre ﬁrst part of 2204 but back on track when making all in Listed company at Newcastle in November. Excellent fourth in Group 1 Hong Kong Cup a month later and continued at top of his game when second in H. H. The Amir Trophy. TFRHHHHI BHA115

S Sponsor Jockey

DECLARED RUNNERS 7 2024: PASSENGER (USA) 4 9 3 Richard Kingscote 7-4 (Sir Michael Stoute) 6 ran Tongue Strap worn by No. 2. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 2. Running for the first time since Gelding No. 6. Stewards Note: LIBERTY LANE: Following its run on 29/3/2025 it was reported that the horse was unsuited by the going. Probable S.P.’s: 9-4 The Foxes (IRE), 4-1 Space Legend (IRE), 9-2 Liberty Lane (IRE), 6-1 Certain Lad (GB), 7-1 Bolster (GB), 20-1 Deepone (GB), 33-1 Cairo (IRE) SPACE LEGEND has a bit to find with a few of these on his return to action but he ended last year with an excellent 1 1/2 lengths fourth of 5 to Los Angeles in the Great Voltigeur Stakes and this low-mileage 4-y-o definitely has the scope to go on this year. The Foxes hit PLAY SMARTER the frame in a Group 1 during the winter so he demands respect at this level, with the likeable Certain Lad very likely to give his running. TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.SPACE LEGEND (IRE) 2.THE FOXES (IRE) 3.CERTAIN LAD

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race three

Don’t forget to bet on the 2:45 at MARKET RASEN and 2:55 at ASCOT.

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FACTS &

STATS THE LADBROKES CHESTER CUP

CLASS 2

2024

WINNER

RUN OVER

ZOFFEE

2M 2 1/2F

The Hugo Palmer-trained Zoffee went one better than the previous year to win the 2024 Chester Cup. Having been 3lb lower than his second-place finish in 2023, Zoffee returned to his best back on the flat. Emiyn was the closest danger, finishing second by three-quarters of a length. He briefly disputed the lead and kept on well but it wasn’t enough to displace Zoffee and his jockey Harry Davies.

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£170,000

£86,632 TO THE WINNER

KEY TRENDS 8 of the last 11 winners were aged between 4 and 6

None of the last 11 winners of this race were the favourite

8 of the last 11 winners had a rating between 90 and 99

ROLL OF HONOUR 2015-2024 YEAR 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015

WINNER Zoffee Metier (IRE) Cleveland (IRE) Falcoln Eight (IRE) MEETING ABANDONED Making Miracles Magic Circle (IRE) Montaly No Heretic Trip To Paris (IRE)

AGE 8 7 4 6 4 6 6 8 4

WEIGHT SP 8-7 9/1 9-1 5/1 9-0 6/1 9-10 15/2 9-0 9-3 9-6 8-13 8-9

L AS T Y EAR’ S C HEST ER CUP

16/1 8/1 16/1 11/1 10/1

TRAINER Hugo Palmer Harry Fry Aidan O’Brien D K Weld Mark Johnston Ian Williams Andrew Balding Nicky Henderson Ed Dunlop

RUNNERS 16 16 14 16

JOCKEY Harry Davies Saffie Osborne Ryan Moore Frankie Dettori

15 16 17 17 17

Franny Norton Fran Berry Oisin Murphy Jamie Spencer Graham Lee

Zoffee

The 2024 Chester Cup, officially known as the Duke of Westminster Supporting The Chester Cup, marked the 200th running of this historic race and delivered a thrilling contest befitting its milestone. The 16-runner Heritage Handicap over 2 miles, 2 furlongs, and 140 yards was contested on good to firm ground. Trained by Hugo Palmer at Michael Owen’s Manor House Stables in Cheshire, Zoffee secured a memorable victory under jockey Harry Davies. The eight-year-old gelding, who had finished second in the previous year’s race, was drawn in stall one and settled in midfield along the inner. As the race unfolded, Davies navigated Zoffee through traffic, finding a gap in the final furlong to accelerate past the leaders. Zoffee crossed the line three-quarters of a length ahead of Emiyn, with Zanndabad a neck further back in third. The winning time was 3 minutes 59.16 seconds, 4.34 seconds faster than standard.

Emiyn produced a remarkable performance, overcoming a slow start and keen running to challenge strongly in the closing stages. Despite being beaten by three-quarters of a length, the seven-year-old gelding’s effort was widely praised. Zanndabad, trained by Aidan J. Martin and ridden by Richard Kingscote, made significant headway in the final furlong after being denied a clear run earlier in the race. His strong finish earned him third place, highlighting his potential for future staying contests. The well-fancied Aztec Empire, trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Oisin Murphy, led for much of the race but was unable to maintain his advantage in the final furlong, finishing fourth. Despite his defeat, the five-year-old gelding’s early pace-setting was notable.

For the Grace & For the Glory

CHE STER CUP HISTO RY

Zoffee

THE Ladbrokes Chester Cup is the crown jewel of the Boodles May Festival. It is also the oldest, longest and most valuable race of the entire season here at Chester. Established in 1824, it was originally known as the Tradesmen’s Cup. Then following brief spells as the Trademen’s Plate and the Chester Trades’ Cup, the race was renamed the Chester Cup in 1884, and has remained that way ever since. During that time, the Chester Cup has undergone a series of minor increases to its original race distance of 2m2f and 77 yards. It was extended to its present distance of 2m2f and 140 yards in 1994, and usually takes a little longer than four minutes to complete depending on ground conditions. Today’s race carries total prize money of £150,000, establishing it as a valuable early-season target for Britain and Ireland’s leading long-distance handicappers. Nine horses have won the Chester Cup twice, lending weight to

the argument that it can be a specialist’s race. 2021 winner Falcon Eight will be looking to make it ten as he lines up again this year. A number of high-class jumps horses have also proved well suited to the demands of the Chester Cup. Chief among them is the legendary Sea Pigeon, who powered to consecutive victories in 1977 and 1978 for Yorkshire trainer Peter Easterby and jockey Mark Birch. Sea Pigeon was seventh in the 1973 Derby, but had reinvented himself as top-class hurdler by ﬁnishing fourth in the Champion Hurdle and winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle prior to his ﬁrst Chester Cup win. In a remarkable career, Sea Pigeon won Cheltenham’s Champion Hurdle twice (1980, 1981), the Fighting Fifth Hurdle twice (1978, 1980) and the Scottish Champion Hurdle for a second time in 1978, as well as The Ebor, under top-weight of 10st, in 1979. Top Cees is also a two-time Chester Cup winner for trainer Lynda Ramsden, wife of renowned pro punter Jack Ramsden.

For the Grace & For the Glory

Top Cees stormed to a five-length success on good-to-firm ground under Kieran Fallon in 1995; then ran out an even more convincing winner for Jimmy Fortune in 1997, romping home by 10 lengths as his rivals toiled in the soft ground. Also a smart hurdler, Top Cees tasted success at the Cheltenham Festival as he mastered 23 rivals to claim the 1998 Coral Cup. Few winners of the Chester Cup have been afforded such a raucous hero’s reception as Overturn in 2011. A hugely popular horse, who always wore his heart on his sleeve, Overtun’s all-the-way victory here completed an unprecedented 12 months in which he also won the Northumberland Plate and Galway Hurdle – a trio of big-field handicaps which suitably showcased this pint-sized warrior’s trademark versatility and durability. Not content with winning one Chester Cup, his Cholmondeley-based jumps trainer Donald McCain saddled the winner and runner-up 12 months later. This time Overturn had to settle for the runners-up spot as Ile De Re, who was debuting for McCain following a recent switch from Ian Williams’ yard, swooped to conquer a furlong out.

Arguably the most talented winner of the modern era is Trip To Paris. Following his 2015 victory under former Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee, the Ed Dunloptrained four-year-old made a successful transition to Group 1 level only six weeks later by lifting the Ascot Gold Cup. FACT FILE Conditions: 4-y-o and upwards Race distance: 2m 2f about 140 yards Prize money: £170,000 total prize fund

Previous Winners 2014

SUEGIOO

Ryan Moore / Marco Botti 4:07.85

2015

TRIP TO PARIS

Graham Lee / Ed Dunlop 4:12.80

2016

NO HERETIC

Jamie Spencer / Nicky Henderson 4:10.48

2017

MONTALY

Oisin Murphy / Andrew Balding 4:03.37

2018

MAGIC CIRCLE

Fran Berry / Ian Williams 4:02.90

2019

MAKING MIRACLES

Franny Norton / Mark Johnston 4:33.09

2021

FALCON EIGHT

Frankie Dettori / Dermot Weld 4:07.11

2022

CLEVELAND

Ryan Moore / Aidan O’Brien 4:04.13

2023 METIER

Saffie Osborne / Harry Fry 4:15.48

2024 ZOFFEE

Harry Davies / Hugo Palmer

3:59.16

FOURTH RACE 3.05

MIDWEEK JUST GOT

MASSIVE Bringing you big value, big prizes and big fun as proud betting partners of the May Festival 2025

THE LADBROKES CHESTER CUP (CLASS 2) (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPLUS RACE)

2m 2f 140y

VAGUELY ROYAL (IRE) (66) 35250-3

Br Br g Galileo (IRE) - Danilovna (IRE) O Eventmasters Racing & Syd Hosie B Bjorn Nielsen

This is a two miles and two and a half furlongs handicap race for four-year-olds. To qualify for a handicap rating horses must have run at least three times in a Flat race in Britain, or have run in no more than two Flat races run in Britain and won at least one of them. This rating then dictates the weight to be carried in a handicap. In simple terms a horse rated 100 in this particular race would be required to carry 5lb more than a rival rated 95.

