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SEPTEMBER 2016

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Course Specialist MAGAZI NE

Postponed proves best in the world with International triumph JIM BOLGER RECALLS NEW APPROACH 32RED NEWMARKET OPEN WEEKEND course-specialist.co.uk

LONGINES IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND

INSIDE

THE LADBROKES ST LEGER

MARK TOMPKINS REMEMBERS ST LEGER HERO BOB’S RETURN •

September 2016

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September 2016

EDITOR'S WELCOME

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Welcome to the very first issue of Course Specialist Magazine.

ur website www.course-specialist.co.uk was launched in November 2013 with the express purpose of sharing my enthusiasm for horse racing and from the bottom of my heart I thank everyone who has supported the site. We have gone from strength to strength and with ever-more news to report, it was time to produce a monthly publication. This month we take a look at the highlights of August, with Postponed’s thrilling victory at another tremendous Welcome To Yorkshire Ebor Festival an undoubted highlight. We also speak with Jim Bolger on the career of his outstanding colt New Approach, winner of the 2008 Irish Champion Stakes. Indeed, this feature forms part of our focus on Longines Irish Champions Weekend which takes place at Leopardstown and the Curragh on September 10th and 11th. We preview the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival at Doncaster, running from September 7th to 10th, including an interview with Mark Tompkins on his popular St Leger winner Bob’s Return. September also sees the 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend and part of this year’s event will offer the public a first opportunity to visit the new National Heritage Centre for Horse Racing and Sporting Art, which opens its doors at Palace House. We recently caught up with National Horseracing Museum marketing and audience development officer Ami Cosgrave for a sneak preview. With a review of August’s racing news from around the globe, a bloodstock and sales news section and a look ahead to September’s action, we hope that you enjoy reading our first issue!

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Andrew Pelis PHOTOGRAPHERS Steven Cargill Pat Healy www.healyracing.ie Mark Cranham www.cranhamphoto.com ScoopDyga www.scoopdyga.com PRODUCTION Follow Creative www.followcreative.com Tim Colman, Kasey Moore Posterity IT ON THE COVER: Andrea Atzeni celebrates after Postponed's victory at York WE'RE SOCIAL  /course-specialist  @Coursespecial

Yours sincerely,

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. No part of the publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Andrew Pelis Editor and Publisher

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September 2016

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POSTPONED PASSES INTERNATIONAL TEST WITH FLYING COLOURS

ostponed, the world’s highest rated racehorse passed a truly international test at York with flying colours. The Roger Varian trained 5 year old banished any thoughts of vulnerability over the trip and after a small setback, to reaffirm his star status with a gripping victory over Highland Reel in today’s Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes. A high class and healthy sized field of twelve horses linedup, including Postponed, the King George winner Highland Reel, the Eclipse Stakes winner Hawkbill, former French Derby and Irish Champion Stakes winner The Grey Gatsby, Dante Stakes winner Wings Of Desire and the smart French horse Dariyan.

From cover

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September 2016

TITLE FEATURE POSTPONED Postponed’s stable mate King Bolete was soon into his Isaac Newton. stride and took the field along. However, as the line approached, Postponed found more King Bolete set the pace by a couple of lengths, with for Atzeni and extended his advantage to 1 ¼ lengths from Highland Reel racing to the inside, with Postponed settled in Highland Reel, with Mutakayyef a hugely creditable third, third and then Arab Spring and Hawkbill. ahead of Sir Isaac Newton and Exosphere, with this five clear As the field turned into the home straight, King Bolete still of The Grey Gatsby. led and the down swung in wide Postponed was taking and headed down the centre of his winning run to six as the track and stands rail. he returned from a 74-day With half a mile to run, absence with a solid display, King Bolete began to back having missed the King pedal and Postponed and George with a chest infection. Andrea Atzeni went into a Atzeni said: "He's great, contested lead with Highland isn't he? Reel. In behind Arab Spring "A lot of people had doubts still travelled well and about him - I never had. Hawkbill looked set to play "He's got too much class. a big role, travelling well in I think people underrate him. – ROGER VARIAN fourth, with Mutakayyef and "I think he's one of the Exosphere staying on. best in the business we've seen Postponed led Highland for a while." Reel at the three furlong Roger Varian said marker where Exosphere and afterwards: “It is hard to put Mutakayyed continued to into words really. We have just close. The leader began to hang slightly towards the stands been struggling for a bit of form with the horses of late; as a side as he came under pressure, while Highland Reel kept up group they have not been firing, they have not been 100 per the gallop. cent healthy but I think they are showing signs that they are Inside the final furlong, Postponed galloped on gamely coming back to themselves and Postponed really blossomed under strong pressure from Highland Reel, with Mutakayyef over the past week and convinced us that he was ready to still gaining and this trio drawing clear of Exosphere and Sir go again.

It is hard to put into words really... Postponed really blossomed over the past week and convinced us that he was ready to go again.

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September 2016

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“For him to turn up and do the business is massive, it’s great. “He didn’t run in the King George. He wasn’t 100 per cent going into that race he really had an easy ten days to help him recover and that didn’t leave us long, it left us a couple of weeks to see if he was ready for this race and a week ago if you had put a gun to my head I wouldn’t know if I was running or not. “He was trained a little bit separately from the string and the team at home have worked incredibly hard night and day to make sure he is in as clean an environment as possible and his work over the last ten days has just come

back to itself and the horse over the last seven days only has looked ripe in his condition and his health checks prior to us declaring gave us a green light but until those gates open and he runs you are never quite sure. It is huge relief and a lot of joy. “On the back of having a setback and coming back in trip it was a pretty strong field with depth today. I thought he stamped himself as by far the best horse in the race. He had won his race between the three and the two. “For sure the Arc is a big target now. I would think it is doubtful he will run again before the Arc but nothing is set in stone.”

I thought he stamped himself as by far the best horse in the race. He had won his race between the three and the two. – ROGER VARIAN

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September 2016

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September 2016

NEWS UK RACING

SEVENTH HEAVEN PLUNDERS ANOTHER OAKS AT YORK

Meccas Angel strides to her second Nunthorpe Stakes victory © www.healyracing.ie

MECCA’S ANGEL DOMINANT IN BACK TO BACK NUNTHORPE STAKES VICTORIES Mecca’s Angel once again proved the fastest around as she dominated and thrashed a high class field in the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York. Connections of last year’s winner Mecca’s Angel must have been delighted as the rain began to fall at York earlier in the day and continued through to race time. Just as she did last time out at the Curragh, last year’s winner went on at a relatively early stage and from that moment was always in control. Inside the final furlong Mecca’s Angel and Paul Mulrennan put distance between themselves and the remainder, with the July Cup winner Limato emerging on the far rail to give chase. But over the minimum trip, he simply did not have the toe to bridge the gap, although he drew well clear of the rest of the field. At the line Mecca’s Angel was clear of Limato, with a big gap back to the magnificent v eteran Take Cover who just held on for third, ahead of Cotai Glory. The Michael Dods trained 5 year old Mecca’s Angel was winning back to back Nunthorpe Stakes and emulating another Yorkshire-trained horse Borderlescott as the last to accomplish that feat.

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Seventh Heaven continued her exciting progression with a dominant performance to win the Group 1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York, in a race dominated by Aidan O’Brien horses. Twelve fillies and mares assembled for one of the big races of the Ebor Festival over 1 ½ miles. At the break it was Pretty Perfect who jumped fastest and led from Harlequeen racing wide, with Even Song up with the pace towards the inside and then Endless Time. Pretty Perfect proved stubborn and refused to yield without a fight and Queen’s Trust, carry a high head carriage, was made to work hard for her very brief glimpse of the lead. That was soon extinguished as another of the Aidan O’Brien quarter, Seventh Heaven, turned on the turbos towards the stands side, bursting clear under Colm O’Donoghue, at the furlong pole. Queen’s Trust had no answers to that and O’Brien’s Found picked up to move into second place. However, Seventh Heaven, the Irish Oaks winner, powered clear in the manner of an improving filly late on and was going further away of her stable mate in the final yards, finishing 2 ¾ lengths ahead at the line.

Seventh Heaven lands the Darley Yorkshire Oaks © www.healyracing.ie

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September 2016

UK RACING NEWS

IDAHO CEMENTS ST LEGER CREDENTIALS IN THE GREAT VOLTIGEUR STAKES Idaho enhanced his own St Leger credentials – and the Derby form, with a battling victory over stable mate Housesofparliament in today’s Group 2 Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes at York. Placed in both the English and Irish Derby, the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt showed he had stamina and class as he opened his account for the campaign in this Group Two contest.

Idaho defeats Housesofparliament in the Great Voltigeur Stakes

Stablemate Housesofparliament made the running and proved hard to pass, but Idaho responded to Seamie Heffernan's urgings and got up in the final 100 yards to score by a length and three-quarters. Across The Stars, winner of the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, was third.

QUEEN KINDLY LANDS THE LOWTHER SPOILS IN A TALE OF TWO FRANKEL FILLIES Beforehand all the expectations were there for a Frankel filly to cement her position as the leading juvenile filly of the season. That realisation was perhaps met, but not necessarily by the one that many expected, as Queen Kindly proved best on the day in the Group 2 Sky Bet Lowther Stakes at York . This was a mouth-watering contest beforehand, featuring two of the best Frankel fillies seen out so far and the improving Roly Poly, among a talented field of eight, over six furlongs. course-specialist.co.uk

Queen Kindly beats Roly Poly in the Sky Bet Lowther Stakes at York © www.healyracing.ie

At the off Nations Alexander broke well and was up with the early leaders, along with Clem Fandango and Roly Poly. Racing to the furlong pole, Roly Poly was still in front but Fair Eva and Queen Kindly, flanking her on both sides, came to challenge. It was Queen Kindly and Jamie Spencer, racing towards the inside, who showed the best acceleration, but Roly Poly was far from finished and fought on tenaciously. To the outside, Fair Eva all of a sudden looked a little one-paced and failed to pick-up as many had anticipated. Queen Kindly ran on strongly to beat Roly Poly a shade cosily by ¾ of a length, but the runner-up ran a cracking race under a penalty for her Newmarket victory, with Fair Eva a disappointing third, the same distance back. The front three pulled well clear of the proven class of Nations Alexander.

BLUE POINT IMPERIOUS IN THE GIMCRACK STAKES Blue Point could not have been more impressive as he restored his lofty reputation with a terrific performance in the Group 2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes over six furlongs at York. Medici Banchiere was away well and raced alone on the far side, but was up with the early pace along with Grey Britain and Blue Point. Sadly Dream On Dreams was sharply pulled up. •

September 2016

NEWS UK RACING Passing the three furlong pole Medici Banchiere was still prominent but heading to the furlong point Blue Point stormed into the lead and extended his advantage in the manner of a top class horse. The final furlong proved little more than a procession as Blue Point and the treble-riding William Buick poured it on. Mokarris galloped on well but in vein pursuit of the leader who coasted home. The Last Lion just held on to third place from the fast-finishing Global Applause.

HEARTBREAK CITY BRINGS JOY TO MARTIN IN THE EBOR Tony Martin gained another big handicap victory as Heartbreak City led home a one-three for the Irish trainer in the Betfred Ebor Handicap at York. One of the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable and competitive handicaps got underway with a field of twenty. Settling down, Havana Beat held a two length advantage over Seamour and Oriental Fox, with Seismos prominent to the outside and Elidor tucked in behind the leaders. Racing past the three furlong pole Havana Beat came back to the field quickly and Seamour and Oriental Fox went on with She Is No Lady challenging. Oriental Fox quickly faded and just as he had in the Northumberland Stakes, Seamour made his bid for glory early. However, Heartbreak City travelled strongly in behind and was given the office by Adam McNamara inside the two furlong marker, with the five pound claimer unable to hold on any longer. The six year old stormed into the lead and quickly took a couple of lengths out of the beaten Seamour, while in behind, Quick Jack gave chase and Shrewd and Battersea stayed on. However, the bird had flown and Heartbreak City was well clear, winning by around three lengths from Shrewd and Quick Jack, with Battersea just depriving Seamour of fourth place.

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Richard Pankhurst beats Home Of The Brave at Newbury Image supplied by Newbury Racecourse

RICHARD PANKHURST SCORCHES BACK TO FORM IN THE HUNGERFORD STAKES Richard Pankhurst, the one-time Classic prospect, led home a Godolphin one-two as he returned to form in the Group 2 Betfred Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. After a lengthy delay, the race finally got underway six minutes late, with Home Of The Brave and Jallota the early leaders, tracked by Convey and Dark Emerald, with Marka and Richard Pankhurst settled in arrears. Home Of The Brave continued to bowl along in front of Jallota and passed the three furlong point with his nearest pursuer under pressure and Convey sitting on their heels. However, heading to the furlong pole, Dark Emerald, racing widest of all, threw down a strong challenge, as did Richard Pankhurst. It was Richard Pankhurst, the John Gosden trained 4 year old, whose career had been so blighted by injury since his Chesham Stakes victory as a juvenile, who powered from last to first under Rab Havlin, and struck the front with some momentum. He quickly moved into a length lead and seemed to spur on Home Of The Brave who rallied, but was never able to close the gap, as the Godolphin pair finished first and second. Dark Emerald ran a cracker in third, ahead of the other grey in the race Markaz. â&#x20AC;˘

September 2016

UK RACING NEWS

KINGS FETE DICTATES IN THE GEOFFREY FREER STAKES

ESCOBAR IMPRESSES IN THE WASHINGTON SINGER STAKES

Kings Fete was allowed to dictate affairs and found plenty to win the Group 3 Betfred Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury. Kings Fete strode out in front of Battersea and Red Cardinal through the early stages. Pat Smullen and Kings Fete continued to take the field along at a relatively sedate pace from Battersea and led by a couple of lengths as the field raced down the side of the track and towards the home turn. The pace began to increase with three furlongs to race and Kings Fete lengthened well, with Red Cardinal coming under pressure. In behind Battersea was a little flat-footed and Humphrey Bogart couldn’t pick up. Kings Fete kept up the gallop well from the front and his lead was never seriously threatened in the final furlong, as the 5 year old passed the post a comfortable winner. Ormito stayed on to great effect in the latter stages and his finishing kick brought him to within a never nearer 1 ¼ lengths of the winner and saw him deny Red Cardinal for second place in the shadow of the post.

Escobar proved himself a highly promising colt with an authoritative performance to win the Listed Denford Stud Washington Singer Stakes at Newbury. Frankuus, who had been lively before loading, went into the lead from Amabilis, the only filly in the contest, with Mr Scaramanga racing third and then the unbeaten Escobar. The order remained the same as the quartet reached halfway, with Frankuus shading Amabilis and with three furlongs to race Frankuus came under pressure and dropped to last. Mr Scaramanga and Escobar came through smoothly and inside the final furlong, it was the latter who went a couple of lengths clear and needed to be just pushed out under hands and heels by Frankie Dettori to make it two from two. Mr Scaramanga gave the form a solid look, having run third to Boynton and War Decree at Newmarket in a Group 2 on his most recent start and there was a long gap back to Amabilis who just beat Frankuus for third place.

PREDILECTION GIVES FRANKIE DETTORI HIS 3,000TH CAREER VICTORY Lanfranco Dettori gained his 3,000th career victory in the UK after a positive ride aboard Predilection in the The James Hardie Cladding @ U. Plastics Handicap at Newmarket. This s ix-runner, o ne m ile c ontest, t he c loser on a sultry evening at the July Course, was an interesting race on paper, but took on much more scrutiny as the Italian Dettori made his bid to reach 3,000 winners in the town where he has lived most of his 45 years. Predilection went straight into the lead from Easter Mate and Briardale. Racing to the five furlong pole, Predilection continued to bowl along in front by a length from Easter Mate, while Dutch Law was switched from

Kings Fete in winning form Image supplied by Newbury Racecourse

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September 2016

NEWS UK RACING week on purpose because I thought: Newmarket, this is where I’m from, I’ve been here 30 years, married in Newmarket and have my family in Newmarket and all my friends are here. “It is not the Royal Ascot it is a mundane Friday night with 20,000 people! I got a tremendous cheer, it was brilliant you know! “I knew I had a couple of chances. It happened, I’m relieved and very humble and I don’t know what to say!

KINGSGATE NATIVE ROLLS BACK THE YEARS AT NOTTINGHAM

behind horses and cruised up to join the wave of challengers whilst swinging on the bridle. Inside the two furlong pole, the field fanned out but Predilection responded well to Dettori’s urgings, scampering up the Newmarket hill although he drifted across to the far rail. In the final furlong Dettori was hard at work and Dutch Law and Palmerston began to close on the near side. However, Predilection kept on resolutely on the far side and Dettori held his whip aloft in his right hand several yards before the winning post. For Dettori this is a journey that started back in 1985, when as a teenager, he travelled to Luca Cumani’s stable from Sardinia, to learn the ropes. He gained his first success as an apprentice in 1987 and by 1990 had claimed his first Group 1 victories riding Cumani’s Markofdistinction in the QEII Stakes and Shamshir in the following Fillies’ Mile at Ascot. That year saw him become the first teenager since Lester Piggott to ride 100 winners. Dettori had earlier moved on to the 2,999-winner mark when Ghayyar landed the NGK Spark Plugs EBF Stallions Maiden - a race won in 2010 by the mighty Frankel. It was fitting that he was riding Predilection for Gosden on the occasion of his 3,000th win. “It’s special. You cannot plan it. I didn’t ride all

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Kingsgate Native came back to form with a glorious effort to win the EBFStallions.com Conditions Stakes at Nottingham. A quality field lined-up for this five furlong contest, which was muted as possibly the last racecourse appearance for former Nunthorpe Stakes hero Kingsgate Native. Thesme and Desert Law were away well, tracked by Hay Chewed and Kingsgate Native. But it was Thesme who took control at halfway with Maljaa coming to challenge. At the furlong pole though, the complexion of the race changed as the remarkable 11 year old Kingsgate Native powered through to hit the front under Jim Crowley. The old man of the party was simply not for stopping as he kept up the gallop to beat Thesme by ½ a length, with a further 1 ¼ lengths back to Strath Burn, a never nearer third.

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September 2016

UK RACING NEWS

Nations Alexander gamely makes all at Newmarket

NATIONS ALEXANDER WINS AGAIN ON NEWMARKET’S JULY COURSE

SOUTH SEAS REMAINS UNBEATEN AFTER ANNEXING SOLARIO STAKES

Nations Alexander won at pattern level for the second time this summer at Newmarket’s July Course as she showed plenty of resolve to land the Group 3 German-Thoroughbred.com Sweet Solera Stakes. Having previously landed the Listed Empress Stakes at the same venue in late June, Richard Hannon’s daughter of Dark Angel had run well when a close third to Roly Poly in the Group 2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes at the July Festival a month earlier Nine fillies went to post for a fascinating race with four unbeaten records on the line. On Her Toes, seeking a four-timer, jumped well, but Nations Alexander and Pat Dobbs were soon in front from On Her Toes and Tiburtina. The field fanned across the course as they reached The Dip, but Nations Alexander stuck her head down gamely and meeting the rising ground extended her lead as On Her Toes weakened. At the line Nations Alexander had 1 ½ lengths in hand from Grecian Light who came through encouragingly, on just her second start, for second place, ahead of On Her Toes in third.

South Seas was a class above his rivals as he overcame a tardy start to comfortably annex the Group 3 TCA Abu Dhabi Solario Stakes at Sandown Park. A decent field of ten juveniles lined-up for a race that often throws up a smart prospect and three years ago was won by the mighty Kingman. Monticello and Eqtiraan were away well but the latter raced freely. Settling down, Monticello held a two length lead from Eqtiraan, with Van Der Decken third and then Majoris. Monticello turned the screw turning into the home straight and moved three lengths clear, with Eqtiraan ad South Seas trying to close. At the furlong pole South Seas went on and quickly pulled clear impressively, revelling the final climb. At the line South Seas was eased down by Oisin Murphy, with the race well and truly won. Salouen finished fast and late for second, ahead of the very green Eqtiraan and Apex King.

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September 2016

NEWS UK RACING The Andrew Balding trained South Seas, a son of Lope De Vega, was making it three from three and perhaps could look to emulate Elm Park, who two years ago ran with such distinction in the same colours, winning the Royal Lodge Stakes and the Racing Post Trophy.

ZONDERLAND ROARS BACK TO FORM AS MASSAAT FADES DRAMATICALLY The big race of the day at Salisbury was one of conflicting fortunes for two horses that had contested the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas in the spring. It proved a red letter day for Zonderland, but one of bitter disappointment for supporters of Massaat, as the former romped home in the Group 3 totepool Sovereign Stakes.

With two furlongs to run, Massaat came under pressure and quickly dropped away as Zonderland went on, chased through by Master The World and Tony Curtis. Massaat dropped right away, dramatically, as if something was amiss. In the meantime, Zonderland powered on and although he hung left late on, had plenty in hand under Oisin Murphy, to beat Master The World comfortably. Tupi came through on the inside for third, ahead of stable companion Tony Curtis. The Clive Cox trained Zonderland ran 6th to Galileo Gold in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, before landing the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown Park, but had reportedly bumped his head in the stalls when well beaten in the Prix Jean Prat in France. This performance showed Zonderland in a different light and he looks set to step up in class next time out.

NO TIMELINES SET ON SO MI DARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RETURN

Zonderland was in fine form at Salisbury

With Tullius and Sovereign Debt non-runners, a field of seven went to post for this mile contest. As the field left the stalls it was Zonderland who went on from Master Carpenter and Massaat. After about a furlong, the 2,000 Guineas runner-up Massaat pressed on from Belgian Bill and Zonderland, with Master Carpenter and Tony Curtis behind these.

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John Gosden will bide his time with So Mi Dar as she nears a return from a spell on the sidelines. The three-year-old has won each of her three starts to date, lifting a Windsor maiden on her only juvenile outing last October, before returning to claim the Investec Derby Trial at Epsom and the Musidora Stakes at York this term. She ran out a four-length winner on the Knavesmire in May and was one of the leading contenders for the Oaks until suffering a setback in the run up to the Classic. So Mi Dar is entered in the Group Two Moyglare "Jewels" Blandford Stakes at the Curragh on September 11. Gosden said: "She is cantering fine and is in good order. She has developed and strengthened but we are talking September or October before she is back. "We will take it one step at a time and do what is right for her." â&#x20AC;˘

September 2016

UK RACING NEWS

PALMER EXPECTS GALILEO GOLD TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER DEAUVILLE DISAPPOINTMENT Hugo Palmer reports Galileo Gold none the worse following his disappointing display in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. The 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes hero was a hot favourite to get back on the winning trail in France after he was narrowly denied by The Gurkha in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. But after racing on the speed under Frankie Dettori, the three-year-old weakened tamely and finished a well-beaten eighth as the Richard Faheytrained Ribchester, third in the Sussex, claimed an impressive victory. Palmer said: "He's absolutely fine - I think the trainer took it worse than the horse. "It wasn't our day on Sunday, but, thankfully, we've had some very good days with him before and I'm sure there'll be more good days to come."

ARABIAN QUEEN REMAINS SIDELINED Arabian Queen is enjoying a second enforced break of the summer as connections consider the Group One-winning filly's future. Her owner Jeff Smith has admitted they have been unable to get to the bottom of the problem despite thorough checks. Only when Arabian Queen returns to training will trainer David Elsworth and owner/breeder Smith be able to make a decision as to whether the four-year-old races on or is retired to the paddocks. course-specialist.co.uk

Arabian Queen will not bid to repeat her shock victory of 12 months ago in the Juddmonte International at York next week. "If she does run again, races such as the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 10 and the Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on October 1 would be considered. "She's got intermittent lameness but we've not figured out what it is that is stopping her running," said Smith. "She picked it up in the Coronation Cup at Epsom and has not been right since. "It's such a shame as she ran so well at Newmarket, something just went wrong at Epsom. "Having said that, it is not a serious injury, but it has stopped her from running and interrupted her training as she can't gallop. "If she does not run any more this season that will be it."

CHARLIE HALL CHASE AT WETHERBY PENCILLED-IN FOR CUE CARDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RETURN Cue Card is on course to make his seasonal reappearance in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on October 29. Victory in the West Yorkshire showpiece last autumn ignited a tremendous campaign for Colin Tizzard's stable stalwart, with the 10-year-old going on to land the Betfair Chase at Haydock and the King George VI Chase at Kempton before a costly fall in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. â&#x20AC;˘

September 2016

NEWS UK RACING

Cue Card could return at Wetherby in October Copyright www.healyracing.ie

He bounced back to win at Aintree before suffering defeat at Punchestown and is reported in rude health following a summer break. "Cue Card is fine and having brought him back in early last year, we thought we'd do the same this year, so he came back on July 1," said Tizzard. "He's cantering now and will do that for six weeks or so. He's also getting two or three hours out in the paddock every day. "He's a 10-year-old now, so we want to look after him and if we do that hopefully we can have him in the same form as he was last season. "We'll be sticking to the same plan, hopefully starting off at Wetherby again."

BHA TO ADD MORE JUVENILE HURDLE CONTESTS The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced an initiative to support the Juvenile Hurdlers population following concerns raised in the Jump Racing Review. Four high value Introductory Hurdle races, for horses which have not previously run in more than one hurdle race, will be added to the programme in November and December. The initiative is aimed to create a pathway for horses who could be introduced into Jump racing

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following on from their Flat careers. The Racing Department is keen to offer an enhancement to the current programme by offering high value races that will complement the existing Black Type opportunities available. It is hoped this enhanced incentive will encourage Jump connections to purchase Juvenile hurdlers at the sales and encourage owners of Flat horses to consider hurdling as a viable option. The BHA development fund currently contributes £80,000 towards four Juvenile Handicap Hurdle races that are held in the spring and it is hoped that these new races will add further incentive to attract Flat horses and owners into hurdling during the early part of the season. The Development Fund has approved £8,000 per race to be released towards the four £20,000 Introductory Juvenile Hurdle races.

CHARLES BARNETT APPOINTED SECRETARY GENERAL OF LARGE INDEPENDENT RACECOURSES Charles Barnett has been appointed Secretary General of the Large Independent Racecourse Group, which represents Ascot, Ayr, Chester, Goodwood, Newbury and York racecourses. Barnett has widespread knowledge of the industry, having occupied a number of senior executive roles, and already represents the Large Independent Racecourses on the Racecourse Association Board, of which he is the Deputy Chairman, and the BHA's Members' Committee, which he will continue to do alongside this expanded role. His highly successful racecourse management career spanning more than 30 years included extended spells at Haydock Park, Chester, Cartmel, Aintree and Ascot. He will take up this newly created position with immediate effect. Barnett's role will include representing the Large Independent Racecourses on racing industry matters and liaising with key external parties, such as the British Horseracing Authority, the Horserace Betting Levy Board (or its replacement) and the Racecourse Association, to ensure that the views of the Large Independents carry appropriate weight in industry discussions. •

September 2016

UK RACING NEWS

AMY MURPHY JOINS THE NEWMARKET TRAINING RANKS The Newmarket training ranks is set to gain a new face this autumn in Amy Murphy, who has taken up residence at Hamilton Stables on the Hamilton Road. Although the youngest trainer in the country, Amy brings with her a wealth of experience having worked for Luca Cumani, Tom Dascombe and Gai Waterhouse. As the daughter of leading breeder Paul Murphy, Amy grew up surrounded by horses at her father's Wychnor Park Stud in Staffordshire. She later gained valuable race yard experience riding out for Nicky Henderson and Dr Richard Newland while studying for her Diploma at Hartbury College, where she achieved a triple distinction of highest honours in Horse Management. With a degree under her belt, Amy joined Tom Dascombe at Manor House Stables in Cheshire, where she progressed from barn leader to Pupil Assistant after one season. Amy spent several seasons at Manor House Stables before heading to Australia to join Gai Waterhouse, where her tasks included monitoring the likes of Group 1 winner Sweet Idea on her travels. course-specialist.co.uk

Amy returned to Britain in April, 2013 to take up the position of Pupil Assistant to Luca Cumani. Since January, 2015 she has acted as Assistant Trainer at Bedford House Stables. "I've had three and a half fantastic years with Mr Cumani," said Amy. "He's a mentor second to none and I cannot thank him enough for the opportunities he's given me. "Prior to joining the team at Bedford House, I had a winter spell in Australia with Gai Waterhouse, where I learnt a lot in a short space of time. "Tom Dascombe was very good to me. He gave me a chance early on, giving me responsibilities at a young age and that is something that I will be forever grateful to him for. "Training is something I've wanted to do from the outset and it is what my heart has been set on from an early age. All of my family have been very supportive and I am very fortunate to be training a few of our beautifully bred homebreds." Luca Cumani added: "It has been a pleasure to have Amy working as my assistant for the past two years. Amy is very dedicated and hardworking and she is well prepared for her new career, as well as any assistant that I have ever had - and I have had some good ones!" Situated within easy and direct access to all Jockey Club Estate gallops, Hamilton Stables comprises 20 newly refurbished stables with plans to build 10 more by Christmas. The yard also has a horsewalker, large lunge pit, turnout paddocks and access to a licensed swimming pool situated nearby. For more information, contact Amy Murphy on 07711 992500

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September 2016

NEWS UK RACING

WELL-EARNED SUCCESS FOR KILMAH IN THE PRESTIGE STAKES Kilmah made all and showed a likeable attitude to knuckle down and win the Group 3 Prestige Stakes at Goodwood. Two defections left a field of seven two year old fillies to contest this seven furlong event. Kilmah broke well along with Tiburtina and Belle Meade. Settling down, Kilmah towed Tiburtina along with Belle Meae and Urban Fox in close order. With two furlongs to race, Kilmah still travelled smoothly and Tiburtina came under pressure, while Belle Meade had had room. Inside the final furlong Kilmah stuck tenaciously to her guns under Franny Norton, while Promising came with a wet sail on the outside from the back of the field to join the leader.

