Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder

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Incorporating

£4.95 | June 2015 | Issue 130

Golden ticket Anthony Oppenheimer buys into Derby dream with homebred Horn

Plus • Guy Henderson on enhancing Royal Ascot’s global appeal • American Triple Crown: Pharoah bids for place in history • Harry and Lorna Fowler’s bold vision at Rahinston Stud

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31773_Mastercraftsman_TBOB_DPS_Jun15_31773_Mastercraftsman_TBOB_DPS_Jun15 18/05/2015 15:31 Page 1

RACING POST, 8 May 2015

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31773_Mastercraftsman_TBOB_DPS_Jun15_31773_Mastercraftsman_TBOB_DPS_Jun15 18/05/2015 15:31 Page 2

European Champion 2YO. European Champion 1st crop sire in 2013.

European Champion 2nd crop sire in 2014.

Contact: Coolmore Stud, Fethard, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Tel: 353-52-6131298. Fax: 353-52-6131382. Christy Grassick, David O’Loughlin, Eddie Fitzpatrick, Tim Corballis, Maurice Moloney, Gerry Aherne, Mathieu Legars or Jason Walsh. Tom Gaffney, David Magnier, Joe Hernon or Cathal Murphy: 353-25-31966/31689. Kevin Buckley (UK Rep.) 44-7827-795156.

E-mail: sales@coolmore.ie Web site: www.coolmore.com All stallions nominated to EBF.

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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR Publisher: Michael Harris Editor: Edward Rosenthal Bloodstock Editor: Emma Berry Designed by: Thoroughbred Group Editorial: First Floor, 75 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LS Tel: 020 7152 0209 Fax: 020 7152 0213 editor@ownerbreeder.co.uk www.ownerbreeder.co.uk @OwnerBreeder

EDWARD ROSENTHAL

Advertising: Giles Anderson Tel: 01380 816 777 USA: 1 888 218 4430 Fax: 01380 816 778 advertise@anderson-co.com Subscriptions: Keely Brewer Tel: 020 7152 0212 Fax: 020 7152 0213 subscriptions@ownerbreeder.co.uk Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder incorporating Pacemaker can be purchased by non-members at the following rates: 1 Year 2 Year UK £55 £90 Europe £66 £105 RoW £99 £154 Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder incorporating Pacemaker is published by a Mutual Trading Company owned jointly by the Racehorse Owners Association and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association is a registered charity No. 1134293 Editorial views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the ROA or TBA ABC Audited Our proven average monthly circulation is certified by the Audit Bureau of Circulation at 9,340* *Based on the period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.

Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Stanstead House, The Avenue, Newmarket CB8 9AA Tel: 01638 661 321 Fax: 01638 665621 info@thetba.co.uk • www.thetba.co.uk

Incorporating

Golden ticket Anthony Oppenheimer buys into Derby dream with homebred Horn

Plus • Guy Henderson on enhancing Royal Ascot’s global appeal • American Triple Crown: Pharoah bids for place in history • Harry and Lorna Fowler’s bold vision at Rahinston Stud

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round this time of year, we are reminded of the words of renowned Italian breeder Federico Tesio: “The thoroughbred exists because its selection has depended, not on experts, technicians or zoologists, but on a piece of wood: the winning post of the Epsom Derby.”

Whether or not Tesio’s statement is as true now as it was during his lifetime (he died in 1954) is debatable. As a recent study conducted by the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association stated, fewer horses are being bred in Britain to stay the Derby distance of a mile and a half and further. For many involved in the industry, it is speed – not stamina – that excites in the modern thoroughbred.

So has the Derby lost its lustre? For some, perhaps, yet the race retains its supreme desirability for a great many others. The purchase of Elm Park by Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, one of the Qatari owners whose investment has been such a huge fillip for racing on these shores, is evidence that the lure of Epsom holds true for the younger generation of racing devotees.

When it comes to the traditional owner/breeder, once a mainstay of our sport, the answer is unequivocal: victory in the Epsom Derby represents the pinnacle of achievement. It is this sentiment that has seen Anthony Oppenheimer supplement his impressive Dante Stakes victor Golden Horn for the Classic on June 6.

Immediately after his York victory, it seemed the only person who remained unconvinced by the son of Cape Cross’s Derby credentials was Oppenheimer himself, believing his charge would be better suited by the less stamina-sapping French version, the Prix du Jockey Club, over ten and a half furlongs. After all, noone knows the family and bloodlines better than the man who bred the horse in the first place. So did he need persuading to stump up the £75,000 required for a Derby day out?

“He obviously has to go for the Derby, for the

prestige and everything associated with it,” Oppenheimer tells Julian Muscat in a must-read feature (The Big Interview, pages 36-40). “All of my life I’ve wanted to win the Derby. It’s what we all aspire to as owner/breeders. This could be my chance.”

No doubt whatsoever, then, despite first impressions, that Mr Oppenheimer would look this gift horse in the mouth and deny him his chance to shine on the biggest stage of all. How officials in Ireland must wish that owners and trainers viewed their own Derby with such affection.

The Curragh Classic has suffered with small, uncompetitive fields in recent years, dominated by Aidan O’Brien and Coolmore. Such has been the disillusionment with the situation that changing the distance of the race, to ten furlongs, has been discussed at board level and also within the European Pattern Committee.

Of course, there are other examples of race distances being changed: the Prix du Jockey-Club ceased being a 12furlong Derby in 2005, when Shamardal claimed the prize.

Plenty of horsemen in France, and elsewhere, would like that decision reversed.

Tinkering with one Pattern race, let alone a Classic, has serious implications for others that follow. Such a move at the Curragh could be potentially fatal for three-year-old representation in the ten-furlong Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, which follows a week after the Irish Derby. Last year’s Eclipse winner pocketed £255,000. The Irish Derby victor took home over £600,000. Which race would you go for?

In recent seasons we have seen races transferred between courses to facilitate the creation of British Champions Day, including the Champion Stakes, which moved from Newmarket to Ascot. Some said running the same event at a different track was serious enough to have an impact on the breed. I didn’t believe that. But a policy of changing the distance of some of Europe’s premier races certainly will.

“Mr Oppenheimer

Racehorse Owners Association Ltd First Floor, 75 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LS Tel: 020 7152 0200 Fax: 020 7152 0213 info@roa.co.uk www.racehorseowners.net

£4.95 | June 2015 | Issue 130

A Golden opportunity to win the biggest prize of all

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Cover: Golden Horn and William Buick capture the Dante Stakes at York Photo: George Selwyn

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was never going to deny Golden Horn his chance to shine at Epsom

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Jun_130_Contents_Contents 22/05/2015 13:37 Page 4

CONTENTS JUNE 2015

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60

NEWS & VIEWS

FEATURES

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ROA Leader Negativity no use in parliament

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TBA Leader Breeders recognised by BHA

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Changes

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Tony Morris Classic milestone achieved

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Howard Wright Deeds not words

INTERNATIONAL SCENE 30

View From Ireland Ken Condon’s star

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Continental Tales Moroccan ambition

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Around The Globe Triple Crown bid

Lorna and Harry Fowler with a filly from Rahinston’s Derby Sale draft

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COVER STORY The Big Interview With Anthony Oppenheimer

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Rahinston Stud Harry and Lorna Fowler’s plans

Sales Circuit Breeze-ups perform well

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Caulfield Files Storm Cat’s Classic influence

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Dr Statz Being one of the crowd

Talking To...

Ascot chief Guy Henderson

Your news in a nutshell

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From Newmarket and Newbury

News Grand National shortened

The Big Picture

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24 Hours With...

Former jockey Kevin Darley

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BLOODLINES Simply the right policy – without the fuss We are able to provide cover for: All risks of mortality Theft Stallion’s congenital or permanent infertility Broodmare barrenness Prospective foal Foals from 24 hours

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Yearlings unsoundness of wind Horses at grass

FORUM 62

ROA Forum Richard Wayman’s Turf warning

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TBA Forum Explaining the Enterprise Initiative Scheme

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LEADING THE FIELD IN BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE

Breeder of the Month Darley (Flat) and David Young (National Hunt)

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Next Generation Club Meeting new GBRI member Amanda Bossom

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Vet Forum The risk of antibiotic resistance

DATA BOOK 86

AHEAD OF THE FIELD

Group and Graded Races Latest winners under both codes

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TO STAY

Stallion Statistics Oscar a winner

Our monthly circulation is certified at

9,340 Can other magazines prove theirs?

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CONTACT US TODAY

BLOODLINES Marlow House, 1A Lloyd’s Avenue London EC3N 3AA TEL: +44 (0) 207 938 3033 FAX: +44 (0) 207 938 3055 ENQUIRIES@BLOODLINES.CO.UK WWW.BLOODLINES.CO.UK Bloodlines is a trading name of Bloodlines Thoroughbred Insurance Agency Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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ROA LEADER

RACHEL HOOD President Racehorse Owners Association

Robertson must be more conservative with views MP’s comments on the racing right are potentially harmful to the industry

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nyone who has the welfare of British racing at heart should applaud the Conservative Party’s general election victory. Far be it from me to tell people where their political affiliations should lie, but no recent government has sent stronger messages of support to the British racing industry than that headed

by David Cameron and George Osborne.

It was, therefore, entirely apt that the BHA’s Chief Executive, Nick Rust, should respond to the result with a loud and positive message, saying that it would hasten the day when a racing right would replace the levy as racing’s principal funding mechanism.

While it was unnecessary for some too-clever-by-half commentators to point out that Messrs Cameron and Osborne would have a few other things to sort out before they turned their attentions to the racing industry, how much worse it was that the joint-Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Racing and Bloodstock Group, Laurence Robertson, used the occasion to pour cold water on the concept of a racing right.

For a person who is supposedly sharing the leadership of the House of Commons’ racing group, his comments were at best inappropriate and at worst harmful to the industry whose interests he should be helping to protect.

As the Right Honourable member for Tewkesbury will be aware, it is entirely gratuitous for him to say at this stage that the racing right could draw a complaint from the EU, as if we didn’t know. Yes, Mr Robertson, European compliance is one of a number of obstacles we and the government are confronting but it hardly assists our case when a man supposedly there to help racing betrays such a negative attitude.

You must also question why Mr Robertson is publicly querying the fact that a special case should be made for racing in front of other sports on which there is betting.

And why is he wondering aloud whether a racing right is going to produce more money for racing and then

actually raising concerns that the introduction of a racing right might mean a bigger bill for the bookmakers? Are these not questions that should be asked by someone who is against racing generating more revenue, not for it?

Be that as it may, it is not difficult to argue why racing should remain a special case. Our sport has been the major supporter of bookmaker businesses since the early 1960s and it was for this reason the levy was set up in the first place. Nobody is blind to the fact that the betting world has changed dramatically since then but, even today, virtually all bookmakers would concede that racing is more important to them than any other sport on which they take bets, if not always in terms of betting volumes then certainly in terms of attracting people to their shops.

Betting aside, this government recognises, more than any other before it, the huge social and economic benefits that stem from the racing industry, with its farreaching implications for the rural economy. You would think Mr Robertson, of all people, might also see this as justifying racing’s ‘special case’ treatment.

Mr Robertson asks where the extra money is coming from with the racing right. He is surely not oblivious to the fact that virtually every major bookmaker took their businesses offshore a few years ago to avoid paying UK tax and levy on their online and telephone accounts.

The government has recently closed the tax loop-hole and everyone in racing – with the possible exception of Laurence Robertson – is looking forward to the other one being closed when the racing right is established.

As one would expect in this digital world, betting shop business is slowly eroding while online business increases. A racing right will allow us to tap into this overseas market and find an estimated £25m a year that legitimately belongs to British racing – and, yes, Mr Robertson, this will come from betting industry profits.

“European compliance

is an obstacle to confront – but such a negative attitude hardly helps racing’s case

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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TBA Board Elections 2015 Please vote for two candidates that you believe will bring valuable experience, perspective, and judgment to the TBA Board.

The following Members, having received sufficient nominations, are now eligible for ballot for the TWO vacancies on the TBA Board.

Detailed profiles and ballot papers have been sent to members and more information is available on our website.

Please return your completed ballot forms to Stanstead House by 19 June 2015.

Anthea Gibson Fleming I breed for both Flat and National Hunt, have worked for bloodstock agent Amanda Skiffington and have a small number of my own clients. I am presently Regional Chairman for the South West Area of the TBA. Whilst attending many sales, I get the opportunity to meet a lot of Breeders and also keep in touch with different trainers. Having personal experience of breeding racehorses, and the associated costs of keep, stallion nominations, veterinary fees, etc., I would like to represent the small breeders on the TBA Board, whose breeding and racing future is determined by sales returns.

John Needham Bloodstock consultant/manager and insurance broker. A lifetime racing enthusiast and small breeder. I have been a member of the TBA for over 30 years and Regional Chairman for the South East for the last six years.

I speak to many small breeders on a regular basis and I understand their problems. It is their interests that I am keen to represent should I be elected to the Board of the TBA. We need to encourage new breeders with more training courses for young people and by encouraging more racehorse owners to breed with incentives for racing fillies. Of particular interest to me is the expanding of TBA training and education programmes for stud staff out into the Regional Areas with short/evening lectures at studs.

Ted Voute Owner and hands on Manager of Voute Farm. Racing and Stud Consultant to Prince A A Faisal. Director of Voute Sales Ltd. Consignor in both Europe and USA. Past Council member of both the TBA and the ROA. As an Owner of five commercial mares in the UK and USA and at a time when the TBA has a strong Board that represents its members, my contribution would be grassroots, hands-on knowledge of both commercial and owner/breeder Stud Farming, with intense auction and commercial experience both in Europe and USA as ground level.

Chris Wright CBE Existing TBA Board member and successful owner/breeder worldwide. Founded the music, TV, radio and media group, Chrysalis PLC, in 1967, chairman until it was sold in 2011.

I joined the TBA Board with a mission to represent the smaller members. I took on the mantle of increasing the awareness of the TBA and its relevance to the industry. I believe I have been successful on both counts, but there is still more to be achieved. On the TBA Board I sit on the Audit Committee, I’m a TBA representative on the Board of Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder Magazine and I have been asked to represent the TBA as a Trustee of the RoR, something dear to my heart. I have the time to devote my energies to both breeding and to being a significant presence in our organisation.

Protecting a heritage, representing a future.

01638 661321

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thetba.co.uk

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TBA LEADER

RICHARD LANCASTER Chairman Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association

Recognition for breeders at Industry Update days BHA’s Strategy for Growth will look at ways to encourage new participants

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fter being fed crumbs from the top table for several months, it was a pleasure to get a taste of the meat on the bones of the BHA’s Strategy for Growth when the Industry Update 2015 roadshow rolled into Newmarket on its four-venue tour.

The presentations by the BHA’s Nick Rust and GBR’s Rod Street did not disappoint breeders, for there were a series of references that demonstrate – on paper at least – that our rightful place is being recognised.

“We need a thriving breeding operation,” Rust said, by way of stressing the ability to satisfy the requirement for more owners, horses in training and runners.

Quite right. Everyone has their place but without breeders there would be no owners, horses in training and runners.

About the recently-announced jump racing review, Rust added: “The breeding of jumps horses in Britain is facing difficult times, and we need to look at that.”

Quite right. The point was well made in the recent TBAcommissioned report into Britain’s staying races and their future, and its findings on the absolute need to encourage the breeding of stayers for both codes of racing. The report drew a complimentary observation from the BHA Chief Executive, and we intend to ensure that its contents are not allowed to gather dust.

On the ambitious targets that have been set, including the provision of substantially more horses in training over the next five years, Rust said: “That forebodes a more sustainable future with a better pipeline and a race programme more in tune with the needs of breeders.”

Quite right, although concern about whether the immediate timeline can be achieved was a point well made during the Industry Update’s question-and-answer session by my predecessor as TBA Chairman, Kirsten Rausing.

Nevertheless, the over-arching principle is sound and the TBA executive is already engaged in detailed work on behalf of the strategy under the heading ‘integrated breeder engagement.’ A clear business path has been identified

from the point of becoming a breeder to enjoying a lifetime in the sport, not forgetting the process of setting out to win back those whose involvement may lapse.

The timeline begins with the integration of all existing initiatives to welcome new breeders, whether from startup investors or owners of high-quality fillies who are looking to diversify into breeding, and continues with innovative schemes to support activity through the early years of the cycle. Some exciting ideas are being developed to encourage breeders at all stages of the journey.

In addition, the TBA executive is looking in more detail at the race programming aspect, highlighting that support for fillies is an essential prerequisite to make them more attractive in the sale ring and bring about a consequent increase in their numbers in the British breeding programme.

Returning to the Industry Update, I was encouraged when Nick Rust delved more deeply into the human side, saying that welfare and training of staff was “one of the most challenging pillars,” and outlining the need to pull together a wider plan for receiving funding and providing support.

Quite right. The TBA’s education and employment arm constantly strives to secure sufficient skilled people for stud work, but we need to ensure that enough new recruits are found and that existing staff are valued and retained.

The TBA’s breeding industry workforce analysis has already provided valuable information and we look forward to working with the BHA on its ‘participant welfare and training’ pillar led by Carole Goldsmith.

Regarding the organisational structure of the Strategy for Growth, the original work led by Eamonn Wilmott is now being taken forward under Richard Wayman, the ROA Chief Executive. Having had our interests successfully introduced to a pillar that now bears the title ‘horse population, ownership and breeding,’ and conducted a successful session with representatives of the BHA board, we will challenge those engaged in this particular aspect of the strategy to deliver on all aspects that affect breeders.

“The presentations by the BHA’s Nick Rust and GBR’s Rod Street did not disappoint breeders

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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THE BIG PICTURE

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AP McCOY

AP CAREER ENDS IN TEARS The longest of farewells was completed by AP McCoy at Sandown on April 25 aboard Box Office, who failed to send the 20-times champion jockey into retirement with a winner. Given a fantastic ovation by the sell-out crowd, McCoy couldn’t help but shed a tear or two as he made his way back to the weighing-room for the very last time Photo George Selwyn

Jun_130_News_v2_Owner 22/05/2015 13:17 Page 12

NEWS Stories from the racing world

Grand National distance reduced again Recent re-measuring exercise means Aintree showpiece has lost a furlong and a half since 2012

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new method for measuring jump race distances has resulted in the Grand National being officially described as 4m2½f – down a furlong on this year – while 11 tracks will stage races over less than the minimum distance of two miles.

The exercise, carried out by the BHA in conjunction with the Racecourse Association, was instigated to achieve greater accuracy in jump race distances and mirror the methodology already used at Flat tracks.

From this month, all jump race distances will be advertised using both the traditional description – rounded to the nearest halffurlong – alongside the new, exact ‘baseline’ distance, described to the exact yardage.

Jump races were previously measured along

the mid-point of the course using a surveyor’s wheel, but under the new methodology have been measured along a line two yards off the innermost running rail and professionally surveyed to the nearest yard.

The new method of measuring ended with 11 tracks being identified as running races over less than two miles but unable to move starting positions. The Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown, for example, will be officially described as being run over 1m7f119yds, though the traditional description of ‘two miles’ will remain in place.

The Grand National will continue to be Britain’s longest race, though as recently as 2012 the winner, Neptune Collonges, was feted after scoring over four and a half miles. From next year, after the position of the start was moved

and now the track remeasured, it has technically had a furlong and a half shaved off its distance.

Jamie Stier, BHA Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation, said: “This new methodology will improve the quality and quantity of data we provide our participants, and the increased accuracy will be of benefit to trainers, jockeys, owners and betting customers.

“It has been an extensive project and not without cost to racecourses, so we thank them for their involvement.”

Caroline Davies, Racecourse Services Director for the RCA, said: “Having a base measurement means that changes to race distances can be advertised more accurately, particularly if late changes to the racing line are necessary due to dolling out.”

A turn for the better? The days of the 4m4f Grand National are over following changes implemented by the BHA

Record-breaker Quevega produces filly

Quevega and her foal by Beat Hollow

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Outstanding racemare Quevega has given birth to her first foal at the Irish National Stud – a filly by Beat Hollow.

The new arrival has been set a daunting example by her record-breaking mother, winner of the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival for six years running between 2009-2014.

Quevega, trained by Willie Mullins after

being bought from France, finished her career with an impressive record of 16 victories from 24 starts, earning almost £750,000 for her owners the Hammer & Trowel Syndicate.

Aside from Cheltenham, the daughter of Robin Des Champs also loved Punchestown, capturing the Grade 1 World Series Hurdle on four occasions.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_130_News_v2_Owner 22/05/2015 13:17 Page 13

Plus 10 registration window

York’s EBF Convivial Maiden will be worth £50,000 this year

BEBF to provide £1.3m in 2015 The British European Breeders’ Fund will contribute in excess of £1.3 million to prize-money in Britain in 2015, the largest amount in the BEBF’s history.

More than 600 Flat races will receive BEBF funding throughout the year.

A large proportion of the BEBF’s money will be directed to support conditions races, fillies’ handicaps and Listed races, in addition to 80% of juvenile maiden races.

Racecourses were invited to tender for additional BEBF funding by increasing their executive contribution.

That resulted in around 30 races receiving significant boosts to their funds, including the most valuable twoyear-old maiden, the British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden at York, now worth £50,000.

There are five valuable fillies’ nurseries supported, including a continuation of sponsorship for the EBF Fillies’ Nursery at Newmarket, worth £60,000.

BEBF Chairman Philip Freedman said: “The BEBF is one of the biggest sponsors of British horseracing. The majority of our funding comes from British stallion owners and currently we have many of the best sires in the world standing here.

“The BEBF is a vehicle for the bloodstock industry to support racing in a very direct way. Types of races we support are selected to provide a stepping-stone for horses’ careers, and some of these races need protecting.

“The aim is to provide tangible support to the right types of races for the breed and we are delighted that the fund is contributing the largest amount in its 30-year history in 2015.”

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Owners and breeders are reminded that yearlings must be registered for Plus 10 by June 30 – a much earlier date this year. Meanwhile, a one-off registration window means current owners of yearlings who have not previously been entered into the scheme can pay both the foal and yearling registration fees to enter a horse. Both must be paid by June 30.

Also earlier this time around is the foal registration cut-off, which is August 31, and the owner registration deadline, which is February 28, 2016.

Plus 10 is a £5.5 million bonus scheme which will see fully-qualified two- and three-year-olds race for £10,000 (€12,500) bonuses across more than 550 races in Britain and Ireland.

Median sales prices for Plus 10 horses at major British and Irish breeze-ups and mixed sales this year have been up to 58% higher compared with non-Plus 10 horses, continuing last year’s trend.

Plus 10 Committee Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson said it was important the scheme’s registration deadlines complemented the sales calendar.

“After reviewing the scheme’s first year, speaking with bloodstock sales houses and vendors, it is clear the presence of a Plus 10 logo

on a horse’s pedigree page is a high priority for vendors,” he said.

“By shifting registration deadlines we will ensure vendors receive the greatest benefit from their investment into the scheme.”

GoffsDBS Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby said: “A Plus 10 logo on the catalogue page is the best way to highlight eligibility and gives breeders another marketing tool to assist their sales price.”

Tattersalls Marketing Manager Jason Singh said: “The new deadlines will ensure that all lots catalogued for the Tattersalls October and December Yearling Sales and December Foal Sale will carry the Plus 10 logo for registered horses, which can only prove a benefit to vendors.”

Breeders are advised that a payment plan has been introduced allowing them to pay the middle yearling registration fee of £200 in two instalments.

Breeders who wish to make their yearling eligible for Plus 10 via the payment plan must pay a £50 deposit by the registration deadline of June 30, with the balance of £150 plus a £20 per horse handling fee paid by November 30.

All the information you need is at www.plus10bonus.com.

•

Sizing Europe’s race is run Former top two-mile chaser Sizing Europe, one of the most popular horses in training of recent times, has been retired aged 13.

Trained by Henry de Bromhead for Alan and Ann Potts, Sizing Europe won 22 of his 45 races and over £1.3 million in prize-money. He captured eight Grade 1s, including the 2011 Queen Mother Champion Chase when he defeated Big Zeb by five lengths.

The Pistolet Bleu gelding ran every year between 2006 and 2015, contesting five renewals of the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, with this year’s race, when he finished seventh behind Dodging Bullets, proving to be his swansong.

Henry de Bromhead said: “There have been too many highlights to pinpoint one and he really has been the horse of a lifetime for all involved.

“We’re delighted he retires in one piece and hopefully he’ll take part in the racehorse to riding horse shows in the future.”

Sizing Europe: won his eighth Grade 1 aged 12

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NEWS

Cossack spearheads Irish domination Richard FitzGerald: plan for future

Is Ealing venture passport to profit?

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and Arena Racing Company (ARC) will go into business together to provide a new picture and data service for British racing.

A production centre in London’s famous Ealing Studios will incorporate live racing and data from 49 racecourses – RMG manages the media rights of 34 racecourses, ARC has 15 tracks in its portfolio – into a single feed, for the benefit of bookmakers and broadcasters.

The new venture has been named Racecourse Production Company and should be operating by January 1, 2017.

Richard FitzGerald, Chief Executive of RMG, said: “This shows how far we’ve come in our ability to unify as an industry.

“This is about more than driving down costs; it’s about sharing future investment, facilitating innovation and creating a platform that works for the future commercialisation of our racecourses’ media and data rights.”

Bookmakers must now decide whether to continue taking pictures from Turf TV and SIS or change course and take the new service when their current contracts end.

Noel O’Brien, Ireland’s senior handicapper, said: “Don Cossack beat the second and third from the Gold Cup at Punchestown more easily than Coneygree at Cheltenham so it was quite straightforward for us to give him top billing.

“Willie [Mullins] has had good horses for many years. Now because he has such strength in depth he’s able to measure what he has at home without having to travel. He is a phenomenon, no doubt.”

Coneygree may have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup but Don Cossack, who was beaten decisively on his Festival outing in the Ryanair Chase, has come out on top in the Anglo-Irish jumps classifications, rated the best chaser over two and a half and three miles.

The Gordon Elliott-trained chaser, an impressive winner at both the Aintree and Punchestown festivals, has been given a mark of 175, 3lb higher than Coneygree (172) who nonetheless leads the staying novice chasers.

Willie Mullins’s all-conquering stable is responsible for no less than five champions in the classifications, courtesy of Champion Hurdle hero Faugheen (174) plus novices Vautour (171), Un De Sceaux (168), Douvan (161) and Nichols Canyon (155).

The only other Britishtrained horse to prevail was Dodging Bullets (171) in the two-mile chaser category. Aintree Hurdle victor Jezki (169), who provided AP McCoy with his final UK Grade 1 victory, was the season’s best staying hurdler according to the rankings.

Don Cossack: top chaser despite Cheltenham defeat

Newmarket mayor Berry ‘honoured’ John Berry (pictured) has become the first trainer to be elected mayor of Newmarket.

Berry, who trains at Beverley House Stables on Exeter Road, succeeds ROA President Rachel Hood in the role, having served the last 12 months as deputy mayor.

Fellow trainer Conrad Allen has been elected on to the town council for the first time.

Berry said: “I feel very honoured to have been voted the mayor of Newmarket, and I just hope that I can do justice to that position, to the town council, and, most importantly, to the town itself.

“Racing is what puts Newmarket on the map,

14

and I hope that the training, the racing and the breeding of horses will always be Newmarket’s defining features; but there is a lot more to the town than just that.

“If I can make a contribution towards helping all the different aspects of the town to pull together to make the town better for the people who live in it and for the people who visit it, then I will feel that I have done something useful.

“It’s a great town. I’m proud to live here and I hope I will be able to help others to feel the same way, and to remember that everyone who loves Newmarket is on the same side.”

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Jun_130_Changes2pp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 13:44 Page 16

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Racing’s news in a nutshell PEOPLE AND BUSINESS Timmy Murphy Top jump jockey beset by injury problems decides to switch codes and take out a Flat licence.

Luke Griffith Australian trainer is handed four-year ban after he and three horses in his care test positive for the drug methamphetamine, or crystal meth.

Emma O’Gorman Consignor and pinhooker breaks her leg after falling from a filly at the Guineas Breeze-up.

Ted Walsh Trainer is fully exonerated following inquiry into the running of Foxrock at Punchestown in December, when the Flemensfirth gelding lost two front shoes.

Hilary Parrott Gloucestershire-based trainer goes out at the top after winning the Scottish Grand National with Wayward Prince, who was also retired after the victory.

Richie McGrath Jump jockey is cleared of corruption by a BHA disciplinary panel, along with former owner Mark Asprey, after a long-running investigation.

Davy Condon A spinal injury sustained in this year’s Grand National forces retirement of 30-year-old Irish jockey, who rode around 400 winners in his career.

Paul Eddery Ex-jockey returns to the UK after overstaying his visa in America, having been detained and then deported by the US authorities.

Micky Fenton Classic-winning jockey, 43, is forced to retire from the saddle due to a neck injury; his best moment came aboard Speciosa in the 2006 1,000 Guineas.

Tony Kelly Managing Director of Arena Racing Company will leave the business in order to take up a new role with the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Also...

William Hill reports 19% fall – around £16 million – in operating profit for first quarter of 2015; Ladbrokes’ earnings fell by 22.3% (£14.3m) in this period. Hadden Frost, 24, calls time on career in the saddle; he will now focus on his saddlery business and schooling/breaking in horses.

Conditional rider Daragh Bourke tests positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, and is banned for six months until October 1. Dermot Cantillon is appointed Chairman of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, succeeding John Oxx. Hennessy ends its sponsorship of the Gold Cup at Leopardstown, Ireland’s premier Grade 1 chase, after 25 years. Peter Erskine will step down as Chairman of Ladbrokes, soon after Chief Executive Richard Glynn is replaced by Jim Mullen. The new N6 bypass could force the demolition of stables at Galway racecourse, although the track itself would be largely unaffected by the plans. Apprentice jockey David Parkes, 23, will be out for several months after undergoing surgery on a smashed pelvis.

Dawn Goodfellow relinquishes her role with the Northern Racing College to become the new Chief Executive of Racing Welfare, taking over from Lesley Graham. Ladbrokes places its Irish bookmaking operation in examinership owing to significant losses; the firm employs 840 people in its 196 shops in Ireland. Northern-based jump jockey Wilson Renwick is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after fracturing vertebrae in his neck and breaking his collarbone in a fall at Market Rasen in May.

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Jun_130_Changes2pp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 13:44 Page 18

RACEHORSE AND STALLION MOVEMENTS AND RETIREMENTS Adelaide Son of Galileo, a Group 1 winner in America and Australia, is retired to stand at Coolmore’s base in New South Wales.

Peace And War Filly who gave Olly Stevens his first success at the top level when taking the 2014 Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland moves to Graham Motion.

Green Moon Melbourne Cup winner in 2012 who started his career in Britain with Harry Dunlop is retired aged eight.

Mount Athos Globe-trotting stayer is retired aged eight; the Montjeu gelding, latterly owned by Marwan Koukash, finished third in the 2013 Melbourne Cup.

Harp Star Daughter of Deep Impact, successful at Grade 1 level in Japan and sixth behind Treve in last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, is retired aged four.

Rubick Encosta De Lago’s talented sprinting son will stand at Coolmore Australia for A$17,600 in 2015.

PEOPLE OBITUARIES Dan Farley 72 Kingman Outstanding miler will also cover to southern hemisphere time in his first season at Banstead Manor Stud at a fee of £45,000. His domestic fee is £55,000.

The Racing Post’s long-serving American correspondent, he worked for The Blood-Horse, Thoroughbred Record and Pacemaker International.

Valentine Lamb 76 Jack Hobbs Godolphin buys a share in Derby-entered son of Halling, runner-up to stablemate Golden Horn in the Dante Stakes in May.

Former editor of The Irish Field who increased the newspaper’s profile and circulation after taking the reins in 1970.

Errol Brown 71 Prince Bishop This year’s Dubai World Cup victor is retired aged eight, as is stablemate African Story, who won the Meydan prize in 2014.

Lightning Moon Exciting sprinting son of Shamardal is bought privately by Godolphin but remains in the stable of Ed Walker.

Lead singer with Hot Chocolate, whose hits included ‘You Sexy Thing’ and ‘Every 1’s A Winner’; he owned Cheltenham Festival hero Gainsay.

Charlotte Lajoie 17 Recent graduate of the British Racing School who was working for trainer Laura Mongan in Epsom is killed in a road traffic accident.

Bernard Penfold 98 Chairman of the Horseracing Advisory Council in the 1980s, he also oversaw the construction of Sha Tin racecourse in Hong Kong.

Peter Hetherington 71 Former Flat jockey whose career was cut short after he suffered serious head injuries in a road accident.

Ann Hine 88 Noted Sussex-based breeder who produced top-class runners Song, King Of Spain, Swiss Maid and River Falls.

HORSE OBITUARIES Mullins Bay 14 Son of Machiavellian, winner of the Group 3 Strensall Stakes for Aidan O’Brien, who was based at Summerhill Stud in South Africa.

The Wow Signal Top-class juvenile last year, winning the Coventry Stakes and Prix Morny, is retired due to injury.

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Sky Classic 28 Canadian-bred son of Nijinsky who was a champion turf performer; he stood his entire career at Pin Oak Stud, siring ten Group/ Grade 1 scorers.

Success Express 30 Exceptional juvenile in the US, winning at the Breeders’ Cup, his stallion innings in Australasia produced eight individual Group 1 winners.

Smuggler 13 America’s top three-year-old filly of 2005, winning two Grade 1s, died following complications whilst foaling at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky.

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Jun_130_BigPic-Gleneagles_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 13:14 Page 20

THE BIG PICTURE

EAGLES SOARS ABOVE RIVALS Gleneagles, one of last year’s leading juveniles, produced a sublime performance to take the 2,000 Guineas on his seasonal debut. The son of Galileo hit the front with a furlong and a half to run and never looked in any danger, defeating Godolphin’s French challenger Territories by two and a quarter lengths. Gleneagles provided jockey Ryan Moore with his first win in the Classic, while trainer Aidan O’Brien was enjoying his seventh strike in the Newmarket contest Photo George Selwyn

Jun_130_BigPic-Gleneagles_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 13:14 Page 21

GLENEAGLES

Jun_130_BigPic-Legatissimo_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 13:22 Page 22

THE BIG PICTURE

COOL MOORE DOUBLES UP Twenty-four hours after his 2,000 Guineas triumph, Ryan Moore claimed the 1,000 Guineas on Legatissimo, this time for trainer David Wachman. As with Gleneagles, the daughter of Danehill Dancer scored in the Michael Tabor silks (also representing Sue Magnier and Derrick Smith of Coolmore) and saw off a runner from Godolphin, with fellow Irish raider Lucida, trained by Jim Bolger, chasing her home. Wachman confirmed that Legatissimo is set to bid for a Classic double in the Oaks at Epsom on June 5 Photo George Selwyn

Jun_130_BigPic-Legatissimo_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 13:22 Page 23

L E G AT I S S I M O

Jun_130_BigPic-NightOfThunder_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 13:24 Page 24

THE BIG PICTURE

DOYLE STRIKES ON THUNDER James Doyle bagged a domestic Group 1 early in the season in his new role riding for Godolphin on Night Of Thunder (nearside) in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. The four-year-old son of Dubawi, who took the scalps of Kingman and Australia in last year’s 2,000 Guineas, saw off Toormore and Richard Hughes by a neck, giving trainer Richard Hannon a one-two. Night Of Thunder and Toormore are set to renew rivalry in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot Photo George Selwyn

Jun_130_BigPic-NightOfThunder_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 13:24 Page 25

NIGHT OF THUNDER

Jun_130_Tony_Morris_Owner 22/05/2015 12:18 Page 26

THE MAN YOU CAN’T IGNORE COMMENT

Tony Morris Last month at Newmarket our columnist witnessed his 250th (and 251st!) British Classic, the first, Ragusa’s St Leger in 1963, coming after a teenage labour of love crafted in ink

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PRESS ASSOCIATION

I

t’s just possible that the meteorological records will contradict me, but I’m quite convinced that it never rained when I was growing up. I say that because I was very much an outdoors kid, generally doing something that involved a ball, and I have no recollection of rain ever stopping play.

We certainly had snow, and we welcomed it, because that was when the nearby hilly green field – where, ordinarily, sheep would safely graze – became a pure white mountainside that positively invited the youth of the neighbourhood to defy death by careering down it on home-made, patently unsafe conveyances. Trudging back to the top of that steep incline wasn’t much fun, but it was worth it for the thrill of the next descent. Needless to say, the health and safety spoilsports wouldn’t allow such enjoyment these days.

Now, when I see any of my grandchildren glued to the TV or lounging around playing a computer game, I think of them as creatures from another planet. In my youth it would take something really special to keep me indoors.

So why was it that I hardly left the house between January 2 and 15 in 1962, and how can I now be so certain of that fact? The evidence is incontrovertible, plainly set out in blue and white. I was writing a book.

My school reports faithfully reflected my attributes as a student. I did just enough to get by in the subjects that I could grasp or to some extent held my interest, and I didn’t even try to cope with mathematics, having decided early – and correctly – that I would never need more than basic arithmetic to get me through life quite adequately.

Unfortunately, the subject that I studied most assiduously and enthusiastically did not feature on the school curriculum. It included its own version of the Classics in the Latin and Greek languages, but I was much more fascinated by the other set, comprising two races at Newmarket in the spring, two at Epsom in the summer, and one at Doncaster in the autumn.

A seed had been sown when I purchased the News Chronicle Racing Annual in 1956, and in the years that followed I eagerly lapped up all the information I could find on the history of

The first of many: Ragusa’s 1963 St Leger win was the start of a wonderful journey

those five great events, much of it from various items picked up cheaply in second-hand bookshops. It became an obsession.

What I really wanted was something that apparently did not exist. That was a book that provided a ready reference to the results of all five Classics from their inception, listing the first three home, along with owners, trainers, jockeys, starting prices, distances, times, fully indexed, and with sundry other relevant items of interest. As there was no such book, I decided to write the thing myself. In longhand.

In biro.

I had a lined hardback notebook with 304 pages, which I calculated, using basic arithmetic, would be enough for the results of all the races run up to the end of 1961 – 153 editions of the 2,000 Guineas, 148 of the 1,000 Guineas, 182 of the Derby, 183 of the Oaks, and 185 of the St Leger. My arithmetic was sound. I had space for all that, plus the detailed indexes, and I could add useful appendices that incorporated data relevant to the races as a series. I even had two pages left for errata and addenda.

I dare say I wore out more than one blue biro before I came to finish my self-imposed task by appending on the title page the dates when I

had begun and completed it. Was there ever such a labour of love? It could never be published, it was going to be out of date within a few months, and, mad keen though I was, it was not an exercise I could ever see myself repeating.

If my father had known what I had been doing, he would have said that nobody could ever have wasted a fortnight quite so comprehensively, but he never knew and I didn’t have to justify my action. To my mind it was something that I had to do, it mattered, and I couldn’t have occupied my time more usefully. It was of no consequence if anyone else thought differently.

Of course, I had other sporting passions, and as well as playing football, cricket and tennis, I had become immersed in the history of those pastimes and could quote all sorts of trivia connected with them. (Don’t ask me why, but off the top of my head I can still recite the Blackpool team that won the 1953 Cup Final.)

