CONTENTS 4.WICKLOW BRAVE
18.TOALS BOOKMAKERS
5.LABAIK FEATURE 19..ADVERTISING 6.JAMIE CODD FEATURE 20.SYNDICATE 7.IRISH NATIONAL
21.JP TIPPING
8.DEREK FOX FEATURE 9.AINTREE NATIONAL 10.ANNIE POWER 11.PRO SYNDICATE
22.RICHARD HOILES 24.JOHNNY ROE FEATURE 25.GAELIC BLOODSTOCK 26.ONTOAWINNER
12.TOALS BOOKMAKERS 27.TIPPING EMPIRE 13.WINNING SYSTEMS 28.FIVE TO FOLLOW 14.GIGGINSTOWN STUD 30.GARY CARROLL 15.BRUCE BETTING 16.BOTANICA LTD
31.ADVERTISING
CONTACT DETAILS EDITOR: Darren Connolly EMAIL: 3FURLONGSOUT@GMAIL.COM
PHONE:07526336735
WICKLOW BRAVE PUNCHESTOWN CHAMPION HURDLE WINNER 2017
Wicklow Brave was unfancied winner of Punchestown Champion Hurdle as he was definitely not a the runner of
the Mullins team expected to take the spoils as fancied runner Vroom Vroum Mag was backed as if defeat was out of the question but Patrick Mullins took a march on the field and was never for catching. The Champion trainer Willie Mullins sent five runners to post for the Grade One contest, although that number was reduced by one after Diakali was withdrawn at the start for misbehaving and refusing to race with the pack. The Mullins first string, Vroum Vroum Mag, was well-beaten and reportedly lame after the race. The winning jockey Patrick Mullins spoke with us and he stated ‘winning this race means so much to me, the prize money was not what was on my mind," After the celebrations we caught a few words with the happy Willie Mullins and he stated’ "The horse took off and Patrick had enough sense not to fight him. He got the horse jumping well and they flew over the jumps. "Turning in I thought that if Patrick could maintain it and not make any mistake then he had a right chance. "Patrick started at the back but I think Wicklow Brave might have run away with him going down the hill. He won the Irish St Leger from the front and Patrick really got him jumping down the back. He pinged hurdles and was gaining lengths. "I thought he was cooked after the second last but Patrick got a right good jump at the last. You could see Patrick eyeing up a big one and he hit him taking off. It was all or nothing." a very He went off an unfancied 12-1, shot but took over the lead from Identity Thief in the back straight and never looked back under the trainer's son, Patrick Mullins , who caught the field with his move My Tent Or Yours and the winner's stable companion Arctic Fire attempted to close the gap after the final flight, but Wicklow Brave was not for catching and Patrick Mullins punched the air as they passed the post a length and a half to the good.
“Patrick really got him jumping down the back. Nicky Henderson's admirable veteran My Tent Or Yours second yet again, with Arctic Fire's third-placed finish He pinged hurdles and was was providing Mullins with a further boost in his battle and ultimately making sure his crown was not going back to Co. Meath with Gordon Elliott gaining lengths.” ARTICLE BY DARREN CONNOLLY
THE QUIRKY LABAIK
“WILL HE OR WONT HE THAT WAS THE QUSTION TWICE” >
ARTICLE BY DARREN CONNOLLY
The situation at the moment is unsatisfactory but it's not simple,” - Denis Egan
Denis Egan from the Turf Club has stated
he rules relating to whether a horse has officially started a race are “unsatisfactory” for punters following Labaik’s latest no-show at Punchestown on Tuesday.
Though he ran in Friday's Champion Hurdle, having completed the course in his own time in the Grade 1 Herald Champion Novice Hurdle on Tuesday but was unable to be a principle factor in this occasion but at least they got the headstrong grey to start. On his previous outing he had ran the speed out of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle field but had gone to Cheltenham having refused to jump off with the rest of the field at Naas, before completing the course on his own terms, 71 lengths behind the second-last finisher. On that occasion he was returning from a 42-day ban that had been handed out by the Navan stewards after he refused to race for the second time in a row. There is no precise ruling to deal with the issue and Egan indicated that such matters are at the discretion of the stewards on any given day. "The situation at the moment is unsatisfactory but it's not simple,” he said on Wednesday. “There are two sides. One side is the people who backed the horse and there's absolutely no doubt they got no run for their money yesterday. "The other side is the owners of any horse and whether or not that horse is capable of winning prize-money. If there's a small field, and a horse jumps off slowly but eventually makes up the ground, you can't deprive the owner of the chance to make prize-money. So we've got to try and reconcile both positions.” In finishing a remote last of the seven runners on Tuesday, Labaik failed by one place to pick up prize-money. Elliott has opted to change jockeys and apply headgear for Friday’s Grade 1, for which his enigmatic performer was heavily backed prior to the off but it resulted after the race the quirky fella was injured.