The pair settled down to a terrific scrap late on and at the line it was Kilmah who found the most to prevail for a well-earned victory. A couple of lengths back there was a three-way photo for third place with Rich Legacy just denying Urban Fox and Tiburtina. A Mark Johnston trained daughter of Sepoy, Kilmah was winning for only the second time in her career but has been taking on the likes of Roly Poly and Fair Eva.

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PLATITUDE ROUTS RIVALS IN THE MARCH STAKES Platitude put a disappointing recent effort behind him at Goodwood as he stormed to a wide-margin victory in the Listed Lewis Badges 1832 March Stakes at the Sussex track. This 1 ¾ mile contest has in the past been regarded as a St Leger trial and had a field of seven this year, including three 3 year olds. As the field raced under the trees and towards the top of the hill, Flambeuse led from Zubeida and Vive Ma Fille, with Goldmember waited with in fourth, ahead of Mr Singh, Glaring and Platitude held up at the back. Turning into the home straight, Flambeuse kept up the gallop as Zubeida came under pressure. To the inside though Vive Ma Fille was travelling well and soon hit the front. However, Platitude and Andrea Atzeni travelled powerfully at the back and began to move forwards with real menace. The race was over quickly as Platitude powered into the lead and quickened away from Vive Ma Fille. Inside the final furlong, the son of Dansili put daylight between himself and his rivals, passing the post a very easy winner by perhaps five lengths from Vive Ma Fille, with a similar gap back to Mr Singh in third and Zubeida. This performance confirmed Platitude a smart gelding and it would be no surprise to see him stepping back up in class soon and progressing again next year. Platitude’s victory gave Sir Michael Stoute his seventh victory in the March Stakes. •

September 2016

UK RACING NEWS

LIGHTNING SPEAR SHOWS FLEET OF FOOT TO WIN THE CELEBRATION MILE Lightning Spear showed good acceleration to land the Group 2 Doom Bar Celebration Mile at Goodwood. Just five went to post for this prestigious contest, but it was a select bunch. Arod took the field along from Zonderland and Toormore, with Thikriyaat and Lightning Spear at the back. At halfway, Arod opened up a two length lead over Zonderland, while Thikriyaat was being niggled along and at the two furlong pole had not picked up. Inside the final quarter of a mile, Arod continued in front with Zonderland still pressurising. In behind, Lightning Spear was getting closer and Toormore was in contention, but Thikriyaat dropped tamely away. Arod’s resistance was finally overhauled by Zonderland in the final furlong, but at this point Oisin Murphy gave Lightning Spear the office to switch out from behind Zonderland and the 5 year old showed an impressive turn of foot to quickly power past the long-term leaders. At the line Lightning Spear had put 1 ¾ lengths between himself and Zonderland, with a head back to Arod in third. Toormore and Thikriyaat finished alongside each other and disappointment. The David Simcock trained Lightning Spear course-specialist.co.uk

was gaining the biggest success of his career. He had won his first four career starts and run well in Group 1 class last year, but had taken time to come to hand this season.

CHAIN OF DAISIES TENACIOUS IN WINTER HILL STAKES VICTORY Chain Of Daisies was toughness personified as she battled back once headed, to beat the highlyregarded Ulysses in the Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor this evening. Six horses went to post for what is always a quality contest over 1 ½ miles, with this year’s field no exception. Chain Of Daisies jumped off straight into the lead and headed Ayrad and Foundation through the early stages. With three furlongs to race, Chain Of Daisies continued in front with Ayrad coming under pressure and not picking up. Ulysses moved through powerfully with 1 ½ furlongs to race and drew alongside the long-time leader. However, Chain Of Daisies battled on determinedly and whilst headed in the final furlong, the Fergus Sweeney ridden filly fought back and on the line edged back in front of Ulysses for a gutsy win. The front two pulled six lengths clear of Foundation and Tony Curtis. •

September 2016

NEWS IRISH RACING Whilst Caravaggio’s stamina for a mile might be in question, he looks likely to stay seven furlongs well enough and it will be interesting to see where he and much-vaunted stable mate Churchill are placed this autumn.

THE GURKHA SUFFERS SETBACK Caravaggio powers clear in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes © www.healyracing.ie

CARAVAGGIO PEERLESS IN PHOENIX STAKES CANTER Caravaggio extended his unbeaten record to four with little more than a stroll down the Curragh straight as he made light work of the opposition in a one-sided Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes. Statistics were not in his favour beforehand, but Caravaggio had frightened off all but four rivals ahead of this first juvenile Group 1 contest of the season in Ireland, on the strength of three impressive performances, most notably when he landed the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. At the start it was Ambiguity who jumped into the lead, but he was soon reined back and passed by Courage Under Fire, who took the field along a couple of lengths clear of Grand Coalition and the Railway Stakes winner Medicine Jack. At halfway, Courage Under Fire continued to bowl along in front but already, the signs were ominous, as Caravaggio travelled sweetly. At the two furlong pole, he cruised up smoothly to join his stable mate before going on, with his rivals now all under pressure. Caravaggio strode on into an ever-increasing lead in the final furlong under little more than a hands and heels ride from Seamie Heffernan. At the line, the son of Scat Daddy was perhaps four lengths clear of Courage Under Fire who kept on well in second, with Medicine Jack a disappointing third. The Aidan O’Brien trained Caravaggio was ending a long losing streak for Coventry Stakes winners in this race, stretching back to Fasliyev, who won for O’Brien back in 1999.

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The Gurkha, recently seen winning the Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes, has reportedly suffered a setback. The Coolmore Twitter feed @coolmorestud reported: “The Gurkha setback-Classic winning miler The Gurkha, last seen winning the Sussex S. has met with a further setback”

A second Tweet stated: “The Gurkha setback - He was referred to Fethard Equine hospital and underwent surgery last night” This was followed-up with a third Tweet announcing: “The Gurkha setback - He was discharged this morning and is back in his box. Future plans will be announced at a later date”

SUCCESS DAYS BACK TO FORM IN THE ROYAL WHIP Success Days came back to his best form as he was allowed to make the running and made all, in the Group 3 Kilfrush Stud Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh. Seven went to post for this fascinating contest, with The Steward breaking well but Success Days soon hitting the front on the inside. •

September 2016

IRISH RACING NEWS

CHURCHILL WORKMANLIKE IN FUTURITY WIN

Success Days gains revenge in the Kilfrush Stud Royal Whip Stakes Copyright www.healyracing.ie

Success Days went into a two length lead from old rival Fascinating Rock, with a gap back to Moonlight Magic in third and then Endless Drama, The Steward, Maneen and US Army Ranger settled in last place. Up front, Success Days and Shane Foley continued to bowl along in front of Fascinating Rock, with Moonlight Magic tracking this pair. Turning into the home straight and Success Days held a lead of two lengths still over Fascinating Rock who came under pressure with two furlongs to race. Further back US Army Ranger, racing widest of all, made ground, but failed to pick up further. At the furlong pole Success Days continued to lead and was not for catching, although Fascinating Rock closed to within ¾ of a length, but the race was already won. Perhaps two lengths further back Moonlight Magic got the best of the battle for third, just ahead of Endless Drama and US Army Ranger. Success Days was a talented horse on rainsoftened ground in the spring of 2015, winning two Derby trials at Leopardstown before suffering an injury in the Investec Derby at Epsom Downs. The four year old grey had not seemed the same horse since although running with credit in the spring. Trainer Ken Condon, who was recording a double following the earlier maiden success of Landfall, could well be seen next in the Irish Champion Stakes. course-specialist.co.uk

Churchill confirmed himself one of Ireland’s leading juveniles but was made to work somewhat in claiming the Group 2 Galileo European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes at the Curragh. Just four colts lined up for this prestigious and often significant contest over seven furlongs, with Aidan O’Brien responsible for two of the runners and his son Joseph fielding one of the other two. Sadly Capri was a non-runner, leaving stable mate Churchill strongly expected to follow up on his victories at Royal Ascot in the Chesham Stakes and Leopardstown in the Group 3 Tyros Stakes. Lancaster Bomber went to the front from the break but was soon passed by Arcada, Settling down, Arcada held a length lead from Lancaster Bomber, with Churchill in third and Radio Silence last. With two furlongs to race, Arcada came under pressure as Churchill was moved out into the clear. However, inside the final furlong, Churchill came under pressure from Radio Silence and was made to work hard. The Seamie Heffernan ridden son of Galileo lengthened well however in the latter stages and pulled out more to win comfortably by a couple of lengths from Radio Silence, with Arcada about ¾ of a length back in third. This was a somewhat workmanlike performance from Churchill as he completed his hat-trick, but it fleetingly demonstrated the engine that he possesses. A crack at Group 1 level would appear likely next.

Churchill gets to work in the Galileo European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes Copyright www.healyracing.ie

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September 2016

NEWS IRISH RACING

RHODODENDRON QUICKENS BEST TO LAND THE DEBUTANTE Rhododendron showed improvement to lead home an Aidan O’Brien one-two in this afternoon’s Group 2 Breast Cancer Research Debutante Stakes at the Curragh. Nine two year old fillies lined up for this seven furlong contest which is often a stepping stone to the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes in a month’s time. Oh Grace broke quickly on the inside and went into the lead with Hydrangea and Intricately. As the field covered the first quarter of a mile Hydrangea took them along from Oh Grace, with Rehana moving close-up in third and then Intricately. Racing to the two furlong pole, Hydrangea kept up the gallop with Rehana travelling well to join issue. At the furlong pole the front two were joined by Intricately and Rhododendron but it was the latter who quickened best from that point. Inside the final furlong Rhododendron and Seamie Heffernan, racing widest of all, picked up well to assert from Hydrangea who stayed on well, with perhaps ¼ of a length slitting the Aidan O’Brien pair at the line. Intricately ran a super race in third, ahead of Rehana, who did not pick up as well as her rivals. Rhododendron, a daughter of Galileo out of the triple Group 1 winner Halfway To Heaven, had finished 2 ¼ lengths second to Rehana on her debut at the Curragh in late June. A month later she had landed a Goodwood maiden.

TOSCANINI LANDS THE PHOENIX SPRINT AS AIR FORCE BLUE DISAPPOINTS Toscanini continued his improvement as he ran out a ready winner of the Group 3 Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh. A field of seven familiar names assembled for this six furlong contest, with plenty of interest in last year’s Champion Two Year Old Colt Air Force Blue,

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as he took a significant drop in class. Jamesie went straight into the lead but Toscanini soon took up the running from Lord Of The Land. Passing halfway, Toscanini had the lead from Lord Of The Land and this pair duelled at the two furlong pole, while Air Force Blue was under pressure and sadly back-pedalling in last place. In the final furlong, having seen off Lord Of The Land (who was at one point squeezed next to the rails), Toscanini battled on with Eastern Impact coming to challenge. However, James Doyle kept the 4 year old up to his work and he readily saw off Eastern Impact to win by perhaps 1 ¼ lengths, with Lord Of The Land third and Fort Del Oro a never nearer fourth. Air Force Blue was eased in the latter stages and coasted home a bitterly disappointing last and there must be some doubts as to whether he will be seen on a racecourse again. The Mick Halford trained Toscanini was successful here in late June when landing a Listed contest but this was his first career victory at Group level.

TRIBAL BEAT BEST OF THE RETURNING HEROES IN THE DESMOND STAKES Tribal Beat had the best turn of foot and was delivered with cool precision by Kevin Manning to land the Group 3 Invesco Pension Consultants Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown. This race saw the keenly anticipated return to action of one of last season’s leading juveniles, Hit It A Bomb. This three year old son of War Front won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf from a nearly impossible position last October, but a series of minor niggles had kept him out of action this year. In the preliminaries Hit It A Bomb was very fresh, but went into the stalls OK. As the field of eight broke, Captain Joy was away well on the inside of Don’t Bother Me and Custom Cut. Settling down, Don’t Bother Me pressed on •

September 2016

IRISH RACING NEWS

Tribal Beat wins the Invesco Pension Consultants Desmond Stakes Copyright www.healyracing.ie

from Custom Cut, racing with his tongue hanging out, Captain Joy raced third and then came Hit It A Bomb. Don’t Bother Me began the turn into the home straight with Custom Cut challenging to his outside and the latter went on swinging for home, chased by Hit It A Bomb, who raced with an awkward head carriage. In the final furlong, Hit It A Bomb headed Custom Cut, but both were swamped inside the final furlong, as another returning hero, Tribal Beat, swept down the outside under Kevin Manning, to land the prize. Cougar Mountain also finished to some effect and came home second, with Hit It A Bomb just shading Custom Cut for third. The Jim Bolger trained three year old Tribal Beat had not been seen out since finishing second to Blue De Vega at Leopardstown last October. He looks to have improved and surely has further progression to come off the back of this run.

STELLAR MASS ON TOP IN THE BALLYROAN STAKES Stellar Mass continued his progress among the Classic generation with a powerful finish to land the feature Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown. Six horses went to post for this miles and a half contest, with all eyes on Bondi Beach, the 4 year old course-specialist.co.uk

who had won the Group 3 Vintage Crop Stakes back in mid-May, but had not raced since. Lustrous Light jumped into the lead from Shogun and Almela who was tightened up on the first bend. Settling down, Lustrous Light towed the field along down the back straight from Shogun, with a break of several lengths to Almela and Stellar Mass, with Bondi Beach fifth and Agnes Stewart at the back of the field. Lustrous Light and Shogun continued to dispute the lead as they passed the 5 furlong pole and shortly afterwards began to turn left. Lustrous Light turned for home ahead of Shogun, with Stella Mass closing and Almela gaining a lovely split on the inside. With a furlong to race Almela went on next to the rails with Shogun and Bondi Beach under pressure and it was Stellar Mass who came through to challenge in a bunch finish. Stellar Mass, who had won three of his last four starts and finished third in the Irish Derby on the other occasion, came with a strong challenge inside the final furlong to head Almela, with Bondi Beach coming home third. The Jim Bolger trained 3 year old Stellar Mass stayed this trip well and it would be no surprise to see him step up further in distance in the coming months.

CAPRI A COMFORTABLE WINNER OF THE CANFORD CLIFFS STAKES Capri confirmed himself a smart prospect as he dominated proceedings in less than ideal conditions, to run out an authoritative winner of the Listed Coolmore Canford Cliffs Stakes at Tipperary. Seven juveniles went to post for this interesting race over 7 furlongs and 100 yards. As the gates opened Right Honourable broke well with Branch Line, while Capri went up on the outside and into the lead after 1 ½ furlongs. Settling down, the grey colt Capri held a length advantage from Right Honourable and Branch Line with Intern in fourth place. •

September 2016

NEWS IRISH RACING Turning into the home straight Capri led under pressure, but had most of his rivals on the stretch, with Right Honourable plugging on under strong pressure but unable to bridge the gap. With a furlong to race, Capri responded well to Seamie Heffernan’s urgings and while Boyfriend Brian emerged to give chase, he never looked like getting on terms with the winner, who passed the post a comfortable winner on ground he probably did not fully enjoy.

Harlequeen, racing between the O’Brien pair, a close third, this trio well clear of Shamreen who found little in the home straight. The Colm O’Donoghue ridden Best In The World had failed to really live up to the promise of her two juvenile starts to this point. However, the immaculately bred daughter of Galileo and Red Evie may well be coming to herself now, after an indifferent spring and it will be interesting to see where Aidan O’Brien takes her for her next start.

BEST IN THE WORLD COMES GOOD IN THE GIVE THANKS

HURLING FOR CANCER RESEARCH STRIKES THE HALF A MILLION EURO MARK IN AID OF THE IRISH CANCER SOCIETY

Best In The World may not have lived up to her name this year but went a good way to restoring a lot of people’s faith as she got up late on to win the Group 3 Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Give Thanks Stakes at Cork. Eight fillies and mares lined up for this 1 ½ mile contest, recalling one of Jim Bolger’s early stars. More Mischief broke well from the stalls and led early on from Shamreen. The leader raced keenly through the first quarter of a mile, building up a lead of 4 lengths by the nine furlong point from Shamreen and Arya Tara. More Mischief continued to lead at the six furlong pole but Arya Tara moved closer in second, ahead of Shamreen, Fact Or Folklore, Harlequeen and Somehow. Turning for home, Arya Tara travelled stronger than More Mischief but the long-time leader found more. However, at the two furlong pole the race changed completely as Shamreen hit the front from Somehow on the rails, with Harlequeen right on their heels. As Somehow went on, Shamreen quickly backpedalled, but the second Ballydoyle runner, Best In The World, began to make her move out wide. Approaching the furlong pole, Somehow and Seamie Heffernan had a small gap on Harlequeen, but Best In The World was staying on, despite her high head carriage. As the line approached, Soemhow’s stride noticeably shortened and Beat In The World wore her down to win by a narrow margin, with

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The 2016 Hurling for Cancer Research charity match, organised by legendary racehorse trainer Jim Bolger and two-time National Hunt champion jockey Davy Russell, has already raised €105,000 for the Irish Cancer Society’s cancer research. The charitable duo have now raised over €500,000 for the society’s vital research over the last five years through their annual celebrity hurling match involving Ireland’s top GAA, horse racing and sporting stars. This year’s clash in St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge on August 9th saw Davy Russell’s Best, jockey for poll position against Jim Bolger’s Stars. When the final whistle blew it was Russell’s side which claimed the glory for the first time in five years, with a score of 5:24 to 6:15. Sporting celebrities Niall Quinn, Davy Fitzgerald, DJ Carey, Katie Walsh and Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh were among the famous names who lined out to support the match. Jim Bolger said: “Hurling for Cancer Research is a great example of sportsmanship. To raise this substantial amount of money was a real team effort. Davy and I would like to thank all the men and women who lined out on the pitch for a fantastic game of hurling, to those who bought tickets and supported the game in any way, you have all helped us in the fight back against cancer. Cancer is a disease that has unfortunately touched families across the country, but research is already having a •

September 2016

IRISH RACING NEWS positive impact with more and more people now surviving cancer.” The Irish Cancer Society is the leading voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland. Since 2011, the Society has invested over €14m into funding 135 individuals whose areas of research encompass breast, prostate, blood, oesophageal, colorectal, childhood, head and neck, brain, lung and ovarian cancer. Mark Mellett, Head of Fundraising, Irish Cancer Society, said: “We are blown away by the extraordinary sum of money that Jim Bolger and Davy Russell have raised through Hurling for Cancer Research. For five years now Mr Bolger and Mr Russell have gathered our greatest sports stars on the field – raising an phenomenal half a million euro in the process. This money has already, and will continue to, improve the lives of cancer patients by developing better treatments and techniques to diagnose and treat this disease.” For more information or to donate visit www.cancer.ie

LEG INJURY FORCES PAUL CARBERRY INTO RETIREMENT Leading Irish National Hunt jockey Paul Carberry has announced his retirement from the saddle to Press Association Sport. The Grand National-winning rider called time on his distinguished career due to an ongoing issue with a leg injury. Carberry, 42, has not ridden competitively since he fractured his left femur when he fell from Rich Coast at Listowel last September. The jockey told Press Association Sport: “I saw my surgeon today and he advised me to stop. My leg’s not strong enough. I feel gutted.” Carberry singled out his triumph in the Aintree showpiece in 1999 on Bobbyjo, trained by his father, Tommy, as the undoubted centrepiece of his career in the saddle that began with his first winner way back in 1990. “The highlight definitely has to be winning the Grand National on Bobbyjo,” he said. “There’s been lots of other great moments on course-specialist.co.uk

horses like Dorans Pride, Harchibald, Solwhit and Florida Pearl. “I don’t know yet what I’ll do. I’m breaking a few horses in to start with.” Champion Irish jump jockey in 2001-2 and 2002-3, Carberry won a host of big-races on both sides of the Irish Sea and rode 14 winners at the Cheltenham Festival.

SHARK HANLON MULLS CESAREWITCH BID WITH VETERAN HIDDEN CYCLONE A tilt at the Betfred Cesarewitch is under consideration for Hidden Cyclone following his narrow reverse in the Galway Hurdle. Shark Hanlon’s stable stalwart is best known for his exploits over fences, but ran a fantastic race over timber to finish a close second to the Willie Mullins-trained Clondaw Warrior. Hidden Cyclone is in the twilight of his career at the age of 11, but is two from two on the Flat and Hanlon is eyeing a return to the level at Killarney before a possible appearance at Newmarket on October 8. Hanlon said: “He’s come out of the race in super form and we’re very happy with him. “We came home from Galway thrilled and disappointed. He ran a fantastic race, Danny (Mullins) gave him a great ride, but we were disappointed to get beat. “He’s been a brilliant servant to us, but he’s finished second in a Galway Hurdle, second in a Ryanair Chase and he’s been second in a load of other Grade Ones - he just can’t seem to get his head in front. “We’ve nothing solid planned for him, but we’re thinking we might run in a winners-of-two Flat race at Killarney at the end of the month. “He needs to have that third run on the Flat before he gets a mark in England and we’re thinking we might aim him at the Cesarewitch at Newmarket, but that’s just an idea at this stage. “He might not be good enough, but we’ll see. “We’ll take him to Killarney, all going well, see how he gets on there and then make a plan.” •

September 2016

NEWS IRISH RACING

DON COSSACK CONVALESCING WELL Gordon Elliott plans to give Don Cossack just one run before he defends his Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup crown next March - as long as the star chaser shows sufficient progress from injury. The nine-year-old is well on the road to recovery from a tendon problem, but Elliott reiterated that the six-times Grade One scorer would be retired if it looks as though he might not reach the heights to which he has grown accustomed. “He scanned OK a few weeks ago,” the County Meath handler told At The Races. “I think he could be back within a month, then he’ll start on roadwork. “He’ll probably do eight weeks of that, get rescanned and if everything is OK we’ll start back with him then - but everything will have to be 110 per cent. “It’ll be day by day. If he stays OK, he’ll be back and if he doesn’t, he’ll have a happy retirement. “If the horse is 110 per cent the plan would be to have one run - I’m not sure where yet - and then the Gold Cup, but if he’s not 110 per cent he’ll be retired. “He doesn’t owe us anything.”

ARCTIC FIRE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS FROM INJURY Owner Nick Peacock reports Arctic Fire to be in rude health as the Grade One-winning hurdler nears a return to training.

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The seven-year-old enjoyed his best campaign to date last season, winning the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan and the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse to break his Grade One duck. He disappointed when stepped up to three miles over Christmas, but chased home esteemed stable companion Faugheen in the Irish Champion Hurdle to set up a return to the Cheltenham Festival. However, just days after Faugheen was ruled out of the two-mile showpiece, Arctic Fire was found to have chipped a bone in his leg and he too missed the rest of the season.

Peacock said: “He appears to be in very good shape, thankfully. “We’ll have to see what his legs are like when he starts working again, but I know he looks a million dollars at the moment and is bossing the other horses around in the paddock. “He certainly doesn’t seem to be in any discomfort, so fingers crossed.”

SEA OF GRACE WINS THRILLING BATTLE IN THE FLAME OF TARA STAKES Sea Of Grace put John Oxx back in the limelight as she won a ding-dong battle with old rival Eziyra, to land the Group 3 Flame Of Tara European Breeders Fund Stakes at the Curragh. Settling down, Legitimus went into the lead from Bound and Madame Cherie, with Eziyra sitting fourth. Bound came to join Legitimus at the three furlong pole as Eziyra began to make ground to the outside and the O’Brien filly quickly dropped away as Eziyra went on. •

September 2016

IRISH RACING NEWS However, Sea Of Grace came to pass Eziyra and looked to be travelling much the better at the furlong pole. Eziyra fought back tenaciously and put her head back in front with perhaps 100 yards to race and looked booked for victory. But Sea Of Grace was not yet done and responded well to Declan McDonogh’s efforts, edging back into a narrow lead on the line. The front two drew well clear of Butterflies who stayed on in third. Sea Of Grace was giving John Oxx a big race triumph and this daughter of Born To Sea, had beaten Eziyra when the two met at Tipperary in early July.

As Skiffle threw down her challenge Somehow sprouted wings and shot away under Seamie Heffernan, turning the final furlong into a procession and passing the post eight lengths clear. Epsom Icon stayed on for second, ahead of the disappointing Skiffle, who had no answer to Somehow’s turn of foot.

CARAVAGGIO SETBACK COULD RULE HIM OUT FOR REST OF THE YEAR

Sea Of Grace beats Eziyra © www.healyracing.ie

SOMEHOW BLOWS AWAY RIVALS IN SNOW FAIRY FILLIES STAKES Somehow could not have been more impressive as the runaway winner of the Group 3 Snow Fairy Fillies Stakes at the Curragh. Duchess Andorra led Planchart and Adool, with Epsom Icon to the inside as the field reached the top of the hill and headed towards the home turn. The order remained the same straightening up, with Duchess Andorra coming under pressure at the two furlong pole, where Somehow and Skiffle made their move and quickly changed the face of this contest. course-specialist.co.uk

Aidan O’Brien has announced that Caravaggio has suffered a small setback and might not be ready to contest next month’s Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. The Ballydoyle trainer indicated that if he doesn’t make Newmarket, there is a good chance that Group 1 winning colt’s season will be over. “Caravaggio had a little bit of a setback about ten days ago. He just tweaked a muscle in his ribcage. He’s fine now but whether he’d make the Middle Park or not, we’re not sure,” the trainer said. “I would imagine if he doesn’t make the Middle Park he mightn’t run anymore this year. “Originally we were thinking of going to the Middle Park and maybe going to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on the dirt with him. But obviously if he’s not ready in time for the Middle Park he wouldn’t do the rest and would probably finish off for the year if that was the case,” he added. Caravaggio has been an outstanding colt so far this season, winning the Group 2 Coventry Stakes in tremendous style, before adding the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh earlier this month. •

September 2016

NEWS IRISH RACING

INTELLIGENCE CROSS OUTCLASSES RIVALS IN THE ROUND TOWER STAKES Intelligence Cross proved far too good for his rivals as he bound away for an impressive victory in the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh. At the two furlong pole Velveteen came under pressure from De Boss Man but it was Intelligence Cross, racing on the stands side, who lengthened well and cleared away most impressively in the final furlong. At the line, the Seamie Heffernan ridden colt was perhaps four lengths clear of Holy Cat who stayed on for second, ahead of De Boss Man.

POPULAR CHASER RUBI LIGHT RETIRED Grade One-winning chaser Rubi Light has been retired, trainer Robbie Hennessy has announced. The 11-year-old has been a stalwart of the jumping scene in Ireland and enjoyed his finest hour when winning the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase in 2011. He also claimed back-to-back runnings of the Grade Two Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park. He won eight races in total in Ireland, and among his placed efforts was a third to Albertas Run and Kalahari King in the 2011 Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

HORSE RACING IRELAND ANNOUNCES ENHANCEMENTS TO NATIONAL HUNT PATTERN FOR 2016/17 SEASON Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has announced a number of enhancements to the Irish National Hunt Pattern race programme for the 2016/17 season in addition to the improvements to the Mares National Hunt Pattern previously released.