O Owner

B Breeder

J Jockey

T Trainer

horse

age

st-lb

Draw

CHEMISTRY (IRE) (208) 3/1120-

9-10

(12)

Br Gr g Kingman - Highest Ever (IRE) O James Paul Services To Industry Ltd B Coolmore

George Wood J Ivan Furtado, Wiseton T

TIMEFORM VIEW Quickly developed into a pretty smart stayer for Aidan O’Brien last year, including a Listed win, but disappointed in a 2m Naas handicap in the autumn, after which he changed hands for 30,000 gns. The blinkers he wore for previous connections are replaced by a ﬁrst-time visor. TFRHHIII BHA105

DAWN RISING (IRE) (47) 53561-6

Br B g Galileo (IRE) - Devoted To You (IRE) O Mr John P. McManus B Barronstown Stud

9-9

(15)

Ray Dawson J Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland T Mr O’Brien S

TIMEFORM VIEW Won the Queen Alexandra at 2023 Royal Ascot and also bagged a 2m Curragh Group 3 last autumn. Should be sharper for a reappearance run over an inadequate 10.5f at Naas in March. Draw not ideal.TFRHHHII BHA103

DIVINE COMEDY (IRE) (9) 2500-23

Br B m Le Havre (IRE) - Epic Emirates O The Equema Partnership B Mr Hubert Strecker

9-7

(7)

Kaiya Fraser (3) J Harry Eustace, Newmarket T Rank Interactive (Gibraltar) Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Very progressive handicapper in the past 2 seasons, winning 4 times. Creditable efforts at listed and Group 3 level this season and should be competitive back in a handicap. TFRHHHII BHA101 (-1)

DUKE OF OXFORD (GB) (12) 0311-43

Br B g Kingman - Miss Marjurie (IRE) O Mr A Cope, Mr B Roberts and Mr J Biggane B Ed’s Stud Ltd/A Swinburn

9-2

(14)

Tom Marquand J Michael Bell, Newmarket T Michael Bell Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Reliable stayer on AW, including good in-frame efforts at Newcastle and Southwell (4 1/2 lengths third to Caballo De Mar) last month. However, he’s been well beaten in his 3 turf starts, including this race last year. TFRHHIII BHA96

WHO’S GLEN (FR) (41) 34215-2 C

Br Ch g Gleneagles (IRE) - Who’s Steph (IRE) O Mr George Strawbridge B Mr George Strawbridge

8-12

(10)

Oisin Murphy J Andrew Balding, Kingsclere T

TIMEFORMVIEWRelished the increase in trip/heavy ground when running out an emphatic winner of 6-runner course handicap (14.5f) last autumn. Bettered that form when second on 2m Kempton reappearance and there could be even more to come from this unexposed 4-y-o. TFRHHHHI BHA93

CHARGING THUNDER (GB) (12) 431-125

Br B g War Command (USA) - Storming Sioux O Goodfellow and Lawson B Elwick Stud

8-12

(16)

David Probert J James Owen, Newmarket T Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Yet another success story for James Owen, winning 5 times since joining the yard last autumn. Went close on turf at Newbury (2m, good) last month and shaped as if still in form when 4 3/4 lengths ﬁfth to Caballo De Mar at Southwell 12 days ago. Second-time visor replaces his usual cheekpieces. TFRHHHII BHA92

HOT FUSS (IRE) (76) 00233-1

Br B g Calyx - Natural Bloom (IRE) O Keith, David & Stephen Trowbridge B Sir Robert Ogden

8-12

(3)

Pierre-Louis Jamin J Tom Dascombe, Lambourn T Route Agency Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Took well to hurdling, winning a Sandown juvenile and also an excellent front-running fourth in the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival. Prior to Cheltenham he also won a 2m AW Flat handicap at Southwell. Unexposed as a stayer on the level. TFRHHHHI BHA93

8-10

(11)

Connor Beasley J Anthony Charlton, Warminster T Eventmasters Ltd S

10 SPIRIT MIXER (GB) (28) 40110-5 C

Br Breeding

(4)

Probable S.P.’s: 11-2 Leinster (IRE), 13-2 East India Dock (GB), 15-2 Who’s Glen (FR), 10-1 Caballo de Mar (IRE), 11-1 Hot Fuss (IRE), 12-1 Charging Thunder (GB), 18-1 Divine Comedy (IRE), Spirit Mixer (GB), 20-1 Duke of Oxford (GB), 22-1 Dawn Rising (IRE), Zoffee (GB), 28-1 Chemistry (IRE), Emiyn (FR), 50-1 Vaguely Royal (IRE), 66-1 Morning Air (FR), 80-1 Bashful Boy (IRE) CABALLO DE MAR did admittedly enjoy the run of the race from the front when extending his winning sequence to 5 at Southwell recently but he scored with any amount in hand and looks well treated under a 3lb penalty. East India Dock’s hurdle exploits since joining PLAY SMARTER James Owen suggest he could have more to come back on the Flat and he’s feared most ahead of Hot Fuss and last year’s winner Zoffee. The very much unexposed Leinster completes the shortlist. TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.CABALLO DE MAR (IRE) 2.EAST INDIA DOCK 3.HOT FUSS (IRE)

TIMEFORMVIEWQuite useful on the Flat for the Gosden stable last year but only fair form over hurdles for this yard, despite winning a Wincanton maiden last autumn. Beaten just under 9 lengths when last of 3 on AW Flat in March. A ﬁrst-time tongue tie (added to cheekpieces) will need to spark improvement. TFRHHIII BHA90

RACE DESCRIPTION

colours

8-11

Joe Leavy (3) J Hugo Palmer, Malpas T Coral Racing Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Won this race on his 2024 reappearance (also close second in 2023). Found life tougher later in the season but returns off only 1lb above the mark he deﬁed 12 months ago. Has to enter the reckoning. TFRHHHHI BHA91

for four yrs old and upwards Total prize fund £170000 Owners Prize Money. 1st £68272, 2nd £34136, 3rd £17068, 4th £8534, 5th £4267, 6th £2125, 7th £1071, 8th £527. (Penalty Value £86632) Weights raised 1lb and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. 17 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10.

ZOFFEE (GB) (222) 100040- CD

Br B g Zoffany (IRE) - Mount Crystal (IRE) O Mr Alan Peterson B The Pocock Family

S Sponsor Jockey

Br Ch g Frankel - Arabian Queen (IRE) O Mr J. C. Smith B Littleton Stud

8-10

(13)

Rob Hornby J Andrew Balding, Kingsclere T

TIMEFORM VIEW Runner-up in the 2022 Northumberland Plate and back to form with a pair of 2m Chester wins at the end of last summer. Respectable fourth on 2m Newbury reappearance and should be spot on with that behind him. TFRHHHII BHA90

11 EMIYN (FR) (20) 02360-6 CD

Br B g Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Edelmira (IRE) O Fab Five B H.H. The Aga Khan’s Studs et al

8-10

Don’t forget to bet on the 3:15 at MARKET RASEN and 3:25 at ASCOT.

(2)

Zak Wheatley (3) J Declan Carroll, Malton T Newry Construction Ltd S

TIMEFORMVIEWFront-runner with a good Chester record, including second to Zoffee in this last year. Warmed up for another tilt at this with a respectable sixth at Musselburgh last month, although he did once again miss the break, a tendency which would likely prove costly here. TFRHHHII BHA90 (-1)

12 LEINSTER (IRE) (41) 0/13-1

Br B g Camelot - Black Envy O Al Shira’aa Racing B Al Shira’aa Farms S.A.R.L.

8-10

(5)

Ryan Moore J Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland T

TIMEFORM VIEW Lightly-raced sort who improved again to win 18-runner handicap at the Curragh (1 1/2m, soft) on reappearance 6 weeks ago, cosily. Stamina an unknown taking a signiﬁcant step up in trip but there could be plenty more to come after only 4 starts. TFRHHHHI BHA91

13 EAST INDIA DOCK (GB) (238) 204314Br B g Golden Horn - Diamond Bangle (IRE) O The Gredley Family B Stetchworth & Middle Park Studs Ltd

8-8

(6)

Harry Davies J James Owen, Newmarket T Unex Group S

CMY

TIMEFORM VIEW Progressed into a useful handicapper at up to 2m for James Fanshawe last year and has done even better in juvenile hurdles for James Owen since, winning a pair of Grade 2s and length third in Triumph. Very interesting back on the Flat in reﬁtted with the cheekpieces. TFRHHHHI BHA89

14 CABALLO DE MAR (IRE) (12) 211-111 Br B g Phoenix of Spain (IRE) - Oberyn (IRE) O Blue Starr Racing 8 B Barouche Stud Ireland Ltd

8-7 (in 3lb ex) (8)

Callum Shepherd J George Scott, Newmarket T George Scott Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Big improver since stepped up in trip, making it 5 in a row when scoring readily by 4 lengths at Southwell (2m) 12 days ago, with a couple of today’s rivals behind. Looks well treated under a 3lb penalty. TFRHHHHH BHA85 (+8)

15 MORNING AIR (FR) (356) 631/442Br B f Doctor Dino (FR) - Morning Dust (IRE) O Lady Price, C Shaw, C Boylan & I Tagg B Haras de La Perelle

8-3

(1)

Joe Fanning J Venetia Williams, Hereford T Faucets Limited S

TIMEFORMVIEWFairly useful on the Flat in France. Made a winning start over hurdles for new stable at Leicester in December. Hasn’t built on that in 2 subsequent outings over timber but dangerous to discount back on the Flat given her stable’s good record in the Plate later on this card. TFRHHHII BHA84

16 BASHFUL BOY (IRE) (209) 1154/50Br B g Magician (IRE) - Bacheliere (USA) O Milldean Racing Syndicate B Lynn Lodge Stud & Pier House Stud

8-2

(9)

Aiden Brookes (3) J David Pipe, Wellington T W & S Recycling S

TIMEFORM VIEW Fourth in the 2023 Cesarewitch at Newmarket but his losing run goes back nearly 2 years and bit of a surprise were he to snap it in a race as competitive as this back from 6 months off. TFRHHIII BHA82

17 LIAM SWAGGER (GB) (5) 252-1366 BF Br B g Iffraaj - Bark (IRE) R NE O The Gredley Family UN R B Stetchworth & Middle Park Studs Ltd N

8-2

(17)

Saffie Osborne J James Owen, Newmarket T Unex Group S

TIMEFORMVIEWThirdintheFredWinteratCheltenhamandshapedwellreturnedtohandicapcompanyonthelevelatChelmsfordlastmonth.Ranrespectablywithoutfulling TFRHHIII BHA83 (+2) conﬁrming that promise when sixth of 10 at Newmarket (1 3/4m) on Sunday. Drawn wide. East India Dock looks the stable’s main hope.