JAMIE CODD IRISH AMATEUR CHAMPION JOCKEY 2017 Jamie Codd has been one of the leading amateur Jockey’s in
Ireland now for quite some time. Jamie has been in great form recently, bagging two winners at the Cheltenham Festival. With his winning ride on Fayonagh in the Bumper one of the best rides I have seen for quite a while, it showcased the very best of Codd’s ability. Codd can a ride a horse anyway, whether it’s a hold up horse or a front runner. I find that he is a brilliant tactical rider, especially when he just quietly creeps a horse into the race. Patrick Mullins and Jamie have been involved in a season long battle to be crowned Champion Amateur Jockey, which Jamie has just got the better off Patrick with his victorious time at Punchestown .
Jamie had a superb hat trick on Easter Monday at Cork. Leading owners such as Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown and JP McManus are keen to use Codd’s services whenever they can One race I can see Jamie Codd winning someday is the Aintree Grand National, he’s got a beautiful touch over the big fences and this year went very close with Cause of Causes, he gave the horse an excellently judged ride. Finishing second in the end.
In the last five Jumps seasons Jamie has been operating at a 20% strike rate, which means he has a winner every five rides. Another stat about the ‘Coddfather’ (as he was dubbed during the Cheltenham Festival this year) is that he is the second winning most rider in the history of Irish P2P with well over 800 winners to his name. Jamie would be right up there in the jockey's standings if he went fully professional. The only reason he is an amateur Is because he can’t make the weights according to fellow riders. The future looks bright for the man from County Wexford. ARTICLE BY JAMIE LINDSEY
THE IRISH NATIONAL “OUR DUKE AND ROBBIE POWER STEAL THE SHOW” Robbie Power sat in Dublin's Mater hospital late last
year, weeping wiping down his battle-damaged face, having been told that he faced six months on the side-lines with an eye-socket injury that looked in need of an operation to correct. In the half-year that followed he won a Gold Cup, two other Cheltenham Festival races, three Grade Ones at Aintree and perhaps most significant of all to his heart, an Irish National. Power is local to Fairyhouse venue and Jessica Harrington paid much notice when a prism attached to his goggles saved him the pain of missing six months. Little could he have imagined what lay ahead on what can be such a volatile road in the world of jockeys. The performance of Our Duke, the heavily backed 9/2 favourite, was nothing shy of extraordinary. Harrington had concerns that the ground had gone against him; he instead produced an effort off a rating of 153 that already puts him bang there as a Gold Cup contender and that is the incredible thing - Harrington (70) has gone in the space of a month from a position of never having a Gold Cup runner to having a winner, and now a more likely winner again. Sizing John and Our Duke
‘He jumped beautifully; Robert
rode him with such confidence. He was convinced that he was going to stay and he rode him like that’
Our Duke, handy throughout, won by a staggering 14 lengths, with last year's second Bless The Wings in that spot again. "It is fantastic," she said. "The horses are in great form and it is just amazing. "I was surprised at how well he did it. I saw the three of them (up front) going away and he just kept going. For a horse having his fourth chase ever in his life, it was a great performance."
She added: "He jumped beautifully; Robert rode him with such confidence. He was convinced that he was going to stay and he rode him like that. "We all have to get there but he looks a Gold Cup horse. That's why he didn't go to Cheltenham this year as we wanted to wait and go to the Gold Cup next year. We'll keep him and Sizing John apart and see what happens. I haven't raced him much - he has very few runs under his belt." Bookmakers' quotes of 10/1 for next year's Gold Cup look generous if anything. "This means a huge amount to me," Power said, "just as much as winning the Gold Cup." Could this be next years gold cup star? Only time will tell.