But racing was more important than all other sports, it had a far longer history, it had mattered for many more generations of fans, and the Classic races did not just represent the peak of attainment within the sport; they had been crucial in the development of the THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_130_Tony_Morris_Owner 22/05/2015 12:18 Page 27

thoroughbred, the man-made English creation that had become the source and foundation of a sport taken up and celebrated all over the globe.

Nations all over the world had paid homage to England’s series of Classic races by establishing their own counterpart events. They recognised the value and significance of what England had instigated in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, so why wouldn’t I hold the English Classics in reverence and want to celebrate their rich tradition in some way? Was it so odd that a 17-year-old lad who had never been near Newmarket, Epsom or Doncaster should fill two whole weeks with the compilation of data about the most important races contested on those courses?

Well, yes, it would have seemed odd to anyone else who might know about it, but nobody did. It was my private project, carried out for my own use and reference, and I’ve never shown it to anyone. I had forgotten all about it until the other day, when I found it tucked away at the end of a shelf that had long since been in need of some dusting and polishing. Heaven knows when I would last have referred to its contents for some information; maybe the late 1960s.

But I know that penning – literally penning – that book was necessary at the time. I had been obsessed with the history of the Classic races, and of the horses and the horsemen who had been associated with them. I had been collecting the autographs of Classic-winning jockeys and trainers; I had made Fred Archer the subject of my French ‘A’ level essay; and I had passed ‘O’ level History largely because I remembered dates by associating key events with the Derby winner of their year.

What I had sussed, even as a callow, naive teenager, was how the Classic races exemplified the fact that history was not just about the past.

These were events which had all flourished for well over a century, they had mattered not just to the breed and its development, but also, each time around, to countless human beings, whether they were professional horse-folk or simply interested parties who followed the sport for whatever reason. And what all that meant – the tradition and the continuity – was that every renewal of these races represented a slice of living history.

I was well aware of that in January 1962, when I was a schoolkid, living in the sticks, with no idea what life had in store for me. But I had a dream. Somehow I had to contrive being on the course at a Classic race, getting to experience living history, to feel a connection with something special that had existed for generations and would exist for further generations, perhaps in perpetuity.

I couldn’t know how not much more than a year ahead, by a colossal fluke, I would land a job that made things possible, and that in just 18 months’ time I would share in my first slice of living history, watching Ragusa win the St Leger. I penned some notes to myself that day about the experience, and I still have them somewhere. They were about having realised an ambition and wanting more of the same.

My magnificent obsession persists, and a personal landmark was reached a month ago when I attended my 250th English Classic. And a day later my 251st. I don’t suppose that constitutes any kind of record, but it does amount to a lot of living history that I have been privileged to witness.

“As there was no

such book, I decided to write the thing myself. In longhand.

In Biro”

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Jun_130_HowardWright_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 12:20 Page 28

HOWARD WRIGHT COMMENT

The recent Industry Update sessions were an important step in the right direction, but progress must be maintained – and expectations managed

A

Good to talk, better to act

ccording to new research – a phrase that strikes fear, provokes passion or induces apathy in equal measures, but which appears to have gone out of fashion in British horseracing.

Well, according to new research by the University of Sussex, staff given smartphones and tablets by their company worked the equivalent of one extra day a week as they checked and responded to emails. “People think when they have checked their emails, they have done a day’s work,” government organisational psychology and health adviser Professor Sir Cary Cooper told a conference recently. “Emails are not work; they are getting in the way of real work.”

Ring any bells? It does if, after checking every inbox for the latest information, you substitute meetings for emails in that observation, especially when factoring in meetings that are about further meetings.

The thought came to mind at the conclusion of four ‘Industry Update’ sessions jointly presented with admirable enthusiasm and compelling honesty by BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust and his Great British Racing, Racing Enterprises Ltd and British Champions Series counterpart Rod Street, explaining to each invited audience the ambitions behind and progress made so far in the BHA-driven ‘Strategy For Growth’.

Eighty-five annotated slides barely scratched the surface of the efforts that have distilled initial discussions with “hundreds of people”, in BHA Chairman Steve Harman’s words, into 60 “key people”, in Rust’s, producing an equal number of business cases to prop up the six pillars of the strategy.

The Book of

Proverbs talked about the seven pillars of wisdom; apparently British racing can manage with six. There’s efficiency for you, although neither the Proverbs compiler nor TE Lawrence, who nabbed the phrase for the title of his autobiography, had to contend with the mountain of emails that Strategy For Growth must have produced, or the mass of meetings it has spawned.

Despite this plethora of preparation, the chief disappointment of the presentation that I

“The Book of

Proverbs talked about the seven pillars of wisdom; British racing can manage with six” attended – and which I understand was replicated elsewhere – concerned not what happened on the platform but rather in front of it, with a noticeable lack of practitioners among the turn-out. Had it not been for the presence of administrators and executives in large numbers, the leftovers from the buffet lunch would have fed a decent-sized band of refugees for a week.

Maybe the message that the RustStreet roadshow was in town had not been delivered sufficiently well. Or maybe this was just another example of racing’s grassroots failing to marshal its forces for an occasion when something other than purely selfinterested purposes was in prospect.

Whichever, the charge of having been conducted in public secrecy can no

longer be levelled at the strategy and its promoters, although more wide-ranging explanations will have to wait until the welcome, and long overdue, publication of a BHA annual review that has been promised to add to the summer’s reading list.

In the meantime, managing expectations will be crucial. Producing headline figures for targets is all very well, and necessary to focus minds on the task in hand – 1,000 new horses in training by 2020, betting participation up 5% by 2018, racecourse attendance at seven million by 2020, £120 million in new income by 2018. But, like Ed Miliband’s eight-foot sculpture inscribed with Labour’s election promises under the heading ‘A better plan, a better future’, they could come back to haunt.

More millstone than milestone.

Nevertheless, dissemination of information about the Strategy For Growth will speed up, now that the pillars – four focused on industry growth, two on integrity and regulation – have been apportioned to the ownership of dedicated individuals.

Yet information is not all. Remember the research on emails and the reference to meetings as debilitating influences, eating away at productivity.

The Industry Updates have been completed, and Harman is but a month away from the second anniversary of his appointment. The talking is over.

Now it’s time for action.

Nick Rust and Rod Street presented the Industry Update sessions with admirable enthusiasm

Jun_130_View_From_Ireland2_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 12:04 Page 30

VIEW FROM IRELAND

GEORGE SELYWN

By JESSICA LAMB

Australia, who started 1-8, beats four rivals – two of whom were stablemates – in the Irish Derby last year

Derby distance remains up for debate Curragh officials hoping this month’s renewal will be more competitive race than of late

R

educing the distance of the Irish Derby has not been ruled out by Curragh officials, although they acknowledge it “would not be a popular decision”.

In its 150th year, the Irish Classic may have reached a major turning point. Concerns about its future were raised last year in the wake of another uncompetitive, small field.

Irish champion trainer Aidan O’Brien has dominated the race in the 2000s, winning it ten times in the past 15 years, on four occasions with the Epsom Derby winner – Galileo, High Chaparral, Camelot and Australia.

Last year it was that latest Epsom hero, Australia, who took the race as the 1-8 favourite, with two stablemates among his four rivals.

It should have hosted a rematch between him and Epsom second Kingston Hill, but the Racing Post Trophy winner was a late withdrawal, leaving Australia to saunter home alone and cause the Derby to come under scrutiny again.

Experts have put this down to a reduction in the breeding and popularity of middle-distance horses and the dearth of races available to threeyear-old colts at that time of the season.

It has prompted officials to question the Pattern book and the race’s make-up to the point where reducing the distance is under consideration.

The Curragh’s Manager, Paul Hensey, explained: “This is more of a macro issue. The type of horses that are being bred at the moment are less and less middle-distance and staying types and more milers.

“With the exception of Coolmore, there

30

haven’t been many dominant middle-distance sires and reducing the distance of the Irish Derby is something we have considered.

“It certainly has received some air time at board level at the Curragh and I know it has been discussed at European Pattern Committee level too.”

He added: “It wouldn’t be a popular decision though and I will not be rushing to do anything like that. Maybe it’s just a phase we’re going through; there may be new horses coming to light, and middle-distance breeding could come back into fashion.

“Look at other sports: a few years ago Manchester United was dominant in football and Tiger Woods was winning everything in golf.”

The move might be unpopular, but if the European Pattern Committee thinks it is right for the Pattern then it will be done, just as the distance of the Prix du Jockey Club was reduced in 2005.

Resistance to altering the French Classic was voiced by names as high profile as the Aga Khan and the Niarchos family, yet still it went ahead.

That said, it is not out of the question it could return to a mile and a half, as a large number of French professionals would prefer.

Hensey, meanwhile, is working on marketing the race and initiatives to entice trial winners to line up. He said: “We’re trying to reinvigorate the race and are pulling out all the stops to try to get a bigger field. A lot will depend on what wins at Epsom and Chantilly.

“We’ve already done quite a bit of canvassing with British trainers and I went to France to talk

to trainers about the Derby – and Irish Champions Weekend. We set a very attractive second entry stage price of €12,500; if you entered in September and completed all the forfeits by the end of May you’d have paid €9,000.”

About the on-going review of the race’s conditions, he added: “The European Pattern Committee had a look at all the middle-distance races. They will try to prioritise the Derbys and principal races in each country and it could be that manipulation of races in the calendar would enhance those.”

The size of the crowd saved the Irish Derby meeting from being a disappointment last year, with numbers continuing on an upward trend.

Television viewing figures took a nosedive due to competition with the World Cup, though, and Hensey is relieved to see a championship-free summer. He said: “We are meeting it on the right leg. We don’t have a World Cup or Olympics.

“The 150th year is a very significant occasion.

We have a new book coming out, which Mrs [Jacqueline] O’Brien has played a huge part in, celebrating the race’s history. Mrs O’Brien’s involvement will certainly give the book a huge amount of credibility and uniqueness.

“We have reduced admission prices on the day, which hopefully will bring more people in, and I think we’re back to a 6.30pm Derby too.”

The track’s redevelopment plans are scheduled to reach the planning application submission stage by October, with building potentially commencing after the 2016 Irish Champions Weekend.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_130_View_From_Ireland2_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 12:04 Page 31

Classic days beckon for Condon’s star “He won his maiden nicely on good to yielding ground, but wintered very well and has improved markedly. We were very happy with his first run over an extended mile on very testing ground at Cork.

“He turned up at the Ballysax with a fitness edge, but won very well and improved again to win the Derrinstown – he was heavier going into the Derrinstown than the Ballysax.

“I was encouraged by the time of the Derrinstown race. Sometimes the small-runner

“When you have a

horse like that, showing progression like he is, it’s very exciting” races can be inconclusive, but the clock doesn’t lie. When you have a horse like that, showing progression like he is, it’s very exciting.

“On Timeform and handicap ratings he’s entitled to be there. He’s not out of place at Epsom or the Curragh.”

The concern is the liking he has shown for heavy ground in the first part of this season.

Condon cannot definitively say he will be as effective on quicker ground and that is taking the gloss off his performances, marginally.

“He does handle soft or heavy conditions very well and often horses that do that make it very hard to think they could be equally effective on faster ground,” he said. “He did win his maiden on good to yielding, though.

“He’s a very sound horse and just handles that type of ground, Jeremys tend to do that. It would be lovely to think he’d handle drier ground, but nobody can tell us whether he will or not until he encounters it.

“The big aim is the Irish Derby. I think the Curragh will suit him, and he’s more likely to get his conditions. He’ll get a break after that.”

Condon is no stranger to Irish Derby meeting success, having saddled yard stalwart Bold Thady Quill to win a mile handicap at the meeting three years ago. That eight-year-old is the other charge putting a smile on his trainer’s face this term.

“He’s getting on in years yet remains as enthusiastic as ever,” he said. “That was a super performance at Naas to win off a career high of 99.

“The highest he had won a handicap off before that was at the Irish Derby in June 2012, when he was 84. Three years older and three years later he’s winning off 15lb higher.

“He’s a real favourite around here. He tries every time and in a lot of ways pays for his consistency. He never gets a break from the handicapper, but after 71 runs can still show his customary battling qualities at a very high level.

“Setting impartiality aside, I think those kind of horses should be applauded.”

Now rated 103, the Listed winner will try to register a first Group 3 triumph this season.

CAROLINE NORRIS

Kildare trainer Ken Condon last month made a career-defining decision that will play out this month during what is likely to become his most memorable season.

In his 13th year of training, Condon has happened upon a genuine Classic contender in Success Days. Owner Robert Ng is keen to supplement him for the Investec Derby at Epsom before his main goal, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh, for which he was supplemented in May. Having a proper Derby hope is not just new for Condon, it’s alien; the son of Jeremy has this season doubled his trainer’s Group-race haul by taking the Ballysax and Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes.

The team is not daunted, however, and perhaps it’s the way the colt behaves at home that keeps them all at ease.

“He’s not a flashy or exuberant worker in the morning,” said Condon. “He saves his best for the track. We’ve only a small team and it’s very nice to have a horse like him in the yard.

“You feel a responsibility to make the right calls and do the right thing by the horse, but at the same time he’s treated no differently.”

Success Days went into the winter having won a seven-furlong maiden at Gowran Park on his second outing. He began his career at the Galway festival and rounded off his first campaign eight and a half lengths behind Parish Boy in the Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown.

It was a solid start, but it didn’t scream Derby.

That’s why he wasn’t entered in any of them.

“Success Days is a slow maturing horse who hinted at promise last year,” explained Condon.

Trainer Ken Condon and wife Pauline, with daughters Olivia and Emily, with Success Days and Andrew Breslin at Leopardstown

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Billabong fulfils long-term ambition Owner/breeder Sharif El Alami relishing Belmont challenge with star horse

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illabong, a French-trained horse with an Australian name, will be flying the flag for Morocco in America when he takes part in the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in New York in the coming days.

Owned and bred by Jalobey Stud, one of the most forward-thinking operations in North African racing, the son of Gentlewave has been making waves ever since he first ventured to the racecourse at Rabat in Morocco, less than 20 miles from his birthplace, in May 2012.

Over the next 22 months Billabong won nine of his 11 starts in his native land, including the 2013 renewal of the nation’s most prestigious race, the Grand Prix de Sa Majeste King Mohammed VI. During that part of his career he was under the care of Jean de Roualle, a Classic-winning trainer in France tempted across the Mediterranean by the opportunity to train for Jalobey Stud. Last summer, having already conquered all there was to conquer at home, Billabong made the reverse journey to join top Chantilly trainer Pascal Bary. And the pioneering outlook of his owners has already paid dividends.

In November, he became the first Moroccan-bred horse to gain a place in a British black-type contest, the Listed Wild Flower Stakes at Kempton. That race was not run to suit, as Billabong had to come from some way back in a slowlyrun affair, but he stayed on strongly to grab third behind Livia’s Dream

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and the form has been boosted by the runnerup, Grendisar, winning two subsequent Listed races.

Billabong reappeared after a winter break

“Our racing industry, which last year celebrated its centenary, is developing quickly”

to land his initial overseas success, a conditions race at Chantilly on Friday, March 13 – hardly unlucky for Jalobey as that very same day they celebrated a famous 1-2-3 in a big prize in Casablanca, the Grand Prix de Son Altesse Royale Le Heritier Moulay Rachid.

His progress continued a fortnight later with a Listed second – on very soft ground at Saint-Cloud – and he asserted both his talent and his versatility when landing another Listed, the Prix Lord Seymour, on fast ground at Longchamp on April 16.

Billabong thus became only the second ever Moroccan-bred horse to win a European stakes race. The first, Premier Mister, had achieved the feat at the now-

defunct Evry racecourse in April 1984, 31 years earlier almost to the day.

Premier Mister, owned and bred by the Moroccan royal family, went on to race in America, winning two races and almost $100,000 in the Big Apple in 1986, and New York is exactly the destination to which Billabong is now bound.

The driving force behind Jalobey Stud is Sharif El Alami, enthusiastically backed by his father, Abdelhouaded. El Alami senior is one of Morocco’s richest men thanks to his position as boss of the El Alami Group – an industrial conglomerate founded in 1950 which focuses on aluminium and steel production, construction, hotels and commercial property.

A 32-year-old graduate of the University of Dayton in Ohio, Sharif El Alami revealed: “Billabong is entered in the $250,000 Belmont Gold Cup over two miles on June 5, and both the Grade 2 Brooklyn Invitational and the Grade 1 Manhattan the following day.

“He has been going well on turf so the Brooklyn – the only one on dirt – is probably our third choice and the long-distance race could be the most likely. Taking him to Billabong (left) edges out Glaring to win the Listed Prix Lord Seymour

APRH

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By JAMES CRISPE, INTERNATIONAL RACING BUREAU

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Wohler off to flying start

Gutersloh trainer Andreas Wohler has begun the new season in spectacular fashion, shrugging off the loss of all his big winners from last term (mostly to retirement) to register an incredible 60% strike-rate in the German races that he has contested up until May 6.

Remarkably, given that he has held a licence for over three decades, 53-year-old Wohler has only ever won the German trainers’ championship on two occasions.

And, with none of the big Group 1 events taking place before July, it is of course too early to start placing the 2015 crown upon his head.

But he could hardly have started the campaign in better style. His first three runners were all successful and the May Day bank holiday weekend could not have gone better – a Friday treble at Munich was followed by an across-the-card Frankfurt/Dusseldorf treble on Sunday, and the weekend was capped by the easy Group 3 Prix de Barbeville success of Alex My Boy at Longchamp in Paris.

For a long period during the 20th century, Star Appeal and Acatenango were the only German horses to have potentially pricked the consciousness of the average British racing fan. But there has been an explosion of top-class German performers making an impact outside their own national borders in recent seasons.

So who will be the next Danedream, Novellist or Protectionist? Given that Wohler trained two of that trio, it is a fair bet that their successor will hail from his 110-strong string. And the smart money

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would be on Karpino, a standard bearer for the yard’s link with Qatari owner Sheikh Fahad Al Thani that began with his purchase of Wohler’s 2013 Epsom Derby runner Chopin.

A son of Cape Cross from the family of the 2001 St Leger winner Milan, Karpino followed in the hoofprints of Chopin when taking his unbeaten record to two in the Group 3 Dr Busch Memorial at Krefeld on April 26 and is a serious Classic prospect.

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America has been a long-term plan. My love of racing really started when I was a student there 15 years ago and spent a lot of time at Turfway Park – and Billabong was going to go last year until he suffered a minor setback.”

The six-year-old horse has already given El Alami a number of memorable moments.

“The Prix Lord Seymour victory meant a lot,” he admitted. “After almost ten years of hard work, passion and sacrifice, we finally had the pleasure of winning a European black-type race.

“And racing in Britain is always a privilege – having the chance to take part in the country where everything started was like being spoiled! On the ambiance side there are probably more fun tracks than night racing at Kempton – but it was still a thrill.”

El Alami founded Jalobey Stud, a former fruit farm, in 2006. “The climate and terrain at Jalobey is similar to the Hunter Valley in Australia and breeding successful racehorses is possible if the work is done properly,” he said.

“It currently occupies 160 acres and is home to 40 broodmares and seven stallions, the best-known being the Arc winner Sagamix. The facilities include Kentucky-style barns, a foaling unit, a veterinary laboratory and a pre-training facility with a six-furlong English-style gallop.

“We have around 70 horses in training in Morocco, all with Jean de Roualle, but Billabong is currently our only horse in France.

“My father has given me the opportunity to run the Jalobey project as a proper business – it is a hobby shared between father and son that needs to be organised and planned like any other business. Our goal is to raise the profile of Moroccan racing worldwide as high as possible.”

Moroccan racing has benefitted from royal patronage for some time, hence SOREC, its governing body, literally translates to ‘The Royal Society For The Encouragement Of The Horse’. Quizzed about its current health, El Alami responds enthusiastically.

“Our racing industry, which last year celebrated its centenary, is developing quickly, especially since Omar Skalli was appointed CEO of SOREC in 2009,” he said.

“There are six major tracks, the most famous being Rabat and Casablanca, and we race five times a week all year round and stage over 1,000 thoroughbred races per year.

“Every November, Casablanca hosts four international races – one each for two-yearolds, three-year-old fillies, three-year-old colts and older horses – boasting overall prizemoney of €700,000. One day I hope to see British horses travelling to Morocco.”

Andreas Wohler: 2015 title winner?

Juvenile geldings welcome!

The International Racing Festival in Turkey, which as usual takes place at Veliefendi racecourse on the shores of the Sea Of Marmara in Istanbul on the first weekend in September, has been extended to incorporate a fifth thoroughbred race for two-year-olds.

The existing £355,000 Topkapi Trophy (1m), £237,000 Bosphorus Cup (1m4f) and two £152,000 contests – the Anatolia Trophy (1m2f on Polytrack) and the

Istanbul Trophy (1m for fillies) – have been joined by a third £152,000 event, the Trakya Trophy for juveniles over six furlongs on turf. Entries close on August 5.

The Turkish Jockey Club deserves credit for expanding the festival, even though foreigners have, since 2009, won 22 of its 24 races, with no fewer than 19 of those triumphs going to visitors from Britain.

Interestingly, the new race will be open to geldings, while the four older-horse events remain restricted to entire colts and fillies.

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AROUND THE GLOBE THE WORLDWIDE RACING SCENE

NORT H A M E R I CA

by Steve Andersen

Pharoah can be American legend

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The pressures facing Baffert and Ahmed Zayat, who bred and owns American Pharoah – his breeding rights have been sold to Coolmore, who will stand him at Kentucky’s Ashford Stud – will be different in the build-up to the Belmont, the toughest test of them all at a mile and a half on dirt.

“For me, New York, I’ve already been through all that,” Baffert said. “I know what to expect

“Triple Crown

attempts have been frequent in recent years but all have failed” going in there. I don’t want to take him up there unless he’s doing really well.”

American Pharoah has had more good days than bad in his career. After losing on his debut at Del Mar last summer, American Pharoah has won his last six starts, all Grade 1 and Grade 2 races. He was the champion two-year-old colt of 2014 and has won his first four starts this year so convincingly that he may have already clinched the 2015 Horse of the Year title.

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hey were all the same, the three Bob Baffert-trained winners of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs all those years ago.

Beginning with Silver Charm in 1997 and continuing with Real Quiet (1998) and War Emblem (2002), they won the Kentucky Derby and followed up two weeks later in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in Baltimore.

Then, a shot at the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes three weeks later ended in failure, by as little as a nose in the case of Real Quiet, or by 19 lengths when War Emblem finished eighth after a bad break.

Those memories were replayed for US racing fans by the presence of American Pharoah in May. Anyone impressed with American Pharoah’s one-length win in the Derby on May 2 was left astounded by his seven-length romp in the Preakness Stakes on May 16.

There may be an American Triple Crown winner for the first time since Affirmed in 1978, a prize the 62-year-old Baffert desperately wants.

“I can’t believe I’ve done this four times,” Baffert said of the Derby-Preakness double.

“How lucky I’ve been with all the horses.”

Triple Crown attempts have become frequent in the last decade. Since War Emblem’s loss, four others have won the first two races and lost the Belmont – Funny Cide (2003), Smarty Jones (2004), Big Brown (2008) and California Chrome (2014).

American Pharoah wins the Preakness Stakes for Bob Baffert, right, who is training his fourth Triple Crown contender

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In the Preakness, American Pharoah benefited from a deluge of rain that turned the track sloppy in the ten minutes before post time.

Victor Espinoza put American Pharoah on the lead, holding a one-length advantage on the turn. He was not threatened thereafter.

Baffert ended a 13-year drought in the Kentucky Derby with American Pharoah, a colt

by Pioneerof the Nile with a short tail and an oddly-spelled name. American Pharoah has given Zayat his first Triple Crown prospect after years of near misses in the Kentucky Derby.

Zayat-owned horses were second three times in four runnings – Pioneerof the Nile (2009), Nehro (2011) and Bodemeister (2012) – before American Pharoah’s breakthrough. Baffert trained Pioneerof the Nile and Bodemeister.

Zayat, 52, was born in Egypt and educated in the United States at Boston University, where he studied business and public health. He led an Egyptian beverage company, Al Ahram, sold to Heineken in the early 2000s. Zayat, who lives in New Jersey, became involved in thoroughbred racing in 2005, making a splashy start by investing heavily at auctions.

In 2010, with the stable having reached national prominence, Zayat filed for bankruptcy after a dispute with Fifth Third Bank regarding more than $34 million in loans. Zayat scaled back his racing operation, later fulfilling obligations to the bank.

The stable has 140 horses of all ages, down from 250 in the late 2000s. The best is American Pharoah, who now stands on the verge of US racing history.

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by Danny Power

DARREN TINDALE

AUST R A L I A

The decision by OTI Racing to transfer Renew (left) from Marco Botti to Archie Alexander (right) has not been one they’ve regretted

Young Alexander is doing just great Yorkshireman Archie Alexander left school at 16 with one ambition: to become a racehorse trainer. Alexander, now 28, has travelled the world to learn his craft. He’s worked under the best in four countries and when he name drops, he rattles off a who’s who of the world’s great trainers: O’Brien, Pletcher, Head, Cummings.

He has been on the move for most of the last decade. He spent four years with champion trainer Criquette Head-Maarek in France before moving to the US, where he worked under Todd Pletcher for 12 months. In 2011, he spent a year in Australia with Anthony Cummings at Randwick and Danny O’Brien at Flemington, before heading to Ballydoyle and Aidan O’Brien.

However, when Alexander finally took out his trainer’s licence in mid-2014, he was seemingly as far from Ballydoyle as the moon.

He settled in the Australian country town of Ballarat, an hour’s drive north-west of Melbourne. He started with five horses, a track rider and a groom. Nine months later, he has found a nugget or two at this former gold rush town. He has 30 horses (room for three more), four track riders, four groundstaff and has recently employed the services of a foreman in fellow Englishman Freddy Eccles-Williams.

His emergence comes on the back of strong support by Australia’s global racing group, OTI Racing, the brainchild of Melburnians Terry Henderson and Simon O’Donnell.

Alexander was working for Melbourne Cupfocused owner Lloyd Williams as a foreman at Macedon Lodge, near Melbourne, when THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Henderson and O’Donnell approached him to consider training a small string of their European imports from stables at Ballarat. The ink on his trainer’s licence was still wet when OTI decided their Melbourne Cup hope Renew would transfer from Marco Botti to Alexander in the week before he was to run in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup on October 18.

Having left England a relative unknown, when he led the former UK galloper into the saddling paddock at Caulfield, most Australians hadn’t heard of him. The change of trainer from the internationally successful Botti to virtual unknown came after the imported gelding had finished 12th in the Herbert Power Handicap, over the course and distance, a week earlier.

Burst of publicity Alexander was thrust headlong into the limelight at a time the international racing focus is firmly on Melbourne. Renew didn’t win the Caulfield Cup, but the sudden burst of publicity for Alexander was worth its weight in gold, even if the prospect was somewhat daunting for him.

“Some of the owners were a bit nervous,” he said. “If you’ve a quarter of a horse with OTI and want it to go to [Peter] Moody and all of sudden it’s off to Archie, you wonder what’s going on.”

Within a few weeks, Renew ran second at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day and then two weeks later won the Listed Sandown Cup. Alexander knows he is lucky to get an opportunity few young trainers do in this hard-

nose game. And ‘young’ trainers are usually closer to 40 than 30. “I owe everything to the support of Terry and Simon from OTI,” he said.

Alexander’s impact has resulted in Black Caviar’s senior part-owner Neil Werrett sending him two horses, while one of Perth’s biggest owners, Elio Galante, who has a share in the OTI-owned and Alexander-trained import Martinvast, has sent smart galloper Amorino.

From an early age, Alexander’s family history influenced his desire to be involved in racing.

“It’s in the blood,” he said. “Both my grandfathers were trainers and my dad, Hamish, was a trainer before he started working for Goffs.” (Hamish Alexander has his place in history as the man who pinhooked 1991 Epsom and Irish Derby winner Generous as a foal and sold him as a yearling.)

He continues: “You can’t copy one person.

With Criquette Head I learned the art of patience and under Aidan O’Brien it was work ethic and being part of a team, a combination of all the factors that bring success.

“I believe I now train about 50-50 Australian and European style. A lot of it has to do with the type of horses I am getting. I have learned to train by the clock and use trials to see where a horse is at, but, at the same time, I like to give my horses stronger, striding work than most Australians would on slow work mornings.”

He adds: “My move has not been easy on the family. They [Hamish and mother Belinda] came out over Christmas time. They know I’ve made the right choice, but it’s hard for them.

“But I’m going to throw everything at it while I’m young and have the energy.”

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THE BIG INTERVIEW ANTHONY OPPENHEIMER

Valiant

QUEST Golden Horn failed to find a buyer in the ring and lacked the stamina to win the Derby – so thought his owner/breeder Anthony Oppenheimer, who will send his homebred to Epsom with the hope of fulfilling a lifelong ambition Words Julian Muscat • Photos George Selwyn

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his is very much a Derby with a difference: one with overtures in 1987, when Reference Point justified his role as favourite for his owner/breeder, Louis Freedman.

It is nearly three decades since an oldschool, British-based owner/breeder had the star turn for the Investec-sponsored Classic.

And in a neat vignette of the shifting sands since Reference Point’s era, the horse in question must outstay his pedigree if he is to land the spoils.

The racing parish has grappled with the conundrum ever since Golden Horn outpaced his Dante Stakes rivals as though their limbs were encased in concrete. And extra

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spice came with Anthony Oppenheimer’s stated belief that his homebred colt is likely to find ten furlongs his optimum racing distance.

All of which leaves him in a curious position. Since most agree Golden Horn is the most naturally gifted horse in the race,

defeat at Epsom will almost certainly result from Oppenheimer having been right all along.

But that is far from his mind as the 77year-old scion of the De Beers family settles back in an armchair at his London home. He has unearthed a diamond from the pastures at his Hascombe And Valiant Studs, near Newmarket. Whichever way it cuts on June 6, the discovery is noteworthy in itself.

“The whole thing has been a bit of a shock,” Oppenheimer reflects. “We thought he would sell as a yearling at Tattersalls but there was barely a bid for him. Then we heard he was among

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Golden Horn posts a resounding success in the Dante Stakes at York under William Buick, leaving Anthony Oppenheimer, pictured left with wife Antoinette, trainer John Gosden and groom Michael Curran, dreaming of Derby glory

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ANTHONY OPPENHEIMER >> John Gosden’s best two-year-olds, so we half-

expected to see him running in something like the Middle Park. Now he is favourite for the Derby, which is quite a turn of events.”

It certainly is. Yet the sense of equilibrium with which he outlines Golden Horn’s achievements to date betrays little excitement. “Oh, my wife [Antoinette] is very excited indeed,” he replies. “I keep having to calm her down.

“If the horse is there on the day, if nothing has happened to him and the ground is not soft, I’m sure I’ll be a nervous wreck,” he continues. “But you get so many shocks breeding horses. When you win a big race your best mare will invariably drop dead the next day. That’s why I don’t get too excited.”

These are words redolent of owner/breeders of yore, the ones who almost courted disaster by their oblique pessimism.

But then, breeding horses is exactly as Oppenheimer says. It’s just that it is so rare to sit before one these days that their lingo, like Latin, is all but obsolete.

Oppenheimer’s father, Sir Philip, started it all just after the war when he unexpectedly bought four yearlings at the Newmarket sales. “He met up with [trainer] Charlie Elliott, who was famously crooked when my

King George sponsorship lost its sparkle for Diamond directors The Oppenheimer family’s De Beers Group of Companies was responsible for one of the most significant race sponsorships when it backed the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in 1972.

Three years later, and with royal consent, Britain’s premier middle-distance championship for horses of all ages incorporated the word ‘Diamond’ into its title.

Anthony Oppenheimer’s father, Sir Philip, was instrumental in securing a deal that ran for 34 years before the alliance ended in 2004. Oppenheimer laments its lapsing, which he ascribes to the passage of time.

“The senior directors at De Beers changed over the years,” he says. “All the [company] people who liked horseracing died, including my father, and their replacements had little interest in racing.

“Eventually the new directors started asking whether the company was getting value for money. I talked to Ascot and suggested they made a presentation outlining why De Beers should continue the sponsorship, but that never came to pass. In the end I was the only racing man left, and it simply wasn’t justifiable as far as the company was concerned.”

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Fittingly, the Oppenheimer silks were carried to King George victory in 1978 by Ile De Bourbon, in whom Sir Philip Oppenheimer had bought a share on the death of the horse’s owner, Charles Engelhard – who also raced Nijinsky.

Sir Philip Oppenheimer and Trish Wragg

The King George is Britain’s showcase event over a mile and a half, a distance over which increasingly fewer horses are bred to compete, which is also impacting on the Derby. The dilemma prompted the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) to commission a report on the subject, to which Anthony Oppenheimer contributed.

“Even though I have to think commercially, I absolutely aspire to breed these types of horses,” he says. “But as I explained to the TBA, breeders like me can’t suddenly switch my mares to staying stallions tomorrow morning just because there are one or two more half-decent races for young stayers.

“It would take three or four years before the results start to show,” he continues.

“There may well be only a handful of runners for these races because you’d have to wait five or six years for people to have the right horses to run them.

“I think it’s quite difficult to encourage the breeding of stamina, but I do think it’s essential. You’ve also got to find the right stallions. Sires like Frankel and Kingman offer breeders commercial opportunities in addition to the realistic prospect of breeding a top-class horse. There is no easy solution.”

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ANTHONY OPPENHEIMER

On The House, a half-sister to Golden Horn’s third dam Loralane, storms home in the 1982 1,000 Guineas under John Reid

father was a bit innocent,” Oppenheimer says. “But he soon went into partnership with Nicky Morriss [then owner of Banstead Manor Stud] and it went from there.”

Anthony Oppenheimer changed tack when he inherited the stud on his father’s death in 1995. Whereas Sir Philip put everything he bred into training, his son decided to sell the yearling colts in a bid to make Hascombe pay its way. Hence Golden Horn’s date with the auctioneer in October 2013.

As luck would have it, Golden Horn came up for sale the day after Oppenheimer had already reaped some handsome prices. “I decided to raise the reserve,” he reflects. “He was a fine-looking horse and when he was bought in, both John Gosden and William Haggas immediately asked whether they could train him.”

But for that, Golden Horn might have been racing in silks other than the distinctive red, white and black livery. Indeed, the stud has sold Classic winners before: the Coolmore partners bought both Rose Gypsy (2001 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches) and Footstepsinthesand (2005 2,000 Guineas) from the Hascombe yearling draft. And 1982 1,000 Guineas heroine On The House, the sole Classic winner to date to run in the THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Oppenheimer silks, failed to make her 10,000-guinea reserve when offered as a yearling in 1980.

Golden Horn hails from On The House’s distaff lineage; she is a half-sister to his third dam, Loralane. In part this is why Oppenheimer harbours reservations over Golden Horn staying the Derby trip.

A son of Cape Cross, Golden Horn

“After he was bought in both John Gosden and William Haggas asked whether they could train him”

descends from a line acquired by Sir Philip when he bought Hascombe – which he amalgamated with his Valiant operation named after his two children, Valerie and Anthony – and all its stock in 1965.

Among the mares was 15-year-old Tessa Gillian, runner-up in the 1,000 Guineas and

Coronation Stakes, and already dam of a pair of talented two-year-olds in Test Case (Gimcrack Stakes) and Gentle Art (Richmond Stakes). The speed gene was thus already evident.

Tessa Gillian subsequently threw On The House’s dam Lora, whose grand-daughter, the mile Listed winner Nuryana, bred Coronation Stakes heroine Rebecca Sharp.

Another of Nuryana’s daughters was Golden Horn’s dam Fleche d’Or, who never ran – and who was sold for 62,000 guineas at the 2012 Tattersalls December sales.

“It is a Classic line from way back,” Oppenheimer says. “The best members of the family were milers, which is why it never entered my head to put Golden Horn in the Derby as a yearling. I’d felt for a while that no member of the family should run over more than ten furlongs. We’ll see what happens, but perhaps that has been a mistake.”

Although two more of Nuryana’s progeny, Mystic Hill (by Caerleon) and Hidden Hope (by Daylami), won the Lingfield Derby Trial and Cheshire Oaks respectively, Oppenheimer does not offer them in mitigation.

“Mystic Hill was not a top-class horse,” he says. “He actually ran in the Derby and

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ANTHONY OPPENHEIMER >> finished sixth [behind Shaamit in 1996], but

Golden Horn is a cut above him. The family isn’t a staying one but if Golden Horn settles as he did at York, it will be a tremendous advantage. He obviously has to go for the Derby, for the prestige and everything associated with it.”

Evidently, Oppenheimer made his reservations known to Gosden at an early stage. So much so that the trainer metaphorically put one arm around his patron’s shoulder and took him on an unexpected journey.

“Before the Fielden Stakes [over nine

furlongs at Newmarket] Gozzie asked me whether I thought the horse would stay nine furlongs and I said I thought he was a miler,” Oppenheimer recalls. “But he won his only two-year-old race over a mile, so I thought it was worth having a go.

“When I said that, I could see Gozzie smiling away quite happily, because he obviously felt the horse would have no problem staying that far,” he continues.

“Then, having won the Fielden, I thought the Dante [over ten and a half furlongs] might be too far, but the way the horse settles, I thought: ‘Let’s see.’

‘Marvelous times and wonderful results’ The father-and-son duo of Harry and Geoff Wragg trained for the Oppenheimers for more than three decades until the latter’s retirement in 2008. The bond between the families was strong throughout.

“We had some marvelous times together,” Oppenheimer reflects. “Geoff was a very good trainer and a lovely man, although he wasn’t a natural horseman. It worked very well when Geoff had David Loder as his assistant in the late 1980s.

They made a very good team.

“But Geoff pulled off some wonderful results for us,” he continues. “It’s a very interesting comparison to consider Geoff, who had a medium-sized string, alongside someone like John Gosden, who has a lot of horses.

Geoff Wragg (right) with Rebecca Sharp after causing a 25-1 upset in the 1997 Coronation Stakes

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“If Geoff had one good horse it would be entered in all the good races, whereas John always has a pretty good idea how able his horses are. If you have one with him that’s not in the top echelon, it’s not going to be entered in top-echelon races.

It would with Geoff, and he pulled off some stunning surprises for us in big races.

“You sometimes have a sleepy horse that doesn’t show much. We had one, Maid Of Camelot, with Roger Charlton. Roger wanted to send her back because she was showing nothing.

“However I said he should run her once first; she won second time out and then went on to land a Listed race. If Roger was a big-string trainer, he’d have sent her home.”

“My father put all his

homebreds into training, but if I didn’t sell mine, I couldn’t keep the stud going” “And I was pleasantly surprised, especially when he finished the race strongly, and now I find myself thinking he should be fine over another half a furlong. That takes us up to 11 furlongs, and beyond that, well...”

The unfinished sentence is manifestation of a Derby dream that has enchanted every owner/breeder before him – including his father, who came closest when Pelerin, trained by Harry Wragg, finished fourth behind Henbit in 1980 after missing the break.