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Following a strategic review by HRI’s National Hunt Pattern Committee comprising representatives of all sectors of the industry, it was agreed to upgrade 12 Handicaps (with one being deleted from the Pattern), whilst at the same time downgrading 12 Weight-For-Age races. From 1st January, 2017 there will only be two categories of National Hunt Black Type Handicaps, Grade A and Grade B, with all Grade C races either being promoted to Grade B or being deleted from the Pattern if their upgrading is not merited based upon the historical ratings of the races. Having two categories, with minimum values of €100,000 and €50,000 respectively, will mirror the situation with Premier Handicaps on the Flat. The 2m Handicap Hurdles at both Fairyhouse’s Winter and Easter Festivals will be promoted to Grade A in recognition of the high historical quality of these contests, bringing the total number of €100,000+ Handicap Hurdles to five during the season. The Leinster National provides a welllocated opportunity for three-mile chasers and will be the first Grade A Handicap to be staged at Naas. Additionally, nine Grade C Handicaps have been promoted to Grade B status, which will significantly enhance the number of opportunities for smaller owners and trainers to compete for sizeable pots throughout the season, with these races now being worth at least €50,000. At the same time, it has been agreed to strategically downgrade 12 Black Type WeightFor-Age (WFA) races, 10 from Grade 2 to Grade 3, and two races from Grade 3 to Listed, in an attempt to provide a more balanced overall shape to the Pattern and to improve competitiveness. These downgraded races will all retain their previous prize-money values, but the lower grades and the resultant penalty structure changes will hopefully encourage more horses to participate in these contests, thereby increasing field sizes and competitiveness. Overall, there will now be 34 Grade 1 WFA races (as in 2015/16), 30 Grade 2 races (down from 40), 38 Grade 3 races (up from 28) and 19 Listed races (up from 14). A full list of the latest National Hunt Pattern race changes is provided on the next page. •

September 2016

IRISH RACING NEWS UPGRADED FROM GRADE B TO A Date Racecourse Race Title

Conditions

12 Mar 2017

3m Handicap Chase

4 Dec 2016

Fairyhouse

New Stand

18 Apr 2017

Fairyhouse

Glasscarn

th th

Naas

2m Handicap Hurdle

Leinster National

2m Handicap Hurdle

UPGRADED FROM GRADE C TO B Date

Racecourse

Race Title

Conditions

Proudstown

2m 7f Handicap Hurdle

20th Aug 2016

Killarney

Lough Leane

3 Dec 2016

Fairyhouse

Porterstown

3m5f Handicap Chase

5 Feb 2017

Punchestown

National Trial

3½m Handicap Chase

27 Nov 2016 th

10 Dec 2016 th

19 Mar 2017 th

16 Apr 2017 th

27 April 2017 th

28 April 2017 th

Navan Navan Navan Cork

Punchestown Punchestown

2½m Handicap Chase

Foxrock

2½m Handicap Chase

EBF Novice Series Final Easter

Ballymore

Glencarraig Lady EBF

3m Novice Handicap Chase 2m 3f Handicap Hurdle 3m Handicap Hurdle

2m 5f Mares Handicap Chase

DOWNGRADED FROM BLACK TYPE (GRADE C) STATUS Date

20 Nov 2016 th

Racecourse Cork

Race Title

Conditions

Blackwater

2½m Handicap Hurdle

DOWNGRADED FROM GRADE 2 TO GRADE 3 Date

Racecourse

Race Title

Conditions

Kinloch Brae

2½m Chase

27 Nov 2016

Navan

Monksfield

22 Jan 2017

Leopardstown

Killiney

2½m Novice Chase

18th Feb 2017

Gowran Park

Red Mills Trial

2m Hurdle

19 Jan 2017 th

28 Jan 2017 th

19 Feb 2017 th

Thurles Naas

Navan

2½m Novice Hurdle

Woodlands

3m Novice Chase

Flyingbolt

2m 1f Novice Chase

22 Feb 2017

Thurles

Michael Purcell Memorial

2½m Novice Hurdle

26 Feb 2017

Naas

Newlands

2m Chase

25 Feb 2017 th th

6 Apr 2017 th

Fairyhouse Limerick

Bobbyjo

Hugh McMahon Memorial

3m1f Chase

3m Novice Chase

DOWNGRADED FROM GRADE 3 TO LISTED Date

9 Oct 2016 th

6th Nov 2016

Racecourse

Limerick Cork

Race Title

Conditions

EBF

3m Novice Hurdle

Greenmount Park

2m 5f Novice Hurdle

AMENDED DATES/CONDITIONS Date

3 Aug 2017 rd

13 Oct 2016 th

Racecourse

Galway

Punchestown

Race Title

Ballybrit (from 6th Sep 2016)

Carvill’s Hill (Grade 3 WFA Chase)

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September 2016

Conditions

2m 2f Grade 3 Novice Chase 3m 1f from 2m 7f

27 29

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NEWS FRENCH RACING

GROUP 1 SUCCESS FOR RIBCHESTER IN THE PRIX JACQUES LE MAROIS Ribchester gloriously vindicated Richard Fahey’s confidence as he won the Group 1 Prix du Haras de Fresnay-Le-Buffard Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville. Eleven horses lined up for one of Europe’s most important mile races of the year. Arod broke well but it was Galileo Gold who went on through the early stages. Galileo Gold raced freely and towed the field along from Grand Vintage and Arod, with Ribchester tracking him and Vadamos travelling well to the far side. Arod went on from Galileo Gold at the halfway point but the pair came under pressure as Vadamos improved. Galileo Gold lasted longer than Arod, but

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quickly weakened and Vadamos soon took over and was joined by Ribchester, who travelled powerfully. Inside the final furlong the race revolved around this pair and it was the three year old Ribchester, who answered William Buick’s calls, to land the spoils by about half a length. Spectre ran on well against the far rail for third, with Everdya fourth, just ahead of Dicton. Ribchester and William Buick had both incurred the wrath of the French Stewards this year, with the horse thrown out for interference in the Prix Djebel in April, while Buick suffered a long suspension following the Prix de Diane. Ribchester, a son of Iffraaj, had run third to Galileo Gold in the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas, before landing the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. He was making the best progress at the end of the Group 1 Sussex Stakes last time out, when just behind Galileo Gold in third place. Deauville saw Ribchester finally gain a welldeserved first Group 1. •

September 2016

FRENCH RACING NEWS

SIGNS OF BLESSING WINS A DRAMATIC PRIX MAURICE DE GHEEST

ALMANZOR WELL ON TOP AT DEAUVILLE Almanzor confirmed Prix du Jockey Club form in no uncertain terms as he quickene really well late on to win the Group 2 Prix Guillaume d’Ornano – Haras du Logis Saint-Germain at Deauville in authoritative style. This was another sumptuous contest on paper, over 10 furlongs and featuring the Prix du Jockey Club first and second Almanzor and Zarak, and the top class juvenile Ultra. Royal Artillery took the field along from Lamarck with the big guns biding their time. Turning into the straight, Royal Artillery kept up the gallop with Hesham making ground. However, next to the stands rail, Zarak powered into the lead, but his Chantilly conqueror Almanzor travelled well in behind. When Jean-Bernard Eyquem asked his mount for his effort, Almanzor picked up really well and eased clear inside the final furlong with a superb turn of foot. Royal Artillery stayed on well for third and was beaten by two very smart colts. The Jean-Claude Rouget trained Almanzor was completing a hat-trick of wins and the son of Wootton Bassett looks booked for a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe bid in the autumn, although he has yet to race at 12 furlongs. course-specialist.co.uk

Signs Of Blessing was in dominant form as he made virtually all of the running to land a dramatic renewal of the Group 1 Larc Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, a race marred by the fall of Gold-Fun inside the final furlong. With Mobsta a non-runner, a field of 15 linedup for the big sprint of the Deauville Festival. There was drama at the start as Jimmy Two Times charged the gate and he, Suedois and Love Spirit all broke from the stalls, causing a major delay, as all horses had to be unloaded. Gifted Master had been upset before loading on the first occasion and was fractious once again, having the blinds administered as the stalls handlers loaded him a second time. At the break Gifted Master and The Right Man broke well but Signs Of Blessing soon took it up down the centre of the course, tracked by Gordon Lord Byron and Suedois towards the outside. Signs Of Blessing and Gordon Lord Byron continued to lead and at the two furlong pole the leader was still travelling strongly, kicking clear. Inside the last furlong Signs Of Blessing and Stephane Pasquier stormed three lengths clear, while in behind, Gold-Fun, the Hong Kong star, suffered a horrible fall. Signs Of Blessing kept up the gallop though and passed the post a clear cut winner with Donjuantriumphant running a cracking race to come through for second, ahead of Jimmy Two Times third and Suedois fourth, with Dutch Connection on their heels staying on in fifth place. The Francois Rohaut trained 5 year old Signs Of Blessing had served notice on his talent when running a close third to Twilight Son in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, but this was a step up on that effort, as he dictated affairs from the start to the finish.

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September 2016

NEWS FRENCH RACING

LADY AURELIA CLAIMS PRIX MORNY Lady Aurelia made a triumphant return to Europe but was far less impressive as she made all in the Group 1 Darley Prix Morny at Deauville. Just the five horses lined up but this was a small but select group of juveniles, contesting the big six furlong test of the summer in France. Lady Aurelia was soon in front and set a strong pace from Tis Marvellous, leading by a couple of lengths. Racing to the two furlong pole and Lady Aurelia came under pressure but with Frankie putting pressure on her, she responded well and lengthened, drawing three lengths clear. However, in the final 50 yards she started to come back to her field and Alrahma and Peace Envoy finished with a rattled to eat into the deficit. At the line it got pretty close, but the Wes Ward trained American filly came home about ¾ of a length clear of Alrahma, with Peace Envoy a close third and Al Johrah right on their heels. Lady Aurelia did not seem to stride out as well as she had at Royal Ascot and Al Johrah finished much closer to her than had been the case in the Queen Mary Stakes.

SPEEDY BOARDING BRINGS GROUP 1 GLORY FOR FANSHAWE AND TYLICKI Speedy Boarding came with a strong run in the home straight to claim a first Group 1 win in the Darley Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville. This 1 ¼ mile contest for older fillies and mares saw a field of ten runners. Ame Bleu was quick from the stalls and shared the early lead with Sayana, with Bocca Baciata racing out wider. Settling down and the Aga Khan filly Sayana led but the pace was far from testing, with Bocca Baciata in second and Ame Bleu third to the inside rail, with Speedy Boarding and Steip Amach next.

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Bocca Baciata and Colm O’Donoghue went on as the field reached halfway and moved into a lead of 1 ½ lengths as the field turned for home. However, she quickly faded and Ame Bleu and Speedy Boarding came through to contest the finish, with the Frederik Tylicki ridden filly showing the better turn of foot. At the line Speedy Boarding was a couple of clears clear of Ame Bleu, with Steip Amach third and Sea Front fourth. The James Fanshawe trained 4 year old Speedy Boarding was winning her first Group 1, but had been successful in the Group 2 Prix Corrida at Saint-Cloud earlier in the year. The daughter of Shamardal was giving her trainer a second victory in this race, following the 2014 success of Ribbons.

NEW BAY BACK IN BUSINESS AT DEAUVILLE New Bay’s return to action proved relatively straight forward as he beat inferior rivals in the Group 3 Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey Club over 10 furlongs at Deauville. Just five older horses lined up for this contest, with all eyes on last year’s Prix du Jockey Club winner New Bay, who was having his first start since disappointing in heavy ground in the Prix d’Ispahan in late May. Arthenus soon went into the lead from New Bay and Brisanto, with Garlingari fourth and Royal Dolois, who had been awkward leaving the stalls, settled in fourth. Up front Arthenus and Pierre-Charles Boudot set the pace from Brisanto and New Bay and that was the order as the quintet rounded the home turn and headed down the straight. Arthenus was soon challenged to the outside by New Bay who went a couple of lengths up, with Arthenus plugging on but unable to make any impression. At the line New Bay was comfortably clear for a confidence-boosting victory, with Arthenus beating Garlingari for second spot. •

September 2016

FRENCH RACING NEWS The Andre Fabre trained 4 year old New Bay won four straight last year before finishing third to Golden Horn and Flintshire in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The Group 2 Prix Foy would appear a probable target next, en route to another crack at Europe’s premier middle distance championship in October.

Ventura Storm, a Richard Hannon trained son of Zoffany, had twice won at Listed level this year, most recently landing the Glasgow Stakes at Hamilton Park, but this was a first victory at Group level. Ventura Storm’s victory completed a super afternoon for Middleham Park Racing, who had seen Donjuan Triumphant run a screamer to claim second place in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest earlier on the card.

SOLOW TO WAIT FOR 2017 CAMPAIGN

GLORY FOR VENTURA STORM IN DEAUVILLE GROUP 3 Ventura Storm was much too good as he routed his rivals in the Group 3 Prix de Reux at Deauvillen. As the gates opened, Ventura Storm went straight into a share of the lead with the previously unbeaten Cohesion and this pair dictated the running for much of the race, tracked by Big Blue. As the field headed towards the end of the back straight, Ventura Storm went on from Cohesion and quickened with three furlongs to race, as Cohesion came under pressure, finding disappointingly little. The runners straightened up for home and Ventura Storm kicked well, with Big Blue floundering in behind, as the leader went further away. At the line Ventura Storm and Gregory Benoist were perhaps four lengths clear of Moonshiner who was just ahead of Big Blue and the late finishing Pacific Angel. course-specialist.co.uk

Freddy Head is resigned to the fact Solow will not return to the track this season. The six-year-old has won his last 10 races, five of which have been at the highest level. However, he has not been seen since winning at Chantilly in March having picked up an injury following that run. “I saw him three days ago, he seemed well, the vets are very pleased so we’ll cross our fingers,” Head told At The Races. “We won’t have him this year I think, we’ll try for next year, we won’t race him this year. “We’ll try for Dubai. He’s a great horse and has kept his enthusiasm. “He hasn’t run for five months but he looks like he’s been trained all the time, he doesn’t put on weight and keeps the muscle.”

TOP CLASS MARE ESOTERIQUE RETIRED It has been announced that the three-time Group 1 winning mare Esoterique has been retired. The Andre Fabre trained six year old made her mark in Britain when landing the 2014 Dahlia Stakes from future Group 1 winner Integral. In August of that year she landed her first Group 1 victory when coming with a withering run from last to first to beat 1,000 Guineas winner Miss France in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville. •

September 2016

NEWS FRENCH RACING

FABRE IN NO RUSH WITH USHERETTE Andre Fabre is in no rush to get Usherette back on the track after her disappointing run in the Falmouth Stakes. A winner of six of her eight outings to date, she went to Newmarket a hot favourite after a comfortable success at Royal Ascot. However, she trailed in sixth of the seven runners and has been given a break.

Esoterique beats Integral in the 2014 Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket

In 2015 she twice went close to further Group 1 victories when pushing Solow all the way before finishing a length second in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and when dropping sharply down in trip and finishing and excellent ½ a length second to the outstanding sprinter Muhaarar in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville. Esoterique was in her pomp in the summer of 2015 and further Group 1 glory at Deauville was just around the corner, as she won a typically strong renewal of the Prix Jacques Le Marois, settling matters with a 1 ½ length defeat of Territories. Two months later she returned to Newmarket and won the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes by ½ a length from old rival Integral. However, defeats followed at the Breeders’ Cup and in Hong Kong and she did not reach the same level of form on the racetrack in 2016. Her final start saw her run 3 lengths sixth of 11 behind Ribchester in last weekend’s Prix Jacques Le Marois. A statement on Facebook from Haras De Meautry read: “Esoterique has run her last race and has been retired to Haras de Meautry. She won 3 Group 1 races including the Jacques Le Marois last year and was only just beaten in the Poule d’Essais des Pouliches. Hopefully she will be as successful in her new role as a broodmare.” Esoterique won six races from 22 career starts and over £1.1 million in prize money.

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“She was disappointing at the July meeting having been super impressive at Royal Ascot,” Godolphin’s chief executive John Ferguson told At The Races. “She came home and she wasn’t herself so Andre has taken his time with her. “There’s no rush, I suspect he will ask to keep her in training next year. “She’s a Group One filly and there’s a lot of fun to be had with her, but Andre being the master that he is, he’s in no hurry.”

TRIXIA RETURNS WITH VICTORY AT DEAUVILLE Trixia, such a talented filly last year, returned from a lengthy absence and showed she retains her finishing kick, as she landed the Group 3 Prix de Lieurey at Deauville. •

September 2016

FRENCH RACING NEWS A high class field of 15 fillies lined up for this one mile contest. Light Up Our World was away quickly but soon passed by Surava. Surava took the field along with a two length lead from the English filly, with Kenriya also prominent to the inside. Turning into the home straight, Kenriya had taken the lead from Surava, with Chartreuse looking a threat to the inside, as the field headed down the centre of the track, while Light Up Our World quickly faded. Chartreuse went on racing towards the furlong pole, with Kenriya battling on but unable to close, while Aim To Please on the inside delivered her challenge. However, Chartreuse saw off all of these challenged and looked destined for victory at the furlong marker. But there was a sting in the tail here, as Trixia, a prolific winner as a two year old last year, came with a powerful run late inside the final furlong under Olivier Peslier. The daughter of Siyouni made up a tremendous amount of ground and remarkably got up to catch and pass Chartreuse right on the line. Aim To Please came third, ahead of Midweek, a never nearer fourth. The Alain De Royer-Dupre trained Trixia was having just her second start of the year, having lost her unbeaten record when fourth behind Qemah

in the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte at Chantilly in late April. After such a break, she could well have further improvement to come and looks an interesting filly for the autumn off such a light campaign.

LA CRESSONNIERE PROGRESS TO THE ARC CONTINUES AT DEAUVILLE La Cressonniere added further lustre to her Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe profile with a no-nonsense victory in the Prix de la Nonette at Deauville. This season’s French Guineas and Oaks heroine, trained by the all-conquering Jean-Claude Rouget, stretched her unbeaten record to six races after she readily accounted for stablemate Jemayel in the Group Two over a mile and a quarter. La Cressonniere was not overly extended in the hands of Cristian Demuro as the partnership glided into the clear once another Rouget inmate, Ouezy, had done her job as a pacemaker. Rouget’s fourth representative, Lakalas, finished third. With the David Simcock-trained Chinoiseries a late non-runner, British interests revolved around Nezwaah, from the Roger Varian yard, but the daughter of Dubawi was never a factor in the fiverunner affair.

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September 2016

NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING World Approval quickly folded and it was Mondialiste who stretched out best of all to land a second major North American prize. Kasaqui got second, just ahead of Deauville. The six year old Mondialiste joined O’Meara from France in early 2015 and began his UK career by running second in the Lincoln Handicap. Later last summer he landed the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile Stakes and was second to Tepin in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile. This however will prove the sweetest of victories.

CALIFORNIA CHROME ROMPS TO SENSATIONAL VICTORY IN THE TVG PACIFIC CLASSIC

GLORY FOR MONDIALISTE IN THE ARLINGTON MILLION Mondialiste was a magnificent winner for David O’Meara and Daniel Tudhope, as he got up in a thrilling race for the Grade 1 Arlington Million Stakes XXXIV from Arlington Park. An injury ruled Decorated Knight out of the race, and then Dubai Sky refused to be re-shod, leading to his withdrawal, leaving 11 contenders. The fractious Tryster was last to enter the stalls and at the break, was slow away. World Approval and Take The Stand were away well and the latter went into the lead under Florent Geroux, already winning jockey four times on the day. Take The Stand and World Approval took the first turn and raced down the back ahead of Pumpkin Rumble and Deauville. Racing to the home turn, Take The Stand and World Approval still led, with Deauville moving third and Mondialiste making ground down the wide outside, tracked by Tryster. Take The Stand led into the straight but was soon swamped by a wall of horses and in a terrific race, four were in a line at the furlong pole, with Kasaqui, World Approval, Deauville and Mondialiste all in a driving finish.

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California Chrome was simply sensational as he turned what looked a tough assignment into a stroll in the park with a dominant performance in the Grade 1 TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar. The 2014 Kentucky Derby hero and Victor Espinoza were already in control and three lengths clear at the top of the stretch, with Beholder under pressure.

Into the home straight and California Chrome continued to power along, with Beholder and Gary Stevens unable to make much impression, while Dortmund stayed on ahead of Hoppertunity. But California Chrome was gone beyond recall and extended his lead without Espinoza resorting to the whip. At the line the pair cruised to the line easing down, beating Beholder by five lengths, with a further 2 ¼ lengths back to Dortmund in third. •

September 2016

INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS

SONGBIRD FLIES TO A PERFECT TEN AT SARATOGA Songbird was once again much too good for her rivals as she sauntered to another brilliant and uncontested victory in the Grade 1 Alabama Stakes at Saratoga. A field of seven 3 year old fillies went to post for this 10 furlong contest on the dirt, with all eyes fixed on the outstanding Songbird who was bidding to make it a perfect 10 from 10 in her career. There was an even break but Songbird was soon into her stride and led at the first bend from Go Maggie Go, with Dark Nile third. Racing down the back stretch, Go Maggie Go continued to match strides with Songbird, this pair three lengths ahead of Family Tree and then came Flora Dora. As the pace increased, it was Songbird who set it and all of a sudden the superstar was turning for home four lengths clear and moving further away. Songbird and Mike Smith made their way home to another procession, slamming Going For Broke and Family Tree with another utterly dominant display, with the Saratoga crowd roaring their approval.

SEA CALISI LANDS THE BEVERLY D. STAKES Ex-European horse Sea Calisi proved the class act as she swept late to land the Grade 1 Beverly D. Stakes at Arlington Park. Fourteen fillies and mares lined up for this nine furlong, 110 yard contest with plenty of TransAtlantic challengers. As the start Ballydoyle broke well with Tutti Paesi also well up and heading to the first turn it was Elusive Million who went on from Zipessa and Ballydoyle. Elusive Million took the field down he back from Zipessa and Ballydoyle, with Coolmore close up in fourth. Dramatically Elusive Million dropped quickly course-specialist.co.uk

out of contention and heading to the top of the stretch it was Zipessa clear of Ballydoyle, with Sea Calisi storming down the outside. The race changed quickly as Zipessa faded and Sea Calisi got to the front and comfortably held Al’s Gal to continue the irresistible form of Florent Geroux. Zipessa’s bold effort saw her earn third place, ahead of Tutti Paesi, with the European horses out of luck.

BEACH PATROL JUST DENIES LONG ISLAND SOUND IN THE SECRETARIAT STAKES Beach Patrol confirmed his superiority over Long Island Sound in a protracted home stretch battle for the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes over 1 ¼ miles at Arlington Park. Nine horses went to post here, with Long Island Sound bidding to give trained Aidan O’Brien a third consecutive victory in the race following Adelaide and Highland Reel. Long Island Sound was a little fractious going into the stalls but as the gates opened broke well from the outside. However, it was Scissors And Tape and American Patriot who broke best, with the former leading at the first turn from Long Island Sound and Beach Patrol, and then came One Mean Man. Racing down the back, Scissors And Tape continued to lead Long Island Sound and Beach patrol, with One Mean Man fourth and then American Patriot, trapped to the inside. At the top of the stretch, Long Island Sound went on with Beach Patrol to his outside. This pair settled down to fight out the finish, but Beach Patrol and Florent Geroux always had the upper hand and got up by roughly ¼ of a length from Long Island Sound, with American Patriot staying on for third and then Oscar Nominated. Beach Patrol had finished ahead of Long Island Sound in the Belmont Derby last month and was giving trained Chad Brown a first victory in the Secretariat Stakes and a third winner on the card for Geroux. •

September 2016

NEWS INTERNATIONAL RACING

PROTECTIONIST STILL A FORCE WITH FIRST EUROPEAN GROUP 1 WIN Protectionist claimed the third and most important victory of his second stint with Andreas Wohler when successful in the Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten. The six-year-old won the 2014 Melbourne Cup under Ryan Moore during his first spell with the German trainer, after which he remained in Australia to be trained by Kris Lees. However, following a largely unsuccessful year Down Under, he was sent back Wohler’s stable by owners Australian Bloodstock and it has proved a shrewd decision. Following a comeback win at Dusseldorf in June, Protectionist stepped up in class to land a Group Two at Hamburg. He returned to Group One company for his latest assignment and struck by two and a half lengths from Nightflower under Eduardo Pedroza to secure his first victory at the highest level since his Melbourne Cup heroics.

DA BIG HOSS PROVES BEST IN THE AMERICAN ST. LEGER A closing charge from Clondaw Warrior proved too late as Da Big Hoss made it four wins from his last five starts with victory in the Grade 3 American St. Leger Stakes at Arlington Park. A field of ten horses lined up for this contest run over an unusually long one mile, five furlongs and 100 yards long distance in American racing. As the gates crashed open it was O’Prado Ole who went on from a wide berth and quickly moved across to the inside rail. Settling down and taking the first bend, O’Prado Ole led from two Europeans: Wasir and Billabong, with a yawning gap back to the rest of the field, who were led by Da Big Hoss. That was the order passing the post and turning out with a circuit to race.

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Heading down the back straight, O’Prado Ole led Wasir and Billabong, but the gap had reduced back to Da Big Hoss and with three furlongs to race, the pace increased significantly. Wasir moved into the lead at the top of the straight and turned into the home stretch in front but was passed by Da Big Hoss who went a couple of lengths clear, with Clondaw Warrior staying on from miles back. However, the Irish horse’s late charge was in vain as Da Big Hoss and Florent Geroux kept up the gallop all the way to the line. Clondaw Warrior got up to head German runner Wasir for second, with Montclair back in fourth.

WINX BACK WITH A BANG AT RANDWICK The superstar Australian-trained filly Winx made a winning comeback as she dominated proceedings in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes at Randwick. As Rebel Dane set the pace, Hugh Bowman sat patiently on the outside before giving Winx the office to go on with less than 300 metres to race, with her rivals all flat to the boards. Winx quickly opened up an unassailable lead and passed the post 3 ½ lengths clear of Hartnell, with Rebel Dane staying on for third.

FLINTSHIRE EASES TO HIS SECOND VICTORY SWORD DANCER AT SARATOGA Flintshire proved simply different class to his rivals once again as he dismissed his field with consummate ease in the Grade 1 Longines Sword Dancer Stakes at Saratoga. Six horses lined up in opposition against Flintshire who was a perfect two from two since switching to the stable of Chad Brown, going into this 1 ½ mile turf contest. At the top of the stretch, Inordinate weakened and there was momentarily a concern whether Javier •

September 2016

INTERNATIONAL RACING NEWS A.P. Indian stretched clear inside the final furlong and came home clear of Tamarkuz, in a new course time, for a fifth successive victory.

DISAPPOINTMENT FOR KATIE WALSH IN THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND NATIONAL Castellano would find an opening aboard the dual Arc runner-up. However, the gap came on the inside rail, although not seemingly without some interference from the back-pedalling pace-maker, with Roman Approval suffering. In the meantime, Flintshire skipped away, in a different league to his rivals, winning this race for the second successive year, comfortably from Money Multiplier and Twilight Eclipse, narrowly missing the course record. Earlier on the card Cavorting came with a sustained run down the outside in the home stretch to land the Grade 1 Personal Ensign Stakes to beat Curalina and Forever Unbridled in a tight finish. The Kiaran McLaughlin trained 4 year old daughter of Bernadini was preserving her unbeaten record at Saratoga. There was another tight finish to the Grade 1 Ballerina Stakes where Haveyougoneaway and John Velazquez finished fast and late down the outside to narrowly defeat By The Moon. The Grade 1 King’s Bishop Stakes turned into a one-horse race as Drefong made all the running and romped home in the final stretch. Mike Smith had the Bob Baffert trained son of Gio Ponti in the lead from the gate and moved across to the rail, leading Noholdingback Bear. That horse gave chase in the home stretch but Drefong powered away for an emphatic victory with Economic Model just getting up for second. The Grade 1 Forego Stakes went the way of A.P. Indian who was hugely impressive. Chief Lion and A.P. Indian set the pace but as the field turned for home, the latter went on, with nothing able to close from off the pace. course-specialist.co.uk

Katie Walsh failed in her quest to emulate her brother Ruby as I’ll’ava’alf was brought down in the Australian Grand National. Ruby Walsh won the Ballarat feature aboard Bashboy in 2015 but Katie’s attempt to land the extended two-mile-six-furlong event came to an end when her mount, already beaten, was brought down by Slowpoke Rodriguez at the last fence. Wells, a previous winner of the race in 2014, eventually ran out a 10-length winner of the race. Walsh had also featured as part of an Australia versus Ireland jockeys’ challenge, with the home side securing a comprehensive success.

ARROGATE STAMPS HIMSELF OUTSTANDING WITH TRAVERS STAKES ANNIHILATION Arrogate led home a Bob Baffert one-two as he absolutely annihilated his field in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga. A field of 13 went to post for this 1 ¼ mile contest. Racing down the back stretch, Arrogate went on from American Freedom and Laoban, while Exaggerator raced many lengths behind in last place. Arrogate continued to take the field along from his stable mate American Freedom, with Laoban, Destin and Gun Runner poised. At the top of the stretch Arrogate held a clear lead and powered away with a remarkable run. At the line, Arrogate and Mike Smith smashed the field by 12 lengths from American Freedom, with Gun Runner third and Gift Box fourth in track record time. •

September 2016

FEATURE IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND

In late 2014 it was announced that Leopardstown and the Curragh were to join forces with the launch of an exciting new concept, a weekend crammed with the very best of Irish racing and an event set to attract the finest international equine talent.

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IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND FEATURE

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IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND INTRODUCTION

wo years on and it is fair to say that Longines Irish Champions Weekend has truly caught the imagination and has delivered on its mandate. The amalgamation of big races from the two racecourses has attracted healthy crowds and quickly gained international recognition. The early September date has proved a perfect calendar spot, enabling top class horses a return from summer holidays and the opportunity to compete for huge prize money ahead of further major prizes in the autumn. In 2015, prize-money totalled €4.03 million, and Longines Irish Champions Weekend once again attracted the best of international competition to Leopardstown and the Curragh on the 12th and 13th of September. The Group 1 QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on the opening afternoon saw the John Gosden-trained Epsom Derby hero Golden Horn prevail under Frankie Dettori while the Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger was the feature at the Curragh on the second day and it was won in stunning fashion by Aidan O'Brien’s Order Of St George. Once again, both days of Longines Irish Champions Weekend attracted great crowds with 24,164 in attendance. Other big winners on the track included Legatissimo, the winner of the Group 1 Coolmore Fastnet Rock for David Wachman and County Cork jockey Wayne Lordan and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Minding and Air Force Blue who won the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes and the Group 1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes respectively. Irish Thoroughbred Marketing’s promotion of the Goffs Champions Sale in the Leopardstown parade ring before racing on Saturday certainly paid off with €450,000 being paid for the exciting jumping prospect Edelpour. Three other lots also realised six-figure sums. Over 400 people took part in the Curragh Thoroughbred Trail on Sunday morning before racing, getting a unique behind-the-scenes insight into the operations of some of the world’s most famous trainers and stud farms. Leading trainers taking part included Dermot Weld, Johnny Murtagh, John Oxx, Willie McCreery, Sandra Hughes, James Nash and Michael Halford. The groups also visited The Irish National Stud, Kildangan Stud, the Racing Academy and Centre for Education (RACE), the Irish Farrier School and some of the top equine veterinary practices. After racing at Leopardstown on Saturday, the Irish European Breeders Fund hosted the Irish Champions Dinner in the Intercontinental Hotel in Dublin. Sponsored by Juddmonte and supported by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and Horse Racing Ireland the gala dinner was attended by over 450 guests, including visitors from over 30 countries. The occasion was a celebration of Irish racing and a weekend that continues to showcase what’s best about the thoroughbred industry in Ireland. Longines Irish Champions Weekend is an opportunity for Irish horse racing to showcase its considerable attractions and once again, this year’s meeting is set to create racing history both on and off the track.

