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Paul Nicholls has revealed that Tidal Bay will not travel for next Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
The 12-year-old has recovered from the knock that caused him to miss the Argento Chase at Cheltenham last weekend, but Nicholls doesn't want to rush him back with Cheltenham just around the corner. His absence will deny the feature race a recognised benchmark performer.
Since the three-mile Grade One's inception as the Vincent O'Brien Gold Cup in 1987, just two horses have gone on to triumph in the Prestbury Park equivalent the same year – Jodami in 1993 and Imperial Call three years later. In truth, Tidal Bay's absence couldn't be said to detract from the likelihood of a third emulating that feat, as few consider the quirky, sketchy jumping, soft-ground-loving veteran as genuine Gold Cup material.
Conqueror
As such, that we were looking at how Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs would measure up against their Lexus conqueror is hardly encouraging, but a comprehensive win for either would have constituted perceptible progress in the quest for an Irish-trained winner of steeplechasing's Holy Grail.
That said, if either Flemenstar or Sir Des Champs steps up to the plate in style come Saturday, at least we've the Lexus to fall back on for reference.
Right now, no tangible evidence has emerged to confirm that the Christmas highlight was anything more than a breathtaking spectacle, though the commendable efforts of Tidal Bay and runner-up First Lieutenant in the Hennessy at Newbury the previous month gave it some context.
Tidal Bay ran gamely to be second to Bobs Worth on that occasion when conceding six pounds, so, strictly on form, the three Irish protagonists – each of which is progressive – in the Lexus are due plenty credit after running Tidal Bay to less than a length off levels. The topic of whether or not Flemenstar stays three miles has been of much debate since, and will remain so until Saturday at the earliest. Whatever your take on that issue, the overall picture for our elite stayers has a healthier hue to it than 12 months ago, when Quel Esprit readily justified short odds to overcome six local rivals in a poor Hennessy.
Off an official rating of 154, China Rock was the top-rated runner then, in contrast to the respective 171 and 166 that Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs have earned to date. With Bobs Worth and Tidal Bay on 171 and Long Run and Silviniaco Conti on 172, the gulf between the pick of the Gold Cup prospects on either side of the water is less daunting than when it stood at 29lbs this time last year, courtesy of Kauto Star's 183 (Long Run was 182 at the time).
Quel Esprit is pencilled in to make his reappearance in Saturday's feature and China Rock should also run, while Quito De La Roque, Bog Warrior, Kauto Stone, Seabass and Prince De Beauchene would all lend varying degrees of depth to the race should they turn out. Of the expected runners, however, it is telling that it is 10/1 bar the two 6/4 joint-favourites.
The overall quality of the Hennessy has dropped markedly, with last year's Grand National hero Neptune Collonges the only winner (2009) since Beef Or Salmon in 2007 that could be described as a proper Grade One chaser. When you consider that Gold Cup victor Synchronised was also a late scratching from the race last year due to fears that it came too soon before Cheltenham, its position in the calendar is clearly an issue.
Nonetheless, Jodami and Imperial Call proved that success at Leopardstown in February doesn't preclude glory at Cheltenham in March.
It is a deficiency of quality that does that.
Overturn cut for Arkle after Musselburgh stroll
The brilliantly versatile 2010 Galway Hurdle winner Overturn was cut to as low as 3/1 (from 5/1) to trump the odds-on Simonsig in next month's Arkle Trophy after recording a bloodless victory at Musselburgh yesterday.
The nine-year-old – also previously successful in a Scottish Champion Hurdle, Northumberland Plate, Chester Cup and Fighting Fifth Hurdle – is now three from three over fences following a typically charged display of front-running under Jason Maguire at the Scottish venue.
Despite returning an SP of 1/5 in the four-horse race, Overturn impressed the layers enough with another flawless round of jumping to prompt a cut in his ante-post odds to go one better than when second to Rock On Ruby in the Champion Hurdle in 2012.
Captain Conan struggles home to maintain record
In Saturday's Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown, Barry Geraghty had to work hard to earn his second Grade One winner of 2013 when Captain Conan prevailed by a neck from Third Intention to also stretch its 100pc record over fences to three.
Sent off at odds of 1/2, Nicky Henderson's six-year-old, unbeaten in three Grade Ones at Sandown, is Jewson Chase-bound after this slightly laboured effort in heavy ground over an extended two-and-a-half miles.
Punchestown gets lift-off with online 'boarding pass'
Punchestown racecourse has launched a facility, believed to be the first of its kind, that enables customers to have their tickets sent to them by email.
All packages and ticket types for the track can now be sourced in this manner, which simply requires the racegoer to print off the ticket and present it on arrival at the track, as you would a boarding pass for a flight.
Sheehys will be keeping
their 'Ear To The Ground'
Danny and Mikey Sheehy, pint-sized stars of the 'flapping' circuit, are due to feature on RTE television's 'Ear To The Ground' programme on Thursday at 8.30.
Sons of Graiguenamanagh handler Eamonn 'Dusty' Sheehy – who has enjoyed great success with Rathgar Beau, Justified and Trafford Lad – the brothers' busy racing-home-school schedule is the focus of attention as they set out on a path that looks sure to culminate in their gracing the racecourse proper in the near future.
Quevega on course for
Cheltenham comeback
Willie Mullins has co
The 12-year-old has recovered from the knock that caused him to miss the Argento Chase at Cheltenham last weekend, but Nicholls doesn't want to rush him back with Cheltenham just around the corner. His absence will deny the feature race a recognised benchmark performer.
Since the three-mile Grade One's inception as the Vincent O'Brien Gold Cup in 1987, just two horses have gone on to triumph in the Prestbury Park equivalent the same year – Jodami in 1993 and Imperial Call three years later. In truth, Tidal Bay's absence couldn't be said to detract from the likelihood of a third emulating that feat, as few consider the quirky, sketchy jumping, soft-ground-loving veteran as genuine Gold Cup material.
Conqueror
As such, that we were looking at how Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs would measure up against their Lexus conqueror is hardly encouraging, but a comprehensive win for either would have constituted perceptible progress in the quest for an Irish-trained winner of steeplechasing's Holy Grail.
That said, if either Flemenstar or Sir Des Champs steps up to the plate in style come Saturday, at least we've the Lexus to fall back on for reference.
Right now, no tangible evidence has emerged to confirm that the Christmas highlight was anything more than a breathtaking spectacle, though the commendable efforts of Tidal Bay and runner-up First Lieutenant in the Hennessy at Newbury the previous month gave it some context.
Tidal Bay ran gamely to be second to Bobs Worth on that occasion when conceding six pounds, so, strictly on form, the three Irish protagonists – each of which is progressive – in the Lexus are due plenty credit after running Tidal Bay to less than a length off levels. The topic of whether or not Flemenstar stays three miles has been of much debate since, and will remain so until Saturday at the earliest. Whatever your take on that issue, the overall picture for our elite stayers has a healthier hue to it than 12 months ago, when Quel Esprit readily justified short odds to overcome six local rivals in a poor Hennessy.
Off an official rating of 154, China Rock was the top-rated runner then, in contrast to the respective 171 and 166 that Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs have earned to date. With Bobs Worth and Tidal Bay on 171 and Long Run and Silviniaco Conti on 172, the gulf between the pick of the Gold Cup prospects on either side of the water is less daunting than when it stood at 29lbs this time last year, courtesy of Kauto Star's 183 (Long Run was 182 at the time).
Quel Esprit is pencilled in to make his reappearance in Saturday's feature and China Rock should also run, while Quito De La Roque, Bog Warrior, Kauto Stone, Seabass and Prince De Beauchene would all lend varying degrees of depth to the race should they turn out. Of the expected runners, however, it is telling that it is 10/1 bar the two 6/4 joint-favourites.
The overall quality of the Hennessy has dropped markedly, with last year's Grand National hero Neptune Collonges the only winner (2009) since Beef Or Salmon in 2007 that could be described as a proper Grade One chaser. When you consider that Gold Cup victor Synchronised was also a late scratching from the race last year due to fears that it came too soon before Cheltenham, its position in the calendar is clearly an issue.
Nonetheless, Jodami and Imperial Call proved that success at Leopardstown in February doesn't preclude glory at Cheltenham in March.
It is a deficiency of quality that does that.
Overturn cut for Arkle after Musselburgh stroll
The brilliantly versatile 2010 Galway Hurdle winner Overturn was cut to as low as 3/1 (from 5/1) to trump the odds-on Simonsig in next month's Arkle Trophy after recording a bloodless victory at Musselburgh yesterday.
The nine-year-old – also previously successful in a Scottish Champion Hurdle, Northumberland Plate, Chester Cup and Fighting Fifth Hurdle – is now three from three over fences following a typically charged display of front-running under Jason Maguire at the Scottish venue.
Despite returning an SP of 1/5 in the four-horse race, Overturn impressed the layers enough with another flawless round of jumping to prompt a cut in his ante-post odds to go one better than when second to Rock On Ruby in the Champion Hurdle in 2012.
Captain Conan struggles home to maintain record
In Saturday's Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown, Barry Geraghty had to work hard to earn his second Grade One winner of 2013 when Captain Conan prevailed by a neck from Third Intention to also stretch its 100pc record over fences to three.
Sent off at odds of 1/2, Nicky Henderson's six-year-old, unbeaten in three Grade Ones at Sandown, is Jewson Chase-bound after this slightly laboured effort in heavy ground over an extended two-and-a-half miles.
Punchestown gets lift-off with online 'boarding pass'
Punchestown racecourse has launched a facility, believed to be the first of its kind, that enables customers to have their tickets sent to them by email.
All packages and ticket types for the track can now be sourced in this manner, which simply requires the racegoer to print off the ticket and present it on arrival at the track, as you would a boarding pass for a flight.
Sheehys will be keeping
their 'Ear To The Ground'
Danny and Mikey Sheehy, pint-sized stars of the 'flapping' circuit, are due to feature on RTE television's 'Ear To The Ground' programme on Thursday at 8.30.
Sons of Graiguenamanagh handler Eamonn 'Dusty' Sheehy – who has enjoyed great success with Rathgar Beau, Justified and Trafford Lad – the brothers' busy racing-home-school schedule is the focus of attention as they set out on a path that looks sure to culminate in their gracing the racecourse proper in the near future.
