Horse Racing archive

ADMIRALTY switches to turf on his first run since April, as the Ismail Mohammed-trained four-year-old attempts to complete a four-timer in the 7f handicap at Yarmouth this afternoon (4.10).

Joined by stablemate Light Burst, Admiralty comes into the race following wins at Kempton and Wolverhampton, but Mohammed believes fast ground on turf will prove no problem. He said: "He has been off for three months but seems in good form."

Admiralty likes to make the running, and there should be no lack of pace among the six-strong field with Skytrain also a confirmed front-runner.

Charlie Johnston, assistant to father Mark, said: "It's a small field and there is good prize-money so we've decided to run him in the hope he bounces back to his best. Trip and ground will be ideal."

As well as Yarmouth, there is also Flat action at Catterick, Kempton, Lingfield and Naas, plus a jumps meeting at Worcester.

Today's key pointers

1.It is difficult to ignore Sir Mark Prescott's stats in handicaps at Catterick since 2010, as he is 4-9, showing a profit of £2.38 to £1 stake. He sends Scala Romana to the 3.20 at the track.

2. The 4.20 at Catterick has only been run two times, and a three-year-old has taken both renewals. Birdy Boy looks the best of that age group in both divisions of the handicap.

3. Tim Easterby has had two winners and two places from only six runners in the 5.20 at Catterick. He runs Storma Norma, who has run well at the track before and looks an interesting contender.



Admiralty seeking fourth straight win for Mohammed | Horse Racing News | Racing Post

RIZEENA, the speedy juvenile who rocketed veteran trainer Clive Brittain back into the big time when landing the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot last month, bids to cement her status as one of Britain's leading two-year-old fillies when she tackles the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.

The 6f Group 2, sponsored by Betfred and formerly known as the Cherry Hinton, has attracted eight runners of which Rizeena is likely to start favourite to bag the £45,368 first prize, despite shouldering a 3lb penalty for her success at the royal meeting.

"She was very good at Ascot and I’m really looking forward to the race," said the 79-year-old Brittain, who took out a licence in 1972. "James Doyle has been down to ride her and was very pleased; he thinks she may well have improved again. The last furlong in the Queen Mary was when she really got going so the step up to six should be in her favour, and conditions should be very similar.

"Aidan O’Brien's filly [Bye Bye Birdie] looks an obvious threat but we've beaten plenty of them and we think Rizeena's a bit special."

Connections of the Iffraaj filly will be hoping she can emulate the achievements of Sky Lantern, this year's 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes winner who contests the Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes.

Like Rizeena, she will start favourite and her supporters will be hoping Richard Hughes can produce another excellent ride after guiding her to victory in the Coronation from a tricky draw.

"The ground's ideal - she'd go on the M4," said Hughes, speaking to Racing UK. "She looks a million dollars and is a better filly now than she was at Guineas time."

The ground at Newmarket is described as good to firm and clerk of the course Michael Prosser said after racing on Thursday: "The jockeys were all happy with the ground on day one which was good to firm.

"We will water overnight and put 6mm on from the mile-and-a-half start to the winning post and the run-off area beyond that. The weather is going to be sunny like today but perhaps a bit hotter."



Bullish Brittain sweet on 'special' Rizeena | Horse Racing News | Racing Post

ROBIN GOODFELLOW SELECTIONS

Ascot

155 Barnet Fair

230 Aljamaaheer

305 Autumn Lily

340 Jabhaat

415 Prairie Ranger

450 Come On Blue Chip

525 Rustic Deacon

Chester

215 Urban Dreamer

250 Red Explorer

325 Majestic Myles

400 Summerinthecity

435 Good Evans

510 Dolphin Rock

545 Queen Aggie

Hamilton

640 Memory Styx

715 Salvatore Fury

750 Harbour Captain

820 Lady Del Sol

850 Argaki

920 Corton Lad

Newmarket

205 Defendant

240 Washaar

315 Highland Colori (nap)

350 Lethal Force (nb)

425 Sacha Park

500 Dutch Courage

535 Blue Wave

Salisbury

625 Our Queenie

655 The Dark Wizard

730 Truth Or Dare

805 Sunny Future

835 Kohlaan

905 Fleeting Smile

York

145 Nine Realms

220 Guarantee

255 Clon Brulee

330 Kingsgate Choice

405 Bahamian C

440 Big Time Billy

515 Lanark

GOODFELLOW'S SUNDAY BEST

STRATFORD: 2.20 Moscow Me; 2.50 To Live; 3.20 Castlemorris King; 3.50 Dineur; 4.20 It's Only Business; 4.50 Saddler's Star; 5.20 Anton Dolin.

