Ian Ward On the Home Straight!

After 48 years working at Wetherby, Ian Ward is entering the final furlong of his long and distinguished career working at the Racecourse, having announced his intention to retire at this end of this season.

Ian started working on the groundstaff at Wetherby in 1975, under the tutelage of the then Head Groundsman, Cyril Frost, working as part of a team of six men preparing the course for the race meetings, which included the iconic Christmas and Easter race meetings.

At the time of starting his employment, the Racecourse Chairman was Nick Wilmot-Smith and Ian’s first Clerk of the Course was Major John Moon.

In April 1983, Cyril Frost unfortunately passed away, after which Ian was promoted to the position of Head Groundsman (or Course Foreman, as it was at the time) on 1st July 1983, a position that he has held form that day to this, with the current season being his 40th as Head Groundsman.

It was around the time of Ian’s promotion in 1983 that two aditional members of staff joined the Wetherby team. Those two young men were Neal Kidd and Ian Foster, both of whom still work here at Wetherby with Ian and, along with the rest of our grounds team, they work tirelessly, in all weathers, to provide the best ground conditions possible for horses to run on, as well as constantly striving to make improvements to the racecourse itself and the surrounding facilities.

Whilst the team around Ian has been reasonably constant, Ian has seen many changes at Wetherby over the years, such as the replacement of concrete posts and wooden running rails with plasticrail,colourchangesoftheobstaclesfromwhitetoorange(and ironically now back to white again!) The construction of the Weighing Room & Administration building in 1995, the Wetherby Millennium Stand in 1999, the Bramham Hall in 2007 and the Millennium West Stand in 2017 The loss of 2.2 acres of the bottom bend and the subsequent realignment of the home straight in 2005 to accommodate the three lane A1(M) Motorway and the introduction of Flat racing in 2015 are some of the more noteworthy changes that Ian has seen during his time at Wetherby.

During his 48 years at Wetherby, Ian has worked under only two Racecourse Chairman Nick Wilmot-Smith and John Sanderson, and alongside seven Secretary/Racecourse Managers and seven Clerks of the Course, and we are delighted to be able to celebrate Ian’s incredible tenure as Head Groundsman this afternoon.

Whilst Ian is not retiring until the end of the season in July, he has always had a passion for National Hunt Racing and we wanted to mark his wonderful career with a Steeplechase race at one of his beloved Jumps meetings.

On behalf of all past and present colleagues, and everyone else associated with Wetherby Racecourse, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to Ian on what has been a remarkable career and very much hope that he & Pauline both enjoy their retirement when the day comes in July!

THE IAN WARD IS “JUMPING THE LAST” HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4)

for five yrs old and upwards x Total prize fund £9650

Leading course trainer (17-22): R Menzies (13 wins from 80 runners, 16%) runs SAO

Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): K Lee (2 wins from 7 runners, 29%) runs GREENROCK ABBEY

Weightwatcher: OSCARS LEADER won off a handicap mark of 117, his rating is now down 9lb to 108.

Longest Traveller: KANNAPOLIS trained by T Lawes, Beare Green, 233 miles.

RACE DESCRIPTION This is a two miles steeple chase for five-year-olds and upwards which have been rated from 0 to 115. 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 7lb

Owners Prize Money Winner £3898; Second £1948; Third £975; Fourth £487; Fifth £243. (Penalty Value £5096.16) colours no

1 SAO (FR) (12) 4-33653 CD

B or Br g Great Pretender (IRE) - Miss Country (FR) Jockey: Nathan Moscrop

Owner: Gary Eves and Partner

Breeder: Mr Philippe Gasdoue

Trainer: Rebecca Menzies, Sedgefield

Sponsor: Bluegrass Horse Feeds

TIMEFORM VIEW Not successful since bagging 3 victories in 2020/21 but has been cut plenty of slack by the handicapper and didn’t shape too badly (on return from 4 months off) when third at Kelso recently

2 AND THE NEW (IRE) (34) 3250PP

B g Kalanisi (IRE) - Wheredidthemoneygo (IRE) Jockey: Adam Wedge

Owner: Mr Greenfingers Syndicate

Breeder: Ms N. O’Reilly

12 11-12

Trainer: L J Morgan, Waltham On The Wolds

One-timeuseful2m4fwinninghurdlerwhoprovedplentyofabilityremainswhenhittingframetwiceoverfences for present yard last summer However, struggled more recently and is tough to recommend.