ARTICLE BY DARREN CONNOLLY
DEREK’S BIG DAY AINTREE GRAND NATIONAL WINNER 2017
Derek Fox, a hardworking professional National Hunt jockey who plies his trade in the main for Lucinda
Russell, working out of the leading Scottish trainers Kinross yard. And until One For Arthur surged clear at the elbow in the Randox Health Grand National, that's pretty much all that was known about the 24 year old Irishman who arrived at Aintree as a Grand National virgin, but walked out as the big race daddy. Of course, as with any great tale, the story could easily have taken a completely different path after a heavy fall from Ryalex in a Novice Handicap Chase at Carlisle on the 9th of March resulted in both a broken collarbone and wrist for the unfortunate Fox. With less than a month to go until the big day in April connections could have easily found a substitute for their leading Grand National fancy, but they knew that the Sligo man was the One For Arthur. When not training on the bike the hydro pool was a regular haunt for Fox, who made the most of the excellent facilities Jack Berry House has to offer Jockeys during their rehabilitation. And while they were instrumental in fixing fox's frame, the young mans uncle and long time mentor, Trainer Mark McNiff, set about massaging his mental outlook. A team effort that more than paid dividends. Determined to make the Aintree extravaganza, Fox only had a cast on for few days before embarking on his quest for fitness. And whilst he admits there were times when he thought there was no hope, the talented young Jockey won his race against time before securing victory in the biggest race of all. Quite the double! Humble in victory, Fox paid tribute to the roles played by both his uncle Mark McNiff and eight time Champion Jockey Peter Scudamore, who provided him with the mental tools to complete the job. "He talked me through the whole race" explained Fox referring to Scudamore, continuing; "It was almost exactly the way it worked out. It is a massive help to have someone like him." Naturally Scudamore was equally full of praise for the flying high Fox, remarking; "Derek is a terrifically brave man. He is excellent in the stables, he breaks horses in, he rides out, he is a great jockey. I thought he had got no chance of making it back in time.” Words that carry great weight coming from a man of Scudamore's standing in the game. Fox, who had previously been banned for 20 months and ordered to pay a £1000 fine for drink driving in 2015, will naturally be hoping that his win in the World's most famous steeplechase will open up doors only previously dreamt of, and quite rightly so. At the tender age of 24 the Irishman, who has notched 71 victories from 708 rides, has a long and hopefully successful career ahead of him. Derek Fox is well and truly back in the hunt.
‘With less than a month to go until the big day in April connections could have easily found a substitute for their leading Grand National fancy, but they knew that the Sligo man was the One For Arthur"
ARTICLE BY STUART WILLIAMS
THE GRAND NATONAL IN-DEPTH ROUND UP The 2017 version got underway at the third attempt following two false starts, with the Nigel Twiston Davies horse Blaklion starting as the very short 9/1 favourite, ahead of Definitly Red and Vieux Lion Rouge who headed the betting markets but plenty of others runners being backed, as we all know it’s a race of opinions.
THE FINISHERS
1-One For Arthur (14-1) 2- Cause of Causes (16-1) 3- Saint Are (25-1) 4- Blaklion (8-1f) 5- Gas Line Boy (50-1) 6- Vieux Lion Rouge (12-1) 7- Lord Windermere (33-1)
Vicente was well fancied in the market to run well as this horse was primed for a big run judging by his Scottish national victory last season but him and Nicky Henderson’s Cocktails At Dawn were the unlucky first fence fallers, while The Young Master fell at the first try of the famous Becher's Brook.
8- Regal Encore (33-1)
One of the market principals Definitly Red was pulled up before the race was a third of the way through, at which point Rogue Angel was in the lead but not going along comfortable enough to win it.
12- Le Mercurey (50-1)
Blaklion and Noel Fehilly moved to the head of the field with two fences to jump, traveling very well within himself but was unable to see the race through, fading to fourth as One For Arthur and Cause of cause made their bold bid for the race which looked to be in there mercy and it was the former One of Arthur who came out the better in the final fence tussle but then powered away quite impressively up the run in to record a comfortably victory and one that will not be forgotten about in Scotland for a very long time .
14- Just A Par (33-1
EYE - CATCHER
9- Pleasant Company (11-1) 10- Houblon Des Obeaux (50-1) 11- Ballynagour (66-1) 13- Goodtoknow (66-1) 15- La Vaticane (80-1) 16- The Last Samuri (16-1) 17- Tenor Nivernais (40-1) 18- Roi Des Francs (50-1) 19- Wonderful Charm (25/1)
ARTICLE BY DARREN CONNOLLY
Gas line boy ran very well and if it wasn't for the few mistakes in the middle of the race he really could have been a serious contender and will definitely be a big win in this horse and I think he will be targeted for this contest next year all being well,
THE HORSES THAT DIDN’T FINISH Vicente, fell 1st
Ucello Conti, unseated rider 22nd
Cocktails At Dawn, fell 1st
Shantou Flyer, pulled up before 27th
The Young Master, fell 6th Raz De Maree, unseated rider 6th