SOUTHWELL: 1.40 Grandads Horse; 2.10 Apache Dawn; 2.40 On Alert; 3.10 Sonofagun; 3.40 Loose Performer; 4.10 Cut The Cards; 4.40 Fromthetop; 5.10 Wave The Grapes.

PERTH: 2.00 Dantes King; 2.30 Kian's Delight (nb); 3.00 GREEN LIGHTNING (nap); 3.30 Falcarragh; 4.00 Lord Of Drums; 4.30 Momkinzain; 5.00 Definite Row.

Read more: Horse racing tips: Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 | Mail Online
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Calcasieu Parish authorities say 18 people arrested as part of a 1 1/2-year long investigation were funneling "lab quality" meth into the area.

The investigation, dubbed "Operation Havana Speed," involved several people with ties to horse racing. The American Press reports the operation's results were announced this week.

On Monday, officers began arresting suspects in Louisiana and Texas. Lake Charles Police Chief Don Dixon says 11 search warrants resulted in the seizure of "pounds" of crystal meth, several weapons and the discovery of three active meth labs.

Dixon says of the suspects arrested, most had some tie to horse racing - either as an owner, a jockey or a trainer. The information has been turned over to the Louisiana Racing Commission for further investigation.



18 arrested in drug sting tied to horse racing

JAMES TATE is targeting a tilt at either Friday's Glasgow Stakes or the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood for his Derby ninth Mirsaale.

The Sadler's Wells colt followed up his Epsom effort with a seventh-placed finish in the Gala Stakes at Sandown earlier this month.

Newmarket-based Tate remains confident in the ability of Mirsaale, rating his form when placed behind Group 1 winner Havana Gold as "pretty decent".

"He goes next for either the Glasgow Stakes at Hamilton or waits for the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. A mile and a half is certainly his trip," Tate told the Racing and Football Outlook.

The trainer also delivered a positive bulletin about two-year-old filly Blhadawa, who failed to follow up an eye-catching performance at Newmarket's Craven Meeting when sent off the odds-on favourite at Lingfield next time out.

"She ran an unbelievable race in a hot maiden at Newmarket on her debut to be second of 17," said Tate.

"The form of that race couldn't be stronger as the fourth filly home, Kiyoshi, won the Albany Stakes, and fifth-placed Rizeena hacked up in the Queen Mary Stakes.

"But she was turned over as a 2-5 favourite at Lingfield in June when I thought she was a certainty.

"Unfortunately, she struck into herself behind and didn't run her race. Thankfully, she's over that now and back in work.

"With her form and good home work she ought to be a formality in maiden company."

Meanwhile, Tate is hopeful his Wolverhampton winner Blockade can collect some prize-money in Saturday's Super Sprint at Newbury.

He said: "We're tilting a little at windmills on Saturday by going for the Weatherby's Super Sprint, but there's prize-money down to tenth place and she'll have a very light weight."




Tate considers Glasgow or Gordon Stakes for Mirsaale | Horse Racing News | Racing Post

Opening day at Del Mar is set for Wednesday, and it's the one day of the year when Southern California horse racing fans forget about any troubles surrounding the sport.

Fans come out en masse (attendance on opening day was 47,339 last year), colorful hats pop up as if it were the Kentucky Derby and fields are so full that no one worries whether there's a shortage of horses.

As usual, the opening day $100,000 Oceanside Stakes for 3-year-olds going one mile on the turf has been split into two divisions, the sixth and ninth races on a 10-race card, after 22 horses were entered. Jockey Joel Rosario, who moved his business to the East Coast, is returning for one day before heading to Saratoga. He's the rider for two of the Oceanside favorites — Undrafted and Den's Legacy.

The jockey colony will be led by the trio of Rafael Bejarano, Edwin Maldonado and Joe Talamo, with Garrett Gomez, Mike Smith and Gary Stevens another trio to watch in big races during a 37-day summer meeting that runs through Sept. 4 and will have 43 stakes, including seven Grade I races.

Del Mar is where trainers unveil their most promising 2-year-olds, and that should be no different this summer.

Hall of Famer Bob Baffert has nominated 28 horses for the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 4 that determines the 2-year-old champion.

Baffert owner Arnold Zetcher has two promising 2-year-old fillies nearing debuts — Enchanted Fortune by Indian Charlie and Spring Moon by Zensational.

John Sadler, who won the trainer standings during Betfair Hollywood Park's spring-summer meeting, has high hopes for Kristo, a 2-year-old son of Distorted Humor.

Trainer Carla Gaines has juveniles from two longtime broodmares of owner Warren Williamson. Nashoba's Gold is by Smart Strike out of Nashoba, the dam of Grade I winner Nashoba's Key, and Excavator is a colt by Smart Strike out of graded stakes winner Tiz Elemental.