DECLARED RUNNERS 17 2024: ZOFFEE 8 8 7 Harry Davies 9-1 (Hugo Palmer) 16 ran Visor worn first time by No. 1. Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 9. Visor worn by No. 6, 7. Tongue Strap worn by No. 4, 17. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 9, 13, 14, 16, 17. Running for the first time since Gelding No. 1. Stewards Note: EAST INDIA DOCK: Following its run on 14/3/2025 it was reported that the horse lost its right-hind shoe.

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BRITISH STALLION

N D N AT I O

NT R AC E S

£2

NA HU

MI LLI ON

EY I

N BRITISH

M I LL I ON ON SI NCE 1983

R 4 0 YEA RS

£40

C FO

RIZ

ANCI NG P

IN 2025

EN H

S U P P O RT I N G

TA LA

STUDS

BRITISH RACING’S LARGEST SPONSOR British Stallion Studs will contribute £2million towards British prize-money in 2025, bringing our total investment to £40million since we were founded in 1983 View our industry document here:

#GoodForRacing T: +44 1638 667960 E: info@ebfhorseracing.co.uk @BritishEBF www.ebfstallions.com

FACTS &

STATS THE PRECISION FACADES HANDICAP STAKES

LISTED RACE

2024

WINNER

RUN OVER

CITY STREAK

1M 2 1/2F

It was an exciting finish to the tote.co.uk Free Bet Friday Handicap Stakes with the Andrew Balding-trained City Streak finiding just enough to defeat Box To Box by a nose. This result completed a double on the day for Balding and jockey Oisin Murphy. City Streak produced a strong performance on the much quicker ground and he got up in the final stride. It was another strong showing from Box To Box and he was unlucky to get beat in the final stride. Back at his favourite course, it just wasn’t to be on this occassion. Outsider Woodstock City finished a further length-and-a-half behind in third.

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£45,000

23,193 TO THE WINNER

KEY TRENDS 4 of the last 9 winners were Irish or Frenchbred

6 of the last 9 winners carried less than 9st

5 of the last 9 winners have been four-yearolds

ROLL OF HONOUR 2015-2024 YEAR 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015

WINNER City Streak Pride Of America (FR) Baryshnikov Dark Pine (IRE) MEETING ABANDONED Aquarium Restorer Khairaat (IRE) Dark Red (IRE) Collaboration

AGE 5 6 6 4 4 6 4 4 4

WEIGHT SP 8-12 9/4F 9-6 4/1 8-9 5/2 8-5 16/1 9-7 8-13 8-7 8-11 9-1

13/2 7/2F 10/11F 11/2 9/4F

TRAINER RUNNERS Andrew Balding 7 Amy Murphy 9 David & Nicola Barron 7 David Loughnane 9

JOCKEY Oisin Murphy Hollie Doyle Connor Beasley Laura Pearson

Mark Johnston Ian Williams Sir Michael Stoute Ed Dunlop Andrew Balding

Franny Norton Richard Kingscote Jim Crowley Silvestre De Sousa David Probert

10 11 7 11 11

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FIFTH RACE 3.40

THE PRECISION FACADES HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBBPLUS RACE)

1m 2f 70y

for four yrs old and upwards Total prize fund £45000 Owners Prize Money. 1st £18284, 2nd £9144, 3rd £4572, 4th £2286, 5th £1143, 6th £572. (Penalty Value £23193) RACE DESCRIPTION This is a one mile and two furlongs handicap race for four-year-olds and upwards which have been rated from 0 to 105. 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 – usually 6lb.

Br Breeding colours

O Owner

B Breeder

J Jockey

T Trainer

horse

age

st-lb

Draw

FLIGHT LEADER (GB) (243) 60/1510- D

9-12

(1)

Br B g Frankel - Principal Role (USA) O Mr Colvin Ryan B Juddmonte Farms Inc

Saffie Osborne J Jamie Osborne, Upper Lambourn T Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful performer in France for Andre Fabre, adding a fourth career success to his tally in minor event at Deauville (9.5f) last August. Came home last of 7 in Longchamp Group 3 ﬁnal start and changed hands for 100,000 gns thereafter. Betting can point the way on return from 8 months off. TFRHHHII BHA105

TAKE HEART (IRE) (20) 0106-06 D

Br Gr g Dark Angel (IRE) - Three Hearts (USA) O Team Valor International & Steven Rocco B Ridgemont Stud (Ltd)

9-5

(9)

W. J. Lee J J. P. Murtagh, Ireland T

TIMEFORM VIEW Irish raider who defied a 3lb lower mark at Goodwood (9.9f) last summer and showed benefit of his reappearance run when respectable sixth of 16 in handicap at Cork (10.4f, soft) 20 days ago, his effort flattening out. Certainly not out of things returned to a quicker surface. TFRHHHHH BHA98

PENZANCE (GB) (6) P6-4155 D

Br Gr g Wootton Bassett - Iromea (IRE) O The Horse Watchers 5 B Newsells Park Stud

9-4

(7)

Alistair Rawlinson J Michael Appleby, Oakham T Timeform S

race ﬁve

TIMEFORM VIEW Cashed in off a sliding mark at Chelmsford (10f) in March and he’s remained in form since, having hopeless task from his position when ﬁfth in last week’s Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m) 6 days ago. Return to positive tactics will likely suit around here and step back up in trip will hold no fears. TFRHHHII BHA97

GREY CUBAN (GB) (41) 11610-0 CD

Br Gr g Havana Grey - Serena Grae O Roudee Racing 10 B Shoreham Stud

9-4

(11)

Joe Leavy (3) J Hugo Palmer, Malpas T Roudee Racing Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Four wins from 9 runs last year (twice over C&D). Shaped as if retaining his ability after 6 months off despite not having much luck in running when seventh in Rosebery Handicap at Kempton (11f) 6 weeks ago and that ought to have teed him up nicely for this return to the Roodee. TFRHHHHI BHA97

AULD TOON LOON (IRE) (129) 504/143- CD

Br B g Belardo (IRE) - Snowtime (IRE) O Empire State Racing Partnership B Cover and Carry Limited

9-1

(8)

Pierre-Louis Jamin J Tom Dascombe, Lambourn T Route Agency Limited S

TIMEFORMVIEWC&Dwinnerwhofailedtoconvincein3runsoverhurdlesbutbackontrackforthisyard,resumingwinningwaysatBath(10.2f,heavy)inOctober.Acquitted himself well in stronger company ﬁnal 2 starts but whilst he has form under these conditions his very best has come on soft/heavy. TFRHHHII BHA94

MUSTAZEED (IRE) (195) 025210- D

Br Br g Territories (IRE) - Mejala (IRE) O Newmarket Racing Club HQiii B Shadwell Estate Company Limited

8-13

(4)

George Wood J Harry Eustace, Newmarket T Rank Interactive (Gibraltar) Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Handled the quick turnaround with aplomb when resuming winning ways in 9-runner handicap at Newbury (10f, soft) in September. Never got competitive at Doncaster on ﬁnal outing though, and whilst he’s gone well fresh previously, he can ill afford one of his very slow starts around here. TFRHHHII BHA92

ANDALEEP (IRE) (21) 2P62-00 D

Br B g Siyouni (FR) - Oriental Magic (GER) O Mr James Finch B Kildaragh Stud

8-12

(3)

Richard Kingscote J Daniel & Claire Kubler, Lambourn T Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Tremendous servant for this yard who added another 3 victories to his tally during 2024. Conﬁrmed he retains his ability with a respectable midﬁeld in Easter Classic on AW Finals Day 21 days ago and his mark is easing steadily ahead of this return to turf. TFRHHHII BHA91

S Sponsor Jockey

WARDA JAMILA (IRE) (17) 06310-4 D

Br B f Calyx - Promise Me (IRE) O Mr Sultan Ali B Rockﬁeld Farm

8-10

(5)

Oisin Murphy J Andrew Balding, Kingsclere T

TIMEFORM VIEW Built on several promising efforts when narrowly resuming winning ways at Haydock (10.2f) in September. Deﬁnite encouragement to glean from reappearance fourth at Epsom (10f) 17 days ago, making a promising move off a modest gallop. Respected for top yard who won this 12 months ago. TFRHHHHI BHA89

RATHGAR (GB) (17) 1200-52 D

Br Ch g Ulysses (IRE) - Why We Dream (IRE) O Jon and Julia Aisbitt B Jon and Julia Aisbitt

8-9

(10)

David Probert J Jack Channon, West Ilsley T Jack Channon Racing Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Doubled his tally for 2024 at Yarmouth (1 1/4m) last July. Returned in good heart, matching his reappearance form granted the run of things when second of 6 in handicap at Epsom (10.1f, good to ﬁrm) 17 days ago. Should give another good account. TFRHHHII BHA88

10 QITAAL (GB) (6) 015-340 CD

Br Ch g Iffraaj - Qaafeya (IRE)

8-8

(2)

Joe Fanning J Charlie Johnston, Middleham T Johnston Racing Ltd S

O Kingsley Park Owners Club B Shadwell Estate Company Limited

TIMEFORM VIEW Registered a wide-margin victory over C&D last September and, back from 6 months off, ran right up to best when third at Doncaster (10.2f) in March. Run respectably in handicaps at Pontefract/Goodwood since but present mark does demand that bit more. TFRHHHII BHA87 (-1)

11 LET’S DREAM (GB) (191) 312/403- D Br B g Territories (IRE) - Shiba (FR) O Mrs I. Corbani B Corps Commerce Ltd

8-2

(6)

Warren Fentiman (5) J Michael Bell, Newmarket T Michael Bell Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW 4-y-o who landed a 9.9f maiden at Goodwood as a juvenile and best effort of last season (having been gelded) came when third of 6 in handicap at Nottingham (8.3f, heavy) in October. Resumes with stable going well but he does need to prove he’s as effective under these quicker conditions. TFRHHHII BHA81

2024: CITY STREAK 5 8 12 Oisin Murphy 9-4 (Andrew Balding) 7 ran DECLARED RUNNERS 11 Hood worn by No. 4. Tongue Strap worn by No. 5, 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 7. Running for the ﬁrst time since Gelding No. 1. Probable S.P.’s: 5-1 Take Heart (IRE), 6-1 Warda Jamila (IRE), 13-2 Rathgar (GB), 7-1 Grey Cuban (GB), 9-1 Auld Toon Loon (IRE), 10-1 Penzance (GB), 11-1 Mustazeed (IRE), Qitaal (GB), 16-1 Let’s Dream (GB), 18-1 Andaleep (IRE), 22-1 Flight Leader (GB) Plenty arrive with claims including Irish-raider TAKE HEART. Successful from a 3lb lower mark at Goodwood last summer, he’s not been disgraced by any means on either start so far this spring and, with the forecast quicker ground here holding no fears, he’s expected to PLAY SMARTER make a bold bid. Warda Jamila, for the stable/jockey combination who took this prize 12 months ago, and dual C&D scorer Grey Cuban are others fancied to be in the thick of things.