TIMEFORMVIEW

3 GREENROCK ABBEY (IRE) (24) 0-13123

Ch g El Salvador (IRE) - Aos Dana (IRE)

Owner: R L Baker & R Lee

Breeder: Mark Slevin

7 11-11

Jockey: Richard Patrick

Trainer: Kerry Lee, Presteigne

Sponsor: Fitzdares Limited

TIMEFORMVIEWHas taken well to fences this season, winning 2 of his 5 starts. Chance undone by bad mistake at Stratford latest and must enter calculations here.

4 OSCARS LEADER (IRE) (12) 3-3P642

B g Oscar (IRE) - Lead’er Inn (IRE)

Owner: John Marriott

Breeder: Mrs P. and Philip Heaney

10

Jockey: Sean Quinlan

Trainer: Jennie Candlish, Leek

Sponsor: Torvic Magnets, Pra World Ltd

TIMEFORMVIEWDualchasewinner(both16.3f)lastseasonwhoreturnedtoformwhensecondof10inhandicapatBangor (17.4f, soft) 12 days ago Races off same mark here and holds strong claims.

5 KANNAPOLIS (IRE) (30) 4P0055

B g Makfi - Alta Definizione (IRE)

Owner: Henfold Harriers

Breeder: Old Carhue Stud

8 11-4

Jockey: Harry Bannister

Trainer: Toby Lawes, Beare Green

Sponsor: Lawmens Limited

TIMEFORM VIEW Last success came in 3-runner handicap hurdle 12 months ago and yet to fire this season. Likely best watched on switch to chasing.

6 SWORD OF FATE (IRE) (12) 323304

B g Beneficial - Beann Ard (IRE)

Owner: Mr A Kerr Mr L Kerr

Breeder: Mrs Bronagh Brady Lawler

Jockey: Derek Fox

10 10-13

Trainer: Leonard Kerr, Irvine

TIMEFORM VIEW On a lengthy losing run and no signs of improvement back from a break at Kelso recently

7 FIRST REVOLUTION (IRE) (212) 1-13014

B g Jeremy (USA) - Shaigino (IRE)

Owner: Colin and Kay Taylor

Breeder: John Gallagher

9 10-13

Jockey: Jamie Hamilton

Trainer: Martin Todhunter, Penrith

Sponsor: Tote

TIMEFORM VIEW Three-time winner at Sedgefield last year but ran badly when last seen at Hexham in September and wouldn’t want too much rain on his return to action.

RatingHHIII BHA 100

8 DA VINCI HAND (IRE) (37) 2P-5555 BF 8 10-12

B g Champs Elysees - Thousandkissesdeep (IRE) Jockey: Craig Nichol

Owner: Mr J. Nixon

Breeder: Mrs D. Camacho

Trainer: Joanne Foster, Ilkley

Sponsor: Jo Foster Racing

TIMEFORM VIEW Yet to trouble the judge in 4 starts this season and makes little appeal despite a tumbling mark.

Star RatingHHIII BHA 99

9 ONESOC (IRE) (19) 053313 BF 6 10-11

B g Valirann (FR) - Hollyvillaexpress (IRE) Jockey: Ross Chapman

Owner: Mrs A. Ellis

Trainer: Sue Smith, Bingley Breeder: Noel Doyle

Sponsor: Tuffa Footwear Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Hurdles winner at Southwell last summer and opened chase account at the fourth time of asking there (15.8f) last month. Not disgraced when third over longer trip at Newcastle since and must be respected. Star RatingHHHII BHA 98

DECLARED RUNNERS 9 2022: ROSE SEA HAS (FR) 7 11 12 Charlie Hammond EVENS (Dr Richard Newland) 5 ran

Hood worn by No 2. Blinkers worn by No 5. Visor worn by No 4. Tongue Strap worn by No 8. Hood, Tongue Strap worn by No 1. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No 3.

Probable S.P’s: 4-1 Greenrock Abbey (IRE), Oscars Leader (IRE), 9-2 Onesoc (IRE), 5-1 Sao (FR), 11-1 Da Vinci Hand (IRE), 12-1 First Revolution (IRE), 16-1 And The New (IRE), 25-1 Kannapolis (IRE), 50-1 Sword of Fate (IRE)

PLAY SMARTER

OSCARS LEADER is 9lb below his last winning mark and turned in his best effort of the season at Bangor last month. He can land the spoils. Sao and Greenrock Abbey head the list of dangers.