“It’s not easy to win any Group race not confined to fillies if you sell your yearling colts,” he says. “My father put all his homebreds into training, but if I didn’t sell mine, I couldn’t keep the stud going.”

By way of evidence, he outlines the costs associated with running his 290-acre farm with its 28-strong band of broodmares, two of which are stationed in the US. And when he tots it all up – the veterinary bills and staff costs comfortably exceed £500,000 – he needs to recoup £1.5 million annually to foot the bill.

“People say to me I could sell horses in training, rather than yearling colts,” he says, “but for that you’d need to have three or four quite useful horses every year. That’s quite a gamble. I don’t think the bank manager would be terribly keen on it.”

Some would argue that stumping up £75,000 to supplement Golden Horn to the Derby field represented a significant gamble in itself. To Oppenheimer, however, there was never any doubt, despite his reputation for prudence in financial matters.

When it came to adding Golden Horn to the Epsom mix, there was only ever going to be one outcome. “All of my life I’ve wanted to win the Derby,” he says.

“It’s what we all aspire to as owner/breeders. This could be my chance.”

Whatever the outcome, Golden Horn’s domination of the preamble gives rise to a potentially pleasing symmetry. It was exactly 50 years ago that Sir Philip bought the land on which this exciting horse was reared. A Derby triumph would commemorate the landmark perfectly.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Jun_130_TalkingTo_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 13:39 Page 42

TALKING TO...

GUY HENDERSON

Steering the good ship

ASCOT

Guy Henderson enjoyed a long, outstanding career as a commercial lawyer, but racing has always been a passionate interest and when the opportunity came to apply for the position of Chief Executive at Ascot, he took it – now comes the challenge of a first Royal Meeting

By Tim Richards

How are preparations going for what will be your first Royal Ascot and what are your feelings ahead of the Flat’s biggest racing festival?

The foundation for everything is the racing.

Entries so far are strong and we are excited about the quality of our international entry.

For our eight Group 1 races, we received 151 international entries from nine countries outside the UK. We are all very excited about

the Commonwealth Cup, our new sixfurlong Group 1 race for three-year-olds.

Operationally, so far it has been a benign spring for preparing our facilities for Royal Ascot, which has been very helpful. Sales and bookings have been ahead of the curve from the beginning. As to my feelings, simply that electrifying combination of excitement and trepidation, which I suspect most feel as they approach a big event.

“We can all look

good when successful, but it is how we respond to a reverse that sorts us out” You forged your reputation as an expert communicator and mediator, finding resolutions to sometimes complex legal matters. In what way(s) can you put that experience to good use at Ascot?

I learned that in the kernel of almost every business conflict is a communication or personal relationship failure of some kind.

Whatever else is going on, patient and constructive dialogue is required to find real solutions. I try to approach problems with an open mind and a willingness to take account of all perspectives.

You are on record as saying you dislike stuffiness. Royal Ascot could be described as the stuffiest of all meetings, with its clear and uncompromising dress code, especially in the Royal Enclosure.

Will there be any changes in store on this front or in other areas?

What I was trying to convey was the importance of a racecourse being welcoming and inclusive. Royal Ascot is all about Flat racing at the highest level accompanied by the highest standards of elegance and tradition. I see high standards of dress as important in paying respect to the event, our traditional values, our royal heritage and the horses.

Royal Ascot is special and unique, smart, and in most areas, formal. However, I believe we genuinely offer something for everyone who wants to be involved with Royal Ascot at all levels, whether from the relaxed areas of the Heath and Silver Ring, to private boxes, fine dining restaurants or the Royal Enclosure. Huge numbers of people enjoy dressing up in the areas with no formal dress code.

How do you raise Royal Ascot’s profile further in the general sporting landscape?

Research commissioned by the BHA shows that racing is the second highest live attended sport in Britain. It also shows that five out of the top ten live attended sports events are equine-related, of which four are race meetings.

Last year, Deloitte concluded that Ascot’s

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GEORGE SELWYN

H

aving spent 30 years as an international disputes lawyer, you have now taken over the running of Ascot racecourse. It’s a very different challenge – why did you want the job and what have you learned so far?

Variety as a spice of life works for me. I enjoyed a fascinating career helping clients resolve conflict across a very wide spectrum of business, cultures and countries involving all continents of the globe. But I wanted to do something different while I still had the energy to get properly stuck in to a job that genuinely touched the senses close to my heart. If you love racing, it doesn’t get much better than Ascot.

I have learned from the inside what a fabulous venue Ascot racecourse is. My predecessor Charles Barnett assembled a topclass team and I have learned how much they have achieved in recent years to bring the business through the global financial crisis and recession. I believe racecourses are delicately balanced eco-systems. So I am spending as much time as possible in my first year listening and learning.

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Guy Henderson: combination of excitement and trepidation as Royal Ascot looms

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BILL SELWYN

GUY HENDERSON

Robbie Henderson partners Ellerslie George, owned by his father, to victory in the 2009 Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton

>> direct economic impact is £138 million per

annum – more than the Ashes Test at Lord’s, the NFL at Wembley and the Ryder Cup when held in Wales. Strategically, I believe we increase the profile by continually working on effectively reaching out and communicating the enjoyment of following and going to the races.

Factfile Born: Cape Town, South Africa Education: Downing College, Cambridge First job: McDonald’s (“to finance my way through Law School”) Career: Solicitor, Allen & Overy Family: Wife Sophie and four children Robbie, 25, Poppy, 23, Minna, 21, and Ed, 18 Previous roles: Chairman of a FTSE 100 pension fund, Chairman of the Horse Trust, Chairman of Wincanton racecourse

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Ascot pays Nick Smith to ‘woo’ owners from around the world to run at Royal Ascot. Is this the right approach?

Without doubt it is the right thing for us.

High-end bloodstock is a global business. We have a genuinely global audience – our pictures are available in 200 countries and this year, such is the interest in Australia, that Channel 7 is taking a substantial tranche of the meeting live. Think how much the world has shrunk in the last 30 years. Will this stop?

I believe not. We are seeing a growing squad every year of top racehorses globe-trotting.

We want to build Ascot’s prestige as an attractive racecourse for international runners against this backdrop. It adds an important and fascinating extra dimension to the racing at Royal Ascot, our raison d’etre. It must be good for our industry as a whole. My previous career taught me that if you want to build relations internationally you have to be prepared to travel. There is no substitute for personal contact.

British Champions Day, which faced opposition at the start, is now an

established fixture in the calendar.

What changes or innovations could we see this year?

It was brave and bold of all concerned to have launched the British Champion Series, culminating in British Champions Day and we are extremely fortunate to be supported by the sponsorship of QIPCO. We must also remember the support of the French and Irish authorities in making space for British Champions Day in the Pattern calendar.

The big change on Champions Day this year is the promotion to Group 1 status of the sprint, meaning that we now have four Group 1s and a Group 2 on the afternoon.

At the first British Champions Day in 2011 we had two Group 1s, two Group 2s and a Group 3. That’s serious progress in a short period.

You have said that British racing needs to get better at framing races for its horse population in order to produce competitive fields. What does this mean for the sport generally and for Ascot specifically?

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GUY HENDERSON day, six days a week from October to race day in April. The oarsmen train at an Olympic level of intensity that requires a dedication and single-minded focus from which it can be a struggle to move on. This taught me that, whatever the ambition, it is important to retain balance in one’s life, as with the laws of physics and nature.

When necessary I like to retreat to the natural world to help find the inspiration, through its own example, to restore the balance. The relevance of this to a racecourse is the importance of getting the balance right between all its various constituent ingredients.

For sure I am competitive. The really interesting question for each of us is how do we like to compete and how do we respond to a reverse. For it is by competing in the environment we feel most comfortable where we will do our best, whether it is as a solo artist or as part of a team. We can all look good when successful, but it is how we respond to a reverse that sorts us out.

I was quoted in the context of a specific question about National Hunt field sizes at Ascot. National Hunt fields have been in decline across the industry for a number of years, caused by a fall in the number of horses in training and an increase in the number of races. Solving this will not be easy and will take time. The more racecourses can do, working with the BHA, to frame races for the existing horse population, should help.

It is also important we respond appropriately to the TBA’s call to frame races to support the breeding of Flat stayers. Along with the TBA and the new Pattern Review Group, we have been looking specifically at the staying category. Perhaps what’s required is a Europe-wide review similar to the one that’s just been implemented for sprinters.

You will have been reminded many times that you coxed the 1978 Cambridge crew that sank in the Boat Race. What was the biggest lesson you learned from that debacle? Would you describe yourself as competitive?

Indeed. One lesson I learned was summarised by General Colin Powell in one of his 10 Golden Rules: “Never align your ego so close to your position that when your position falls your ego goes with it.” One of the many challenges with participation in the Boat Race is an emotional one. When I was involved it took up on average six hours a

Most challenging thing I’ve done… being a good husband and parent Favourite film… The Italian Job (with Michael Caine) I love to cook… outdoors My weakness is… myself I relax away from racing by… yachting and skiing

CLOSE UP AND...

PROFESSIONAL Alternative career… restaurateur I deal with pressure by… taking exercise and retreating to my cave Best advice I’ve had… you never get a second chance to make a first impression My racing idol is… Red Rum

QIPCO was the first commercial partner at Royal Ascot on the first day last year. Have you found commercial partners for the other four days?

Gigaset, a leading international communications technology company, has joined QIPCO as our most recent commercial partner and will feature at Ascot throughout the year. It is very exciting for us to be associated with a new investor in British racing.

Broadly, we shall focus on eight themes: the horses and the racing; our customers and their experience; our facilities and the estate; our partners and sponsors; our conferences and events; our communities and forces for good; our people and their development; our industry and its stakeholders.

In what other ways will you be looking to enhance commercial operations at Ascot?

In the second half of the year we will start to work together in earnest on developing our strategic plan for 2016 onwards. I aim to build a consensus with our stakeholders and my team, so it is premature to be specific.

Where would you like to be in five years’ time?

On a sailing yacht or the top of a ski mountain, holding a glass of something nice, and reflecting that we had broadly achieved the strategic objectives we had set ourselves and dreaming where we should take Ascot for the next five years.

I am driven by… a desire to serve and fear of failure

PA

How did your interest in racing start and what roles have you and your family fulfilled in the sport?

My earliest memories are of Newbury. My grandmother lived on the edge of the course and we used to watch from the running rail on the back straight. I have been a racing fan ever since and first came to Royal Ascot in the late 1970s as an undergraduate. I loved ponies from an early age but participation was constantly thwarted by allergic asthma.

That was probably one reason I became involved with coxing rowing boats in my teens. I rode as a very moderate amateur in point-to-points.

As a family we have had a wonderful adventure following my son Robbie riding 100 winners as well as our own horses. We love being hands-on and have trained a few on our stock farm, resulting in 25 winners under Rules and in points. Ellerslie George’s two wins were very special. The first, as it was Robbie’s first ride against professionals, and the second because it was a Listed race in our neck of the woods. For me, watching Minella Stars, who [my wife] Sophie and I trained, jump the second last close up in third in the Cheltenham Foxhunter was very special. Hopefully we’ll be back for another crack one day.

CLOSE UP AND...

PERSONAL

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Sinking feeling: Henderson coxed when Cambridge sank in the 1978 Boat Race

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RAHINSTON FARM & STUD

The revival of

RAHINSTON Harry and Lorna Fowler are well known in National Hunt circles and have their sights set on restoring their famous family farm to its former glory Words and photos Emma Berry

O

ne only needs to note the decline in the number of active National Hunt broodmares to realise that plenty of breeders faced tough times through the recession. Nowhere was this more keenly felt than in Ireland, where the number of jumpsbred foals dropped from 4,849 in 2006 to 2,203 in 2011. A resurgence has begun, both in numbers and in demand for ‘store’ horses at the sales, and it is a wave which two young National Hunt breeders are hoping to continue to ride.

Harry and Lorna Fowler aren’t exactly new names and faces to the sport. Both were keen amateur riders and grew up in training families in Ireland and Scotland – Harry being the son of the late John Fowler, whose sister is Jessica Harrington, while Lorna is the daughter of stalwarts of the Scottish jumping ranks, Johnny and Sue Bradburne.

In 2008, John Fowler was killed in an accident on the family’s County Meath farm, Rahinston, a tragic turn of events that hastened the couple’s move from Newmarket, where Harry was working for Tattersalls and Lorna was pursuing a presenting career for Racing UK and Newmarket Racecourses among other clients.

After two years of frequent commuting from England, Harry and Lorna settled at Rahinston to help his mother, Lady Jennifer Fowler, better known as ‘Chich’, while Harry continued to work for Tattersalls, now for the Irish division at nearby Fairyhouse.

“It turned Chich’s world upside down and it turned Harry’s world upside down,” says Lorna.

“Chich was incredible because she was here on her own most of the time while Harry was commuting. She was running this enormous farm, and the fact that she kept it going through the recession and didn’t have to make people redundant is a real credit to her.”

Harry adds of his mother, who represented

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and this year have 25 mares in action, including boarders.

That period has not been all plain sailing, however. Shortly after returning to Ireland, the joy at the arrival of their first child, Rosie, now three, was offset by the death of Chich Fowler a year later.

Lorna, who oversees the day-to-day running of Rahinston, says: “Both Harry’s parents should be enjoying their retirement with their grandchildren now and there’s no question that it’s very sad that they’re not here.

“We just had to keep everything going – you sink or you swim and we made sure we swam.

I think the harder things are, the harder you work.”

That hard work is starting to pay dividends with the recently concluded National Hunt

Ireland as a three-day eventer: “She was the one with all the horse sense. Dad was the trainer and the businessman but she was the brains behind the feeding, the medicines, chiropractors – everything to do with horse welfare.”

As a renowned trainer of fillies and mares, including the prolific Opera Hat, winner of the Grade 1 Melling Chase at Aintree, and Irish Grand National winner Maid Of Money, John Fowler’s training business dovetailed perfectly with the stud side of the Rahinston operation, with lines initially bought by Harry’s grandfather, Brigadier Bryan Fowler, still in situ today. During the recession and family upheaval, the level of activity dipped to the point that only four Rahinston mares were covered but over the last three years the Fowlers have strived to re-energise the 700-acre farm

Harry Fowler with Barters Hill’s dam Circle The Wagons and his wife Lorna with Dalamine, the dam of Don Poli

season being something of a banner year for Rahinston residents, courtesy of major winners at the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National meeting. Harry bought Dalamine, dam of Grade 1 RSA Chase winner Don Poli for €16,000 at Tattersalls Ireland in 2013, while 19-year-old Circle The Wagons finally repaid Chich Fowler’s faith in her by producing the unbeaten Grade 2 Aintree bumper winner Barters Hill.

“Barters Hill is an extraordinary story really,” says Harry, who sold the Ben Pauling-trained Kalanisi five-year-old at the Derby Sale two years ago. This year’s sale will feature a draft of seven from Rahinston, including Barters Hill’s threeyear-old brother.

“Circle The Wagons has been retired for four years and she has this wonderful air about her – she just glides through life and I think we’ve all wondered what to do with her over the last few years. She’s been a companion really and has served her purpose doing that.

“Then this year Barters Hill started doing his thing and we have to give credit to Dermot [Fagan, Rahinston’s head man], as he was the one who said we should think about putting Circle The Wagons back in foal. Our excellent maternity vet Kevin Foley looked at her and then looked again and then Barters Hill won at Aintree and she was covered a day later by Kalanisi.”

Harry adds: “My mother bred Barters Hill and I can’t help thinking she’s looking down over

“When Don Poli

won at Cheltenham there couldn’t have been a better day in the world ” Circle The Wagons now. She’s no oil painting and neither is Barters Hill, which is why he was sold for €16,000, but he’s just honest and he wants to gallop. We’re selling his full-brother this year and he’s equally plain.

“She’s been an unlucky mare – a number of her offspring have been killed – but we’ve brought her out of retirement and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we get a filly next year.”

Meanwhile, Dalamine has a yearling filly by Beat Hollow who will be retained and, after her success in France with Poliglote, has been scanned in foal to another Sadler’s Wells line stallion, Kayf Tara.

“National Hunt breeding is very much a labour of love,” says Harry. “I think all jumps breeders should be allowed through the Pearly THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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>>

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R A H I N S T O N FA R M & S T U D

The view of Rahinston House from the Summerhill point-to-point course on the farm, which it is hoped will be reinstated next year

>> Gates without question – but the reward when

it all goes right is fantastic. We bought Dalamine a few years ago and when Don Poli crossed the line in front in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham there couldn’t have been a better day in the world.”

The ‘we’ to whom he refers is not just himself and Lorna but also his old school friend, racing aficionado Alex Frost, whose backing of the Fowlers’ ambitious plans for the rejuvenation of Rahinston has been a welcome shot in the arm.

Fowler and Frost now own four broodmares in partnership, including Dalamine and Cesana, the dam of impressive first-time-out bumper winner Grand Turina, as well as several horses pinhooked for the forthcoming Derby Sale.

Among those is a statuesque Laveron half-sister to another recent winner, the Willie Mullinstrained Karalee, who won a Killarney maiden hurdle by seven and a half lengths in May. “We wouldn’t have been able to grow this

place without the help of ‘Frosty’,” says Lorna.

“His enthusiasm for Rahinston has been immense and I hope that success is waiting in the wings for him in terms of his breeding operation. His main aim is having winners at big meetings. We’ll have to sell some stock along the way but primarily we want to have runners and winners.”

Along with newer clients Charlie Liverton and trainer Don Cantillon, for whom Harry rode many winners in point-to-points, Rahinston is still well supported by plenty of friends of the previous generation of Fowlers, including local farmer Tom Bruton, Valerie Cooper and Robert and Jackie Chugg.

Furthermore, there’s vital continuity in the human team at the farm, with Dermot Fagan having worked at Rahinston for 40 years, the last 20 of which he has been accompanied by his son, Alan.

A winner this season which will have given

all concerned as much pleasure as Don Poli and Barters Hill was Woodland Opera, a son of the now-pensioned 27-year-old Rahinston star Opera Hat, who won on debut at Leopardstown for Jessica Harrington. The five-year-old was bred at the farm by Valerie Cooper, wife of the late bloodstock agent Tom Cooper and mother of Alan, Patrick and Diana, and he races for a partnership which includes her daughter and friend Carolyn Waters.

“Tom Cooper originally bought Opera Hat for Valerie and she was trained by dad to win 15 races,” recalls Harry. “She’s still with us in retirement though she spent much of her breeding career in England. Valerie’s children tracked her down and brought her back here as a surprise so it was quite an emotional reunion.

Mum planned her mating with Robin Des Champs which resulted in Woodland Opera and he was born, raised and pre-trained here.”

Harry cites his father’s old sparring partner

Harry Fowler in the stableyard with candidates for the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale, including Barters Hill’s three-year-old brother

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R A H I N S T O N FA R M & S T U D Robert Chugg as having had the greatest influence on his career. The association between the two families continues with various members of the successful Marello family, including Jennifers Diary, the dam of Listed-winning hurdler Mischievous Milly and a daughter herself of a John Fowler purchase, Chattering, whom he named after his talkative wife.

“I admire Robert and Jackie Chugg immensely,” says Harry. “I’ve learnt so much from Robert and he’s been a big influence on us being where we are today. Mischievous Milly won a Listed race for Oliver Sherwood and that’s one side of the family we share and we’re also breeding from another side through Banjaxed Girl.”

Rahinston was inherited from an uncle by Harry’s grandfather, Bryan ‘Frizz’ Fowler, who, apart from being a decorated officer of the British Army who played a significant role in the El Alamein campaign, was a hunting and pointto-pointing man and member of the British polo team. The history of the place is important to the current generation of Fowlers at the helm – and plenty of the Corinthian spirit remains – but this is very much an operation looking forward rather than back.

Harry, who admits he enjoys spending his evenings poring over pedigrees and pondering matings, says: “We inherited a few of the old mares but we’ve bought into new blood – we have our own ideas on the lines we want on the farm. We’re continually changing the portfolio and we also buy young stock to target the Derby Sale.

“I don’t want to totally pigeon-hole ourselves

Room to roam: three-year-old store horses enjoying the rolling Rahinston paddocks

as National Hunt breeders – it’s the mainstay and I hope it will help to keep the show on the road but we’re branching out to the Flat too. I’ve bought what I hope will be my foundation Flat mare from the Silca-Cisa family. A big aim would be to have a couple of really classy Flat mares.”

On fertile limestone land in the vicinity of studs of the quality of Moyglare, Owenstown, Derrinstown, Tally-Ho, Kilcarn Park and Juddmonte’s pre-training farm Ferrans, the location of Rahinston is as advantageous as the ever-questing mind of its young master who is “still just on the right side of 40”.

He continues: “I love going to people’s farms and looking at how other breeders do it differently. I’m lucky enough to be able to visit

some really good breeders and learn things from them.

“There’s a very ambitious young team at Tattersalls Ireland which makes my job very exciting. I’m in charge of the UK side of things as I spent 14 years there with Tattersalls and know a lot of the UK clients.”

With the Fowler family having been augmented by the arrival of Johnny 15 months ago, there’s every chance the baton will be passed to the next generation in years to come.

“Our aim is to leave Rahinston in a decent state for Rosie and Johnny,” says their father.

If knowledge, dedication and sheer hard graft are markers for success, then that ambition looks to have an odds-on chance of being realised.

Training continues at Rahinston The day before Barters Hill’s Aintree success, the Fowlers and the Frosts were represented at the course by a runner of their own when Good Egg lined up in the Fox Hunters’ Chase. The 12-year-old is trained by Lorna in the colours of Alex Frost’s wife, Olivia.

Ostensibly a sideline at present, running a training operation at Rahinston serves an important purpose for the Fowlers, who are keen to continue racing a number of homebreds.

Lorna, who maintains her former broadcasting role as race-day presenter at the Curragh for the Guineas, Derby and Champions Day, explains: “We’re really in a permit holder situation, I suppose. I actually have a full licence but we’re not doing it commercially and certainly at the moment we don’t have plans to be.”

On the death of John Fowler, his wife Chich took over the licence and enjoyed what her son describes as a “last hurrah” with the Fowlers’ and the Chuggs’ wonderful homebred mare Banjaxed Girl, who returned to Rahinston from a successful spell with Nigel Twiston-Davies to win again at Punchestown and, poignantly, to finish runner-up in the John Fowler Memorial EBF Mares’ Chase.

“We train for a select band of clients and for ourselves,” Lorna adds.

“This allows us to train our own homebreds. Why would we send them elsewhere when we have one of the best gallops in Ireland? Dermot and Alan have loads of experience and between us all we get it right. And the bottom line is I enjoy it.”

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Supporting Good Egg at Aintree, from left, Olivia and Alex Frost, Diana Cooper, Camilla Trotter, Lorna and Harry Fowler, Sue Bradburne and Jamie Trotter

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BREEDERS’ DIGEST

By EMMA BERRY, Bloodstock Editor

Our bloodstock coverage this month includes:

• Sales Circuit: Breeze-ups blow hot; Liam Norris on the Sales Beat – pages 52-58 • Caulfield Files: Storm Cat’s influence felt in English and French Classics – pages 60-61 • Dr Statz: Have no fear if your yearling is one of many by a sire at auction – page 85

Makfi rises and it’s not Make Believe A

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Classic sire himself, courtesy of the frontrunning victory of his first-crop member Make Believe in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains – a British-bred triumph for Simon and Margaret Hope’s Aston Mullins Stud.

It’s fair to say that at last season’s yearling sales, Makfi suffered a similarly indifferent welcome from buyers as that received by Dubawi in his early years at stud. Makfi’s firstcrop yearlings averaged 56,900gns, while the equivalent figure for the second batch to hit the sales ring in 2014 dipped to 31,909gns.

Incidentally, his most expensive yearling to date – Godolphin’s Ijmaaly, who cost 300,000gns at Tattersalls in 2013 and is out of a half-sister to Dubawi’s Poet’s Voice – looked highly impressive when winning by 12 lengths on debut at Lingfield in May.

French move made sense Makfi’s switch for this season from Tweenhills to the Aga Khan Studs’ Haras de Bonneval is looking to be something of a masterstroke, as runners such as Listed winner Cornwallville and Prix de Diane entrant Zvarkhova have done wonders for his profile in France. He is currently shaded in the European second-

crop sires’ list only by his stud-mate Siyouni, though Makfi has sired more individual winners at a better strike-rate than his fellow young Classic sire.

Lope De Vega and Siyouni were quicker out of the gates with their first two-year-olds and consequently saw the value of their yearlings rise sharply last autumn. Many of Makfi’s runners to date follow a similar profile to his own racing career – a late debut at two followed by significant improvement at three – and his good start to this season is a lesson to us all to reserve judgement on young stallions, at least until their first threeyear-olds are properly up and running.

However successful Makfi becomes – and he has also already sired a Group 1 winner in New Zealand from his shuttle stint at Westbury Stud – he is guaranteed his place in history as the foundation stallion of Sheikh Fahad Al Thani’s Qatar Bloodstock operation, which now stands Harbour Watch, Havana Gold and Charm Spirit at stud. Indeed, the first time many of us saw Sheikh Fahad at a racecourse was at Deauville ahead of Makfi’s Prix Jacques le Marois victory. We’ve seen plenty of him since then.

GEORGE SELWYN

decade ago, while working for Darley, I set off on an epic bike ride around Northumberland to ‘celebrate’ a significant birthday of my thencolleague Dawn Laidlaw.

A welcome pause in the day’s activities was presented when we scrambled to Dawn’s friend’s house in time to watch the Irish 2,000 Guineas and see Dubawi become the sole Classic winner for his sire Dubai Millennium.

After writing this column, my next task will be to scribble a list of items to take with me for the forthcoming weekend’s celebrations for another of Dawn’s big birthdays. With padded shorts vying with my hipflask to be top of the list, it’s not hard to guess that we’re off on yet another torturous bike ride. We may be ten years older but we’re certainly not ten years wiser.

What’s changed in those years is that Dawn, in her role as Darley’s Nominations Manager, now spends a considerable amount of time working out how not to offend the breeders who want to send mares to Dubawi – whose book could almost certainly be filled many times over each season – but don’t quite make the cut. At the time of writing, admittedly with plenty of major prizes to be contested this month, Dubawi heads the European sires’ table, with his fellow Darley sire and contemporary Shamardal in hot pursuit, narrowly ahead of Galileo.

The reigning champion sire’s dominance is in no doubt and he has Teofilo, New Approach and Rip Van Winkle to enhance his claims as a sire of sires, with Frankel, Australia, Nathaniel, Intello and co waiting to bolster this position. It will be interesting to see how Dubawi and Shamardal fare in this regard, but they already have Makfi and Lope De Vega representing them admirably.

Makfi was Dubawi’s first Classic winner in the 2,000 Guineas of 2010 and he emulated his sire by going on to land the Prix Jacques le Marois later that summer. Further comparisons abound in that Makfi is now a

Makfi triumphs in the Prix Jacques le Marois, a race also won by his sire Dubawi

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Jun_130_Sales_Circuit_Sales 22/05/2015 12:35 Page 52

SALES CIRCUIT

By CARL EVANS

Figures up in major sectors as spring breezes blow hot With just Goresbridge left, Europe’s two-year-old sales have been well supported

Doncaster Breeze-up Sale

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DBS

D

BS kept the momentum going at its annual one-day sale of juvenile breezers, putting more building blocks on the excellent trade it had achieved in 2014.

A £185,000 top price was some way short of the high for this sale, but nine horses made sixfigure sums, three more than last year, contributing to some excellent percentage gains. Turnover, which had soared 56% a year earlier, now rose another 7.5%, the average went up by 6%, while the median increase of 36% was further evidence that buyers were prepared to invest chunky sums across the catalogue.

A clearance rate of 87% was praiseworthy, while almost every consignor of fillies was able to hang up ‘sold out’ signs after 41 of the 43 that entered the ring found new homes.

David Redvers, who buys for Qatar’s Al Thani family, had purchased the top two lots at this sale in 2014, including a Pivotal filly that was later named Likely, a winner on her only start to date. She set a high for the sale at £340,000, but Redvers was more circumspect at this year’s event, signing for just two lots, and making way for Stephen Hillen to gain the auction’s most valued breezer.

This was a Footstepsinthesand colt from Ger and Yvonne Kennedy’s Sherbourne Lodge consignment, and whose £185,000 purchase on behalf of racehorse owner Frank ‘The Grey Gatsby’ Gillespie, represented a sharp rise on his €15,000 Arqana yearling price.

Matt Coleman of Anthony Stroud Bloodstock was among the day’s most active agents, his legwork paying off with three purchases totalling £330,000 for the Cool Silk Partnership of Peter Swann and Barbara Wilkinson, who patronise James Given’s yard with their Flat horses.

Stroud himself teamed up with rookie trainer Simon Crisford to take a place on the top-ten board when paying £110,000 for a Kodiac colt. Four days later Crisford’s initial breeze-up buy, First Selection, the first horse into the ring at Ascot earlier in the month, scored at Southwell.

Frank Gillespie will race the sales-topping Footstepsinthesand colt from Doncaster

Doncaster Breeze-up Sale Top lots Sex/Breeding

Vendor

C Footstepsinthesand-Notting Hill (Jules)

Sherbourne Lodge

Price (£) 185,000

Buyer Stephen Hillen

C Scat Daddy-Champion Ride (Candy Ride)

Lynn Lodge Stud

170,000

Cool Silk/A Stroud

C Raven’s Pass-Holly’s Kid (Pulpit)

Lynn Lodge Stud

160,000

John & Jake Warren

C Exceed And Excel-Lixirova (Slickly)

Gilbinstown Stud

130,000

John Wall

F Street Cry-Song And Danz (Unbridled’s Song)

Grove Stud

125,000

Richard O’Gorman

C Kodiac-Munaa’s Dream (Oasis Dream)

Bansha House

110,000

A Stroud Bloodstock

C Dutch Art-Mystic Spirit (Invincible Spirit)

Tally-Ho Stud

110,000

Cool Silk/A Stroud

C Pivotal-Regal Salute (Medicean)

Longways Stables

110,000

R Knight/S Quinn

C Acclamation-Inishtearaght (Verglas)

Oaks Farm Stables

100,000

David Elsworth

C Zebedee-Our Sheila (Bahamian Bounty)

Grove Stud

95,000

Jeremy Gask

Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (£)

Avg (£)

Mdn (£)

2015

128

4,951,500

38,684

30,000

Top Price (£) 185,000

2014

127

4,646,250

36,585

22,000

340,000

2013

97

2,974,300

30,663

20,000

210,000

2012

122

3,601,500

29,520

24,000

300,000

2011

109

3,183,500

29,206

20,000

140,000

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Jun_130_Sales_Circuit_Sales 22/05/2015 12:35 Page 53

Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-up and HIT Sale Top lots

EMMA BERRY

Sex/Breeding

Alex Elliott bought Castlelyons, who is to be trained in Wales by Robert Stephens

Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-up and HIT Sale

Gaybrook Lodge Stud

Castlelyons, 3-y-o (Papal Bull-Summercove)

Highfort Stables (J Murphy) 170,000 Alex Elliott

C Quality Road-Masada (Pleasant Tap)

Oak Tree Farm

115,000 Oliver St Lawrence B’stock

C Blame-For Spacious Skies (Golden Missile)

Oak Tree Farm

92,000 Blandford/SackvilleDonald

C Sir Percy-Princess Aurora (Mr Greeley)

Mocklershill

90,000 Hillen & Ryan

C Canford Cliffs-Shesthebiscuit (Diktat)

Gaybrook Lodge Stud

85,000 Peter & Ross Doyle B’stock

230,000 C Gordon-Watson Bloodstock

C Archipenko-Danceatdusk (Desert Prince)

Oaks Farm Stables

82,000 Anthony Stroud Bloodstock

C Rip Van Winkle-Hold Off (Bering)

Mocklershill

80,000 W J Gredley

F Invincible Spirit-Lulua (Bahri)

Gaybrook Lodge Stud

75,000 Sheikh Abdullah Alsabah/Hillen

Neamour (Oasis Dream-Ever Rigg)

Friborg dispersal

72,000 Dwayne Woods

Aiden Sea, Danehill Dancer-Airline (Woodman)

Friborg dispersal

72,000 Paul Moroney Bloodstock

Figures for combined elements of sale Year

Sold

Agg (gns)

Avg (gns)

Mdn (gns)

2015

172

4,600,100

26,745

18,000

230,000

2014

145

3,955,328

27,278

16,000

270,000

2013

120

2,761,000

23,008

14,000

110,000

2012

104

2,414,650

23,218

15,500

Top Price (gns)

115,000

(First staged as a joint sale 2012)

Gaybrook Lodge Stud has grown into a leading consignor of breeze-up horses since it was set up by Jim McCartan at Mullingar in County Westmeath ten years ago, and his US imports sourced at Keeneland as yearlings have contained some notable pinhooks. He headed this sale last year with a War Front filly and was back in pole position this time after trading an Exchange Rate colt who was knocked down to

Norman Williamson breezes his Blame colt, which fetched 92,000gns at Tattersalls

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Price (gns) Buyer

C Exchange Rate-Valid Lilly (Valid Expectations)

EMMA BERRY

Tattersalls’ secondary breeze-up auction was held two weeks after its premier Craven Sale, but was not to be overshadowed.

Turnover of 3,763,900gns was a rise of 15% and a record for the event, albeit from a bigger catalogue that resulted in 27 additional lots walking into the ring. It was also helped by greater interest in the horses-in-training section, which has been a part of the event since 2012.

The overall median went up by 13%, although the average and clearance rate (79%) both took the same slight fall of 2%.

Vendor

“At the DBS

Breeze-up Sale, 41 of the 43 fillies who entered the ring found new homes” agent Charlie Gordon-Watson for 230,000gns.

McCartan had acquired the same horse for $60,000 in September.

The ‘in-training’ section was headed by the three-year-old gelding Castlelyons, who won at Cork just before the sale and whose valuation of 170,000gns was a record for the event. He joined the rapidly growing list of purchases by Newmarket-based agent Alex Elliott, who has been trading for less than a year – he said Castlelyons would join Chepstow trainer Robert Stephens, another young blade with a keen edge.

However, describing the next two horses in this section as ‘in-training’ would be inaccurate, for they were the broodmares Neamour and Aiden Sea, who were both carrying first foals.

They arrived as part of a dispersal of bloodstock owned by the late Stefan Friborg, whose colours had been carried with distinction by Classic winner Natagora and Dubai World Cup hero Gloria De Campeao.

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Jun_130_Sales_Circuit_Sales 22/05/2015 12:36 Page 54

SALES CIRCUIT

Arqana Breeze-up Sale It was Arqana’s show, but it was redubbed ‘Al Shaqab’s’ after the Qatar-based racing operation run by Sheikh Joaan Al Thani went on a spending spree.

With Mandore International’s Nicolas de Watrigant acting as ringside representative at the Saint-Cloud sales venue, Al Shaqab accounted for seven of the top ten lots and eight horses in total for an aggregate sum of €2,340,000.

Turnover went up 22% from a catalogue of similar size, the average price rose 21% and the median showed a 9% increase. A clearance rate of 77% was a percentage point down on 2014.

“Al Shaqab Racing

accounted for seven of the top ten lots at Arqana and eight in total for €2,340,000” Grove Stud’s Brendan Holland was among the beneficiaries of Sheikh Joaan’s reinvestments – remember, he has won Europe’s richest race for the past two years thanks to Treve – for he consigned the top two lots, and, not for the first time, a USpurchased colt sat on top of the pile.

This was a €600,000 son of Oasis Dream who had cost Holland $150,000 (about £100,000 after fees and shipping to Ireland) as a Keeneland yearling – it is unlikely he went Dutch on such a gamble, but the transaction proves pinhooking at that level is not for those with a weak constitution.

However, the Irishman also did very well with a Zoffany filly picked up for £36,000 at DBS, and secured by de Watrigant for €340,000. This one will be joining Yorkshirebased John Quinn, who trained Group 1-winning juvenile The Wow Signal for Sheikh Joaan.

Arqana Breeze-up Sale Top lots Sex/Breeding

Vendor

C Oasis Dream-Vallee Des Reves (Kingmambo)

Grove Stud

600,000

Al Shaqab Racing

F Zoffany-Sweet Kristeen (Candy Stripes)

Grove Stud

340,000

Al Shaqab Racing

C Canford Cliffs-Wonderous Light (Montjeu)

Mocklershill

320,000

Horse France

C High Chaparral-Crystany (Green Desert)

Gaybrook Lodge Stud

310,000

Stephen Hillen B/s

C Invincible Spirit-Malaisienne (Saumarez)

Channel Consignment

300,000

Al Shaqab Racing

C Siyouni-Oranor (Starborough)

Channel Consignment

300,000

Al Shaqab Racing

F Siyouni-Coastline (Night Shift)

Gaybrook Lodge Stud

260,000

Al Shaqab Racing

C Lonhro-Pacific Indy (A P Indy)

Brown Island Stables

260,000

Al Shaqab Racing

C Giant’s Causeway-Modesty Blaise (A P Indy)

Mocklershill

200,000

Hubert Guy B/s

190,000

Al Shaqab Racing

F Exceed And Excel-Actrice Francaise (Dynaformer) Mayfield Stables

Price (€)

Buyer

Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

2015

88

8,171,000

92,852

60,000

Top Price (€) 600,000

2014

89

6,885,000

77,360

55,000

750,000

2013

92

6,143,000

66,772

50,000

520,000

2012

102

5,776,000

56,627

42,000

420,000

2011

121

7,241,000

59,843

47,000

260,000

Osarus Breeze-up Sale Top lots Sex/Breeding

Vendor

F Siyouni-Everlast (Anabaa)

Haras du Saubouas

Price (€) 65,000

Buyer Oceanic Bloodstock

C Never On Sunday-Mindset (Vettori)

Haras du Saubouas

63,000

Jean-Claude Rouget

C Slickly-Insan Mala (Bahhare)

Haras du Saubouas

60,000

Jean-Claude Rouget

F Lilbourne Lad-Tenepia (Keltos)

Channel Consignment

52,000

Jean-Claude Rouget

F Siyouni-Alexandrina (Monsun)

Haras de Saint Arnoult

50,000

MAB Agency

F Hold That Tiger-Relicia Bere (Until Sundown)

Haras de Saint Arnoult

42,000

Cedric Boutin

F Le Havre-Italienne (Distant View)

Haras de Saint Arnoult

42,000

Fabrice Chappet

F Sunday Break-Selena (Kendor)

Haras du Chene

40,000

Jean-Claude Rouget

C Muhtathir-Cotes D’armor (Numerous)

Ecurie d’Esque

40,000

Jean-Claude Rouget

C Turtle Bowl-Sunday Rose (Red Ransom)

Channel Consignment

38,000

N Bertan De Balanda

Comparative figures Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

2015

43

909,000

22,725

15,000

Top Price (€) 65,000

2014

48

764,000

16,255

10,000

75,000

2013

50

802,500

16,596

15,000

45,000

2012

27

308,000

11,920

10,500

30,000

Osarus Breeze-up Sale A change of venue and the input of trainer Jean-Claude Rouget were highlights of this one-day sale, held at La Teste de Buch racecourse.