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September 2016

INTRODUCTION IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND

ORDER OF EVENTS Leopardstown, September 10th Group 3 KPMG Enterprise Stakes, Distance: 1 ½ miles, Value: €100,000 Group 1 Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes, Distance: 1 mile, Value: €350,000 Group 2 Clipper Logistics Boomerang Stakes, Distance: 1 mile, Value: €200,000 Group 1 QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes, Distance: 1 ¼ miles, Value: €1,250,000 The Curragh, September 11th Group 2 Moyglare “Jewels” Blandford Stakes, Distance: 1 ¼ miles, Value: €200,000 Group 2 Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes, Distance: 5 furlongs, Value: €250,000 Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes, Distance: 7 furlongs, Value: €350,000 Group 1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes, Distance: 7 furlongs, Value: €350,000 Group 1 Palmerstown House Estate Irish St. Leger, Distance: 1 ¾ miles, Value: €400,000 Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sales Stakes, Distance: 6 furlongs, 63 yards, Value: €300,000 For tickets or more information, please visit: www.irishchampionsweekend.ie

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FEATURE TITLE IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND MEMORY LANE

Memory Lane JIM BOLGER RECALLS NEW APPROACH

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TITLEWEEKEND FEATURE MEMORY LANE IRISH CHAMPIONS

he Irish Champion Stakes is the highlight on the opening day of Irish Champions’ Weekend and in its 40 years (first run as the Joe McGrath Memorial Stakes), has produced many outstanding winners. However, unique on a very special roll on honour is the mother and son duo of Park Express and New Approach, who won the race 22 years apart and were both trained by Jim Bolger. As part of the build-up to this year’s Irish Champions’ Weekend, Course-Specialist was hugely privileged to speak with Mr Bolger about the sparkling career of New Approach. The chestnut colt was the result of a mating between 2001 dual Derby winner Galileo and Park Express, who Mr Bolger had trained to win the 1986 Lancashire Oaks, Nassau Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes. “The Burns family at Lodge Park Stud made the match and I bought New Approach at the Goffs Premier Sale,” Mr Bolger says. New Approach had what can fairly be described as an – JIM unconventional upbringing, which perhaps goes some way to explaining some of his quirks. He was the final foal that Park Express produced and by the time he was on the ground, the mare was blind. New Approach wore a bell so that his dam knew where he was and spent his formative months surrounded by cattle rather than horses, developing a strong independent streak. His breeder, Seamus Burns, owner of renowned Lodge Park Stud in Co Kilkenny, once explained: "It was for Park Express's safety. Without sight she could not defend herself against any disagreements among her own species. And cattle are placid, much more so than horses." Along the way, New Approach developed one or two quirks and his antics were readily apparent at Goffs: “At the sales he was going in and out of his stable door at great speed, charging the door, so we knew we would have to deal with that,” Mr Bolger remembers. “I had seen this behaviour before but not to that extent.

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We folded a quarter piece (rug) to about 18 inches wide and put that in the doorway. “He would have a good look at it and then walk in. After about two weeks he was walking in fairly sensibly.” Having been broken in at Coolcullen, the young protégé did not take too long to make his mark at home. “We knew from the word go that he was fairly exuberant and we concentrated on setting him to drop the bridle and take things easy over the first six months. It would have been May of his two year old season before he was working and when the brisk canters began. “He wouldn’t take much work to get fit and was a very clear-winded horse and quickly learned to gallop in a straight line. Most of his work was solo, although not at the beginning; he had to learn to come between horses first.” Another test awaited New Approach as he had to familiarise himself with the starting stalls process. “The first time we went to the stalls we were very careful with him,” says Mr Bolger. “When we asked him to go in the first time he stood still BOLGER and we just left him standing there. We had a suspicion that he might have an issue with the stalls and brought along a hood which was placed on him and he walked in immediately and always wore a hood at the stalls for all of his races. “Apart from his quirks and exuberance he was a very normal horse after that and was never coltish. He was a very nice horse to deal with and had a nice temperament and great constitution.” Another measure was taken to help quell his exuberance at the races, when he acquired a partner, stable mate Metamorphosis, to take him down to the start of each race. New Approach made his racecourse debut a winning one as he beat Lucifer Sam by two lengths in a Curragh maiden in mid-July of 2007. Just under a fortnight later he made it two from two as he won the Group 3 Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown by two lengths from Brazilian Star. Those two promising runs mirrored the same race victories accomplished by Mr Bolger’s Teofilo and when

He wouldn’t take much work to get fit and was a very clear-winded horse.

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IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND MEMORY LANE

New Approach headed to the Group 2 Futurity Stakes at the Curragh in August for his next run, the similarity was glaringly obvious that this was a horse of real substance. The year older Teofilo had gone through his juvenile campaign unbowed in five starts, culminating in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket and the crown of Champion Two Year Old Colt for 2006. However, Teofilo’s victory in the Futurity had been achieved by a head, while New Approach slammed Curtain Call by three lengths. The pattern of symmetry continued when New Approach lined up for what looked a hot renewal of the Group 1 National Stakes back at the Curragh in September. He faced a field including Myboycharlie, Famous Name and Rio De La Plata, beating the latter by 1 ¾ lengths to establish himself as Ireland’s top two year old colt. The following month he headed to Newmarket for the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes, where his ½ a length defeat of Fast Company and Raven’s Pass confirmed him the Champion Two Year Old of Europe in 2007. It also matched the accomplishments of Teofilo, as Mr Bolger recalls: “New Approach followed exactly the same programme of races as Teofilo and gave us a perfect ten from them. The two horses were very similar. “The plan during the winter was to go for the Guineas and then on to the Derby. He was always a big horse; he was 16 hands as a yearling and didn’t grow a lot over the winter.

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“He got into a great routine in the winter he would go on the treadmill every other day and would then hack canter on the alternate day and spend time in the paddock.” Mr Bolger aimed New Approach straight at the 2,000 Guineas, but he lost his unbeaten record in a thrilling finish by a nose to Henrythenavigator. “Fitness got him beat,” Mr Bolger says. “He wasn’t 100 percent fit and probably had that as an excuse. We had contemplated taking him for an away day at the Curragh but the ground was bad and he missed his intended gallop. Whilst fortune had perhaps not favoured New Approach in the spring, fate played an extraordinary hand in perhaps his greatest triumph at Epsom in early June. “I was supposed to take him out of the Derby and it was my fault he was left in. When the runners came out, he seemed to be very well. “I didn’t say anything for a while and then got the idea that he was very well in himself. I phoned John Ferguson and said I felt he was well enough and I was keen to go. He contacted Sheikh Mohammed and within two to three hours he was given the green light. “He was there because of human error and all I said was 100 percent true. It was wholly fortuitous, but of course the media made it a big issue of it. “He proved fairly difficult for Kevin (Manning) to settle, he got a bump near the start and that set him alight and Kevin had to use his skills to get him to settle.” •

September 2016

TITLE FEATURE

10th & 11th September 2016 leopardstown & the curragh

• 10 GrOUp rACeS • 5 GrOUp 1S • • €4.5 mILLION prIZe-mONeY • 2 rACeCOUrSeS • • 1 WeeKeND •

WeeKeND tICKetS JUSt €35 WeeKeND tICKetS & CUrrAGh thOrOUGhbreD trAIL €50

• September 2016 irishchampionsweekend course-specialist.co.uk www.irishchampionsweekend.ie #LICW16

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IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND MEMORY LANE

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To this day I’m very grateful to John Gosden for the pacemaker and to Rab Havlin, who got it spot on. I don’t think any horse on that day would have caught him barring perhaps Sea Bird! – JIM BOLGER

In the home straight Manning switch New Approach to the inside and with clear daylight, he passed Tartan Bearer for a memorable victory. “We were all tremendously happy afterwards, although the celebrations were not excessive. We were delighted and winning the Derby was up there with the very best races we had won.” The plan after Epsom was to head to the Curragh for the Irish Derby, but once again, fate played its hand. “We were going to go for the Irish Derby, that looked a distinct possibility for him and I didn’t see any horses capable of beating him. But he pulled a muscle in his hip and had to stand in his box for quite a while after because it was a bad tear. “He recuperated back on the treadmill; he had gotten to love that over the winter. He was 80 percent fit before we were brave enough to take him to the gallops.” New Approach was back cantering about a month before his intended next race, the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York. However, the vagaries of the British summer intervened and amid almost unprecedented scenes, the high profile Ebor Festival was abandoned due to severe flooding, with the big race switched to Newmarket the following weekend. In what proved a controversial race, the smart four year old Duke Of Marmalade added the Juddmonte International to his King George victory, with Phoenix Tower second and

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New Approach 3 ¼ lengths back in third. “He ran very well but was not 100 percent fit that day. It did put him spot on for Leopardstown.” With the Juddmonte International Stakes rescheduled and later in the calendar than usual, the gap between that race and the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes was just fifteen days. New Approach took up the running early in the home straight but had to work to repel the challenge of Traffic Guard by ½ a length. “He was a bit idle, he was a bit lazy in that race, but improved leaps and bounds after that run.” Whilst the manner of New Approach’s victory had not been as impressive as many had anticipated, he had won a Group 1 on home soil at both two and three years and had confirmed himself over his injury. His next stop was to be a return to Newmarket’s Champions’ Day, where he had landed the Dewhurst Stakes the previous year. What followed was an absolutely stunning performance and one which banished any lingering doubters of the true capabilities of New Approach. Upton Grey set the pace and New Approach proved scintillating as he took up the running and stormed clear to beat subsequent dual Champion Stakes winner Twice Over by six lengths. •

September 2016

MEMORY LANE IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND “To this day I’m very grateful to John Gosden for the pacemaker and to Rab Havlin, who got it spot on. “I don’t think any horse on that day would have caught him barring perhaps Sea Bird!” It was to be the final racecourse appearance of New Approach and a magnificent note on which to bow out. Reflecting on Park Express and New Approach, who both won the Irish Champion Stakes more than two decades apart, Mr Bolger feels mother and son had very different characters: “Park Express was very straight forward and had a wonderful temperament. He was quite different to her, the main difference was he was so exuberant and wanted to get on with it.” Asked of his abiding memories and feelings about New Approach, he says: “Day one, when he won, was very satisfying as we felt he was a very good horse and you don’t like to see them beaten. Then the second race was as good and then National Stakes and then he won the Dewhurst Stakes and became Champion Two Year Old. They were all wonderful days.” New Approach retired to stand at Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket, where he has proved a success, siring the likes of Royal Ascot winners Newfangled and Tha’Ir, Dante Stakes winner and Derby runner-up Libertarian, Oaks winner

Talent and Group 1 Nassau Stakes winner Sultanina. However, his most memorable son to date was trained by Mr Bolger, Dawn Approach. Chestnut, like his father, Dawn Approach went through his two year old season unbeaten, winning the first flat race of the 2012 Irish flat season, taking in the Coventry Stakes, National Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes as he emulated New Approach. He also went one better in the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas the following spring and for good measure added the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes. “Some (of his progeny) can be firey, you have to be careful and keep them settled from day one, but apart from Dawn Approach none I have trained has had similar ability. I haven’t had more than six of them each year and would always like to be sent more. “I am confident there will be more very good ones to come,” he concludes. Jim Bolger has been actively involved in a great fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society, assembling a team of GAA and horse racing stars to take on Davy Russell’s team for a special annual hurling match. To find out more about the fund raising activities and subsequent work undertaken, please visit www.cancer.ie

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“Day one, when he won, was very satisfying as we felt he was a very good horse and you don’t like to see them beaten. Then the second race was as good and then National Stakes and then he won the Dewhurst Stakes and became Champion Two Year Old. They were all wonderful days.” – JIM BOLGER

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IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND BIG RACE HISTORY

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BIG RACE HISTORY IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND

BIG RACE HISTORY Irish Champion Stakes

he Irish Champion Stakes has been a modicum for excellence since its inception in 1976, when the race was inaugurated as the Joe McGrath Memorial Stakes. Originally run at Leopardstown, the race commemorated Joe McGrath, who had passed away a decade earlier, and was the founder of the Irish Hospitals’ Sweepstake as well as a successful racehorse owner in his own right. The 1 mile and 2 furlong race was for some time the only Group 1 race open to older horses in Ireland and has often proved a springboard for other major prizes later in the autumn. It has recently enjoyed a huge injection of status and prize money as one of the main focal points of the exciting Irish Champions’ Weekend, which begins in September 2014. Down the years the race has attracted exceptional talent and its fair share of international contenders, with the very first renewal won by the French colt Malacate, who had won that year’s Irish Derby. The following year (1977), the race was won by English trainer John Dunlop, thanks to North Stoke. In 1978 there was finally an Irish trained winner, as Inkerman, recorded the first of 4 consecutive wins in the race for the master trainer of the time, Dr Vincent O’Brien. A year later the 4 year old Fordham took the spoils and in 1980 Gregorian, who had been placed in the Eclipse Stakes and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes

landed the spoils.

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The 1981 race saw a vintage renewal as the top class miler King’s Lake, under Pat Eddery, gave Dr O’Brien his fourtimer in the race. Denied a clear run in the straight, the 3 year old colt finally burst through impressively to defeat Erin’s Isle, with the Oaks winner Blue Wind and Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Arctique Royale also in a strong field. In 1982 Dr O’Brien’s son maintained the family stranglehold on the Joe McGrath Memorial as his outstanding 3 year old colt Assert – a dual Derby winner and most recently the winner of the Benson and Hedges Gold Cup, routed his rivals, with Kind Of Hush best of the rest. There was drama in the 1983 race when Pat Eddery, on the strongly fancied 3 year old colt Salmon Leap, lost his irons. Salmon Leap led into the home straight pressed by the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Wassl in another top class line-up. However that mighty mare Stanerra, who had already won two Group contests during Royal Ascot week, swept through inside the final furlong under Brian Rouse for a decisive victory. Dr O’Brien had trained some impressive winners of the race during its formative years, but as it transferred to Phoenix Park and was renamed the Phoenix Champion Stakes in 1984, he unleashed a colt who would have a huge bearing on racing for the next quarter of a century. Sadlers Wells had been an unbeaten two year old and had run well when second to his outstanding stable mate El Gran Senor in the 1984 Gladness Stakes. Next time out Sadlers •

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IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND BIG RACE HISTORY Wells won the Irish 2,000 Guineas, before finishing a fine second to Darshaan in the Prix du Jockey Club. Success followed in the Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park and the colt with the big white face then finished a close second to Teenoso in a memorable King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes. This tough son of Northern Dancer then put in a rare disappointing effort to finish only fourth in the Benson and Hedges Gold Cup but travelled to Phoenix Park with a reputation as one of the toughest gunslingers around. The Irish Oaks winner Princess Pati led early on, chased along by Fiery Celt. After half a mile Princess Pati still led but was tracked by Sadlers Wells and the smart filly Desirable. Turning for home Princess Pati had opened up a comfortable lead over Sadlers Wells but with a quarter of a mile to run the colt, under Pat Eddery, had the Oaks winner’s measure and went into the lead. The Budweiser Million winner Tolomeo came with a run along with Sir Henry Cecil’s Adonijah but the last challenge came from the French colt Seattle Song and he and Sadler’s Wells settled down to a terrific last furlong battle. Seattle Song may have been the bigger colt but the bigger heart lay in the street fighter Sadler’s Wells, who found more and forged on again close to home, with Princess Pati back in third. The significance of the Phoenix Champion Stakes as a breeding ground for future stallions was firmly established with Sadler’s Wells, who went on to become the most successful sire of his lifetime and the perfect heir to Northern Dancer’s crown, although curiously he only produced the one winner of this race. In 1985 the tenth renewal of the race went to Luca Cumani’s 4 year old colt Commanche Run. The previous year’s St Leger winner had struck up a formidable partnership with Lester Piggott and pulled off a surprise when beating that great filly Oh So Sharp in the Benson and Hedges Gold Cup at York. He duly followed up in brilliant style at Phoenix Park. Jim Bolger added his name to the roll of honour in 1986 when the classy filly Park Express won at Phoenix Park. Her influence on the race and on the fortunes of Jim Bolger, were far from over but we had to be patient. By 1987 there were few tougher, more popular horses around than the French trained mare Triptych. This brave and consistent campaigner had been battling against the likes of Oh So Sharp, Dancing Brave, Reference Point and Mtoto but by 1987 was starting to rack-up an impressive haul of Group 1 successes and building quite a fan club. Racing with a high head carriage she had already won an Irish 2,000 Guineas and the 1986 Champion Stakes at Newmarket and earlier in 1987

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had added the Prix Ganay, Coronation Cup and most recently the Matchmaker International Stakes at York. She travelled to Ireland with high hopes and showed a brilliant turn of foot to pass Dr O’Brien’s Entitled inside the final furlong. Another outstanding race mare landed the Phoenix Champion Stakes in 1988 as the brilliant grey Indian Skimmer demonstrated her best to defeat Shady Heights, Triptych and Persian Heights in a fabulous renewal. Like Triptych before her, the Phoenix Champion Stakes proved a stepping stone to victory in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket. The year after had another significant winner. Back in 1989, Group 1 success in Germany was not necessarily regarded as a major breakthrough and that year’s Phoenix Champion Stakes proved a major watershed moment for the Michael Jarvis trained Carroll House. The chestnut 4 year old had run well in defeat behind the likes of Indian Skimmer and Nashwan but in Ireland he stepped up a notch, teaming up with jockey Michael Kinane to defeat Citidancer. It proved the perfect preparation for Longchamp and the pair brilliantly landed the Prix De l’Arc de Triomphe a few weeks later. But Carroll House also signalled the emergence of Michael Kinane as a major force in Group 1 races and proved the first of a record 7 winners of the race for this great jockey. His successes came thanks to: Carroll House (1989), Cezanne (1994), Pilsudski (1997), Giant’s Causeway (2000), High Chaparral (2003), Azamour (2004) and Sea the Stars (2009). By the time Carroll House was winning, much of the choicest bloodstock bred in Ireland was making an exodus to British stables thanks to the irresistible allure of oil money. Indian Skimmer had been owned by Sheikh Mohammed when winning in 1988 and in 1990 it was the turn of his brother Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, who saw his Eclipse Stakes winner Elmaamul add the valuable Irish prize. But as the Maktoum family’s influence was rising, the fortunes of Phoenix Park were floundering and the race was moved back to Leopardstown in time for the 1991 running, which took place as the Irish Champion Stakes for the first time. The summer of 1991 was very much dominated by two exceptional 3 year old colts who had already met on Irish soil in the Irish Derby. On that occasion the beautiful chestnut colt Generous, successful at Epsom in the Derby, had comprehensively outpointed his brilliant French Derby rival Suave Dancer. By the time of the Irish Champion Stakes, Generous was on a break having added the King George with a fantastic performance. Suave Dancer returned at Leopardstown on something of a recovery mission, his sky high reputation rather dented by the events of the Curragh. •

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BIG RACE HISTORY IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND

However the real Suave Dancer was back on show with a memorable performance, ruthlessly cutting down his rivals in the home straight to defeat Environment Friend and Stagecraft by 4 lengths despite plotting a wide pathway. A few weeks later at Longchamp, that same devastating finishing kick won Suave Dancer the Arc and comprehensive revenge over Generous. The 1992 renewal hosted another grudge match as the Epsom and Irish Derby winners went head to head once again. Peter Chapple Hyam’s Dr Devious had got the better of the argument at Epsom, beating St Jovite by 2 lengths. However at the Curragh, Jim Bolger’s colt had reversed form with a spectacular display, trouncing his rival by 12 lengths. He was equally impressive in the King George, while Dr Devious disappointed at York in the Juddmonte International. At Leopardstown, the onus was very much on St Jovite to deliver but his redoubtable rival was back to his best and got the better of a terrific scrap to win by a short head, with the pair 9 lengths clear of the rest. In the early 1990s Muhtarram became a popular and regular competitor in many of the big middle distance contests. However when he lined up for the 1993 Irish Champion Stakes, the headline horse was undoubtedly Sir course-specialist.co.uk

Michael Stoute’s colt Opera House, who was expected to routinely win this race before making a serious bid for the Arc. Opera House had already won the Coronation Cup, Eclipse Stakes and King George in a brilliant season. However it was Muhtarram who had the superior finish at Leopardstown to deliver a shock. The following year Muhtarram was back to defend his crown in a stellar field. However Sir Michael Stoute, defeated the previous year with Opera House, was to land the spoils with the Michael Kinane ridden Cezanne, who beat Del Deya, Grand Lodge and Muhtarram. For Cezanne, this was an undoubted highpoint and the horse did not win another race for 4 ½ years. By that time he was very sadly plying his trade in hurdle contests and won a lowly novice hurdle at Huntingdon. The 1995 Flat season left racing fans spoilt for choice with superstar racehorses. This was the year that delivered Celtic Swing, Pennekamp, Lammtarra, Bahri, Ridgewood Pearl, Singspiel and Spectrum, not to mention the burgeoning talents that would develop into Swain and Pilsudski. However another colt would go on to star billing in 1996 and had already made his mark in 1995. That was the Geoff Wragg colt Pentire, who had already beaten Singspiel in the Sandown Classic Trial before winning at Chester and Goodwood •

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IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND BIG RACE HISTORY in recognised Derby trials. He missed the Derby but was successful in the King Edward VII Stakes before playing his part in a brilliant fight with Lammtarra in the King George, just going down by ¼ of a length after a protracted battle. Further success followed as he again defeated Singspiel in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York and Pentire duly beat Freedom Cry in a thrilling Irish Champion Stakes. The following year this brilliant horse won the King George, while Freedom Cry went on to finish ¾ of a length second to Lammtarra in the 1995 Arc. By 1996, it had been a decade since an Irish trained horse had won the Irish Champion Stakes. The exodus of horses had significantly weakened the home challenge. However John Oxx had a race mare of real quality in Timarida, who proved a prolific winner during 1995, landing the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp and the EP Taylor Stakes at Woodbine. She took a while to hit form in 1996 but her season turned around when she won a Group 1 race in Munich and she followed up in the Beverly D Stakes in North America. Her glorious return saw her win a memorable renewal as there was an Irish onetwo with Timarida defeating the Irish Oaks winner Dance Design, with the smart Dante winner Glory Of Dancer third, ahead of Epsom Derby winner Shaamit. As Timarida was winning the Irish Champion Stakes, Sir Michael Stoute’s Pilsudski was just starting to deliver the performances that would define him as a magnificent mature Group 1 horse. By the end of 1996 he had won a Group 1 race in Germany and gone on to Breeders’ Cup success over Singspiel. The following year he beat the Derby winner Benny The Dip and that brilliant filly Bosra Sham in the Eclipse

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Stakes, before running second in an outstanding King George. He returned at Leopardstown and underlined his development with a devastating 4 ½ length demolition of Irish 2,000 Guineas and Derby winner Desert King. Later that season he finished second in the Arc (for the second year running) before winning the Champion Stakes at Newmarket and the Japan Cup to bookmark an outstanding career. In 1998 another of the class of 1995 made his mark in the Irish Champion Stakes. Swain had been a smart 3 year old colt when trained in France by Andre Fabre. Indeed he had won his first 5 races before running 2 ¾ lengths third in Lammtarra’s Arc de Triomphe. Having transferred to the ever-growing Godolphin stable, the 4 year old won the Coronation Cup in 1996 and defeated Pentire in the Prix Foy. A succession of solid placed efforts in the top grade followed over the next couple of years, but Swain made his mark by also winning back-toback King Georges at Ascot. In a memorable Irish Champion Stakes in 1998, he mastered the dual (Newmarket) Champion Stakes heroine Alborada by a length with Champion 2 year old Xaar in third and the Juddmonte International winner One So Wonderful further back. Swain’s first victory for Godolphin signalled the beginning of a golden period for Sheikh Mohammed’s team who would win 4 out of 5 runnings of the Irish Champion Stakes around the turn of the century. In 1999 The magnificent grey 5 year old Daylami was a most brilliant winner. A French 2,000 Guineas winner 2 years earlier when owned by the Aga Khan, Daylami had been purchased by Godolphin and developed into an outstanding middle distance performer. As a 4 year old he won the Tattersalls Gold Cup in Ireland, The Coral Eclipse Stakes in England and the Man O’ War Stakes in North America in a fabulous season. At 5 he seemed better than ever, beating Royal Anthem by ¾ of a length in the Eclipse Stakes before routing his rivals in the King George at Ascot. At that point he appeared nailed on to be England’s leading middle distance horse but then Royal Anthem and Gary Stevens slaughtered their rivals by 9 lengths in a brilliant display in York’s Juddmonte International Stakes. The rematch between the pair was keenly anticipated at Leopardstown, in a contest that also contained the 1998 French and Irish Derby winner Dream Well. However as a contest, the race ceased to be early in the home straight, as Frankie Dettori and Daylami sailed past the tiring Royal Anthem, with Dettori mocking his great rival. The grey horse pulled further and further clear of his toiling rivals, eventually passing the post 9 lengths clear of the filly Dazzling Park. The new Millennium brought a first victory in the Irish •

September 2016

BIG RACE HISTORY IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND Champion Stakes for another trainer who would make a habit of winning this great race over the coming years. Aidan O’Brien was no relative of the great Dr Vincent O’Brien but was offered the opportunity to train at the master’s great Ballydoyle stables by John Magnier and his Coolmore operation. After a hugely successful few years which had yielded the likes of Desert King, King Of Kings and Second Empire, O’Brien had another top class horse to go to war with in 2000, in the shape of the chestnut colt Giant’s Causeway. Unbeaten at 2 years, the colt had won the Gladness Stakes on his return but then lost his unbeaten record in the 27-runner 2,000 Guineas when second to the brilliant King’s Best. He then disappointed behind Bachir when only second in the Irish 2,000 Guineas. However the best was still to come for Giant’s Causeway. At Royal Ascot he battled tenaciously to beat Valentino by a head, with Bachir well behind in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes. He then stepped up to 10 furlongs and narrowly got the better of a colossal battle with the 4 year old Kalanisi in the Eclipse Stakes. Dropped back to a mile Giant’s Causeway won the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood by a narrow ¾ of a length from the French colt Dansili. Giant’s Causeway earned his fourth consecutive Group 1 when he again somehow got back up to beat Kalanisi by a head in another memorable war in the Juddmonte International Stakes. By now, due to the battling manner of his victories, Giant’s Causeway had earned the name “The Iron Horse”. His fifth Group 1 on the trot would set a new record and came in the Irish Champion Stakes, where he had the comparatively comfortable margin of a ½ length victory over Greek Dance, having seen off the threat of Best Of The Bests. This great horse ended his career with 2 narrow defeats at Ascot and then in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, when his jockey lost his whip late on and he was beaten a matter of inches by dual Classic winner Tiznow. Giant’s Causeway went to stud a truly great horse who evoked memories of the battling Sadler’s Wells some 16 years earlier. A year on and Aidan O’Brien arguably had an even greater colt. Galileo became a talking horse in the spring of 2001 and having won his trial went to Epsom a warm order, comprehensively defeating the 2,000 Guineas winner Golan. After a facile success in the Irish Derby, Galileo put in another brilliant effort to beat the top class older horse Fantastic Light by 2 lengths. The rematch came at Leopardstown, where the still unbeaten Galileo was expected to add further victory on what was likely to be his domestic swan song. The pacemaker Ice Dancer led the field into the home straight with a massive lead over Give The Slip, with Fantastic Light just ahead of course-specialist.co.uk

his great rival. Give The Slip would play an important role in this race, for he started to weaken on the home turn, gifting a gap along the inside rail for his fellow Godolphin stable mate Fantastic Light, while Galileo was forced to corner wide, losing ground. As Ice Dancer faded, Fantastic Light surged into the lead with Galileo giving chase and the pair drew a long way clear of the remainder. Throughout the final quarter of a mile Galileo inched closer and closer to Fantastic Light but the Godolphin horse was not for stopping and had gained a decisive first run advantage on the home turn. Try as he might Galileo could not get upside sand go past and Fantastic Light went on to record a memorable revenge. Both colts went on to Belmont Park for the Breeders’ Cup, with Fantastic Light defeating another O’Brien star, the St Leger winner Milan in the Turf, while Galileo failed to handle the dirt and disappointed in the Classic, before embarking on a stellar stud career. Godolphin were successful again in 2002 as another great battle with their Coolmore rivals ensued. This time it was Grandera who got the better of the Eclipse Stakes winner Hawk Wing by a short head in another thriller. 2003 saw an epic renewal. Once again Coolmore were heavily involved, with Aidan O’Brien’s 4 year old High Chaparral, the winner of the 2002 Derby, in the line-up against the hugely progressive Falbrav, who had won the Eclipse Stakes and Juddmonte International. But the field also contained the Irish Derby and King George winner Alamshar and the brilliant Yorkshire Oaks winner Islington. Turning for home the pace-setting France led from Godolphin’s smart 4 year old Moon Ballad, with Alamshar next, just ahead of High Chaparral, while Islington was held up in last place. Moon Ballad hit the front on the turn with Alamshar on the inside and High Chaparral moving closer towards the outer. In behind Islington and Falbrav were poised. Moon Ballad, under extreme pressure, took them to the furlong marker where High Chaparral hit the front narrowly but under challenges from Islington to his outside and Alamshar next to the inside rails. Falbrav meanwhile was trapped in a pocket and finished fast once he finally saw daylight, taking the inside rail. However High Chaparral was not stopping and managed to hold off Islington and whilst Falbrav was closing in the final ½ a furlong, the Derby winner always had enough in hand. Islington would go on to win the Breeders’ Cup Fillies’ and Mares’ Turf, while High Chaparral would memorably dead-heat with Johar in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, with Falbrav just a head back in third place. For High Chaparral, it was his second win in the race and the perfect end to an outstanding career. •