Quevega on course for
Cheltenham comeback
Willie Mullins has co
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
UNIONISTE, hugely impressive in a Grade 3 handicap at Cheltenham in December, will test his RSA Chase credentials on Saturday at Newbury over 3m, a distance trainer Paul Nicholls cannot wait to see him over. Owned by John Hales, Unioniste hacked up over 2m5f in the Paul Stewart Ironspine Charity Challenge Gold Cup and tries 3m for the first time in a novice chase on Saturday.
He is entered in three races at the Cheltenham Festival - the RSA Chase (over 3m½), the Jewson (2m4f) and the Ryanair (2m5f) - but Nicholls will see how Newbury goes before firming up plans.
"Unioniste runs at Newbury on Saturday and then we will make a plan but I always thought three miles would suit him very well," said the champion trainer.
Nicholls keen to see exciting Unioniste over three miles | Horse Racing News | Racing Post
He is entered in three races at the Cheltenham Festival - the RSA Chase (over 3m½), the Jewson (2m4f) and the Ryanair (2m5f) - but Nicholls will see how Newbury goes before firming up plans.
"Unioniste runs at Newbury on Saturday and then we will make a plan but I always thought three miles would suit him very well," said the champion trainer.
Nicholls keen to see exciting Unioniste over three miles | Horse Racing News | Racing Post
Join:
2006/12/07
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Thoroughbreds nervously snort and stamp their hooves, their shiny coats glistening in the sun, before setting off, not around a traditional race track, but across a frozen lake with jockeys on skis hanging on for dear life behind them.
Welcome to White Turf Skijoring at Switzerland's poshest ski resort town of St-Moritz, a unique event that has been taking place here each year since 1907, giving horse enthusiasts, European high society and local folks a chance to mingle and party.
On the first three Sundays of February, purebreds from across Europe thunder around the lake, trailed by the skier attached to the horse by a rope and a large colourful piece of cloth that disappears in a massive cloud of white powder.
The 12 horses and skiers reach speeds of 50 kilometres (30 miles) an hour, sending vibrations through the ice and tingles through the crowd of bundled-up, cheering spectators, as they fly around the snow-covered ice track and cover the 2.7-kilometre (1.7-mile) race in a matter of minutes.
"Fifty percent of the horses come from Switzerland, and the others mainly come from Germany, France, Britain and Hungary. We also have Russians," said Silvio Staub, who organises the international races, which are open to betting.
But he stressed that White Turf is not just about the races. The St. Moritz native also wants the event to draw crowds simply out to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the party. Champagne, caviar and oysters are served between each race, and a VIP tent has been set up on the frozen lake, beyond the gaze of the media.
"We are very discreet. People don't want everyone to know they are here," Staub said, pointing out that in the past he hosted the likes of model superstar Naomi Campbell and Swiss tennis great Roger Federer.
The businessman also organises receptions at the town's numerous hotels, including one with well-groomed miniature ponies making the rounds on a catwalk.
During the races, exuberance is the name of the game in St-Moritz, where luxury bags, Cuban cigars and carefully coiffed dogs are prominently on display along the shores of the frozen, glistening lake.
Dressed in a long, shiny black fur coat, Alicia Brivio, an American from Michigan, sat on a terrace surrounded by palm trees, seeming not to care about the freezing temperatures as she delicately sipped champagne.
"It's so exciting. When you hear the feet of the horses in the snow, it's incredible," enthused Brivio, who has a Swiss husband and lives in Mendrisio in the south of the country.
Closer to the lake, four elegant and heavily-made-up women in their 60s, each donning beige fur, shook loose to reggae music, while a group of equally elegant men stood nearby admiring a line of parked Rolls-Royces.
The races however do not just draw the wealthy. They also constitute an important local tradition, says Daniela Bolfing, who runs an art gallery at the St-Moritz train station. Skijoring "belongs to St-Moritz," she said, pointing out that she loved the annual event and the chance to hang out with her friends there, even though "I am not the type who likes horses."
Franciska Fasciatti, a St-Moritz lawyer who had come to admire the horses with her young son, agreed.
"This is an event for everybody," she said.
Seeing the skiers being pulled behind the horses was "something very special," she said, adding though that "it's also dangerous."
She described how she once saw a horse fall after getting tangled in the ropes of the skier trailing behind it, saying sadly that the animal had to be put down.
"I'm happy when it's finished" and everyone is ok, she added.
Swiss jockey Franco Moro, who runs a local ski school and has been taking part in the skijoring events for the past three decades, does not agree that the sport is dangerous.
When it comes to speed, "it is pretty much the same thing as on sand," he said, pointing out that "the skiers slide, and for the horses it is no problem pulling someone who simply slides along."
It remains uncertain until the very last minute though how the horses, most of which are taking part for the first time, will react to the new challenge.
"Some horses can be very good on sand or on grass, but do not feel comfortable on snow," explained Christian Lampert, the farrier tasked with shoeing the horses for the races.
One thing is certain: the purebreds do not suffer from the cold, he said, pointing out that such horses can live outdoors at temperatures ranging from minus 30 degrees Celsius to 30 plus ( minus 22 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
And to ensure that the purebreds don't slip and fall, Lampert sets them up with special, extra-light aluminium shoes with a kind of spike at the front that grips the ice.
To make sure the shoes don't stick to the ice, he then equips the horses with a sort of rubber cover-shoe, a model thought up specially for the St-Moritz races about 15 years ago.
Horse-racing on ice and champagne in Swiss resort - FRANCE 24
Welcome to White Turf Skijoring at Switzerland's poshest ski resort town of St-Moritz, a unique event that has been taking place here each year since 1907, giving horse enthusiasts, European high society and local folks a chance to mingle and party.
On the first three Sundays of February, purebreds from across Europe thunder around the lake, trailed by the skier attached to the horse by a rope and a large colourful piece of cloth that disappears in a massive cloud of white powder.
The 12 horses and skiers reach speeds of 50 kilometres (30 miles) an hour, sending vibrations through the ice and tingles through the crowd of bundled-up, cheering spectators, as they fly around the snow-covered ice track and cover the 2.7-kilometre (1.7-mile) race in a matter of minutes.
"Fifty percent of the horses come from Switzerland, and the others mainly come from Germany, France, Britain and Hungary. We also have Russians," said Silvio Staub, who organises the international races, which are open to betting.
But he stressed that White Turf is not just about the races. The St. Moritz native also wants the event to draw crowds simply out to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the party. Champagne, caviar and oysters are served between each race, and a VIP tent has been set up on the frozen lake, beyond the gaze of the media.
"We are very discreet. People don't want everyone to know they are here," Staub said, pointing out that in the past he hosted the likes of model superstar Naomi Campbell and Swiss tennis great Roger Federer.
The businessman also organises receptions at the town's numerous hotels, including one with well-groomed miniature ponies making the rounds on a catwalk.
During the races, exuberance is the name of the game in St-Moritz, where luxury bags, Cuban cigars and carefully coiffed dogs are prominently on display along the shores of the frozen, glistening lake.
Dressed in a long, shiny black fur coat, Alicia Brivio, an American from Michigan, sat on a terrace surrounded by palm trees, seeming not to care about the freezing temperatures as she delicately sipped champagne.
"It's so exciting. When you hear the feet of the horses in the snow, it's incredible," enthused Brivio, who has a Swiss husband and lives in Mendrisio in the south of the country.
Closer to the lake, four elegant and heavily-made-up women in their 60s, each donning beige fur, shook loose to reggae music, while a group of equally elegant men stood nearby admiring a line of parked Rolls-Royces.
The races however do not just draw the wealthy. They also constitute an important local tradition, says Daniela Bolfing, who runs an art gallery at the St-Moritz train station. Skijoring "belongs to St-Moritz," she said, pointing out that she loved the annual event and the chance to hang out with her friends there, even though "I am not the type who likes horses."
Franciska Fasciatti, a St-Moritz lawyer who had come to admire the horses with her young son, agreed.
"This is an event for everybody," she said.
Seeing the skiers being pulled behind the horses was "something very special," she said, adding though that "it's also dangerous."
She described how she once saw a horse fall after getting tangled in the ropes of the skier trailing behind it, saying sadly that the animal had to be put down.
"I'm happy when it's finished" and everyone is ok, she added.
Swiss jockey Franco Moro, who runs a local ski school and has been taking part in the skijoring events for the past three decades, does not agree that the sport is dangerous.
When it comes to speed, "it is pretty much the same thing as on sand," he said, pointing out that "the skiers slide, and for the horses it is no problem pulling someone who simply slides along."
It remains uncertain until the very last minute though how the horses, most of which are taking part for the first time, will react to the new challenge.
"Some horses can be very good on sand or on grass, but do not feel comfortable on snow," explained Christian Lampert, the farrier tasked with shoeing the horses for the races.
One thing is certain: the purebreds do not suffer from the cold, he said, pointing out that such horses can live outdoors at temperatures ranging from minus 30 degrees Celsius to 30 plus ( minus 22 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
And to ensure that the purebreds don't slip and fall, Lampert sets them up with special, extra-light aluminium shoes with a kind of spike at the front that grips the ice.
To make sure the shoes don't stick to the ice, he then equips the horses with a sort of rubber cover-shoe, a model thought up specially for the St-Moritz races about 15 years ago.
Horse-racing on ice and champagne in Swiss resort - FRANCE 24
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2006/12/07
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THE date Monday, February 4, should have been a memorable day on Town Moor and indeed it was – but for all the wrong reasons.
Ten months after losing Gold Cup hero Synchronised in the Grand National at Aintree, owner JP McManus and jockey AP McCoy suffered another bitter blow when Darlan was fatally injured in a fall at the final flight at Doncaster.
That it brought a cloud over the sport blacker than a raven’s wing goes without saying, and anyone who saw how distraught trainer Nicky Henderson was will realise the affinity the Seven Barrows guv’nor has with his horses.
Perhaps it’s unfair to intrude on your grief Nicky, but you did say: “He didn’t deserve that. Why is it always the good ones? Some game isn’t it?”