Rouget was associated with six of the topten horses, his clients helping to drive up turnover by 19% despite a smaller catalogue, which saw 59 juveniles offered, compared to 72 in 2014. A 74% clearance rate, 40% increase in average and 50% gain in median were all welcome figures for Osarus, which

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EMMA BERRY

>>

The Osarus Breeze-up Sale had a new venue at Hippodrome du Bequet, Teste de Buch

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Jun_130_Sales_Circuit_Sales 22/05/2015 12:36 Page 55

SALES CIRCUIT

Brightwells Cheltenham April Sale

EMMA BERRY

Top lots

Vendor Paul Basquin of Haras de Sabouas

has been staging this event for four years.

Siyouni’s popularity at European breezeups this year continued when one of his daughters headed the event with a €65,000 price tag – Rouget signed for the youngster and will train her, although she went down on the buyers’ sheet to Oceanic Bloodstock, which handles the bloodstock affairs of owner Alain Jathiere. Offered by Paul Basquin’s Haras Du Saubouas, she had more than doubled in value from her €30,000 Arqana yearling price.

Emmanuel Viaud of Osarus summed up the event when saying: “This is a sale that is clearly improving each year.” And he has what looks a straightforward goal in sight – to generate €1,000,000 in turnover.

That would be a formality if one or two of the bigger consignors returned to the table, but for now this is very largely a French affair, save for the Anglo/French alliance of Jamie Railton and Alban Chevalier Du Fau, whose Channel Consignment presented seven breezers and found new homes for each one.

Name/Breeding

Vendor

Born Survivor (King’s Theatre-Bob’s Flame)

Lingstown Stables

Price (£) Buyer 220,000 R Kelvin-Hughes

Minella Aris (King’s Theatre-Liss Rua)

John Nallen

200,000 Tom Malone B/s

Inspired Poet (Yeats-Petralona)

Meadowview Stables

155,000 H Kirk/W Mullins

Red Hanrahan (Yeats-Monty’s Sister)

Virginia Considine & Fiona Magee 150,000 Tom Malone B/s

Lucky Pass (Ultimately Lucky-Fuela Pass)

Ballynoe Stables

140,000 H Kirk/W Mullins

Monbeg Charmer (Daylami-Charming Present)

Monbeg Stables

120,000 Highflyer B/s

Monbeg Legend (Midnight Legend-Reverse Swing)

Monbeg Stables

120,000 Highflyer B/s

Stowaway Magic (Stowaway-Irish Mystics)

Ballyboy Stables

100,000 Highflyer/N Henderson

North Hill Harvey (Kayf Tara-Ellina)

Cottage Field Stables

100,000 R Kelvin-Hughes

Castle On A Cloud (Flemensfirth-Ifyoucouldseemenow)

Camas Park

95,000 Anthony Stroud

Strong Pursuit (Flemensfirth-Loughaderra)

Nicholastown Stables

90,000 Aiden Murphy

Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (£)

Avg (£)

Mdn (£)

2015

50

3,136,000

62,720

47,500

Top Price (£) 220,000

2014

39

3,362,000

86,205

65,000

300,000

2013

57

3,702,500

64,956

52,000

250,000

2012

55

3,810,500

69,282

43,500

310,000

2011

59

3,555,000

63,482

36,000

250,000

Goffs Punchestown Sale Top lots Name/Breeding

Vendor

Charbel (Iffraaj-Eoz)

Sandra McCarthy

Price (€) Buyer 280,000 Jill Lamb B/s

Eamon An Cnoic (Westerner-Nutmeg Tune)

Corloughan Stables

175,000 David Pipe

Policy Breach (Kayf Tara-Just Stunning)

Athassel House Stud

140,000 Aiden Murphy

Kings Line (King’s Theatre-Line Apple)

Milestone Stables

135,000 Gordon Elliott

Six Gun Serenade (Kalanisi-Zenaide)

Castletown Quarry Stud

120,000 Bobby O’Ryan

Champagne Classic (Stowaway-Classical Rachel)

Knockanglass Stables

100,000 Gordon Elliott

Out Of Style (Court Cave-Portanob)

Monbeg Stables

Weyburn (September Storm-Saffron Pride)

Newlands Farm

80,000 G H B/s

De Plotting Shed (Beneficial-Lady Willmurt)

Ballycurragh Stud

75,000 Tom Malone

Cresswell Legend (Midnight Legend-Cresswell Willow)

Bruce McKay

75,000 Aiden Murphy

80,000 Evan Williams

Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (€)

EMMA BERRY

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Mdn (€)

Top Price (€)

2015

15

1,483,000

96,867

80,000

280,000

2014

17

1,537,000

90,412

90,000

160,000

2013

12

1,094,000

91,166

72,500

190,000

2012

16

1,413,000

88,312

80,000

210,000

2011

14

1,013,000

72,357

55,000

200,000

Brightwells Cheltenham April Sale

Jean-Claude Rouget: top buyer at Osarus

Avg (€)

A menu with a main course of young Irish point-to-pointers produced another valuable day’s trade for Brightwells, although the figures were down in the key categories.

The average and median figures fell by 27% and 25% respectively, and while turnover dipped by just 5%, a bigger catalogue involving 71 offered horses (up from 47) helped in that

regard. Getting the optimum number of horses into the ring is always a conjuring job for sales companies, and consignors cannot be blamed for wanting it both ways – scarcity to make their lots stand out, but also the opportunity to sell horses in their care.

The crucial ingredient is buyers at all levels, and when it comes to the upper echelons no one has flown higher at Cheltenham in recent years than Roger Brookhouse, the engineer and racehorse owner. He bought the

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Jun_130_Sales_Circuit_Sales 22/05/2015 12:36 Page 56

SALES CIRCUIT

Thurles winner Alisier D’Irlande), but was absent this time having taken the decision to consolidate his string.

Into the breach stepped another racehorse owner and breeder, Richard Kelvin-Hughes, who put a series of smiles onto the face of trainer Dan Skelton by purchasing a couple of six-figure lots to join his Warwickshire yard.

They were both four-year-old pointers, but from either side of the Irish Sea, with £220,000 top lot Born Survivor having scored at Ballymena for Willie Codd’s yard, and North Hill Harvey having landed a debut win for owner Tom Lacey at Chaddesley Corbett.

The pair will run for a new partnership of Kelvin-Hughes’s wife Lizzie and Beverley Widdowson, who would no doubt be very happy if either horse could match Moon Racer, a graduate from the same sale last year and subsequently successful in Cheltenham’s Champion Bumper.

Highflyer Bloodstock’s trio of agents – David Minton, Anthony Bromley and Tessa Greatrex – proved the sale’s most active ingredient, gaining 19 horses on the day, including a pair of Monbegs (Charmer and Legend) who made six-figure sums having been presented from the Monbeg Stables draft of Donnchadh Doyle.

Goffs Punchestown Sale It can’t be said the top-ten graduates from last year’s edition of this sale – held during Punchestown’s five-day festival – have provided it with a raft of winners, but that didn’t stop bigleague buyers operating this time around.

Maybe the class of 2014 just need time – many arrive as winners of point-to-points over three miles and spend the following season in bumpers or hurdles over shorter trips – and will provide their patient owners with due reward.

Jump racing is a long game, after all.

This year’s catalogue was again well-endowed

GEORGE SELWYN

>> £300,000 top lot at this sale in 2014 (March’s

Kim Bailey: set to train Charbel

with pointers, but the top price was achieved by the Tom Mullins-trained Charbel, a dual bumper winner. He boosted his profile in defeat two days before the sale when fourth of 13 in the Festival’s Grade 1 Champion Bumper, a performance that carried his valuation to a record for the event of €280,000.

Jill Lamb could not attend the sale, but lay behind the transaction on behalf of an unnamed client – Tom Hogan did her bidding, and said trainer Kim Bailey was likely to be handling the four-year-old’s immediate future.

Twelve months ago turnover had risen 40%, so a 3.5% decrease was no reason for alarm, and would have been an increase had the Willie Mullins-trained Castello Sforza, an impressive bumper winner on debut in the colours of Sheikh Fahad, found a new home. He was led out unsold at €310,000, yet despite the loss of that juicy sum the average still increased by 7%, albeit the median fell by 12.5%. Of the 22 lots offered, 15 left with new owners.

Goffs’ next auction of jumping stock is its June Land Rover Sale, a marketplace for buying unbroken stores. Given the prices achieved at this and other similar auctions by young pointto-point and bumper winners it is unlikely to provide easy pickings for buyers on tight budgets.

PREPARE TO SELL Closing dates for the major European sales are coming up.

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Jun_130_OnTheSalesBeat_Sales 22/05/2015 13:33 Page 58

ON THE SALES BEAT

Q&A

Liam Norris

Dancing to the beat of a different drum – and steering clear of tripe My father started as a stallion man at Sandringham and then managed Polhampton Stud for the Queen, spending 38 years in her service, so I grew up around thoroughbreds. Spells at Witney College, Highclere Stud, De La Warr Racing and Lane’s End Farm gave me a good grounding which led to me helping various breeders establish good stud farms and stock. I also buy horses in partnership with William Huntingdon, whom I’ve known and worked with for longer than I care to remember.

was a little green in a hot contest on his debut for Al Shaqab Racing and John Gosden but he has developed well and I hope he’ll be one to watch this season.

When you see an individual you really like, how important is the horse’s pedigree to you?

Conformation and movement are most important. I like to stay clear of fashion – that way you can often get better value for your client. Obviously pedigree has to be taken into account and each horse has to fulfil the requirements of the individual order.

EMMA BERRY

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into racing and bloodstock…

French sales a highlight for Liam Norris

horseman with years of experience but he is also a man of integrity. I’m also a fan of Liam Keniry, who is an under-rated jockey with a great knowledge of form and pedigrees.

Your best buy?

It’s not easy to buy a Classic winner so it would have to be Dancing Rain, but I take great pleasure in buying young stock that turn out to be stakes horses, like Group 3 winner Leaupartie, who cost €16,000 as a foal. Selling her through La Motteraye in France gave me an introduction to Gwen Monneraye and Lucie Lamotte, who have become our close friends. It’s also been very satisfying to watch the progress of another foal purchase, Karar (who was fourth in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains) this season.

I buy only a small number of horses each year so it’s special to have been associated with two Classic runners.

Most under-rated stallion?

It never ceases to amaze me how expensive the offspring of unproven first-season sires are when you can buy horses by proven stallions such as Footstepsinthesand and Medicean for competitive prices. I also like to see a stallion improve his mares, and Kendargent has been exciting in this regard.

Name a recent purchase you’re most looking forward to seeing at the races…

I enjoy keeping tabs on them all – it’s not just about the sales, the racecourse is where it matters. It was great to see Desert Force win so well at Newbury and hopefully he, Karar and Hors de Combat will continue to line up in stakes company this year. Shalaa

58

Over the years I’ve really enjoyed buying horses in France with success and some of the smaller sales there can be a bit overlooked.

Best auctioneer?

And a young stallion to watch?

I’m particularly keen on good conformation and I thought Roderic O’Connor’s stock were strong and athletic so I’ve been pleased to see him make a good start with his first runners this season.

One that got away?

William and I were underbidders to John Magnier on Australia – that’s a battle we’d probably never have won! We were also under-bidders to Form Bloodstock on UAE Derby winner Mubtaahij.

Which is your favourite sale and why?

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?

My father, who is an excellent stockman, and my wife Jenny. She and I have worked as a team for the last 12 years. She’s such a hard-worker with a real eye for detail, and she has always encouraged me in everything I’ve done.

Your racing/bloodstock hero?

Roger Charlton, with whom I’ve worked since I was breaking in the Queen’s yearlings, and who trained the first winner in my colours, which was extra special as she was homebred. He’s not only a sensitive

If I’m selling a horse it would have to be John O’Kelly, and for sheer entertainment value, Nick Nugent.

Who is the biggest diplomat in the bloodstock world?

Edmond Mahony for treading a very fine line in keeping both vendors and buyers happy at Tattersalls.

Best sales food?

La Guinguette in Trouville if I’m paying and the grooms’ canteen at Arqana when it’s William’s turn – he can’t resist the tripe sausage.

How do you like to unwind after a long hard day pounding the sales grounds?

The bloodstock crowd are a fairly teetotal bunch but I can usually find a kindred spirit to share a bottle of wine or two.

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Jun_130_Caulfield_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 13:38 Page 60

CAULFIELD FILES ANDREW CAULFIELD REPORTS ON THE BLOODSTOCK WORLD

Whipping up a Storm The late Storm Cat’s influence was felt in early-season Classics in the UK and US

Faults forgiven I have to admit to not being a fully paid-up member of the Storm Cat fan club, partly because his name was often associated with wind issues and offset knees. However, those faults didn’t stop him notching up two general sires’ championships in North America, plus half a dozen championships as leading sire of two-year-olds. The scale of his success was such that his fee stood at no less than $500,000 for six consecutive years.

And – unlike some top American sires – Storm Cat proved very capable of siring top winners on European turf. The likes of One Cool Cat, Aljabr, Nebraska Tornado, Black Minnaloushe, Sophisticat, Denebola, Hold That Tiger and Mistle Cat all became Group 1 winners over here, but Storm Cat’s talents were best exemplified by his son Giant’s Causeway.

Many of Storm Cat’s progeny inherited his tough personality, which helped make them hard to beat. This will to win manifested itself

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GEORGE SELWYN

T

he first weekend in May is always a racing aficionado’s delight, with the Kentucky Oaks being followed by the 2,000 Guineas, Kentucky Derby and the 1,000 Guineas. This year’s events didn’t disappoint, with the males’ Classics falling to two potentially very important colts in Gleneagles and American Pharoah. While the victories of Lovely Maria in the Kentucky Oaks and Legatissimo in the 1,000 Guineas were a bit less predictable, both have the potential to add to their laurels.

Was there anything to learn from a pedigree viewpoint? Well, the four Classics acted as a reminder that very few modern pedigrees are without a couple of lines of Northern Dancer, especially in Europe, where the season’s first two Classic winners are inbred 4 x 3 and 4 x 4 to the Windfields Farm champion.

American Pharoah’s two lines appear in the fifth generation, with Lovely Maria’s three lines being in the fifth and sixth. You will also find the ubiquitous Mr Prospector in three of the pedigrees, but to my mind the most notable achievement was by Storm Cat. In addition to his male line being responsible for Lovely Maria, Storm Cat also cropped up as the broodmare sire of Gleneagles and as the grandsire of American Pharoah’s dam.

Mares by Storm Cat, who died in 2013 aged 30, have worked well with Galileo

magnificently in Giant’s Causeway, who fortunately also inherited plenty of soundness from his female line (his dam Mariah’s Storm won ten of her 16 starts, while his second dam Immense and third dam Imsodear respectively made 28 and 33 starts).

Of course Gleneagles’s dam, the smart You’resothrilling, is a sister to Giant’s Causeway, so there is every reason to hope that Gleneagles will cope well with a busy threeyear-old campaign. Unfortunately, Coolmore will no doubt be extremely eager to retire him at the end of the year, as his attractive pedigree – coupled with his speed and juvenile ability – will make him an ideal match for all the Danehill line mares.

Further details of Gleneagles’s pedigree are available in the Data Book section (page 86), but it is worth repeating that he represents a flourishing partnership between Galileo and Storm Cat. From 38 representatives aged three or over, this cross has so far managed to produce three Guineas winners in Gleneagles, his sister Marvellous and Misty For Me. The last two both landed the Irish 1,000 Guineas.

Other members of the 38 are the smart American turf colt Global View (a Group 2 and 3 winner), Misty For Me’s Listed-winning sister

Twirl, and Aloft, runner-up to Elm Park in last year’s Group 1 Racing Post Trophy. We should keep an eye out for some of Galileo’s 2015 two-year-olds out of Storm Cat mares, which include a sister to Marvellous and Gleneagles named Coolmore, a sister to Misty For Me named Ballydoyle, and a filly out of the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac winner Denebola.

In America, mares by the speedy and muscular Storm Cat were often considered an ideal match for the rangier, more classic Unbridled branch of the Mr Prospector male line. Unbridled’s first son to become a Grade 1 winner, the 17-hand Unbridled’s Song, remains the most popular choice for owners of Storm Cat mares, to the extent that there are now 171 foals of racing age bred to this pattern.

Faith in this cross extended to other sons of Unbridled, and it was justified by Empire Maker. From his first 35 foals out of daughters of Storm Cat, Empire Maker has been represented by Bodemeister and In Lingerie. A Grade 1 Arkansas Derby winner, Bodemeister emulated his sire by finishing second in the Kentucky Derby, while In Lingerie won the Grade 1 Spinster Stakes before selling for $2.4 million in foal to Frankel.

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“The scale of Storm

Cat’s success was such that his fee stood at $500,000 for six consecutive years” $135,000 as a weanling and $250,000 as a yearling proves she has some talented relations.

Her dam Exclusive Rosette had previously done well with two foals by Stormin Fever, another son of Storm Cat. The first, Storm Wolf, won the Grade 2 Lazaro Barrera Memorial, and the second, Misty Rosette, also possessed plenty of speed, landing the Grade 3 Old Hat Stakes over six and a half furlongs.

When American Pharoah fell well short of meeting his reserve price at Saratoga, Zayat was happy to campaign the colt, in the hope that the youngster would help put Pioneerof The Nile on the map as a stallion. The colt wasted no time in doing so, taking the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on his second start and the Grade 1 FrontRunner Stakes on his third. A setback prevented him contesting the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile but he had done enough to be rewarded with joint-top weight on the Experimental Free Handicap, ranked the equal of the Juvenile winner Texas Red. Zayat decided to make hay while the sun shone and Littleprincessemma was entered for Fasig-Tipton’s November Sale. Carrying a full brother to the future Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, she made $2.1m. Zayat at least still has a yearling sister to American Pharoah to look forward to.

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Giant strides to be made to resurrect US prominence of line Ten years ago Giant’s Causeway and Yankee Gentleman were just two of over 100 stallion sons of Storm Cat listed in the Blood-Horse Stallion Register. It would be an exaggeration, though, to say that the male line is still as dominant in the US. At the age of 18, with his fee steady at $85,000, Giant’s Causeway is the only member of the Storm Cat male line with a fee higher than $35,000, his nearest pursuers being great-grandson Scat Daddy at $35,000 and 21-year-old son Stormy Atlantic at $30,000.

Although Giant’s Causeway has numerous American stallion sons, none has so far shown potential similar to Giant’s Causeway’s highly successful Irish son Shamardal. Perhaps the male line’s long-term survival in the US will depend on the speedier branches descending via Hennessy (grandsire of Scat Daddy), Forestry (sire of the very talented but fragile Discreet Cat and the tough Shackleford) and Tale Of The Cat (sire of the champion older male Gio Ponti, the first-crop Grade 2 sire Tale Of Ekati and also grandsire of Line Of David, whose first crop includes the gallant Kentucky Derby runner-up Firing Line).

Perhaps the most promising of the various branches is the one descending from Storm Cat’s son Harlan, even though this winner of the Grade 1 Vosburgh Stakes left a legacy of fewer than 100 foals.

However, one of them was his tough and dependable son Harlan’s Holiday, who unfortunately died at the age of 14 in 2013 while on shuttle duty in Argentina.

Harlan’s Holiday has already made a very bright start as a sire of sires, with his Grade 1 two-year-old winner Into Mischief doing so well with his early crops that his fee has risen from $7,500 to $30,000 in the space of four years. Harlan’s Holiday is also represented by Shanghai Bobby, the champion two-year-old of 2012 who joined the Ashford Stud team in 2014 at a fee of $20,000. Shanghai Bobby covered 160 mares in his first season, in a year when Into Mischief covered 203, so he will have every chance.

His prospects look even brighter now that the Kentucky Oaks has fallen to Lovely Maria, a member of the first crop by Majesticperfection, a horse billed as

Harlan’s Holiday’s fastest son. Lovely Maria, who had earlier won the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes, clearly stays better than her sire, no doubt thanks to having a dam by the Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner Thunder Gulch.

Whereas Into Mischief and Shanghai Bobby made their names at two, Majesticperfection didn’t even race until he was four. After a debut defeat he proceeded to build a winning sequence of six, including the Grade 1 Alfred G Vanderbilt Handicap in a fast time. He also set a track record of 1:07.24 in landing the Iowa Sprint Handicap. Consequently he was expected to play a leading role in the top late-season sprints, but he suffered a foreleg fracture during a workout in early September and was retired to Airdrie at a fee of $10,000.

GEORGE SELWYN

It was therefore inevitable that Empire Maker’s other Kentucky Derby runner-up, Pioneerof The Nile, would also attract mares with Storm Cat blood when he retired to Vinery Kentucky at a fee of $20,000 in 2010 (he moved on to WinStar Farm after three years and his fee has soared to $60,000, with a further rise now likely). Pioneerof The Nile’s owner/breeder, Ahmed Zayat, employed this strategy when he sent Storm Cat’s granddaughter Littleprincessemma to his young stallion in 2011.

Littleprincessemma had raced only twice, as a juvenile, without showing much sign of ability. She had cost only $10,000 to produce, her sire being Yankee Gentleman, a minor sixfurlong stakes winner who is now based in Louisiana. This may sound unpromising but the fact that Littleprincessemma realised

The ultra-tough Giant’s Causeway

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ROA FORUM The special section for ROA members

Future of the Turf is in our hands Richard Wayman on why racing on grass must not be compromised by all-weather expansion With Arena Racing Company’s application to convert Newcastle’s Flat turf track to an artificial surface having been considered by the BHA at its April board meeting, the future role of all-weather racing within the sport is an issue attracting increasing focus. Indeed, in the Jockey Club’s recently published annual review, Chief Executive Simon Bazalgette highlighted the need for an industry-wide debate on this very subject.

There is an understandable appetite from northern-based owners for an all-weather track in the north, but most would prefer it wasn’t at Newcastle, primarily because it would involve sacrificing one of the better racing surfaces in the country. With doubts about the prospects of Catterick proceeding with its all-weather plans, however, it is possible the option for a northern venue could be Newcastle or nothing.

At the time of writing, we still await news of the BHA’s decision but the debate about the future of all-weather racing is a much wider one than the pros and cons of Newcastle’s application.

All-weather racing has grown significantly and, going back ten years to 2005, there were 814 Flat fixtures including 214 on the allweather. This year’s fixture list included 882 Flat fixtures with 307 on an artificial surface.

If Newcastle is given the go ahead, the 17 Flat turf fixtures already staged at the venue would change surface, and it is also possible that ARC would want to transfer fixtures from elsewhere within the group to justify its investment.

It is stating the obvious to say that allweather racing has an important role to play within British racing. As well as providing year-round opportunities on a consistent racing surface, the bookmakers report it is popular with their customers and fares at least as well as turf racing of a similar standard.

ARC’s introduction of the All-Weather Championships, headed by the televised £1.1 million Good Friday finals day, has been a very positive step forward, Kempton’s significant investment in the raceday experience for owners has been very well received and, as for Chelmsford City, although it is still getting to grips with its racing surface, its significant investment in prize-money will ultimately pay dividends.

At a time, however, when there is increasing focus on recruiting and retaining owners, the sport cannot afford to ignore the preferences of racing’s single largest contributors.

I have yet to meet an owner who prefers seeing their horse run on the all-weather rather than turf. Indeed, one of the big draws of racing in Britain is the variety and beauty of our tracks, as well as the sense of occasion that can be created by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic local crowd, something that cannot be mirrored at a soulless course that races three or four times a week in front of a handful of people.

In total, 35% of Flat fixtures now take place on the all-weather and we should all take notice of the concerns expressed by trainer Sir Mark Prescott in a recent interview in this magazine that in the future most racing will take place on artificial surfaces and that “we’ll all die of boredom”.

Excuse the pun, but now is the time to draw a line in the sand because, unless we do, it is not difficult to envisage a situation where, inadvertently, the majority of Flat meetings take place on a surface other than grass. If that is where we were to end up, the owners and spectators of the future wouldn’t thank us.

ROA Council election: your chance to vote Members are strongly encouraged to vote in the ROA Council election this month. By voting in this way, members have a say in shaping future policy and owner representation within the industry and the association itself.

There are ten candidates standing for three places in this year’s election. Successful candidates serve a three-year term on the ROA Council. Members have been sent manifestos and full details of each of the ten candidates, with a ballot card and reply paid envelope.

Full details also appear online.

Votes need to be received by the Electoral Reform Services by midday on Monday, June 22. The election results will be announced at the ROA Annual General Meeting on June 30 at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London.

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Members are encouraged to attend the AGM, which will include keynote speeches from the ROA’s outgoing President Rachel Hood and BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust. As usual, members will have the opportunity to take part in a question and answer session with the ROA Council.

The AGM will begin at 10.30am, with coffee served from 10am. The formal business will be followed by a champagne reception, sponsored by SIS, and the ever-popular annual members and guests’ lunch.

This year’s after-lunch speech will be made

by Harry Herbert, who represents Highclere Thoroughbred Racing and Al Shaqab Racing.

Lunch places are £90 each or £825 for a table of ten, and need to be booked in advance by contacting the ROA office on 020 7152 0200 or online at racehorseowners.net

The ten candidates standing for election are: JONNY ALLISON KATE AUSTIN LYNN DOUGLAS WILL DUFF GORDON PAUL DUFFY CHRIS HUMBER STUART MATHESON JOHN MCGUIRE CHARLIE PARKER COLIN STIRLING

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www.racehorseowners.net

Regional tour heads to Carlisle

Dante Stakes victor Golden Horn, now Derby favourite, sporting the SIS logo

Scheme to help reclaim costs The ROA/SIS sponsorship scheme leapt past the 350-winner mark in the 12 months up to April, and it has been a successful time for Class 1 winners carrying the logo, with the likes of Limato, Custom Cut, Master Apprentice and Golden Horn strutting their stuff at the Group 1 tracks.

Any horse that is owned by ROA members is eligible for the ROA/SIS sponsorship scheme, and can take its place amongst the 1,500 horses currently on one of the four active schemes. Sponsorship enables owners to register for and reclaim VAT on the costs of

ownership, which can represent an average recovery of more than £4,000 in ownership costs annually.

Applications for the July 2015 scheme are being taken now. Members can add a horse to the scheme using the application form on the ROA website. Owners receive £10 once the scheme has commenced, and a further £90 when it ends on June 30, 2016, provided the horse has run at least once in Britain in that time. To find out more, or to request a postal application form, please contact Sarah Holton on 0207 152 0200 or email sholton@roa.co.uk

The ROA will be heading to Cumbria on Thursday, July 9 to host this year’s fourth regional meeting for members at Carlisle racecourse.

Regional forums provide an opportunity for members to meet with the ROA Council and staff.

As a representative body, such gatherings allow us to provide an update on current matters and to hear direct from members which issues matter most to them.

While Carlisle’s fixture is now fully booked, members are welcome to apply to attend any of the remaining regional meetings in 2015.

For information on all future regional meetings this year, please visit the ‘Events’ section at racehorseowners.net

Carlisle is the next stop on July 9

Last few tickets for Royal Ascot facility As we go to press we still have a limited number of places available in the ROA’s facility at Royal Ascot.

The ROA’s new members’ dining room is located on the groundfloor level of the grandstand enclosure, facing the pre-parade ring, and close to the owners & trainers’ facility.

The specially tailored members’ package includes a prosecco reception, sit down three-course lunch and full afternoon tea.

Complimentary beers, wine and soft drinks are included in the package.

For details and bookings contact Sarah Holton in the ROA office on 020 7152 0200 or see the Events section at racehorseowners.net

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Superb racing and fine hospitality make Royal Ascot unique

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ROA FORUM

TRACK TALK

The latest news from the UK’s racecourses

Salisbury hits million mark for first time

The online guide tells owners what they can expect at Britain’s racecourses

Preparing for a day at the races To help owners to plan their day’s racing, the ROA has re-launched the Owners’ Guide to Racecourses. This online guide, collated in conjunction with the Racecourse Association (RCA), pulls together all the relevant information that an owner needs to know about badge allocations, owners’ facilities, travel information and contact details for all 59 RCA racecourses.

Alan Pickering, ROA Raceday Committee chairman, said: “The ROA Raceday Committee, which I have the honour to chair, includes members of the board and ROA staff. We maintain a regular dialogue with every racecourse with a view to improving the owners’ raceday experience. Members of our committee visit each course at least once a year and, in addition, take account of member feedback received via our website.

“As a result of this regular dialogue, we have

Yarmouth fixtures Arena Racing Company is undertaking work to improve the surface at Yarmouth and plans to recommence racing on July 23. In the meantime the BHA has approved the following fixture transfers: Friday, June 26 will now be run at Wolverhampton (AWT) Thursday, July 2 will now be run at Lingfield Park (AWT) Wednesday, July 8 will now be run at Wolverhampton (AWT) Tuesday, July 14 will now be run at Lingfield Park (AWT)

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gathered a wealth of practical information that will help our members get the most out of their racecourse visits, whether they are returning to an old haunt or exploring pastures new.

“I believe that the excellent way in which our staff team have packaged this information in an accessible form is a wonderful innovation that adds yet one more benefit to the growing package with which your association provides its members.”

The ROA welcomes all feedback from its members relating to racecourse facilities, so please do not hesitate to get in touch by either emailing us (raceday@roa.co.uk) or completing the raceday experience questionnaire, accessed via the homepage on the ROA website, should you have any views you wish to share following a day at the races as an owner.

As an added incentive, all members completing a feedback form online are entered into a monthly prize draw to win £50 in John Lewis vouchers. This month, congratulations are in order to Jane Maltby, our latest winner!

To access the guide and to complete a raceday questionnaire form, see the Raceday section at racehorseowners.net

Prize-money boosts are always good news to owners, and two courses have recently announced personal highs.

Total prize-money at Salisbury this season will pass the £1 million barrier for the first time ever, with the track also committed to run at least one feature race worth a minimum £12,000 at every meeting.

Hamilton has increased its executive contribution to prize-money by an impressive 25%, meaning a total pot of £900,000 this season, with no race being run for less than £4,000.

Salisbury: £12k race at each meeting

Other news...

Better viewing at Epsom With the Flat turf season now upon us, thoughts will be turning to the big summer racing festivals, including, of course, Epsom’s Investec Derby festival. In response to feedback from owners, there will be an improved viewing area for those with a runner on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6.

A dedicated area will be available within the Queen’s Stand steppings that will be stewarded to ensure exclusivity.

Epsom’s July 9 fixture has been removed

from the Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners list of participating fixtures as it is now a music night.

Music Nights A new feature on the ROA website is a timetable of fixtures which include after racing attractions, under the heading of Music Nights.

We hope members will find this useful for either planning a racing-music double header this summer, or possibly plotting to make a quick exit from the course!

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Richmond Enclosure badge offer at Goodwood festival

Diary dates and reminders MAY 31 Chantilly ROA members attending the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) can enjoy access to the Jardin des Propriétaires – the owners’ outdoor garden party located against the racetrack and close to the finish line. Applications are invited in advance via the Events section on the ROA website or by contacting the ROA office.

JUNE 16-20 ROA exclusive facility at Royal Ascot The ROA has a new private dining room for the five days of the Royal Meeting.

See page 63.

JUNE 28 Owners Jackpot at Windsor Members with runners at Windsor’s Sunday afternoon fixture have the chance to share in a £10,000 Jackpot.

JULY 9 Regional meeting and Owners Jackpot at Carlisle A Glorious occasion: members can book up to four badges each day at Goodwood

The ROA offers a special service that allows members to book badges for the exclusive Richmond Enclosure for the five days of Glorious Goodwood.

The Richmond Enclosure offers a full range of bars, restaurants and first-class facilities, including access to the stunning parade ring, with premium views of the winners’ enclosure and finishing line. During the Qatar

Goodwood festival (July 28-August 1) the Richmond Enclosure is restricted to annual members and their guests and connections with a runner. Priced at £85 per person, members can book up to four badges for each day.

The ROA car parking label does not apply during the festival, but labels for Car Park 8 can be purchased for £10 each per day.

The ROA heads to Cumbria, where £10,000 will be shared among winning members on the day.

JULY 28-AUGUST 1 The Qatar Goodwood festival For details of how to book Richmond Enclosure tickets, please see opposite.

Details of events are listed online at racehorseowners.net in the Events section.

Bookings can be made online or by calling the ROA on 020 7152 0200.

In Brief...

Brighton abandonment The abandonment of racing at Brighton on May 6 triggered payments to members under the ROA Raceday Curtailment Scheme.

Run in collaboration with Weatherbys Hamilton, the scheme provides payments of £100 to owners of horses owned 51% or more by ROA members, to provide some compensation to members.

Racing was abandoned on safety grounds after the second race when extremely strong winds lifted the temporary matting used on a road crossing at the top of the hill.

Payments were made to the owners of 24 qualified runners within 48 hours of the abandonment.

Pregnant horses in training From May 1, a new rule came into effect which requires racehorse owners to notify Weatherbys of details of pregnant horses in training no later than 25 days after the horse was last covered.

Previously, a longer period of notification

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

applied, and trainers bore responsibility for passing on this information.

The ROA made representation on this issue as it felt responsibility should remain with the trainer for passing on this information, but the rule has nevertheless been changed.

Members should be aware of this new responsibility and we would recommend that members with a mare in training that has been covered should liaise with Weatherbys accordingly to ensure they do not breach this rule out of ignorance.

Details of the new rule (E) 26 can be found in Part 2 of the Rules of Racing.

There are two forms for the purpose of notifying Weatherbys Racing Calendar office of covering and loss of pregnancy. The Notification of Pregnant Horses and Notification of Pregnancy Lost forms can be found on the BHA website under Veterinary Certificates. Enquiries can be directed to the Equine Health & Welfare Department at equine@britishhorseracing.com

Anthony Honeyball yard visit, June 20 Owners’ morning at Anthony Honeyball Racing ROA members are invited to a morning at Anthony Honeyball Racing, near Beaminster, Dorset on Saturday, June 20.

The morning will include a stable tour, watching the horses working up the gallops and schooling, with light refreshments.

Places are limited to 30 and can be booked by contacting Rachael Green at a.honeyballracing@btinternet.com or by calling 01308 867452.

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ROA FORUM

MAGICAL MOMENTS with ROA member Sandra Giles

D

eciding to give Throthethatch his chasing debut at Perth last month proved an inspired and lucrative move.

The evening meeting on May 13 was the second ROA Owners Jackpot card to be held in Scotland, but it was the first time anywhere that the £10,000 up for grabs went the way of just one ROA member.

The owner concerned, Sandra Giles, was understandably delighted, with her six-year-old bouncing back to form after some moderate efforts over hurdles, and the ROA bonus more than trebling the win prize-money.

“Prize-money in Scotland is a big bugbear, so it was such a bonus to get the ROA Jackpot,” says Giles. “It’s a great help as the racing account was looking somewhat depleted, through some bad luck. It is very nice of the ROA.” Giles has been a member since June 2006, registering on the same date as her son Chris, the well-known owner who has the majority of his horses with Paul Nicholls.

Lucinda Russell is mum’s trainer of choice, a matter primarily of location. “My parents were both National Hunt people and when I was young I was taken to our local racecourse, Ayr,” she explains.

“We bought a Presenting horse called Nicky Tam, who was a lot of fun though who never quite lived up to his breeding, and after that came Island Confusion, who is with Lucinda.

“She is just over two hours away from me. I like to go to the yard with apples and carrots.”

You can buy a good deal of such treats as a solitary winner of the ROA Owners Jackpot, which not surprisingly qualifies as a magical moment for Giles – who also enjoys being interviewed on course by Luke Harvey – but there are others, too.

“It was special the other night,” she confirms, “and I’d like to say a big thank you to the yard.

Lucinda had a virus, and when he came back this year after a year off, Throthethatch ran three poor races. I had just about given up, but Peter Scudamore thought he might do better as

“I had just about

given up, but Peter Scudamore thought he might do better as a chaser. He was right!”

“I went to live in Cheltenham when married – Chris was born there, hence his affinity with Cheltenham – but later moved back. I’d always been a member at Ayr, and then Chris and I decided having a horse together would be nice.

S EV EN T H HEAVEN AT PONTEF RACT

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Sixth Sense

Colin Huggan Glan Y Gors

Trinity Racing Trinity Star

While Perth’s meeting on May 13 saw a single winner of the ROA Owners Jackpot, it was a different story at Pontefract on April 29, when all seven races on the card were

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Wildenstein Stables Limited Pleasant Valley

Godolphin Sparring

won by eligible ROA members. The winning owners and their horses are listed above.

The ROA Owners Jackpot, run in

Eddie Carswell Normandy Barriere

Michael Easterby Iggy

association with the Racing Post, will next visit Windsor on June 28. Details of these and future Owners Jackpot fixtures are listed on the ROA website at racehorseowners.net

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R O A O F F I C I A L C H A R I T Y PA R T N E R

JOHN GROSSICK

Providing life-changing support in a high-risk sport

Sandra Giles at Perth, pictured with, from left, the ROA’s Stephen Smith, Richard Wayman, Alan Guthrie and Sheila Bailey, following the victory of Throthethatch (above) in a novice chase

a chaser. He was right!

“Another special occasion was winning with Island Confusion at my local track, while there have been other highlights at Cheltenham and Aintree with Chris’s horses.

“Zarkandar is such a tough little horse, he’s a favourite, and recently Silviniaco Conti winning at Aintree after getting beaten at Cheltenham, where he didn’t like the ground and doesn’t like the hill, was another magical moment.”

Giles particularly enjoys Aintree – “such a friendly track” - along with Perth, Kelso and Newbury – “a chance for me to stay with Chris and my daughter-in-law Audrey and see the grandkids” – among others, and doesn’t mind travelling if a particular race a bit further afield suits one of her horses.

Takeroc, Tchico Polos, Red Harbour and Quito Du Tresor are others to have carried her silks.

“I’m willing to travel,” she says. “Lucinda always checks, but I don’t mind. I’m in my seventies, and my husband is a bit older so I tend to travel on my own, but I enjoy it, especially the big meetings.

“I like meeting celebrities. I recently sat on the same table as Trevor Hemmings and Oliver Sherwood, and I got AP McCoy’s autograph!

Things like that make your day.”

Giles also enjoys the articles in this magazine, which she says help her when it comes to chatting about the sport with fellow owners and racing professionals.

She says: “I’ve learnt so much more through the magazine, and it helps when I talk to people about racing. I enjoy all the articles.”

She won’t learn anything new with this particular article – but there’s a chance this edition might have a longer than usual stay on the coffee table!

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Racing Welfare equipped Diana Pointer with a new state-of-the-art wheelchair

Working in the racing industry has long been acknowledged as a high-risk activity.

During 2014, Racing Welfare conducted over 800 sessions with beneficiaries relating to accidents, injuries, disabilities and physical health.

The racing industry accidents and injuries survey, conducted by welfare officer Mike Filby, revealed to some extent how risky the industry can be for its staff; stable staff have a 25% chance of becoming an accident book entry in any one year. Furthermore, the rate of ‘major’ injuries sustained by stable staff is 12 times greater than that of the construction industry. Whilst some injuries heal completely with time, there are others which are life-changing.