September 2016

IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND BIG RACE HISTORY As Alamshar was finishing his racing career, owner the Aga Khan and trainer John Oxx, were excited about a 2 year old prospect who promised to follow in the footsteps of their Irish Derby winner. Azamour won both starts in 2003, including the Beresford Stakes. He started back in the 2,000 Guineas, running third to Haafhd and then finished a length second to Bachelor Duke in the Irish 2,000 Guineas. At Royal Ascot Azamour was back to his best as he beat Diamond Green to win the St James’s Palace Stakes, his first Group 1 victory of an illustrious career. Azamour was off the track then until the Irish Champion Stakes in September, where the improving 3 year old beat Norse Dancer by ½ a length, in a top class renewal that also included Irish Derby winner Grey Swallow, Arlington Million winner Powerscourt, Champion Stakes winner Rakti and King George winner Doyen. Azamour disappointed at the end of the 2004 season but really hit his stride in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at York in June 2005. He followed that up with a brilliant win in the King George, run at Newbury that year, where he again had Norse Dancer behind, as well as Arc winner Bago, dual Coronation Cup winner Warrsan, Doyen, Grey Swallow and Oaks winner Eswarah. At that point Azamour was unquestionably the best horse in Britain or Ireland and looked set for a glorious autumn. He returned to action in the Irish Champion Stakes after a break and faced a fascinating field containing Derby winner Motivator and his Eclipse Stakes conqueror Oratorio. This was a day when Azamour failed to fire and as Motivator hit the front in the home straight, a host of horses queued up in behind, including Grey Swallow and Ace. Azamour had to weave his way between horses but the danger to Motivator came from his old rival Oratorio, who went on inside the final ½ a furlong to beat the Derby winner narrowly with the mare Alexander Goldrun finishing fast and late in third in a close finish. Oratorio had given Aidan O’Brien his third win in the race and the Ballydoyle trainer unleashed another super star the next year. Dylan Thomas was a huge colt who despite his size, had run a superb race to finish a narrow third to Sir Percy in a driving finish to the Derby. The colt was always likely to improve enormously as he strengthened up and easily disposed of his rivals in the Irish Derby, before disappointing when only fourth to Notnowcato in the Juddmonte International. At Leopardstown he faced Alexander Goldrun, who had been involved in one of the great races when narrowly denied by Ouija Board in the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. Ouija Board had been a dual Oaks winner and had also landed the Breeders’ Cup in an illustrious career and Ed

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Dunlop’s filly was also sent to the Irish Champion Stakes. Ace took the field along with Dylan Thomas in second place ahead of Ouija Board. Leopardstown, a real galloping track, always suited Dylan Thomas and the colt went on early in the home straight, pursued by the magnificent race mare. Ouija Board went past Dylan Thomas but was unable to sprint away and the giant 3 year old colt battled back along the inside rail and inside the final furlong under a vigorous ride from Kieren Fallon, bravely stuck his head back in front. A year later, Dylan Thomas was better than ever and beat Youmzain by 4 lengths with a devastating performance in the King George at Ascot. After finishing a length second to Authorised at York, Dylan Thomas comfortably disposed of 3 year old stable mate Duke Of Marmalade by 1 ½ lengths to become the only dual winner to date of the Irish Champion Stakes. Duke Of Marmalade had been a colt of real promise who became a major force during 2008, winning 5 consecutive Group 1 races, including the King George and culminating in a victory in the Juddmonte International, where he counted Phoenix Tower and the Derby winner New Approach among his victims. New Approach at that point was having a disappointing season, with the Derby his only victory. An unbeaten juvenile in 2007, Jim Bolger’s colt had won all 5 starts including the Dewhurst Stakes. However in the spring of 2008 he was twice mastered by Henrythenavigator in the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas. The son of Galileo also happened to have Park Express – the 1986 Phoenix Champion Stakes winner, as his mum. He was entered for the Epsom Derby but expected to be withdrawn, when the trainer had a very late change of heart and allowed the chestnut to run. New Approach’s class shone through as he came with a late run to beat Tartan Bearer by ½ a length and turnaround his season. That optimism all seemed to disappear after Newmarket, where Duke Of Marmalade was well on top. New Approach sought redemption in the Irish Champion Stakes and duly won, but the manner of victory left few impressed, as Traffic Guard finished late and only just failed to catch the Derby winner, who held on by a diminishing ½ a length. Despite the disappointments, New Approach ended his career with an absolutely stunning 8 length victory in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket, annihilating a field that contained subsequent dual Champion Stakes winner Twice Over. Leopardstown crowds had been spoilt with some truly memorable races and top class horses since the turn of the century but in 2009 that calibre inched up another notch. The 2009 European Flat season belonged to simply one horse, •

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BIG RACE HISTORY IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND

the peerless Sea The Stars. John Oxx’s charge started off with victory in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and then repelled the Ballydoyle masses – headed by Fame And Glory and Rip Van Winkle, to win the Derby at Epsom. In the Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park, Sea The Stars again beat Rip Van Winkle, along with future King George winner Conduit. At York Sea The Stars took on 3 Aidan O’Brien rivals, with the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes winner Mastercraftsman his chief rival. In a tactical race Mastercraftsman pushed on in the York straight and whilst it took a second or two for Sea The Stars’ turbo to kick in, he smoothly moved upsides and past Mastercraftsman with an effortless motion that oozed class. At Leopardstown O’Brien fielded Mastercraftsman again, alongside Fame And Glory who had since won the Irish Derby. But it made no difference as Sea The Stars again laughed at his rivals with a virtuoso performance, hitting the front with a furlong to race and going away from Fame And Glory with perhaps his visually most impressive display to date. It proved the perfect send off and after Sea The Stars had added the Arc de Triomphe with a display that demanded guts, determination and class, his greatness was truly sealed. In 2010 history was made when Workforce became the first horse ever to win the Epsom Derby having tasted defeat in the Dante Stakes. The horse that beat Workforce at York was the Aidan O’Brien colt Cape Blanco, still unbeaten to that point but destined for an unsuccessful attempt at the French Derby rather than Epsom. Having disappointed at Chantilly, Cape Blanco beat Midas Touch by ½ a length in the Irish Derby but he and Workforce were simply blown away by Harbinger’s extraordinary victory in the King George, in course-specialist.co.uk

which Cape Blanco finished a respectful 11 lengths second. After a break Cape Blanco was back in action in the Irish Champion Stakes and taking on his older stable mate Rip Van Winkle, who had proved his well being with a win in the Juddmonte International Stakes last time out. Also in the field was the dual Champion Stakes and Eclipse Stakes winner Twice Over and the popular serial Group winner Famous Name. However Cape Blanco showed a devastating turn of foot to slaughter his rivals here, defeating Rip Van Winkle by 5 ½ lengths in the style of a true champion. Having disappointed in the Arc and in Meydan, the following year Cape Blanco secured a hat-trick of Grade 1 victories in North America before injury saw him retired. The 2011 season saw an exciting new recruit in the Aidan O’Brien stable, in the giant shape of the New Zealand-bred but Australian trained colt So You Think. Back in Australia, So You Think had won back to back Cox Plates and his arrival in Ballydoyle attracted plenty of media interest. After sauntering to a couple of warm-up victories, the 5 year old was beaten ¼ of a length in a controversial finish to the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes by Rewilding, whose jockey received criticism for excessive use of the whip. So You Think went on to Sandown Park and in a thrilling dual, beat the previous year’s Derby winner Workforce by ½ a length in the Eclipse Stakes. He returned in the Irish Champion Stakes where he faced 5 rivals, including the previous year’s Oaks winner Snow Fairy and Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Roderic O’Connor. The latter gave So You Think a lead to about 1 ½ furlongs from home where the big horse swept into the lead but was instantly chased by Snow Fairy. The pair fought out a terrific finish, reminiscent of when Dylan Thomas had beaten Ouija Board, with neither horse giving way. At the line So You Think had 1.2 a length to spare over Snow Fairy, with the gallant Famous Name some way back in third. So You Think then ran fourth to Danedream in the 2011 Arc and was ¾ of a length second to Cirrus Des Aigles as the Champion Stakes was controversially moved to Ascot from Newmarket. Who knows whether the outcome may have been different had the race taken place at its traditional Rowley Mile home, where a galloping horse like So You Think may have appreciated the course a lot more? In 2012 So You Think landed the Tattersalls Gold Cup and he did finally win at Ascot as he landed the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes by 2 ¼ lengths from Carlton House before an injury ended his racing career and he went to stud. Snow Fairy was back at Leopardstown in 2012 and by that point had become a global superstar. As a 3 year old she had come from relative obscurity and a mile back in the •

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IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND BIG RACE HISTORY

race, to win the Oaks at Epsom, before following up with victory in the Irish equivalent. She ended a brilliant 3 year old career with victory in a Grade 1 contest in Japan and then won the Hong Kong Cup. As a 4 year old, having been defeated by So You Think, Snow Fairy had run 5 ¼ lengths third to Danedream in the Arc and had then finished third in that controversial Champion Stakes before again winning in Japan. As a 5 year old Snow Fairy had an injury hit campaign, only reappearing at Deauville in mid-August, when she dead-heated with Izzi Top in a Group 1. She then travelled to Ireland and took on a great line-up that included the King George and Eclipse Stakes winner Nathaniel and the dual Coronation Cup winner St Nicholas Abbey. But Snow Fairy and Frankie Dettori were in no mood to settle for second this year. Daddy Long Legs set a furious gallop and was followed by Nathaniel, who had a few lengths advantage over his perceived main rivals. With 2 furlongs to race Nathaniel went on but gradually Snow Fairy cut his lead down, while St Nicholas Abbey was unable to quicken with the mare. By the furlong pole Snow Fairy had mown down Nathaniel

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and had gone into the lead and the 4 year old colt had no more to give. Sadly injury meant that Snow Fairy didn’t race again and the Irish Champion Stakes proved a fitting swan song for a marvellous 3 years. St Nicholas Abbey went on to brilliantly win the Breeders’ Cup Turf a few weeks later and the following June won a third consecutive Coronation Cup at Epsom, before tragically breaking a leg on the gallops. The 2013 Irish Champion Stakes featured another magnificent older English trained filly. John Gosden’s 4 year old filly The Fugue had proved a classy, if sometimes frustrating performer at Group 1 level. A smart 3 year old, she had finished fourth in the 1,000 Guineas and then placed in the Oaks and Ribblesdale Stakes, before winning the Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. A succession of placed efforts ensued, most notably when she had been boxed in before finishing fast to snatch third place at the 2012 Breeders’ Cup. The Fugue had a belated reappearance when third in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes behind Al Kazeem in June 2013 and was a sick horse when she ran down the field behind the same horse in the Eclipse Stakes. After a break she was back to •

September 2016

BIG RACE HISTORY IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND her brilliant best as she defeated Venus De Milo an easy Fugue, joined issue. Inside the final furlong ThebyFugue and4 lengths the Yorkshire Oaks. stop could was Leopardstown, WilliaminBuick asserted and AlNext Kazeem give no more, where she face Aldefeat Kazeem, Derbyfilly. winner Trading yielding towould a 1 ¼ length by aIrish top class A few weeks Leather, Stakes winner Hall andCup the later Theformer FugueDewhurst was narrowly beaten in Parish the Breeders’ former class unbeaten juvenile Kingsbarns, who hadKong been Turf by top Magician and was again a close second in Hong injured and of wasthe making his seasonal It didn’t takequite long at the end year. She returneddebut. in 2014 and was before lost revenge his action was virtually pulled up. brilliantKingsbarns as she gained onand Magician in the Prince Of Meanwhile up with front,the Trading Leather ledand theEclipse field into the Wales’s Stakes, Arc winner Treve winner straight from his old behind. rival Al Kazeem (they had met in the Mukhadraam further Eclipse at York),another but withthrilling a furlongrace to race, the 3 two year top old 2014and produced between colt treadTurning water asinto Al Kazeem and to his outside The classbegan 3 yeartoolds. the home straight, The Derby Fugue, issue. Inside furlong Thelead. Fugue winner joined Australia came widethe butfinal swept into the In and the William Buickhowever, assertedThe and Grey Al Kazeem give anoFrench more, final furlong Gatsby,could himself yielding to a 1 began ¼ length defeat top class filly. few weeks Derby winner, to eat intoby hisa rival’s lead. In aAdesperately later Fugue was narrowly beaten the Breeders’ tight The finish, The Kevin Ryan trained greyininched into the Cup lead Turf andawas againvictory. a close second in Hong Kong rightby onMagician the line, for famous at the end of theand year.another She returned 2014 and quite A year later EpsominDerby herowas came to brilliant as she gained revenge Magician in in theaPrince Of Leopardstown in the form of on Golden Horn, top class Wales’s with thesuperstar Arc winner andunbeaten Eclipse winner renewal.Stakes, John Gosden’s hadTreve lost his record Mukhadraam further behind. to Arabian Queen at York, and faced a strong challenge from another thrilling race between twoReel, top the 2014 likes produced of Cirrus Des Aigles, Free Eagle, Highland class 3 yearThe olds. Turning into home straight, The Derby Pleascach, Grey Gatsby andthe Found. winner Australia came wide but swept into the lead. In the final furlong however, The Grey Gatsby, himself a French Derby winner, began to eat into his rival’s lead. In a desperately tight finish, The Kevin Ryan trained grey inched into the lead right on the line, for a famous victory. A year later and another Epsom Derby hero came to Leopardstown in the form of Golden Horn, in a top class renewal. John Gosden’s superstar had lost his unbeaten record to Arabian Queen at York, and faced a strong challenge from the likes of Cirrus Des Aigles, Free Eagle, Highland Reel, Pleascach, The Grey Gatsby and Found. In a thrilling but controversial finish, Golden Horn appeared to bump Free Eagle and the latter lost vital momentum, with Golden Horn just holding off the late challenge of Found, to win his third Group 1. Found went on to beat Golden Horn in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, while Golden Horn of course was at his brilliant best to win the Prix Prix de de l’Arc l’Arc de deTriomphe Triomphethe thefollowing followingmonth. month. The Irish hashas a rich history and in 2009 IrishChampion ChampionStakes Stakes a rich history and in became part of theofBreeders’ Cup Cup Challenge series, withwith the 2009 became part the Breeders’ Challenge series, winning gaining automatic entry toentry the Breeders’ Cup Turf.Cup The the winning gaining automatic to the Breeders’ race the Saturday the Irish Champions’ Turf.now Theforms race now forms thehighlight Saturdayofhighlight of the Irish Weekend and with theand winner earning more thanmore a million Champions’ Weekend with the winner earning than euros, it iseuros, sure to continue attract to theattract best horses which in a million it is sure to to continue the best horses turn will enhance excellent which in further turn will furtheritsenhance itsreputation. excellent reputation. course-specialist.co.uk

PAST WINNERS Year 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

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Winner Malacate North Stoke Inkerman Fordham Gregorian Kings Lake Assert Stanerra Sadler's Wells Commanche Run Park Express Triptych Indian Skimmer Carroll House Elmaamul Suave Dancer Dr Devious Muhtarram Cézanne Pentire Timarida Pilsudski Swain Daylami Giant's Causeway Fantastic Light Grandera High Chaparral Azamour Oratorio Dylan Thomas Dylan Thomas New Approach Sea the Stars Cape Blanco So You Think Snow Fairy The Fugue The Grey Gatsby Golden Horn

September 2016

Age 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 5 3 4 3 5 4 4 3 3 3 4 5 3 4 5 6 5 3 5 4 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 5 5 4 3 3

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FEATURE ST LEGER FESTIVAL

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ST LEGER FESTIVAL FEATURE

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September 2016

FEATURE ST LEGER TITLE FESTIVAL

arly September sees Doncaster Racecourse stage the final Classic of the 2016 flat season in Britain, the Ladbrokes St Leger. This four-day extravaganza, running from Wednesday, September 7th to Saturday, September 10th, covers the whole gamut of flat racing, from competitive handicaps to fascinating two year old maiden races, Classics, top stayers and crack milers to potentially Group 1 juveniles. The world’s oldest Classic is of course the centre piece and at the time of writing, it looks like the dual Derby placed Idaho is making the journey to Town Moor from the stables of Aidan O’Brien, following his victory in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York in August.

WEDNESDAY 7

SEPTEMBER

The Festival kicks off with a bang when retired celebrities of the saddle dust off their breeches and return to action in the feature event competing in the charity race, a contest run on the straight mile. First run in 2010, the race has grown rapidly in stature whilst capturing the attentions of the national racing media.

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The likes of Mick Kinane - rider of one of the greatest horses seen in recent memory - Sea The Stars; and the most successful lady jockey of all time, the USA's Julie Krone, have both lifted the Leger Legends accolade. In 2015, 20 times National Hunt Champion Jockey and legend of the racing World, Sir A P McCoy, took the crown. The race will help some great causes - the beneficiaries being two Yorkshire-based charities - the Northern Racing College in Doncaster and Jack Berry House, a rehabilitation facility for injured jockeys.

THURSDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER DFS Ladies day is the ultimate in glitz and glamour and one of South Yorkshire’s biggest social occasions. Fashionable Ladies from across the region will be upping their efforts to stand out in the style stakes, in a bid to claim the coveted Best Dressed Lady title so make sure you get your best dress and heels at the ready! The big race of the day is the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes run over 1 mile 6 furlongs and 132 yards. It is open to fillies’ and mares’ and often referred to as the Fillies’ St Leger. •

September 2016

TITLE FESTIVAL FEATURE ST LEGER The race is named after Park Hill, an estate formally owned by Anthony St Leger, the founder of Doncaster’s most prestigious race, the St Leger Stakes. Established in 1839, the Park Hill is open to three year olds and older. Past winners include the impressive WILD COCO in 2012 for the late Sir Henry Cecil and star ALLEGRETTO in 2008 who also took the Group One Ascot Gold Cup and Group One Prix Royal Oak the same year. 2015 winner GRETCHEN won impressively in the Normandie Stud silks in the hands of Robert Havlin for trainer John Gosden.

ST LEGER FACTS 1. The St Leger Stakes is the World’s Oldest Classic race and first run in 1776. 2. The most successful jockey was Bill Scott who won the race an impressive 9 victories between 1821 – 1841 3. The St Leger Stakes was devised by Anthony St Leger, an army officer and politician who lived near Doncaster. 4. The Great Voltigeur Stakes run at York Racecourse is classed as the St Leger trials race. 5. Our Silver Patriarch Bar located in the Family Enclosure is named after 1997 St Leger winner Silver Patriarch/ 6. Masked Marvel, winner in 2011, made history with the modern day course record in a time just fractions over 3 minutes 7. Jockey Andrea Atzeni made it two consecutive wins with Kingston Hill in 2014 and Simple Verse in 2015.

FRIDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER The penultimate day of the iconic Festival, now known as Gentlemen’s day, attracts some of the most prestigious racing of the week, with the Doncaster Cup, celebrating its 250th year anniversary, the oldest race currently run under the Rules of Horse Racing, taking centre-stage. The two-and-a-quarter mile Doncaster Cup is one of the premier races for ‘long-distance’ horses and was won in 2015 by Sir Mark Prescott’s Pallasator. Friday also features a duo of top-class races for two-yearold horses with the sprinters bidding for Group 2 glory in the Flying Childers Stakes, while the staying fillies make their mark in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes

SATURDAY 10

SEPTEMBER

The Ladbrokes St Leger Festival’s flagship day brings the four days to a dramatic climax. The biggest day of the week and home to the World’s oldest Classic, the Ladbrokes St Leger Stakes. The showpiece race consistently attracts some of the leading stables across the country and boasts a glittering roll of honour which is littered with some of the most acclaimed horses in history. The British ‘Classics’ are five races known as the most prestigious in the horse racing calendar – the 2000 and 1000 Guineas start the season off at Newmarket, before the Derby and Oaks at Epsom in June. The Doncaster highlight forms the final leg of the Classic British ‘Triple Crown’ – an accolade last claimed in 1970 by Nijinsky. A well-known racing saying states that “The fastest horse wins the Guineas; the luckiest the Derby – and the best horse wins the St Leger.” See the best on Town Moor this September. course-specialist.co.uk

This top class day of racing also features the Group 2 Park Stakes, a seven-furlong contest won in the past by horses of the calibre of 2,000 Guineas winners Tap On Wood and Known Fact. Last year’s race went to subsequent July Cup winner Limato. The Group 2 Champagne Stakes, established in 1823, is an important race in the context of the two year old colts’ season and has been won by outstanding horses in the past including: Grundy, Wollow, Gorytus, Lear Fan, Don’t Forget Me, Warning, Rodrigo De Triano, Alhaarth, Distant Music, Noverre and Toronado. The Portland Handicap is a typical cavalry charge and a race stacked with popular handicap sprinters. It is a race that often has some bearing on the Ayr Gold Cup, run just a week later. Last year’s winner was Steps. For tickets or more information, please visit: http://www. doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/

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FEATURE ST LEGER TITLE FESTIVAL MEMORY LANE

Memory Lane MARK TOMPKINS REMEMBERS ST LEGER HERO BOBS RETURN

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MEMORY LANE ST LEGER FESTIVAL

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We all see things differently and I often get feelings about horses and how they might perform and I just knew looking at him that he would be genuine. – MARK TOMPKINS

he summer of 1993 was a time when racing was very much dominated by the likes of the Al Maktoum family and Prince Khalid Abdullah. Yet despite the exploits of Commander in Chief and Opera House, a magnificent, almost black colt came along who captured the imagination of the racing public and embodied the spirit and glorious uncertainty of racing. Bob’s Return was purchased for a very modest sum and went to Epsom with strong Derby credentials and by season’s end had won the St Leger for proud Yorkshire man Mark Tompkins. Tompkins had already made his name thanks to the success of horses like Cesarewitch winner Private Audition and the top class hurdler Halkopous, but Bob’s Return would take his Newmarket stable to a new level. His association with Bob’s Return came about after a trip to Ireland and two old friends discussing the merits of racehorse ownership, as Tomkins recalls: “Stuart Andrews owned horses that I trained and he also owned the Tudor Gate Hotel in Finedon, Northamptonshire. course-specialist.co.uk

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George Smith dined there regularly and through Stuart, asked if I could buy a race horse as a surprise anniversary present for his wife. “I went to Goffs in Ireland and purchased three or four horses at the time, one of whom was Bob! He had been bred by a German lady and at the time he wasn’t very fashionably bred being by Bob Back, but he had a lovely head, good eye, good walk and legs. “We all see things differently and I often get feelings about horses and how they might perform and I just knew looking at him that he would be genuine. If a horse is genuine they will always give their best and even if they are not very quick, you can usually place them to good effect. In the end I managed to purchase Bob’s Return for about 14,000 punts. “I phoned that night from Ireland and said I had bought several that day - and George picked Bob. He became the first racehorse they had ever owned! He later also got involved with Staunch Friend, who became a top class hurdler, so he was very lucky.” •

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ST LEGER FESTIVAL MEMORY LANE Bob’s Return did not take long to settle into his new Tompkins and Robinson were very much focussed on the St surrounds and a new regime as a racehorse, showing plenty of Leger after Bob’s Return had recorded a quite brilliant victory speed from an early age. He was ready to run by June of 1992 and in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York in August. started out in the GRP Massey Two Year Old Trophy, taking “The horse did not put on a lot of weight over the summer on experienced horses with several previous winners in the field. and was always a nice strong horse throughout his life. After Running fifth in such circumstances was no disgrace Epsom I always wanted to take him to York for the Voltigeur but Bob’s Return came back from Beverley with sore shins, and I have always thought that race is the best Leger trial. The a result of immaturity. Given time off, the colt returned to good galloping tracks were ideal for him.” action at Yarmouth’s big September meeting and ran fourth York underlined Bob’s Return’s outstanding St Leger of sixteen runners to Racing’s Telegraph over 6 furlongs. credentials as he stormed clear to win the Great Voltigeur by That run proved both beneficial and educational for Bob’s six lengths from Foresee. Return and a month later Philip Robinson was returning to “He didn’t need to progress too much from York and there the Winners’ Enclosure after victory in a 21-runner Pontefract were about three weeks between then and the St Leger, so maiden over a mile. Despite it was a case of keeping him the speed he was showing, it ticking over. We gave him a was already clear that Bob’s few days off after York and Return had plenty of stamina then resumed cantering,” says in his locker too. Tompkins. Tompkins gave his young The tell tale signs of Bob’s protégé one more outing in Return’s well being came 1992, stepping the horse up in in a memorable gallop, the trip for the ultimate juvenile Sunday before the St Leger, test in the 10 furlong Zetland as Tompkins remembers with Stakes over Newmarket’s a smile: wide expanses. Bob’s Return “He was never a strong showed plenty of strength and worker at home and my head willingness to beat Bobbie lad at the time, the late Johnny Dee by ¾ of a length, despite Easter (himself a fine National conceding 5 pounds in weight. Hunt jockey) asked if he could It was a lovely way to end a watch the horse gallop. I put – MARK TOMPKINS progressive first campaign and in a lead horse who promptly left connections very hopeful beat Bob’s Return by 3 lengths. for 1993. I remember Johnny saying that “He always showed plenty we simply couldn’t run Bob’s of speed; the good horses Return in the St Leger after always have plenty of speed,” remembers Tompkins. “He working so badly but I knew better – and so did Philip, who wintered well and mentally he was always correct and very came back in enthusing about how well the colt had worked!” straight forward. We took our time with him in the spring St Leger Day duly arrived with soft ground and a and never entered him for the Guineas; we thought he might formidable rival in the shape of Sir Henry Cecil’s chestnut make a Derby or St Leger horse if he was good enough but colt Armiger. By now Bob’s Return had very much earned we were never pressured. his place in the affections of the racing public as one of those “He first ran in the Lingfield Derby Trial and he won that magnificent horses that every now and then breaks through well so we went to Epsom. I remember feeling really pleased into the big time, punching above their weight on breeding with him when he finished sixth but Philip (Robinson) was so and price. disappointed afterwards and said “That’s not him” and walked Whilst Mark Tompkins was a name familiar to race goers, off as if he had just been beaten in a seller!” he had not been associated with too many Group 1 winners Despite the mixed opinions on his Derby effort, both at that stage of his career – and here he was with a horse that

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He didn’t need to progress too much from York and there were about three weeks between then and the St Leger, so it was a case of keeping him ticking over. We gave him a few days off after York and then resumed cantering.

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MEMORY LANE ST LEGER FESTIVAL had justifiably shot to favouritism for the final Classic of the accomplishment for Mr and Mrs Smith, who had won a year, against horses from stables used to competing at the top Classic with their first ever racehorse! table. “The aftermath was good,” recalls Tompkins, “everybody “Looking back on it there wasn’t too much of a threat,” who was anybody descended on the house and there was lots says Tompkins. “He could be a bit keen in his races but at of champagne and wine and beers and I am sure we sent out York he was fine and our main worry was just that he was up for more by 10 o’clock that evening! in trip and we didn’t want to go on too soon. We didn’t have “Everybody was so kind and they knew that it was a dream a specific plan for the race and in any case Philip was a top for a yard like mine at the time.” tactician and understood the horse well.” Bob’s Return remained in fine condition after his As the field turned for home, with that long Doncaster Doncaster escapades and the decision was quickly made to straight ahead of them, Armiger’s white face was already in have a crack at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. front, with Philip Robinson beautifully positioned on his “He ran sixth in the Arc and I remember him hitting the withers in second place, poised to pounce and Azzilfi a close front turning in and shouting “Come on Bob” at the top of third on the inside. my voice. He ran a good race With half a mile to race, there and it is hard for a 3 year Pat Eddery and Armiger old St Leger winner to then go were still free-wheeling along for the Arc.” up front, with Bob’s Return Bob’s Return remained in patiently ridden and travelling training as a 4 year old in 1994, strongly behind him. Already running fourth in the Group 1 the race was developing into a Prix Ganay (to Marildo) on two-horse battle as the rest of his seasonal debut and then the field came under pressure running a fine second (beaten for the first time. just ¼ of a length) to Bobzao However at the 3 furlong in the Hardwicke Stakes. pole Pat Eddery started to “We were trying to win get serious on Armiger and a mile and a quarter or mile Bob’s Return cruised upsides and a half race with him and and past his opponent and he showed great speed when – MARK TOMPKINS smoothly into the lead, with beaten 1 ½ lengths by Ezzoud Philip Robinson barely in the Coral Eclipse Stakes.” moving a muscle. The next After three more races question was how the horse Bob’s Return was retired to would cope with the extra stud and became a National distance he was racing over for Hunt stallion. His trainer saw the first time. a small upturn in owner interest following Bob’s Return’s Bob’s Return continued to build momentum as Philip racing career and just three years later had another top class Robinson kept him up to his work; to his credit, Armiger Classic prospect on his hands in the shape of Even Top, who stuck to his task for a while but the leader was an irresistible was beaten just a short head by Markofdistinction in the 1996 force and by the furlong pole a gap had formed between the 2,000 Guineas and later won the Strensall Stakes at York and two horses and the result appeared a foregone conclusion. finished fourth in the Champion Stakes. That final furlong turned into a glorious procession as Bob’s Mark Tompkins continues to train in Newmarket and Return galloped on resolutely, building an uncontested lead has been chairman of the Newmarket Trainers’ Federation and sailing past the post 3 ½ lengths clear of the gallant since 1997, is on the trainers’ committee of the British Racing Armiger. School and is a trustee of the New Astley Club. For Mark Tompkins it was pure manna, a Yorkshire For more information please visit www.marktompkins. man winning a Classic in Yorkshire! And what a remarkable co.uk

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The aftermath was good, everybody who was anybody descended on the house and there was lots of champagne and wine and beers and I am sure we sent out for more by 10 o’clock that evening!