It’s a very cruel game at times Nicky, as your ex-jockey Mick Fitzgerald commented post-race, and he should know.
But lest we forget, two other horses lost their lives on Monday. Tony Carroll’s Mujamead and Mick Easterby’s Desert Vision. So you see Nicky, it’s not just the good ones.
The sky was the limit for Darlan. A year ago he was running a massive race in the Betfair Hurdle when he fell under McCoy at the second last at Newbury, but that time the gods smiled on them and both walked away.
But at the risk of sounding like a hard-hearted b*****d, racing is a multi-million pound business and when the tears have dried up, there will be another Darlan coming off the conveyor belt a little way down the line. In fact, I bet he’s in a field somewhere in Ireland close to his mammy right now.
Don’t get me wrong. I was shattered when I saw Darlan’s incident and I don’t care how much Festival information I could glean from re-runs of Rock On Ruby’s victory, I will never watch that race again.
Ten years ago I stood at Cheltenham watching McCoy return with Valiramix’s saddle. The grey had been running away with the 2002 Champion Hurdle until stumbling and breaking a shoulder.
I don’t know who was the most distressed, McCoy or me.
The loss of a prominent horse always seems to rattle the cages of animal rights campaigners and bleeding-heart liberals who would like to see horse racing banned.
I know I’m leaving myself open again to death threats and possibly crushed glass in my Tesco burgers, but it ain’t gonnae happen my friends.
Racing has made big strides in recent years with better whip regulation and changes to National fences at Aintree to make it safer for horses (and jockeys) but also to appease pressure groups who want the race scrapped.
We should never forget that it is a dangerous sport and recognise the sacrifices made by man and beast.
If there are any horse lovers reading this who still wish to see racing banned, I suggest they turn their attention to a charity such as World Horse Welfare.
Check out their website and have a look at the horrific practices in slaughterhouses here in Britain and the illegal transportation of horses across Europe, where poor beasts often have to endure days of travel packed in wagons without food, water or rest.
Those horses sure as hell need your firepower more than the inmates of Seven Barrows.
Horse racing's fallen remembered - Garry Owen - Daily Record
Ten months after losing Gold Cup hero Synchronised in the Grand National at Aintree, owner JP McManus and jockey AP McCoy suffered another bitter blow when Darlan was fatally injured in a fall at the final flight at Doncaster.
That it brought a cloud over the sport blacker than a raven’s wing goes without saying, and anyone who saw how distraught trainer Nicky Henderson was will realise the affinity the Seven Barrows guv’nor has with his horses.
Perhaps it’s unfair to intrude on your grief Nicky, but you did say: “He didn’t deserve that. Why is it always the good ones? Some game isn’t it?”
It’s a very cruel game at times Nicky, as your ex-jockey Mick Fitzgerald commented post-race, and he should know.
But lest we forget, two other horses lost their lives on Monday. Tony Carroll’s Mujamead and Mick Easterby’s Desert Vision. So you see Nicky, it’s not just the good ones.
The sky was the limit for Darlan. A year ago he was running a massive race in the Betfair Hurdle when he fell under McCoy at the second last at Newbury, but that time the gods smiled on them and both walked away.
But at the risk of sounding like a hard-hearted b*****d, racing is a multi-million pound business and when the tears have dried up, there will be another Darlan coming off the conveyor belt a little way down the line. In fact, I bet he’s in a field somewhere in Ireland close to his mammy right now.
Don’t get me wrong. I was shattered when I saw Darlan’s incident and I don’t care how much Festival information I could glean from re-runs of Rock On Ruby’s victory, I will never watch that race again.
Ten years ago I stood at Cheltenham watching McCoy return with Valiramix’s saddle. The grey had been running away with the 2002 Champion Hurdle until stumbling and breaking a shoulder.
I don’t know who was the most distressed, McCoy or me.
The loss of a prominent horse always seems to rattle the cages of animal rights campaigners and bleeding-heart liberals who would like to see horse racing banned.
I know I’m leaving myself open again to death threats and possibly crushed glass in my Tesco burgers, but it ain’t gonnae happen my friends.
Racing has made big strides in recent years with better whip regulation and changes to National fences at Aintree to make it safer for horses (and jockeys) but also to appease pressure groups who want the race scrapped.
We should never forget that it is a dangerous sport and recognise the sacrifices made by man and beast.
If there are any horse lovers reading this who still wish to see racing banned, I suggest they turn their attention to a charity such as World Horse Welfare.
Check out their website and have a look at the horrific practices in slaughterhouses here in Britain and the illegal transportation of horses across Europe, where poor beasts often have to endure days of travel packed in wagons without food, water or rest.
Those horses sure as hell need your firepower more than the inmates of Seven Barrows.
Horse racing's fallen remembered - Garry Owen - Daily Record
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
CHRIS Pea Green stunned even his trainer Gary Moore as he entitled himself to a shot at bigger targets with a decisive victory in the 32Red Juvenile Hurdle at Huntingdon.
This race for the Chatteris Fen Trophy generally throws up also-rans for the Triumph Hurdle, and the seven-length margin accumulated by a gelding who has now won three times from four starts means Cheltenham will not be an unreasonable proposition.
Moore’s son Josh hugged the inside rail of the Cambridgeshire track and found a willing response from the 12-1 chance over the final couple of flights as he left 5-2 favourite Zamdy Man toiling for the runner-up spot.
“He won a bumper here that I thought was a donkey race, then I should never have run him on the all-weather,” said the trainer.
“I was amazed how easily he won at Lingfield last time, but I thought the race was no good.
“I was worried about his jumping on better ground here, but he has gone and made the biggest idiot ever out of me.”
Asked about the Triumph, for which Paddy Power now offer 33-1, Moore said: “He’s entered and the owners would love to go. I’d rather go to Liverpool.”
Cheltenham has reappeared on the horizon for one-time National Hunt and Denman Chase winner Tricky Trickster, who made a fine return to the fold in the CGA Foxhunter Trial.
Off since sustaining a serious injury in the 2011 Midlands National, the 4-5 favourite defeated three opponents at his leisure.
Tom Jonason, representing trainer Paul Nicholls, said: “He cracked some vertebrae when he fell at Uttoxeter and it was a bit touch and go.
“It’s great to see he has retained some of the old magic and he’ll have to run again somewhere to get qualified for the Cheltenham Foxhunter.”
Martin Keighley’s resourcefulness saw Seymour Eric (6-1) arrive at the course in time to make it three-from-three for his new stable in the TurfTV Handicap Hurdle.
The trainer’s horsebox had broken down close to his Cotswold stables, and he said: “It was lucky, as it broke down near a garage and I borrowed Mary Hambro’s box, as she is only a mile away from us.
“It takes some doing to win three handicaps and go up 25lb. The track wasn’t ideal but his stamina came into play.”
Nick Scholfield, who rode Soutine to finish third, was found to have weighed out at 10st 6lb and weighed in at 10st 8lb.
The stewards handed the jockey a six-day ban (February 21-26), but he gained some minor compensation as he landed the closing British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race aboard Kim Bailey’s Molly’s A Diva (8-1)
Rouge Et Blanc (7-2) has thrived since being relieved of his position as trainer Oliver Sherwood’s hack last season and he scored again in the Happy 66th Birthday Sandra Charteress Handicap Chase.
A superb ride from Welsh jockey Sam Thomas saw 5-2 favourite Arbeo regain his lead on the line from Ballypatrick in a thriller for the 32Red Casino Novices’ Handicap Chase.
Arbeo had to survive a long stewards’ inquiry as the pair were close on the run-in and trainer Diana Grissell said: “I don’t think I’ll run him over three miles again and we’ll keep him handicapping.”
Read more: Wales Online www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/racing-news/2013/02/08/horse-racing-golden-show-from-green-at-huntingdon-91466-32769398/#ixzz2KINlLOUl
This race for the Chatteris Fen Trophy generally throws up also-rans for the Triumph Hurdle, and the seven-length margin accumulated by a gelding who has now won three times from four starts means Cheltenham will not be an unreasonable proposition.
Moore’s son Josh hugged the inside rail of the Cambridgeshire track and found a willing response from the 12-1 chance over the final couple of flights as he left 5-2 favourite Zamdy Man toiling for the runner-up spot.
“He won a bumper here that I thought was a donkey race, then I should never have run him on the all-weather,” said the trainer.
“I was amazed how easily he won at Lingfield last time, but I thought the race was no good.
“I was worried about his jumping on better ground here, but he has gone and made the biggest idiot ever out of me.”
Asked about the Triumph, for which Paddy Power now offer 33-1, Moore said: “He’s entered and the owners would love to go. I’d rather go to Liverpool.”
Cheltenham has reappeared on the horizon for one-time National Hunt and Denman Chase winner Tricky Trickster, who made a fine return to the fold in the CGA Foxhunter Trial.
Off since sustaining a serious injury in the 2011 Midlands National, the 4-5 favourite defeated three opponents at his leisure.
Tom Jonason, representing trainer Paul Nicholls, said: “He cracked some vertebrae when he fell at Uttoxeter and it was a bit touch and go.
“It’s great to see he has retained some of the old magic and he’ll have to run again somewhere to get qualified for the Cheltenham Foxhunter.”
Martin Keighley’s resourcefulness saw Seymour Eric (6-1) arrive at the course in time to make it three-from-three for his new stable in the TurfTV Handicap Hurdle.
The trainer’s horsebox had broken down close to his Cotswold stables, and he said: “It was lucky, as it broke down near a garage and I borrowed Mary Hambro’s box, as she is only a mile away from us.
“It takes some doing to win three handicaps and go up 25lb. The track wasn’t ideal but his stamina came into play.”
Nick Scholfield, who rode Soutine to finish third, was found to have weighed out at 10st 6lb and weighed in at 10st 8lb.
The stewards handed the jockey a six-day ban (February 21-26), but he gained some minor compensation as he landed the closing British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race aboard Kim Bailey’s Molly’s A Diva (8-1)
Rouge Et Blanc (7-2) has thrived since being relieved of his position as trainer Oliver Sherwood’s hack last season and he scored again in the Happy 66th Birthday Sandra Charteress Handicap Chase.