Diana Pointer has been supported by Racing Welfare, when she has most needed it, for the past 18 years. She suffered a T5 and T6 spinal cord injury when her horse, which she rode on a daily basis, fell after tripping on the gallops. Only a week previously she had been enjoying life in racing, leading up a winner at Towcester in her role as a head girl in Lambourn; however, that particular morning was to change her life forever, leaving her paralysed from the chest down.

Racing Welfare saw her through the rehabilitation from the injury and helped get her life back on track. Ten years ago, with support from her physiotherapist, the charity was able to purchase her a lifestand chair that was to transform her quality of

life – physically and mentally. Just to be able to reach items on a higher shelf, or to be able to meet others at eye-level is a life changer.

A particularly memorable experience provided by Racing Welfare was a holiday to Arizona in 2007, which saw four racing staff with long-term injuries get back in the saddle and ride Tennessee Walking Horses, renowned for their comfortable paces, at a specialised ranch for disabled riders. Diana, who since her accident had experienced only involuntary spasms in one leg, began to feel the toes in her right leg.

Fast forward to 2015 and Diana’s original chair had reached the end of its working life.

After writing a letter to Racing Welfare, the charity was able to equip her with a new state-of-the-art chair, which has allowed her to continue to have the greater freedom and confidence that she had before with the original chair.

Having been presented with the first chair

by Mike Cattermole, it was therefore fitting that he should meet her again at Plumpton racecourse in April 2015 and catch up with her progress.

The Plumpton date was part of Richard Farquhar’s Walking The Courses challenge; in meeting Diana it gave him real pleasure to see how the charity helps people throughout their lives, beyond racing.

In Diana’s own words: “Racing Welfare has always been there for me, whenever I have needed them most.”

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ROA FORUM

w w w. r a c e h o r s e o w n e r s . n e t

Flat Racecourse League Table Ptn Racecourse

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

Ascot York Epsom Downs Newmarket Goodwood Chester Doncaster Newbury Sandown Park Haydock Park Musselburgh Chelmsford City Ripon Pontefract Wetherby Ayr Lingfield Park Salisbury Thirsk Ffos Las Newcastle Hamilton Park I Beverley Kempton Park Carlisle Leicester Nottingham Windsor Bath Catterick Bridge Redcar Yarmouth Wolverhampton Chepstow Brighton Warwick Southwell Total

Figures for period May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015

Ownership

Avg racecourse spend per fixture (£)

Avg HBLB spend per fixture (£)

Avg owner spend per fixture (£)

Avg prizemoney per fixture (£)

Total no. of fixtures

Total prize-money (£)

Avg racecourse spend per fixture 2013-14 (£)

I I JCR JCR I I ARC I JCR JCR I I I I I I ARC I I I ARC

362,166 169,619 118,973 91,625 88,884 81,446 65,332 57,159 55,099 47,510 40,088 36,277 32,071 31,349 31,086 31,024 29,354 27,442 27,367 24,490 23,457 22,641 22,069 21,810 21,234 20,533 20,435 19,854 17,620 17,171 16,782 16,535 16,081 13,169 13,109 10,807 10,447 41,765

140,843 101,795 84,351 85,418 77,199 47,063 59,419 61,340 56,319 48,345 24,829 12,907 27,720 33,850 33,700 33,722 26,105 30,130 21,717 9,578 24,714 21,083 18,815 19,645 17,357 22,765 21,765 21,871 16,506 19,803 19,573 20,175 20,186 14,808 16,715 14,279 21,055 34,068

218,982 93,710 109,088 90,810 26,402 10,055 43,455 27,431 23,111 17,194 5,748 3,007 4,566 3,663 6,714 9,989 4,240 4,942 5,577 3,323 7,457 3,333 2,946 3,988 3,945 4,829 5,361 4,769 3,023 2,685 14,103 3,467 3,019 2,874 2,466 3,188 2,025 18,337

721,991 365,418 312,411 268,109 192,709 138,898 168,799 146,239 134,905 113,476 70,665 52,191 64,357 68,862 71,500 75,029 59,812 63,181 54,994 37,390 56,519 47,058 44,108 45,604 42,689 48,414 47,800 46,864 37,898 40,203 50,458 40,427 39,396 31,620 32,290 28,273 33,527 94,392

18 17 11 39 19 15 24 17 16 23 17 22 16 15 1 17 89 15 15 7 16 18 18 76 13 21 23 27 20 17 19 20 95 13 21 5 43 878

12,995,830 6,212,100 3,436,519 10,456,269 3,661,465 2,083,471 4,051,184 2,486,056 2,158,479 2,658,584 1,201,306 1,148,210 1,029,708 1,032,930 71,500 1,275,500 5,323,253 947,720 824,915 243,035 904,300 847,044 793,950 3,465,923 554,959 1,016,684 1,099,410 1,265,337 757,965 683,450 958,700 808,532 3,742,623 411,058 678,093 141,365 1,441,660 82,869,084

335,682 160,032 123,522 92,112 84,714 77,393 59,382 46,389 51,343 43,776 31,358 0 28,452 29,550 0 29,432 27,627 27,239 20,423 23,461 21,257 17,024 18,645 20,376 21,280 18,033 16,970 20,598 14,297 16,269 15,294 12,540 14,939 10,464 8,880 16,744 10,790 38,307

I JCR JCR I JCR ARC ARC I I ARC ARC ARC ARC JCR ARC

Up/ down

▲ ▲ ▼ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▼ ▲

Jumps Racecourse League Table Ptn Racecourse

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

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Aintree Cheltenham Ascot Haydock Park Sandown Park Kempton Park Newbury Ayr Kelso Doncaster Musselburgh Wincanton Ludlow Perth Chepstow Cartmel Wetherby Fakenham Stratford-on-Avon Warwick Market Rasen Newcastle Newton Abbot Carlisle Exeter Bangor-on-Dee Huntingdon Ffos Las Uttoxeter Hexham Taunton Catterick Bridge Fontwell Park Worcester Plumpton Sedgefield Lingfield Park Leicester Southwell Towcester Total

Ownership

Avg racecourse spend per fixture (£)

Avg HBLB spend per fixture (£)

Avg owner spend per fixture (£)

Avg prizemoney per fixture (£)

Total no. of fixtures

Total prize-money (£)

Avg racecourse spend per fixture 2013-14 (£)

JCR JCR I JCR JCR JCR I I I ARC I JCR I I ARC I I I I JCR JCR ARC I JCR JCR I JCR I ARC I I I ARC ARC I ARC ARC I ARC I

245,718 223,142 135,525 99,054 96,862 51,871 45,631 31,902 29,309 27,022 26,507 26,336 25,746 25,431 25,177 24,425 24,399 24,324 22,715 22,678 22,136 21,606 21,452 20,584 19,932 19,860 19,709 19,558 18,118 16,779 15,750 15,602 15,533 14,083 14,074 13,663 13,076 12,844 11,902 11,374 34,180

125,913 112,871 82,339 81,918 79,094 63,395 66,742 39,424 32,784 40,868 30,256 32,082 30,658 23,219 29,209 18,129 27,037 17,954 18,558 34,092 25,066 31,801 27,184 26,047 28,834 18,501 20,741 17,774 20,583 16,966 21,963 26,527 21,851 18,487 25,609 19,173 25,769 25,923 19,871 15,881 32,535

67,172 55,943 16,197 16,382 18,287 10,680 16,400 10,235 3,033 6,317 4,450 4,986 4,663 2,080 6,414 4,014 4,778 0 3,827 5,315 4,433 5,124 0 4,376 4,807 3,887 3,758 3,366 4,758 2,528 3,704 2,758 3,139 3,263 3,370 2,836 3,077 3,486 3,047 2,807 7,185

439,678 391,956 237,812 198,674 197,576 126,095 130,439 82,712 65,710 75,407 61,213 63,422 61,067 50,842 60,801 46,568 56,390 42,278 45,265 62,086 51,985 58,531 48,636 51,590 54,048 42,249 44,208 40,698 43,577 36,794 41,417 45,087 40,523 35,833 43,052 36,022 41,922 42,253 34,985 30,062 74,225

8 16 8 8 9 12 12 12 12 10 10 16 15 16 16 7 16 13 17 11 20 11 19 12 17 15 17 20 24 14 17 9 21 22 16 20 6 9 17 15 564

3,517,426 6,271,291 1,902,495 1,504,247 1,778,186 1,513,139 1,565,268 992,540 788,515 754,066 612,129 1,014,758 916,000 813,477 972,815 325,975 902,242 549,618 769,500 682,941 1,039,709 643,836 924,081 619,082 918,824 633,732 751,537 793,613 1,045,837 515,119 704,093 405,779 850,986 788,317 688,840 720,445 251,532 380,276 594,745 450,937 41,867,946

200,714 187,502 101,655 89,916 103,163 53,640 47,222 34,902 20,624 23,093 21,859 25,994 23,926 27,210 28,958 24,931 23,602 15,624 20,040 17,959 23,242 25,605 19,741 15,173 20,032 13,913 20,797 13,380 9,958 13,531 12,870 15,554 13,985 11,819 14,942 8,941 13,805 11,747 12,225 10,502 30,881

Up/ down

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲

EXPLANATION The tables set out the average prize-money at each fixture staged by a racecourse over the last 12 months. They show how this is made up of the three sources of prizemoney: 1. Racecourses’ contribution 2. Levy Board (HBLB) 3. Owners The tables also confirm the number of fixtures staged and the total amount of prize-money paid out by each racecourse throughout this period.

The racecourses are ordered by the average amount of their own contribution to prizemoney at each fixture. This contribution originates from various sources including media rights, admission revenues and racecourse sponsors.

If a racecourse has increased its average contribution at each fixture compared with the previous 12 months, it receives a green ‘up’ arrow. If its average contribution has fallen, however, it receives a red ‘down’ arrow.

As these tables are based on the prize-money paid out by each racecourse, the abandonment of a major fixture could distort a racecourse’s performance.

OWNERSHIP KEY JCR Jockey Club Racecourses

ARC Arena Racing Company

I Independently owned racecourse

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

ownerbreeder ad pages 06.2015_OwnerBreeder Ad pages 06.2015 21/05/2015 13:44 Page 69

Training/Breeding Establishment in France Set in 700 Acres FOR SALE Successful private training establishment Beautiful main house, 2 staff cottages & shooting lodge with private shoot ; two yards 25+ boxes; large horse walker 100 acres post and railed grass paddocks; 300 acres good arable land down to sunflowers and wheat; 300 acres forestry, lanes and tracks Easy access to north and south midway Paris/Bordeaux – 3 hours in box 150 jump race tracks within 3 hours 2 Ryanair airports and TGV station close by Nearest town is Richelieu, between Tours and Poitiers For further details call 0044 7788 567 407

Let’s improve the experience.

Vote Chris Humber in the upcoming ROA Council election. Thank you.

Chris has a lifelong passion for horses and is involved in racing and breeding.

HOUGHTON BLOODSTOCK MAKING YOUR BLOODSTOCK DREAMS A REALITY

The Perfect Preparation for your Yearlings, Foals & Mares Taking orders now for all the major European Sales following fantastic results at 2014 Tattersalls

Contact: Robin Sharp; T: 01638 563238 or 07850 661468 Malcolm Bryson; T: 07711 160856 E: info@houghtonbloodstock.co.uk • www.houghtonbloodstock.co.uk Fox Farm, Barnardiston Road, Hundon, Suffolk, CO10 8EL THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Jun_130_TBA_Forum_Owner 22/05/2015 12:26 Page 70

TBA FORUM The special section for TBA members

TBA BOARD ELECTIONS 2015 – YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE This year we are seeking to appoint two elected members to the TBA Board for a four-year term of office. We hope that the appointments will represent the range of breeding interests within the membership.

Four candidates, all of whom received the requisite number of votes to take them through the nomination stage, have expressed their willingness to stand for election for the two seats available on the TBA Board.

Ballot papers will be sent to all members

during the final week of May, with the closing date of the election being 9.30am on Friday, June 19. Each candidate has been asked to provide a profile in order to help members in their decision in casting their two votes. Those profiles will accompany the ballot paper and are also reproduced in this issue on page 8.

The four candidates going forward to the ballot for the two available places on the board are: Anthea Gibson Fleming

John Needham Chris Wright Ted Voute We urge all members to participate in this important election – this is your opportunity to have your voice heard.

The announcement of the two successful candidates will be made at the AGM, which will be held in the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket on Tuesday, July 7 commencing at 10.30am.

May Stud Staff Award Colin Smith of Cheveley Park Stud is the recipient of the May Stud Staff Award. Nominated by Managing Director Chris Richardson for his outstanding contribution and longevity of service, Colin has been a cornerstone of Cheveley Park for 33 years, during which time the stud has gone from strength to strength, developing into a leading British stallion stud and a producer of numerous homebred Group-winning horses.

Colin has been an integral part of the day-to-day operations, turning his hand to all aspects of stud work including foaling countless mares, working in the covering barn and latterly overseeing the landscaping and management of woodland and hedgerows.

During his time at Cheveley Park, Colin has barely missed a day’s work, his commitment and professionalism have been second to none, and he has been an invaluable support to the management team, as well as guiding and encouraging the younger generation of stud staff.

Another information-packed day is guaranteed at this year’s seminar

TBA Annual Seminar: don’t forget to book your place for this popular event TBA members will have two opportunities to attend this year’s annual seminar, as it is taking place in two different venues on consecutive days – Wednesday, July 15 at Tattersalls in Newmarket and Thursday, July 16 at Newbury racecourse.

Once again free to members, and kindly sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds, the programme focuses on the subject of raising thoroughbreds in the context of the changing environment, as well as providing veterinary and land management updates.

Speakers include Colin Smith of Cheveley Park Stud

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Dr Joe Pagan – Environmental effects on young growing horses Dr Brian Waldridge – Managing colic and

dealing with bacterial antibiotic resistance Roger Allman – Pasture management, and nutritional approaches to balancing nutrients in available forage Emily Haggett – Lawsonia John Johnstone – Basic Payment Scheme for Thoroughbred Breeders Charlie Pinkham (Newbury) – Veterinary update Mark the date in your diaries now and join us in July. The day starts with registration at 9.30am and includes lunch. The seminar will end at approximately 4pm.

For further information and to book your place, please contact Christine Standley: christine.standley@thetba.co.uk THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_130_TBA_Forum_Owner 22/05/2015 12:26 Page 71

www.thetba.co.uk

DBS, BEBF and Saracen to sponsor NH Foal Show We are delighted to announce and thank both DBS and BEBF for so generously supporting the 2015 National Hunt ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ Foal Show at Bangor-on-Dee racecourse on Sunday, July 26.

Through its generous sponsorship, DBS will be providing over £3,500 in prizemoney and free entry to the DBS NH Foal Sale. DBS’s donation and offers include £800, which will be given to the Champion, and £400 to the reserve champion, together with cash prizes of £400 to the winner of each class and £200 to the second-placed horse in each class.

In addition to this, DBS will also offer a free entry to the DBS NH Foal Sales for the first two foals in each class, plus the progeny of any elite mares recognised by the TBA elite mares scheme that enter the show and subsequently appear on the day.

As a long-term partner and supporter of the show, BEBF will continue to sponsor the popular lunch for all exhibitors. This unique offer allows all exhibitors to enjoy a wonderful meal together, courtesy of BEBF, whilst judging breaks for lunch,

ahead of the afternoon classes and the championships.

Saracen Horse Feeds is also generously giving bags of feed to the winners and will be presenting a champion show jacket to the overall winner.

The TBA remains extremely grateful to all sponsors for the much appreciated support of this very popular show that goes from strength to strength.

The day provides an opportunity for mare owners to showcase their young stock, with separate classes for colt and filly foals, and a championship which includes the first and second-placed foals from all classes to be judged for the Champion and Reserve Champion of the Show.

Judges from Britain, Ireland and France will choose the winners who, in their opinion, have the potential to make a good racehorse. A schedule and entry form will have been posted to all members in the send-out. Please ensure all entries are in by July 6. For more information, please email pauline.stoddart@thetba.co.uk

TBA diary dates REGIONAL DAYS WEST

MONDAY, JUNE 8 A visit to David Redvers’s Tweenhills Farm & Stud, Hartpury, Gloucestershire.

SOUTH EAST

TUESDAY, JUNE 9 A visit to Jeff Smith’s Littleton Stud, Winchester, Hampshire, followed by a visit to Winchester Cathedral or afternoon racing at Salisbury.

SCOTLAND

TUESDAY, JULY 21 A visit to Robert Robinson’s Distillery Stud, Annan, Dumfriesshire, followed by a tour of Annandale Distillery.

TBA EVENTS TUESDAY, JULY 7 TBA AGM The 98th AGM will take place at the Jockey Club Rooms, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8JL at 10.30am.

TUESDAY, JULY 7 TBA Annual Breeders’ Awards Evening Will begin with a stallion parade at Lanwades Stud followed by a dinner and awards ceremony held at The Granary Barns, Woodditton, Newmarket.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 AND THURSDAY, JULY 16 The TBA Annual Seminar This year’s seminar will take place over two days in two locations, Wednesday at Tattersalls’ Park Paddocks in Newmarket and Thursday at Newbury racecourse. The theme this year is ‘Nutrition and the Environment’.

Lanwades title sponsor of TBA Annual Awards We are delighted to announce that Lanwades Stud is generously sponsoring our 2015 Awards evening, which is taking place on July 7. In addition to its kind support of the occasion, Kirsten Rausing has also offered to host a stallion parade at Lanwades for all guests before the awards ceremony.

The evening will commence with guests enjoying an exclusive opportunity to see Lanwades’ five resident stallions, including the stud’s newest sire Sea The Moon. On conclusion of the parade, guests will then move on to Woodditton to enjoy the dinner and awards at The Granary Barns.

Commenting on Lanwades’ kind contribution to the evening, TBA Chief THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Executive Louise Kemble said: “We are extremely grateful for this support from our past Chairman, Kirsten Rausing. This is a unique occasion where the breeding community comes together and celebrates the successes of the past year and it is fantastic to be starting this event at Lanwades Stud. It is thanks to the generosity of sponsors that we can ensure our members have an enjoyable and memorable evening.”

Please ensure all ticket applications are returned by June 15. For more information, please contact lucinda.miller@thetba.co.uk

SUNDAY, JULY 26 The National Hunt ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ Foal Show At Bangor-on-Dee racecourse, sponsored

by DBS and the BEBF.

TBA NEW MEMBERS Miss Victoria Brann, Co Down; Mrs Janet Humphrey, Devon; Ms Ginny Whales, Somerset; Simon Wood, Yorkshire;

18-35 Lewis Dean, Powys; Grace Skelton, Warwickshire.

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TBA FORUM

Understanding the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme As a result of the Economic Impact Study commissioned by the TBA, one of the key objectives the association aimed to focus on was assisting members with support mechanisms, including potential tax relief schemes. This is in order to provide UK breeders with information that may lead to cost reductions for breeding operations.

Penelope Lang, tax partner in the specialist bloodstock team at Smith & Williamson, the accountancy and investment management group, considers potential tax relief in the bloodstock sector which are shared below.

The thoroughbred industry has been quick to take advantage of new and alternative investment vehicles, allowing more start-ups and businesses at an early stage to prosper.

Where there is an intention to trade on a commercial basis with a view to profit, there are options available. However, some confusion has arisen regarding the tax relief position, where the investments made are into companies. Both the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and its younger sibling, the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), are worth exploring as they offer potentially valuable tax relief to prospective investors.

Differences between EIS and SEIS The rules of both the EIS and SEIS are broadly similar but the latter applies specifically to new or very small businesses (for which there are carefully defined rules), whereas EIS can be used for increasing the equity base for an existing business.

Therefore, it is possible to set up and raise initial funds under SEIS and then move on to EIS if the company grows and further equity finance is needed.

SEIS is specifically designed to promote investment in small start-up businesses, and currently the maximum amount that a company can raise is £150,000 while its gross assets prior to investment cannot exceed £200,000 (there is no gross assets test postinvestment). The size limits for EIS are larger and currently the gross asset value cannot exceed £15 million prior to the investment and £16 million immediately afterwards. If investing in either a SEIS or EIS, investment must be in new ordinary share capital of a company, which must be paid for in cash at the time of issue.

Strict rules must be followed in terms of setting up and running a company to achieve and maintain EIS or SEIS status. Typically, this is something that the company’s directors, on

72

behalf of the shareholders, would be responsible for maintaining. The devil is in the detail and we would always recommend that advice is taken before the investment is made, to ensure that the EIS or SEIS tax relief will apply in your specific circumstances.

EIS, SEIS and the thoroughbred industry In order that investment in a company can qualify for SEIS or EIS relief, the company must undertake a qualifying business activity for at least three years after the investment.

HMRC guidance states that in deciding whether an activity is a qualifying trade it is necessary to consider how the business is treated for all purposes of the multiple acts regarding taxes. Broadly, training, breeding and pinhooking have all been accepted as qualifying trades for EIS purposes.

When looking at breeding or pinhooking it is important to remember that the company cannot own or occupy land. Breeding or rearing horses combined with the occupation of land turns the business into agriculture.

Agriculture is a prohibited activity for both EIS and SEIS relief purposes. The horses are always boarded under an arm’s length livery agreement.

The question of whether an EIS or SEIS company can own horses in training is a vexed topic which has been the source of much discussion with HMRC. The position is that, as mentioned above, the profits of an EIS or SEIS company have to be treated as trading profits for all relevant legislation. S.30 of the Income Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005 specifically states that “horses kept for racing or other competitive purposes” are not treated as trading stock, and thus any profits generated from the sale of horses in training are not trading profits.

This means HMRC will deny EIS or SEIS relief where a horse is kept for the purposes of racing.

On the other hand, it means that profits made on buying and selling horses in training are tax-free (although the corollary is that any losses will not be allowed against other income or profits). A filly bought out of training prior to being sent to stud will not necessarily contravene the rules, provided buying her whilst she is still in training is not a ruse to get EIS relief for a racehorse and the training costs.

Residence The EIS or SEIS company must have a fixed place of business in the UK or an agent acting

on behalf of the company who has the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the company. This means that, provided the company is within the boundaries to be charged UK corporation tax, it can buy and sell horses in other jurisdictions. As before, it is very likely HMRC would deny EIS and SEIS relief for a company set up to buy and sell horses in training. Care has to be taken not to inadvertently create a tax residence in the other jurisdiction, which would bring about considerable compliance costs.

Shareholders No investor (or investor plus associate) can have more than 30% of the share capital of the company and qualify for the reliefs (other than the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) deferral relief, which is not limited by the size of the holding in the EIS or SEIS company). For this purpose, associates are: • spouse or civil partner • parent or remoter forbear • child or remoter issue, but not their brother or sister • business partners in a partnership Care is needed at the outset to make sure that no one shareholder has more than 30% of the share capital at any stage. Subscriber shares are not treated as counting towards 30% for this purpose.

Receipt of value EIS relief is jeopardised where one of the investors receives value from the company.

The term ‘value’ is very widely defined. It could include a situation where yearlings are boarded at an investor’s stud. If the price charged by the stud exceeds that charged by a comparable yard down the road, then HMRC could argue that there is a return of value to the investor. In terms of income there would be a clawback of relief but for CGT deferral the withdrawal of relief is all or nothing. Where the horses are being kept at an investor’s yard, or the yard belonging to the associate of an investor, care is needed to make sure the company has obtained comparable rates and there are proper livery agreements in place.

Tax relief To achieve the relevant tax relief the company must comply with the rules for a three-year period following the investment. The tax relief may be available depending upon the nature of the investment and the activities of the company, as set out below. Furthermore, it is not possible to have a pre-arranged exit.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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w w w. t h e t b a . c o . u k

CGT relief on the sale of EIS/SEIS shares The sale of shares will be free of CGT providing that EIS/SEIS income tax relief has been given and not withdrawn.

CGT deferral on the investment It is possible to defer CGT arising on the disposal of any kind of asset by investing in EIS companies. The investment must be in newly issued ordinary shares subscribed for in cash and CGT deferral is independent of income tax relief. It may therefore be claimed, for example, where the shareholding exceeds the 30% limit, which applies for income tax purposes.

In the 2014/15 and future tax years SEIS offers the opportunity permanently to exempt from CGT, 50% of gains on chargeable assets that are reinvested in shares in SEIS shares.

Inheritance tax relief As EIS and SEIS shares must be in non-quoted trading companies they should normally attract inheritance tax (IHT) business property relief. The shares must be owned for two years prior to the IHT event to qualify for business property relief. Therefore, life insurance could be considered in the intervening period depending upon other personal circumstances and the amounts involved.

Conclusion It is clear that both EIS and SEIS offer attractive tax relief for investors and might therefore be a very effective way to raise finance.

That said, the rules are complex and it is wise to get professional advice in advance so as to minimise the pitfalls. This article does not seek to address all the issues surrounding EIS and SEIS, but has concentrated on the issues affecting the thoroughbred industry. A prospective investor should always consider the commercial sense of the proposal before making the investment rather than being led by tax considerations.

For more information Penelope Lang, tax partner in the specialist bloodstock team at Smith & Williamson, the accountancy and investment management group.

Email penelope.lang@Smith.williamson.co.uk or telephone 01722 431064.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

The TBA’s campaign to protect the future of the British stayer Last month the TBA launched a significant campaign requesting industry support to prevent the decline of the British stayer. At the press conference in London the TBA revealed the findings of an in-depth study into British stayers and staying races, along with the concerning statistics that highlight the future of the British stayer and British racing’s diversity is in serious jeopardy.

The TBA used this platform to call upon stakeholders, including the BHA and racecourses to, collectively, renew their efforts to support a review and protect a vital part of the sport’s heritage.

The robust report shows that proven staying sires in Britain are in decline and, as a consequence, National Hunt breeding is already affected. The campaign serves as notice to both National Hunt and Flat racing, with the majority of National Hunt stallions previously being high-class, middle-distance or staying performers. The study underlines the concern that British-bred stayers are not only under threat, but those that are succeeding are exported due to the lack of opportunity on home turf. Whilst 53% of staying winners in Britain from 2004 – 2013 were bred in Ireland, the notable departure of stayers to the southern hemisphere is reinforced by more than 50 individual stakes winners bred in Europe winning for Australian-based trainers since 2011. This only highlights the need for a review.

Improvement of the race programme is required now more than ever.

While the key staying races provide important turnover for racecourses and the betting industry, they are also regarded as the races that represent our racing heritage, and without them British racing’s diversity will be seriously jeopardised. The loss of the staying thoroughbred will see a reduction in the gene pool of horses with the soundness and stamina to compete over longer distances, and, as a consequence, field sizes will suffer.

The report highlighted this issue by detailing that the percentage of high class stayers with Group 1 performance, rated 115 or over, has fallen nearly 30% in the last five years.

Commenting on the reason behind the study, conducted by Clive Webb-Carter Bloodstock Services, Richard Lancaster, TBA Chairman, said: “This research was commissioned as a result of two triggers, the European Pattern Committee downgrading the Queen’s Vase, and then the Bahrain Trophy being put on the ‘at risk’ list. Both deliver a worrying picture that the staying

RACINGFOTOS.COM

Income tax relief • EIS: a 30% tax credit on the first £1 million of investment(s) in any tax year • SEIS: tax relief of 50% on up to £100,000 of investment(s) in any tax year • There is a facility under both schemes for income tax relief to be carried back one tax year • In both cases, the investment must be made by an individual.

Estimate: 2013 Gold Cup winner

Pattern and black type programme is under threat and, as a consequence, the stayer is in decline. The TBA wanted to ascertain a complete and thorough analysis of the breeding and racing staying landscape in order to act quickly before the issue escalated and more vulnerable black type staying races are downgraded.”

The opportunities Acknowledging that the solution to this issue cannot be solved overnight, or singlehandedly, the TBA has initiated this research and campaign in order to highlight the importance of the stayer and it is very much the TBA’s intention to now work with the BHA, and others, to improve opportunities for stayers and address some of the matters underlined. This isn’t a problem that requires large amounts of funding but merely alternations and tweaks to the programme to give breeders and owners a reason to invest in staying-bred thoroughbreds. The TBA has compiled some suggestions and ideas of potential ways to rectify the situation, which we plan to share with the BHA. These include: • Introducing a limited number of maiden races for horses by stallions that won over ten furlongs or 12 furlongs, similar to the conditions of the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.

• Reviewing the three-year-old staying programme. As an example there are no three-year-old only fillies’ staying handicaps and only two races at Class 4 for four-yearold fillies and upwards (see page 16 of the report). The TBA would recommend establishing some staying-distance maidens for colts and fillies.

• Introducing more three-year-old only Class 2 and 3 handicaps. There are only three Class 2 handicaps for three-year-olds only >>

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Jun_130_TBA_Forum_Owner 22/05/2015 12:27 Page 74

TBA FORUM

Auto-enrolment is the introduction of compulsory pension membership for employees and will affect all members who employ at least one member of staff.

We are aware that employers large and small have received letters from the Pensions Regulator to inform them of their new duties to automatically enrol staff into a workplace pension. The letter will inform you of your staging date and ask you to nominate a contact person. Please do not ignore these letters – it will take some time to put arrangements in place so you need to take immediate action. There are large fines for employers who do not comply.

For further information, visit the Pensions Regulator website for up to date information: http://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk.

Contact Caroline Turnbull at Stanstead House for the TBA information leaflet.

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GJMULTIMEDIA

Robert Waley-Cohen and Louise Kemble present the award to Mandy Hall, owner of Stephanie Frances, and winning jockey Harry Skelton, who claimed the Listed TBA Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on April 16

GJMULTIMEDIA

Pensions and auto-enrolment

Robert Waley-Cohen makes the presentation to the winning connections of Chosen Milan – owner David Morgan, jockey Evan David and trainer Robert Luke – who took the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Mares’ Hunters’ Chase title at Cheltenham on April 29

Pumped Up Kicks was the winner of the Listed EBF/TBA Mares’ Novices’ Chase Finale at Cheltenham, and jockey Harry Skelton and owner/trainer Dan Skelton are presented with their award by Louise Kemble and Simon Sweeting

NEALE BLACKBURN

no three-year-old has run in the Northumberland Plate in the last ten years (see page 18 of the report).

• A review of the Pattern programme is required. There are only three fillies’ conditions races at over 12 furlongs, with one at Group 2, one at Group 3 and one at Listed level. The TBA would like to look at creating more opportunities for fillies.

• There is an obvious need to boost the value of, and increase opportunities for, both threeyear-olds and older horses in order to ensure they remain in Britain to race, then go to stud.

The attractiveness and economics of owning and breeding sprinters are fast becoming the reason why British stayers are no longer the sought-after horse. The TBA is determined to look at ways to turn this around and ensure that races such as the Gold Cup don’t end up being consigned to history.

Commenting on the report and campaign, Julian Richmond-Watson, TBA Flat Committee Chairman, said: “This isn’t yet a crisis but we are heading towards one and we at the TBA believe that we need a carefully considered and an enhanced race programme with a greater emphasis on the diversity that the stayer brings to Flat racing. We emphasise how important it is to the National Hunt programme, and we must take urgent action to avert the decline.

“It is in all our hands to promote and preserve the stayers and the staying programme that is so important to British racing.”

The full report can be downloaded from the TBA website, where you can also view a short film that summarises the industry’s reaction to the campaign.

GJMULTIMEDIA

>> and

Dabinett Moon and Claire Hart winning the TBA mares-only race at Mollington point-to-point for her owner, trainer and breeders, Fran and Chris Marriott

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_130_TBA_Forum_Owner 22/05/2015 12:27 Page 75

w w w. t h e t b a . c o . u k

The TBA organises ‘Ride High’ visit to Newsells Park Stud

One of the young visitors to Newsells Park Stud makes a new four-legged friend

The TBA’s association with the charity ‘Ride High’ was initiated by the late David Metcalfe, who recognised the excellent work carried out by Ride High for disadvantaged children in and around Milton Keynes.

The charity works to support children who are struggling for various reasons and aims to give each child an enjoyable experience that will help him/her to cope with daily life in a more positive and constructive way. Children

who are angry, hurt, upset, lonely or underprivileged can derive great benefit from contact with horses and often find that riding provides an absorbing new challenge which can take the place of disruptive activities, as well as build confidence and self-esteem.

Alongside their horse care and riding lessons, each child also takes part in a structured classroom session, where, through horse-based activities and interaction with

their fellow members, they develop skills in communication and teamwork.

In addition to the classroom activities, Ride High organises trips to equine/animal-related events, while visits to racing and breeding locations have been facilitated by the TBA and the BHA, and include yards and studs in Newmarket, the British Racing School and, earlier this year, racing at Towcester.

In April Newsells Park Stud played host for a second time, and the children were warmly welcomed and shown around by Racing Manager Gary Coffey. They met all three resident stallions, Nathaniel, Equiano and Mount Nelson, and saw many mares and foals, as well as learning about stud work and the breeding year.

The weather kindly allowed for a picnic outside, and the youngsters headed home with a stash of Newsells Park goodies, including baseball caps and chocolate. Some of them are close to finishing school and thinking about what to do next, and this and other visits to Newmarket have stimulated several of them to consider applying for apprenticeships at the National Stud or the British Racing School. All the activities they attend are utilised to provide material in their classroom activities and it is gratifying to know that the children are benefiting from an opportunity that otherwise might not have been open to them. They are all extremely grateful to Newsells Park Stud.

If you want to find out more about Ride High and the work it does, visit www.ridehigh.org

Breeders’ Prizes National Hunt HBLB Breeders’ Prizes worth £1,000 or more Breeder

Horse

Sire

Dam

Date

Course

Mrs Angela Yeoman

1,750

Southfield Vic

Old Vic

Chamoss Royale

04/04/2015

Haydock Park

Mr F. T. Walton

1,000

Central Flame

Central Park

More Flair

04/04/2015

Haydock Park

Mrs A. E. and Miss S. J. Dixon

1,250

Just Cameron

Kayf Tara

Miss Fencote

04/04/2015

Haydock Park

Upton Viva Stud

6,000

Rajdhani Express

Presenting

Violet Express

10/04/2015

Aintree

R. F. and S. D. Knipe

6,000

Thistlecrack

Kayf Tara

Ardstown

10/04/2015

Aintree

Lingbourne Stud

5,000

Cyrus Darius

Overbury

Barton Belle

10/04/2015

Aintree

Shade Oak Stud and Mr D. Jenks

2,500

Hollies Pearl

Black Sam Bellamy

Posh Pearl

11/04/2015

Aintree

East Burrow Farm

1,250

Silver Commander

Silver Patriarch

New Dawn

11/04/2015

Chepstow

C. B. Brookes

3,000

The Govaness

Kayf Tara

Just Kate

16/04/2015

Cheltenham

Darley

1,750

Aqalim

Raven's Pass

Aviacion

16/04/2015

Cheltenham

Exors of the Late Mr John Hogg

1,250

Aye Well

Overbury

Squeeze Box

17/04/2015

Ayr

M. G. Kilroe

6,000

Wayward Prince

Alflora

Bellino Spirit

18/04/2015

Ayr

D. E. M. Young

Prize (£)

Based on date money was paid

Special Tiara

Kayf Tara

Special Choice

25/04/2015

Sandown Park

Mrs J. Way

10,000 2,000

Cocktails At Dawn

Fair Mix

Fond Farewell

25/04/2015

Sandown Park

Mrs J. E. Scrase

1,750

Brother Tedd

Kayf Tara

Neltina

25/04/2015

Sandown Park

See Breeders' Prizes table effective from January 1 on TBA website, www.thetba.co.uk. Prizes subject to confirmation of qualification with Weatherbys

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Jun_130_BreederOfTheMonth_Owner 22/05/2015 13:26 Page 76

BREEDER OF THE MONTH

www.thetba.co.uk

Words Alan Yuill Walker Sponsored by

Manufacturers of

BREEDER OF THE MONTH – March/April 2015

Darley

GEORGE SELWYN

Darley has now won this award for a fourth consecutive time, but on this occasion it was not dependent on the Dubai World Cup meeting, albeit the royal blue Godolphin colours prevailed once again in the world’s richest race, but victor Prince Bishop was an in-training acquisition.

Earlier in March at Meydan, Darley had recorded two Group 1 victories through the homebred pair African Story (Al Maktoum Challenge) and Hunter’s Light (Jebel Hatta), as well as Sky Hunter in the Grade 2 Dubai City of Gold.

However, on the very day that Prince Bishop scored at Meydan, the Darley/Godolphin organisation recorded a notable Group 1 success in Australia with Hartnell landing The BMW at Rosehill. Last season as a three-year-old, he had become Mark Johnston’s seventh winner of the Queen’s Vase.

Belonging to the same family as Suave Dancer, Hartnell was bred and conceived at Dalham Hall Stud by Authorized out of Debonnaire, a mare who was culled by the Maktoums after being withdrawn from Tattersalls’ 2013 December Sales when catalogued from Highclere Stud.

Additional Group winners for Darley during March/April were French Navy (Earl of Sefton Stakes), Territories (Prix de Fontainebleau) and Magic Artist (Premio Ambrosiano).

Redstart captured the Group 3 Dubai Duty Free Stakes

Shannon Princess bred a good horse to Oats in Fitzpatrick while Waterfield, named after Oldrey’s home, was another of her nine individual winners. One of them, Gong, died early with colic and the continuance of the line became dependent on her winning daughter Ecstasy, the dam of Redstart – since 2014 the latter’s sire Cockney Rebel has stood in France.

NH BREEDER OF THE MONTH – April 2015

David Young

SPECIAL MERIT – March/April 2015

This award was determined on the very last day of the British jumping season, when Special Tiara made all to win the Grade 1 AP McCoy Celebration Chase at Sandown Park following an admirable third place in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Already a Grade 1 winner over the Mildmay fences at Liverpool as a novice, the eight-year-old son of Kayf Tara had won the Grade 2 Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day and exactly a month later his breeder, David Young, sold his yearling own-brother at Doncaster for £42,000.

Not only that but he also sold his dam Special Choice and her half-sister Little Choice there. “I’ve given up breeding for the time being,” says the retired QC, “but I have retained her four-year-old Kayf Tara filly named Special Diamond.” She joins Special Tiara with Henry de Bromhead, who is the nephew of David’s late wife.

Special Tiara was reared at David’s home Forke Manor, near Sherborne in Dorset, where he has a mixed farm of 280 acres. It was after the gelding had won over hurdles and fences (as well as a point-to-point) that he was sold privately to his present owner.

David Oldrey The Admiral Rous of his day, former TBA President David Oldrey was one of Peter Walwyn’s very first owners and there was never any question that on the latter’s retirement, his successor Ralph Beckett could rely upon Oldrey’s continued support.

In the old days Oldrey, a retired chartered accountant, who lives at Olney on the Buckinghamshire–Bedfordshire border, owned such good middledistance horses as King George runner-up Crozier and Derby third Oats.

Subsequently Oldrey maintained a few broodmares close to home at The Elms Stud, first with Richard Bowers and now with Louise Kemble, and this is where his recent Fred Darling Stakes heroine Redstart spent her formative years.