The Result

1st..............................................................

Distance

WETHERBY STEEPLECHASE COMMITTEE LTD will present a memento to the winning owner of this race and £50 to the stablehand in charge of the best turned out horse.

Horse Welfare

Here at Wetherby Racecourse we are committed to minimising risks, dealing quickly and humanely with injuries, and maintaining the highest possible quality of life for the animals in our care. At every meeting we have three specially qualified Equine Vets appointed to look after the welfare of all horses in action. There is also a British Horseracing Authority Veterinary Officer in attendance.

During the race three vets follow the action from the centre of the course and can attend to a horse in the same response time as the Paramedic Teams responsible for treating the injured jockeys.

It is standard policy that in the event of a horse requiring veterinary treatment whilst on site, screens will be erected round the horse. It is designed to afford the vet and the patient some privacy. Please do not assume the worst.

THE 100% RACINGTV PROFITS BACK TO RACING HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5)

for four yrs old and upwards x Total prize fund £7650

Owners Prize Money Winner £3090; Second £1545; Third £773; Fourth £386; Fifth £193 (Penalty Value £4039.96)

FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK

Leading course trainer (17-22): M Hammond (19 wins from 279 runners, 7%) runs GRAND DU NORD

Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): K Bailey (4 wins from 21 runners, 19%) runs VOYBURG no horse

Weightwatcher: VOYBURG won off a handicap mark of 96, his rating is now down 5lb to 91.

Longest Traveller: SEPTEMBER DAISY trained by N Alexander, Kinneston, 181 miles.

RACE DESCRIPTION This three miles handicap hurdle race has been designed for four-year-olds and upwards which are rated from 0 to 100. In most National Hunt handicaps, there is a minimum weight of 10st 2lb so any horse whose official rating would allocate them less than that still has to shoulder that burden. The horses that fall into this category are said to be racing from ‘out of the handicap’ – usually a distinct disadvantage.

1 VELASCO (IRE) (45) 5-46P00

B g Sholokhov (IRE) - Bilboa (FR) Jockey: Sam Coltherd

Owner: Girsonfield Racing Club

Breeder: Kenilworth House Stud

7 12-0

Trainer: Susan Corbett, Otterburn

Sponsor: Finnies Heavy Haulage

TIMEFORMVIEWTwice runner-up forTom Lacey last season but his jumping became an increased issue and that problem has again been on show for this yard Easy to look elsewhere. Star RatingHHIII BHA 100

2 GRAND DU NORD (FR) (20) 23F053

7 11-10

B g Montmartre (FR) - Vanille d’Ainay (FR) Jockey: Conor O’Farrell

Owner: MIDDLEHAM PARK & THE CHELTENHAM TRAIL 7 Trainer: Micky Hammond, Middleham

Breeder: Mr Stephane Milaveau

Sponsor: Middleham Park Racing, Micky Hammond Racing

TIMEFORMVIEWContinues out of sorts, remote third of 4 in handicap hurdle at Doncaster (24.4f, good to soft) 20 days ago Others much preferred. Star RatingHHIII BHA 96

3 BRAGANZA BAY (GB) (32) P01001

B g Gris de Gris (IRE) - Combe Florey

Owner: Mr Kevin Byram

Breeder: B. G. Hellyer & H. D. J. Daly

6 11-8

Jockey: Richard Patrick

Trainer: Henry Daly, Ludlow

Sponsor: Humphrey Butler Ltd

TIMEFORMVIEWResumed winning ways back in headgear in 11-runner handicap hurdle at Huntingdon (25f) 32 days ago, leading close home. Has struggled for consistency, so he’s not sure to be in the same form. Star RatingHHIII BHA 94

4 FIADH (IRE) (16) 00-0P51 CD

B m Fame And Glory - Lady Charisma

Owner: Mr G. F. White

Breeder: Ms Jill Farrell

Jockey: Sean Quinlan

7 11-5

Trainer: Chris Grant, Billingham

TIMEFORM VIEW Cheekpieces on for 1st time when landing 9-runner handicap hurdle at this C&D 16 days ago by 4 1/2 lengths from Rumble B. Up 5lb but another bold showing is on the cards with headgear retained.