A superb ride from Welsh jockey Sam Thomas saw 5-2 favourite Arbeo regain his lead on the line from Ballypatrick in a thriller for the 32Red Casino Novices’ Handicap Chase.
Arbeo had to survive a long stewards’ inquiry as the pair were close on the run-in and trainer Diana Grissell said: “I don’t think I’ll run him over three miles again and we’ll keep him handicapping.”
Read more: Wales Online www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/racing-news/2013/02/08/horse-racing-golden-show-from-green-at-huntingdon-91466-32769398/#ixzz2KINlLOUl
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As real-money mobile gambling grows in popularity, it is not surprising that many companies are preparing themselves to launch in the market as it continues to grow. One such company is the horse betting site Derby Jackpot where gamers can place bets on virtual races via their mobile devices, effectively giving them the ability to bet as if they were at the track wherever they are.
Gamblers can place their wagers and then watch the race through a live video feed. Best of all, the complexity of real-world horse betting has been removed.
The site is extremely easy to use with an excellent animated user interface and hopes to draw in gamblers who wish to place small bets on one or more horses.
Of course gamblers in the states may be worried about the legality of the service; however, as it says on the website “pari-mutuel wagering on horse races is legal in the United States due to the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978, provided that it is legal in your state. Currently 43 states have legalized pari-mutuel wagering. Derby Jackpot is licensed by the Oregon Racing Commission.”
At present the site can be used in 25 states with 12 more on the way.
Mobile Horse Betting from Derby Jackpot - Online Casino Archives
Gamblers can place their wagers and then watch the race through a live video feed. Best of all, the complexity of real-world horse betting has been removed.
The site is extremely easy to use with an excellent animated user interface and hopes to draw in gamblers who wish to place small bets on one or more horses.
Of course gamblers in the states may be worried about the legality of the service; however, as it says on the website “pari-mutuel wagering on horse races is legal in the United States due to the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978, provided that it is legal in your state. Currently 43 states have legalized pari-mutuel wagering. Derby Jackpot is licensed by the Oregon Racing Commission.”
At present the site can be used in 25 states with 12 more on the way.
Mobile Horse Betting from Derby Jackpot - Online Casino Archives
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AFTER watching Silviniaco Conti lay down a serious Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup marker with victory in the Betfair Denman Chase on Saturday, Paul Nicholls says stablemate and recent Lexus Chase winner Tidal Bay is now "highly likely" to bid for Cheltenham Festival glory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. Tidal Bay is as short as 10-1 for the Gold Cup but Nicholls favours a tilt at the World Hurdle, a race he has won for the last four years with the sidelined Big Buck's.
"We have yet to finalise plans but we are now highly likely to run Tidal Bay in the World Hurdle," said Nicholls in his Betfair blog.
BetVictor go just 5-1 about the 2008 Arkle winner landing a second festival win in the World Hurdle and Nicholls added: "Of course, we will leave him in the Gold Cup until the last minute, but as it stands our plan with him is the World Hurdle and then the Grand National. He will go straight to Cheltenham."
Assessing Silviniaco Conti's Gold Cup credentials, Nicholls said: "People don't believe you when you say you have left a lot to work on with horses in these prep races - they think it is a matter of getting your excuses in early - but, trust me, that would have been like his first run of the season for him. So it was a great result, with so much to build on fitness-wise."
After Saturday’s win Silviniaco Conti is now a best price 6-1 with the sponsors and Boylesports to hand Nicholls a fifth Gold Cup.
World Hurdle and Grand National plan for Tidal Bay | Horse Racing News | Racing Post
"We have yet to finalise plans but we are now highly likely to run Tidal Bay in the World Hurdle," said Nicholls in his Betfair blog.
BetVictor go just 5-1 about the 2008 Arkle winner landing a second festival win in the World Hurdle and Nicholls added: "Of course, we will leave him in the Gold Cup until the last minute, but as it stands our plan with him is the World Hurdle and then the Grand National. He will go straight to Cheltenham."
Assessing Silviniaco Conti's Gold Cup credentials, Nicholls said: "People don't believe you when you say you have left a lot to work on with horses in these prep races - they think it is a matter of getting your excuses in early - but, trust me, that would have been like his first run of the season for him. So it was a great result, with so much to build on fitness-wise."
After Saturday’s win Silviniaco Conti is now a best price 6-1 with the sponsors and Boylesports to hand Nicholls a fifth Gold Cup.
World Hurdle and Grand National plan for Tidal Bay | Horse Racing News | Racing Post
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Armando Martinez remembers the big crash well.
It happened in the fifth race on June 2 last summer at Lincoln Race Course.
“I think that was one of the worst accidents of my career,” Martinez said. “I was lucky I made it.”
Martinez was aboard Valentine Twist. He was on the outside of Cindy Who ridden by Karlo Lopez entering the final turn.
“I was running second and could see the horse in front running erratic,” Martinez said. “We got to the far turn, I was going to go by him. Right when I got beside the horse, he just took a right turn and like bolted to the outside fence. There was no chance for me to take a hold of anything. It went so quick. My horse hit the other horse’s hind end, stumbled and went down.”
Only three of the eight horses in the race that day finished. Martinez and fellow jockey Jordan Olesiak were the most seriously injured. Both missed the remainder of the racing season, but are healthy for the opening of the 31-day meet that beings Feb. 22 at Fonner Park.
Most of the damage to Martinez was done to the right side of his face. He had six plates and 29 screws inserted into his face and also lost all his teeth.
The veteran jockey is all healed up now, but it was a long process. He finally got cleared to ride again on Dec. 10.
“I’m glad to be back and really happy people have supported me,” Martinez said. “I hope trainers will support me and gave me some mounts so I could get back to riding. I’ve been riding for them for so many years, I know they’re going to give me a shot back again.
“My family stood behind me. My daughter (Victoria) and my son Damian took charge of the barn. They pretty much did all the work in Lincoln.”
Damian will turn 16 on March 31, which is also Armando’s birthday. Jockeys must be 16 before they can ride in actual races.
Damian wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and be a jockey, and Armando said he’ll do everything he can to help him along the way.
“I hope I can get him ready for this year,” Armando said. “I want him to learn to do it the right way. When he’s ready, I can let him ride a few here. I have friends in New York and Kentucky. They’ve told me when he’s ready to send him over there, so I’m hoping that he does well.”
Armando rides many of the horses trained by his wife Kelli. It’s not always easy to watch your husband or son put his health and life on the line, but Kelli deals with it the best she can.
“I worry about everybody,” Kelli said. “I worry about Armando. Damian makes me nervous when he’s working his first few horses and when Victoria is out there.
“I worry about everything, but I don’t worry any more than when they’re driving to school or out on Friday or Saturday. This is what they like to do and I feel that God is in control. Armando had a pretty bad spill, but God saved him and he wants to ride, so that’s the plan.”
Kelli said Victoria gallops horses on their farm and ponies them before and after races and in the mornings when they head out for workouts.
Kelli said people get hurt doing all kinds of things.
“I mean if you’re going to get hurt, I feel you’re going to get hurt anywhere,” Kelli said. “I’ve just seen weird things. Heck, here in Grand Island cars have driven in people’s houses.
“So I just kind of one of those who believes things happen for reasons.”
Kelli will have about 40 horses in her barn at Fonner Park this year. Last year she had 19 wins, 24 seconds and 29 thirds with total earnings of $132,240.
“We had a really good year considering everything that went down last year,” Kelli said. “We had a few riders step up and help us out. Karlo Lopez, Damon Leeds and Nestor Maldonado did a lot for our family. There were a lot of people who stepped up and helped us.
“So we had a good year considering Armando wasn’t there. It felt like our team wasn’t full, but we still did well.”
Kelli and Armando have been a team for a long time. Armando began his jockey career in 1987. He has 1,673 career wins, 1,741 seconds and 1,762 thirds in 15,276 career races.
Kelli has been training since 1991. She has 293 firsts, 340 seconds and 302 thirds in 3,421 starts.
After a difficult 2012, the Martinez’ team is hoping for a smooth 2013 season.
“I hope everything goes well,” Armando said. “I want people to see me back riding and know I’m the same person I was before I got hurt. I will give 100 percent. I ride to win.
“My goal is to be in the top three in the standings.”
Martinez back in the saddle - The Grand Island Independent : Sports: horse racing, fonner park, armando martinez,
It happened in the fifth race on June 2 last summer at Lincoln Race Course.
“I think that was one of the worst accidents of my career,” Martinez said. “I was lucky I made it.”
Martinez was aboard Valentine Twist. He was on the outside of Cindy Who ridden by Karlo Lopez entering the final turn.
“I was running second and could see the horse in front running erratic,” Martinez said. “We got to the far turn, I was going to go by him. Right when I got beside the horse, he just took a right turn and like bolted to the outside fence. There was no chance for me to take a hold of anything. It went so quick. My horse hit the other horse’s hind end, stumbled and went down.”
Only three of the eight horses in the race that day finished. Martinez and fellow jockey Jordan Olesiak were the most seriously injured. Both missed the remainder of the racing season, but are healthy for the opening of the 31-day meet that beings Feb. 22 at Fonner Park.
Most of the damage to Martinez was done to the right side of his face. He had six plates and 29 screws inserted into his face and also lost all his teeth.
The veteran jockey is all healed up now, but it was a long process. He finally got cleared to ride again on Dec. 10.
“I’m glad to be back and really happy people have supported me,” Martinez said. “I hope trainers will support me and gave me some mounts so I could get back to riding. I’ve been riding for them for so many years, I know they’re going to give me a shot back again.
“My family stood behind me. My daughter (Victoria) and my son Damian took charge of the barn. They pretty much did all the work in Lincoln.”
Damian will turn 16 on March 31, which is also Armando’s birthday. Jockeys must be 16 before they can ride in actual races.
Damian wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and be a jockey, and Armando said he’ll do everything he can to help him along the way.
“I hope I can get him ready for this year,” Armando said. “I want him to learn to do it the right way. When he’s ready, I can let him ride a few here. I have friends in New York and Kentucky. They’ve told me when he’s ready to send him over there, so I’m hoping that he does well.”