It’s been a long-standing saga as David Oldrey originally bought Redstart’s third dam Shannon Princess, successful three times in Ireland, for 28,000gns at the 1977 Newmarket December Sales. “The principal reason I bought her was because she was in foal to Oats’s sire Northfields,” he recalled.

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THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_130_NGC_Owner 22/05/2015 12:25 Page 77

N E X T G E N E R AT I O N C L U B

www.nextgenerationclub.com

By Lydia Symonds

Bossom blossoms after a Flying Start Graduate will be imparting her knowledge of the bloodstock world through new GBRI role

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

BRITTLAN WALL

T

he Darley Flying Start programme is responsible for launching the career of some well-known names in the racing industry with the likes of Gina Harding, Ed Sackville and Matt Prior all having completed the course.

By the time you read this the graduates of the 2015 scheme will be six weeks away from completing the two-year stint that sees them fly around the globe learning about all areas of the racing industry.

Amanda Bossom, 26, was accepted on to the prestigious scheme after finishing her degree in entertainment management at Leeds Metropolitan and, having grown up with racing and bloodstock as a central part of her life, she knew a career in the sport was always something she wanted to pursue.

She says: “I have always been infatuated by racing. While I was at Leeds I worked at York racecourse, and I was a bid-spotter at Doncaster for all the sale days and was always trying to find ways to fit in riding out for various trainers and going racing any weekend I could.”

After leaving Leeds and completing sales seasons in Newmarket, Normandy, Australia, and a course at the Irish National Stud, Bossom decided to apply for the Darley Flying Start having had the programme in her sights from a very early age.

She says: “From the day I first learnt about it, about ten years ago, I remember thinking, ‘Wow this is the most amazing thing on earth’, and I knew that in my mind I always wanted to do it. It was a dream I had but never in a million years did I think I would actually get chosen.”

On the course the trainees are thrown into the deep end and placed in all the world’s main racing hubs of Britain, Ireland, the UAE, America and Australia. There is a mixture of academic and practical work, including with some of the best bloodstock the world has to offer.

“While I was in America I chose to go to Santa Anita to work for Simon Callaghan, which was great,” Bossom continues. “Firing Line [Kentucky Derby runner-up] was there when I was there, he was a gorgeous big twoyear-old. So it was exciting watching him run so well.”

Then after a breeding season in Australia, Bossom and her 11 other graduates headed to Dubai, the centre of racing for Darley.

“In Dubai I spent my placement at the Dubai Racing Club, which was followed by

Amanda Bossom at Tinnakill House with Pioneer Bride and her Shamardal colt foal

some time with the Dubai Racing Channel,” she says. “While at the racing channel I did features on the sires and the breeding side, something that particularly interests me.”

Bossom’s interest and love for bloodstock no doubt stems from growing up with a stud on her family’s estate. Overbury Stud is owned by her mother and leased to Simon Sweeting, with whom she shares her first broodmare. The stud has been made famous by the great Kayf Tara and Bossom wants to continue her love of bloodstock and the breeding of horses while also instilling such enthusiasm in others.

“There is nothing I love more than going home and wandering round the fields and seeing the foals and my yearling grow,” she says. “One day I can hopefully afford to keep some in training. In the meantime I aim to trade a few – make some money, lose some money!

“I think it is very important that people

who are representing British racing have an interest in the breeding, which is the base of the industry. There is something so amazing about seeing a foal and then two years later it being on the racetrack, there really is nothing more satisfying.”

As the end of the Flying Start course approaches, Bossom has already been lucky enough to land a job for Great British Racing International as client services and development executive.

“I always knew that’s what I wanted to do, to get people excited about English racing and breeding,” she says.

Interestingly, even after all the travelling Bossom has done with Darley, she still believes Britain is best.

She adds: “Racing here is like nowhere else, each course has its own individual charms and quirks. Whether it’s Royal Ascot, the Cheltenham Festival, wherever, there really is nothing that can touch British racing.”

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Jun_130_Vet_Forum_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 12:19 Page 78

VET FORUM: THE EXPERT VIEW

By ROB PILSWORTH BVSc, MRCVS

Resistance build-up a worry Over-reliance on antibiotics means their effectiveness is increasingly under threat

A

s a young vet student I saw practice with the legendary Bob Crowhurst in Newmarket. During a discussion on the appropriate use of antibiotics in the horse, he recounted the fact that for several years during the war he was in charge of an army remount station, I think in the Sudan, where his entire repertoire of drugs included salt, water, and any combination of the above!

To someone who had grown up with antibiotics being a normal part of clinical practice, it was astounding that any injured horse could be saved without recourse to their use. We have to remember, however, that penicillin, even for use in man, came in only towards the end of the war and had certainly not reached equine practice at that time.

We now live in a world where we expect severe infections in the horse to be curable, and where minor infections such as infected wounds and cellulitis in the limb are so routinely cured that they are regarded merely as a nuisance, and of no great significance.

This state of mind only exists, however, because of the extremely effective use of antibiotics we have come to expect, and this effectiveness is increasingly under threat because of drug resistance in the bacteria which we are trying to attack and kill. If we are not careful, we risk a return to the days when all we will have to treat infected wounds is salt water.

A typical bacterial culture in a Petri dish. Here a pure growth of one organism, a Staphylococcus sp., is apparent. Even though bacteria are so tiny they are invisible, when they multiply rapidly in an incubator, they form colonies which stack up until we can see them with the naked eye. Each of the yellow ‘lumps’ is just such a colony, composed entirely of bacteria

harmony with the animal. Other bacteria are commonly found in the nasal chambers and throat, where they live quite harmlessly until the animal is diseased. These bacteria pose no threat normally, but, introduced into wounds, or by gaining access to the bloodstream, they can set up potentially life threatening infections.

Why is drug resistance present in bacteria at all?

Bacteria have been around for millennia but,

Why do bacteria matter?

Bacteria exist by the millions and billions almost everywhere on the planet. They cover our skin, live up our noses, and even form a large proportion of our faeces. Similarly, in the horse, many bacteria live within the digestive tract and perform a useful function in aiding the horse’s breakdown of what is essentially indigestible cellulose, the main component of plants. No animal species possesses the enzymes to digest cellulose (even termites who live on a staple diet of wood have small ‘farms’ of bacteria and simple cell organisms to do the job for them).

As well as these bacteria, normally called the gut flora, the horse also has bacteria over most of its skin surface, including many species of staphylococci, which for the most part are present in small numbers, and live in

78

A bacterial antibiotic sensitivity test: a single bacterial colony has been picked off the culture plate, mixed with a small drop of fluid, and then wiped over the whole surface of a new plate to produce a ‘lawn’. Each paper disc contains a different antibiotic, which diffuses into the agar gel and prevents growth of any sensitive bacteria in a zone of the ‘lawn’ around it. Here, we can see the bacterium concerned is totally resistant to two different antibiotics

as we know, antibiotics have been in existence for less than a century, so why and how have bacteria managed to become resistant to them?

To answer this we have to look at the source of the antibiotics. Every school-level scientist knows the story of Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, when he found that bacterial colonies were inhibited from growing on agar gel plates, if these had been contaminated with moulds and fungi.

He postulated that the moulds must be secreting a chemical into the gel which inhibited the bacteria from multiplying, and he was right.

Penicillin derives its name from the fact that it was obtained from the fungal organism Penicillium. All the antibiotics we use are in fact derived or styled upon naturally occurring molecules that exist in nature to inhibit bacterial growth. Fungi want to have the food source to themselves, not to share it with bacterial rot, so they kill off the bugs.

Although penicillin has only recently been put into a bottle, and used in medicine, bacteria have been exposed to its action over almost the same length of time as their own existence. This has allowed occasional genetic mutations, which confer resistance to attacks by penicillin, to thrive in certain situations and these organisms become part of the normal bacterial colonisation of the animal.

If antibiotics are not used, then they are not in any way advantaged, and as long as they are not disadvantaged they will simply remain a small part of the population.

However, if antibiotics such as penicillin are used, then this immediately gives these resistant organisms an advantage. The rest of THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_130_Vet_Forum_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 12:19 Page 79

the bacteria that have no drug resistance will be eliminated, leaving only the resistant strains within the horse, which will then be able to multiply rapidly and fill the sites now vacated. The horse in this way becomes a potent source of drug-resistant species of bacteria. This happens to some extent every single time we use antibiotics. The more they are used, the more we are selecting for resistance.

Is antibiotic resistance increasing in the horse?

To answer this question, a team from the Royal Veterinary College in London, headed

by Dr Imogen Johns, looked at two different periods of six years, spanning 1999-2004 and 2007-2012. They looked at all of the bacterial isolates obtained from both the horses dealt with by local vets and their own hospital patients during this time, and compared resistance levels between the two periods.

They focussed on two main bacterial types: Streptococci, which we know from sore throats, and E.coli, which we know from sporadic food-poisoning outbreaks. The former is a common target species for antibiotic use in the horse, commonly implicated in, for instance, infected cuts and respiratory diseases characterised by coughing. E.coli in contrast is much less often a target species, but is there in the gut in huge numbers, and so gets bombarded with antibiotics whenever they are used. It thus acts as a good ‘sentinel’ for growing resistance development in general. The results were worrying.

There were significant increases in multiple-drug resistance in the E.coli, which would have seldom been the target of treatment, ramming home the message that when one uses an antibiotic, it affects all the bacteria in the horse, not just those in the septic focus. In the streptococci, resistance had also increased, sometimes alarmingly. One antibiotic in particular, enrofloxacin, which racehorse trainers will know as the brand ‘Baytril’, was very concerning. In the first sixyear period, resistance was 0% of isolates. In the second trial period it was 63%. Worse still, this antibiotic is one of a group known as fluoroquinolones, which is particularly vital for use in man, and one which vets have continuously been asked to resist using, because of the fear of developing resistance.

Looks like we’re too late on that one, but even worse is the fact that ‘Baytril’ is not even really intended for the horse. The oral form is marketed to put in the drinking water of chickens, a much more potent source of supply of resistant bugs to man!

To put things into perspective with regard THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

How is antibiotic resistance detected?

The one good thing about bacteria is that they multiply rapidly given a warm environment and a supply of nutrients. This is put to our advantage in testing antibiotic sensitivity from organisms isolated from clinical infections in practice. A small sample from the infected site is spread out on a shallow dish filled with agar gel, often incorporating sheep blood cells as a nutrient source for the bacteria (see image top left). After initial ‘plating out’ to detect the types of bacteria present, each individual bacterial type can then be made into a thin ‘soup’ and flooded over the surface of another similar agar plate. This will grow a ‘lawn’ of bacteria, which are detectable to the naked eye once they stack up on top of each other, as a white film. At the time the lawn is seeded, a set of small paper discs impregnated with different antibiotics is placed on top of the agar. The antibiotics diffuse into the gel at the same time as the bacteria begin to multiply and, obviously, if the bacteria concerned is killed or inhibited by the antibiotic, then a zone of no growth will appear around that antibiotic disc (see image below left). In a nice warm incubator, bacterial growth is so rapid that it usually takes only a day for us to get the answer as to whether our antibiotic will be effective or not, and to flag up potential drug resistance.

to the position in the horse, antibiotics here tend to be used only on a single-animal basis.

This is in stark contrast to the position in farming, where antibiotics are often used in blanket medication of whole flocks or herds.

This is largely to treat or prevent diseases that would otherwise occur as an inevitable result of the high-stocking densities used to maximise the profit in livestock production.

For instance, few people realise that the chickens we all eat from the supermarket live continuously on one type of antibiotic just to enable them to be raised inside a broiler shed.

Without the constant medication with drugs to stop coccidia killing the chickens, they would quickly die, living as they do for their whole life on bedding composed mainly of their own droppings. In the first study of its kind, researchers recently estimated total usage of antibiotics in farming in 2010 at 63,000 tons – and this is almost certainly a massive underestimate of usage now. This is around twice as much as all the antibiotics produced to fight human disease worldwide.

We know that some bacteria are quite happy to jump species, and it’s this constant selection pressure via blanket medication in farming that probably poses more of a risk to us than our own use in an individual sick horse. Nevertheless we can’t afford to be complacent, and everyone in our industry should do everything they can to preserve this vital line of treatment.

What can we do about it?

Dr Mark Holmes, a reader in Microbial Genomics at the University of Cambridge School of Veterinary medicine, has been investigating multiple drug resistance for over ten years. His group are particularly interested in resistance among Staphylococci, a group of bugs which include the killer MRSA

organisms we all live in fear of catching as hospital ‘super infections’ following surgery.

He comments: “On the whole we’re very lucky in veterinary medicine that we don’t see a lot of clinical problems with antibiotic resistance – occasionally we get a condition in a particular patient that is not responding as we might expect it to, and we switch antibiotic, and most times we then get a response. But you know, so far, we’ve just been lucky.

“The most important thing, particularly within the veterinary profession, is that we as vets retain the power to prescribe across a broad antibiotic range. What we’ve got to do is to demonstrate, particularly to the medical profession, that we’re behaving responsibly.

Otherwise, quite reasonably, they will say, ‘If vets are not going to behave and prescribe responsibly, why should we risk giving some of these antibiotics that are of critical value in human medicine to them at all?’”

He adds: “I think that’s why we’ve got to be pre-emptive, and got to get our house in order from an early stage. The thing that we can do is to avoid using broad-spectrum antibiotics when we don’t need to use them.

“It’s important that we don’t resort to using antibiotics automatically, especially when they’re not indicated, and it matters that we look at the likely antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria we are targeting, and then prescribe appropriately.”

We have become so used to infection being curable in our horses, it seems inconceivable this situation could ever end, but the trends described here are a worry, and a worry all of us need to take seriously. The thought of returning to the days when bottled antibiotics did not exist, and all we will have to treat infections is salt and water, is not an appealing one.

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Jun_130_AdFeatureSalesPrep_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 12:33 Page 80

FOCUS ON... Sales Prep Whilst many are focused on forthcoming events at Epsom and Royal Ascot this month, elsewhere thoughts are already turning to the autumn sales season. Breeders and vendors seeking the best possible price in the sale ring for their youngster may well think it wise to appoint a consignor to take charge of the process. Sarah Miller asked three leading consignors to reveal their secret to sales prep and sales day success

The Castlebridge Consignment From just 12 horses in its initial year of 2002, Castlebridge has risen to be the leading European sales agency by both numbers and turnover. In 2012 it completed an unprecedented clean sweep of the principal Tattersalls sales and in 2013 sold Irish Oaks winner Chiquita for €6,000,000. Castlebridge graduates are now burning up racetracks around the world with such as 2015 Dubai World Cup winner Prince Bishop and 2,000 Guineas winner Night Of Thunder, who recently won the Lockinge Stakes on his reappearance.

With a farm just outside Newmarket and a larger farm in County Meath, Ireland, Castlebridge offers consigning services in both countries. UK-based co-Director Andrew Mead believes its breadth of experience across multiple sales is now key to Castlebridge’s success but adds: “Initially there was an element of luck being in the

right place at the right time to start a new consigning business.

“Between the Directors, Bill and Tara Dwan, Marion Goodbody and myself we had a good client base who kindly supported us in

“Selling a good-sized draft gives us a real edge in terms of valuation going into the ring”

the early years. Then people seemed to like the way Castlebridge operated, and we picked up clients year by year as the business grew.”

Mead adds that there are a number of advantages to selling your bloodstock through a consignor.

He says: “Selling your own horses as a breeder can be somewhat daunting. As an individual vendor, it is possible to misjudge how well your yearlings are showing or being viewed. At Castlebridge, we look at our numbers at the end of a day and give a very accurate assessment to clients as to how each horse is being received. In addition, potential buyers are drawn to the draft as a whole and may well look at your horse even if they didn’t plan to.

“Selling a good-sized draft gives us a real edge in terms of valuations going into the ring and the setting of reserves that will sell the horse. We probably cover a wider range of sales than other consignors and give unbiased advice to clients in terms of which sale we think will best suit the individual horse.

“We recognise that purchasers and their agents are always under pressure at sales to look at many horses in a short space of time, and a horse that is slow to be produced for showing can annoy. We try to help with our horses quickly arriving one after another, to give the looker a feeling that he has time to consider each horse properly.”

Mead stresses experienced staff are crucial to success. He says: “We are lucky to have top-class staff with us from year to year helping to produce a smooth-running operation. Our stabling positions are now long established at the major sales and we have a great relationship with all the auction companies.”

For more information visit www.castlebridge.eu

Houghton Bloodstock

Andrew Mead of Castlebridge, the successful operation’s UK-based Director

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It was in 2008 that Robin Sharp and Malcolm Bryson prepared their first crop of yearlings under the banner of Houghton Bloodstock, having worked together for more than a quarter of a century. Six years on, 2014 marked their best sales season to date, culminating in a fantastic Tattersalls, the highlight of which was breaking the million guineas mark with eight lots sent to Book 1.

Based at Fox Farm, a 120-acre property within 25 minutes of Newmarket, Houghton Bloodstock specialises in providing sales prep on behalf of breeders and owners who would like to sell at all the biggest sales.

Sharp explains his approach to sales prep as more art than science.

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Jun_130_AdFeatureSalesPrep_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 12:34 Page 81

Houghton Bloodstock tailor their regime to suit each individual horse

“You need to know what you can make a horse into, not what you’re looking at,” he says. “Every yearling is different and we tailor our regime [feeding and exercise] to suit each individual.

“Colts obviously will need a careful regime as they can get bolshy and can boil over if over-fed and underworked. Fillies can be a little more sensitive to a change of routine and we try to keep them structured and content.

“The most important factor is to be certain, by the time you get to the sales, that you’ve done all you can to get that horse in peak condition.”

Sharp and Bryson pride themselves on putting as much effort into looking after their clients as they do their horses.

Sharp says: “You don’t want your vendor to be disappointed when the hammer comes down. Most of our clients have complete faith in us and they know we do not call our geese swans but, given enough time, we try to turn their yearlings into head-turners.”

“But I must say the sales companies get it right more often than not. Tattersalls and DBS have a great set of young people working for them now and they make you feel very teamorientated. We will always have the odd yearling or client that needs to be cajoled into the right sale.

“One of the most important things is that our entire team really love the sales, and that shows when agents, trainers and owners come to view our stock.”

Contact Sharp on 01638 563238 or 07850 661468, Bryson on 07711 160856, or visit www.houghtonbloodstock.co.uk

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Baroda & Colbinstown Just four years ago, David Cox joined forces with Dave Myerscough to launch Baroda and Colbinstown Consignors – reflecting the names of their respective stud farms in

Kildare – to specialise in the preparation and sale of horses for global bloodstock sales.

Their name is now a prominent fixture in the top ten consignors at the prestigious Tattersalls October Sales and Goffs Orby Sale in Kildare each autumn.

Cox says: “We rely on excellent staff on both farms and it is their attention to detail that makes the difference. Horses need to be physically and mentally fit and strong to be at their best for the rigours of a sale. They have to show as well on their first show of the day as they do on their 50th.”

Every horse is treated individually at B&C and routine is essential. They are each taken out at the same time every day and their workout includes mainly hand-walking, driving in long reins and a certain amount of lungeing.

“They are as good as broken come sales time, which is great for their minds and a huge help to their trainers,” says Myerscough. “We work with Philip Gilligan in Gain for our feeding programme and Enda Kelly in TRM/Equine Products for the supplements.

“Having the right horse in the right sale is essential and every horse is heavily scrutinised before a sale is decided upon.”

Contact Cox (Baroda Stud) on 00353 868234098, or visit www.barodastud.com Myerscough (Colbinstown Stud) can be contacted on 00353 866090467, or you can visit www.colbinstown.com

David Myerscough (left) and David Cox teamed up in 2011 – to great effect

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Jun_130_AdFeatureNutrition_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 12:33 Page 82

FOCUS ON... Nutrition Meanwhile, for those charged with producing youngstock in peak condition for the sale ring, nutrition is all-important. It isn’t just a case of achieving ample top-line and a glowing coat: the correct feed balance to ensure optimum growth during these key months is also essential

Baileys Horse Feeds are experts in providing owners of young horses bound for the sales with the nutrition they need

Baileys Prep Mix Having been directly involved with the rearing and preparation of numerous horses for the thoroughbred sales ring, Baileys Horse Feeds are in a position to combine advances in equine nutrition and production technology with a practical insight and an understanding of customer requirements.

Many youngstock or stud mixes are oatbased which, though useful for encouraging

This product helps to develop head-turning condition

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the switch to concentrate rations, can be too ‘heating’ when fed at higher volumes to promote condition. Baileys Prep Mix offers an all-in-one solution, without oats, to help promote head-turning condition and top line whilst supporting growth and avoiding exacerbating excitable temperaments.

The blend of cereals is carefully micronised to ensure maximum digestibility of the starch content and thus help minimise the chance of digestive upsets or fractious behaviour. Fibre, including highly digestible ‘super fibres’, provides slow release energy, supports a healthy gut and contributes to the combination of energy substrates that encourage even growth and help avoid the risks associated with sudden growth spurts.

Being nutrient dense, a smaller volume of Prep Mix will deliver the required energy and supporting nutrients, whilst reducing the risk of overloading the horse’s digestive system.

Small frequent, digestible meals are key to reducing excessive glycaemic response and avoiding starch overload, and many breeders and consignors are impressed with the results they can achieve while feeding less than they would of other brands’ feeds.

For the poor doer or fussy feeder, the inclusion of Yea-Sacc® yeast culture helps stimulate fibre-digesting bacteria and promotes overall gut health. Prep mix also contains Baileys’ renowned high oil supplement, Outshine, which supplies a

balance of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from a blend of vegetable oils for additional slow release energy and superb coat condition.

The elevated vitamin and mineral profile includes chelated (Bioplex®) minerals which are more easily absorbed and utilised by the horse’s body and are formulated to support correct growth and healthy bone formation.

The protein quality in Prep Mix is outstanding, promoting tissue development and superb muscle tone that is vital to the young athlete.

This helps horses build excellent top line and

Tissue development and superb muscle tone is vital to youngsters

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_130_AdFeatureNutrition_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 12:33 Page 83

the strong healthy physique that makes a Baileys-fed horse stand out.

Like the rest of Baileys Stud Range, Prep Mix can be fed alongside Baileys Stud Balancer, should the need arise, to ensure optimum nutrition is maintained at all times. For example, for youngstock carrying a little too much condition, the quantity of Prep Mix feed can be reduced and additional Stud Balancer added to maintain nutrient levels. Correct nutrition can be very influential in the development of any youngster, and when preparing a horse specifically for the sales ring it can become critical.

For more information and no-obligation advice, contact Baileys Horse Feeds on 01371 850247 or info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk.

Connolly’s RED MILLS The aim of any feeding programme in the months prior to the sales season is to provide the nutrients essential for growth, development, soundness and top line while avoiding excess energy causing obesity.

Ensuring an even, steady growth rate is essential in promoting soundness and correct development.

The key to successful sales prepping is beginning early. If starting late, the sudden increase in feed intake can cause rapid growth and/or compensatory growth and this, when combined with increased work load, can cause developmental problems to occur. It is important to realise that there are limits to what can be achieved in a short time.

Youngstock presented for sale should be well muscled and toned, demonstrating their athletic ability. Using a commercial feed formulated for the growing horse, such as foal pellets or a foal/yearling feed, will provide the

Growing foals have high protein needs, both natural and artificial

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Connolly’s RED MILLS can help you provide for your developing horse

nutrients necessary for optimum growth and development.

Growing foals have the highest protein requirement. High-quality protein promotes not only proper weight gain, but also skeletal and muscular growth. Diets deficient in quality protein will lead to reduced growth rates.

Supplementing with additional protein through a stud balancer or feed supplement may be advisable for improved top line and muscle mass.

Feeding three or more small concentrate meals per day, rather than two large meals, allows for more efficient feed utilisation and a healthier gut. It is important that any dietary changes be made gradually to avoid a digestive upset.

Supplementing the diet with additional fats and oils is also recommended in preparing the young horse for sale. Fats and oils improve the condition of the skin, hair coat, and hooves, help decrease the risk of impactions in the gut and provide additional calories to the diet in a safe non-heating form. Sources of fats and oils include vegetable oil, sunflower oil, soya oil and stabilised rice bran.

Copper is one of the most important trace elements in the horse and is important for many different processes within the body, in particular, bone development. A good indicator of copper deficiency in the horse is poor coat condition and loss of pigmentation.

Supplementing with copper can show a marked improvement in coat colour and coat quality. Superior nutrition and smart feeding can play a pivotal role in successful sales preparation.

For more information contact Nia O’Malley, Equine Nutritionist, Connolly’s RED MILLS at www.redmills.co.uk

walking, lunging and driving are introduced to develop a muscular condition and active walk, consignors are aware that the demands on these young horses require an increase in nutrients and necessitate an increase in feeding. This brings its own difficulties, however, as over-feeding can lead to stocking up, over conditioning or temperament issues.

One of the key nutrients for young horse growth is protein. Diets low in protein have been shown to significantly restrict growth rates in young horses. It follows that the most valuable nutrient for the sales prep yearling is protein. Proteins are needed to build and repair muscle. The building blocks of proteins are digested and absorbed by the horse and incorporated into developing muscle. Feeding a high protein diet is typically how consignors try to meet the increased protein needs of yearlings. However, the protein content alone does not guarantee success in this area; you must also consider the protein quality and protein digestibility.

How Foran Equine’s Pro Am Prep works in yearlings In many cases Protein Supplementation can be useful for yearling sales preparation, as an efficient means to provide the necessary building blocks to create and maintain muscle mass. Supplementing protein in the diet can particularly work well for: • Yearlings that were of an immature body type at the start of sales preparation

• Yearlings that go off their feed during sales preparation

• Yearlings recovering from illness during sales preparation

Foran Equine’s Pro Am Prep

• Yearlings that don’t eat well

Thoroughbred yearling sales result in the annual transition of athletic young horses into race training. The vendor presents the best pedigree, conformation and most developed yearling possible, and the purchaser responds by bidding on the desired horse.

The aim of the pre-sales preparation period is to enhance the physical development and maturity of the yearling in order that they stand out in the sale arena. As walker exercise, hand

Foran Equine’s Pro Am Prep is a concentrated, high quality, pre-digested liquid protein for horses. It has a uniquely pre-digested protein with additional B vitamins and Vitamin E in a formula optimised for rapid absorption to support muscular development and condition in exercising horses. For remarkable results, feed daily for two to six weeks before the sales.

For further information please visit www.foranequine.co.uk

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Jun_130_DrStatz_Owner Breeder 22/05/2015 13:08 Page 85

DR STAT JOHN BOYCE CRACKS THE CODE

Don’t worry about prices of yearlings by same sire Study shows having one of many going through the ring does not have adverse effect

T

he law of supply and demand is so imbedded in our consciousness that it is often all too easy to apply it even in inappropriate situations. Whilst it’s the rule that governs most of our economic lives, it’s one that has been misinterpreted when it comes to describing some aspects of the yearling sales.

It is still a widely held view that an over supply of yearlings by a single stallion will be detrimental to their demand. In other words, prices will come down. This is a topic I’ve looked into before, but I thought I’d revisit it here using data from the 2014 yearling sales.

The question is: are your prospects of making a profit adversely affected if you are selling a yearling by a stallion that has a large number on offer? There is no doubt that a sire on the economic wane due to poor buyer perception will be a big financial risk. Only the very best of his yearlings will turn a profit, with a large percentage failing to bring a decent price.

For the purpose of this study, I have divided stallions into two groups: those with 45 or more yearlings sold in 2014, and those with between 20-45 yearlings sold. If over-supply is indeed an issue, then we can expect the first group to struggle in relative terms.

And just to be sure that fee is not a factor, I have brought that into the equation too. I have omitted stallions with fewer than 20 yearlings sold, simply on the basis that many are old and in the twilight of their careers, while some others are largely owner/breeder types, such as Dubawi, whose yearling stock in 2014 was largely retained by their breeders.

What constitutes a profitable yearling? Well, that’s one for the individual buyer to decide, given their individual economic circumstances.

I have assumed that if a yearling sells for its sire’s conception fee plus £15,000, then it is profitable as far as this study is concerned.

Overall, some 4,200 yearlings by 85 stallions were assessed for profitability and 45% of them met my criteria for profitability.

Forty-one stallions had yearling sales crops greater than 45, with three actually topping the 100-sold mark. The average conception fee for THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

PROFITABILITY CORRELATION TO NUMBERS SOLD Sires with 45+ Yearlings Sires with 20-44 Yearlings

66%

63%

53%

33%

All Sires

this group was £12,347, so adding a further £15,000 meant that many of the yearlings had to sell for over twice their sire’s fee to make a profit. Remarkably, 53% of them did so. This compares very favourably to the second group, who managed only 33% profitable yearlings.

The 44 stallions with between 20 and 44 yearlings had an average conception fee of £17,650. So, on the face of it, large numbers of yearlings by the same sire at the sales do not hinder your chances of success in the ring.

Indeed, these findings suggest they positively help your prospects.

But we still need to show that the higher average fee was not playing a part in depressing the profitability for the 20-44 group of stallions.

If we look at all stallions standing at £20,000 or higher, we find that the sires with 45 or more

£20k+ Sires

yearlings had 66% profitable yearlings, while those in the 20-44 group scored 63%.

So we can say for certain that if you have a yearling by a stallion with large numbers going through the ring, you need not worry! And there is absolutely no surprise in that. After all, stallions with big crops are popular. They tend to be more commercial and are usually well promoted. That’s why breeders flock to them.

It’s also very difficult to buy into the idea that yearlings by the same sire are essentially interchangeable. They are all different, have all their own temperaments, conformation and female families. Next time you are at the sales, just ask a fellow buyer, who has just inspected a nice yearling, to move along to the next in the catalogue by the sire and leave you to buy this one. And see what reaction you get!

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Jun_130_DataBook_Layout 1 22/05/2015 12:32 Page 86

DATA BOOK STAKES RESULTS

European Group 1s 7 QIPCO 2000 GUINEAS G1 NEWMARKET. May 2. 3yoc&f. 8f.

m

1. GLENEAGLES (IRE) 9-0 £282,841 b c by Galileo - You’resothrilling (Storm Cat) O-Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier B-You’resothrilling Syndicate TR-Aidan O’Brien 2. Territories (IRE) 9-0 £107,231 b c by Invincible Spirit - Taranto (Machiavellian) O-Godolphin S.N.C. B-Darley TR-A. Fabre 3. Ivawood (IRE) 9-0 £53,666 b c by Zebedee - Keenes Royale (Red Ransom) O-Carmichael Jennings B-Miss M. Davison & Miss D. Kitchin TR-Richard Hannon Margins 2.25, 0.75. Time 1:37.50. Going Good to Firm.

Age 2-3

Starts 7

Wins 5

Places 2

Earned £554,612

Sire: GALILEO. Sire of 192 Stakes winners. In 2015 GLENEAGLES Storm Cat G1, TANBY Danewin G2, MIZZOU Darshaan G3, SERTORIUS Encosta de Lago G3, SILVER GALAXY Pivotal G3, OBSERVATIONAL Cadeaux Genereux LR. 1st Dam: YOU’RESOTHRILLING by Storm Cat. 2 wins at 2, Irish Thoroughbred Cherry Hinton S G2. Own sister to GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, Tumblebrutus, Tiger Dance and Freud. Dam of 2 winners: 2011: MARVELLOUS (f Galileo). 2 wins at 2 and 3, Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas G1.

2012: GLENEAGLES (c Galileo) Champion 2yr old colt in Ireland in 2014. 5 wins at 2 and 3, Goffs Vincent O’Brien National S G1, Qipco 2000 Guineas G1, Galileo EBF Futurity S G2, Japanese Racing Authority Tyros S G3, 3rd Qatar PX Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere Gd.Crit G1.

2013: Coolmore (f Galileo) unraced to date.

2014: (c Galileo) 2nd Dam: MARIAH’S STORM by Rahy. 10 wins at 2 to 4 in USA Arlington Washington Lassie S G2, Budweiser Turfway Park Breeders’ Cup H G2, 3rd Spinster S G1. Dam of GIANT’S CAUSEWAY (c Storm Cat: Juddmonte International S G1, Coral Eclipse S G1, Esat Digifone Champion S G1, St James’s Palace S G1, Champagne Lanson Sussex S G1, Prix de la Salamandre G1, 2nd Entenmann’s Irish 2000 Guineas G1, Queen Elizabeth II S G1, Sagitta 2000 Guineas G1, Breeders’ Cup Classic G1), YOU’RESOTHRILLING (f Storm Cat, see above), Hanky Panky (f Galileo: 3rd Ballyogan S G3), Freud (c Storm Cat: 3rd Cork and Orrery S G2), Tumblebrutus (c Storm Cat: 2nd Galileo EBF Futurity G2), Tiger Dance (c Storm Cat: 3rd Emirates Airline Minstrel S G3), Roar of The Tiger (c Storm Cat: 3rd Governor’s H LR) Broodmare Sire: STORM CAT. Sire of the dams of 175 Stakes winners. In 2015 - GLENEAGLES Galileo G1, SHARED BELIEF Candy Ride G1, DIVERSY HARBOR Curlin G2, HONOR CODE A P Indy G2, LACHESIS Deep Impact G2.

The Galileo/Storm Cat cross has produced: GLENEAGLES G1, MARVELLOUS G1, MISTY FOR ME G1, Aloft G1, GLOBAL VIEW G2, TWIRL G3.

GLENEAGLES b c 2012 Northern Dancer Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Fairy Bridge Special GALILEO b 98 Mr Prospector Miswaki Hopespringseternal Urban Sea Lombard Allegretta Anatevka Northern Dancer Storm Bird South Ocean Storm Cat Secretariat Terlingua Crimson Saint YOU’RESOTHRILLING br 05 Blushing Groom Rahy Glorious Song Mariah’s Storm Roberto Immense Imsodear Sadler’s Wells

When it comes to sons of Galileo, it is imperative to forget the maxim that states: one white foot, buy a horse; two white feet, try a horse; three white feet, look well about him; four white feet, do without him.

For the second time in five years,

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the 2,000 Guineas was won impressively by a Galileo colt with four white feet. While Gleneagles’s display wasn’t as breathtaking as Frankel’s – how many are? – he still looked champion miler material as he easily went through the gears.

His win also means that Galileo has appeared in the pedigree of four of the last five 2,000 Guineas winners, as the 2013 winner Dawn Approach is by Galileo’s son New Approach and the 2014 winner Night Of Thunder is out of Galileo’s daughter Forest Storm. Gleneagles’s credentials as a potential Guineas winner also included being a brother to Marvellous, winner of the 2014 Irish 1,000 Guineas. Their dam You’resothrilling would probably also have been a Guineas candidate had she not met with a setback in the spring of her Classic season. After all, she is a Group-winning sister to Giant’s Causeway, the 2,000 Guineas runner-up who has sired winners of both the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas.

Apart from these pedigree pointers, Gleneagles had passed the post in front in the last five of his six juvenile starts, so he is going to have huge appeal as a stallion.

The style of his Newmarket victory supported the view expressed by his rider Ryan Moore that he is probably a miler. Marvellous failed to reproduce her mile form in both the Oaks and Irish Oaks, though the faster ground may have been a factor. Gleneagles may eventually stay a mile and a quarter, but You’resothrilling showed more speed than stamina. A precocious type, she won the Gr2 Cherry Hinton Stakes, and she also showed smart form over a mile during her short second season. She is the second daughter of Storm Cat to have produced a Classic winner to Galileo, who previously sired that fine filly Misty For Me. This Irish 1,000 Guineas winner landed the Pretty Polly Stakes over a mile and a quarter and finished a good third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf over a furlong further, but managed only fifth place in the Oaks on her only attempt at a mile and a half.

Gleneagles’s second dam, Rahy mare Mariah’s Storm, was bought by John Magnier for $2,600,000 at Keeneland’s 1996 November Sale.

She had built an impressive record of ten wins from 16 starts, with nine furlongs proving her most rewarding distance. The next dam, the Gr3 turf winner Immense, enjoyed excellent results with sons of Blushing Groom, another of her sons being the very smart French middle-distance colt Panoramic, by Rainbow Quest.

8 PRIX GANAY G1 LONGCHAMP. May 3. 4yo+. 2100m.

1. CIRRUS DES AIGLES (FR) 9 9-2 £132,884 b g by Even Top - Taille de Guepe (Septieme Ciel) O-Mr J. C. A. Dupouy B-M. Yvon Lelimouzin & M. Benoit Deschamps TR-Mrs C. Barande-Barbe 2. Al Kazeem (GB) 7 9-2 £53,163 b h by Dubawi - Kazeem (Darshaan) O-Mr D. J. Deer B-Mr & Mrs D. J. Deer TR-Roger Charlton 3. Fate (FR) 6 8-13 £26,581

b m by Teofilo - Specificity (Alleged) O-Fair Salinia Limited B-NP Bloodstock Ltd TR-A. de Royer Dupre Margins 1.75, 3. Time 2:18.70. Going Soft.

Age 2-9

Starts 60

Wins 22

Places Earned 29 £5,871,110

Sire: EVEN TOP. Sire of 1 Stakes winner.

1st Dam: Taille de Guepe by Septieme Ciel. unraced.

Dam of 2 winners: 2003: MESNIL DES AIGLES (c Neverneyev) 7 wins at 3 to 7 in France.

2004: Miss des Aigles (f Alamo Bay). Broodmare.

2005: Vie des Aigles (f Alamo Bay) ran on the flat in France. Broodmare.

2006: CIRRUS DES AIGLES (g Even Top) Champion older horse in Europe in 2011 & Jt Champion in 2014, Champion older horse in France in 2012. 22 wins at 3 to 9, 2015 at home, France, UAE, Qipco Champion S G1, Investec St NicholasAbbey Coronation Cup G1, Prix d’Ispahan G1, Prix Ganay - Prix Air Mauritius G1 (3 times), Longines Dubai Sheema Classic G1, Grand Prix de DeauvilleLucien Barriere G2, Qatar Prix Dollar G2 (3 times), Prix du Conseil de Paris G2, GP de Vichy-Auvergne Etapi du Defi Galop G3, La Coupe G3, La Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte G3, Prix du Prince d’Orange G3, Prix Gontaut-Biron-Hong Kong Jockey Club G3, Prix de Boulogne LR, Grand Prix du Lion d’Angers LR, 2nd Qipco Champion S G1 (twice), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud G1, Prix d’Ispahan G1, Longines Dubai Sheema Classic G1, Qatar Prix Dollar G2, Prix du Conseil de Paris G2, Prix Exbury G3, Prix Gontaut-Biron-Hong Kong Jockey Club G3, G. P. de Clairefontaine - Denis Weibel LR, Prix Matchem LR, Derby du Languedoc LR, Prix Policeman LR, 3rd Prix Ganay - Prix Air Mauritius G1, Longines Hong Kong Cup G1, Prix Gontaut-Biron-Hong Kong Jockey Club G3, Prix Ridgway LR, Prix Pelleas LR. 2008: Kiva des Aigles (f Enrique) ran on the flat in France.