HORSE WELFARE At all of our race meetings, there are three equine vets on duty. They are equipped and positioned to give immediate care to a horse should it require it. This may involve screens being erected around a horse to give the veterinary team privacy to administer treatment and does not necessarily mean the worst. The same applies with doctors and jockeys.

NO SMOKING AREAS We request that you kindly observe Chester Racecourse’s smoking policy. Smoking is permitted in all outside areas, including balconies. Smoking is now prohibited in any enclosed area, bar or restaurant, seats within the County Stand, the terraced steps within the Tattersalls Enclosure and the Subway. Ashtrays have been provided all over the course and we ask that you make use of them to keep Chester Racecourse a clean and tidy area. 57

race ﬁve

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.TAKE HEART (IRE) 2.WARDA JAMILA (IRE) 3.GREY CUBAN

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G AT H E R T H E T R O O P S

ROMAN DAY S AT U R D AY 3 1 M AY

B O O K N O W AT C H E S T E R - R A C E S . C O M

FACTS &

STATS THE XENON WORKPLACE APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES

CLASS 4

2024

WINNERS

RUN OVER

CHASE THE DOLLAR (DIV II)

1M 4 1/2F

OMAN (DIV I)

This race was divided last year and it was the Tony Carroll-trained Oman who came out on top in the ﬁrst division. It was Oman’s ﬁrst run for Carroll and returned to form in excellent fashion with a second course victory. In the second division, it was an emphatic victory for Chase The Dollar, trained by David Loughnane and ridden by Connor Planas, after 112 days off.

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£22,500

£11,466 TO THE WINNER

KEY TRENDS 5 of the last 10 winners were British-bred

8 of the last 9 winners were aged 5 or younger

Alan King and Andrew Balding have each won this race twice in the last 10 years.

ROLL OF HONOUR 2015-2024 YEAR 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015

WINNER Oman (IRE) (DIV I) Chase The Dollar (DIV II) Greystoke Haseefah Potenza (IRE) MEETING ABANDONED Heart Of Soul (IRE) Star Of The East (IRE) St Marys Indira Storm Force Ten

AGE 6 6 5 5 5

WEIGHT SP 8-7 22/1 9-9 18/1 9-11 11/2 9-6 20/1 9-4 85/40

4 4 4 5 4

9-6 7/2F 9-7 10/1 8-9 14/1 9-2 7/1 8-12 100/30F

TRAINER RUNNERS Tony Carroll 7 David Loughnane 8 Alan King 11 Alan King 15 Harry Eustace 8

JOCKEY Zak Wheatley Connor Planas Benoit De La Sayette George Bass Theodore Ladd

Ian Williams Mark Johnston Andrew Balding John Berry Andrew Balding

Cameron Noble Jane Elliott William Cox Josephine Gordon Edward Greatrex

10 10 10 11 9

Refurbish - Fit Out - Project Management Industrial - Healthcare - Education - Ofﬁce

SIXTH RACE 4.10

THE XENON WORKPLACE APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) (GBBPLUS RACE)

1m 4f 63y

for four yrs old and upwards Total prize fund £22500 Owners Prize Money. 1st £9036, 2nd £4518, 3rd £2259, 4th £1130, 5th £565, 6th £281, 7th £142, 8th £70. (Penalty Value £11466) Weights lowered 2lbs. 9 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. RACE DESCRIPTION This is a one mile and four furlongs handicap race for four-year-olds and upwards which have been rated from 59 to 78. Like most handicaps on the ﬂat this race is also open to horses that are rated below that particular band. However, all handicaps stipulate a mi nimum weight and no runner can carry less than that, irrespective of how low their rating is. This is often described as ‘running from out of the handicap’ and is considered a disadvantage.

Br Breeding colours

O Owner

B Breeder

J Jockey

T Trainer

horse

age

st-lb

Draw

SPORTINGSILVERMINE (IRE) (26) 0360-11 D

9-12

(4)

Br Br g Holy Roman Emperor (IRE) - Praskovia (IRE) O Mr Gordon McDowall B Sebastian Curran

Mason Paetel (7) J James Owen, Newmarket T Aver Generics Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Irish import who, like many before him, has beneﬁted from joining the James Owen yard, making it 2-2 for new connections when scoring in pretty good style at Musselburgh (12.5f, good). 5lb rise is by no means prohibitive and another bold show may well be on the way. TFRHHHHH BHA78 (+1)

SMALL FRY (IRE) (17) 21122-3 C D

Br B g Harzand (IRE) - Duchess of Daars (IRE) O Small Fry Partners B T. Boylan

9-12

(2)

Ashley Lewis (7) J Gary & Josh Moore, Horsham T KM Elite Products Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Evidently well-suited to sharp, left-handed tracks, scoring at Lingﬁeld (AW) and Epsom last summer prior to notching third success of 2024 over 14.4f at this track in September. Shaped well under Ashley Lewis back at Epsom (1 1/2m, good to ﬁrm) on recent reappearance and he’s a key player down 2lb. TFRHHHHI BHA78

MARHABA MILLION (IRE) (318) 0326-

Br Ch g Galileo (IRE) - Kheleyf’s Silver (IRE) O Mrs Kate Kenyon B Coolmore

9-11

(6)

Kaiya Fraser J Anthony Charlton, Warminster T Sherborne Utilities Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Progressive form in maidens for Owen Burrows last spring but ran no sort of a race in a ﬁrst-time visor on handicap debut at Newbury when last seen in June (gelded since). Headgear discarded starting out for new connections here and the market will likely prove insightful regarding expectations. TFRHHIII BHA77

REEL ROSIE (IRE) (214) 0106/26- C

Br B m Highland Reel (IRE) - Lady Canford (IRE) O The Reel Wheelers and Dealers B Oldcourt Stud

9-10

(11)

Warren Fentiman (3) J Jennie Candlish, Leek T PRA World Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Latest success on the Flat was gained here for Hugo Palmer off 2lb higher in September 2023. Opened account for this yard over hurdles during the winter but safely held on latest start in February and she was also beaten a fair way when last seen in this sphere back in October. TFRHHIII BHA76

race six

MIASWELL (IRE) (196) 131400-

Br B g Gleneagles (IRE) - Caridade (USA) O Donald McCain Racing Club B Clara Stud

9-9

(10)

Aiden Brookes J Donald McCain, Cholmondeley T

TIMEFORM VIEW Cemented excellent start to life in handicaps when doubling tally for David O’Meara at Haydock last summer. However, his form progressively nosedived thereafter and he hasn’t pulled up any trees in 4 subsequent runs over hurdles for his new yard. TFRHHIII BHA75

SHAHBAZ (IRE) (21) 0-30210

Br Gr g Free Eagle (IRE) - Middle Persia ER O Crown Racing NN U R B Skymarc Farm N-

9-9

(13)

Non Runner J Ian Williams, Alvechurch T Tote S

Na 9-runner Chelmsford handicap (1 1/4m) last month. Wasn’t seen to best effect when TIMEFORM VIEW Opened AW account when coming from off the pace to land BHA mid-ﬁeld behind Obsidian Knight at Lingﬁeld next time and while he hasn’t won on turf for some time, this 5-y-o is on a good mark. NON RUNNER. TFRIIIII BHA75 7

OBSIDIAN KNIGHT (IRE) (21) 6-02611 D

Br Br g Awtaad (IRE) - Holda (IRE) O The Property Investor Partnership Ltd B Wardstown Stud Ltd

9-9

(7)

Grace McEntee J T. J. Kent, Newmarket T The Property Investor Partnership Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Something of an all-weather specialist and particularly effective at Lingﬁeld where he registered his ﬁfth success in a 1 1/2m handicap 3 weeks ago. Hard to quibble with a 3lb rise but he’s winless following 11 attempts on turf and may again come up short away from polytrack. TFRHHHII BHA75

S Sponsor Jockey

WOODSTOCK CITY (GB) (13) 01655-0

Br B g Churchill (IRE) - White Witch (USA) O Not One But Two B J. P. Dubois

9-9

(8)

Andrew Breslin J Ian Williams, Alvechurch T Paul McGowan Grab Hire Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Bagged ﬁrst win on these shores off this mark at Ripon (1 1/2m, good to ﬁrm) last summer. He hasn’t threated since, though, and the percentage call is to look elsewhere. TFRHHIII BHA75

OMAN (IRE) (171) 230010- CD

Br Ch g Australia - Awohaam (IRE) O Xenor UK B Churchtown B/stock,Grouseridge & Carhue

9-8

(3)

Zak Wheatley J Tony Carroll, Cropthorne T

TIMEFORMVIEWMade winning reappearance over this C&D last term and added to his tally with a 6-length success at Yarmouth (1 1/4m, soft) in October. Not so good ﬁnal start of 2024 campaign but he evidently goes well fresh and boasts several pieces of solid form round here, so there are reasons to be optimistic. TFRHHHII BHA74

10 LUSAKA (IRE) (172) 000615- D

9-7

(12)