Perfect Candidate, pulled up before 27th Wounded Warrior, pulled up before 29th Double Shuffle, pulled up before 29th
Definitly Red, pulled up before 9th
Doctor Harper, pulled up before 29th
Thunder And Roses, unseated rider 9th
More Of That, pulled up before 30th
Saphir Du Rheu, unseated rider 11th
Drop Out Joe, pulled up before 30th
Stellar Notion, pulled up before 13th Measureofmydreams, unseated ride 15th
Highland Lodge, pulled up before 30th Bishops Road, pulled up before 30th
ANNIE POWER
“THE HORSE WILL GO DOWN IN HISTROY� The Shirocco mare has raced seventeen times so far, with
fifteen wins, one second - to More of That in the 2014 World Hurdle - and of course, the famous last flight fall with the 2015 David Nicholson Mares Hurdle at her mercy. It's not the end of the brilliant mare as she swaps racing for the breeding shed, confirmed by her trainer Willie Mullins she is in foal to Coolmore's Camelot. As an avid fan of bloodstock, I took this news well as both sides of the page to Annie Power's first offspring is not only full of racing blue blood but also the combination of two massively successful and correct parentage. It was only three quarters of a length that separated Camelot and a triple crown. He was quick enough to win a 2,000 Guineas, classy enough to win an Epsom Derby and had the stamina to go so close in what ended up proving a controversial defeat in the St Leger. Montjeu was a great sire but he is also a proven top class sire of sire's and though his mares weren't the best on the track, they are carrying his good genes as broodmares. Annie Power was a versatile mare. Quick enough to win a Champion Hurdle and beat Don Cossack and Defi Logic over two miles, superb in demolishing an Aintree Hurdle field including My Tent or Yours and Nichols Canyon and narrowly defeated over Cheltenham's three miles in the Champion race for Stayers at the 2014 festival. There's no proof in print that the pedigree mix works but inbreeding 3X4 to Sadler's Wells is no bad thing. That horse was a sensational sire and promoting his blood is only positive. It has a real National Hunt look to it with Hurricane Fly's sire, Montjeu, represented in Camelot and another great jumps Blood line in Kicking King's old man Old Vic as the second dam sire. Annie Power is a very correct mare, perfectly square with a good shoulder and a big back side - the engine. She covers plenty of ground and has a nice swag to her walk. She also has a good broad face and plenty of size across her chest. Some may question her soundness as she has missed a lot of racing in recent years but I'm not concerned. Mares can be odd and not want to train while the climate isn't favourable to their season. I haven't heard any injury problem to her just that she is slow to come to hand. I would think this is because, like most mares, the winter doesn't favour them. Camelot is bred to be the Champion he is. All 16hh of him scream athlete with a perfect angle from his withers to shoulder to hip. He is tighter on the girth than the mare so I expect him to bring more speed and class to the table with Annie Power - although a top class two mile hurdle - dominating the stamina side of the influence as she is likely to have bigger lungs. Montjeu's are tremendously game and this is because he passes on a big heart in his bloodlines. Few of his sons and now grandsons will lose out in a battle. They love racing and that big heart combined with the mare's big girth gives the resulting foal great chances of following the family into being a champion race horse. The great Annie Power isn't finished with ARTICLE BY MARK KEATING
ALL SYSTEMS GO GIVING YOU THE WINNING SYSTEM Our monthly in-depth guide to systems that can help you become a frequent visitor to the pay-out window written by our expert Betting Guru Roger Hawkes.
The Short Priced Regular Collector System The prefered newspaper required is the Racing Post. Look at the forecast favourites with odds in the range Evens to 5/2 inclusive. The second favourite must be at least 4/1. The horse must have been placed in the first three last time out. It must have run within the last 28 days. It must be top rated by POSTMARK, not joint top rated. A minimum of 5 runners and a maximum of 14. It must be ridden by a professional or top apprentice claiming only 3lbs or 5 lbs. It must be able to handle the going and have been at least placed 1,2,3 over the distance.
The Simple System This system is quite simple. As you look through the day's racing, look out for any horses with the form figures 111 or 1 and 2 in their last three races and make a note of any races with only two qualifiers. You then back both horses in the race at level stakes - and that is it !
Running Again Within Five Days A simple but hugely profitable system. Back ANY horse that reappears on the flat within five days of it’s previous run. If the horse won less than 5 or less days ago up to 1 mile DOUBLE YOUR STAKES! This is a particularly good system for highlighting 3 and 4 year old horses that are on a hot streak!
GIGGINSTOWN STUD THE MASSIVE ENTRIES IN THE IRISH NATIONAL
The Irish Grand National is a season highlight, Easter Monday in Fairyhouse is a ritual for some and an essential part of the Easter holidays for others. Squads of people flock to Fairyhouse and were treated to an exceptional performance with Our Duke romping to victory under Robbie Power for the Jessica Harrington team. But the story before the race was the battalion of Gigginstown runners.