5 VOYBURG (IRE) (27) 2-PUPP5

Br g Sageburg (IRE) - Slevoy Ahoy (IRE)

Owner: The Ten Sages

Breeder: The Joc Racing Team

Jockey: David Bass

Star RatingHHHHH BHA 91

7 11-5

Trainer: Kim Bailey Cheltenham

Sponsor: Kim Bailey Racing Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Fair winning hurdler but he’s been under a cloud this season, well-held fifth at Exeter last time. Hard to warm to

6 DILLARCHIE (GB) (160) 50-2255

B m Sulamani (IRE) - Cute N You Know It

Owner: J Saxby, M Simmons Partnership

Breeder: John & Jonathan Saxby

Star RatingHHIII BHA 91

6 11-4

Jockey: Emma Smith-Chaston (3)

Trainer: Joanne Foster, Ilkley

TIMEFORM VIEW Yet to strike over hurdles but in good order this term, fifth of 11 in handicap here (21f) in October Ought to be competitive again after her lay-off.

7 JUST JESS (IRE) (21) 03102P

B m Yeats (IRE) - She’s On The Case (IRE)

Owner: Widdop Wanderers

Breeder: Parkville Stud

Star RatingHHHII BHA 90

7 11-4

Jockey: Ross Chapman

Trainer: Sue Smith, Bingley

Sponsor: Tuffa Footwear Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Scored at Catterick (25f) on NewYear’s Day but pulled up at Hexham three weeks ago Hard to catch right.

Star RatingHHIII BHA 90

8

CHOUNGAYA (FR) (16) 5P-FPPP

B g Walk In The Park (IRE) - Autorite (FR)

Owner: Mrs J Cooper Mrs J Plummer

Breeder: S. Verrier, D. Retif & V. Retif

10 11-1

Jockey: Aaron Anderson (5)

Trainer: Mike Sowersby, Malton

Sponsor: Mike Sowersby Racing

TIMEFORM VIEW One-time useful chaser but very much on the downgrade these days and he hasn’t shown anything in 6 starts for present yard

9 BABY JANE (IRE) (448) F4/5262-

B m Oscar (IRE) - Young Lady (IRE)

Owner: Miss G. Boanas

Breeder: Mr Peter Magnier & Ms Margaret Mullins

8 10-8

Jockey: Brian Hughes

Trainer: Gillian Boanas, Saltburn

TIMEFORMVIEWMaidenhurdlerandofffor14monthssincepostingagoodsecondinhandicaphurdleatCatterick(25.3f). Needs to hit the ground running.

10

DOORS BREAKER (FR) (31) 3F001P

B g American Post - Polyandry (IRE)

Owner: SendEmOn

Breeder: Mr J.Olivart, Mr R.Venn & Mrs S.Le Gall

6 10-7

Jockey: Thomas Dowson

Trainer: Tjade Collier Wilsden

Sponsor: Airdale Chemicals Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Scored at Doncaster in February but pulled up in handicap hurdle at Southwell (20.4f) 31 days ago. Needs

11 RUMBLE B (IRE) (16) P-43532

B g Presenting - John’s Eliza (IRE)

Owner: Mr Justin Landy

Breeder: Mr Emlyn Patterson

Jockey: John Kington

9 10-7

Trainer: Justin Landy, Leyburn

TIMEFORMVIEWRemains a maiden after 26 runs but he’s going through a good spell at present, second to Fiadh over C&D last time. He should continue in form.

12 JOANNA I’M FINE (IRE) (38) 06-3031 D

Ch m Famous Name - Toye Native (IRE)

Owner: Mr Graham Truscott

Breeder: Mr Ian Lindsay

6 10-7

Jockey: Peter Kavanagh (5)

Trainer: Jackie Stephen, Melrose

Sponsor: Rapid Project Developments Ltd.

TIMEFORMVIEWGotoffthemarkin12-runnerhandicaphurdleatAyr(24.3f,goodtosoft)38daysago Up5lbbutformhas been franked so she ought to be in the shake-up

13 STORM FORCE ONE (GB) (16) 02PF03

7 10-3

B m Schiaparelli (GER) - Force In The Wings (IRE) Jockey: Danny McMenamin

Owner: Hedley, Little & Tomkins

Breeder: T. M. Hayes

Trainer: Peter Niven, Malton

Sponsor: P D Niven Racing Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Remains winless after 23 starts but she posted a creditable third of 9 to Fiadh in handicap hurdle at this C&D 16 days ago Shortlisted.