Br B g The Last Lion (IRE) - Jumeirah Palm Star

Elizabeth Gale (7) J John & Rhys Flint, Bridgend T Burnham Plastering & Drylining Ltd S

O Burnham P & D Ltd B Rabbah Bloodstock Limited

TIMEFORM VIEW Returned to form from out of the blue when thumping his rivals from the front at Nottingham last summer, but it was otherwise a low-key 2024 campaign and his record when fresh doesn’t augur well. TFRHHIII BHA73

11 TOKYO BAY (IRE) (26) 4/1460-0 D

Br B g Lope de Vega (IRE) - Zeeba (IRE) O Mrs Elaine M. Burke B Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

9-6

(5)

Jack Nicholls (7) J K. R. Burke, Leyburn T KB Spigot Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Winner in maiden company on reappearance at Ripon in April 2024, but it’s been a struggle since and he was nearer last than ﬁrst in the Musselburgh handicap won by Sportingsilvermine last month. TFRHHIII BHA72

12 MODEL APPROACH (IRE) (315) 55024-

Br Ch g Dawn Approach (IRE) - Mainicin (IRE) O Mr J. Fyffe B J. S. Bolger

9-6

(14)

Oisin McSweeney J Adrian Keatley, Malton T JF Kegs (Scotland) Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Performed with credit on ﬁrst 2 starts in handicap company for previous connections in Ireland last season and won twice over hurdles for this yard during the autumn. However, he was disappointing on latest start in that sphere in December and he’s opposable back on the level. TFRHHIII BHA72

13 THE DANCING POET (GB) (8) 215-000 D Br Ch g Poet’s Voice - Caldy Dancer (IRE) O SPRING COTTAGE SYNDICATE B Rabbah Bloodstock Limited

9-5

(9)

Shay Farmer (7) J Brian Ellison, Malton T Brian Ellison Racing Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Paid his way last season, bagging handicaps at Musselburgh and Catterick (twice), but he’s barely beaten a rival in 3 runs so far this time round and this calls for a major bounce back. TFRHIIII BHA71 (-1)

14 GISELLES DEFENCE (IRE) (13) 05600-0 Br B g National Defense - Cotton Camera (IRE) O Crown Racing B Oghill House Stud

9-4

(1)

Ryan Kavanagh (5) J Ian Williams, Alvechurch T Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Three-time winner last season but it’s all been downhill (in this sphere and over hurdles) since latest success at Newbury in July. TFRHIIII BHA70

Probable S.P.’s: 3-1 Sportingsilvermine (IRE), 6-1 Small Fry (IRE), 7-1 Obsidian Knight (IRE), Oman (IRE), 12-1 Marhaba Million (IRE), Tokyo Bay (IRE), 16-1 Model Approach (IRE), 18-1 Woodstock City (GB), 25-1 Miaswell (IRE), 33-1 Reel Rosie (IRE), 40-1 Lusaka (IRE), 50-1 The Dancing Poet (GB), 66-1 Giselles Defence (IRE) While cases can be made for several of these, the most likely scenario is that SPORTINGSILVERMINE will complete the hat-trick. Indeed, the handicapper has been rather magnanimous in raising the 4-y-o just 5lb for his decisive Musselburgh success and he PLAY SMARTER could have more to offer for his new yard. Small Fry is greatly respected on the back of his encouraging reappearance at Epsom and he is second choice Another who could have a part to play is Oman. TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.SPORTINGSILVERMINE (IRE) 2.SMALL FRY (IRE) 3.OMAN (IRE)

Don’t forget to bet on the 4:23 at MARKET RASEN and 4:35 at ASCOT.

race six

DECLARED RUNNERS 14 2024: OMAN (IRE) 6 8 7 Zak Wheatley 22-1 (Tony Carroll) 7 ran Blinkers worn by No. 9, 12. Tongue Strap worn by No. 5. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 4, 14. Running for the ﬁrst time since Gelding No. 3. Stewards Note: MARHABA MILLION: Following its run on 25/6/2024 it was reported that the horse would prefer a softer surface.

Free Live Racing Hugh Taylor Tips Racecards & Form Market Movers

Yesterday’s WINNERS

Thursday 8th May ROMAN DRAGON CAA Stellar Handicap Stakes

ILLINOIS Ladbrokes Big-Value You Can Bet On Ormonde Stakes

EL BURHAN Louise Keegan Handicap Stakes

TRICKY TEL British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes

MOUNT KILIMANJARO Boodles Raindance Dee Stakes

PADDY THE SQUIRE Halliwell Jones Handicap Stakes

LADY VIVIAN Oxford Natural Handicap Stakes

Th e Roar. The Drama. The Feeling.

25 YEARS OF RAINDANCE This year marks a special chapter in the Boodles story, 25 years of one of our most cherished and iconic designs: Raindance. To celebrate this anniversary, our designers have created Raindance 25: the boldest Raindance yet, featuring the rarest of stones – Argyle pink diamonds. Chosen as an enduring icon of British design, the Raindance ring is part of the Victoria & Albert Museum’s permanent jewellery exhibition, Best of British Design. It was during a visit to the quintessentially British Chelsea Flower Show twenty-five years ago that Boodles Director of Design, Rebecca Hawkins, was captivated by the play of light on the raindrops she saw. Inspired by this moment, she designed the Raindance Collection – a platinum-set design reminiscent of scattered raindrops glistening in the sun. Twenty-ﬁve years later, almost to the day, Boodles’ garden at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show is named the Boodles Raindance Garden, in celebration of the original design. To mark the anniversary of a design so synonymous with Boodles, Raindance 25 offers a fresh take on a classic: exceptional pieces featuring rare and beautiful Argyle pink diamonds,

set among the signature white diamonds that deﬁne the original Raindance style. Raindance has always been about capturing a moment – the playful scattering of raindrops on a quiet, rainy day. A quintessentially British scene, much like Boodles itself: fun, unique, and unmistakably British. Pink diamonds are among the rarest gemstones in the world – and those from the Argyle mine, which closed in 2020, are rarer still. It’s estimated that less than 0.01% of the world’s diamonds are pink. Over the years, Boodles has become known

for its passion for pink – from its brand colour to its collection of some of the most extraordinary pink diamonds in the world. In this new collection, soft-hued pink diamonds add warmth to classically white diamond pieces – much like sunlight breaking through after a spring rain. Raindance 25 doesn’t just commemorate a design, it celebrates the beauty of the British outdoors and the individuality that deﬁnes Boodles. A nod to where we’ve come from, and a celebration of reimagining something iconic in a way that feels both rare and remarkable.

“In 2025 we’re celebrating 25 years of Raindance, sparkling like raindrops in the sun. Little did we realise two andahalf decades ago that we’d just created what would go on to be one of Boodles’ most cherished collections.” James Amos Boodles Managing Director

boodles.com @boodles

C H EST E R PL AT E Alphonse Le Grande

THE Chester Plate is a valuable consolation race for horses targeted at the Chester Cup, but which don’t make the final field. When the Plate was staged for the first time in 2018, the Chester Cup joined a select band of historic and popular Flat handicaps to be awarded a consolation race. The others are the Ayr Gold Cup, the Bunbury Cup and Cambridgeshire (both at Newmarket), the Stewards’ Cup (at Goodwood), the Lincoln (at Doncaster) and the Northumberland Plate (at Newcastle). Like its big brother, the Chester Plate has also proved a happy hunting ground for horses with plenty of hurdling experience. The inaugural winner Look My Way had enjoyed a productive few months over hurdles in the months before his Plate victory, winning at Ludlow, finishing second in the Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham and then running a

H IS TO R Y

creditable race at the Festival. He was challenged hard inside the final furlong here at Chester by Coeur De Lion, but hung on grimly to win for his Scottish-born jockey Jason Hart and dual-purpose Yorkshire-based handler John Quinn. Coeur De Lion, himself a talented hurdler, would get his moment of glory in 2019 as he went one place better. Trained by Alan King, a jumps trainer to trade but who has made a niche for himself as a plunderer of major staying races on the Flat, Coeur Du Lion romped to a wide-margin win over 2014 Chester Cup hero Suegioo. Green Book hadn’t won over hurdles prior to his start-to-finish Plate success 12 months ago under fifty-something Liverpool jockey Franny Norton, for whom Chester has been such a happy hunting ground down the years. However, Green Book had run

For the Grace & For the Glory

well to be second on his only start over hurdles, ﬁnishing runner-up at Hereford 79 days earlier. Freshened up in the interim by his trainer Venetia Williams, he arrived at the Roodee tuned to the minute and duly ran his rivals ragged from the front.

Previous Winners 2018

LOOK MY WAY

Jason Hart / John Quinn 4:4.52

2019

COEUR DE LION

The talented ﬁve-year-old has subsequently enjoyed his share of success at the jumping game, most notably when landing a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown in February 2022.

Thore Hammer Hansen / Alan King 4:42.76

Alphonse Le Grande emerged victorious in last year’s renewal for trainer A J Martin and jockey William Buick.

2022

FACT FILE Conditions: 4-y-o and upwards only eliminated from this season’s Chester Cup Race distance: 2m 2f 140y Prize money: £50,000 total prize fund

2023

2021

GREEN BOOK

Franny Norton / Venetia Williams 4:10.52

BELLATRIXSA

Franny Norton / Venetia Williams 4:09.60

ZINC WHITE

Jim Crowley / Ian Williams 4:19.40

2024

ALPHONSE LE GRANDE

William Buick / A J Martin

4:0.29

FACTS &

STATS THE LADBROKES GET REWARDED WITH LADBUCKS CHESTER PLATE HANDICAP STAKES

CLASS 2

2024

WINNER

RUN OVER

ALPHONSE LE GRANDE

2M 2 1/2F

Fouroneohfever began his career on turf in ﬁne style, winning by three-quarters of a length ahead of Contacto in second. He was keen up with the pace and despite other prominent rivals falling away, he kept on well to justify going off as the market favourite. Contacto was off a 9lb higher mark after bolting up on debut at Doncaster and ran well again but was unable to ﬁnd any extra to cut the gap to Fouroneohfever.