2011: Flash des Aigles (c Sinndar) 2012: (f Siyouni) Broodmare Sire: SEPTIEME CIEL. Sire of the dams of 21 Stakes winners. In 2015 - CIRRUS DES AIGLES Even Top G1, PORNICHET Vespone G3.

CIRRUS DES AIGLES b g 2006 Ahonoora Topanoora Topping Girl EVEN TOP br 93 Niniski Skevena Skhiza Seattle Slew Septieme Ciel Maximova TAILLE DE GUEPE ch 99 Funambule Roots Ruma

Lorenzaccio Helen Nichols Sea Hawk II Round Eye Nijinsky Virginia Hills Targowice Anticlea Bold Reasoning My Charmer Green Dancer Baracala Lyphard Sonoma Rheffic Runnello

When a gelding turns nine, the possibility surely exists that age will start taking its toll. However the remarkable Cirrus des Aigles looked as effective as ever as he repelled Al Kazeem’s strong challenge to record a third victory in the Prix Ganay. This success means that the son of Even Top has now won seven times at Gr1 level, even though he didn’t record his first Gr1 success until he was five.

Now a veteran of 62 races, Cirrus des Aigles has won the equivalent of over £6 million. Absolutely no-one could have predicted success on such a huge scale for a gelding of his plebeian pedigree. He is the only notable winner by Even Top, a shorthead second in the 1996 2,000 Guineas who failed to win a Group

race. Even Top initially stood in Ireland before moving to France. He was a member of the first crop by Ahonoora’s middle-distance son Topanoora, a stallion who had been exported to India after struggling for support in Ireland. Topanoora was repatriated by Coolmore, but was quickly transferred to its National Hunt division.

Cirrus des Aigles’s dam Taille de Guepe was sent to Japan in January 2013. He is only the second winner from the mare’s first six runners, but her early foals were by such littleknown stallions as Neverneyev and Alamo Bay. Perhaps her Japanesebased three-year-old filly Cirrus de Paris (by Siyouni) will remedy that.

Cirrus des Aigles comes from a famous female line, tracing back to Lady Peregrine, dam of the 2,000 Guineas winner Flamingo. His fifth dam, Run Honey, was a talented halfsister to the Champion Stakes winner Honeyway and her string of smart offspring included Cirrus des Aigles’s fourth dam Runnello, a triple winner at two, when rated 116 by Timeform.

This family has also produced the good stallions Lord Gayle and Persian Bold.

9 QIPCO 1000 GUINEAS G1 NEWMARKET. May 3. 3yof. 8f.

1. LEGATISSIMO (IRE) 9-0 £232,511 b f by Danehill Dancer - Yummy Mummy (Montjeu) O-Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier B-Newsells Park Stud Limited TR-David Wachman 2. Lucida (IRE) 9-0 £88,150 b f by Shamardal - Lura (Street Cry) O-Godolphin B-Darley TR-J. S. Bolger 3. Tiggy Wiggy (IRE) 9-0 £44,116 b f by Kodiac - Kheleyf’s Silver (Kheleyf) O-Potensis B’stock, C Giles & Merriebelle B-CBS Bloodstock TR-Richard Hannon Margins 0.75, 4.5. Time 1:34.60. Going Good to Firm.

Age 2-3

Starts 6

Wins 3

Places 2

Earned £279,024

Sire: DANEHILL DANCER. Sire of 167 Stakes winners. In 2015 - LEGATISSIMO Montjeu G1, SUMBAL Linamix G2, AFFAIRE SOLITAIRE Alzao G3, OSAILA Entrepreneur G3, JAZZI TOP Zafonic LR. 1st Dam: YUMMY MUMMY by Montjeu. Winner at 3.

Own sister to FAME AND GLORY. Dam of 2 winners: 2010: ANOTHER COCKTAIL (g Dalakhani) Winner at 3.

2011: Royal Battalion (g Sea The Stars) 2012: LEGATISSIMO (f Danehill Dancer) Sold 350,000gns yearling at TAOC1. 3 wins at 2 and 3, Qipco 1000 Guineas G1, ISF Victor McCalmont Memorial EBF S LR, 2nd Flame of Tara EBF S LR. 2014: (f Redoute’s Choice) 2nd Dam: Gryada by Shirley Heights. 2 wins at 2, 3rd Premio Dormello G3. Own sister to Golan Heights.

Dam of FAME AND GLORY (c Montjeu: Ascot Gold Cup G1, Tattersalls Gold Cup G1, Investec Coronation Cup G1, Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby G1, Criterium de Saint-Cloud G1, 2nd Investec Derby S G1, Tatts Millions Irish Champion S G1), Grampian (c Selkirk: 2nd Manchester Evening News July S LR, J.Smith’s Ext.Smooth Silver Cup H LR), Guaranda (f Acatenango: 3rd EBF Upavon S LR). Grandam of GRAVITATION, GREATWOOD. Third dam of GOOD DONNA. Broodmare Sire: MONTJEU. Sire of the dams of 26 Stakes winners. In 2015 - LEGATISSIMO Danehill Dancer G1, EXQUISITE JEWEL Lucky Unicorn G3, BROKEN GAME Broken Vow LR, LADY DUTCH Dutch Art LR, PARISH HALL Teofilo LR. The Danehill Dancer/Montjeu cross has produced: LEGATISSIMO G1, Dynasty G3.

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Caulfield on Legatissimo: “As Danehill Dancer sired an Oaks winner, Dancing Rain, from a mare by the speedy Indian Ridge, she must have a fair chance of staying 12 furlongs”

LEGATISSIMO b f 2012 Danzig Danehill Razyana DANEHILL DANCER b 93 Sharpen Up Mira Adonde Lettre d’Amour Sadler’s Wells Montjeu Floripedes YUMMY MUMMY b 05 Shirley Heights Gryada Grimpola

Northern Dancer Pas de Nom His Majesty Spring Adieu Atan Rocchetta Caro Lianga Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Top Ville Toute Cy Mill Reef Hardiemma Windwurf Gondel

Lack of stamina was never going to be an issue for Legatissimo in the 1,000 Guineas. For a start, she had already won over an extended nine furlongs and, second, her dam, the mile-and-a-quarter winner Yummy

Mummy, is a sister to that redoubtable stayer Fame And Glory. This son of Montjeu had the magnificent record of winning at least one Gr1 race at the ages of two, three, four and five.

Besides winning the Irish Derby and the Coronation Cup, he showed an extra dimension to his talents in taking the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and the British Champions Long Distance Cup. Legatissimo’s second dam, the Shirley Heights mare Gryada, was owned by Plantation Stud, which sold Yummy Mummy for 460,000gns as a four-year-old. Gryada’s dam Grimpola won the German 1,000 Guineas and finished third in the German Oaks.

Seven of Grimpola’s eight foals were by members of the Mill Reef male

line, with a mating to Slip Anchor producing Gonfalon, a three-partssister to Gryada. Gonfalon also made a major contribution to the family’s reputation by producing three Group winners led by Gonbarda. This dual Gr1 winner over a mile and a half in turn became the dam of the top-class Farhh, who stayed a mile and a quarter very well, despite being a son of Pivotal.

Yummy Mummy is the third of Gryada’s daughters to have produced a smart performer. The first, Guaranda, is the dam of the Gr3winning stayer Gravitation and the second, Gaze, is the dam of the middle-distance stayer Greatwood.

So Legatissimo needed some speed in the top half of her pedigree

to win a race of the importance of the 1,000 Guineas. Her sire Danehill Dancer never won beyond seven furlongs and he had previously succeeded in injecting Classic mile speed into other staying mares. His previous 1,000 Guineas winner Speciosa is out of a mare by the mileand-a-half Gr1 winner Sky Classic, while his Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Again had a dam by Kahyasi.

His Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Mastercraftsman also had plenty of middle-distance blood on his dam’s side. As Danehill Dancer also sired an Oaks winner, Dancing Rain, from a mare by the speedy Indian Ridge, Legatissimo must have a fair chance of staying 12 furlongs – especially as she stayed on so well at Newmarket.

Group 2 and 3 Races Date 06/04 06/04 12/04 12/04 12/04 12/04 12/04 14/04 15/04 15/04 16/04 16/04 16/04 18/04 18/04 18/04 19/04 19/04 19/04 20/04 24/04 24/04 24/04 26/04 26/04 26/04 27/04 29/04 29/04 01/05 01/05 02/05 02/05 03/05 03/05 03/05 03/05

Grade G2 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G2 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G2 G3 G2 G3 G2 G3 G3 G3

Race (course) Prix d’Harcourt (Longchamp) Prix La Force (Longchamp) Wettmeister Fruhjahrsmeile (Dusseldorf) Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes (Leopardstown) P W McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes (Leopardstown) Prix de Fontainebleau (Longchamp) Prix de la Grotte (Longchamp) Prix Penelope (Saint-Cloud) Prix Sigy (Chantilly) Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes (Newmarket) Connaught Flooring Abernant Stakes (Newmarket) Novae Bloodstock Insurance Craven Stakes (Newmarket) Weatherbys Earl of Sefton Stakes (Newmarket) AON Greenham Stakes (Newbury) Dubai Duty Free Fred Darling Stakes (Newbury) Dubai Duty Free John Porter Stakes (Newbury) K.Baronin von Ullmann Schwarzgold Rennen (Cologne) Big Bad Bob Gladness Stakes (Curragh) Premio Ambrosiano (Milan) Prix Noailles (Longchamp) bet365 Mile (Sandown Park) bet365 Classic Trial (Sandown Park) bet365 Gordon Richards Stakes (Sandown Park) Rennen Preis der SWK Dr Busch Memorial (Krefeld) P.Regina Elena Tris Straordin-1000 Gns. (Rome) Premio Parioli 2000 Gns-Sisal Matchpoint (Rome) Prix Allez France (Chantilly) Longines Sagaro Stakes (Ascot) Merribelle Stable Pavilion Stakes (Ascot) Prix du Muguet (Saint-Cloud) Bankhaus von der Heydt Silberne Peitsche (Munich) Dunaden at Overbury Jockey Club Stakes (Newmarket) Pearl Bloodstock Palace House Stakes (Newmarket) Charm Spirit Dahlia Stakes (Newmarket) Fruhjahrs-Preis des Bankhauses Metzler (Frankfurt) Prix Vanteaux (Longchamp) Prix de Barbeville (Longchamp)

Dist 10f 10f 8f 7f 10f 8f 8f 10.5f 6f 7f 6f 8f 9f 7f 7f 12f 8f 7f 10f 10.5f 8f 10f 10f 8.5f 8f 8f 10f 16f 6f 8f 6.5f 12f 5f 9f 10f 9f 15.5f

Horse Al Kazeem (GB) Silverwave (FR) Amaron (GB) Stormfly (IRE) Success Days (IRE) Territories (IRE) Mexican Gold (USA) Queen’s Jewel (GB) El Valle (FR) Osaila (IRE) Astaire (IRE) Kool Kompany (IRE) French Navy (GB) Muhaarar (GB) Redstart (GB) Arab Spring (IRE) La Saldana (GER) Flight Risk (IRE) Magic Artist (IRE) Karaktar (IRE) Custom Cut (IRE) Master Apprentice (IRE) Western Hymn (GB) Karpino (GER) Sound of Freedom (IRE) Hero Look (IRE) Mayhem (IRE) Mizzou (IRE) Limato (IRE) Bawina (IRE) Shining Emerald (GB) Second Step (IRE) Goldream (GB) Bragging (USA) Shadow Sadness (GER) Olorda (GER) Alex My Boy (IRE)

Age 7 3 6 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 7 3 3 5 3 4 4 3 6 3 4 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 6 4 3 3 4

Sex H C H F C C F F C F C C H C F H F C C C G C G C F C F C G F G G G F C F C

Sire Dubawi Silver Frost Shamardal Dark Angel Jeremy Invincible Spirit Medaglia d’Oro Pivotal Dobby Road Danehill Dancer Intense Focus Jeremy Shamardal Oasis Dream Cockney Rebel Monsun Fastnet Rock Teofilo Iffraaj High Chaparral Notnowcato Mastercraftsman High Chaparral Cape Cross Duke of Marmalade Lope de Vega Whipper Galileo Tagula Dubawi Clodovil Dalakhani Oasis Dream Exchange Rate Soldier Hollow Lord of England Dalakhani

Dam Kazeem Miss Bio Amandalini Intaglia Malaica Taranto Hachita Safari Queen Dohibane Mennetou Runway Dancer Absolutely Cool First Fleet Tahrir Ecstasy Spring Symphony La Salina Raghida Artisti Karawana Polished Gem Lady Hawkfield Blue Rhapsody Kahara Paint In Green Roscoff Hit The Sky Moments of Joy Come April Esneh Janayen My Dark Rosaleen Clizia Boasting Shadow Queen Oligarchica Alexandrova

Broodmare Sire Darshaan River Mist Bertolini Lomitas Roi Gironde Machiavellian Gone West Lode Danehill Entrepreneur Dansili Indian Ridge Woodman Linamix Pursuit of Love Darshaan Singspiel Nordico Cape Cross King’s Best Danehill Hawk Wing Cape Cross Sadler’s Wells Invincible Spirit Daylami Cozzene Darshaan Singspiel Sadler’s Wells Zafonic Sadler’s Wells Machiavellian Kris S Lando Desert King Sadler’s Wells

Index 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

Want to find out which stallions are making waves?

For the very latest sire lists go to www.ownerbreeder.co.uk Tables updated every day THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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DATA BOOK STAKES RESULTS

National Hunt Grade 1s 237 BETFRED BOWL CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 9. 5yo+. 25f.

1. SILVINIACO CONTI (FR) 9 11-7 £84,570 ch g by Dom Alco - Gazelle Lulu (Altayan) O-Mr Chris Giles & Potensis Bloodstock Ltd B-P. Joubert TR-Paul Nicholls 2. Ballynagour (IRE) 9 11-7 £31,965 b g by Shantou - Simply Deep (Simply Great) O-Mr Allan Stennett B-G. T. Morrow TR-David Pipe 3. Holywell (IRE) 8 11-7 £16,080 b g by Gold Well - Hillcrest (Thatching) O-Mrs Gay Smith B-P. Doyle TR-Jonjo O’Neill Margins Head, 2.25. Time 6:15.70. Going Good to Soft.

Age 4-9

Starts 26

Wins 15

Places 8

Earned £957,329

Sire: DOM ALCO. Sire of 23 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - SILVINIACO CONTI Altayan G1, AL FEROF Altayan G2, VEZELAY Sleeping Car G2, VISIONICE Agent Bleu LR. 1st Dam: GAZELLE LULU by Altayan. 5 wins in France. Dam of 5 winners: 2002: ORFEO CONTI (g Bulington) 3 wins.

2005: RIO CONTI (g Video Rock) Winner at 5 in France.

2006: SILVINIACO CONTI (g Dom Alco) 15 wins, totesport.com Persian War Nov. Hurdle G2, Coral Ascot Hurdle G2, 3rd stanjames.com International Hurdle G2, William Hill King George VI Chase G1 (twice), Betfred Bowl Chase G1 (twice), Betfair Lancashire Chase G1 (twice), Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase G2, John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase G2, Totetentofollow Rising Stars Nov Chase G2, Betfair Denman Chase G2, 2nd williamhill.com Feltham Novices’ Chase G1, 3rd Betfred Bowl Chase G1, Betfair Lancashire Chase G1.

2007: TOSCANA CONTI (f Dom Alco) 6 wins, Prix Triquerville Chase LR. 2008: UCELLO CONTI (g Martaline) 8 wins, Prix Roger de Minvielle Chase LR, 2nd Prix Duc d’Anjou Chase G3, Prix Fleuret Chase G3, Prix Edmond Barrachin Chase G3.

2010: Adagio Conti (g Dom Alco) Broodmare Sire: ALTAYAN. Sire of the dams of 5 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - SILVINIACO CONTI Dom Alco G1, AL FEROF Dom Alco G2.

The Dom Alco/Altayan cross has produced: AL FEROF G1, SILVINIACO CONTI G1, TOSCANA CONTI LR.

SILVINIACO CONTI ch g 2006 Rheffic Dom Pasquini Boursonne DOM ALCO gr 87 Nonoalco Alconaca Vela Posse Altayan Aleema GAZELLE LULU ch 94 Quart de Vin Tatiana Lulu Kaline Lulu

Traffic Rhenane La Varende Arctic Star Nearctic Seximee Sheshoon Cenerentola Forli In Hot Pursuit Red God Alannya Devon Quartelette Vieux Chateau Violine D P

Silviniaco Conti – see race 91 in the February issue 238 BETFRED JUVENILE HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 9. 4yo. 17f.

1. ALL YOURS (FR) 11-0 £56,270 ch g by Halling - Fontaine Riant (Josr Algarhoud) O-Potensis Bloodstock Limited B-S.C.A. La Perrigne TR-Paul Nicholls 2. Devilment (GB) 11-0 £21,200 b g by Cape Cross - Mischief Making (Lemon Drop Kid) O-Bloomfields B-Cliveden Stud Ltd TR-John Ferguson 3. Bristol de Mai (FR) 11-0 £10,610 gr g by Saddler Maker - La Bole Night (April Night) O-Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B-Mr J. Touzaint TR-Nigel Twiston-Davies Margins 0.75, 0.5. Time 4:05.80. Going Good to Soft.

88

Age 3-4

Starts 6

Wins 2

Places 2

Sire: HALLING. Sire of 62 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - ALL YOURS Josr Algarhoud G1, BALMUSETTE Danehill Dancer LR. 1st Dam: FONTAINE RIANT by Josr Algarhoud. 2 wins at 3 and 4 in France. Dam of 2 winners: 2009: LAC FONTANA (g Shirocco) 5 wins, Pertemps Network Mersey Novices Hurdle G1.

2010: Aqua Fontana (f Linda’s Lad) 2011: ALL YOURS (g Halling) 2 wins over hurdles at 4, Betfred Juvenile Hurdle G1, 2nd Betbright.com Adonis Juvenile Hurdle G2.

2nd Dam: MARIE DE FONTENOY by Lightning. 1 win in France. Dam of KENTUCKY COFFEE (c Kenmare: Prix du Cercle LR, Premio Bersaglio LR). Grandam of MARIENBARD, Borug. Third dam of RANSOM NOTE. Fourth dam of MURIOI. Broodmare Sire: JOSR ALGARHOUD. Sire of the dams of 4 Stakes winners.

ALL YOURS ch g 2011 Sharpen Up Diesis Doubly Sure HALLING ch 91 Green Dancer Dance Machine Never A Lady Darshaan Josr Algarhoud Pont-Aven FONTAINE RIANT b 03 Lightning Marie de Fontenoy Primula

239 DOOM BAR AINTREE HURDLE G1

Earned £70,348

Atan Rocchetta Reliance II Soft Angels Nijinsky Green Valley Pontifex Camogie Shirley Heights Delsy Try My Best Basilea Kashmir II Fidra Petingo Valrose

With only one success to his name from five starts, All Yours started at 16-1 in the Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle. However, the Frenchbred son of Halling produced a career-best effort to become a Gr1 winner.

Halling is best known as the sire of such durable Flat performers as Cavalryman, Norse Dancer and Opinion Poll. However, this outstanding mile-and-a-quarter performer also sired the occasional good jumper, such as the staying chaser Deep Purple and the hurdler/chasers Hasty Prince and Briareus.

Perhaps more of the credit for All Yours should go to the gelding’s dam Fontaine Riant, as this seven-furlong winner has also enjoyed Gr1 success at Aintree with her Shirocco gelding Lac Fontana (Mersey Novices’ Hurdle). With Darshaan’s speedy son Josr Algarhoud as her sire, Fontaine Riant is a three-parts-sister to Marienbad, the Darshaan mare responsible for the Arc winner Marienbard.

Lac Fontana’s third dam is Primula, a very successful broodmare who produced four stakes winners, headed by the Prix Morny heroine Sakura Reiko. This very good filly was by Kenmare, who also sired the dual Listed winner Kentucky Coffee from All Yours’s second dam Marie de Fontenoy. Marie de Fontenoy is one of three daughters of Primula to have bred a stakes winner, the others being Marie de Flandre (dam of that good stayer Solo Mio) and Marie de Russy (dam of the Prix Royal-Oak winner Top Sunrise).

240 ONE MAGNIFICENT CITY MANIFESTO NOV.CHASE G1

AINTREE. Apr 9. 4yo+. 20f.

AINTREE. Apr 9. 5yo+. 20f.

1. JEZKI (IRE) 7 11-7 £113,072 b g by Milan - La Noire (Phardante) O-Mr John P. McManus B-G. M. McGrath TR-Mrs J. Harrington 2. Rock On Ruby (IRE) 10 11-7 £42,932 b g by Oscar - Stony View (Tirol) O-The Festival Goers B-J. O’Dwyer TR-Harry Fry 3. Volnay de Thaix (FR) 6 11-7 £21,752 ch g by Secret Singer - Mange de Thaix (Mont Basile) O-Mrs Judy Wilson B-Mr M. Bourgneuf TR-Nicky Henderson Margins 13, 1.5. Time 4:48.80.

Going Good to Soft.

1. CLARCAM (FR) 5 11-4 £50,882 b g by Califet - Rose Beryl (Lost World) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-J. Michel & D. Le Breton TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Vibrato Valtat (FR) 6 11-4 £19,319 gr g by Voix du Nord - La Tosca Valtat (Dom Alco) O-Axom XLIII B-Mme C. Duperret & Mlle A-M. Duperret TR-Paul Nicholls 3. Val de Law (FR) 6 11-4 £9,788 b g by Epalo - Law (Lute Antique) O-Sir Chips Keswick B-Jean-Francois Magnien TR-Jamie Snowden Margins 4, 7. Time 4:58.40. Going Good to Soft.

Age 4-7

Age 3-5

Starts 22

Wins 13

Places 7

Earned £856,655

Sire: MILAN. Sire of 21 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - APACHE STRONGHOLD Un Desperado G1, JEZKI Phardante G1, MARTELLO TOWER Zaffaran G1, SIZING GRANITE Mandalus G1, MISS XIAN Supreme Leader G2, SORT IT OUT Flemensfirth G2, DUKE OF LUCCA Be My Native LR. 1st Dam: La Noire by Phardante. Dam of 4 winners: 2002: JERED (g Presenting) 7 wins, vcbet.com Champion Novice Hurdle G1, 3rd Maplewood Developments Morgiana Hurdle G1, 3rd Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase G1.

2003: Miss Squiff (f Saddlers’ Hall) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and over hurdles.

Broodmare.

2004: Joe Pye (g Saddlers’ Hall) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and over hurdles.

2005: JETSON (g Oscar) 6 wins, Ladbroke World Series Tipperkevin Hurdle G1, 2nd Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1, Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle G1.

2007: JENARI (g Milan) 4 wins, 3rd betchronicle.com Champion INH Flat Race G1, Coolmore NH Sires Festival Nov. Hurdle G2.

2008: JEZKI (g Milan) 13 wins, Stan James Champion Chall.Trophy Hurdle G1, Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle G1, Ladbroke World Series Tipperkevin Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1, Herald Champion Novice Hurdle G1, Paddy Power Future Chmpions Nov. Hurdle G1, Racing Post Punchestown Champion Hurdle G1, WKD Core Hurdle G2, Fishery Lane Hurdle G3, 2nd stanjames.com Morgiana Hurdle G1, Ryanair December Hurdle G1 (twice), 3rd BHP Insurances Champion Hurdle G1, William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle G1.

2009: Jeree (f Flemensfirth) unraced.

Broodmare.

2011: Jett (g Flemensfirth) 2012: Jelan (f Milan) unraced to date.

Broodmare Sire: PHARDANTE. Sire of the dams of 48 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - JEZKI Milan G1, KILLULTAGH VIC Old Vic G1, L’AMI SERGE King’s Theatre G1, GOD’S OWN Oscar G2.

The Milan/Phardante cross has produced: DOUBLE SEVEN G1, JENARI G1, JEZKI G1, Taraval G3, Dursey Sound LR.

JEZKI b g 2008 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge MILAN b 98 Darshaan Kithanga Kalata Pharly Phardante Pallante LA NOIRE b 95 Deep Run Arctic Run Arctic Rhapsody

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Shirley Heights Delsy Assert Kalkeen Lyphard Comely Taj Dewan Cavadonga Pampered King Trial By Fire Bargello Arctic Blaze

See after race 254 later in this issue

Starts 17

Wins 5

Places 10

Earned £174,329

Sire: CALIFET. Sire of 11 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - CLARCAM Lost World G1, MOMITA HAS Dernier Empereur LR. 1st Dam: ROSE BERYL by Lost World. Winner over jumps in France. Dam of 4 winners: 2005: FABANNSO (f Dream Well) 5 wins.

Broodmare.

2006: MARCOMAX (c Ballingarry) 4 wins over jumps at 4, 7 and 8 in France.

2007: Lisalex (g Roli Abi) ran on the flat in France.

2008: Maxyvan (g Ballingarry) 2009: Maxaubin (g Ballingarry) 2010: CLARCAM (g Califet) 5 wins, 2nd Injured Jockeys Fund Juvenile Hurdle G1, Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle G2, J. Smith’s Scottish Triumph Trial Hurdle LR, 3rd Bar One Racing Juvenile Hurdle G3, Racing Post Christmas Novice Chase G1, One Magnificent City Manifesto Nov.Chase G1, 2nd Frank Ward Arkle Challenge Cup Nov.Chase G1.

2011: MONYJEAN (g Califet) Winner over jumps at 4 in France.

2012: Journeyrose (f Great Journey) unraced to date.

Broodmare Sire: LOST WORLD. Sire of the dams of 2 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - CLARCAM Califet G1, CHANCOL Vangelis G2.

CLARCAM b g 2010 Soviet Star Freedom Cry Falling Star CALIFET br 98 Kendor Sally’s Room Square Room Last Tycoon Lost World Last Tango ROSE BERYL b 99 Master Thatch Rose Angevine Palisa

Nureyev Veruschka Mount Hagen Free French Kenmare Belle Mecene Dewan Keys Stormy Love Try My Best Mill Princess Luthier La Bamba Thatch Miss Sarah Abdos Amphipolis

See race 93 in the February issue 241 BETFRED MELLING CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 10. 5yo+. 20f.

1. DON COSSACK (GER) 8 11-10 £112,637 br g by Sholokhov - Depeche Toi (Konigsstuhl) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Gestut Etzean TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Cue Card (GB) 9 11-10 £42,497 b g by King’s Theatre - Wicked Crack (King’s Ride) O-Mrs Jean R. Bishop B-Mr R. T. Crellin TR-Colin Tizzard 3. Johns Spirit (IRE) 8 11-10 £21,317 b g by Gold Well - Gilt Ridden (Heron Island) O-Mr Christopher W. T. Johnston B-Arctic Tack Stud & Crossogue Stud TR-Jonjo O’Neill Margins 26, 4.5. Time 4:53.10. Going Good.

Age 4-8

Starts 21

Wins 12

Places 6

Earned £465,225

Sire: SHOLOKHOV. Sire of 20 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - DON COSSACK Konigsstuhl G1, ABAKAHN Dashing Blade LR.

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Caulfield on Saphir Du Rheu: “It was a bold decision to return him to steeplechasing, but the boldness was rewarded with a performance which bodes very well for his future”

1st Dam: DEPECHE TOI by Konigsstuhl. 2 wins at 3 in West Germany. Dam of 6 winners: 1996: Demetrius (c Polish Precedent) 1997: DUBAI DANCER (g Lando) 3 wins.

1998: DUBAI DIVA (f Unfuwain) 3 wins at 3 in Germany. Broodmare. Dam of Dubai Star (c Lord of England: 3 wins over jumps in France, 2nd Prix Aguado Hurdle LR) 1999: Dendera (f Lando) ran on the flat in Germany and over jumps in Germany.

2000: DABOYA (f Hernando) Winner at 4 in France.

Broodmare.

2001: DUBAI KING (g Dashing Blade) 2 wins.

2002: Dubai Perle (f Sagamix) ran on the flat in France.

2003: Don Corleone (c Tiger Hill) 2004: DIAMOND KING (c Dashing Blade) Winner at 4 in Czech Republic.

2007: DON COSSACK (g Sholokhov) 12 wins, Irish Form Future Chpns Pro-Am Flat Race G2, 2nd Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle G2, 3rd paddypower.com Johnstown Novice Hurdle G2, Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase G1, John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase G1, Betfred Melling Chase G1, Bibby Punchestown Gold Cup Chase G1, Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Chase G2, Powers Irish Whiskey Skymas Chase G2, Star Best For Racing Carvills Hill Chase G3, 2nd Betfred Mildmay Novices’ Chase G1, Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase G1, Dobbins Catering Florida Pearl Nov.Chase G2, 3rd Ryanair Festival Trophy Chase G1.

2004: 2005: 2008: 2009:

2010: 2011:

Comtesse du Rheu (f Comte du Bourg) ran on the flat in France.

Lord du Rheu (g Passing Sale) Centaure du Rheu (g Cadoubel) Winner over jumps in France, 2nd Prix La Perichole Chase G3.

SAPHIR DU RHEU (g Al Namix) 7 wins, galliardshomes.com Cleeve Hurdle G2, William Hill Lanzarote H. Hurdle LR, 2nd Ladbrokes World Hurdle G1, Betfred Mildmay Novices’ Chase G1, 3rd Prix Finot Hurdle (c&g) LR. Ravel du Rheu (g Network) IBIS DU RHEU (g Blue Bresil) Winner over jumps at 3 in France.

Broodmare Sire: DOM PASQUINI. Sire of the dams of 20 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - SAPHIR DU RHEU Al Namix G1, VAUTOUR Robin des Champs G1, HILTON DU BERLAIS Saint des Saints G3, URANNA Panoramic LR.

SAPHIR DU RHEU gr g 2009

AL NAMIX gr 97 Dirigeante

Dom Pasquini

2nd Dam: Diaspora by Sparkler. 2 wins at 2 and 3 in West Germany, 2nd Schwarzgold-Rennen (1000 Guineas) G3. Dam of DAPPRIMA (f Shareef Dancer: Everest TV Fruhjahrs Stuten Preis LR, 2nd ARAG Preis (1000 Guineas) G2), Donja (f Julio Mariner: 3rd Preis der Landeshauptstadt Munchen LR). Grandam of DENARO, DAVIDOFF, DUELLANT, DEAUVILLE, DOMINANTE, Dubai. Third dam of Dajolie.

Broodmare Sire: KONIGSSTUHL. Sire of the dams of 58 Stakes winners.

DON COSSACK br g 2007 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge SHOLOKHOV b 99 Lord Gayle La Meilleure Gradille Dschingis Khan Konigsstuhl Konigskronung DEPECHE TOI b/br 91 Sparkler Diaspora Diu

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Sir Gaylord Sticky Case Home Guard Gradiva Tamerlane Donna Diana Tiepoletto Kronung Hard Tack Diamond Spur Utrillo Didergo

See race 82 in the February issue 242 BETFRED MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 10. 5yo+. 25f.

1. SAPHIR DU RHEU (FR) 6 11-4 £50,793 gr g by Al Namix - Dona du Rheu (Dom Pasquini) O-The Stewart Family B-Mr C. Duval TR-Paul Nicholls 2. Carraig Mor (IRE) 7 11-4 £19,230 b g by Old Vic - Lynrick Lady (Un Desperado) O-Masterson Holdings Limited B-G. T. Greene TR-Alan King 3. Irish Saint (FR) 6 11-4 £9,699 b/br g by Saint des Saints - Minirose (Mansonnien) O-Mrs Johnny de la Hey B-S. C. E. A. Haras Du Ma TR-Paul Nicholls Margins 15, Head. Time 6:18.90. Going Good.

Age 3-6

Starts 16

Wins 7

Places 5

Earned £248,015

Sire: AL NAMIX. Sire of 9 Stakes winners.

1st Dam: Dona du Rheu by Dom Pasquini. unraced.

Dam of 3 winners: 2002: Tulipe du Rheu (f Phantom Breeze) unraced.

Broodmare.

2003: Bonheur du Rheu (c Dounba) ran on the flat in France and over jumps in France.

Bellypha Miss Carina Breton Lunadix Lutine Nureyev Lead On Time Alathea Barbare Daytona Dourdan Traffic Rheffic Rhenane La Varende Boursonne Arctic Star Busted Labus Cordovilla Mary Long Grass Dancing Lad Wish Trick Mendez

Linamix

DONA DU RHEU b 96 Ulaide

When Grandouet won the AES Champion 4YO Hurdle at the 2011 Punchestown festival, I warned that we were likely to hear more of his sire Al Namix. The prediction has come true thanks to his tough son Saphir du Rheu. Having become a Listed winner over hurdles as a five-year-old, this French-bred gelding has now become a Gr1 winner over fences in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase.

However, his transition to fences hasn’t been entirely smooth. After failing to finish in two of his first three starts over fences, the gelding was returned to hurdling with excellent results, defeating the redoubtable Reve de Sivola in the Gr2 Cleeve Hurdle before finding only Cole Harden too good for him in the Gr1 World Hurdle. It was therefore a bold decision to return him to steeplechasing, but the boldness was rewarded with a performance which bodes very well for Saphir du Rheu’s future.

Al Namix won three Listed races at up to 1,900 metres in a career that extended to 47 starts in six years on the track. His first crop, born in 2006, produced Solix, a Gr3 winner over hurdles in France, and the Gr2 winner Unmix has done well over fences for Al Namix. Remember the name, too, of Petit Mouchoir, winner of the Goffs Land Rover Bumper.

Dona du Rheu, the dam of Saphir du Rheu, won four times over fences in France, including three claiming races at Auteuil. She stayed two and a half miles and her son stays very well. Saphir du Rheu’s young halfbrother Ibis du Rheu has also been transferred to England after winning at Enghien, and another half-brother, Centaure du Rheu, was once second

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in a Gr3 chase at Auteuil. Dona du Rheu’s brother Ponte Novu won the Grande Course de Haies d’Enghien, and their dam, Ulaide, won over fences in France.

243 DOOM BAR SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 10. 4yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. THISTLECRACK (GB) 7 11-4 £56,437 b g by Kayf Tara - Ardstown (Ardross) O-John and Heather Snook B-Mr & Mrs R. F. Knipe TR-Colin Tizzard 2. Vyta du Roc (FR) 6 11-4 £21,367 gr g by Lion Noir - Dolce Vyta (Grand Tresor) O-Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B-Mr A. Le Gall TR-Nicky Henderson 3. Our Kaempfer (IRE) 6 11-4 £10,777 b g by Oscar - Gra-Bri (Rashar) O-Swanee River Partnership B-P. Hore TR-Charlie Longsdon Margins 13, 0.5. Time 6:04.10. Going Good to Soft.

Age 5-7

Starts 9

Wins 4

Places 2

Earned £87,999

Sire: KAYF TARA. Sire of 31 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - LIEUTENANT COLONEL Abou Zouz G1, SPECIAL TIARA Bob Back G1, THISTLECRACK Ardross G1, BLAKLION Legend of France G2, HAWKES POINT Be My Native G3, CAROLE’S DESTRIER Midnight Legend LR, LIFEBOAT MONA Astarabad LR, SIGN OF A VICTORY Bob Back LR, TARA POINT Terimon LR, TEA FOR TWO Tragic Role LR, THE GOVANESS Bob’s Return LR. 1st Dam: ARDSTOWN by Ardross. 4 wins over fences.

Dam of 3 winners: 2003: KENNEL BRIDGE (g Classic Cliche) 3 wins.

2005: Quick Approach (g Kayf Tara) unraced.

2007: Tiger Country (g Westerner) unraced.

2008: THISTLECRACK (g Kayf Tara) 4 wins, Doom Bar Sefton Novices’ Hurdle G1.

2010: WEST APPROACH (g Westerner) Winner of a N.H. Flat Race at 5.

2013: (f Kayf Tara) Broodmare Sire: ARDROSS. Sire of the dams of 29 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - THISTLECRACK Kayf Tara G1, ANNACOTTY Beneficial G3.

The Kayf Tara/Ardross cross has produced: THISTLECRACK G1, THE PACKAGE G3.

THISTLECRACK b g 2008 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge KAYF TARA b 94 High Top Colorspin Reprocolor Run The Gantlet Ardross Le Melody ARDSTOWN b 91 Master Owen Booterstown Vulgan’s Rose

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Derring-Do Camenae Jimmy Reppin Blue Queen Tom Rolfe First Feather Levmoss Arctic Melody Owen Tudor Miss Maisie Vulgan Nevada Rose

In taking sixth place on the 2014-15 leading sires’ list, Kayf Tara became the UK’s leading jumps sire for the sixth time. At the same time, he ranked fourth of the six sons of Sadler’s Wells who featured in the top ten. The Overbury resident owed his high position to the likes of Lieutenant Colonel, Special Tiara, Blaklion, Carole’s Destrier, Sign Of A Victory, Tea For Two, The Govaness, Hawkes Point, Tara Point, Lifeboat Mona and Thistlecrack, who became one of his three Gr1 winners when he took the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle.

Plenty of stamina is required to win the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, over an extended three miles. Kayf Tara

triumphed in two editions of the Gold Cup at Ascot, a race which was also won twice by Thistlecrack’s broodmare sire, Ardross. Ardross also made his mark during the 2014-15 season as the grandsire of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree.

Thistlecrack’s dam Ardstown won three times at around three miles in hunter chases before taking a handicap chase over the same distance at Newbury. She is also dam of Kennel Bridge, a short-lived but talented hurdler. Thistlecrack’s next two dams were daughters of Master Owen, a stallion responsible for jumpers of the calibre of The Mighty Mac, Master Monday, Master H, Master Spy and Artifice, and Vulgan, who found lasting fame as the sire of three Grand National winners.

244 DOOM BAR MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 11. 5yo+. 16f.

1. SIZING GRANITE (IRE) 7 11-4 £61,897 br g by Milan - Hazel’s Tisrara (Mandalus) O-Ann & Alan Potts Partnership B-T. Kelly TR-Henry de Bromhead 2. God’s Own (IRE) 7 11-4 £23,320 b g by Oscar - Dantes Term (Phardante) O-Crossed Fingers Partnership B-Mrs C. O’Driscoll TR-Tom George 3. Traffic Fluide (FR) 5 11-4 £11,671 b g by Astarabad - Petale Rouge (Bonnet Rouge) O-Galloping On The South Downs Partnership B-Mr Gaetan Gilles TR-Gary Moore Margins 1, 2.25. Time 3:50.20. Going Good.

Age 4-7

Starts 10

Wins 5

Places 2

Earned £98,382

Sire: MILAN. Sire of 21 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - APACHE STRONGHOLD Un Desperado G1, JEZKI Phardante G1, MARTELLO TOWER Zaffaran G1, SIZING GRANITE Mandalus G1, MISS XIAN Supreme Leader G2, SORT IT OUT Flemensfirth G2, DUKE OF LUCCA Be My Native LR. 1st Dam: HAZEL’S TISRARA by Mandalus. Winner over hurdles. Dam of 2 winners: 2003: Hazels Supreme (g Supreme Leader) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and ran twice over hurdles.

2004: DORANSFIRTH (f Flemensfirth) 2 wins over hurdles. Broodmare.