14 SEPTEMBER DAISY (GB) (38) 04-6350 BF

B m September Storm (GER) - Alleged To Rhyme (IRE)Jockey: Bruce Lynn (3)

Owner: P and F Racing

Breeder: Mrs Elizabeth Fletcher

Trainer: N. W. Alexander, Kinneston

Sponsor: Kinneston Bloodstock Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Not disgraced first 2 starts for her new yard this term but well below par both outings since, though she was kicked at the start at Ayr last time. Needs to bounce back

15 SONGBIRD’S TALE (GB) (100) 13-5650

8 10-2

B m Sulamani (IRE) - She Likes To Boogy (IRE) Jockey: Conor Rabbitt (7)

Owner: Mrs P. A. Cowey

Breeder: Mrs P. A. Cowey

Trainer: Paul Collins, Saltburn-By-The-Sea

TIMEFORM VIEW Came in a below form tenth of 19 in handicap hurdle (66/1) at this C&D (soft) 100 days ago Others make more appeal.

16

CLASSIC LADY (IRE) (31) 232//-000 D

Star RatingHHIII BHA 72

8 10-2

Ch m Flemensfirth (USA) - Another Gaye (IRE) Jockey: Jamie Hamilton

Owner: Allott & Wordingham

Breeder: Another Gaye Syndicate

Trainer: Mark Walford, Sheriff Hutton

Sponsor: Cube3 Construction

TIMEFORM VIEW Thrice-raced maiden, only eighth of 9 in 2m novice hurdle here 31 days ago Significantly up in trip and tongue strap goes on for her handicap debut.

17

HALFWAY HOUSE LAD (GB) (37) U500

B g Recharge (IRE) - Pezula

Owner: Halfway House Syndicate

Breeder: Mrs J. Weston

Star RatingHHHII BHA 66

4 10-2

Jockey: Stephen Mulqueen

Trainer: Maurice Barnes, Brampton

TIMEFORMVIEWYet to show any ability, last of 9 in 2m novice hurdle at Catterick 37 days ago Significantly up in trip for his handicap bow with lots to prove

Star RatingHHIII BHA 71

DECLARED RUNNERS 17 2022: THE QUESTIONER (IRE) 6 10 9 Craig Nichol 13-8 (Oliver Greenall) 8 ran

Tongue Strap worn first time by No 16

Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No 1. Blinkers worn by No 3. Tongue Strap worn by No 1, 6, 10, 17 Blinkers, Tongue Strap worn by No 8.

Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No 4, 5, 13

Stewards Note:

DOORS BREAKER: Following its run on 6/3/2023 it was reported that the horse was never travelling.

SEPTEMBER DAISY: Following its run on 27/2/2023 it was reported that the horse ran flat.

Probable S.P’s: 13-2 Fiadh (IRE), Joanna I’m Fine (IRE), 15-2 Rumble B (IRE), 10-1 Braganza Bay (GB), 11-1 Baby Jane (IRE), 12-1 Storm Force One (GB), 14-1 Doors Breaker (FR), September Daisy (GB), 18-1 Voyburg (IRE), Just Jess (IRE), 20-1 Velasco (IRE), Dillarchie (GB), 25-1 Grand du Nord (FR), 80-1 Classic Lady (IRE), 150-1 Songbird’s Tale (GB), 300-1 Choungaya (FR), Halfway House Lad (GB)

PLAY SMARTER

Plenty with chances but FIADH proved revitalised by the fitting of cheekpieces when going in over C&D and still looks handily weighted despite taking a 5lb rise with the headgear crucially on again here. Joanna I’m Fine is feared most on the back of her recent breakthrough Ayr success, with in-form pair Rumble B and Dillarchie completing the shortlist.

The Result

WETHERBY STEEPLECHASE COMMITTEE LTD will present a memento to the winning owner of this race and £50 to the stablehand in charge of the best turned out horse.

Food And Drink

Items of food & drink are not permitted to be brought into either the Paddock or Premier Racecourse Enclosures. In accordance with our terms and conditions of entry, such items may be confiscated if found by stewards during a routine security bag search. Racegoers may take food and drink for personal consumption into the Course Enclosure.