TOTAL PRIZE FUND OF

£50,000

£25,480 TO THE WINNER

KEY TRENDS Four of the six winners have been Irish or French bred

4 of the 6 winners carried more than 9st

ROLL OF HONOUR 2018-2024 YEAR 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018

WINNER Alphonse Le Grande (IRE) Zinc White (IRE) Bellatrixsa (IRE) Green Book (FR) MEETING ABANDONED Coeur De Lion Look My Way

AGE 5 5 5 4 6 4

WEIGHT SP 8-10 17/2 9-11 33/1 9-4 13/8F 8-6 5/1 9-3 9-3

13/8F 12/1

TRAINER A J Martin Ian Williams Venetia Williams Venetia Williams Alan King John Quinn

RUNNERS 16 14 11 13 13 16

JOCKEY William Buick Jim Crowley Franny Norton Franny Norton Thore Hammer Hansen Jason Hart

BIG CHESTER

VALUE YOU CAN BET ON Get free bets, odds boosts & best odds guaranteed all week

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SEVENTH RACE 4.45

THE LADBROKES GET REWARDED WITH LADBUCKS CHESTER PLATE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBBPLUS RACE)

2m 2f 140y

for four yrs old and upwards Total prize fund £50000 Owners Prize Money. 1st £20080, 2nd £10040, 3rd £5020, 4th £2510, 5th £1255, 6th £625, 7th £315, 8th £155. (Penalty Value £25480) RACE DESCRIPTION This is a two mile and two and a half furlongs handicap race for for four yrs old and upwards, which were declared to run but were eliminated at the declaration stage from this season’s Chester Cup. To qualify for a handicap rating horses must have run at least three times in a Flat race in Britain, or have run in no more than two Flat races run in Britain and won at least one of them.

Br Breeding colours

O Owner

B Breeder

J Jockey

T Trainer

horse

age

st-lb

ARTISAN DANCER (FR) (13) 3056-21

10-0(in 3lb ex) (3)

Br B g Mastercraftsman (IRE) - Russiana (IRE) O The Makyowners B S.C.E.A. Ecurie Haras Du Cadran et al

Draw

Callum Shepherd J Charlie Johnston, Middleham T Johnston Racing Ltd S

TIMEFORM VIEW Shaped well on return from 8 months off and conﬁrmed that promise when winning 6-runner handicap at Ripon (16f, good to ﬁrm) 13 days ago by head from Surrey Belle, overcoming positional bias. Could be up to defying 3lb penalty. TFRHHHHH BHA79 (+3)

ZEALANDIA (FR) (112) 50036-0

Br B g Sea The Moon (GER) - Belle Ambre O The DTTW Partnership B S.A.S. Elevage Du Haras de Bourgeauville

9-12

(5)

Joe Fanning J Ian Williams, Alvechurch T Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful form when winning at Newcastle (16.2f) ﬁrst start last year but hasn’t gone on from that since, including when down the ﬁeld in the Chester Cup. Ran poorly back at Newcastle when last seen in January and others more persuasive. Cheekpieces back on. TFRHHIII BHA80

GIBSIDE (GB) (12) 3321-20

Br B g Time Test - Ardbrae Tara (IRE) O Elsa Crankshaw & Partner B Mickley Stud & Dermot Costelloe

9-11

(4)

Duran Fentiman J Tim Easterby, Malton T Easthorpe Hall Stud S

TIMEFORM VIEW Successful twice last season, overcoming a step up in grade when scoring at York (16.2f) in October. Went backwards from encouraging reappearance when eighth of 10 at Southwell (16.5f) 12 days ago, but no surprise to see him bounce back with yard going well. TFRHHHII BHA79 (-1)

ZIMMERMAN (GB) (13) 01045-4

Br Ch g Poet’s Voice - Cresta Gold O THE ZIMMERMAN SYNDICATE B P. T. Tellwright

9-10

(1)

Saffie Osborne J Tim Easterby, Malton T Easthorpe Hall Stud S

TIMEFORMVIEWHaving dropped below last winning mark, took advantage when keeping on well for success at York last summer. After 7 months off, probably TFRHHHII BHA78 (-1) needed the run when 6 1/4 lengths fourth of 6 to Artisan Dancer at Ripon (16f, good to ﬁrm) 13 days ago, so he’s not ruled out.

LAW OF THE SEA (GB) (230) 000006-

Br B g Golden Horn - Leaderene O Dpl Fab Ltd B Miss K. Rausing & Hascombe & Valiant Ltd

9-8

(10)

David Probert J Ian Williams, Alvechurch T Dpl Fabrications Limited S

race seven

TIMEFORM VIEWHas run well at this meeting for the last 2 years, ﬁnishing third in latest renewal of this race. However, form went wrong way subsequently TFRHHIII BHA76 on the Flat, though did show a bit of promise in 3 starts over hurdles to end 2024. Lurks on a dangerous mark back on the level.

SURREY BELLE (GB) (13) D1010-2 BF

Br B m Golden Horn - Al Reem O Keatley Racing Owners Group 1 B Al Shahania Stud

9-8

(2)

Tom Marquand J Adrian Keatley, Malton T

TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful stayer for Hughie Morrison and won twice over hurdles for current yard in February. Back on the level, proved at least as good TFRHHHHI BHA76 (+1) as ever when narrowly denied by Artisan Dancer at Ripon (16f, good to ﬁrm) last time and she can make another bold bid.

DREAMS ADOZEN (FR) (9) 620054 C

Br B m Kingman - Ferevia (IRE) O Deva Racing (KM) B S.A.R.L. Al Shahania Stud France

9-7

(11)

Oisin Murphy J Charlie Johnston, Middleham T Deva Racing Group S

TIMEFORM VIEW Course winner who got her head back in front at Newcastle (16.2f) in January. Her form has been in and out since, though, one of her lesser efforts when fourth of 7 at Southwell (16.5f) 9 days ago. On a workable mark if she’s on a going day. TFRHHHII BHA75 (-1)

S Sponsor Jockey

SIMIYANN (IRE) (21) 21560-0

Br B g Australia - Simiyna (IRE) O Mr Martin John Hall B His Highness the Aga Khan’s Studs S.C.

9-4

(9)

Richard Kingscote J Ian Williams, Alvechurch T Tote S

TIMEFORM VIEW Won twice on all-weather in October last year, but has offered little in only 3 starts on turf for current yard. After 10 weeks off, never involved when eighth of 14 at Chelmsford City (14f) 3 weeks ago and others preferred. TFRHHIII BHA72 (-2)

DANCE TIME (GB) (21) 31-3210

Br B m Time Test - Dancing Primo O Mrs V Owen & Mr I Owen B L. R. Owen

9-2

(8)

Connor Planas (3) J David Loughnane, Tern Hill T Dave Loughnane Racing S

TIMEFORM VIEW Gained third win of the all-weather season when making all at Lingﬁeld (13f) in April. However, saw run of good form coming to a halt when last of 14 at the same course (15.8f) 3 weeks ago. Bounce back called for returned to turf. TFRHHIII BHA70

10 TAILORMAN (FR) (10) 32154-3 Br B g Cloth of Stars (IRE) - Ihsas (USA)

9-1

(6)

Ryan Kavanagh (5) J Ian Williams, Alvechurch T House of Cavani S

O Mr S. Mondair B E.A.R.L Haras Du Logis Et al

TIMEFORM VIEW Won twice over 2m last season when also placed 3 times at this course. Made a promising return from 6 months off when third at Nottingham (14f, good) 10 days ago, denied a clear run over 2f out, and he merits consideration upped in trip. TFRHHHHI BHA69

11 ROYAL DEESIDE (GB) (31) 342/6-62 Br B g Churchill (IRE) - Ebb O K Jardine R Griffiths B Jake Warren Ltd & Baroda & Colbinstown

9-0

(7)

Paddy Bradley J Patrick Morris, Prescot T

TIMEFORM VIEW Remains a maiden, but after a couple of starts over jumps he showed a bit more than previously for this yard when second of 5 in handicap at Pontefract (18f, good) last month. Has something to ﬁnd with cheekpieces now reached for. TFRHHIII BHA68

DECLARED RUNNERS 11 2024: ALPHONSE LE GRANDE (IRE) 5 8 10 William Buick 17-2 (A J Martin) 16 ran Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 11. Visor worn by No. 7. Tongue Strap worn by No. 5, 6. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 2, 4. Stewards Note: TAILORMAN: Following its run on 29/4/2025 it was reported that the horse was denied a clear run. Probable S.P.’s: 11-4 Surrey Belle (GB), 7-2 Artisan Dancer (FR), 8-1 Tailorman (FR), 11-1 Gibside (GB), Dreams Adozen (FR), 12-1 Zimmerman (GB), 16-1 Zealandia (FR), 22-1 Law of The Sea (GB), Dance Time (GB), Royal Deeside (GB), 28-1 Simiyann (IRE) The finale can go the way of ARTISAN DANCER, who did well to overcome his position in a moderately-run race when scoring at Ripon last time. He is taken to confirm the placings with Surrey Belle from when the pair met 13 days ago, while Tailorman could also be in the PLAY SMARTER mix following his encouraging reappearance effort. TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.ARTISAN DANCER (FR) 2.SURREY BELLE 3.TAILORMAN (FR)

ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREAS

BAR CLOSING TIMES Have a leisurely drink after racing and miss the traffic. The following bars will be open after racing today but please note that the bars may close earlier at the discretion of the Bar Manager. Hospitality General Admission

half an hour after ﬁnal race half an hour after ﬁnal race 79

race seven

Enhanced accessible viewing areas are provided. For more information please visit the accessibility page on our website. All enclosures have accessible toilets.