Armando rides many of the horses trained by his wife Kelli. It’s not always easy to watch your husband or son put his health and life on the line, but Kelli deals with it the best she can.
“I worry about everybody,” Kelli said. “I worry about Armando. Damian makes me nervous when he’s working his first few horses and when Victoria is out there.
“I worry about everything, but I don’t worry any more than when they’re driving to school or out on Friday or Saturday. This is what they like to do and I feel that God is in control. Armando had a pretty bad spill, but God saved him and he wants to ride, so that’s the plan.”
Kelli said Victoria gallops horses on their farm and ponies them before and after races and in the mornings when they head out for workouts.
Kelli said people get hurt doing all kinds of things.
“I mean if you’re going to get hurt, I feel you’re going to get hurt anywhere,” Kelli said. “I’ve just seen weird things. Heck, here in Grand Island cars have driven in people’s houses.
“So I just kind of one of those who believes things happen for reasons.”
Kelli will have about 40 horses in her barn at Fonner Park this year. Last year she had 19 wins, 24 seconds and 29 thirds with total earnings of $132,240.
“We had a really good year considering everything that went down last year,” Kelli said. “We had a few riders step up and help us out. Karlo Lopez, Damon Leeds and Nestor Maldonado did a lot for our family. There were a lot of people who stepped up and helped us.
“So we had a good year considering Armando wasn’t there. It felt like our team wasn’t full, but we still did well.”
Kelli and Armando have been a team for a long time. Armando began his jockey career in 1987. He has 1,673 career wins, 1,741 seconds and 1,762 thirds in 15,276 career races.
Kelli has been training since 1991. She has 293 firsts, 340 seconds and 302 thirds in 3,421 starts.
After a difficult 2012, the Martinez’ team is hoping for a smooth 2013 season.
“I hope everything goes well,” Armando said. “I want people to see me back riding and know I’m the same person I was before I got hurt. I will give 100 percent. I ride to win.
“My goal is to be in the top three in the standings.”
Martinez back in the saddle - The Grand Island Independent : Sports: horse racing, fonner park, armando martinez,
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The legendary Trevor Denman now can be called a Hall of Fame race caller.
Denman, the South African native who burst onto the Southern California scene when he was hired during the 1983 Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita, was inducted into the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association's Hall of Fame at the organization's annual awards dinner Monday night at the Westin Pasadena.
This was the first hall of fame induction for Denman, 60, although there figures to be a few more before he calls it a career.
He is the second race caller to be inducted into the CTBA Hall of Fame. The other was Joe Hernandez, who called races at Santa Anita from opening day in 1934 until his death in 1972.
Also inducted into the CTBA Hall of Fame Monday was Windy Sandy, a six-time champion stallion who died in 1980. His best offspring was Crystal Water, who in 1977 won the Santa Anita Handicap and Hollywood Gold Cup.
Acclamation, who raced only twice in 2012, was named the California-bred Horse of the Year for the second year in a row. He won both starts - the Grade I Whittingham Stakes at Hollywood Park and the Grade I Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar.
Denman was presented by former Santa Anita executive Alan Balch, the man who hired him. He called this honor the highlight of his career and equated it to Sir Edmund Hillary's climb to the top of Mt. Everest. He said when he was 5 in 1958 his mother gave him a book about Hillary leading an expedition to the top of the world's highest mountain in 1953.
"It took three days from base camp to complete the climb and Hillary spent only about 15 minutes at the top." Denman said. "When asked about the climb, Hillary said, `It's all been worth it.' And that's the way I feel right now."
He also told a joke on himself that relates to the CTBA, which promotes thoroughbred racehorses born and raised in California.
"When I first started at Santa Anita, and with my South African accent I thought people were being critical when they called a horse a cow-bred. It took me about a month to figure out they were saying Cal-bred."
And Bud Johnson, who co-owns Acclamation with his wife Judy, told one on Denman.
"In the 1980s, I owned a horse named Soft Shoe Sure Shot," Johnson said. "But the first time he ran that isn't what Trevor called him, if you get my drift.
"He told me later that is the worst name for a horse he'd ever heard of."
Acclamation also was an award winner in two divisions - turf champion and older male champion. Other divisional winners were Tilde (2-year-old female), Monument (2-year-old male), Willa B Awesome (3-year-old female), Unusual Heatwave (3-year-old male), Amazombie (sprint champion) and Halo Dolly (older female).
Read more: Horse Racing: Trevor Denman gets call from Hall of Fame - SGVTribune-com
Denman, the South African native who burst onto the Southern California scene when he was hired during the 1983 Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita, was inducted into the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association's Hall of Fame at the organization's annual awards dinner Monday night at the Westin Pasadena.
This was the first hall of fame induction for Denman, 60, although there figures to be a few more before he calls it a career.
He is the second race caller to be inducted into the CTBA Hall of Fame. The other was Joe Hernandez, who called races at Santa Anita from opening day in 1934 until his death in 1972.
Also inducted into the CTBA Hall of Fame Monday was Windy Sandy, a six-time champion stallion who died in 1980. His best offspring was Crystal Water, who in 1977 won the Santa Anita Handicap and Hollywood Gold Cup.
Acclamation, who raced only twice in 2012, was named the California-bred Horse of the Year for the second year in a row. He won both starts - the Grade I Whittingham Stakes at Hollywood Park and the Grade I Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar.
Denman was presented by former Santa Anita executive Alan Balch, the man who hired him. He called this honor the highlight of his career and equated it to Sir Edmund Hillary's climb to the top of Mt. Everest. He said when he was 5 in 1958 his mother gave him a book about Hillary leading an expedition to the top of the world's highest mountain in 1953.
"It took three days from base camp to complete the climb and Hillary spent only about 15 minutes at the top." Denman said. "When asked about the climb, Hillary said, `It's all been worth it.' And that's the way I feel right now."
He also told a joke on himself that relates to the CTBA, which promotes thoroughbred racehorses born and raised in California.
"When I first started at Santa Anita, and with my South African accent I thought people were being critical when they called a horse a cow-bred. It took me about a month to figure out they were saying Cal-bred."
And Bud Johnson, who co-owns Acclamation with his wife Judy, told one on Denman.
"In the 1980s, I owned a horse named Soft Shoe Sure Shot," Johnson said. "But the first time he ran that isn't what Trevor called him, if you get my drift.
"He told me later that is the worst name for a horse he'd ever heard of."
Acclamation also was an award winner in two divisions - turf champion and older male champion. Other divisional winners were Tilde (2-year-old female), Monument (2-year-old male), Willa B Awesome (3-year-old female), Unusual Heatwave (3-year-old male), Amazombie (sprint champion) and Halo Dolly (older female).
Read more: Horse Racing: Trevor Denman gets call from Hall of Fame - SGVTribune-com
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Graham Bradley will take the first step on what would be a sensational comeback to frontline racing by attending the first of three BHA courses required to become a trainer next week.
The charismatic but controversial former jockey yesterday confirmed he had enrolled for the first of three modules which all prospective trainers must complete.
Bradley was a sublimely skilled jump jockey, whose wins included the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Bregawn and 1996 Champion Hurdle on Collier Bay.
But his huge talent in the saddle was matched by a propensity to attract trouble.
This was reflected in title of his autobiography – The Wayward Lad – a play on words to tie in with another great chase he rode.
It culminated in a five-year ban from the sport in 2002 imposed by the Jockey Club for passing on information for reward to Brian Wright, a man subsequently jailed for 30 years after being exposed as one of Britain’s biggest cocaine dealers.
But the popularity of charismatic rider was reflected in the witnesses appearing on his behalf, including AP McCoy, Richard Dunwoody and Peter Scudamore.
The five-year exile halted Bradley’s successful bloodstock business which has seen him buy horses for clients including ex-Liverpool footballers Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman.
Horses bought by Bradley since his ban ended include Donald McCain’s Grand Annual Chase possible Desert Cry, a novice part-owned by Everton boss David Moyes.
Bradley was granted a 24-hour riding licence by the BHA to allow him to ride in charity Leger Legends race at Doncaster in 2010 - a move which provoked criticism in some quarters.
Having served his ban, Bradley’s slate in again clean but how racing’s ruling body react to his plans will again provoke polar opinions with his past indiscretions leading to questions whether he is a suitable candidate to be a trainer.
Bradley said: ‘I can confirm I will take the first trainers module next week – my name is on the list but I cannot say anything else at the moment.’
The fact that the BHA have accepted Bradley’s £2,000 fee for the first trainers’ course at the British Racing School in Newmarket is evidence they are willing to consider his application.
But Bradley is also likely to be additionally quizzed by the Licencing Committee before his application is approved.
BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said: ‘First time applicants for Licences to Train are required to demonstrate or confirm that they meet the established criteria which include, but are not limited to, competence and capability to train, access to appropriate training facilities and that they are otherwise in all the circumstances suitable to hold a licence, i.e. that they are 'fit and proper’.
‘Any application received by Graham Bradley for a Licence to Train would be treated in this manner.
‘Attendance on the trainers course modules form part of the licence criteria, but in no way does attendance indicate that a licence application will be approved.
'The British Horseracing Authority determines applications in accordance with Schedule (A)9 of the Rules of Racing, which may include referral to the Licensing Committee.'
Jockey Graham Bradley will return to horse racing in training role | Mail Online
The charismatic but controversial former jockey yesterday confirmed he had enrolled for the first of three modules which all prospective trainers must complete.
Bradley was a sublimely skilled jump jockey, whose wins included the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Bregawn and 1996 Champion Hurdle on Collier Bay.
But his huge talent in the saddle was matched by a propensity to attract trouble.
This was reflected in title of his autobiography – The Wayward Lad – a play on words to tie in with another great chase he rode.
It culminated in a five-year ban from the sport in 2002 imposed by the Jockey Club for passing on information for reward to Brian Wright, a man subsequently jailed for 30 years after being exposed as one of Britain’s biggest cocaine dealers.
But the popularity of charismatic rider was reflected in the witnesses appearing on his behalf, including AP McCoy, Richard Dunwoody and Peter Scudamore.