A commentator’s nightmare with more hats then a peaky blinder. While it isn’t ideal to have such a high number of runners from one owner Michael and Eddie O Leary should be applauded on there long term support of the game. They might frustrate punters and fans alike, with they’re view of races like the Champion Bumper but they are certainly a cornerstone of the Nation Hunt game here in Ireland. Thunder and Roses finished 4th under JJ Slevin, he kept on well without making an impression on the winner. Behind him was General Principle who was Bryan Coopers selection. Gordons Elliot’s runner ran well but was one paced in the finish but will certainly learn come on for the experience. Behind them Alpha Des Obeaux finished 8th for Mouse Morris, he was hampered which did end his chance, just behind him was Measureofmydreams for Noel Meade, his mistake four fences out also took the wind out of his sails but was a thrill for Dylan Robinson to get a spin around in the National.Clarcam was travelling well early on under Katie O Farrell but was soon headed five fences out. First Lieutenant who was recently retired after his run in Punchestown finished 11th but what a splendid horse he has been for Eddie and Michael. Lord Scoundrel who was carrying a big weight finished in 13th place. The other Gigginstown runners were all pulled up including Cheltenham winner Tiger Roll. Roi Des Francs, Dedigout, Wounded Warrior, The Game Changer, and Roque Angel, were also pulled up. The Gigginstown operation of course have been in the limelight this season more than most with the early season split from the Willie Mullins yard. As we now know Willie still captured the trainer’s championship without the Gigginstown power. 5th might have been the best of the thirteen in the National but with chasers being modus operandi of the maroon white team, they have managed to eclipse some huge races this season. Lord Scoundrel was a winner of the Galway Plate last July, Wrath of Titans a brilliant winner of the Kerry National under Lisa O Neill. The form continued in Grade 1 company with Jack Kennedy wining on Outlander to secure the Lexus chase in Leopardstown. They certainly have some exciting young chasers next year, with Disko ultra impressive last week in Punchestown. Death Duty who mightn’t have been as good as Gordon Elliot had thought this season will certainly be a better chaser and will be hugely exciting in the Novice Chase division next year. ARTICLE BY CARTY BAN
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GAELIC THOROUGHBREDS Gaelic Bloodstock is proud to announce the launch of Gaelic Thoroughbreds with leading trainer Ger Lyons . • 6 Horses • 3 Yearlings • 3 Three Year Olds • 2 Dividends • 1 Fee Gaelic Thoroughbreds is a new and exciting racehorse ownership experience that aims to bring together like-minded people wanting to compete at a high level with quality operations. Ger Lyons has kindly agreed to train our first handpicked batch of horses which hopefully can be the start of something special.
WHATS INVOLVED? One-off, up front payment that includes absolutely everything from training fees to vet bills to race day expenses. The yearlings will be trained until the end of their 3yo career (2018) whereupon they will go to the sales. The three year olds are trained until the end of their 4yo career (2017) whereupon they will return to the sales. Two dividends, end of November 2017 includes all share of prize money and sales returns for the year and end of November 2018 includes all share of prize money for the year plus sales returns. There are 12 shares of €55,000 being offered. First come, first served. There are no restrictions to the amount of shares any one person can hold.
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www.gerlyons.ie/gaelic-thoroughbreds Please contact David Spratt on +353 86 8861714 david@gaelicbloodstock.com or Eleanor Dunne in the office on +353 46 9025666 office@gerlyons.ie to register an interest or if there are any other queries we can help you with. VAT is included in the price Regular email progress reports will be provided
RICHARD HOILES EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Many of our readers will know you are now on ITV, can you tell us how you started as a Racing Commentator? & Was this your preferred profession? To be honest I had never considered a career as a commentator so whilst it certainly would have been a preferred one it wasn’t the chosen one. I am a qualified Accountant and that took up the majority of my study time outside the formbook for my early years. Whilst a career in Racing always appealed not having come from any sort of racing background meant it seemed only likely in some financial role. How did you get into racing? My break came when SIS advertised in the Sporting Life for commentators. I was so naïve that I didn’t even include a demo tape with my application and so was initially rejected. Thankfully my demo tape crossed in the post with that letter and fortunately was good enough to get me a trial and things snowballed from there. What was your first race you commentated on? My first day broadcast into the betting shops was at Bath on Cup Final Day in 1992. It seemed surreal to be standing in a box at the top of a stand all on your own yet be heard up and down the country. It wasn’t really until I went into the shops on a Monday morning and heard the replays that I really believed it had happened ! Who has inspired you in the commentary world? My main initial inspiration actually came from overseas, principally Australia, where the style was far more descriptive and colourful (partly as it was often mainly for Radio) than the more formal style adopted on racecourses over here. It was made clear that the remit we were being given by SIS was to try and increase the colour so they were an obvious source to learn from. As such Bill Collins (known as ‘The Accurate One’) was the caller I most admired. His call on the 1986 Cox Plate between Bonecrusher and Our Waverley Star was years ahead of its time. How much research goes into your work on a daily basis? Whilst the colours are only really learnt on the build up to the race my pattern of preparation is pretty ingrained now and mainly takes place the night before. Once the fields are printed off then will go through checking all the names for tricky pronunciations, jockeys and trainers and owners. I