When the temperature rises so do the efforts of everyone across racecourses. From the moment a horse arrives to the moment it leaves every precaution is taken and every need is covered. horsepwr.co.uk #horsepwr

I M P O RT A N T I N F O MA TI O N HORSE WELFARE At all of our race meetings there are three equine veterinary surgeons on duty. They are equipped and positioned to give immediate care should it be required. This may involve screens being erected around a horse which provides privacy for a vet to make an assessment. BETTING RING MANAGER The Betting Ring Manager is located in the Tattersalls Enclosure. He will be available in each enclosure to assist in any betting dispute. IMPORTANT NOTICE Weights, Pedigrees, Trainers’ Names, Descriptions, Performances and Values of races included within this racecard have been added for the convenience of the Public, but are not guaranteed as correct. LOST CHILDREN Lost children enquiries should be made at the Box Office in reception. ENHANCED DISABLED VIEWING AREAS Enhanced Disabled viewing areas are provided in the following areas: Parade ring, Dee Enclosure, Paddock, County Stand, Tattersalls. A disabled reception kiosk is positioned in the Holiday Inn Express car park and is there to give help, advice and assistance to disabled racegoers and their carers. All enclosures have disabled toilets.

NO SMOKING AREAS Chester Racecourse is a No Smoking area. You will still be permitted to smoke in all outside areas, including balconies. Smoking is now prohibited in any enclosed area, bar or restaurant, seats within the County Stand, the terraced steps within the Tattersalls Enclosure and the Subway. Ashtrays have been provided all over the course and we ask that you make use of them to keep Chester Racecourse a clean and tidy area. DOGS No dogs are allowed anywhere on the racecourse (except aid dogs). OFFICIAL RACING PHOTOGRAPHER Our thanks to on-course photographer, Alan Wright, for providing racing photography featured in the racecard. If you would like to ‘capture’ your horse in action or arrange a visit to your trainer’s stable for a portrait photograph, please contact Alan at: www.officialphotographersuk.com or call 01695 724 504. BAR CLOSING TIMES Dee & Open Course enclosures All on the last race County, Tattersalls and Paddock Half an hour after the last race.

For the Grace & For the Glory

UNLOCK THE MAGIC OF CHESTER

CHESTER RACECOURSE EVENTS AWAY R A C I N G 2 1 J U N E , 5 O CTO B E R & 13 DECEMBER

DISCO COWGIRL B OT TO M L E SS B RU N C H 24 AUGUST

WIMBLEDON LIVE SCREENING 1 3 J U LY

C H R I ST M A S PA RT I E S M U LT I P L E D A T E S THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

S P E A K W I T H O U R T E A M TO D AY 0124 4 304 660 | EVENTS@CHESTER-RACES.COM

R A CE CO UR S E R E G U LA TIO N & N OT I CES ALL BADGES, CAR PARK LABELS AND HOSPITALITY PACKAGES ARE SOLD SUBJECT TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:- FORCE MAJEURE

alternative. If no alternative is offered by the Company the customer will be entitled to a full refund of monies received by the Company.

1. The Company shall not be liable to the Racegoer for any failure or omission or breach caused by an event or events beyond the control of the Company such as but not limited to war, civil disturbance, order of a Government Ministry or Department or Public Authority, ﬁre, ﬂood, natural catastrophe, royal demise, labour dispute, lock-out, withdrawal of labour or breakdown or interruption of services or transport (public or otherwise) or death or illness of a key person.

3. Refunds, other than those covered by clause 2 immediately above, will not be considered. Cancellation of badges/tickets or hospitality bookings cannot be considered once a booking has been processed.

1.1 Upon the happening of such an event the obligations of the Company and any period of time then running shall be suspended for the period of the event plus such time as may be required to resume normality. 1.2 Such an event shall not entitle the Racegoer to take any steps against the Company for breach or to terminate the agreement or otherwise. PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF RACE MEETING 2. Where badges, car park labels or hospitality packages are sold for a specified area of the Racecourse, the Company will use its best endeavours to ensure the specified area is available for use at the specified time. If however the specified area cannot be used for reasons not within the control of the Company then the Company shall be entitled to offer a reasonable

3.1 The Chester Race Company Ltd Database is owned and used solely by the Chester Race Company Group, which comprises Chester Racecourse, Bangor on Dee Racecourse and Express by Holiday Inn at Chester Racecourse, with reference to the Data Protection Act 1998 (amended 2000). 3.2 The Company cannot guarantee the validity of badges/tickets purchased anywhere other than Chester Racecourse. ONCE THE RACE MEETING HAS COMMENCED 4. Entry into, and the right to remain within the Racecourse property is subject to the requirement to submit to a search or a number of searches of Racegoers, their baggage or vehicles in which they travel. 5. The climbing of fences, stands and any other buildings is forbidden. Trespassing on the racetrack, except at designated crossing points, is disallowed at all times. 6. Any person failing to comply with instructions from a steward or police officer may be ejected from the Racecourse.

For the Grace & For the Glory

7. Customers in the County Stand are required to observe a strict dress code. Gentlemen are required to wear a suit jacket, collar and tie. Ladies are required to wear smart dress. No jeans or tracksuits are allowed. These standards of dress also apply to patrons in all hospitality and restaurant facilities. 8. Please observe the designated no drinking areas. Food and alcoholic beverages cannot be brought into any Racecourse enclosure except the Open Course. 9. Gambling and the consumption of alcoholic beverages by Racegoers under the age of 18 are strictly prohibited. 10. All unauthorised photography and any ﬂash photography is strictly prohibited. Racedays at Chester are attended by the media and given coverage on TV, radio, online and in print. From time-to-time, we also capture images and moving video of racegoers attending a day at Chester Racecourse. Footage and videos can often be used on social media or in promotional materials the racecourse produces. By entering the racecourse, attendees are accepting they may appear in such coverage. Each Attendee will give any additional consents or waivers required for the unrestricted lawful use of any coverage (if any) without request for payment or imposing any other conditions. 11. Flags, banners and other articles and any behaviour such as drunkenness, abusive conduct, singing or shouting which may constitute an annoyance to spectators or distract or frighten the horses are prohibited. 12. No dogs are allowed anywhere on the Racecourse (with the exception of aid dogs) and must not be left in vehicles. 13. Transfers between enclosures may be possible on the day, subject to availability. 14. Parking or setting down on the side is prohibited other than at official car parks. 15. Lost or stolen badges will not be replaced. 16. Hospitality badges are sold on the understanding that no money in respect of the unused badges will be reimbursed. 17. In the event of abandonment at any time on the day of racing, there will be no refund in respect of Box, Room or Chalet hire charges.

18. In the event of abandonment before Racing, or up to the ‘Weighed-In’ of the ﬁrst race there will be a refund of badge/ ticket and parking costs. In the event of an abandonment after the ‘Weighed-In’ of the ﬁrst race up to the ‘Weighed-In’ of the third race or nominated feature race whichever is later there will be a 50% refund of badge/ticket and car parking costs. In the event of abandonment thereafter there will be no refunds. No cash returns to be paid on the day. All refunds to be administered after the meeting by post. Where the customer is entitled (pursuant to this clause 19) to any refund, in order to qualify for such refund the customer must follow the procedure listed below. (i) Make a note of the reference numbers of all badge/ ticket and car park labels. (ii) Send the badges/tickets and/or labels along with a covering letter stating the full name and address of the sender and if different from that of the sender, the full name and address of the purchaser of the badges/tickets or labels to: Chester Race Company Limited, The Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY. To be valid, requests for refunds must be received in writing within one month of the abandoned Raceday. The Company shall have no responsibility or liability of any nature in respect of any refund request received after that time. 19. All persons visiting the Racecourse are admitted to these Regulations and to the Rules of Racing. The Company reserves the right to refuse admission to/or to remove from the Racecourse, in its absolute discretion and without giving any reasons, any person failing to comply with such Rules and Regulations or whose presence is, in its absolute discretion, a source of danger or annoyance and shall have no obligation to give any reason therefore. 20. The Company shall in no circumstances be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense or any consequential or indirect loss or damage of any kind. 21. Lost children and lost luggage enquiries should be made to the police. 22. It is a condition of entry that only individuals possessing a valid betting badge and occupying an authorised pitch are entitled to lay bets. Anyone contravening this condition will be evicted.

T ODAY’S OFF ICIALS & RACE CONDITIONS FRIDAY 8TH MAY 2025

BOARD OF DIRECTORS IAN O’DOHERTY (Chair) JOËLLE WARREN MBE LISA HANCOCK JULIE HARRINGTON KEVIN HART LOUISE STEWART (Chief Executive Officer) MARCO GARAVELLO (Chief Financial Officer) STEWARDS ADRIAN SHARPE (Chief Steward) CAROLINE WILSON (Stewards’ Panel Chair) BETH DOWSWELL MICHAEL EYRE NATHAN GREEN GREG PEARSON STARTERS STUART TURNER SEAMUS O’NEILL JUDGE NICK BOSTOCK CLERKS OF THE SCALES MICHAEL ROBERTS VETERINARY OFFICERS MARK TABACHNIK SALLY TAYLOR NURSE GILL WHITTAKER

VETERINARY SURGEONS KATE SUMNER GRAHAM POTTS JOHN SPENCER STUART PEARSON

MEDICAL OFFICERS Dr JOHN EDWARDS (SENIOR) Dr JOHN MURRAY Dr HYWEL HUGHES Dr JOHN BERRY EQUINE WELFARE & INTEGRITY OFFICERS LOUISE NEALE, RACHEL BARNETT, LISA COOK, JOANNA VICKERS, MELANIE SWARBRICK HANDICAPPER GRAEME SMITH BETTING RING MANAGERS NEIL PATEMAN, MIKE OXLEY COMMENTATOR SIMON HOLT CLERK OF THE COURSE ELOISE QUAYLE FARRIERS JIM BLURTON HORSE AMBULANCE NICK JONES SAFEGUARDING OFFICERS CATRIONA COLBECK NEIL FARMER