During this meet there will be racing Wednesday through Sunday and 14 different wagers available. The richest stakes is the $1-million TVG Pacific Classic on Aug. 25 that should bring out Game On Dude, winner of the Santa Anita Handicap and Hollywood Gold Cup.

Lots of fans will try to avoid parking hassles by taking the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train from Union Station in Los Angeles that drops riders off at the Solana Beach station. Del Mar offers free shuttle buses to and from the track.

[email]eric-sondheimer@latimes-com[/email]

Racing at Del Mar

When: Wednesdays through Sundays; July 17 through Sept. 4. Racing on Monday, Sept. 2.

Time: 2 p.m. first post; 4 p.m. on Fridays.

Admission: $6 (opening day $10).

Top stakes: Eddie Read Stakes, Saturday; Bing Crosby Stakes, July 28; Clement L. Hirsch Stakes, Aug. 3; Del Mar Oaks, Aug. 17; TVG Pacific Classic, Aug. 25; Del Mar Debutante, Aug. 31; Del Mar Futurity, Sept. 4.




Del Mar horse racing opens Wednesday with big crowd expected - latimes-com

Harrison George will be attempting to complete a hat-trick when he lines up in the Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood on Saturday, August 3.

The PJ O'Gorman-trained eight-year-old is one of 121 horses who remain in the famous six-furlong heritage handicap following Tuesday's scratching stage.

Harrison George recorded his first success for almost three years at Nottingham on June 13 when wearing blinkers for the first time, and followed up with a comfortable length and a quarter victory at Leicester later in the month. Natasha Eaton, a 5lb claiming apprentice, was in the saddle on both occasions.

Newmarket-based O'Gorman reported: "Harrison George will have a racecourse gallop between now and Goodwood and it looks as if he has a good chance of getting into the Stewards' Cup.

"At the minute, it looks like we will be taking him to Lingfield next week, where he will work with Monsieur Chevalier, but that is still a little bit up in the air at the moment.

"He has been fine since Leicester and the blinkers and Natasha seemed to have made a big difference.

"He is a nice horse and we put the blinkers on because I was bit surprised that he was getting beat. He didn't seem to be quite finishing his races off and he wasn't blowing hard afterwards either so we thought we'd change something.

"Natasha has also made a massive difference. She rode him once at Lingfield and he nearly fell over coming out of the gate and ripped a shoe off but still battled hard to finish second. He obviously prefers her to the likes of Kieren Fallon or Martin Dwyer.

"He is eight now and has had foot problems so he probably won't be getting back to quite where he was. They can lose interest and that's why I haven't run him again because, while this combination is working, I didn't want to disappoint him and the Stewards' Cup would be a lovely race to win.

"He has run well at Goodwood in the past so the track is fine and I would be hopeful of a good performance."

There is a maximum field of 28 for the Stewards' Cup, which has a £35,000 consolation race (the Stewards' Sprint Handicap) as the first race on the final day of Glorious Goodwood, and Harrison George, with 8st 9lb, is at the moment number 40 in the list of potential runners.

O'Gorman only has a small number of horses in his care but boasts a Glorious Goodwood winner - Albaqaa in 2011 - and this year has already equalled his best tally of five winners in a year.

Also among the horses going forward for the Stewards' Cup is top-weight Hoof It, who triumphed under 10st in 2011 for Yorkshire trainer Mick Easterby and owners Lee Westwood and Chubby Chandler, last year's winner Hawkeyethenoo, trained in Scotland by Jim Goldie, Wokingham Handicap scorer York Glory and Dean Ivory's lightly-raced five-year-old Tropics.

A total of seven horses were scratched on Tuesday and they included Ancient Cross, Equity Risk, Duke Of Firenze and Poole Harbour.


Harrison George could attempt to land a treble at Goodwood | Horse Racing News

I owe John (Old Smoke) Morrissey, as do any horseplayers or horse lovers worth their salt. He was an accomplished man: a gambler, casino owner, boxing champion and congressman. But 150 years ago, Old Smoke did something truly special when he held a race meeting in a little patch of horse heaven in upstate New York. In the decades since, summer at Saratoga Race Course has meant hope and renewal and history and community for the simple souls who care deeply about fast horses. It is thought to be America’s oldest sports arena, after all, and we know its rhythms in our hearts. The voice of New York racing, Tom Durkin, won’t have to tell the crowd on Friday at the first race what to do.

“They’re off at Saratoga,” the crowd will roar as the horses break from the gate.

There have been countless bon mots written over the years about the allure of a town that once a year puts the old, beautiful, often flawed sport of thoroughbred racing front and center. Leave it to Red Smith to have captured its appeal perfectly 50 years ago when the Spa, as it’s known, celebrated its 100th anniversary.