also highlight mares and greys and any obvious storylines that may be associated with a particular runner such as won the race before, on a hat trick etc. One of the most common misconceptions is that specific lines are prepared in advance. Personally the key is to be aware of the potential story and hence editorially where the emphasis should be if a horse is clear and the result not in doubt. Pre prepared lines are very dangerous as they may not accurately reflect what is actually happening in the race. Being half way through a rehearsed script only to find Black Caviar being eased prematurely or Might Bite going walkabout is fraught with danger. Know the story and trust yourself to find the words. I will also note overnight prices at that stage so can cross reference to markets close to the off and be aware of supported horses as well as writing out the horses in draw order for flat races and for jumps races drawing a map to include the fences and their numbers. You have commentated on many race's you must have one or two that stand long in the memory? Personal favourites are Denman’s Gold Cup, the Nassau battle between Ouija Board and Alexander Goldrun , Don’t Push it’s National and Pilsudski’s Japan Cup which I was sent to cover from Hong Kong at very short notice and did a massive amount to help my career. They are my favourite races. Others would have to judge whether the commentaries did them anything like justice! CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
RICHARD HOLIES EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
“Practise getting through fields as quickly as possible whilst maintaining good clear diction” set
How has the art of racing Commentary changed since your first day until now? The main change is that in the early days there were no colours printed and so they all had to be drawn by hand. Whilst that was time consuming it gave you a massive advantage over the spectator and as long as you sounded confident then you could get away with a lot more than you can now when everyone has a
The advent of in running betting has been the other major change. Prior to that a punter placed a bet and as long as you put the horse roughly in the correct place it was fine. Nowadays with the facility to bet in the run , someone will want to know what it is in blue travelling well at exactly the same time as someone else wants to know what it is in green. It is impossible to please everyone in those circumstances whilst of course there will always be the element of ‘shoot the messenger’ if as soon as you comment that a horse is going well it falls in a hole What was/is your favourite race horse? My favourite racehorse will always be Pegwell Bay. A really well balanced horse trained by Tim Forster about the time I was really getting into racing. He was one of the fastest away from a fence I ever saw and his athleticism always stood out. After he had become the first horse to complete the double of the two handicaps at Cheltenham at the November and December meetings I sent a note of congratulation to the yard. Not only did Tim Forster reply with a note on the back of a picture of the horse but a week later a big brown paper package arrived containing one of his racing plates. It still hangs over my front door. Can you tell us your favourite race course? Happy Valley in Hong Kong. Having been fortunate enough to call there regularly during my stint in Hong Kong there is no more spectacular sight of a Wednesday night meeting at the Valley The best part of being a race commentator? The opportunity to put the sound track to brilliant performances by horses and riders. They are the stars and the art of good commentary is to try and accurately describe events and convey the excitement whilst staying very much in the background. . What advice would you give to anyone, who was looking to take up the microphone? Practise getting through fields as quickly as possible whilst maintaining good clear diction. Mental agility is key so train your mind to react quickly whilst training your brain to keep calm and make the right choices. Never practise on races you have already seen or know the result of, that especially includes any you may send in as demo tape and always remember the horses are the stars not the commentator. Do you have any horse's for our readers to follow? After one more run Luca Cumani’s Beyond Recall looks the sort to improve once sent handicapping. He caught my eye at Kempton on his second start and looks a potentially nice horse and one to keep onside.
“I am a qualified Accountant and that took up the majority of my study time outside the formbook for my early years”. ARTICLE BY RICHARD WILLAMS
R.i.p Johnny roe 9 TIMES IRISH CHAMPION JOCKEY SADLY PASSES AWAY The death has occurred of the former nine-time Irish champion flat jockey
‘Johnny Roe’ who passed away aged 79 years old, surrounded by his loving family in Dublin. Roe began his race riding apprenticeship under the guidance of Seamus McGrath in Dublin, back in the early 1950s before going on to ride over 2,500 winners in over 20 different countries and hailed as the strongest jockey of his generation. Johnny started his professional riding career in Rhodesia (Now Zimbabwe) before returning to Ireland where he was champion jockey no less than nine times His time riding in Ireland included many years riding as stable jockey to top trainers Dermot Weld, Vincent O'Brien and John Oxx and made a real impact on ‘Oxx’ who stated to us “He was a very good stable jockey, a very good rider and a very decent fella, Himself and my father had a great connection, and he rode winner after winner. “Johnny would go all over the country in those days, looking for winners, and the roads were a lot different then. But he was always in the yard the following morning,”
“He was a very good s table jockey, a very good rider and a very decent fella”
Roe retired from race riding in 1980 and with that wealth of experience he took up a keen interest in the bloodstock industry and many have described
ARTICLE BY DARREN CONNOLLY
THE BIG INTERVIEW How did you start the company? We have been buying horses on behalf of friends, owners and trainers for a number of years. Whilst we are very much a global operation primarily our roots are in Scotland and Ireland so Gaelic Bloodstock felt like a natural evolution. We decided to launch it officially at the end of last year.