For the Grace & For the Glory

First Race 1.30 - THE CAA STELLAR EARL GROSVENOR HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £23193 to the winning horse The second to receive £10876, the third £5440, the fourth £2718, the fifth £1359 and the sixth £679. for four yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-105 (also open to such horses rated 106 and 107; such horses rated 78 and below are also eligible - see Standard Conditions). £225 stake if the horse is rated 79 or higher, or £45 stake if the horse is rated 78 or lower with £180 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 7th. Lowest weight 8st 2lb; Highest weight not less than 9st 12lb Penalties, after April 26th, 2025, for each race won 4yo to 6yo 5lb; 7yo and up 4lb. CAA STELLAR have kindly sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £100 to the handler of the horse judged to be the best turned out. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of CAA Stellar. 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: In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Weights and Handicapping Code a horse must have run three times or more in order to qualify to run in this race. 20 entries, 1 at £45 and 19 at £225. - Closed May 3rd, 2025. Owners Prize Money. Winner £18284; Second £9144; Third £4572; Fourth £2286; Fifth £1143; Sixth £572. (Penalty Value £23193) SS SEE PAGE 22 FOR THIS RACE. Second Race 2.05 - THE BOODLES DARLEY EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBB/GBBPLUS RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £20616 to the winning horse The second to receive £9668, the third £4836, the fourth £2416, the fifth £1208 and the sixth £604. for maiden three yrs old, which are E.B.F. eligible. Enter by noon, May 3rd and pay £200 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 7th. Weights: Colts and geldings 9st 7lb; fillies 9st 2lb. Boodles have kindly sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £100 to the handler of the horse judged to be the best turned out. Darley Stallions have kindly contributed £5000 towards the prize money for this race. The British Horseracing Authority’s Development Fund has generously contributed £7500 towards the prize money for this race. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of Boodles. 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. THE TRUSTEES OF THE E.B.F. have kindly contributed towards the prize money for this race. 8 entries at £200. - Closed May 3rd, 2025. Owners Prize Money. Winner £16252; Second £8128; Third £4064; Fourth £2032; Fifth £1016; Sixth £508. (Penalty Value £20616) A SS SEE PAGE 28 FOR THIS RACE. Third Race 2.35 - THE IRE-INCENTIVE, IT PAYS TO BUY IRISH HUXLEY STAKES (CLASS 1) (Group 2) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £73723 to the winning horse The second to receive £27950, the third £13988, the fourth £6968, the fifth £3497 and the sixth £1755. for four yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, May 3rd and pay £1300 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 7th. Weights: Colts and geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st Penalties, after August 31st, 2024, a winner of a Group 2 race 3lb Of a Group 1 race 5lb. Irish Thoroughbred Marketing has kindly sponsored this race and will present mementos to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Additionally a cash prize of £100 will be awarded to the winning groom in charge of the best turned out horse. Irish Thoroughbred Marketing are delighted to sponsor the IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Huxley Stakes at Chester. We are thrilled to include this race in our IRE Incentive Scheme. As such, should the Winning Horse be (IRE) suffixed and Foal Levy Compliant, we will award the Winning Owner with a 10,000 Euro IRE Incentive Scheme Bonus. This Bonus may be redeemed against IRE Qualified Horses at Irish Bloodstock Sale and is subject to Terms & Conditions. For further information and scheme terms & conditions, please contact Kristina Austin of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing at kaustin@itm.ie. 8 entries at £1300. - Closed May 3rd, 2025. Owners Prize Money. Winner £57928; Second £23777; Third £11895; Fourth £5941; Fifth £2977; Sixth £1482. (Penalty Value £73723) A SS SEE PAGE 36 FOR THIS RACE. Fourth Race 3.05 - THE LADBROKES CHESTER CUP (CLASS 2) (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPLUS RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £86632 to the winning horse The second to receive £40613, the third £20332, the fourth £10149, the fifth £5083, the sixth £2516, the seventh £1275 and the eighth £629. for four yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, April 8th and pay £285 stake, Scratch by noon, April 22nd or pay £285, Confirm by noon, May 3rd and pay £280, Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 7th. Lowest weight 8st 2lb; Highest weight not less than 9st 12lb Penalties, after April 12th, 2025, a winner of a race 3lb NOTE: Any horse rated above 110 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 9st 12lb. Subsequently, the excess over 110 in any rating shall be allotted to that horse without limitation to the highest weight to be carried.. Ladbrokes has kindly sponsored this race and will present mementos to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, Ladbrokes will award a cash prize of £150 to the handler of the horse judged to be the best turned out, and £150 to the winning groom. Ladbrokes will be providing branded jackets to the stable staff leading the horses in this race if they are able to wear them. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of Ladbrokes. 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. Entries for this race are accepted on the understanding that owners and trainers may nominate their horses at the 48 hour declaration stage for entry to this season’s Chester Plate (Class 2) (Chester Cup consolation race), to be run at Chester on the Friday of the May meeting, in the event of their horses being eliminated from this season’s Chester Cup. A SPECIAL DRAW FOR STALLS WILL TAKE PLACE AT CHESTER RACECOURSE ON WEDNESDAY, 7 MAY NOTE: Connections will not be required to attend the racecourse for the draw. Stalls positions will be determined by a random draw, which will be overseen by a BHA representative. PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Weights and Handicapping Code a horse must have run three times or more in order to qualify to run in this race. 56 entries, 12 at £285, 17 at £570, 27 at £850. - Closed April 8th, 2025. Owners Prize Money. Winner £68272; Second £34136; Third £17068; Fourth £8534; Fifth £4267; Sixth £2125; Seventh £1071; Eighth £527. (Penalty Value £86632) Weights raised 1lb and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. 17 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS SEE PAGE 43 FOR THIS RACE. Fifth Race 3.40 - THE PRECISION FACADES HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBBPLUS RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £23193 to the winning horse The second to receive £10876, the third £5440, the fourth £2718, the fifth £1359 and the sixth £679. for four yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-105 (also open to such horses rated 106 and 107; such horses rated 78 and below are also eligible - see Standard Conditions). £225 stake if the horse is rated 79 or higher, or £45 stake if the horse is rated 78 or lower with £180 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 7th. Lowest weight 8st 2lb; Highest weight not less than 9st 12lb Penalties, after April 26th, 2025, for each race won 4yo to 6yo 5lb; 7yo and up 4lb. Precision Facades has kindly sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £100 to the handler of the horse judged to be the best turned out. PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Weights and Handicapping Code a horse must have run three times or more in order to qualify to run in this race. 18 entries at £225. - Closed May 3rd, 2025. Owners Prize Money. Winner £18284; Second £9144; Third £4572; Fourth £2286; Fifth £1143; Sixth £572. (Penalty Value £23193) SS SEE PAGE 56 FOR THIS RACE. Sixth Race 4.10 - THE XENON WORKPLACE APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) (GBBPLUS RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £11466 to the winning horse The second to receive £5375, the third £2691, the fourth £1343, the fifth £672, the sixth £333, the seventh £168 and the eighth £83. for four yrs old and upwards, Rated 59-78 (also open to such horses rated 79 and 80; such horses rated 58 and below are also eligible - see Standard Conditions). £96 stake if the horse is rated 59 or higher, or £19 stake if the horse is rated 58 or lower with £77 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 7th. Lowest weight 8st 9lb; Highest weight 10st Penalties, after April 26th, 2025, for each race won 4yo to 6yo 5lb; 7yo and up 4lb. To be ridden by Apprentice Jockeys, Overseas Jockeys eligible under Rule (B)42 and Professional Jockeys eligible to claim a weight allowance under paragraph 52 of the Weights and Handicapping Code Allowances: Jockeys who, prior to May 6th, 2025, have not ridden more than 50 winners in races under the Rules of Racing or the Rules of a recognised Racing Authority 3lb Jockeys who have not ridden more than 25 such winners 5lb Jockeys who have not ridden more than 10 such winners 7lb (Only one of these allowances may be claimed). Xenon Workplace has kindly sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £100 to the handler of the horse judged to be the best turned out. 27 entries at £96. - Closed May 3rd, 2025. Owners Prize Money. Winner £9036; Second £4518; Third £2259; Fourth £1130; Fifth £565; Sixth £281; Seventh £142; Eighth £70. (Penalty Value £11466) Weights lowered 2lbs. 9 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. A SS SEE PAGE 66 FOR THIS RACE. Seventh Race 4.45 - THE LADBROKES GET REWARDED WITH LADBUCKS CHESTER PLATE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) (GBBPLUS RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £25480 to the winning horse The second to receive £11945, the third £5980, the fourth £2985, the fifth £1495, the sixth £740, the seventh £375 and the eighth £185. for four yrs old and upwards, which were declared to run but were eliminated at the declaration stage from this season’s Chester Cup. Enter by noon, May 7th and pay £250 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. May 7th. Lowest weight 8st 2lb; Highest weight not less than 9st 12lb Penalties, after April 12th, 2025, a winner of a race 3lb NOTE: Any horse rated above 110 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight allotted shall be 9st 12lb. Subsequently, the excess over 110 in any rating shall be allotted to that horse without limitation to the highest weight to be carried.. Ladbrokes have sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. In addition, they will award a cash prize of £100 to the handler of the horse judged to be the best turned out. Ladbrokes will be providing branded jackets to the stable staff leading the horses in this race if they are able to wear them. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of Ladbrokes. The sponsorship payment of £250 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. Special Conditions apply to this race. Please refer to the BHA’s Racing Administration Internet site, www.racingadmin.co.uk. Weights for the Chester Plate will be allocated using the same handicap ratings as used for the Chester Cup. Eight declared runners, or the race may be cancelled. The BHA has modified the Race Entry Code for the purpose of this race. PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Weights and Handicapping Code a horse must have run three times or more in order to qualify to run in this race. 11 entries at £250. - Closed May 7th, 2025. Owners Prize Money. Winner £20080; Second £10040; Third £5020; Fourth £2510; Fifth £1255; Sixth £625; Seventh £315; Eighth £155. (Penalty Value £25480) SS SEE PAGE 78 FOR THIS RACE.

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2025 FIXTURES

GET IN THE RUNNING M AY Saturday 31st

Roman Day

JUNE Friday 13th Saturday 14th Saturday 28th

The White Oak UK Friday Social The Saturday Social Summer Saturday

J U LY Friday 11th (Eve) Ibiza Classics Evening ft Hedkandi Saturday 12th Supersonic Saturday ft Oasiz Saturday 26th Midsummer Meeting AUGUST Sunday 3rd Saturday 30th

Family Fun Day Powells Jewellery Ladies Day ft Björn Again

SEPTEMBER 12th & 13th Saturday 20th

Autumn Festival Oktoberfest Season Finale

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