How does one get to Saratoga Springs?

“From New York City you drive north for about 175 miles, turn left on Union Avenue and go back 100 years,” he wrote.

As this village of pastel Victorian houses swells with horseplayers over the next seven weeks, its history once more will be celebrated, and the charms of which Smith wrote will be as apparent as the thoroughbreds who stop traffic as they clip-clop across Union and the Daily Racing Forms strewn across virtually everyone’s breakfast tables.

Some things never change, like 2-year-old colts making their debuts spectacularly enough to ignite Kentucky Derby dreams for their owners and trainers. The evening yearling sales will always swirl glamour alongside big money as auctioneers take the measure of would-be owners’ fantasies with singsong cadences matched to ascending dollar amounts.

Some things are sweetly anticipated. In late August, the 144th running of the Travers Stakes is likely to bring the Derby (Orb), Preakness (Oxbow) and Belmont (Palace Malice) winners together in the aptly named Midsummer Derby, a race that has counted equine immortals like Man o’ War, Whirlaway and Native Dancer among its winners.

It is the personal histories horse people bring, however, that bind horse enthusiasts and transform Saratoga into an enchanting Brigadoon. I first visited Saratoga 25 years ago with my father, who grew up in the region and, as a boy, delivered tip sheets tavern to tavern along the Hudson. Each visit, I heard more stories about the characters he met on his route. I watched as he smiled wider and laughed easier from the memories.

So I wasn’t surprised that on our final trip together, he told me he was ready for his days on earth to be done. He said it without fear or drama. We were atop the press box watching a race, and out of nowhere he said that he had lived a good life, was proud how his children turned out and missed my mother.

Twelve days later, he died from complications post-surgery. I haven’t missed a summer since, and I have continued to meet warm, wonderful people who touched my life in indelible ways and have now gone on ahead of us.

Peter was the first innkeeper I met in town, and as the years unwound I learned far more than that: He was a real estate impresario, a talented craftsman and a thoughtful friend who wanted everyone in his orbit to enjoy his town. And we all did.

Barb was our first baby sitter, who my wife swore was the incarnation of Mary Poppins. Except Barb had a crew cut and a tattoo on her ankle, and delivered practical advice with a wonderful upstate squawk. My son loved her. She was a Saratoga native and a retired Skidmore employee who found a second career as, well, a Mary Poppins to children entranced by her toy box filled with treasures from the Dollar Store and a hug that completely enveloped them in love.

One of Barb’s favorite pastimes was having a picnic at dusk at Saratoga National Historic Park on the battlefield where in 1777 America met and defeated the British Army. She liked counting the scores of deer that came out of the surrounding forest.

It is a tradition we continue.

See, Saratoga is a lot more than a horse town. That may be what first brought me and countless others here over the past 150 years, but it isn’t what has kept generations coming back. It is the people who have done that. It may seem a timeless place, but memories are made and traditions are handed down as time marches on.

The odds are very long that I’ll be around to celebrate the next milestone anniversary of Saratoga Race Course. But I’d take a short price my son treks upstate with his own family to say happy 200th.



www-nytimes-com/2013/07/19/sports/at-saratoga-the-people-are-as-big-a-draw-as-the-horses-html?_r=0

For Kelly Manzer and the Great Falls Turf Club, today marks a renaissance at the race track.

“I was standing out there at our new rail this week,” Manzer said, “and I just thought ‘Wow.’ It’s taken us a long time to get these ponies running again.”

This afternoon’s start of the State Fair Race Meet marks the return of live horse racing to Great Falls. For the first time in three years, horses will race at ExpoPark in a four-day meet that includes Saturday and Sunday afternoon events the next two weekends.

The Turf Club, having signed a one-year trial agreement with Cascade County, hopes the betting public will respond favorably and that horse racing will be here for years to come.

“Hopefully this will be something that we can build on,” said Tom Tucker of Corvallis, executive secretary of the Montana State Board of Horse Racing. “I’m plan on coming both weekends, and I’ve had people calling and telling me they’re going too. … I’m really hoping the (State Fair) manager and Turf Club group are pleasantly surprised with the results.”

Nine-race cards are slated both today and Sunday. Post time is 1 p.m. each day.

Lonnie Dalke is the race secretary for the State Fair Race Meet. Like the other horse racing enthusiasts and members of the Turf Club, including Manzer, a Great Falls veterinarian, Dalke has a full-time job on the side.

“I’ve been out of it for awhile, but I wanted to do what I could to help this group out,” said Dalke, who works as an arborist for the City of Great Falls. “A lot of local people have spent time and worked hard to get this going. I think it’s going to be good.”