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September 2016

ST LEGER FESTIVAL BIG RACE HISTORY © Steven Cargill

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September 2016

TITLE FESTIVAL FEATURE BIG RACE HISTORY ST LEGER

BIG RACE HISTORY St Leger Stakes

he world’s oldest Classic horse race takes place at Doncaster each September. The term ‘Heritage Race’ could almost have been invented for a race which was first run in 1776. The St Leger forms the final part of the colts’ and fillies Triple Crown and is open exclusively to 3 year olds, taking place over 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards each September. Because of its standing, some of the all-time greats of Turf history have competed in the St Leger despite its distance, which in modern breeding and parlance is almost considered extreme. The St Leger was originally established by Anthony St Leger, an army officer and politician of the late 18th Century, who lived close to Doncaster. The race was initially referred to as "A Sweepstake of 25 Guineas", and its original distance was two miles. The rules stipulated that colts and geldings were to carry 8 stone and fillies would receive an allowance of 2 pounds. The very first renewal took place at Cantley Common on 24 September 1776 and the event was won by an unnamed filly owned by the event's organiser, the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham. The filly was later named Allabaculia. The race gained its permanent title the St Leger Stakes, during a dinner party held in 1777 to discuss the following year's race. It was suggested that it should be called the Rockingham Stakes in honour of the host, the Marquess of Rockingham, but the Marquess proposed that it should be named instead after Anthony St Leger. The event was moved course-specialist.co.uk

to its present location, Town Moor, in 1778. The 1789 race was awarded to Pewett after the first-placed Zanga was disqualified for jostling. The first really significant winner of the St Leger was Champion, who in 1800 won the younger Epsom Derby before completing the double at Doncaster. Champion was ridden by the legendary Frank Buckle who would win the race for a second time aboard Sancho in 1804. In 1813 the distance of the St Leger was reduced to 1 mile , 6 furlongs and 193 yards and has remained roughly the same since then. Jockey Bill Scott rode the first of his record 9 winners of the St Leger some 8 years later and was successful on: Jack Spigot (1821), Memnon (1825), The Colonel (1828), Rowton (1829), Don John (1838), Charles the Twelfth (1839), Launcelot (1840), Satirist (1841) and Sir Tatton Sykes (1846). Charles the Twelfth’s victory was noteworthy as the horse had dead-heated with Euclid but subsequently beat that horse in a run-off. Then in 1849, the St Leger was won by The Flying Dutchman, a colt who completed the Derby-St Leger double and then later in his career, took part in perhaps the most famous match race of all time. As a 4 year old The Flying Dutchman had been defeated in the Doncaster Cup by that year’s Derby winner Voltigeur but a year later in 1851, the pair memorably had a rematch and it was The Flying Dutchman who famously prevailed this time. •

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Voltigeur also won the St Leger of 1850 but only after dead-heating with Russborough and then beating that horse in a run-off. In 1853, West Australian became the first horse to complete the Triple Crown with victory in the St Leger. It was a feat that the outstanding French colt Gladiateur would repeat in 1865, as he dominated the racing scene. Three years later Formosa became the first to land the Fillies’ Triple Crown which was sealed with a 3 length victory in the St Leger. During this period, trainer John Scott enjoyed an astonishing run of success in the St Leger, setting a tally of winners surely unlikely to ever be broken. The outstanding American-bred colt Iroquis added the 1881 St Leger to his earlier Derby success, having been denied the Triple Crown when finishing second in the 2,000 Guineas. Ormonde, Isinglass and Persimmon were other notable names to figure on the winner’s role for the St Leger as the 19th Century came to a close, with Fred Archer winning the race for a sixth time aboard Ormonde in 1886. Ormonde in fact, sired the last winner of the St Leger in

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the 19th Century, as Flying Fox completed the Triple Crown in 1899. The new Century got under way with a Royal winner as Diamond Jubilee won the 1900 St Leger for HRH Prince of Wales. The new decade saw some vintage winners of the St Leger, some of the truly great names in racing history in a golden period for the race. In 1902 the quite brilliant filly Sceptre, became the only horse in the history of the sport to win 4 English Classics, with victory in the St Leger. This remarkable filly might well have completed the full nap hand but a bruised foot put her Derby participation in doubt and in the end she finished fourth. Just a year later Rock Sand became the tenth winner of the English Triple Crown when he won the St Leger by an easy 4 lengths. Just a year later along came the great Pretty Polly, who duly became the fifth to win the Fillies’ Triple Crown in a glittering career. The following decade was of course dominated by the First World War and a substitute race for the St Leger, called The September Stakes, was established on Newmarket’s •

September 2016

BIG RACE HISTORY ST LEGER FESTIVAL Rowley Mile, over a distance of 1 mile and 6 furlongs. This took place from 1915-1918 and in the first of those years Pommern landed a war-time version of the Triple Crown. In 1917, Gay Crusader repeated the Newmarket treble and both horses were ridden by the great Steve Donoghue. One year later remarkable, Gainsborough also completed the same hat-trick of victories, having won Ascot’s Gold Cup after his Derby success. The race eventually returned to Doncaster and Solario was a notable winner in 1925. In 1933 the diminutive Hyperion, a son of Gainsborough, added the St Leger to earlier victory in the Epsom Derby. Windsor Lad repeated that marvellous double just a year later and then in 1935 Bahram completed the Triple Crown in a glorious unbeaten career. The Second World War broke out in 1939 and the St Leger was cancelled that year before embarking on a tour of racecourses during the following years. In 1940 The Yorkshire St Leger Stakes took place at Thirsk over 1 mile and 7 furlongs and was won by Turkhan. A year later The New St Leger Stakes took place at Manchester over a furlong shorter and went to Sun Castle. From 1942 to 1944 The New St Leger Stakes took place over 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 150 yards on Newmarket’s July Course. The race (and that year’s Triple Crown) went to the brilliant Sun Chariot, a daughter of Hyperion. Another smart filly Herringbone, won the 1,000 Guineas and St Leger at Newmarket the following season. Tehran then won the race in 1944, a fifth St Leger win for Sir Gordon Richards. Then in 1945 the race returned to Yorkshire as York staged The St Leger Stakes over 1 mile and 6 furlongs and was won by Chamossaire. Finally the race returned to Doncaster in 1946 and the Derby winner Airborne completed his Classic double. Tulyar would follow suit in 1952 and also won the Eclipse Stakes and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in a glittering career. A couple of years later, the Derby winner Never Say Die bolted up in the St Leger, winning the race by 12 lengths, a record margin of victory. The following year, 1955, the top class filly Meld completed the Fillies’ Triple Crown with a narrow victory in the St Leger, having survived an objection. IN 1957 Ballymoss became the first Irish trained winner of the St Leger and went on to become an outstanding colt at 4, winning the King George and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The 1960s opened with the new superstar jockey Lester Piggott, winning the first of 8 St Legers aboard the Derby winner St Paddy. In 1962 Hethersett had been favourite for course-specialist.co.uk

the Epsom Derby but had fallen during a horrific pile-up. Later that season he deservedly gained Classic glory in the St Leger to make up for that unfortunate incident at Epsom. Provoke was an easy 10 length winner of the race in 1965 and would not be the first shock winner of the St Leger ridden by Joe Mercer. Then in 1967 and 1968, Lester Piggott rode Ribocco and Ribero to victory for Fulke Johnson Houghton, in the colours of Charles Engelhard, which would very shortly become hugely famous. After Intermezzo had landed the 1969 St Leger came the glorious summer of 1970, dominated by one horse in those green and yellow Charles Engelhard colours. That horse was Nijinsky, who fantastically galloped his way through the 2,000 Guineas, Derby, Irish Derby and King George before a bout of ring worm put his St Leger bid in doubt. Thankfully he recovered in time and Dr Vincent O’Brien saddled the superstar for a workmanlike rather than spectacular victory, to become the first horse for 35 years to achieve the colt’s Triple Crown – and at the time of writing, he remains the last to do so. Despite finishing only fourth in the Derby, Bustino was the top British middle distance 3 year old of 1974 and put that Epsom run behind him to win the Great Voltigeur Stakes and then the St Leger. Like his sire Busted, Bustino improved with age and was the second half of that unforgettable twohorse war for the 1975 King George, narrowly going down to Grundy. After Crow had won the 1976 St Leger, there was a Royal winner in Jubilee Year. Her Majesty The Queen’s Dunfermline had landed the Oaks earlier in the year but faced a formidable rival in the shape of the hitherto unbeaten Dr Vincent O’Brien colt Alleged, who had stormed to victory in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York. As the pacemaker dropped away, Alleged went into the lead with 2 furlongs to race but was joined by Willie Carson on Dunfermline and the pair pulled clear of their rivals, battling all the way to the line, where Dunfermline’s stamina won the day by 1 ½ lengths. Alleged was a great horse and this proved the only defeat of his 10 race career, which included two victories in the Arc. The great Sir Henry Cecil won the first of his 4 St Legers – all achieved in the same decade, in 1980, thanks to Light Cavalry, a colt owned by Jim Joel. Light Cavalry’s main rival was the Major Dick Hern colt Watermill who was unable to match Joe Mercer’s colt. A year later Mercer and Hern teamed up for an unlikely looking challenge in the 1981 St Leger, after stable jockey Willie Carson had been badly injured in a horrific fall at •

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ST LEGER FESTIVAL BIG RACE HISTORY York in August. Mercer was aboard Cut Above, a colt with useful but unspectacular form, who had been well and truly beaten by the imperious St Leger favourite, the dual Derby winner Shergar, in the Irish Derby. In one of the race’s great shocks, Shergar failed to get on terms with the leading trio of Bustomi, Cut Above and Glint Of Gold – and on all known form Shergar easily had the beating of all three. However as the odds-on favourite back pedalled, Cut Above and Joe Mercer came to the front to deny Epsom runner-up Glint of Gold in a memorable race. Another Derby runner-up, Touching Wood, won the 1982 St Leger, before following up in the Irish equivalent soon afterwards. Touching Wood’s victory was significant as it represented the first English Classic success for the Al Maktoum family. In 1983 the St Leger went to that gutsy Oaks winner Sun Princess, who revelled in the soft ground and later came very close to winning the Arc de Triomphe, being just denied by All Along. A year later Doncaster was the setting as Commanche Run provided an emotional record 28th Classic victory for jockey Lester Piggott, breaking Frank Buckle’s long-standing record. However, 1984 saw Piggott part company with trainer Sir Henry Cecil and that meant he would lose the 1985 ride on a filly of great potential: Oh So Sharp. Sure enough, under new stable jockey Stave Cauthen, Oh So Sharp got up to land the 1,000 Guineas with a dramatic late burst of speed in a tight three-way photograph finish. At Epsom she was brilliant in landing the Oaks but then lost her unbeaten record narrowly when Petoski won the King George at Ascot. At York, in the Benson & Hedges Gold Cup, Oh So Sharp was then denied, ironically by Piggott riding Commanche Run. Oh So Sharp then headed to Doncaster for the St Leger, with the only real doubts surrounding her ability to stay the trip. Piggott was back on a Cecil horse, riding the white faced Lanfranco, but the sheer guts and class of Oh So Sharp toughed it out as she famously landed the Fillies’ Triple Crown. She remains to this day the last colt or filly to accomplish the Triple Crown in England. The 1986 St Leger was won by John Dunlop’s progressive colt Moon Madness but a year later, the race enjoyed renewed impetus as Sir Henry Cecil ran his Epsom Derby and King George winner Reference Point. The front-running son of Mill Reef had impressed at Doncaster in the Futurity Stakes the previous year and had plenty in hand as he added a second Classic to his impressive haul of big race wins. Cecil sent another Classic winner to Doncaster the

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following year as his tiny Oaks winning filly Diminuendo, looked to follow-up her impressive Epsom and Yorkshire Oaks successes with St Leger glory. However, Major Dick Hern and Willie Carson were back in top form (although Major Hern underwent heart surgery and at the time of the St Leger the horse was officially trained by assistant trainer Neil Graham). Carson’s home-bred colt Minster Son outbattled the filly through the last quarter of a mile, staying on stoutly to win, making Carson the first jockey to breed and ride an English Classic winner. In 1989, disaster struck Doncaster after a series of falls, most notably in the Portland Handicap, resulted in the meeting being abandoned due to drainage problems. The St Leger was moved to Ayr and took place a week later, with Sir Henry Cecil’s Michelozzo running away with the race to give the master trainer his fourth winner of the decade. Thankfully by 1990 Doncaster’s course was safe again and the St Leger went to the classy Paul Cole colt Snurge. The following year saw a rare French winner as Toulon – a colt with a brilliant turn of foot, beat the smart Saddler’s Hall. The fine record of Oaks winners was further enhanced in 1992 when Clive Brittain’s User Friendly, at this stage still unbeaten, added the St Leger to her impressive haul of victories that included Epsom and Irish Oaks and a Yorkshire Oaks, all under fine rides from George Duffield. She then finished a narrow second to Subotica in the Arc. Undoubtedly the most significant trial for the St Leger is usually the Great Voltigeur Stakes, run at York’s Ebor Festival each August. In 1993, the Great Voltigeur Stakes was won in impressive fashion by Bob’s Return, who became all the rage for the St Leger. Mark Tompkin’s popular, almost black colt had plenty of stamina at Doncaster, easily disposing of his main rival Armiger. In 1994 there was another shock winner as the chestnut colt Moonax divided family loyalties. In winning, the Barry Hills trained colt defeated Broadway Flyer, trained by his son John and ridden by another son Michael. The colt often had a bad temper but was good enough to add the Prix Royal Oak later the same year, becoming Champion European Stayer, the only 3 year old ever to accomplish this feat. Moonax was owned by Sheikh Mohamed who by 1995 had very much established his Godolphin string as a force to be reckoned with. In the St Leger that September, Classic Cliche demonstrated further evidence of the growing force in British and international racing, as he provided jockey Frankie Dettori with his 1,000th career success. A year later, Shantou, racing in Sheikh Mohamed’s •

September 2016

BIG RACE HISTORY ST LEGER FESTIVAL normal maroon silks and white sleeves, added another victory for the owner and jockey – and a first English Classic victory for trainer John Gosden. The 1997 St Leger took place in a sombre atmosphere in the aftermath of the tragic death of Diana, Princess Of Wales. The race was won in impressive fashion by Silver Patriach, a popular grey colt who had been narrowly beaten in the Derby and would race on for a couple more years. Silver Patriach’s success provided jockey Pat Eddery with his 4,000th domestic career win. Nedawi gave Godolphin and trainer Saeed bin Suroor a second St Leger in 1998 and a year later the same combination won again, as Mutafaweq bravely defeated the impressive Oaks winner Ramruna. The new century duly arrived and the St Leger for the Millennium was won by Millenary, a colt by Rainbow Quest who raced on until he was 8 years old and maintained plenty of talent, notably in Cup races. By the turn of the century Aidan O’Brien was already making a name for himself but 2001 proved a quite extraordinary year for the young master of Ballydoyle. That season Coolmore enjoyed no fewer than 23 Group 1 victories, including the English Derby, Oaks and St Leger. Whilst Galileo proved an outstanding racehorse who won the English and Irish Derbies and King George, Milan was no back number as he proved with a brilliant performance to win the St Leger. In 2002 the Doncaster crowd were able to celebrate a local winner for the first time since Peleid had won the race in 1973. Bollin Eric had proved a most consistent colt in St Leger trials races and on the day brought his A-game to give Yorkshire trainer Tim Easterby and unforgettable Classic victory. A year on saw Aidan O’Brien win his second St Leger thanks to Brian Boru, who had proved slow to come to hand in 2003, after a promising juvenile season. Godolphin were back on top in 2004 when Derby runnerup Rule Of Law narrowly defeated the Yorkshire Oaks winner Quiff, to give Australian jockey Kerrin McEvoy and English Classic win. Then once again the impetus switched to Aidan O’Brien and Ballydoyle, as Scorpion ran out an impressive winner in 2005. With redevelopment work taking place at Doncaster, the 2006 St Leger was run at York and went to the improving Jeremy Noseda trained colt Sixties Icon, who beat a subsequent Breeders’ Cup hero Red Rocks. Another late improving colt landed the 2007 race for John Gosden, who was developing into a key player in the St Leger. Lucarno did not race at two and finished fourth in the Derby, less than 6 weeks after making his racecourse debut. Racing course-specialist.co.uk

in the George Strawbridge silks, the colt progressed during the summer and landed the Great Voltigeur Stakes before beating Mahler by a length in the St Leger. Sir Michael Stoute had come close to winning the St Leger on many occasions, stretching back to Shergar’s 1981 defeat. Teaming up with Frankie Dettori, the popular trainer finally broke his St Leger hoodoo in 2008, with the hugely progressive Conduit, a colt who had been racing in handicaps earlier in the season. Conduit ultimately proved top class, winning a King George and two Breeders’ Cup Turf races. By 2009 Godolphin’s grip on British racing had been very much loosened but the royal blue silks were carried to a one-two finish in the St Leger as the unfancied Mastery defeated Kite Wood. John Gosden then unleashed another improving exhandicapper on the Doncaster Classic. Arctic Cosmos had run well in defeat in the King Edward VII Stakes and Gordon Stakes but before Doncaster, the colt’s only two victories had come on the Wolverhampton and Kempton Park all-weather surfaces. At Doncaster however, the colt really came into his own, defeating a classy field that contained Midas Touch (second), Oaks and multiple Group 1 winning filly Snow Fairy, Rewilding, Dandino and Joshua Tree. Gosden was successful again the following year, as Masked Marvel built on his July victory in the Bahrain Trophy, to beat another good field containing Brown Panther, Sea Moon and the 1,000 Guineas heroine Blue Bunting. It had been 7 years since Aidan O’Brien had trained a St Leger winner but the general consensus was that he would be back in the Winners’ Enclosure in 2012. There was added interest on a national scale, as the horse expected to deliver was none other than Camelot, who was bidding to become the first Triple Crown winner since Nijinsky. Camelot had landed the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby, before winning a soft ground Irish Derby in late June. Camelot started oddson favourite and the remaining 8 runners were all racing at double figure odds, such was the certainty that Camelot would prevail. However, not for the first time, the St Leger provided a shock outcome up that long home straight. As the field reached the half mile pole it was Thought Worthy – another Gosden runner, who hit the front, as the hot favourite and Joseph O’Brien bided their time in behind horses. At the quarter mile pole Encke and Mickael Barzalona swept into the lead as Camelot got closer. However Encke had momentum and opened up a gap, with Camelot unable to immediately hit top gear and whilst the favourite closed in the final furlong, it was not eye catching progress and the •

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ST LEGER FESTIVAL BIG RACE HISTORY

horse with first run comfortably held the Triple Crown seeker. The aftermath was one of disappointment; however that was nothing compared to what ensued the following spring. Encke raced in the Godolphin silks for trained Mahmood Al Zarooni, who was found guilty of administering illegal steroids to horses. Among those who had tested positive was Encke, although the horse did not fail a dope test after his St Leger victory and kept the race. The horse was however banned from racing whilst Al Zarooni was banned from racing in disgrace.

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After such controversy and anti-climax, the 2013 St Leger needed a good feel story. That ray of brilliance came to Doncaster in the form of Leading Light, who shined brightest of all. The Aidan O’Brien colt made up for the stable’s disappointment a year earlier with a terrific performance to beat the gutsy Oaks winner Talent and the Derby second and third Libertarian and Galileo Rock. In 2014, class very much came to the surface in the final Classic, as the Derby runner-up Kingston Hill landed the spoils, before running a big race in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. •

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BIG RACE HISTORY ST LEGER FESTIVAL

Controversy courted the 2015 Ladbrokes St Leger and the outcome of the race was not known for several day. The progressive Ralph Beckett filly Simple Verse was short of room in the home straight, as Storm The Stars and Bondi Beach made their bids for victory. Andrea Atzeni had to work hard to find daylight, in the process becoming involved in a bumping match with Bondi Beach. Storm The Stars held the lead at the furlong pole, but the duelling pair soon caught and passed him and it was Simple Verse who narrowly gained the verdict from Bondi Beach in course-specialist.co.uk

a tight finish. However, the claxon soon sounded and after a protracted Stewardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Enquiry, Simple Verse was disqualified, with Bondi Beach declared the winner. Connections of Simple Verse appealed the decision and several days later the result was dramatically reversed. Just about everything that can happen has happened in the St Leger; class acts, shocks and records have all regularly fallen in the St Leger and the future is sure to unfold with plenty more drama on Town Moor. â&#x20AC;˘

September 2016

FEATURE ST LEGER TITLE FESTIVAL BIG RACE HISTORY

WINNERS OF THE ST LEGER STAKES Year 1776 1777 1778 1779 1780 1781 1782 1783 1784 1785 1786 1787 1788 1789 1790 1791 1792 1793 1794 1795 1796 1797 1798 1799 1800 1801 1802 1803 1804 1805 1806 1807 1808 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813 1814 1815

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Winner Allabaculia Bourbon Hollandoise Tommy Ruler Serina Imperatrix Phoenomenon Omphale Cowslip Paragon Spadille Young Flora Pewett Ambidexter Young Traveller Tartar Ninety-three Beningbrough Hambletonian Ambrosio Lounger Symmetry Cockfighter Champion Quiz Orville Remembrancer Sancho Staveley Fyldener Paulina Petronius Ashton Octavian Soothsayer Otterington Altisidora William Filho da Puta

1816 1817 1818 1819 1820 1821 1822 1823 1824 1825 1826 1827 1828 1829 1830 1831 1832 1833 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856

The Duchess Ebor Reveller Antonio St Patrick Jack Spigot Theodore Barefoot Jerry Memnon Tarrare Matilda The Colonel Rowton Birmingham Chorister Margrave Rockingham Touchstone Queen of Trumps Elis Mango Don John Charles the Twelfth Launcelot Satirist Blue Bonnet Nutwith Faugh-a-Ballagh The Baron Sir Tatton Sykes Van Tromp Surplice The Flying Dutchman Voltigeur [c] Newminster Stockwell West Australian Knight of St George Saucebox Warlock

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1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897

September 2016

Imperieuse Sunbeam Gamester St Albans Caller Ou The Marquis Lord Clifden Blair Athol Gladiateur Lord Lyon Achievement Formosa Pero Gomez Hawthornden Hannah Wenlock Marie Stuart Apology Craig Millar Petrarch Silvio Jannette Rayon d'Or Robert the Devil Iroquois Dutch Oven Ossian The Lambkin Melton Ormonde Kilwarlin Seabreeze Donovan Memoir Common La Fleche Isinglass Throstle Sir Visto Persimmon Galtee More

TITLE FESTIVAL FEATURE BIG RACE HISTORY ST LEGER

1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940

Wildfowler Flying Fox Diamond Jubilee Doricles Sceptre Rock Sand Pretty Polly Challacombe Troutbeck Wool Winder Your Majesty Bayardo Swynford Prince Palatine Tracery Night Hawk Black Jester Pommern Hurry On Gay Crusader Gainsborough Keysoe Caligula Polemarch Royal Lancer Tranquil Salmon-Trout Solario Coronach Book Law Fairway Trigo Singapore Sandwich Firdaussi Hyperion Windsor Lad Bahram Boswell Chulmleigh Scottish Union no race Turkhan

1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983

Sun Castle Sun Chariot Herringbone Tehran Chamossaire Airborne Sayajirao Black Tarquin Ridge Wood Scratch Talma Tulyar Premonition Never Say Die Meld Cambremer Ballymoss Alcide Cantelo St. Paddy Aurelius Hethersett Ragusa Indiana Provoke Sodium Ribocco Ribero Intermezzo Nijinsky Athens Wood Boucher Peleid Bustino Bruni Crow Dunfermline Julio Mariner Son of Love Light Cavalry Cut Above Touching Wood Sun Princess

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1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

September 2016

Commanche Run Oh So Sharp Moon Madness Reference Point Minster Son Michelozzo Snurge Toulon User Friendly Bob's Return Moonax Classic Cliche Shantou Silver Patriarch Nedawi Mutafaweq Millenary Milan Bollin Eric Brian Boru Rule of Law Scorpion Sixties Icon Lucarno Conduit Mastery Arctic Cosmos Masked Marvel Encke Leading Light Kingston Hill Simple Verse

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FEATURE NEWMARKET OPEN WEEKEND

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September 2016

NEWMARKET OPEN WEEKEND FEATURE

THE 32RED NEWMARKET OPEN WEEKEND

Growing from strength to strength

Racing’s enduring popularity and the fascination of looking behind the scenes shows absolutely no sign of slowing down, as the ever-popular 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend can attest. course-specialist.co.uk

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September 2016

FEATURE NEWMARKET OPEN WEEKEND

ollowing the huge success of the 2015 Newmarket Open Weekend, in which a record amount of £50,000 was raised for its beneficiaries, the town of Newmarket is once gearing up to open its doors again to the public on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September. The brand new National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art, located at Palace House, just off Newmarket High Street, will be open for taster tours over both days of the event. This offers anyone attending the 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend to visit the much anticipated new site before its doors are open to the general public. The weekend kicks off on Saturday at 8am with a chance to see top class racehorses put through their paces on the legendary Warren Hill Gallops. In addition, there will be a number of equine sites available to visit throughout the day, including Rossdales Equine Hospital, the British Racing School, the National Stud and the historic Jockey Club Rooms. The Rowley Mile will then host an excellent afternoon of racing and racegoers will be in for a real treat as Newmarket’s trainers take to the microphone and provide exclusive on course commentary on the day’s races. In 2015 this popular event saw such luminaries as John Gosden, David Simcock, Charlie Fellowes, Lucy Wadham and Hugo Palmer commentate, while Sir Michael Stoute took to the mic with a helping hand from Ryan Moore. But the plaudits went to Somerville Lodge’s William Haggas who walked away

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with the Julian Wilson trophy for best commentary. Haggas returns to defend his crown this year and will face a new group of Newmarket-based trainers, along with a special guest, all in aid of the beneficiaries of the Open Weekend; The Racing Welfare Newmarket Housing Project and the Newmarket Day Centre. Trainers set to join the reigning champion in the commentary box will be George Margarson, Roger Varian and Gay Kelleway, all of whom will be aiming to knock Haggas off the podium. These trainers may be masters of the horse but calling a race is no easy task. However, the special guest will be hoping that his experience behind the microphone will give him that competitive edge. Mick Quinn, former professional footballer and current presenter on TalkSPORT radio, will also be calling them home for one race on the day. Each guest commentator will undergo rigorous training and receive some of the very best advice on offer from industry professionals, as they bid to ensure a word perfect performance for their allocated race. William Haggas, Classic winning trainer and title defending commentator said; “Having sneaked home victorious in last year’s inaugural contest, I am very keen to retain my crown in this year’s trainer commentary competition at Newmarket on September 17th, during the 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend.” •

September 2016

17-18 september 2016

In Its hIstorIc 350th year of makIng hIstory, the home of horseracIng once agaIn opens Its doors for your chance to see behInd the scenes of one of the oldest sportIng IndustrIes

an actIon packed weekend of famIly fun... there are a range of fantastIc actIvItIes and entertaInment for all the famIly to enjoy throughout the town of newmarket over thIs unIque weekend.

for full detaIls & tImIngs vIsIt newmarketopenweekend.co.uk

2015 raIsed ÂŁ50,000 for three local charItIes All funds raised from the event this year will be donated to the Racing Welfare Housing Project and the Newmarket Day Centre

food & drInk festIval

Kids under 18 go free ALL WeeKend!

FEATURE NEWMARKET OPEN WEEKEND “It was a mixture of fear and shredded nerves that I stepped into the commentary box last year, and hope this year that I will give a more polished performance and fend off the six rivals who do battle again. It should be great fun and I hope just a little bit different to the norm on all other racedays at Newmarket. We look forward to seeing you there.”