The five-year exile halted Bradley’s successful bloodstock business which has seen him buy horses for clients including ex-Liverpool footballers Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman.
Horses bought by Bradley since his ban ended include Donald McCain’s Grand Annual Chase possible Desert Cry, a novice part-owned by Everton boss David Moyes.
Bradley was granted a 24-hour riding licence by the BHA to allow him to ride in charity Leger Legends race at Doncaster in 2010 - a move which provoked criticism in some quarters.
Having served his ban, Bradley’s slate in again clean but how racing’s ruling body react to his plans will again provoke polar opinions with his past indiscretions leading to questions whether he is a suitable candidate to be a trainer.
Bradley said: ‘I can confirm I will take the first trainers module next week – my name is on the list but I cannot say anything else at the moment.’
The fact that the BHA have accepted Bradley’s £2,000 fee for the first trainers’ course at the British Racing School in Newmarket is evidence they are willing to consider his application.
But Bradley is also likely to be additionally quizzed by the Licencing Committee before his application is approved.
BHA spokesman Robin Mounsey said: ‘First time applicants for Licences to Train are required to demonstrate or confirm that they meet the established criteria which include, but are not limited to, competence and capability to train, access to appropriate training facilities and that they are otherwise in all the circumstances suitable to hold a licence, i.e. that they are 'fit and proper’.
‘Any application received by Graham Bradley for a Licence to Train would be treated in this manner.
‘Attendance on the trainers course modules form part of the licence criteria, but in no way does attendance indicate that a licence application will be approved.
'The British Horseracing Authority determines applications in accordance with Schedule (A)9 of the Rules of Racing, which may include referral to the Licensing Committee.'
Jockey Graham Bradley will return to horse racing in training role | Mail Online
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The biggest topic around the horse racing community this week is undoubtedly the condition of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, who raced at the Fair Grounds during her three and four-year-old seasons. Now a seven-year-old broodmare at Stonestreet Farm in Kentucky, she underwent surgery Wednesday night after complications from foaling.
Zardana beats Rachael Alexandra LOU HODGES JR. / FAIR GROUNDS Zardana with David Flores (pink cap) aboard outduels Rachel Alexandra and jockey Calvin Borel (gold cap) in the stretch to win the New Orleans Ladies at Fair Grounds.
A press conference was held Thursday morning to update fans about her condition, which remains
Zardana beats Rachael Alexandra LOU HODGES JR. / FAIR GROUNDS Zardana with David Flores (pink cap) aboard outduels Rachel Alexandra and jockey Calvin Borel (gold cap) in the stretch to win the New Orleans Ladies at Fair Grounds.
A press conference was held Thursday morning to update fans about her condition, which remains
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THE jump racing community of Wales will be out in force at Ffos Las Racecourse today for the Dunraven Windows Welsh Fox Hunters’ race day.
This is the fourth year of the meeting that attracts professional and amateur jockeys alike.
The feature race is the most valuable for amateur jockeys in Wales.
David Brace, of Dunraven, has entered two horses – Silver Token and Spirit Of Barbados – in the three-mile hunters’ chase.
The Dunraven Stud is also supporting the mares’ handicap hurdle race to which the British Horseracing Authority has added up to an extra £5,000 in prize-money in its ‘Sunday Bonus’ scheme which began this month.
Tim Long, General Manager and Clerk of the Course at Ffos Las, said: “We are grateful for the very generous support and sponsorship from David Brace and Dunraven Windows on what promises to be a thrilling day’s racing, not only for the Welsh hunters’ chase community but all our spectators.”
Admission prices: Tickets bought in advance cost £14. On-the-day admission is £16. All accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge.
Inclusive tickets: £24 in advance – admission, a carvery roll (vegetarian option available on request at concession van), a racecard and a pint of beer or a glass of wine.
Further details can be found at Homepage | Ffos Las Racing & Events.
Meanwhile, an all-hurdle and bumper card has been programmed for Taunton on Tuesday after the chase events were abandoned due to waterlogging.
Bob Young, chief executive at Taunton, said: “Even though the course has only had a further 30mm of rain since February 7, it has still not fully recovered from the deluge prior to that.”
Read more: Wales Online www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/racing-news/2013/02/16/horse-racing-big-race-day-at-ffos-las-91466-32819783/#ixzz2L35nZLD9
This is the fourth year of the meeting that attracts professional and amateur jockeys alike.
The feature race is the most valuable for amateur jockeys in Wales.
David Brace, of Dunraven, has entered two horses – Silver Token and Spirit Of Barbados – in the three-mile hunters’ chase.
The Dunraven Stud is also supporting the mares’ handicap hurdle race to which the British Horseracing Authority has added up to an extra £5,000 in prize-money in its ‘Sunday Bonus’ scheme which began this month.
Tim Long, General Manager and Clerk of the Course at Ffos Las, said: “We are grateful for the very generous support and sponsorship from David Brace and Dunraven Windows on what promises to be a thrilling day’s racing, not only for the Welsh hunters’ chase community but all our spectators.”
Admission prices: Tickets bought in advance cost £14. On-the-day admission is £16. All accompanied under 18s are admitted free of charge.
Inclusive tickets: £24 in advance – admission, a carvery roll (vegetarian option available on request at concession van), a racecard and a pint of beer or a glass of wine.
Further details can be found at Homepage | Ffos Las Racing & Events.
Meanwhile, an all-hurdle and bumper card has been programmed for Taunton on Tuesday after the chase events were abandoned due to waterlogging.
Bob Young, chief executive at Taunton, said: “Even though the course has only had a further 30mm of rain since February 7, it has still not fully recovered from the deluge prior to that.”
Read more: Wales Online www-walesonline-co-uk/sports/racing-news/2013/02/16/horse-racing-big-race-day-at-ffos-las-91466-32819783/#ixzz2L35nZLD9
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A winner on February 3 and 10, he broke fast from his wide draw and Jim Crowley had him handy throughout before coming with a late challenge to catch Mont Pelato and win by a neck.
The success shows just how smart ‘The Fabulous Baker Boy’ is.
Many trainers take horses over and fail to win one race, let alone three. The other UK-based horses to run on the St Moritz frozen lake yesterday were all unplaced. Neil Mulholland secured a landmark success with Matrow’s Lady in the Dunraven Stud Mares’ Handicap
Hurdle at Ffos Las.
The victory meant Mulholland passed his previous best total of winners for a season with two months still to run.
“It’s fantastic. We’ve moved yards since last spring and with it being a first season you have your fingers crossed that it goes well,” he said.
Nicky Henderson earned more Brownie points from the track’s owner Dai Walters.
whose Whisper pulled 18 lengths clear of Rydon Pynes to gain his third course success.
Ancient Greece in Moritz blitz | Horse Racing | Sport | Daily Express
The success shows just how smart ‘The Fabulous Baker Boy’ is.
Many trainers take horses over and fail to win one race, let alone three. The other UK-based horses to run on the St Moritz frozen lake yesterday were all unplaced. Neil Mulholland secured a landmark success with Matrow’s Lady in the Dunraven Stud Mares’ Handicap
Hurdle at Ffos Las.
The victory meant Mulholland passed his previous best total of winners for a season with two months still to run.
“It’s fantastic. We’ve moved yards since last spring and with it being a first season you have your fingers crossed that it goes well,” he said.
Nicky Henderson earned more Brownie points from the track’s owner Dai Walters.
whose Whisper pulled 18 lengths clear of Rydon Pynes to gain his third course success.
Ancient Greece in Moritz blitz | Horse Racing | Sport | Daily Express
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NICKY HENDERSON horses dominate the Champion Hurdle market, with four of the nine priced 20-1 or shorter based at Seven Barrows, and at his open day on Monday he finalised his team, relying primarily on Grandouet and Binocular. As expected Oscar Whisky will contest the Ladbrokes World Hurdle while Betfair Hurdle winner My Tent Or Yours will go for the William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Khyber Kim, a 66-1 shot, will take his chance in the race alongside his better fancied stablemates.
Grandouet is an 8-1 shot, while Binocular, who won the race in 2010 when chased home by Khyber Kim, is 14-1.
"Binocular has unfairly become rather a forgotten contender, but he has pleased us since Leopardstown; he has really kicked in now," said Henderson.
"We thought long and hard about running Grandouet in the Kingwell last weekend, and I know Corky [Browne, head lad] was keen for him to go there, but in the end we decided against it on the testing ground. He’ll work at Kempton on Saturday." My Tent Or Yours, who was the shortest priced of Henderson's entries and second favourite in several lists, will not contest the race however with the connections instead preferring to target the opening race on Champion Hurdle day.
"Having discussed options with everyone, including JP [McManus], AP [McCoy] and Frank Berry we’ve definitely agreed on the Supreme. I think after the Betfair it was only the media and bookmakers who mentioned the Champion.
"He didn’t have a hard race at Newbury and is ticking over nicely. I know AP thinks the world of him. It must be remembered he won a handicap and I think it’s necessary to prove yourself in Grade 1 company before going for the Champion."
For all the latest news on Henderson's Cheltenham team make sure you buy your copy of Tuesday's Racing Post,
Grandouet is an 8-1 shot, while Binocular, who won the race in 2010 when chased home by Khyber Kim, is 14-1.
"Binocular has unfairly become rather a forgotten contender, but he has pleased us since Leopardstown; he has really kicked in now," said Henderson.
"We thought long and hard about running Grandouet in the Kingwell last weekend, and I know Corky [Browne, head lad] was keen for him to go there, but in the end we decided against it on the testing ground. He’ll work at Kempton on Saturday." My Tent Or Yours, who was the shortest priced of Henderson's entries and second favourite in several lists, will not contest the race however with the connections instead preferring to target the opening race on Champion Hurdle day.
"Having discussed options with everyone, including JP [McManus], AP [McCoy] and Frank Berry we’ve definitely agreed on the Supreme. I think after the Betfair it was only the media and bookmakers who mentioned the Champion.
"He didn’t have a hard race at Newbury and is ticking over nicely. I know AP thinks the world of him. It must be remembered he won a handicap and I think it’s necessary to prove yourself in Grade 1 company before going for the Champion."