Today’s race card includes several headliners, including the $2,400 Edward Jones Feature. It’s a 5¼-furlong allowance race for fillies and mares.

“We’ve got a real nice group of fillies and mares, and a nice full field,” said Dalke.

The Harold Schmitt Memorial, a $3,200 claiming race covering a mile and 70 yards for 3-year-olds and up with a purse of $2,200, and City Bar and Casino Feature, a $2,000 claiming race for 3-year-olds covering 7 furlongs, for a purse of $2,100, should also appeal to fans. “For our first year back, the horsemen have been awesome, stepping up and getting us pretty full fields for the races,” said Dalke.

Today’s card also features three allowance races, including the Vince Ottolino Memorial.

“It’s kind of tough to get three allowance races in one day,” Dalke said. “It means they’re running with the best horses on the grounds.”

Tucker said the State Board of Horse Racing is hopeful that this meet will prove to be a runaway victory.

“I had two questions when this was being planned,” Tucker said. “No. 1, could they get enough horses? And No. 2, will the people come out and support it? Well, it sure sounds like they’ve got enough horses. And from everything I’m hearing, a lot of people are real excited and planning to be there.”

Admission for this weekend’s races is $2, with reserve seating for tables of 4 ($20) and tables of 2 ($10 available. Race programs cost $3 and are available at the Halftime Sports Bar, the City Bar, the R&R Casino, and the Pit Stop. Gates will open today at noon, an hour before post time.

MIRACLE OF MEDINAH ran out the shock winner of the Rose Bowl Stakes, leading from pillar to post as the well backed odds-on favourite Thunder Strike proved very disappointing, finishing in last place. The Mark Usher-trained colt, who had won his last two races at Lingfield and Salisbury, completed the hat-trick in fine style as the 33-1 rank outsider.

"People like myself don't dare to think too much of our horses but he is obviously improving and loves this ground but he is very much a two-year-old and loves his racing for a little colt," said Usher.

"I didn't put him in the Gimcrack this week but whether we go for the Richmond at Goodwood with the ground still fast I don't know. He cost 3,000gns and is in the Doncaster sales race at York which is big money on August 22, so that is most appealing but he could take in Goodwood as he takes his racing so well."

The son of Milk It Mick, who cost just £3,000, was the only runner in the race with a Group entry but proved too quick for his rivals and extended his unbeaten record over 6f to three.

Thunder Strike, the mount of Richard Hughes, had gone into the race as the heavily backed 1-2 favourite following a fourth-placed finish in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He was settled in behind Miracle Of Medinah in the early stages, but it was apparent inside the final two furlongs that the Richard Hannon-trained colt was struggling to stick with Liam Keniry's speedy mount and he soon tailed off to finish dead last with the 14-1 Mappa Mundi proving second best behind the winner.



Newbury Medinah produces miracle in Rose Bowl | Horse Racing News | Racing Post

Jason Maguire faces a lengthy ban after he was found guilty of a fifth whip offence within the last six months at Cartmel on Monday.

Jason Maguire can expect to receive a lengthy suspension after he was found guilty of a fifth whip offence within the last six months at Cartmel on Monday.

The Grand National-winning jockey was found guilty of using his whip above the permitted level aboard Atlanta Falcon, who finished second in an extended two-mile-five-furlong handicap chase.

As the offence warranted a ban of between two and six days, the matter was referred to the British Horseracing Authority.

The penalty range for such a combination of offences is 14-42 days with an entry point 21 days, although changes earlier this year to BHA procedures regarding multiple whip offences mean that a portion of suspensions imposed on riders referred to the disciplinary panel can be deferred.



Maguire faces censure over whip use | Horse Racing News

THOMAS DORAN was banned for 50 days by the Ballinrobe stewards after he was found to have not achieved the best possible placing aboard Massini's Trap in the opening race last night. Doran's mount was an eye-catching third in the Paddy Smyth Memorial Maiden Hurdle, finishing with a wet sail in the hands of the 7lb claimer after racing well off the pace.

The stewards took a dim view of Doran's efforts in the plate, finding that he had failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing before imposing a 50-day suspension.

Having interviewed both Doran and trainer James Nash, both confirmed that the instructions were to jump off in fifth or sixth before creeping into the race. Doran admitted that he left the horse with too much to do and Nash expressed his disappointment with the ride.

The stewards were of the opinion that Doran was in breach of Rule 212(a)(i) in that he failed to take reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race. Victory in the contest went to the Paul Flynn-trained The Ring Is King (10/3), which made all the running under Keith Donoghue to edge out 10/11 favourite Macbeth.