William Haggas

Each trainer has a Just Giving page and has been randomly selected to represent one of the three chosen charities associated with this year’s 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend. To donate, please visit the team page via: https:// www.justgiving.com/teams/NOWTrainers The Newmarket Open Weekend offers a diverse range of activities and there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone – and all palettes, as the Food and Drink Festival will again take place at the Rowley Mile all weekend, with over 30 bespoke stalls showing off plenty of local produce, accessible from all enclosures. There will also be the G’s Fresh Demonstration Kitchen with activities on both days and the crowning of the sausage King or Queen on the Sunday with the Love Pork East Anglian Sausage competition. For a full list of exhibitors confirmed for the NOW Food & Drink Festival, please visit the Newmarket Open Weekend website: www.newmarketopenweekend.co.uk/ more-information/food-festival/. On Sunday the main highlight of the weekend for many is the opportunity to get behind the scenes at Horseracing’s HQ and from 9am to 12:30pm, many top trainers are opening their yards, giving visitors a unique chance to catch a glimpse of their equine heroes and meet some of the world’s most famous trainers in person. The likes of Ed Dunlop, Luca Cumani, David Simcock and James Fanshawe will all be opening their historic stables which have sent out substantial Group 1 winners over the years,

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including recent Prix Jean Romanet Winner, Speedy Boarding. The Newmarket Equine Hospital and Europe’s leading Bloodstock Auctioneer, Tattersalls, will be open to visitors too. Following the morning activities, visitors can then return back to the Rowley Mile for an action packed afternoon of fun. The Clipper Logistics Racing Personality Show Jumping is the feature entertainment of the day, with some of Newmarket’s best loved trainers and jockeys entered in the competition which starts at 3pm. Competitors include the likes of top jockey Andrea Atzeni, former leading female jockey Hayley Turner and Classic winning trainer Roger Varian to name but a few. An exciting first for the Open Weekend this year will be the inaugural Newmarket vs Lambourn football match which will take place on Sunday afternoon. Captained by classic winning trainer, Charlie Hills, a Lambourn team will be taking on Newmarket’s finest in what will be a competitive affair with bragging rights up for grabs. The Waitrose Stable Staff Games will also take place on Sunday afternoon, alongside free on course entertainment including face painting and pony rides for children attending on the day. Sara Cumani, Chairman of 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend, said; “It was brilliant to welcome thousands of visitors to the town for the Newmarket Open Weekend last year and we are currently putting the final preparations together to ensure that the newly sponsored 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend will be as enjoyable and entertaining. “This is a great way to showcase the town whilst also raising much needed funds for our chosen and very worthy charities. We very much look forward to welcoming you all to Newmarket next month for an action packed weekend.” Tickets are still available for both days with kids under 18 going FREE all weekend. For more information regarding all the activities taking place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September please visit www.newmarketopenweekend.co.uk.  @NKTOpenDay  @nktopenweekend  facebook.com/newmarketopenday

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September 2016

NEWMARKET OPEN WEEKEND FEATURE

SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 8:00am-9:30am

Warren Hill Gallops open to the public

8:00am-4:00pm

National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art open

9:30am-1:00pm

Rossdales Equine Hospital (Last tour leaves at 12 noon)

10:00am -12:30pm

British Racing School open

10:30am 11:00am

Jockey Club Rooms - Tour 1 National Stud - Tour 1

11:00am-12:00pm

National Stud - Tour 1

11:30am-12:30pm

Author Jilly Cooper book signing at the Heritage Centre

12:00pm

Jockey Club Rooms - Tour 2 National Stud - Tour 2

12:30pm

Racecourse gates open at the Rowley Mile for afternoon racing and Food & Drink Festival

1:00pm; 2:00pm

National Stud - Tour 3 and Tour 4

3:00pm-4:00pm

Author Jilly Cooper book signing at the racecourse

TBC

Sheep shearing and painted pony display

SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 8:00am - 4:00pm

National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art open

9:00am - 12:00pm

YARDS OPEN

9:30am - 12:30pm

Newmarket Equine Hospital (Last tour leaves at 12 noon)

10:30am & 12:00pm

Jockey Club Rooms tour starting times (2)

11:00am; 12:00pm; 1:00pm; 2:00pm

National Stud tour starting times (4)

11:300am - 12:30pm

Tattersalls talk in the main sales ring

12:00pm

Racecourse gates open at the Rowley Mile for afternoon entertainment and Food & Drink Festival

12:30pm - 1:15pm

Suffolk Punches

1:30pm - 2:00pm

Lambourn vs Newmarket Football Match

2:00pm

Sausage Competition Winner announced

2:15pm - 2:45pm

Waitrose Stable Staff Games

3pm

Clipper Logistics Racing Personality Show Jumping Competition

Note: Timings above are subject to change *Jockey Club Rooms Tours – These tours must be pre-booked to secure your place. Please call 01638 663101 to book. ** National Stud Tours – These tours must be pre-booked to secure your place. Please call 01638 663464 to book. For a full schedule of events at the National Heritage Centre during the Open Weekend, please visit: www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk/visiting/newmarket-open-weekend course-specialist.co.uk

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September 2016

FEATURE NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE

National Heritage Centre for Horse Racing and Sporting Art ready for the off

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September 2016

NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE FEATURE

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September 2016

FEATURE NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE

t has been a truly eventful year for the town of Newmarket, which is celebrating the 350th anniversary of horse racing. Resident auctioneers Tattersalls has celebrated its 250th anniversary, while Sheikh Fahad Al Thani won the historic Town Plate on the July Course, on the same day that a statue of King Charles II was unveiled. Add in the drama of Frankie Dettori riding his 3,000th career winner at the same track and the high octane drama and quality of the year’s racing, and it has been a momentous 2016. And the action is far from over, with Newmarket Racecourses set to stage the second Dubai Future Champions’ Festival in October. Before then, Newmarket is set to host its hugely popular annual Newmarket Open Weekend on September 17th and 18th (more information is available at: www.newmarketopenweekend.co.uk/). As part of the weekend, visitors will be able to explore the new National Heritage Centre for Horse Racing and Sporting Art, which will open its doors to the public for the first time.

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The Centre, based at Palace House, just off Newmarket High Street, is the new home for the National Horse Racing Museum. Course Specialist was privileged to speak with National Horseracing Museum marketing and audience development officer Ami Cosgrave for a sneak preview. WHEN WAS THE CONCEPT OF A NEW NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE FOR HORSERACING AND SPORTING ART HATCHED AND BY WHOM? In the early 1990’s Forest Heath District Council compulsory bought the 5 acre site. It was then a question of what was going to go in there? After a few years a solution had been found that also addresses three pressing requirements – a much needed new home for a modern and enlarged National Horseracing Museum (which has outgrown the collection); a national gallery of British Sporting Art; and a major accessible equine visitor attraction. All in the heart of the international home of horseracing. Over ten years ago, the fundraising body the Home of Horseracing Trust was set up – and the funding began!

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September 2016

NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE FEATURE attributes of the elite equine athlete and the importance of Thoroughbred pedigree. WHO DESIGNED THE INTERIOR FOR THE NEW NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE AND HOW CHALLENGING WAS THAT TO ACHIEVE? GWP – architects Mathers & Co – displays © NHRM

WHAT WAS THE NEED FOR THE NEW CENTRE? A much needed new home for a modern and enlarged National Horseracing Museum (which has outgrown the collection); a national gallery of British Sporting Art; and a major accessible equine visitor attraction. HOW MUCH DID IT COST AND HOW WAS THIS FUNDED? It has been a multi-million pound project. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Forest Heath District Council, Suffolk County Council, the Racing Industry (including the Jockey Club, Tattersalls, Weatherbys and the Racing Foundation), The Wellcome Trust as well as many private trusts, foundations and individuals from the world of horseracing and beyond, the project is an important example of partnership across the public and private sectors. HOW HAD THE NATIONAL HORSERACING MUSEUM EVOLVED SINCE 1983 (IN TERMS OF GROWTH IN VISITORS/THE NUMBER OF ARTEFACTS AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY)? The National Horseracing Museum has grown significantly since it opened in 1983. With over 10,000 objects there is now an internationally significant collection that showcases horseracing from its earliest origins to the world wide phenomena it is today. The new Museum in the Trainer’s House and King’s Yard at the National Heritage Centre will take a very different approach to the old Museum. There will be a number of interactive and audio-visual displays to help interpret the collections. It will also help to engage visitors no matter what level of interest they have in horseracing. There is also a scientific element to the new Museum which takes a different look at the sport; examining the physical course-specialist.co.uk

The entire museum collection of around 10,000 objects is moving to the new site with a split between those going into the new displays and the rest of the collections going to the new climate controlled object store. It is a massive challenge to move a museum collection as the objects range so much in size – in our case from a tooth or tie-pin up to a full horse skeleton. This means there is no one-size fits all packing so there is a lot of thought and creativity into suitable packing methods to allow the objects to be moved safely and easily. All the objects are being packed either by our Conservator or by trained volunteers under her supervision in preparation for the approaching big move!

King’s Yard Galleries © NHRM

HOW MANY PEOPLE VISIT THE NATIONAL HORSERACING MUSEUM EACH YEAR? IS THIS FIGURE EXPECTED TO INCREASE WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE? Roughly 12,000 people visit the old museum – we are expecting approximately 50,000 to visit the National Heritage Centre. It is set to become one of the region’s leading tourist attractions, it is hoped that it will attract some 50,000 visitors a year to Newmarket, and more than £2 million a year to the local economy. •

September 2016

FEATURE NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE The new gallery will explore the development of these popular sporting images through paintings, sculpture, printmaking and the applied arts. Significant loans have come from the Tate and Victoria & Albert Museum along with a number of private and public art collections. CAN YOU SEE HORSES EVERY TIME YOU VISIT?

Palace House and Trainer’s House © NHRM

WHAT IS THERE TO SEE IN PALACE HOUSE? Situated in the remaining element of Charles II’s racing palace is the Fred Packard Museum and Galleries of British Sporting Art - a new home for the British Sporting Art Trust. Paintings by George Stubbs and Sir Alfred Munnings rub shoulders with works from John Singer Sargent and John Wootton showcasing the finest British Sporting Art from around the UK. Images of traditional rural pursuits are joined by some more surprising aspects of the subject: contemporary artwork from Peter Blake and Mark Wallinger.

Absolutely! The Rothschild Yard has been returned to its former glory to stable former racehorses, showcasing the work of the Retraining of Racehorses charity. Here you will be able to meet the heroes of racing themselves - the racehorses! Galleries and demonstrations will take place twice daily to illustrate how thoroughbreds can be re-trained effectively for a successful life beyond horseracing. WILL THERE BE AN EDUCATIONAL ELEMENT TO THE NEW CENTRE? WILL YOU HAVE LINKS FOR EXAMPLE TO LOCAL SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES? A large focus of the new National Horseracing Museum is on education, there are many links to the National Curriculum, including Science, English, History, Geography, Local Study, Art, Health and Fitness, Genetics and Evolution...with plenty of hands-on learning!

The Rothschild Yard and Fountain © NHRM

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September 2016

NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE FEATURE WILL YOU HAVE NEW EXHIBITS DURING THE YEAR? The Moller and Cheveley Park Stud Galleries are two state of the art temporary exhibition spaces that will host a lively programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.The first temporary exhibition at the National Heritage Centre – ‘Selling Champions, Tattersalls at 250’. It will feature paintings, photographs and film from the National Heritage Centre and Tattersalls’ own collections, as well as Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery and Southampton City Art Gallery. The exhibition will explore Tattersalls’ development from a horse, carriage and hound auctioneer in the 18th century, into a leading 21st century bloodstock auctioneer. The exhibition will run until 8th January 2017. WHO HAVE BEEN THE MAIN PARTNERS TO THE NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE FOR HORSERACING AND SPORTING ART? The project has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Forest Heath District Council, Suffolk County Council, the Racing Industry (including the Jockey Club, Tattersalls, Weatherbys and the Racing Foundation) as well as many private trusts, foundations and individuals from the world of horseracing and beyond, the project is an important example of partnership across the public and private sectors.

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WHEN IS THE OFFICIAL OPENING DATE AND WILL THERE BE ANY SPECIAL EVENTS TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING? The Heritage Centre will be open in September with an official opening ceremony later in the year. WHAT WILL IT COST TO VISIT, WHAT WILL BE THE OPENING HOURS AND HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION PLEASE? Admission General Admission: £16.50 Family: £40.00 Concession: £15.50 Discounted ticket prices on groups of 15+ Tickets purchased directly from Palace House can be converted into a 1-YEAR PASS, giving 12 months’ complimentary admission to the site. 1-YEAR PASSES are valid from the date of purchase and are non-transferable (Terms & Conditions apply). Email: info@palacehousenewmarket.co.uk Telephone: 01638 667333 Website: www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk

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September 2016

NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES

GOFFS SECURE THE WILDENSTEIN STABLES LTD DISPERSAL Goffs has been appointed as the exclusive Auction House to handle The Wildenstein Stables Ltd Dispersal. The world class draft of 110 horses features mares (27), foals (20), yearlings (19), and horses in training (44). The dispersal will be handled by The Castlebridge Consignment and takes place during the Goffs Orby and November Sales, with the yearlings and horses in training being offered at the end of the second day of the Orby Sale in an exclusive stand-alone section, whilst the mares and foals will be offered at the November Foal and Breeding Stock Sale.

This is a rare opportunity to tap into the bloodlines belonging to one of Europe’s most successful breeders. French 1,000 Guineas winner and Oaks runner up Beauty Parlour (pictured) headlines a spectacular group of broodmares. Beauty Parlour will be sold in foal to Kingman whilst her 2015 colt by Dubawi is surely one of the standout yearlings in Europe this year with her Dansili filly foal another obvious highlight in November. Beauty Parlour’s half-sister, the winning Invincible Spirit filly Blue Kimono will also be offered for sale at Goffs and is in foal to Australia. The Group 2 winning Sadler’s Wells sister to

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Peintre Celebre, Peinture Rare, in foal to Dansili is another high class mare bound for Goffs while her yearling colt by Oasis Dream is also among the dispersal. The Peintre Celebre mare Andromeda Galaxy, a Listed-winning granddaughter of Albertine, would fit nicely in any broodmare band, as would her Listed-placed sister Altamira, whose daughter Akatea ran second in last year’s Prix du Moulin. Other breeding stock highlights include the Stakes placed Galateia out of the Classic placed Gagnoa who is a three-parts to Derby winner Pour Moi, while the Stakes placed Galileo mare Amerique, in foal to Pivotal, is out of the Group 1 winner and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runner up Aquarelliste. Listed winner and Group 1 performer Adventure Seeker from the family of the great All Along, in foal to Siyouni, is another with huge international appeal, while the Group 2 winner mare Pacific Rim will be offered in foal to Zoffany. The Wildenstein Stables Ltd Dispersal features blue blooded yearlings and foals with a sire profile that includes Dansili, Dark Angel, Dubawi, Giant’s Causeway, Invincible Spirit, Le Havre, Lope De Vega, Oasis Dream, Pivotal, Shamardal, Teofilo and many others. The draft of 44 horses in training includes the Listed winner and Group 2 placed Smart Strike filly Lady Of Kyushi, the winner and Group placed Dalakhani filly Asterina, and the winning Giant’s Causeway colt Andrea Mantegna as well as several other winning three and four year olds and a quality draft of 26 juveniles. Announcing the details of The Wildenstein Stables Ltd Dispersal, Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said: “The Wildenstein Stables Ltd Dispersal represents the most exciting collection of horses to be offered anywhere in the world this year and it is a real privilege for Goffs to be appointed the auction house of choice to handle the sale that looks set to draw every major international bloodstock buyer to Goffs in 2016. In my 34 years in the business there are a handful of names that you associate with the very best – Robert Sangster, HH The Aga Khan, Khalid Abdulla, the Maktoums, Coolmore, the Niarchos family for example, and the Wildenstein •

September 2016

BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS name is certainly amongst their number. “Goffs has consistently proven over the past decade that when given the best horses our team will deliver the biggest buyers and the best prices. This announcement comes three years after the last major international dispersal sale, Paul Makin’s Paulyn Dispersal, that also took place at Goffs and we are honoured that another major name in international bloodstock has put their faith in Goffs and our unrivalled service. “We have catalogued some spectacular yearlings for the Orby Sale and have already received some top class entries for November. The addition of the spectacular Wildenstein Stables Ltd Dispersal drafts will make Goffs simply unmissable for the world’s biggest buyers this September and November”. David Wildenstein added: “Our family has enjoyed tremendous successes at the highest level in horseracing and breeding, and this remarkable draft of horses is the legacy of my grandfather Daniel. He raced many of the greats, including four Arc winners Allez France, All Along, Peintre Celebre and Sagace, and was the leading owner in France on nine occasions as well as leading owner and breeder in England in 1976. Our dispersal features these great families and we wish their new owners all the luck in the world. “Now the time has come for us to move in a different direction. We chose Goffs as our exclusive Auction House as I have been impressed by their proactivity and helpfulness, as well as their excellent record in handling such dispersal sales.” Key dates for The Wildenstein Stables Ltd Dispersal: • Yearlings - Orby Sale (End of second day, Wednesday 28 September) • Horses In Training - Orby Sale (End of second day, Wednesday 28 September, immediately following the yearlings) • Mares and Foals - November Sale (13 19 November, details to be announced in due course) The Wildenstein Stables Ltd Dispersal pedigrees will be available in the coming days on www.goffs. com. The catalogue for Goffs Orby Sale will be online from Tuesday 9 August. course-specialist.co.uk

STRONG INTERNATIONAL TRADE AT OPENING SESSION OF ARQANA AUGUST YEARLING SALE The opening night of the 2016 August Yearling Sale saw some solid trade from a broad variety of international buyers, with several newcomers making their presence felt on the Deauville market. 83% of the 91 yearlings on offer changed hands, a clearance rate up almost 12 points from last year’s initial session. Turnover was also significantly up at €14,116,000 (+19%), yet the average dipped slightly at €185,737 (-3%). Yearlings from the second crop of Juddmonte’s Frankel, whose two-year-olds have been registering jaw-dropping statistics since the start of the flat season, were in high demand and the leading offering on day 1 was an offspring of the Banstead Manor Stud resident who sold to Shadwell for €850,000.

PART I OF ARQANA’S AUGUST YEARLING SALE RETURNS SECOND HIGHEST FIGURES EVER After the hammer came down on the second day of the August Yearling Sale, the aggregate for Part I of the catalogue stood as the second best ever, only headed by last year’s record-breaking figures. 81% of the 172 yearlings led through the ring over the two days were sold, up from 76% in 2015, and they returned €29,861,000, a 7% slip from a year ago but still higher than any previous Part I gross. The cumulated average is €213,293, down 13% from the record-breaking 2015 edition. •

September 2016

BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS

The Coolmore / Mayfair Speculators partnership was responsible for the two highest prices of the day, with Peter Doyle and M.V. Magnier doing the bidding. Both shared the distinction of being daughters of perennial champion sire Galileo, out of black type winning mares and from the draft of Ecurie des Monceaux. First through the ring was lot 97 out of the Listed winner Prudenzia, hence a threeparts sister to the Classic heroine CHICQUITA, for which the Coolmore principals, standing alongside Peter Doyle, Derek Brugman and Michael Jooste of Mayfair Speculators, had to go to €1.4 million to outbid Barry Weisbord and James Delahooke. Two lots later (lot 99), a daughter of the Gr.3 Prix de Royaumont winner QUETSCHE attracted a closing bid of €650,000 from the same connections.

VIBRANT TRADE AT ARQANA V.2 YEARLING SALE The Deauville sales ring buzzed throughout the one-day v.2 Yearling Sale, which posted a turnover of €3,481,000, a 14% gain from last year. The average price set a new record in the sale’s fouryear history at €39,897, up 17.6%. Remarkably, 30 horses sold for €50,000 or more against only 14 a year ago, which pushed the median price up 13% from €30,000 to €34,000. Three yearlings commanded six-figure prices, headed by two sons of Haras de Bonneval’s Siyouni, now a proven source of juvenile talent. Thierry de la Héronnière’s Haras d’Ellon led through the ring a colt out of the winning juvenile Ponte Di Legno (lot 440). The latter is a daughter of Porlezza, winner of three Group races including the Gr.1 Prix Maurice

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de Gheest for Deauville trainer Yves de Nicolay, and dam of the black type juveniles Pontenuovo and Ponte Vespucci. Roger Marley signed the docket under the name of Margaret O’Toole and explained: “We have two Siyounis at home and love them. This one was my pick of the catalogue, he is a handsome individual with a great page and will be re-offered here at one of the breeze up sales. We paid a bit more than we intended but we really wanted to buy this horse.” Lot 478 from the draft of Haras d’Etreham was the second Siyouni colt of the afternoon to break the six-figure barrier at €105,000 when selling to Jim McCartan. He is a half-brother to the fourtime winner and Listed 4th Zadrak and hails from the Aga Khan family of Gr.1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches heroine Zalaiyka. His price tag provided a hefty pinhooking profit on the €37,000 paid by BB Ltd at last year’s ARQANA Breeding Stock sale. “He is a beautiful colt with an exceptional walk,” commented the agent. “I am a big fan of the sire. He will probably be sent to Ireland first to be prepped for the breeze ups.” A colt from the first crop of dual Group 1 winner Declaration Of War (lot 463), who started his career in the care of Jean-Claude Rouget before switching to Aidan O’Brien as a three-year-old, was the trainer’s pick of the v.2 Yearling Sale catalogue.

ARQANA AUGUST YEARLING SALES CLOSES WITH SOLID FIGURES The third and final session of the August Yearling Sale, with the v.2 sale still to go tomorrow, maintained the previous days’ trend and contributed to figures for the whole event only coming second to the 2015 record-breaking renewal. Turnover for day three with 124 horses sold was €10,084,000, a 4.5% decline from last year, while the average held steady at €81,323. The clearance rate was slightly down at 74.5%. Top of the market on day three was an Acclamation filly from the draft of Ecurie des Monceaux (lot 336), for which Nicolas de Watrigant of Mandore International Agency went to €320,000. •

September 2016

source of three 2016

European Classic Winners

HAWKSMOOR

German 1,000 Guineas, Gr. 2 purchased for €80,000

16 2yo races won in 20

CONSELICE

Italian 1,000 Guineas, Gr. 3 purchased for €25,000

GALILEO GOLD

2,000 Guineas Stakes, Gr. 1, St James’s Palace Stakes, Gr. 1 purchased from Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale for €33,000

Europe’s Most Progressive Yearling Sale SEPTEMBER YEARLING SALE 20 – 21, Part II 22 – 23 September 2016

Featuring the €300,000 Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sales Stakes *29 August 2016 sold as yearlings

T: +353 1 8864300, www.tattersalls.ie

NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES She is the first foal out of the unraced Shamardal mare Wadjet, herself a half-sister to the Listed winner and multiple Groupe performer WILD WIND. The fourth dam is none other than the great Miesque, meaning that the Group 1 winners Rumplestiltskin, Tapestry, Kingmambo, East Of The Moon and Karakontie all appear on the page. “She is for one of my regular clients”, commented Watrigant. “She combines a beautiful conformation with a lovely walk, and she hails from the family of Miesque which is every breeder’s dream. She will go into training with Jean-Claude Rouget”. Gérard and Alain Wertheimer, bidding alongside manager Pierre-Yves Bureau, went to €300,000 to secure the second foal out of the Listed winner MARY’S PRECEDENT (lot 255), offered by Haras du Cadran. The chesnut hails from the family of Gr.1 performer Anabaa’s Creation and is a half-sister to a winner. “She is a beautiful filly with a lovely walk, expressed Bureau. We bought a colt by the stallion yesterday [lot 181 from Haras de la Louvière] and are delighted with him. We like to support our stallions and have been thrilled with the feedback on Intello’s offspring. They are proving popular and we are very proud of him.” August Yearling Sale overall assessment Over the three days of trading, the aggregate was €39,945,000 (-4.8%), the second best turnover for the August Yearling Sale since it was brought back to three days. The clearance rate of 77.8% and median price of €107,500 are both up from last year, with the latter indicator breaking the six-figure mark for the first time. The average price of €150,879 is down 7.6% but remains the second highest in the sale’s history. 11 individual buyers spent more than a million Euros at the August Yearling Sale, a sign of the great depth at the top end of the market. Shadwell leads the way with a €2,970,000 shopping list, with Jean-Claude Rouget a close second after spending €2,340,000. In the vendors’ ranks, Ecurie des Monceaux registered a fifth consecutive year in the number 1 seat with 29 yearlings sold for €10,470,000. Second season sire Frankel led the stallions’ standings both by turnover and average price, with all his 9 yearlings changing hands for a cumulated

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€3,800,000, an average price of €422,222. Remarkably, two first season sires managed their way into the top five table by gross turnover. Camelot filled the runner-up spot with 18 of his 19 yearlings selling for €2,965,000 while Intello saw 15 of his first crop change hands for €2,670,000. Eric Hoyeau commented on the 2016 renewal of the August Yearling Sale: “We can only be pleased with such solid figures, which compare extremely in the history of the August Yearling Sale. There was great depth at the top end of the market with eleven individual buyers spending in excess of a million Euros, and the very high clearance rate, even better than last year’s, means that most of our vendors will go home happy. The consistent results of this sale are a great testimony to the ever improving quality of the French production and we wish to thank our vendors for entrusting us with the cream of their stock.

MAJOR INCREASES AT THE TATTERSALLS IRELAND ASCOT AUGUST SALE The Tattersalls Ireland Ascot August Sale finished with increases synonymous with this venue in recent months. The sale saw a total of 85 lots selling for an aggregate of £448,000, a rise of 30% and an average of £5,281, an increase of 13%. The clearance rate was 72%. Headlining the sale was recent Bumper winner Dan McGrue (Lot 121). By Dansant, this fouryear-old gelding was a winner of his only start and was snapped up by Richard Barber for £60,000 when offered by his trainer John Nicholson’s Seven Sisters Stables. The Godolphin draft unsurprisingly proved popular; seven lots were sold of a total of £128,000 at an average of £18,286 and a median of £17,000. Top lot from the draft was Lot 54; Azhar. The wellbred filly by Exceed And Excel is out of an ownsister to multiple Group 1 winner Domedriver and was signed for by purchaser Matt Sigsworth of Ebor Bloodstock for £42,000. Commenting on the sale, Director of Horses in Training at Tattersalls Ireland Richard Pugh said; •

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BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS “It is thoroughly encouraging to see an increased set of returns yet again at Ascot. The level of trade continues to grow and as has been the case with our previous sales, the Ascot August Sale outperformed many of last years’ figures. Vendors and Purchasers have been extremely supportive of this venue all year and this is displayed in the increased aggregate and a top price of £60,000. The top lot is a smashing debut bumper winner with a big future, sold to Richard Barber and it is great to see this type of horse being attracted to Ascot so regularly this season. The team at Tattersalls Ireland Ascot can now look forward to the next sale, the Ascot November Sale on 3 November, 2016.”

SONS OF KAPGARDE TOP DAY ONE OF TATTERSALLS IRELAND AUGUST NATIONAL HUNT SALE Geldings by Kapgarde stole the show on day one of the 2016 August NH Sale, including the session topper (Lot 110) being by the Haras de la Hetraiebased son of Garde Royale. The day’s top lot is already named; Idee de Garde and is out of the French Listed-placed mare Idee Recue (Sicyos). He was bought by bloodstock agent Gerry Griffin. The gelding was entered in June’s Derby Sale, but had to be withdrawn from that engagement by vendor Mocklershill. Two lots tied for second-best honours with sales of €35,000 apiece. The second-best priced son of Kapgarde, offered by Glenwood Stud, was signed for by Bernice Murphy from Ballyboy Stables (Lot 30), while Margaret O’Toole bought a Parkville Stud-offered Milan gelding (Lot 63). He is from the Grade 1 National Hunt family of Jessies Dream and Buck House.

POTENSIS DISPERSAL HEADLINES GOFFS AUGUST SALE Back by popular demand, the Goffs UK August Sale made a successful return to the calendar at Doncaster course-specialist.co.uk

after a two-year absence and was headlined by Potensis Bloodstock’s dispersal. The Potensis draft was a huge drawcard for the sale and it didn’t disappoint with a number of major buyers and trainers in attendance and it produced the top lot of the day, the Grade 2 winning mare Jessber’s Dream (Lot 235 - pictured), who sold to Tom Malone and the new syndication Ditcheat Thoroughbreds for £190,000. The draft was also responsible for the second highest lot of the day with the winning Hurdler Crin Au Vent (Lot 232) selling to Paul Nicholls for £120,000. Potensis’ Racing Manager Noel Fehily commented: “We were always keen to bring the draft to Doncaster and the whole Potensis team are very pleased with the results, the horses sold well. It’s sad to see Jessber’s Dream go but we are thrilled with her price and we wish her new connections all the best with her.” Godolphin, a fantastic supporter of all Goffs UK HIT Sales, saw their 19 strong draft headed by the three-year-old Long Call (Lot 129) who sold to Fleming Bloodstock for £60,000 while a host of Point-to-Pointers changed hands including Monbeg Stables’ Robin des Champs four-year-old Robin Deuz Pois (Lot 246) who was knocked down to Shark Bloodstock for £47,000. The sale opened with a session of over 80 Stores which was headed by Mill House Stud’s Presenting half-brother to the Grade 3 winner Ballabriggs (Lot 63) who sold to Ryan Mahon for £40,000. Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby commented on the August Sale’s return: “The Doncaster August Sale was a key part of the DBS offering for many years and we are delighted with the reaction to its reintroduction after a two year absence. “We have always said that we will match any sales ring when we have the horses and the drafts from the likes of Potensis, Godolphin, Shadwell, HH The Aga Khan Studs and many others make the case quite graphically. There has been a real buzz from start to finish with a packed sales ring and palpable activity in the yards leading to a vibrant trade that will certainly ensure the August Sale is once again a permanent fixture in the Doncaster sales calendar. “We extend our sincere thanks to every vendor •

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES and purchaser and look forward to an equally enticing catalogue for our September HIT Sale. Before that though comes the Premier and Silver Yearling Sales for which we can hardly wait as our vendors have supported us with a superb selection of top class yearlings that would grace any catalogue.” Offered: 291 Sold: 233 (80%) Turnover: £2,624,000 Average: £11,262 Median: £6,000

Richard Fahey said of his high class three year old charge: “Ribchester’s incredible and came here in top form. Next year he could be the real deal. He’s the best we’ve ever had, he’s got everything. He has a lot of class and a lot of speed. It looked like he was going to win easily, but he had to battle a bit, and that’s good as it will help him to mature.” A graduate of both the Orby Sale and the November Foal Sale, Ribchester was sold as a foal by Kilmore Stud to Jamie Railton Bloodstock for €78,000, and by the Irish National Stud to Highfield Farm for €105,000 in the Orby Sale.