Services you offer? An all-encompassing service but I suppose what we are primarily associated with is purchasing horses in training both private and public and identifying talent before the market does! We also manage clients’ Racing Portfolios and advise on race planning.
Horses purchased Last year’s Tattersalls Autumn HIT sale was the first we signed under the Gaelic banner where we purchased 9 horses. 6 have ran so far, 4 have won and 1 has been 2 nd twice on both her runs in France and should win next time by all accounts! The remaining 3 were all bought with summer campaigns in mind and should be out soon. We have recently also been active at both the Doncaster and Craven breeze up sales where we have hopefully found 3 future winners.
How can you help buyers The best way to help buyers is to understand exactly what they want so we can find the right horse for them. For some a winner at Galway is the aim, for others it could be Royal Ascot or could it be a winner at their local track you tell us and we will do our very best to find the right horse. Patience and good communication are key.
The syndicate Gaelic Thoroughbreds is a new venture we started this year. Our first 6 horses are in training with Ger Lyons and we hope in time, should it be successful, to add more trainers to our roster. It is very much a racing club with an emphasis on quality and being able to compete on the big days.
Contact Details phil@gaelicbloodstock.com Phone - 0044 7962027505
office@gaelicbloodstock.com
”You tell us and we will do our very best to find the right horse”
EXCLUSIVE MONTHLY ARTICLE We had a fantastic start to the flat season, notching up 4 winners in April. Zoravan, trained by the very astute Keith Dalgleish lined up Get Doncaster Moving handicap at Doncaster on the 2nd of April. He was drawn in stall 13 for the 21 runner race with the talented Rowan Scott taking a valuable 5 pounds off. He broke smartly and Rowan when into a share of the lead quickly, travelling smoothly into the race, Rowan went into a clear lead with 2 to go. He kept him up to his work and he led from pillar to post to land the prize at a price of 28/1, a great start to the turf season! We had a 1-2 at Ripon on the 20th of the month when Dandy Highwayman won a very competitive 6 furlongs handicap and Suitcase ‘N’ Taxi came second. Dandy was very well supported in the betting market having opened up at 20/1 the night before and supported into 13/2 by race time. He led the near side all the way under Danny Tudhope to land the spoils. Suitcase ‘N’ Taxi hung late on to scupper his chance, he will be winning soon.
The Archie Watson trained Corinthia Knight made his racecourse debut at Lingfield on the 11th of April with Oisin Murphy aboard the Archie Watson trained son of the late Society Rock. He went on to score cosily and followed up that success with a 7 length victory at Kempton Park a couple of weeks later to make it 2 wins from 2 starts. He is the real deal and will now head to Royal Ascot with a few race options. Quiet Reflection will make her seasonal reappearance in either the Duke of York Stakes at York or the Greenland Stakes at the Curragh later this month, exciting times ahead. The season is only starting and the string look in excellent condition. We have made great strides over the close season to improve our string and we look forward to many more winners. We may have as many as 5 runners at Royal Ascot this year, its testament to our purchasing of bloodstock. We do have shares available to suits all budgets, all details are available at the following link: http://www.ontoawinner.net/available-shares
HORSES TO FOLLOW ON THE FLAT BY CHRIS PRICE Churchill 3yo b c – Aidan O’Brien The real talking horse from Ballydoyle, Churchill swept all before him as a two year-old last year. He followed his Royal Ascot win with a group wins at Leopardstown and the Curragh, before going onto win back-to-back Group One’s in the National Stakes followed by the Dewhurst at Newmarket. The 2000 Guineas will be his first target, and it will be interesting if he’s kept to a mile or asked to go further as the season progresses.
Sir John Lavery 3yo b c – Aidan O’Brien Touted as potential Derby horse since his effortless maiden win at Gowran Park last October. Sir John Lavery has been a ‘sea of blue’ in the ante-post betting since. He should take in one of the recognised Derby trials at Lingfield or York this spring before his big day at Epsom. Looks the ideal candidate to enhance connections impressive record in the race.
Waldgeist 3yo ch c – Andre Fabre Looks a live Derby prospect after his impressive win in the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud last October. Andre Fabre couldn’t hold in his delight with his colt by Galileo. According to the trainer he still has some filling out to do and a lot to learn but you can be sure if he lines up at Epsom in June he would have a live chance. Rivet 3yo b c – William Haggas Caught the eye on his first appearance last term at Ascot, Rivet duly bolted up next time out up at York. He was no match for Churchill in the Dewhurst, but I don’t believe he ran his true race. He was impressive either side of that effort with wins in the Champagne Stakes and the Group One Racing Post Trophy. He made a pleasing reappearance this term in the Craven Stakes at HQ, with the trainer eager to emphasise he wold need the run. Rivet looks sure to be involved in the shake up for classic honours.