Meanwhile, Ruby Walsh was at his brilliant best in getting hot favourite Darroun home by a nose in the McHale Engineering Hurdle.

The former champion was hard at work on the Willie Mullins-trained grey a mile from the finish as Robbie Dunne went for home aboard Stephen Mahon's Aranhill Chief.

Despite a mistake at the second last hurdle, Darroun responded to Walsh's urgings and the Susannah Ricci-owned gelding galloped all the way to the line to pip Aranhill Chief in an exciting finish.

Dunne and Mahon later gained compensation when Green Thirty Two (7/1) beat Rolling Rocket by five and a half lengths to capture the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle.

Jessica Harrington and Robbie Power were on the mark in the Mayo News Maiden Hurdle as former classy Flat handicapper Bob Le Beau finally broke his duck over obstacles.

A disappointing favourite at Limerick last time out, Bob Le Beau settled much better this time as Power held up his mount behind the leaders in the early stages before going for home at the second last.

After quickly getting the better of favourite Spot Fine, the 9/2 shot stayed on strongly to see off Phillys Fancy by just over two lengths.



Ballinrobe stewards hit Doran with 50-day ban - Independent.ie

TRADING LEATHER has flourished since his Irish Derby triumph according to trainer Jim Bolger as he bids to repeat the feat of Alamshar ten years ago in following up the Classic with success in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The three-year-old colt has had his last three runs on good to firm going at the Curragh and a sound surface still looks likely for Saturday much to the delight of his trainer.

Bolger said: "He's very well and we think he has come on again since winning the Irish Derby. He likes nice ground."

Ascot clerk of the course Chris Stickels said on Wednesday night that thunderstorms on Tuesday, when 8mm of rain fell on the track, had been followed by a dry day.

"The ground remains good to firm, good in places," he said.

"We watered the straight course with 6mm today and we're expecting a few showers, around 2-4mm on Thursday, so we don't plan on doing any more watering at this stage. Friday should be mainly dry and Saturday there could be some thunderstorms late afternoon. They may be after racing or during it, it's hard to tell at this stage."

While Ladbrokes saw support for Trading Leather, another three-year-old, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Hillstar, who was supplemented for the race on Monday was supported elsewhere and is now as short as 6-1 (from 7) for the Ascot feature.

James Toller is hoping that leading apprentice Robert Tart can spark a change of luck with Loving Spirit in the Betfair-sponsored International Handicap at Ascot on Saturday.

The five-year-old, as short as 16-1 for the 7f heritage handicap, has posted three eye-catching efforts over the same course and distance, including when sixth in the Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot.

"Loving Spirit is an intended runner at Ascot and, the more rain they get, the happier I will be. He seems very well at the moment but I think that he is better with a bit of cut in the ground," said Toller.

"Good to firm ground wasn't ideal for him in the Buckingham Palace but he still ran a very sound race, and he didn't get a run when he needed it in the Victoria Cup.

"The plan is for Robert Tart to take 5lb off him, which should hopefully help. Loving Spirit has never run a bad race at Ascot - he was beaten by a very good horse [Jack Dexter] on Champions Day and we were in front a stride after the line.

"He hasn't been the luckiest horse and he could do with things falling right for once. He keeps running consistently and I would like to hope that he returns to Ascot with a good chance."



Leather has improved for Classic win says Bolger | Horse Racing News | Racing Post

As you read this, my Chrysler Sebring is headed west on the Mass. Pike into New York state, then swinging north toward Saratoga Springs. While the weather outside is clear and dry, my eyes are cloudy and moist.

We said good-bye to our beautiful 17-year-old orange, black, and white calico cat, Solitaire, on Wednesday. No, this was not the cat that hid in the trunk for a ride to Saratoga several years ago, delaying my arrival at the Spa by several hours. That was Cheree and she is still around, though not making the trip with me today.

Solitaire's passing has caused me to reflect on my perspective regarding the remaining 34 days of the Saratoga meeting and beyond. Allow me to share my thoughts.

Given the unconditional love and trust that animals show us, I'll never again blame a horse for a losing wager. These magnificent animals are bred to run and trained to run fast, from their first days in the paddock to their last efforts on the track.

They enjoy what they do and are pampered to the hilt. Except for very occasional instances, they are not mistreated and are very giving in their efforts.

Granted, some horses are faster than others and that is why we have the various classification of races to even things out. But they all do their best with what they bring to the track on that day.

For example, Saturday is Jim Dandy day, the Grade 2 prep race for the $1 million Travers Stakes on Aug. 24.

Dogwood Stable's Palace Malice, winner of the Belmont Stakes, heads a field of 10 horses into the gate for a 5:45 p.m. start. Ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, the Todd Pletcher trainee shows several good works since the Belmont and is going from strength to strength. He'll be a solid favorite at the betting windows.