GROUP 1 GLORY FOR ORBY GRADUATE AND FAHEY’S “BEST EVER” RIBCHESTER

Next Sales: • Orby Sale 27 - 28 September - Online Catalogue • Sportsman’s Sale Part 1 29 September Online Catalogue • Sportsman’s Sale Part 2 30 September Online Catalogue • Visit Goffs website for further information

Orby and November Foal Graduate RIBCHESTER basked in both sunshine and glory at Deauville at the weekend when winning the Group 1 Prix Du Haras de Fresney-Le-Buffard Jacques Le Marios in convincing style for Richard Fahey and Godolphin. Ribchester, a colt by Iffraaj, was destined for the top from an early age having performed at Group level on only his second start as a two year old. He finished second in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes on this occasion, and went on to win the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes by 1 ¼ lengths from Log Out Island next time out.

Ribchester’s progression in 2016 prior to this emphatic Group 1 win has included a third in the Group 1 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, a decisive victory in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot and third behind The Gurkha in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

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GOFFS ANNOUNCES ORBY SALE CATALOGUE IS NOW ONLINE The catalogue for the 2016 Goffs Orby Sale is now online and features a world class selection of yearlings by sires such as Galileo, Dubawi, Shamardal, Redoute’s Choice, Sea The Stars, Kitten’s Joy, Frankel etc and pedigrees from a host of Classic families. The two day select sale takes place on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 September commencing at 10am each day. The 472 Lot-catalogue also features 18 yearlings from The Wildenstein Stables Ltd Dispersal that will be offered on day two as Lots 455 – 472 and includes the Dubawi colt out of French 1000 Guineas winner Beauty Parlour. Commenting on this year’s Orby catalogue, Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby said: “This is a milestone year for Goffs as we celebrate 150 years since Robert J Goff was appointed as official auctioneer to the Irish Turf Club, and I am •

September 2016

BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS delighted to report that the quality of yearlings buyers can expect from the 2016 Orby Sale more than befits such a significant anniversary. “The level of demand for Orby places surpassed any previous year which is testament to the strength of the sale in recent times. Goffs selection team spent the summer visiting leading breeders and walking the stud farms of Ireland, as well as the UK and US, to hand pick some of the best bred and best looking yearlings anywhere this year. Buyers can be assured of more world class yearlings from a sale that has produced a steady supply of Classic winners since its first Derby winner in 1870.”

GOFFS TWO DAY SPORTSMAN’S SALE CATALOGUE IS NOW ONLINE The two day Sportsman’s Sale catalogue is now online. The success enjoyed by this sale in 2015, which saw a 25% rise in average and 90% clearance rate, has resulted in further support from vendors and an unprecedented demand for places. This year Goffs will offer 479 yearlings over two days, divided into Part 1 on Thursday 29th September and Part 2 on Friday 30th September. The sale immediately follows the two day Orby Sale so creating “Irish Yearling Sales Week” that caters to all levels of the market.

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Group winners and graduates of the Sportsman’s Sale such as My Dream Boat and Devonshire have been superb examples of the quality and value for money that this sale is able to produce. My Dream Boat, the winner of this year’s Group 1 Prince of Wales’ Stakes at Royal Ascot is now the winner of six races including 4 Stakes races.

TATTERSALLS IRELAND SEPTEMBER YEARLING SALE CATALOGUE OUT NOW The Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale, September 20 – 21 and the newly extended Part II on September 22 – 23 is a must visit for every trainer, agent and owner searching for future winners. The strongest catalogue ever has been compiled with exciting drafts from leading breeders and consignors; the most progressive yearling sale in Europe continuing to build on its 2016 achievements. This season has seen three outstanding Guineas winners graduate from the sale headlined by Galileo Gold, the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace (G1) winner and a leading performer of his generation. The sale has also lived up to its reputation as the best source of two-year-old winners and this year has produced over 70 two-year-old track successes to date. Fairyhouse in September is a must for the discerning buyer looking for well-produced yearlings by leading sires from quality winning pedigrees. Lot 481certainly ticks all those boxes for purchasers being a half-brother to the 2016 Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes and dual Group 3 winner, My Dream Boat. The colt, offered by Woodtown House, is by the Group 1 producing sire Elnadim and out of the young Choisir mare Betty Burke, the dam of two winners from two runners. In the same session, a Rip Van Winkle colt (Lot 449) is offered by Taroka Stud and he is from the high-class European pedigree of the dual champion five-time Group 1 winner Divine Proportions, the three-time Group 1 winner Whipper and the Classic winner Shirley Heights. •

September 2016

NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES The September Yearling Sale takes place on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 September with Part II of the sale taking place on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 September 2016. The sale starts at 10am each day. Catalogues for the sale are now available online and through the Tattersalls Ireland (Fairyhouse) and Tattersalls (Newmarket) offices

STRONG START FOR DAY ONE OF GOFFS UK PREMIER SALE Strong demand for yearlings at the Goffs UK Premier Sale saw the opening day finish with a clearance rate of 88% and a total of 15 horses surpassing the sixfigure mark – up seven on day 1 last year.

ALEXIS RENAULT JOINS ARQANA AS DIRECTOR OF SALES In view to the continuing reorganisation of the company and looking ahead to the forthcoming retirement of Sales Director Bernard Salvat, ARQANA has recently recruited Alexis Renault to ultimately take over from him. With a degree from ENESAD (Agriculture Engineering), Alexis had been an integral part of the technical team at the Cheval Français (harness racing authority) since 2009. Firstly as Project Manager, and then as Deputy Director of Operations beside Guillaume Maupas. In this role, his responsibilities included being in charge of race meeting logistics, overseeing of regulations, Stewards training, and being involved in strategical projects such as Le Trot 2023. Before this experience, he worked as Project Manager at the Horse Council in Normandy. Until the end of 2016, Alexis Renault will work closely together and follow Bernard Salvat in his roles relating to the technical organisation and sales logistics of ARQANA (compilation of catalogues, facility management, horse logistics and paperwork) before taking this on fully in 2017. He will also interact with his international counterparts with regards to sanitary regulations, conditions of sales etc. Alexis Renault said, “After enjoying some great years at the Cheval Français that allowed me to accumulate considerable expertise in the technical and logistical areas of racing, I’m delighted to be given this opportunity to join the ARQANA team. It is a very dynamic company and a leader on its market. This new mission represents an exciting challenge in an industry that I hold very dear.”

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The figures were well up on the opening day in 2015 with a marked rise in the median, up 17% to £35,000. Topping today’s trade was Luke Barry’s Manister House Stud’s Dark Angel colt (Lot 144 pictured) who was knocked down to Shadwell Estate for £250,000. Angus Gold purchased 12 yearlings in total for Shadwell today including Redpender Stud’s Bahamian Bounty colt (Lot 52) for £140,000. Three yearlings surpassed the £200,000 mark with Yeomanstown Stud’s Dark Angel filly (Lot 121) selling to BBA Ireland for £210,000 and Mountarmstrong Stud’s filly, also by Dark Angel (Lot 225), going to Stroud Coleman and the Cool Silk Partnership for £205,000. The second and final day of the Premier Yearling Sale will offer 242 yearlings and will commence at 10am. Offered: 226 Sold: 200 (88%) Aggregate: £8,739,000 (6%) Average: £43,695 (12%) Median: £36,000 (17%) •

September 2016

BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS

GOFFS UK PREMIER YEARLING SALE PRODUCES ANOTHER RECORD SALE The upward spiral of the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale continued unabated over the last two days as new records were set following a record sale in 2015. A total of 32 yearlings surpassed the six-figure mark this year, driving the average up 3% to a record £44,078 and taking the turnover past £17.4 million with 23 fewer horses offered. A total of six horses made in excess of £200,000 and topping this year’s sale and matching the sale’s record for the third time in its history was Highclere Stud’s Dark Angel colt (Lot 448) who was sold to Peter and Ross Doyle for £280,000. The colt, out of a stakes winning Oasis Dream half-sister to Swiss Spirit, was purchased on behalf of Shadwell and will go into training with Richard Hannon. It capped off a huge sale for Yeomanstown’s Dark Angel who sired the top two lots and finished with an average of over £120,000. Earlier in the day Mark Richards from the Hong Kong Jockey Club went to £230,000 to secure Brightwalton Stud’s Acclamation colt (Lot 288), the second highest priced yearling today which marked the second six-figure purchase

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for the HKJC. First time vendors, Anna Drion’s Coulonces Consignment also featured prominently in the results with their Siyouni filly selling to Salcey Forest Stud for £220,000. Henry Beeby commented on another huge year for the Premier Yearling Sale: “For the fifth consecutive year the Premier Sale has returned improved figures following two powerful days of sustained trade at a level we have not witnessed at Doncaster at any sale in memory. “Last year we celebrated 31 lots that made £100,000 or over and it has been pleasing to build on that again with one more £100,000 plus transaction. Every other stat has progressed as well with the average up 3% to a record £44,078, the median reaching a record £34,000 and all from a superb 87% clearance. To put this sale’s progress into perspective the average price has grown by a staggering 64% in just four years as it increasingly competes at a higher level for the type of yearlings that breeders never used to consider for Doncaster, a fact that is clearly illustrated by the median price climbing another 13%. “Indeed, the key to this sale has always been the individual and we can only marvel at how our vendors keep getting it right and upping the ante at the same time as for without the “Donny yearlings” for which the sale is renowned we have nothing.

•

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NEWS BLOODSTOCK & SALES Add to the mix a real hunger from our buyers from home and abroad, and the result is the kind of consistently strong trade that we have witnessed over the last two days headlined by a record equalling yearling at £280,000 for the second consecutive year. “Sunny Donny has enjoyed great support from many quarters this week, not least GBRI who have introduced some key overseas buyers to our sale and we look forward to following the exploits of all the sales graduates next season and beyond.” Offered: 454 Sold: 396 (87%) Aggregate: £17,455,000 (-2%) Average: £44,078 (3%) Median: £34,000 (13%)

GOFFS UK APPOINT TONY WILLIAMS MANAGING DIRECTOR Goffs UK has appointed Tony Williams from Australia Managing Director of the Auction House. Tony will take up his position on 7th October but will attend next week’s Premier Yearling Sale to meet vendors and purchasers, and get a feel for Goffs UK at the flagship sale of the Doncaster year. Tony is superbly qualified for the role with 40 plus years in the industry and having worked for Magic Millions for nine years to 2012 before taking

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a key role in the set-up of respected Australian farm, Newgate Stud whilst he has also been an agent to the Hong Kong Jockey Club in connection with the Hong Kong International Sale since 2000. “In the world of Thoroughbred Auction Houses Goffs is a revered name. I am honoured by the appointment and can’t wait to start developing relationships with buyers, vendors and the Goffs UK team who have developed a strong business model. My excitement about the company and drive to succeed in this business is second to none so this is an opportunity to excel, implement a lifetime of experience and assist in the growth of Goffs UK with a dynamic team. If our clients are successful, we will be successful and I make it clear that we will strive to achieve in all areas with success, growth and strong relationships.”

MONSIEUR BOND FILLY TOPS GOFFS UK SILVER SALE The Silver Sale saw the completion of Goffs UK’s August yearling sales with the auction seeing domestic buyers compete with European buyers from Italy and Sweden for the final 168 yearlings on offer. Last year’s top price of £40,000 was beaten on two occasions with Catridge Farm Stud’s Monsieur Bond filly (Lot 623) selling to Federico Barberini for £46,000 and Wadacre Stud’s Lethal Force colt (Lot 581) going to the bid of Bobby O’Ryan and Keith Dalgleish for £41,000. Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby commented: “Following a stunning renewal of the Premier Sale over the last two days the Silver Sale was always going to be in the shade. “This is a day that has performed in the sales ring and on the track over the last two years so it is a little disappointing that it has been unable to at least match last year’s figures. However we would suggest that today’s trade is perhaps symptomatic of the market in general over the last few months as the best are selling very well, as we saw over the last two days, but there is increasing selectivity as the foal crops grow again which is clearly illustrated by the fall in the clearance rate. •

September 2016

BLOODSTOCK & SALES NEWS

“We are grateful to our vendors who have supported the sale and are confident that there will be more Silver successes to following the footsteps of the likes of Quiet Reflection.” Offered: 159 Sold: 114 (72%) Aggregate: £1,256,500 (-7%) Average £11,022 (-19%) Median: £7,000 (-30%)

TATTERSALLS IRELAND TO DISCONTINUE BIDPOINT Tattersalls Ireland has announced the suspension of Bidpoint in advance of the upcoming Point to Point season. An initiative launched in February 2015, it yielded encouraging results initially but a number of factors have contributed to the decision to shelve it for the forthcoming season. Director of Horses in Training at Tattersalls Ireland Richard Pugh said; course-specialist.co.uk

“We were satisfied with Bidpoint at the early stages. However a number of factors have contributed to this difficult decision. “Bidpoint seemed to appeal to the UK Point to Point fraternity from the outset but, as we know, the Irish Point to Point vendor has found this a challenging market with new rules in the UK restricting much of the trade in this area. It is a restriction which is affecting a section of the industry across all platforms but it probably had the greatest impact on Bidpoint. We have also acquired a large new sales portfolio with 15 new dates under the banner of Tattersalls Ireland at Ascot and Cheltenham and these venues are proving extremely popular for Irish Point to Point vendors. They require notable resources as we build our brand at both of these venues which performed extremely well in our first year. “We have learned a lot about market demand for this type of platform over the last eighteen months or so and look forward to applying this in other spheres moving forward.” •

September 2016

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BOB CHAMPION CHEPSTOW JUMP LEGENDS CHARITY RACE

Chepstow gears up for the Bob Champion Chepstow Jump Legends Charity Race

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September 2016

BOB CHAMPION CHEPSTOW JUMP LEGENDS CHARITY RACE

he fourth running of the Jump Legends Race will be held at 1.30pm on Saturday 8th October 2016 at Chepstow Racecourse, with proceeds going to the Bob Champion Cancer Trust (www.bobchampion.org.uk). As always, this will be a keenly contested event and the 2015 race saw a thrilling finish between Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle winning jockeys Conor Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dwyer and Graham Bradley, with Conor just getting the verdict. Please get along to Chepstow and support this very worthy cause; along with the fun and chance to meet the stars of the past, this is a meeting that often throws up equine stars of the future. There will be live music, mascot racing, pony racing bouncy castles, face painters and much more ... For more information, please contact: Lucy on 0207 924 3553 or email Lucy@bobchampion.org.uk www.justgiving.com/jumplegends2016

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September 2016

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BOB CHAMPION CHEPSTOW JUMP LEGENDS CHARITY RACE

JOCKEYS LINE UP – 2016 GRAHAM BRADLEY

‘Brad’ rode 731 winners worldwide in a 20 year career, retiring in 1999. A sublimely skilled jockey he won the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Bregawn and 1996 Champion Hurdle on Collier Bay. No stranger to Chepstow, he won two Welsh Nationals in 1984 on Righthand Man and 1986 on Stearsby. He is perhaps best associated with Wayward Lad on whom he won the 1985 King George VI Chase and whom he chose for the title of his autobiography! Since retirement, Brad has worked as a bloodstock agent. www.justgiving.com/grahambradley2016

MARTIN BRENNAN

Martin rode more than 350 winners, began his career with Jimmy Fitzgerald before having spells with John Blundell and Walter Wharton and then for his father, Owen Brennan at Worksop. His first winner was Artic Menelek at Kelso and his biggest successes came in 1988 on Strath Royal in the Charlie Hall and Speaker Weatherill in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster. After retirement Martin moved to Dubai, where he has now been for the last 16 years. The role that he does now is very different from his professional career and something he never thought he would be involved in! He is the Flight Transport Manager for Dubai Racing Club for all equines in and out of the UAE. www.justgiving.com/martinbrennan2016

JIM CULLOTY

Jim rode 396 winners retiring from the track in 2005. He will forever be associated with the legendary Best Mate winning three Gold Cups in 2002, 2003 and 2004. In 2002 he achieved the famous double picking up a spare ride in the Grand National on Bindaree and going on to win the race. Jim is now successfully training in Ireland at a yard he built himself. . He had his first Cheltenham winner, Lord Windermere, in 2013, the same horse going on to win the Gold Cup in 2014, one of only four men in history to achieve the jockey / trainer double! www.justgiving.com/jimculloty2016

JIMMY DUGGAN

Jimmy was one of the UK’s top jockeys in the 1980’s and 90’s winning 311 races and riding the top class hurdler Aonoch on whom he won 14 races. He now lives in the US where he is a successful businessman, TV presenter and leading steeplechase analyst. www.justgiving.com/jimmyduggan2016

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•

September 2016

BOB CHAMPION CHEPSTOW JUMP LEGENDS CHARITY RACE JIMMY FROST

As the youngest ever winner of a point-to-point at the age of 13, Jimmy became the ‘Peter Pan of the weighing room’ and was still riding competitively 30 years later. He partnered more than 500 winners including Morley Street in the 1981 Champion Hurdle and Little Polveir in the 1989 Grand National, his first ever ride in the race! Jimmy took over his father’s yard in 2002 and his son Hadden now a leading jockey. www.justgiving.com/jimmyfrost2016

JIMMY MCCARTHY

Jimmy retired in 2013 after a career spanning more than 25 years. He rode 500 winners although only one Grade One, the 2009 Sefton Novice Hurdle at Aintree on Ogee. It was on Ogee that he rode his last winner at Southwell in July 2013. Remarkably, McCarthy was never off with an injury for more than three weeks at one time. He is now assistant trainer to Jamie Osborne. www.justgiving.com/jimmymccarthy2016

KEVIN MOONEY

A successful jump jockey, Kevin rode more than 360 winners over two decades retiring in 1991. He was attached to the Fulke Walwyn stable riding 19 winners for the Queen Mother as her main jockey between 1984 and 1991, including his thrilling win on Special Cargo in the 1984 Whitbread. Since retirement, Kevin has been Assistant Trainer to first Barry and then Charlie Hills. www.justgiving.com/kevinmooney2016

CONOR O’DWYER

As a jumps jockey, Conor O’Dwyer came up through the weighing room ranks the hard way, from the bottom. He grafted his way up through the ranks in a career that spanned two decades, achieved about 750 winners and which included winning the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup twice. Having retired healthy from the saddle at the ripe age of 42 in 2008, Conor is now a successful trainer. www.justgiving.com/conorodwyer2016

BRENDAN POWELL

Brendan won 684 races and as well as the Grand National won two Scottish and two Midlands Grand Nationals. He is now a successful trainer. Brendan says that these days his jockey son, Brendan Powell Jnr, is a lot more famous than him as people now come up to him and ask, “Are you Brendan Powell’s Dad?!” www.justgiving.com/brendanpowell2016

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WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER

WHAT’S ON RACING HIGHLIGHTS IN SEPTEMBER

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September 2016

SEPTEMBER WHAT’S ON

September is a turning point in the racing calendar as we see the end of the summer and often a change in the weather and ground conditions.

he month begins with the Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup meeting at Haydock Park, while Kempton Park features the Group 3 September Stakes and the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes. The following weeks sees the start of the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival at Doncaster, which carries on from the Wednesday through to the Saturday. Over in Ireland, September 10th and 11th is a huge time as Leopardstown and the Curragh stage the third Longines Irish Champions Weekend, with huge prize money up for grabs and five Group 1 contests for good measure. With Longchamp under re-development, Sunday September 11th also sees Qatar Arc Trials Day at Chantilly, featuring the Group 1 Prix Vermeille and the Group 2 Prix Foy and Prix Niel, contested over the 2016 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe course and distance. Sunday 11th September also sees the first of seven straight days of action at the Harvest Festival at Listowel, with the big race of the week Wednesday’s Guinness Kerry National. course-specialist.co.uk

September 13th sees the first of three days of action at Great Yarmouth’s always popular Eastern Meeting, with a stack of competitive handicaps, informative two year old maiden races and the highlight being the Listed John Musker Fillies’ Stakes. This busy period also sees the start of Ayr’s three-day Western Meeting on Thursday, September 15th, culminating in Saturday’s Group 3 Firth Of Clyde Stakes for two year old fillies and the Ayr Gold Cup, one of the year’s premier handicap sprints. On Friday, September 16th, Newbury’s stages the first of a two-day meeting, with the Haynes, Hanson and Clark Conditions Stakes always an informative two year old contest, won in the past by the likes of Henbit, Shergar, Rainbow Quest and Nayef. •

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WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 17th sees another key two year old contest at the Berkshire track in the shape of the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes. The weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September sees the Newmarket Open Weekend take place, including an afternoon of racing with a twist on the Saturday, as local trainers take to the microphone to commentate on the afternoon’s fayre. The following week Newmarket stages one of its big meetings of the year as the Cambridgeshire Meeting gets underway from Thursday, September 22nd, with the Group 3 Sommerville Tattersall Stakes the first day highlight. The Friday features another fascinating afternoon of racing with the Group 2 Shadwell Rockfel Stakes and Shadwell Joel Stakes, the highlights.

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The Newmarket action ramps up another notch on the Saturday with the Betfred Cambridgeshire and a guaranteed enormous field of handicappers thundering down the Rowley Mile.

But this card also features outstanding juvenile action with the Group 2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes giving a glimpse of next year’s Derby candidates, while the Group 1 Connolly’s RED MILLS Cheveley Park Stakes helps to define the leading two year old filly in Europe. Also on the card is the Group 1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes for two year old colts, a race that again helps define the leading sprinting juvenile of the year. On Sunday, September 25th, the Curragh stages another afternoon of racing with an eye for the future, where the Group 2 Beresford Stakes and the CL and MF Weld Park Stakes for two year olds take centre stage. •

September 2016

SEPTEMBER WHAT’S ON

SECTION ARTICLE

SEPTEMBER 2016 FIXTURE LIST Date

Venue (FLAT IN CAPITALS Jump in Lower Case)

Session

Type

Header (2015 Equivalent)

1st

HAYDOCK PARK SALISBURY

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

CHELMSFORD CITY (AWT)

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Twilight

Afternoon

Sedgefield 2nd

ASCOT

September Meeting, 2015

Twilight

Standard

First September (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Evening

Standard

First September (AWT) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

September Meeting, 2015

ASCOT

Afternoon

Standard

September Meeting, 2015

KEMPTON PARK (AWT)

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

First September (AWT) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Autumn Meeting, 2015

Evening

Standard

First September (AWT) (Evening) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

September Meeting, 2015

BRIGHTON

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

WINDSOR

Afternoon

BHA

First September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

BHA

September Meeting, 2015

LEICESTER

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

REDCAR

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

CARLISLE

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

KEMPTON PARK (AWT)

Afternoon

Standard

The Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, 2015

Twilight

MUSSELBURGH

NEWCASTLE (AWT) Kilbeggan (e)

HAYDOCK PARK Stratford-On-Avon THIRSK

WOLVERHAMPTON (AWT)

5th

6th

Navan

Fontwell Park YORK

Dundalk Perth

Galway (e) Perth

Twilight

Worcester 7th

8th

Galway (e)

DONCASTER Uttoxeter

CHEPSTOW

DONCASTER

EPSOM DOWNS

CHELMSFORD CITY (AWT) Clonmel (e)

102

First September (AWT) (Twilight) Meeting, 2015 Standard

KEMPTON PARK (AWT)

4th

First September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

HAYDOCK PARK

3rd

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Second September (AWT) (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

The Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Twilight

Second September (AWT) (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

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WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 9th

ARTICLE SECTION

CHESTER

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

SALISBURY

Afternoon

Standard

The Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, 2015

Twilight

Standard

Second September (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

BATH

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

DONCASTER

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

The Ladbrokes St Leger Festival, 2015

Twilight

Standard

Second September (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

BATH

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

CHELMSFORD CITY (AWT)

Afternoon

Standard

September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

DONCASTER SANDOWN PARK

10th

Down Royal (e) CHESTER

MUSSELBURGH

LINGFIELD PARK 11th

Leopardstown FFOS LAS Curragh

12th

13th

Listowel

BRIGHTON

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

Worcester

Afternoon

BHA

Second September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second June Meeting, 2015

KEMPTON PARK (AWT) Listowel

CARLISLE

Twilight

THIRSK

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

First July Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Eastern Festival Meeting, 2015

BEVERLEY

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

SANDOWN PARK

Twilight

Standard

September (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Eastern Festival Meeting, 2015

AYR

Afternoon

Standard

THE WESTERN MEETING (AYR), 2015

YARMOUTH

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Eastern Festival Meeting, 2015

CHEPSTOW YARMOUTH Listowel

14th

Laytown Kelso

YARMOUTH 15th

Listowel

PONTEFRACT CHELMSFORD CITY (AWT)

16th

Listowel

Second September (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

NEWBURY

Afternoon

Standard

September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

AYR

Afternoon

Standard

THE WESTERN MEETING (AYR), 2015

NEWBURY

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

First September Meeting, 2015

Hexham

Listowel

CATTERICK BRIDGE NEWMARKET

112

Twilight

AYR

Newton Abbot 17th

Third September (AWT) (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

Standard

Twilight

THE WESTERN MEETING (AYR), 2015 September (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

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SEPTEMBER WHAT’S ON 17th 18th

19th

20th

WOLVERHAMPTON (AWT)

Evening

Standard

Third September (AWT) (Evening) Meeting, 2015

Plumpton

Afternoon

Standard

September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

HAMILTON PARK

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

LEICESTER

Afternoon

Standard

Third September (AWT) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Third September (AWT) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

September Meeting, 2015

Listowel

Uttoxeter

Gowran Park

KEMPTON PARK (AWT) BEVERLEY

LINGFIELD PARK (AWT) Warwick

FFOS LAS 21st

Twilight

Ballinrobe

GOODWOOD

Afternoon

Perth

Afternoon

Standard

Autumn Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

NEWMARKET

Afternoon

Standard

Cambridgeshire Meeting, 2015

PONTEFRACT

Afternoon

Standard

Autumn Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

KEMPTON PARK (AWT) REDCAR

22nd

23rd

Naas

Perth

CHELMSFORD CITY (AWT) HAYDOCK PARK

NEWCASTLE (AWT) NEWMARKET Worcester

Downpatrick 24th

Dundalk (e)

104

Third September (AWT) Meeting, 2015

Twilight Afternoon

Fourth September (AWT) (Twilight) Meeting, 2015 Standard

Twilight

Second September Meeting, 2015 Fourth September (AWT) (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Cambridgeshire Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Third September Meeting, 2015

HAYDOCK PARK

Twilight

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Cambridgeshire Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Third September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

BATH

Afternoon

Standard

Third September Meeting, 2015

Newton Abbot

Afternoon

Standard

Third September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second April (Evening) Meeting, 2015

AYR

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

Southwell

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Second September Meeting, 2015

HAMILTON PARK

RIPON

27th

Twilight

Second September Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

NEWMARKET

26th

Standard

CHESTER

Market Rasen

25th

Third September (AWT) Meeting, 2015

Navan

MUSSELBURGH

EPSOM DOWNS Curragh

HAMILTON PARK Roscommon Sedgefield

Second September Meeting, 2015

• September • September course-specialist.co.uk 2016 course-specialist.co.uk 2016

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WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 27th 28th

ARTICLE SECTION

WOLVERHAMPTON (AWT)

Twilight

Bangor-On-Dee

Afternoon

NOTTINGHAM

Afternoon

Standard

September Raceday, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

Third September Meeting, 2015

BRIGHTON

Afternoon

BHA

Fourth May Meeting, 2015

Warwick

Afternoon

Standard

First October (AWT) (Twilight & Evening) Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

October Meeting, 2015

Fairyhouse

KEMPTON PARK (AWT)

Twilight

SALISBURY 29th

Sligo

NEWCASTLE (AWT) CHELMSFORD CITY (AWT)

30th

Clonmel

Standard

First October Meeting, 2015 Fourth September (AWT) (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

Twilight

First October (AWT) (Twilight) Meeting, 2015

ASCOT

Afternoon

Standard

Festival Meeting, 2015

Hexham

Afternoon

Standard

First October Meeting, 2015

Afternoon

Standard

First October Meeting, 2015

Fontwell Park NEWCASTLE (AWT) Gowran Park

Twilight

First October (AWT) (Twilight & Evening) Meeting, 2015

Dundalk (e)

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September 2016

105

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In Its hIstorIc 350th year of makIng hIstory, the home of horseracIng once agaIn opens Its doors for your chance to see behInd the scenes of one of the oldest sportIng IndustrIes

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September 2016