National Defense 3yo b c – Criquette Head-Maarek Criquette Head-Maarek did not enjoy the best of seasons last time around, but one horse she couldn’t help but get excited about was National Defence. The Invincible Spirit Colt won well on debut at Deauville and ended the season in the Jean-Luc Lagardere, winning comfortably by four and half lengths. National defense is likely to run in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains first up, the week after Guineas weekend at Newmarket. He is one to follow should he end up on British or Irish shores later in the year.
HORSES TO FOLLOW ON THE FLAT BY CHRIS PRICE Crimson Rock 3yo b f - Ralph Beckett This Fastnet Rock filly got off the mark on her only start last season, in a Newbury maiden. While she only won a neck it was a pleasing introduction for her. Ralph Beckett has her entered in both the English and Irish Oaks and will take her place in one of the fillies classic trials over the coming weeks. Closely related to Peeping Fawn, who won the Nassau stakes, Irish and Yorkshire Oaks in a glittering career, she could be a serious filly to watch if sharing a fraction of the talent compared to her half sister. Lady Aurelia 3yo b f - Wesley Ward The image of Lady Aurelia's Queen Mary win at last years Royal Ascot meeting was, for some, one of the highlights of the flat season. With speed to burn from the front she went clear and did not stop. She was less impressive upped to 6 furlongs at Deauville next time before only finishing 3rd in the Cheveley Park Stakes at HQ on her final start of the season. Having raced too keenly that day to see out the trip I'm hoping that connections return her to the minimum distance where she can be let loose once again. At this stage Wesley Ward has said the Kings Stand over 5 furlongs is her target. Cracksman 3yo b c - John Gosden This Frankel colt quickly set connections dreaming of a Derby bid after an impressive maiden win at Newmarket last October. Just got up in the Epsom derby trial where the slow pace did him no favours. Just like his maiden win he did his best work near the line and you'd expect a quicker gallop and 12 furlongs to be more to his taste. He is one to watch over middle distances this summer. So Mi Dar 4yo b f - John Gosden After a comfortable win in the Musidora last May it appeared So Mi Dar had a live shot at the Oaks. Sadly that chance never materialised as she was found to be lame in her left hind afterwards and was off the track for four months. A pleasing reappearance at Yarmouth followed before running on for 3rd in the Prix de l'Opera at Chantilly. Connections are planning a return to York for the Middleton Stakes for her reappearance, A step-up to 12 furlongs will surely see her in better light later in the summer, with races like the Yorkshire Oaks and the Breeders Cup turf her targets. Mazzini 4yo ch g - James Fanshawe Didn't always appear straighforward but eventually got off the mark at the sixth attempt at Newcastle last August. He caught my eye when finishing a creditable 3rd, despite being wrong at the weights, in a handicap at Ascot two starts later, then rounding the season off with a win on the all-weather at Kempton. With a very fair mark of 91, and his Dam improving with age, he looks an ideal type for some of the valuable 6 furlong handicaps this summer. Khairaat 4yo b c - Sir Michael Stoute Khairaat was a very late starter, having not raced until halfway through his three year-old season. After a pleasing 2nd on debut he won back-to-back races at Pontefract and Doncaster. With this yard having such a good record at improving horses later in their careers, he is surely one to keep on side. A mark of 91 appears to be very lenient and was raised just 6lbs for that latest win, especially as he appeared to idle on the run-in. He could well pick up a nice handicap early over middle distances in the summer, before moving on to pattern races later in the season
Gary Carroll TOP IRISH FLAT JOCKEY
Tell us all about yourself and your achievement's so far? I'm 27, riding horses all my life, from ponies at a young age to pony racing to thoroughbreds, twice champion apprentice, have ridden over 200 winners What made you want to become a jockey? My father and grandfather were jockeys so it was something I have always wanted to do. What does your general day consist of doing? Being a freelance jockey I spread my time between different stables, it's hard but I try to facilitate every trainer I ride for. My morning usually begins between 6 - 6.30 every morning where I'm on the road to go to ride out for a stable, I usually need to make it back to the curragh at some stage to ride work for a different trainer. From there I usually hit the gym before going racing. Is the life of a jockey a good one? t's not easy and there are more bad days than good but keep working hard and you will get your rewards
Favourite horse racing moment? Watching Frankel win the guineas, he was awesome that day! Favourite racecourse? Curragh as it's my local track and I have enjoyed plenty of success there!. Aim for this season? This season I want to break 30 winners, I had a good season last year and want to build on it.
If you have any free time ,what do you do with it? During the winter when it is not as busy I enjoy hunting and get out as much as I can! Give us a horse to follow this season? Mr. Scarlet is a high class horse that unfortunately got injured last year, I think this year he will make up for lost time, I am certain for that.
Gary pictured here with trainer Michael Halford