However, he could easily lose, as Moreno is the lone early speed in the race and Bob Baffert's Code West is a late bloomer with a lot of talent. Also, Palace Malice may be using the Jim Dandy as a prep for the Travers and not be fully cranked up.

Catch my drift? The bottom line is that he'll give his best effort.

The saddest day I've ever spent in my journalistic career occurred on October 27, 1990, in the fifth race on Breeders' Cup Day at Belmont Park, the Distaff, effectively a match race Between Go for Wand and Bayakoa.

They were inseparable until the sixteenth pole, when Go for Wand took a bad step, crumbling to the track directly in front of the fans and media. She was quickly euthanized.

Bayakoa's winning trainer, Ron McAnally put it best when he tearfully said: "They give their lives for our enjoyment." And so they do, pets and thoroughbreds alike.

So, do yourself a favor when you journey to Saratoga between now and Labor Day. Take a walk over to the clubhouse entrance to see the new Walk of Fame, near where the painted lawn jockeys reside.

Read the new 30 bricks depicting the exploits of such great horses as Whirlaway, Regret, Affirmed, Alydar and Secretariat, among others. They helped make Saratoga a summer destination, showing true heart and determination. We should never forget that, even when betting a $25,000 claiming horse.

I know one thing to be true. If there was a Walk of Fame for cats, Solitaire would certainly have a brick. Sleep well, my special friend. You've earned that right.

Read more: Real life casts a different perspective on horse racing - Lowell Sun Online

ELUSIVE KATE won back-to-back Prix Rothschilds at Deauville under William Buick for trainer John Gosden.

The filly was prominent throughout before kicking away from the chasing pack to easily take her second Group 1 win in a row.

Tom Queally tracked the eventual winner on Lady Cecil's Chigun but could not match the impressive turn of foot shown by Elusive Kate.

Second-favourite Duntle was taken wider by Wayne Lordan but could only managed second, two and a half lengths behind the 19-10 favourite. Speaking from Ascot, trainer John Gosden did not rule out a return to Deauville, where his filly has now won four times from five attempts, for the Prix Jacques le Marois but suggested the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown is more likely.

He said: "She's a good filly, isn't she? She's tough and she's handled the ground well.

"We're delighted with her run and it proves what fabulous fillies ran together last time in the Falmouth.

"It was a good performance and we will have a look at the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown."

Jockey William Buick added: "If you go through her form she has never run a bad race and she's been beautifully trained and well-managed.

"She's getting better and better and she's got a very exciting season ahead of her. There was an even pace, we didn't go fast but the ground was pretty testing so the pace was perfect and I was always happy with the position I had. When I looked around I was surprised to see how far clear I was."

The win is as a boost for connections following the appeal made by Sky Lantern's team after the Falmouth, who argued their horse had been prevented from winning the race when Elusive Kate drifted across the July Course at Newmarket.




Elusive Kate easily wins second Prix Rothschild | Horse Racing News | Racing Post

Still no decision from the Ontario Racing Commission on plans to bring harness racing to Leamington following months of negotiations.

Essex County Warden, Tom Bain, who is also part of a grass roots effort to return harness racing to the area worries time is running out. “We really did our job down here. We’ve completed our requirements.”

While some members of the team don’t see any other hurdles for approval, Bain believes if they don’t hear back from the commission within two weeks harness racing may not be possible this year.

The commission required the raceway group to complete land surveys and repairs to the judge’s stand at the track on the Leamington fairgrounds, all which Bain says has been done.

Read more: Essex County may not see horse racing this summer | CTV Windsor News

Guiness Galway Hurdle Handicap (Grade A) 2m 4yo+

MISSUNITED made it back-to-back wins in the Galway Hurdle and a double on the day for her trainer Michael Winters.

The 7-1 second-favourite showed an impressive turn of foot to see off Cheltenham Festival winner Flaxen Flare and leave Make Your Mark back in third.

The win was the second in as many years in the race for trainer Winters, following Rebel Fitz's victory last summer.

That horse scored the first leg of his double on the day when winning the earlier Guinness Mid-Strength Movice Chase.

Winters said: "She's some mare. We knew she would handle the heavy ground and I was confident she'd win at the second last as I knew she would stay up the hill.

"The plan now is to run her in a Listed race on the Flat as she is only coming to herself. We might go for the Ballycullen Stakes at the Curragh on August 24."


Double delight for trainer Winters with Missunited | Horse Racing News | Racing Post

Friends of Akron Children’s Hospital gathered at Northfield Park on Friday evening for the 52nd Annual Harness Race Rally.