For all the latest news on Henderson's Cheltenham team make sure you buy your copy of Tuesday's Racing Post,
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David Pipe has nominated Dynaste as the obvious candidate to provide him with a ninth Cheltenham Festival success.
Just like his record-breaking father Martin, whose Pond House Stables he took over seven years ago, David Pipe kept his specific plans close to his chest when parading a few of his likely runners for the meeting at a gathering on Tuesday.
As the team will be looking to plot their paths through the handicaps, many of the horses are entered in more than one race. Dynaste is the clear favourite for the RSA Chase but also sits at the top of the betting for the Jewson Novices’ Chase, and Pipe maintained a firm decision has not been made.
Dynaste has followed the same route as stablemate Grands Crus did a year ago, winning at Cheltenham, Newbury and then the Feltham at Kempton on Boxing Day. The elder horse was disappointing in the RSA Chase but Pipe said: “He’s still in the two races, and he’ll probably still be in two at the five-day stage. His owner is coming down this week, and wants to see what he’s going to run in. He has done nothing wrong and, hopefully, he will go and do it in March. He is my shortest priced horse, so he must be my best chance. He looks rock-solid.”
Pipe could have other runners in the major staying novice event, with the lightly-raced Goulanes in the picture after scoring on his debut over regulation fences in the Towton Novices’ Chase at Wetherby. “He stays well and the great thing about him is his attitude,” Pipe said. “He’s in the RSA and the four-miler. I think Roger Brookhouse [owner] is keen on the RSA.”
Buddy Bolero could also go for the four-mile National Hunt Chase, while Pipe did not totally rule out Our Father, who has flopped twice since his impressive Cheltenham reappearance.
Grands Crus’ full-brother Gevrey Chambertin, who last took a handicap at Wincanton in easy fashion, is clearly one of Pipe’s other great hopes.
“He won off a mark of 130 in not a great race and the handicapper has put him up to 145. He will find it tougher but he is improving at a rate of knots,” he said. “He’s in the Neptune and the Albert Bartlett and will be entered for the Coral Cup, my father’s race and the Pertemps. We’ll see what the ground and opposition is.”
Dynaste gives Pipe jnr his best Festival hope - Horse Racing - Scotsman-com
Just like his record-breaking father Martin, whose Pond House Stables he took over seven years ago, David Pipe kept his specific plans close to his chest when parading a few of his likely runners for the meeting at a gathering on Tuesday.
As the team will be looking to plot their paths through the handicaps, many of the horses are entered in more than one race. Dynaste is the clear favourite for the RSA Chase but also sits at the top of the betting for the Jewson Novices’ Chase, and Pipe maintained a firm decision has not been made.
Dynaste has followed the same route as stablemate Grands Crus did a year ago, winning at Cheltenham, Newbury and then the Feltham at Kempton on Boxing Day. The elder horse was disappointing in the RSA Chase but Pipe said: “He’s still in the two races, and he’ll probably still be in two at the five-day stage. His owner is coming down this week, and wants to see what he’s going to run in. He has done nothing wrong and, hopefully, he will go and do it in March. He is my shortest priced horse, so he must be my best chance. He looks rock-solid.”
Pipe could have other runners in the major staying novice event, with the lightly-raced Goulanes in the picture after scoring on his debut over regulation fences in the Towton Novices’ Chase at Wetherby. “He stays well and the great thing about him is his attitude,” Pipe said. “He’s in the RSA and the four-miler. I think Roger Brookhouse [owner] is keen on the RSA.”
Buddy Bolero could also go for the four-mile National Hunt Chase, while Pipe did not totally rule out Our Father, who has flopped twice since his impressive Cheltenham reappearance.
Grands Crus’ full-brother Gevrey Chambertin, who last took a handicap at Wincanton in easy fashion, is clearly one of Pipe’s other great hopes.
“He won off a mark of 130 in not a great race and the handicapper has put him up to 145. He will find it tougher but he is improving at a rate of knots,” he said. “He’s in the Neptune and the Albert Bartlett and will be entered for the Coral Cup, my father’s race and the Pertemps. We’ll see what the ground and opposition is.”
Dynaste gives Pipe jnr his best Festival hope - Horse Racing - Scotsman-com
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AIDAN O'BRIEN, one of the world's leading Flat trainers, has his first jumps runners for more than eight years at Punchestown on Wednesday.
O'Brien, who captured his third Derby when Camelot triumphed last year, runs two in the bumper and is no stranger to success in jump racing having saddled the great Istabraq to win three Champion Hurdles. Egyptian Warrior, bred and owned by O'Brien's wife Annemarie, looks the stable's first string on jockey bookings with the trainer's daughter Sarah on board.
He is a brother to O'Brien's leading Classic contender Kingsbarns, while Shield also runs in the colours of Annemarie O'Brien. Kate Harrington, daughter of trainer Jessica, takes the ride on him.
Swnymor, who looked the likely winner of the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle until falling at the last at Chepstow, bids to get back on track at Doncaster.
Victory would put him in line for a crack at the JCB Triumph Hurdle, while plenty of other Cheltenham clues could be on offer on Doncaster's card.
Cheltenian, the Champion Bumper winner in 2011, has his first start since then in the novice hurdle in which he faces Valdez, Minella Forfitness and New Year's Eve who are all engaged at the festival.
There is also jump racing at Ludlow and all-weather action at Lingfield and Kempton on Wednesday.
O'Brien, who captured his third Derby when Camelot triumphed last year, runs two in the bumper and is no stranger to success in jump racing having saddled the great Istabraq to win three Champion Hurdles. Egyptian Warrior, bred and owned by O'Brien's wife Annemarie, looks the stable's first string on jockey bookings with the trainer's daughter Sarah on board.
He is a brother to O'Brien's leading Classic contender Kingsbarns, while Shield also runs in the colours of Annemarie O'Brien. Kate Harrington, daughter of trainer Jessica, takes the ride on him.
Swnymor, who looked the likely winner of the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle until falling at the last at Chepstow, bids to get back on track at Doncaster.
Victory would put him in line for a crack at the JCB Triumph Hurdle, while plenty of other Cheltenham clues could be on offer on Doncaster's card.
Cheltenian, the Champion Bumper winner in 2011, has his first start since then in the novice hurdle in which he faces Valdez, Minella Forfitness and New Year's Eve who are all engaged at the festival.
There is also jump racing at Ludlow and all-weather action at Lingfield and Kempton on Wednesday.
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Steered to perfection by apprentice SA jockey Lauren Stojakovic for trainer Daniel Clarken, the chestnut filly overtook leader Metastasio - a Darley-trained horse - to claim the $1million, 1200m feature.
Fast 'N' Rocking stormed home to finish second for trainer David Hayes and jockey Steven Arnold, edging the Mick Kent-trained Godiva Rock (Michael Rodd) by a short nose. Gregers - which sat second behind Metastasio in the run - ran fourth, in jockey Dwayne Dunn's only 'blemish' in his four rides.
Dunn won all three of his other races on the day, including steering All Too Hard to another impressive Group 1 victory in the Futurity Stakes (1400m).
He also won the first race of the day on Grand Emperor, before making it two-from-two when he saluted on Foreteller in the Group 2 Peter Young (1800m).
In the day's other Group 1 race, Kerrin McEvoy steered home outsider Mrs Onassis for trainer Gerald Ryan to win the Oakleigh Plate (1100m).
Prior to the race, however, unbeaten Western Australian star Barakey was scratched at the barriers, while another of the chances Shamal Wind was vetted before being passed fit to run.
Miracles Of Life wins Blue Diamond - Horseracing - Sportal Australia
Fast 'N' Rocking stormed home to finish second for trainer David Hayes and jockey Steven Arnold, edging the Mick Kent-trained Godiva Rock (Michael Rodd) by a short nose. Gregers - which sat second behind Metastasio in the run - ran fourth, in jockey Dwayne Dunn's only 'blemish' in his four rides.
Dunn won all three of his other races on the day, including steering All Too Hard to another impressive Group 1 victory in the Futurity Stakes (1400m).
He also won the first race of the day on Grand Emperor, before making it two-from-two when he saluted on Foreteller in the Group 2 Peter Young (1800m).
In the day's other Group 1 race, Kerrin McEvoy steered home outsider Mrs Onassis for trainer Gerald Ryan to win the Oakleigh Plate (1100m).
Prior to the race, however, unbeaten Western Australian star Barakey was scratched at the barriers, while another of the chances Shamal Wind was vetted before being passed fit to run.
Miracles Of Life wins Blue Diamond - Horseracing - Sportal Australia
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Rookie trainer Harry Fry secured the biggest success of his emerging career when Opening Batsman won a dramatic renewal of the Racing Plus Chase at Kempton on Saturday.
Although responsible for last season’s Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby, whom he prepared from what was Paul Nicholls’ satellite yard in Seaborough, the 26-year-old’s name is now above the same Dorset premises.
Still a novice but an evident improver, the 12-1 shot hugged the inside rail under Noel Fehily and finished the three miles that little more strongly than Nicholls’ Rolling Aces, who was there with every chance but was beaten by two lengths.
“What a day,” said Fry, who is the youngest jumps trainer in the country. “Big winners on a Saturday is what it’s all about and for a young team, it shows what we can do in the future. He has multiple entries at Cheltenham, but this was the plan.”
Among the footnotes was the performance of the dashing grey Nacarat, twice a winner and twice more placed in the race.
He made a howling error on the first circuit, eventually finishing last and trainer Tom George announced his immediate retirement.
As has been the case all season, there were a succession of almost private battles between the Nicholls and Nicky Henderson yards, and it was 2-1 to the former in the other Graded races on the card.
Nicholls dropped a heavy hint Irish Saint would not be heading towards the Triumph Hurdle despite him winning what is now accepted as the most informative trial in the Racing UK Subscribe For Cheltenham Adonis Juvenile Hurdle.
The racingplus.co.uk Pendil Novices’ Chase saw Ludlow handicap winner Grandioso (9-4) remain on an upward trajectory.
Nicholls said: “He’s not in at Cheltenham and he does go a bit right-handed, so Aintree might play against him.”
Henderson pulled one back with Forgotten Voice (9-2), who used the speed from his high-achieving Flat career to accelerate five lengths clear of 15-8 favourite Brick Red in the William Hill Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle.
Henderson said: “He did win a Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot so he has got pace, and now he is learning to settle. He jumps well, and he’s a lovely horse.” Prince De Beauchene could not quite cap a red-letter day for record-breaking trainer Willie Mullins as he had to settle for second in the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.
Mullins had earlier topped Aidan O’Brien’s total of winners in an Irish National Hunt season as he sent out an early double to take his tally to 156 for the 2012-13 season.
However, Prince De Beauchene, part of a strong John Smith’s Grand National team for Mullins in company with On His Own, finished two lengths adrift of Roi Du Mee as 8-11 favourite.
Mullins said: “He jumped well bar the one mistake - he just ran too fresh and ran with the choke out.”
Winning trainer Gordon Elliott is now mulling the options for Roi Du Mee, who is entered at the Cheltenham Festival and in the National.
Stocktons Wing (5-4) had earlier outpointed the Mullins-trained Dogora to claim the Grade Two Winning Fair Hurdle and book his ticket to Cheltenham.
Mullins was at it again yesterday, bagging a hat-trick at Fairyhouse led by the prolific Annie Power, who lived up to her name in the Grade Two paddypower.com Novice Hurdle.
Annie Power was given a 14-1 from 66-1 quote by Stan James for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, but Mullins said: “We’ll probably look at the Grade One mares’ race at Fairyhouse for her.”
SELECTIONS
2.20 Tidy Affair
2.50 Bridge That Gap
3.20 Dressed In Lace
3.50 Officer In Command
4.20 Guest of Honour
4.50 Line Of Reason
5.20 Greek Islands
Plumpton
2.10 Leviathan
2.40 Violin Davis
3.10 Star Of Massini
3.40 Miss Fleur
4.10 Stop The Show (nap)
4.40 Romney Marsh
5.10 Sonoftheking
Wolverhampton
2.30 Holy Angel
3.00 Flashlight
3.30 Blazing Desert
4.00 Silver Alliance
4.30 Ambleside
5.00 Mumeyez
5.30 Rockgoat
Double
Stop The Show
4:10 Plumpton
Flashlight
3:00 Wolverhampton
Although responsible for last season’s Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby, whom he prepared from what was Paul Nicholls’ satellite yard in Seaborough, the 26-year-old’s name is now above the same Dorset premises.
Still a novice but an evident improver, the 12-1 shot hugged the inside rail under Noel Fehily and finished the three miles that little more strongly than Nicholls’ Rolling Aces, who was there with every chance but was beaten by two lengths.
“What a day,” said Fry, who is the youngest jumps trainer in the country. “Big winners on a Saturday is what it’s all about and for a young team, it shows what we can do in the future. He has multiple entries at Cheltenham, but this was the plan.”
Among the footnotes was the performance of the dashing grey Nacarat, twice a winner and twice more placed in the race.
He made a howling error on the first circuit, eventually finishing last and trainer Tom George announced his immediate retirement.
As has been the case all season, there were a succession of almost private battles between the Nicholls and Nicky Henderson yards, and it was 2-1 to the former in the other Graded races on the card.
Nicholls dropped a heavy hint Irish Saint would not be heading towards the Triumph Hurdle despite him winning what is now accepted as the most informative trial in the Racing UK Subscribe For Cheltenham Adonis Juvenile Hurdle.
The racingplus.co.uk Pendil Novices’ Chase saw Ludlow handicap winner Grandioso (9-4) remain on an upward trajectory.
Nicholls said: “He’s not in at Cheltenham and he does go a bit right-handed, so Aintree might play against him.”
Henderson pulled one back with Forgotten Voice (9-2), who used the speed from his high-achieving Flat career to accelerate five lengths clear of 15-8 favourite Brick Red in the William Hill Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle.
Henderson said: “He did win a Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot so he has got pace, and now he is learning to settle. He jumps well, and he’s a lovely horse.” Prince De Beauchene could not quite cap a red-letter day for record-breaking trainer Willie Mullins as he had to settle for second in the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.
Mullins had earlier topped Aidan O’Brien’s total of winners in an Irish National Hunt season as he sent out an early double to take his tally to 156 for the 2012-13 season.
However, Prince De Beauchene, part of a strong John Smith’s Grand National team for Mullins in company with On His Own, finished two lengths adrift of Roi Du Mee as 8-11 favourite.
Mullins said: “He jumped well bar the one mistake - he just ran too fresh and ran with the choke out.”
Winning trainer Gordon Elliott is now mulling the options for Roi Du Mee, who is entered at the Cheltenham Festival and in the National.
Stocktons Wing (5-4) had earlier outpointed the Mullins-trained Dogora to claim the Grade Two Winning Fair Hurdle and book his ticket to Cheltenham.
Mullins was at it again yesterday, bagging a hat-trick at Fairyhouse led by the prolific Annie Power, who lived up to her name in the Grade Two paddypower.com Novice Hurdle.
Annie Power was given a 14-1 from 66-1 quote by Stan James for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, but Mullins said: “We’ll probably look at the Grade One mares’ race at Fairyhouse for her.”
SELECTIONS
2.20 Tidy Affair
2.50 Bridge That Gap
3.20 Dressed In Lace
3.50 Officer In Command
4.20 Guest of Honour
4.50 Line Of Reason
5.20 Greek Islands
Plumpton
2.10 Leviathan
2.40 Violin Davis
3.10 Star Of Massini
3.40 Miss Fleur
4.10 Stop The Show (nap)
4.40 Romney Marsh
5.10 Sonoftheking
Wolverhampton
2.30 Holy Angel
3.00 Flashlight
3.30 Blazing Desert
4.00 Silver Alliance
4.30 Ambleside
5.00 Mumeyez
5.30 Rockgoat
Double
Stop The Show
4:10 Plumpton
Flashlight
3:00 Wolverhampton
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It's been two years since horse racing has come to the Montana ExpoPark, but a Great Falls group is hoping to see that change.
When electronic gaming came into the picture in the 80's, horse racing handles slowly started to decrease; now, they are almost non-existent across the state.
But the Montana Board of Horse Racing along with turf clubs across the state are working toward a change.
Live racing in Montana used to span 120 days from May to October.
For the summer of 2013, the Board of Horse Racing is proposing a 25-day circuit in hopes of reviving the sport.
Tom Tucker of the Montana Board of Horse Racing said, "'We have about $90,000 set aside, which is not enough to help all the race tracks but there's enough interest out there especially with the Great Falls Turf Club to try to get at least a few days of racing, with the hopes and anticipation that next year we will have more revenue and build upon that."
The money comes from a percentage of gaming revenue, and will be split between cities who have applied to host part of the circuit.
So far, four communities are in the running.
Chuck Olson, Montana ExpoPark Advisory Board chair, said, "Horse racing has been down nationwide for a few years. It's a tough go with how the economy has been, fuel prices have been up. It's tough. If everyone doesn't open their races it's hard for it to be worth the while. "
But before Great Falls can be considered, the idea must by passed by Cascade County Commissioners.
Tucker says the turf club has created a solid plan with plenty of passion to get horse racing to another chance: "There is that love for it. People that aren't in the industry don't quite understand it, but there is a tremendous passion. It won't die."
The Turf Club will present their proposed budget and proposal for horse racing to the County Commissioners on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Paddock Club.
Group aims to revive horse racing in Montana | KRTV-com | Great Falls, Montana
When electronic gaming came into the picture in the 80's, horse racing handles slowly started to decrease; now, they are almost non-existent across the state.
But the Montana Board of Horse Racing along with turf clubs across the state are working toward a change.
Live racing in Montana used to span 120 days from May to October.
For the summer of 2013, the Board of Horse Racing is proposing a 25-day circuit in hopes of reviving the sport.
Tom Tucker of the Montana Board of Horse Racing said, "'We have about $90,000 set aside, which is not enough to help all the race tracks but there's enough interest out there especially with the Great Falls Turf Club to try to get at least a few days of racing, with the hopes and anticipation that next year we will have more revenue and build upon that."
The money comes from a percentage of gaming revenue, and will be split between cities who have applied to host part of the circuit.
So far, four communities are in the running.
Chuck Olson, Montana ExpoPark Advisory Board chair, said, "Horse racing has been down nationwide for a few years. It's a tough go with how the economy has been, fuel prices have been up. It's tough. If everyone doesn't open their races it's hard for it to be worth the while. "
But before Great Falls can be considered, the idea must by passed by Cascade County Commissioners.
Tucker says the turf club has created a solid plan with plenty of passion to get horse racing to another chance: "There is that love for it. People that aren't in the industry don't quite understand it, but there is a tremendous passion. It won't die."
The Turf Club will present their proposed budget and proposal for horse racing to the County Commissioners on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Paddock Club.
Group aims to revive horse racing in Montana | KRTV-com | Great Falls, Montana
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In Manitoba, the MJC and the horse-racing industry receive $10 million in government subsidies and tax rebates. This includes $6.5 million from Video Lottery Terminals at the track, a rebate of taxes charged on winnings, supplements for race purses and direct subsidies to breeders. The hard truth is that horse racing all over North America and Europe is struggling to maintain market share. The total "handle" for the total amount of money wagered on horses has declined in Canada between seven and nine per cent annually. In New York State, the handle is now at about 20 per cent of what it was almost fourty years ago. Horse racing's premier events such as the Triple Crown and the Breeders' Cup still exhibit strong growth, but overall attendance at the track is steadily declining. Some critics are blaming the use of online venues as the reasoning behind the decline in interest suggesting that online poker and the use of the internet to bet on other sporting events has taken the wheel when it comes to the preferred gambling option.
People have come to associate horse racing with scandal and fixing where there have been many cases of tainted horse races. The Manitoba government has shifted its focus from funding what it sees as a losing proposition in horse racing to the launching of a new online casino with links to the other internet wagering sites in other Canadian provinces. The Sport of Kings has been holding its own for a long time but maybe the time has come to move on.
Online Poker Blamed for Decline in Horse Racing Interest