Betsy Clark chaired the event, assisted by co-chairs Rosemarie George and Martha Campbell. Clark’s son, David Clark, came from Columbus to help support the event that featured dinner, music and harness races.

Madeline Bozzelli, president of Friends, said proceeds would go to SCOOP — the School and Community Oncology Outreach Program at Akron Children’s Hospital, which raises awareness about childhood cancer in schools and communities. Joining her were her husband Libert, daughter Kathleen Hovey, her husband Bernie, and their son, Scott Hovey.

The evening began with a Patrons Party co-chaired by Rosemarie George and Jean McCurry, with musical entertainment by Nick Fiasco. His music drew Mike and Diane Pancoe out on the dance floor, where they were joined by a chorus line of “Nickettes,” consisting of Mandy Ripplinger, Beth Ford, Evelyn Peel and Betsy Clark.

As the races began, Marilyn Drobny and Michele Nichols sold raffle tickets for a variety of prizes, including a 2013 Chrysler 200 automobile.

Mike Trainer, chief financial officer of the hospital, enjoyed the event with Scott Snyder, Toni Sideri, her brother Denny Sideri, his wife Charlotte, and Maureen Mendel, Mary Link, Karen Richter and Jim Pugliese. At a nearby table George was joined by her son, Philip, and Nick and Rosemary Ciriello.

Mark Watson, who retired from the hospital after 45 years of service, enjoyed the event with Michael and Christine Werne.

John Zoilo, executive director of the Akron Children’s Foundation said, “It’s amazing the time and talent of the Friends who put on this event every year. The Friends have raised over $3 million dollars for the hospital from this event alone.”

His brother, Mark Zoilo of Madison, Wis., joined him, along with Lisa Conley and Cathy Lance.

Cheering on their favorite horses were Bob and Marian Nemer, Martha Campbell, her son Michael, along with Carolyn Knoles, Sandy Raines, Victoria Tompkin, Nick Nicholis, Jennifer Schuster, Alice and Red Bachtell, Tom and Cindy Dormo, Sara Lundenberger, Ann Merchant, Vicki Parisi, Lori Popa and Linda Churchman.

GREAT WHITE EAGLE is as short as 14-1 for next year's 2,000 Guineas after an impressive performance in Naas' six furlong juvenile race on Monday.

The son of Elusive Quality was bought for a European record 760,000gns earlier this year at the Tattersalls craven sale and was sent off a 2-1 chance to make a winning debut for trainer Aidan O'Brien. Four previous winners filled the places behind Great White Eagle, led by 11-10 favourite Gold Peregrine, who could only manage to get within two and three-quarter lengths of Joseph O'Brien's mount.

Afterwards, the trainer said: "We gave him a break after he came to us from the sales. We're delighted with him and with the way he travelled and quickened in the race.

"Joseph said he knew after going a furlong and a half that he had a lot of horse under him and that he had plenty of speed.

"He has plenty of entries but he might go next for the Group 3 Go And Go Round Tower Stakes over 6f at the Curragh (on September 1)."

Only two horses are available at shorter prices than Great White Eagle for next year's classic, including stablemate and Royal Ascot winner War Command, as well as John Gosden's Kingman.

Paddy Power, who installed today's winner as a 16-1 chance, said: "It was a very impressive performance, not quite as impressive as hacking up at Royal Ascot though, hence the difference in the price between him and War Command but we will see what happens over the rest of the summer."


Eagle gets Guineas quote after Great Naas debut | Horse Racing News | Racing Post

Fox Sports is getting into the horse racing business, entering a multiyear agreement with the Jockey Club to present prominent graded stakes races on television starting in February.

The 10-date package provides programming for Fox Sports 1, which starts Aug. 17, and gives horse racing valuable exposure beyond the Triple Crown in the spring and the fall Breeders’ Cup, both presented by NBC Sports.

The series will focus on the premier races for older horses — many of whom competed in the Triple Crown as 3-year-olds — and will span some of the most historic racetracks in North America, including Del Mar, Gulfstream Park, Keeneland, Santa Anita Park and Woodbine, as well as Belmont Park and Saratoga.

The new series premieres on Fox Sports 1 on Feb. 9, 2014, from Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla., and features the Grade 1 Donn Handicap and the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap.

The complete 2014 schedule of races will be released at a later date.

“We’re proud to partner with the Jockey Club and to place a bet on the future of thoroughbred racing,” said John Entz, Fox Sports’s executive vice president of production.

The deal will give the sport prominent television time alongside Major League Baseball, World Cup Soccer, college football and basketball.

“Increasing the national television presence of thoroughbred racing continues to be a key component of our fan retention and development efforts under the America’s Best Racing banner,” said the Jockey Club chairman, Ogden Mills Phipps.



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