2005: Ballygar Star (g Fourstars Allstar) ran once over hurdles.

2008: SIZING GRANITE (g Milan) 5 wins, Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase G1.

2011: (g Oscar) 2012: (f Milan) 2014: (f Scorpion) Broodmare Sire: MANDALUS. Sire of the dams of 30 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - SIZING GRANITE Milan G1, SIZING EUROPE Pistolet Bleu G2.

The Milan/Mandalus cross has produced: SIZING GRANITE G1, Crash G2, Jupitor G3, Night In Milan LR.

SIZING GRANITE br g 2008 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge MILAN b 98 Darshaan Kithanga Kalata Mandamus Mandalus Laminate HAZEL’S TISRARA br 94 Deep Run My Deep Fort VII Fortrition

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Shirley Heights Delsy Assert Kalkeen Petition Great Fun Abernant Lamri Pampered King Trial By Fire David Jack Fortlet

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DATA BOOK STAKES RESULTS

National Hunt Grade 1s What could possibly have tempted owner Alan Potts to pay €68,000 for Sizing Granite, a three-year-old gelding by Milan out of Hazel’s Tisrara?

Well, he has enjoyed enormous success with Sizing Europe, who shares the same broodmare sire, Mandalus, as Sizing Granite and also enjoyed Gr3 success over hurdles and fences with Sizing Rio, another with a dam by Mandalus. The formula has worked again, with Sizing Granite winning the Maghull Novices’ Chase.

The very tough Mandalus carved out his name as a miler before showing surprising stamina over an extreme distance. Mandalus sired those good staying chasers Sir Rembrandt, Macgeorge and Henry Mann, and his daughters’ other good recent winners include Roberto Goldback, Powerstation, Get Me Out Of Here, Made In Taipan, Mount Oscar, Deep Trouble and The Disengager.

Sizing Granite’s dam Hazel’s Tisrara won a two-mile hurdle race at Ballinrobe. This family is registered in the Non T.B. Stud Book but each of the next three dams is by a top National Hunt stallion. Second dam My Deep Fort VII was by the manytimes champion sire Deep Run; third dam Fortrition was by David Jack, sire of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Davy Lad; and the next dam, Fortlet, was by Fortina, a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who sired two winners of the same race.

245 JUST EAT MERSEY NOVICES HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 11. 4yo+. 20f.

1. NICHOLS CANYON (GB) 5 11-4 £42,203 b g by Authorized - Zam Zoom (Dalakhani) O-Andrea & Graham Wylie B-Rabbah Bloodstock Limited TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Parlour Games (GB) 7 11-4 £15,900 ch g by Monsun - Petrushka (Unfuwain) O-Bloomfields B-Darley TR-John Ferguson 3. Three Musketeers (IRE) 5 11-4 £7,958 b g by Flemensfirth - Friendly Craic (Mister Lord) O-Mrs G. Widdowson & Mrs R. Kelvin-Hughes B-W. B. Mactaggart TR-Dan Skelton Margins 4.5, 7. Time 4:45.80. Going Good.

Age 2-5

Starts 17

Wins 8

Places 6

Earned £252,684

Sire: AUTHORIZED. Sire of 24 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - NICHOLS CANYON Dalakhani G1, BELTOR Danehill G2.

1st Dam: Zam Zoom by Dalakhani. unraced. Dam of 2 winners: 2010: NICHOLS CANYON (g Authorized) Sold 48,000gns yearling at TAOC3. 7 wins, Ascot Underwriting Noel Murless S LR, Prix Denisy LR, 2nd Worthington’s St Simon S G3, Tattersalls Ireland Champion Nov. Hurdle G1, JUST EAT Mersey Novices Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle G1, Deloitte Novice Hurdle G1, 3rd Neptune Investment Bingham Nov Hurdle G1.

2011: Bright Approach (f New Approach) Winner at 3, 3rd Weatherbys Private Banking Cheshire Oaks LR. 2012: (f Teofilo) 2014: (c Pivotal) 2nd Dam: Mantesera by In The Wings. unraced. Own sister to CLOUD CASTLE. Dam of NIDEEB (c Exceed And Excel: Sportingbet Supports Heros Winter Derby G3) Broodmare Sire: DALAKHANI. Sire of the dams of 6 Stakes winners.

90

NICHOLS CANYON b g 2010

WHISPER b g 2008

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Top Ville Floripedes Toute Cy Rainbow Quest Saumarez Fiesta Fun Lyphard Vallee Dansante Green Valley Shirley Heights Darshaan Delsy Miswaki Daltawa Damana Sadler’s Wells In The Wings High Hawk Lucayan Princess High Line Gay France Sadler’s Wells

Montjeu AUTHORIZED b 04 Funsie

Dalakhani ZAM ZOOM gr 05 Mantesera

See race 166 in the April issue 246 SILVER CROSS STAYERS’ LIVERPOOL HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 11. 4yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. WHISPER (FR) 7 11-7 £67,582 b g by Astarabad - Belle Yepa (Mansonnien) O-Walters Plant Hire Ltd B-H. & S. Hosselet TR-Nicky Henderson 2. Cole Harden (IRE) 6 11-7 £25,498 b g by Westerner - Nosie Betty (Alphabatim) O-Mrs Jill Eynon & Mr Robin Eynon B-Mrs J. O’Callaghan TR-Warren Greatrex 3. Un Temps Pour Tout (IRE) 6 11-7 £12,790 b g by Robin des Champs - Rougedespoir (Bonnet Rouge) O-Professor Caroline Tisdall & Bryan Drew B-Mr F. Talbot TR-David Pipe Margins 3.5, 6. Time 5:58.50. Going Good.

Age 4-7

Starts 15

Wins 8

Places 6

Earned £237,189

Sire: ASTARABAD. Sire of 15 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - WHISPER Mansonnien G1, CHELTENIAN Mansonnien G2, ROYAL ASTARANIA Villez G2, AMIRANDE Carmont LR, CAYO DE PAIL Villez LR, RASANGO Nikos LR, UN SEUL REGARD Cyborg LR. 1st Dam: Belle Yepa by Mansonnien. 2 wins over jumps in France, 2nd Prix Finot Hurdle (fillies) LR. Dam of 4 winners: 2003: Asta Belle (f Astarabad) unraced.

Broodmare.

2004: Mexcala (f Astarabad). Broodmare.

2005: CHUCHOTEUSE (f Astarabad) 8 wins over jumps in France, Prix de Besancon Hurdle LR (twice), 3rd Prix Leopold d’Orsetti d’Enghien Hurdle G3.

2006: TAZZARINE (f Astarabad) Winner of a N.H. Flat Race. Broodmare.

2007: AFRICANERS (c Risk Seeker) 2 wins over jumps in 2014 in France.

2008: WHISPER (g Astarabad) Sold 41,608gns yearling at AROCT. 8 wins, Silver Cross Stayers’ Liverpool Hurdle G1 (twice), Coral Cup H. Hurdle G3.

2009: Witness (g Astarabad) 2010: Dotchenka (f Astarabad) ran over jumps in France.

2012: Femme En Oir (f Astarabad) unraced to date.

2013: Mont Lachaux (c Astarabad) unraced to date.

2014: La Hulpe (f No Risk At All) 2nd Dam: GRANDE YEPA by Yelapa. 3 wins over jumps in France. Dam of Kassaboum (f Double Bed: 2nd Prix Melisande LR), SUBEHARGUES (g Mansonnien: Prix Fleuret Chase G3, P. du Pres. de la Republique H’cp Chase G3, 2nd Prix Jean Stern Steeplechase G2, 3rd P.Maurice Gillois 4yo Grand Steeplechase G1), CUTTY SARK MEMORY (g Un Kopeck: Grand Prix d’Automne H. Hurdle LR, Prix Jacques d’Indy Hurdle LR), Belle Yepa (f Mansonnien, see above), Esterama (f Tip Moss: 3rd Prix Wild Monarch Hurdle (fillies) LR), Grand Art (c Mansonnien: 3rd Prix Wild Monarch Hurdle (c&g) LR). Grandam of Paladio. Third dam of Rick.

Hoist The Flag Alleged Princess Pout ASTARABAD b 94 Darshaan Anaza Azaarika Tip Moss Mansonnien Association BELLE YEPA ch 96 Yelapa Grande Yepa Grande Marque

Tom Rolfe Wavy Navy Prince John Determined Lady Shirley Heights Delsy Ribero Arcana Luthier Top Twig Margouillat La Soupe Mossborough Your Point Tombeur La Grandeur

Having been beaten at odds of 2-5 on his debut over fences, Whisper was promptly returned to the smaller obstacles and he justified this retrograde move by taking the Aintree’s Stayers’ Hurdle for the second successive year.

It isn’t surprising that Whisper stays so well. His sire Astarabad won the 1998 Prix Ganay, having finished third to Peintre Celebre in the previous year’s Prix du Jockey-Club. More to the point, Astarabad was a son of Alleged, the dual Arc winner who made a considerable impact on the National Hunt world through stallion sons such as Flemensfirth, Montelimar, Shantou, Religiously, Alesso, Jurado, Husyan and Leading Counsel. Between them they sired winners of the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup, Scottish National etc.

Astarabad’s contribution includes Questarabad, who landed the Grande Course de Haies (French Champion Hurdle), and the French mare Royal Astarania, whose successes include the Gr2 Prix Murat over fences in 2015. Astarabad has also been ably represented in Britain by Cheltenian (Weatherbys Champion Bumper and Scottish Champion Hurdle), Gaspara (Imperial Cup), the promising Traffic Fluide, Green Belt Elite and Prince Taime.

Whisper’s dam Belle Yepa is a sister to Subehargues, a smart staying chaser in France. She is by Mansonnien, as are the dams of Cheltenian and the useful performers Rick and Arturio. Mansonnien is well known in Britain and Ireland as the sire of Golden Silver, J’y Vole, Taranis, Marasonnien and Mansony.

Other good recent winners out of Mansonnien mares include Bostons Angel (Gr1 RSA Chase), Irish Saint (a Gr2 winner over hurdles and fences), Aubusson, Vino Griego and the French Graded chase winners Bebe Star and Net Lovely. Whisper’s dam won over hurdles at Enghien and Auteuil. Whisper is the fifth of her nine foals by Astarabad, easily best of the others being Chuchoteuse, a Listed winner over hurdles at Enghien.

Broodmare Sire: MANSONNIEN. Sire of the dams of 18 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - WHISPER Astarabad G1, CHELTENIAN Astarabad G2, IRISH SAINT Saint des Saints G2, AUBUSSON Ballingarry G3, JEMY BAIE Crillon LR, SO FRENCH Poliglote LR.

SANDOWN PARK. Apr 25. 5yo+. 16f.

The Astarabad/Mansonnien cross has produced: CHELTENIAN G1, WHISPER G1, Rick G2, CHUCHOTEUSE G3.

1. SPECIAL TIARA (GB) 8 11-7 £71,188 b g by Kayf Tara - Special Choice (Bob Back) O-Mrs S. Rowley-Williams B-D. E. M. Young TR-Henry de Bromhead

247 BET365 A P MCCOY CELEBRATION CHASE G1

2. Sprinter Sacre (FR) 9 11-7 £26,713 b/br g by Network - Fatima III (Bayolidaan) O-Mrs Caroline Mould B-Mr C. Masle TR-Nicky Henderson 3. Mr Mole (IRE) 7 11-7 £13,375 br g by Great Pretender - Emmylou du Berlais (Kadalko) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Mrs H. Baird TR-Paul Nicholls Margins 6, 3.75. Time 3:48.50. Going Good.

Age 4-8

Starts 21

Wins 5

Places 12

Earned £269,234

Sire: KAYF TARA. Sire of 31 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - LIEUTENANT COLONEL Abou Zouz G1, SPECIAL TIARA Bob Back G1, THISTLECRACK Ardross G1, BLAKLION Legend of France G2, HAWKES POINT Be My Native G3, CAROLE’S DESTRIER Midnight Legend LR, LIFEBOAT MONA Astarabad LR, SIGN OF A VICTORY Bob Back LR, TARA POINT Terimon LR, TEA FOR TWO Tragic Role LR, THE GOVANESS Bob’s Return LR. 1st Dam: Special Choice by Bob Back. unraced.

Dam of 1 winner: 2007: SPECIAL TIARA (g Kayf Tara) 5 wins, John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase G1, Bet365 A P McCoy Celebration Chase G1, williamhill.com Desert Orchid Chase G2, 2nd Buck House Novice Chase G3, 3rd Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase G1, Ryanair Colliers Novice Chase G1, bet365.com Celebration Chase G1, Shloer Chase LR. 2011: Special Diamond (f Kayf Tara) unraced.

2014: (c Kayf Tara) Broodmare Sire: BOB BACK. Sire of the dams of 23 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - SPECIAL TIARA Kayf Tara G1, FREE EXPRESSION Germany G2, MANY CLOUDS Cloudings G2, CARRIGMOORNA ROCK King’s Theatre G3, LYRICAL THEATRE King’s Theatre LR, SIGN OF A VICTORY Kayf Tara LR, THE ROMFORD PELE Accordion LR. The Kayf Tara/Bob Back cross has produced: SPECIAL TIARA G1, SIGN OF A VICTORY G2.

SPECIAL TIARA b g 2007 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge KAYF TARA b 94 High Top Colorspin Reprocolor Roberto Bob Back Toter Back SPECIAL CHOICE b 02 Mandalus Mammy’s Choice Liffey’s Choice

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Derring-Do Camenae Jimmy Reppin Blue Queen Hail To Reason Bramalea Carry Back Romantic Miss Mandamus Laminate Little Buskins Nenagh Belle

The last time Special Tiara’s pedigree was reviewed in these pages, I commented that “just about everything about the gelding’s pedigree shouts ‘stayer’.”

However, he has now raced 20 times under rules and he is still racing mainly over the minimum distance of two miles. His connections were once again proved right when he landed his second Gr1 success over two miles, this time in the AP McCoy Celebration Chase.

Special Tiara’s latest success was the last of a long line of black-type victories for the progeny of the dual Gold Cup winner Kayf Tara during the 2014-15 season. Although the likes of Lieutenant Colonel, Thistlecrack, Carole’s Destrier, Blaklion and Hawkes Point shone at three miles or more, Special Tiara wasn’t the only one who showed speed in excess of stamina. Interestingly, the other good example of a speedier type of Kayf Tara was the smart hurdler Sign Of A

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Caulfield on Felix Yonger: “His first Grade 1 success, in the BoyleSports Champion Chase, was well deserved, as he had previously won four Grade 2s over hurdles and fences”

Victory, who shares the same broodmare sire, Bob Back, as Special Tiara.

Oddly, stamina has also been one of the main assets of Bob Back’s stock. Bobs Worth won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and many of Bob Back’s other top winners have won over three miles or more, including Back In Front, Burton Port, Bacchanal, Roberto Goldback and Rare Bob. We have also seen a daughter of Bob Back produce the stamina-packed Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised.

Special Tiara’s second dam Mammy’s Choice won three chases, at up to an extended three and a quarter miles, and has also produced the King’s Theatre mare Royal Choice, a Listed winner over fences.

Mammy’s Choice’s sire, the versatile Mandalus, was once third in the Queen Alexandra Stakes over two and three-quarter miles.

The next dam, the winning hurdler Liffey’s Choice, was by Little Buskins, a winner of the Great Metropolitan Handicap over two and a quarter miles.

248 BOYLESPORTS DROGHEDA CHAMPION CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 28. 5yo+. 16f.

1. FELIX YONGER (IRE) 9 11-12 £93,023 b g by Oscar - Marble Sound (Be My Native) O-Andrea & Graham Wylie B-J. Brophy TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Baily Green (IRE) 9 11-12 £29,457 b g by King’s Theatre - Dream On Boys (Anshan) O-R. A. Scott B-Dream On Boys Syndicate TR-M. F. Morris 3. Hidden Cyclone (IRE) 10 11-12 £13,953 b g by Stowaway - Hurricane Debbie (Shahanndeh) O-Mrs A. F. Mee & David Mee B-R. O’Neill TR-John Joseph Hanlon Margins 0.5, 16. Time 4:06.60. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-9

Starts 20

Wins 10

Places 8

Earned £277,394

Sire: OSCAR. Sire of 55 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - FELIX YONGER Be My Native G1, MALLOWNEY Buckskin G1, GALLANT OSCAR Supreme Leader G2, GOD’S OWN Phardante G2, ROCK ON RUBY Tirol G2, MISTY LADY Topanoora G3, OSCAR TIME Supreme Leader G3, SPLASH OF GINGE Supreme Leader G3, SNAKE EYES Be My Native LR. 1st Dam: Marble Sound by Be My Native. ran a few times in N.H. Flat Races and ran once over hurdles.

Dam of 2 winners: 2002: My Valley (f Saddlers’ Hall) 8 wins, 2nd EBF Scarvagh House Stud Novice Hurdle G3.

Broodmare.

2003: Valleyboggan (f Saddlers’ Hall). Broodmare.

2006: FELIX YONGER (g Oscar) 10 wins, paddypower.com Johnstown Novice Hurdle G2, 2nd Neptune Investment Bingham Nov Hurdle G1, Boylesports Drogheda Champion Chase G1, Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase G2, Madigans Bars Craddockstown Nov. Chase G2, Webster Cup An Uaimh Chase G2, 2nd Frank Ward Arkle Challenge Cup Nov.Chase G1, Greenmount Park Novice Chase G2, Poplar Square Chase G3.

2007: (g Gold Well) 2008: Ballycloven Oscar (f Oscar) unraced.

2009: Summer Sounds (g Definite Article) 2011: Marble Memory (f Fruits of Love) unraced.

2012: (c Dubai Destination) Broodmare Sire: BE MY NATIVE. Sire of the dams of 46 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - BELLSHILL King’s Theatre G1, FELIX YONGER Oscar G1, GILGAMBOA Westerner G1, HAWKES POINT Kayf Tara G3, MORNING RUN King’s Theatre G3, WHAT A WARRIOR Westerner G3.

The Oscar/Be My Native cross has produced: FELIX YONGER G1, OSCAR REBEL G2, Civena G2, SNAKE EYES LR.

2007: 2009:

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge OSCAR b 94 Reliance II Snow Day Vindaria Our Native Be My Native Witchy Woman MARBLE SOUND b 93 Corvaro Corvally Allorette

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Tantieme Relance III Roi Dagobert Heavenly Body Exclusive Native Our Jackie Strate Stuff Witchy Norma Vaguely Noble Delmora Ballymore Alcidette

Bearing in mind that the very prolific Be My Native landed four consecutive sires’ championships at the start of the century, it is to be expected that his broodmare daughters are destined to shine. They have recently enjoyed Gr1 success over fences with Gilgamboa and Felix Yonger, with What A Warrior, Hawkes Point, Morning Run, Native River and Snake Eyes also enjoying black-type success.

Felix Yonger’s first Gr1 success, in the BoyleSports Champion Chase, was well deserved, as he had previously won four Gr2 contests over hurdles and fences. He has been very consistent over fences, with his 12 starts yielding seven wins, three seconds and two fourths.

Felix Yonger is by Oscar, a son of Sadler’s Wells, and his dam Marble Sound produced the useful mare My Valley to Saddlers’ Hall. Oscar sires a wide range of winners, with Felix Yonger belonging to the speedier end of the spectrum. He rarely tackles more than two and a half miles and his Gr1 win came over two.

Interestingly, Oscar’s other good performers out of Be My Native mares include the useful hurdler Never Enough Time and the Listed winner Snake Eyes, both of whom do most of their racing at around two miles. It appears to be relevant that Be My Native was fast enough to be second in the Dewhurst Stakes as a two-year-old.

249 GROWISE ELLIER CHAMPION NOVICE CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 28. 5yo+. 25f.

1. VALSEUR LIDO (FR) 6 11-10 £44,186 b g by Anzillero - Libido Rock (Video Rock) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-M. Contignon & Mme N. Contignon TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Wounded Warrior (IRE) 6 11-10 £13,992 b g by Shantou - Sparkling Sword (Broadsword) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Mr S. Lanigan-O’Keeffe TR-Noel Meade 3. Apache Stronghold (IRE) 7 11-10 £6,628 b g by Milan - First Battle (Un Desperado) O-Mrs Patricia Hunt B-J. Robinson TR-Noel Meade Margins 2.25, 1.5. Time 6:26.80. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 3-6

Starts 13

Wins 7

Places 3

Earned £179,165

1st Dam: Libido Rock by Video Rock. Dam of 2 winners:

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PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 29. 5yo+. 25f.

Broodmare Sire: VIDEO ROCK. Sire of the dams of 16 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - VALSEUR LIDO Anzillero G1, AS DE MEE Kapgarde G3, RAMEUR Shaanmer G3, VENT SOMBRE Network G3.

VALSEUR LIDO b g 2009

Age 4-8

2010: 2012: 2014:

Alleged Law Society Bold Bikini ANZILLERO b 97 Plugged Nickle Anzille Allegretta No Lute Video Rock Pauvresse LIBIDO ROCK b 99 Laostic Vhiltida Hilda du Roy

Hoist The Flag Princess Pout Boldnesian Ran-Tan Key To The Mint Toll Booth Lombard Anatevka Luthier Prudent Miss Home Guard Misoptimist Dictus Djemona Roalty Miss Corso

See race 45 in the January issue 250 HERALD CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 28. 5yo+. 16f.

1. DOUVAN (FR) 5 11-12 £44,186 b g by Walk In The Park - Star Face (Saint des Saints) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-S.A.R.L. Haras de La Faisanderie TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Sizing John (GB) 5 11-12 £13,992 b g by Midnight Legend - La Perrotine (Northern Crystal) O-Ann & Alan Potts Partnership B-Dr B. & S. Mayoh TR-Henry de Bromhead 3. Blair Perrone (IRE) 6 11-12 £6,628 b g by Rudimentary - Stonehallqueen (King’s Ride) O-Mr John Breslin B-J. Moran TR-A. J. Martin Margins 7.5, 8. Time 4:01.30. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-5

Starts 6

Wins 5

Places 1

Earned £153,156

Sire: WALK IN THE PARK. Sire of 2 Stakes winners.

1st Dam: Star Face by Saint des Saints. unraced. Dam of 1 winner: 2010: DOUVAN (g Walk In The Park) 5 wins, Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle G1, Herald Champion Novice Hurdle G1, sportinglife.com Moscow Flyer Nov.Hurdle G2.

Broodmare Sire: SAINT DES SAINTS. Sire of the dams of 2 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - DOUVAN Walk In The Park G1, CROSS IN HAND Silver Cross LR.

DOUVAN b g 2010

Starts 21

Wins 12

Places 6

Earned £465,225

Sire: SHOLOKHOV. Sire of 20 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - DON COSSACK Konigsstuhl G1, ABAKAHN Dashing Blade LR. 1st Dam: DEPECHE TOI by Konigsstuhl. 2 wins at 3 in West Germany. Dam of 6 winners: 1996: Demetrius (c Polish Precedent) 1997: DUBAI DANCER (g Lando) 3 wins.

1998: DUBAI DIVA (f Unfuwain) 3 wins at 3 in Germany. Broodmare. Dam of Dubai Star (c Lord of England: 3 wins over jumps in France, 2nd Prix Aguado Hurdle LR) 1999: Dendera (f Lando) ran on the flat in Germany and over jumps in Germany.

2000: DABOYA (f Hernando) Winner at 4 in France.

Broodmare.

2001: DUBAI KING (g Dashing Blade) 2 wins.

2002: Dubai Perle (f Sagamix) ran on the flat in France.

2003: Don Corleone (c Tiger Hill) 2004: DIAMOND KING (c Dashing Blade) Winner at 4 in Czech Republic.

2007: DON COSSACK (g Sholokhov) 12 wins, Irish Form Future Chpns Pro-Am Flat Race G2, 2nd Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle G2, 3rd paddypower.com Johnstown Novice Hurdle G2, Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase G1, John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase G1, Betfred Melling Chase G1, Bibby Punchestown Gold Cup Chase G1, Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Chase G2, Powers Irish Whiskey Skymas Chase G2, Star Best For Racing Carvills Hill Chase G3, 2nd Betfred Mildmay Novices’ Chase G1, Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase G1, Dobbins Catering Florida Pearl Nov. Chase G2, 3rd Ryanair Festival Trophy Chase G1.

2nd Dam: Diaspora by Sparkler. 2 wins at 2 and 3 in West Germany, 2nd Schwarzgold-Rennen (1000 Guineas) G3. Dam of DAPPRIMA (f Shareef Dancer: Everest TV Fruhjahrs Stuten Preis LR, 2nd ARAG Preis (1000 Guineas) G2), Donja (f Julio Mariner: 3rd Preis der Landeshauptstadt Munchen LR).

Grandam of DENARO, DAVIDOFF, DUELLANT, DEAUVILLE, DOMINANTE, Dubai. Third dam of Dajolie.

Broodmare Sire: KONIGSSTUHL. Sire of the dams of 58 Stakes winners.

DON COSSACK br g 2007 Sadler’s Wells

Montjeu Floripedes WALK IN THE PARK b 02 Robellino Classic Park Wanton Cadoudal Saint des Saints Chamisene STAR FACE b 04 Saint Preuil Folie Star Gate

Sire: ANZILLERO. Sire of 2 Stakes winners.

251 BIBBY PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP CHASE G1 1. DON COSSACK (GER) 8 11-10 £93,023 br g by Sholokhov - Depeche Toi (Konigsstuhl) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Gestut Etzean TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Djakadam (FR) 6 11-10 £29,457 b g by Saint des Saints - Rainbow Crest (Baryshnikov) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Mr R. Corveller TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Road To Riches (IRE) 8 11-10 £13,953 b g by Gamut - Bellora (Over The River) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Sunnyhill Stud TR-Noel Meade Margins 7, 6.5. Time 6:22.10.

Going Good to Yielding.

FELIX YONGER b g 2006 Sadler’s Wells

TANGO LIDO (c Ungaro) 7 wins over jumps at 4 to 8, 2015 in France.

VALSEUR LIDO (g Anzillero) 7 wins, Rathbarry Hardy Eustace Novice Hurdle G2, 2nd Herald Champion Novice Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase G1, Growise Ellier Champion Novice Chase G1, 2nd Flogas Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase G1, 3rd JLT Golden Miller Novices’ Chase G1.

A Cappella Lido (f Fragrant Mix) unraced.

Cadence Lido (f Fragrant Mix). unraced to date, , died as a yearling.

Electro Lido (c Voix du Nord)

Miss French

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Top Ville Toute Cy Roberto Isobelline Kris Brazen Faced Green Dancer Come To Sea Pharly Tuneria Dom Pasquini Montecha Mistigri Lise Belle

See race 202 in the May issue

Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge SHOLOKHOV b 99 Lord Gayle La Meilleure Gradille Dschingis Khan Konigsstuhl Konigskronung DEPECHE TOI b/br 91 Sparkler Diaspora Diu

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Sir Gaylord Sticky Case Home Guard Gradiva Tamerlane Donna Diana Tiepoletto Kronung Hard Tack Diamond Spur Utrillo Didergo

See race 82 in the February issue

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DATA BOOK STAKES RESULTS

National Hunt Grade 1s 252 IRISH DAILY MIRROR NOVICE HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 29. 4yo+. 24f.

1. KILLULTAGH VIC (IRE) 6 11-10 £44,186 b g by Old Vic - Killultagh Dawn (Phardante) O-Rose Boyd/B.Anderson/Mrs M.Armstrong B-Mr F. Boyd TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Thistlecrack (GB) 7 11-10 £13,992 b g by Kayf Tara - Ardstown (Ardross) O-John and Heather Snook B-Mr & Mrs R. F. Knipe TR-Colin Tizzard 3. Shaneshill (IRE) 6 11-10 £6,628 b g by King’s Theatre - Darabaka (Doyoun) O-Andrea & Graham Wylie B-Mr D. Johnson TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 0.5, 8.5. Time 6:08.80. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-6

Starts 11

Wins 5

Places 4

Earned £106,771

Sire: OLD VIC. Sire of 56 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - KILLULTAGH VIC Phardante G1, CARRAIG MOR Un Desperado G2, LEAN ARAIG Orchestra G2, PRINCESS LEYA Key of Luck G2, VICS CANVAS Welsh Term G2.

1st Dam: Killultagh Dawn by Phardante. Dam of 3 winners: 2006: Butney Boy (g Posidonas) 2007: Lily Waugh (f King’s Theatre) 3 wins, 2nd Ukash Mares’ Standard Open NH. Flat Race LR, 3rd EBF Stallions & TBA Mares’ Nov. Hurdle LR, 2nd EBF/TBA Mares’ Novice H. Chase LR. 2008: KILLULTAGH SARAH (f Definite Article) Winner over hurdles at 6.

2009: KILLULTAGH VIC (g Old Vic) 5 wins, Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle G1, 2nd Sky Supreme Trial Kennel Gate Nov.Hurdle G2, 3rd Lacy Solicitors Golden Cygnet Nov.Hurdle G2.

Broodmare Sire: PHARDANTE. Sire of the dams of 48 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - JEZKI Milan G1, KILLULTAGH VIC Old Vic G1, L’AMI SERGE King’s Theatre G1, GOD’S OWN Oscar G2.

The Old Vic/Phardante cross has produced: CHELSEA HARBOUR G1, KILLULTAGH VIC G1, SNOOPY LOOPY G1.

KILLULTAGH VIC b g 2009 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge OLD VIC b 86 Derring-Do Cockade Camenae Pharly Phardante Pallante KILLULTAGH DAWN b 98 Kemal Rostrevor Lady Xandor

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Darius Sipsey Bridge Vimy Madrilene Lyphard Comely Taj Dewan Cavadonga Armistice Ilrem Songedor Alexandretta

The last sizeable crop by Old Vic popped into the world in 2009, so there won’t be many more opportunities for this former champion sire to add to his long list of high-earning chasers, which features the likes of Kicking King, Our Vic, Comply Or Die, Racing Demon, Don’t Push It, Snoopy Loopy and Sunnyhillboy.

Fortunately that 2009 crop has already produced one very good prospect in Killultagh Vic, a game winner of the Gr1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle. The gelding’s record now stands at five wins from ten starts under rules, and he is likely to prove even more effective over fences.

With Old Vic as his sire and a dam

92

by Phardante, Killultagh Vic is bred to the same pattern as Snoopy Loopy and Chelsea Harbour.

Snoopy Loopy landed the Gr1 Betfair Chase at Haydock over three miles, while the Gr2 winner Chelsea Harbour scored at up to three and a half miles, so it is no surprise really that Killultagh Vic’s first ever Gr1 success came after he was stepped up to three miles from shorter distances.

Killultagh Dawn, the dam of Killultagh Vic, was only placed over hurdles but her half-brother Killultagh Storm was very useful over hurdles and fences in Ireland.

Their dam Rostrevor Lady scored over both hurdles and fences, showing plenty of stamina, as did her brother, the staying chaser Crawford Says.

253 ATTHERACES.COM CHAMPION INH FLAT RACE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 29. 4-7yof&g. 16f.

1. BELLSHILL (IRE) 5 12-0 £44,186 b g by King’s Theatre - Fairy Native (Be My Native) O-Andrea & Graham Wylie B-F. Motherway TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Disko (IRE) b f by Kodiac - Dissonance (Rossini) O-Owner Not Registered B-Mr P. Cassidy TR-Daniel Kubler 3. Modus (GB) 5 12-0 £6,628 ch g by Motivator - Alessandra (Generous) O-Mr D. J. Deer B-Mr & Mrs D. J. Deer TR-Robert Stephens Margins 3.25, 0.75. Time 4:03.60. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-5

Starts 6

Wins 2

Places 3

Earned £56,326

Sire: KING’S THEATRE. Sire of 77 Stakes winners.

NH in 2014/15 - BELLSHILL Be My Native G1, CARLINGFORD LOUGH Furry Glen G1, GLENS MELODY Orchestra G1, L’AMI SERGE Phardante G1, BALBRIGGAN Presenting G2, GLINGERBURN Broken Hearted G2, LITTLE KING ROBIN Robin des Champs G2, MENORAH Strong Gale G2, SHANESHILL Doyoun G2, SOUTHFIELD THEATRE Garde Royale G2, THE NEW ONE Turgeon G2.

1st Dam: Fairy Native by Be My Native. ran twice in N.H. Flat Races and ran once over hurdles. Dam of 4 winners: 2003: Havajar (g Supreme Leader) unraced.

2004: IN THE ZONE (g Bob Back) 3 wins.

2005: Up And Away (g Saddlers’ Hall) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and ran twice over hurdles.

2006: FOXBRIDGE (g King’s Theatre) 4 wins.

2007: Bella Venezia (f Milan) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and ran a few times over hurdles.

Broodmare.

2009: CHIEFTAIN’S CHOICE (g King’s Theatre) 3 wins.

2010: BELLSHILL (g King’s Theatre) 2 wins in N.H. Flat Races at 4 and 5, attheraces.com Champion INH Flat Race G1, 2nd Weatherbys Champion Open NH. Flat Race G2.

2011: Fairy Theatre (f King’s Theatre) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race.

2013: (f Presenting) 2014: (f Stowaway) Broodmare Sire: BE MY NATIVE. Sire of the dams of 46 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - BELLSHILL King’s Theatre G1, FELIX YONGER Oscar G1, GILGAMBOA Westerner G1, HAWKES POINT Kayf Tara G3, MORNING RUN King’s Theatre G3, WHAT A WARRIOR Westerner G3.

The King’s Theatre/Be My Native cross has produced: BELLSHILL G1, MORNING RUN G3, Stephanie Kate G3, Dorabelle LR.

BELLSHILL b g 2010 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge KING’S THEATRE b 91 Princely Native Regal Beauty Dennis Belle Our Native Be My Native Witchy Woman FAIRY NATIVE b 98 The Parson Amy Fairy Copp On

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Raise A Native Charlo Crafty Admiral Evasion Exclusive Native Our Jackie Strate Stuff Witchy Norma Aureole Bracey Bridge Menelek Stroll On

Unsurprisingly, sons of Sadler’s Wells were strongly represented in the Champion INH Flat Race, with High Chaparral, Galileo and King’s Theatre all having fancied contenders. Victory went to the last-named, via his son Bellshill, who followed in the footsteps of another of King’s Theatre’s sons, the 2014 winner Shaneshill.

Bellshill has a traditional Irish National Hunt pedigree, with his first four dams being daughters of the highly successful jumping stallions Be My Native, The Parson, Menelek and Vulgan. His dam Fairy Native never won but her dam Amy Fairy was a fairly useful hurdler who went on to win twice over fences. Amy Fairy also had the distinction of being a halfsister to Steal On, a General Ironside mare who found fame as the dam of One Man. This outstanding chaser’s numerous victories included the Queen Mother Champion Chase and two strikes in the King George VI Chase.

Bellshill’s third dam Copp On was a sister to Persian Wanderer, a winner of the Power Gold Cup, and his fourth dam, Stroll On, was a half-sister to Royal Alliance, dam of the high-class chaser Royal Bond and the top hunter-chaser Matchboard.

Matchboard in turn became the second dam of the Champion Hurdle winners Morley Street and Granville Again.

A background of this quality suggests that Bellshill will have every chance of transferring his smart form to hurdles and eventually fences.

254 LADBROKE WORLD SERIES TIPPERKEVIN HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 30. 4yo+. 24f.

1. JEZKI (IRE) 7 11-10 £93,023 b g by Milan - La Noire (Phardante) O-Mr John P. McManus B-G. M. McGrath TR-Mrs J. Harrington 2. Hurricane Fly (IRE) 11 11-10 £29,457 b g by Montjeu - Scandisk (Kenmare) O-George Creighton & Mrs Rose Boyd B-Agricola Del Parco SS TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Zabana (IRE) 6 11-10 £13,953 ch g by Halling - Gandia (Danehill) O-Mr C. Jones B-Old Carhue & Graeng Bloodstock TR-Andrew Lynch Margins 1.75, 8. Time 5:51.90. Going Yielding.

Age 4-7

Starts 22

Wins 13

Places 7

Earned £856,655

Sire: MILAN. Sire of 21 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - APACHE STRONGHOLD Un Desperado G1, JEZKI Phardante G1, MARTELLO TOWER Zaffaran G1, SIZING GRANITE Mandalus G1, MISS XIAN Supreme Leader G2, SORT IT OUT Flemensfirth G2, DUKE OF LUCCA Be My Native LR.

1st Dam: La Noire by Phardante. Dam of 4 winners: 2002: JERED (g Presenting) 7 wins, vcbet.com Champion Novice Hurdle G1, 3rd Maplewood Developments Morgiana Hurdle G1, 3rd Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase G1.

2003: Miss Squiff (f Saddlers’ Hall) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and over hurdles. Broodmare.

2004: Joe Pye (g Saddlers’ Hall) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and over hurdles.

2005: JETSON (g Oscar) 6 wins, Ladbroke World Series Tipperkevin Hurdle G1, 2nd Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1, Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle G1.

2007: JENARI (g Milan) 4 wins, 3rd betchronicle.com Champion INH Flat Race G1, Coolmore NH Sires Festival Nov. Hurdle G2.

2008: JEZKI (g Milan) 13 wins, Stan James Champion Chall.Trophy Hurdle G1, Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle G1, Ladbroke World Series Tipperkevin Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1, Herald Champion Novice Hurdle G1, Paddy Power Future Chmpions Nov. Hurdle G1, Racing Post Punchestown Champion Hurdle G1, WKD Core Hurdle G2, Fishery Lane Hurdle G3, 2nd stanjames.com Morgiana Hurdle G1, Ryanair December Hurdle G1 (twice), 3rd BHP Insurances Champion Hurdle G1, William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle G1.

2009: Jeree (f Flemensfirth) unraced. Broodmare.

2011: Jett (g Flemensfirth) 2012: Jelan (f Milan) unraced to date.

Broodmare Sire: PHARDANTE. Sire of the dams of 48 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - JEZKI Milan G1, KILLULTAGH VIC Old Vic G1, L’AMI SERGE King’s Theatre G1, GOD’S OWN Oscar G2.

The Milan/Phardante cross has produced: DOUBLE SEVEN G1, JENARI G1, JEZKI G1, Taraval G3, Dursey Sound LR.

JEZKI b g 2008 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge MILAN b 98 Darshaan Kithanga Kalata Pharly Phardante Pallante LA NOIRE b 95 Deep Run Arctic Run Arctic Rhapsody

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Shirley Heights Delsy Assert Kalkeen Lyphard Comely Taj Dewan Cavadonga Pampered King Trial By Fire Bargello Arctic Blaze

On a 2014-15 leading sires’ list jampacked with sons of Sadler’s Wells, Milan had the distinction of being the highest-placed living son of the great stallion. In finishing third behind King’s Theatre, who died in 2011, Milan built an impressive team of Gr1 winners, featuring Jezki, Apache Stronghold, Sizing Granite, Martello Tower and Beat That.

Milan’s fee in 2015 is €6,500, which makes him the third-highestpriced stallion on the Coolmore National Hunt roster, behind Flemensfirth (€10,000) and Oscar (€7,500).

Milan, of course, was very well qualified to become a leading sire, as he had won the Great Voltigeur and St Leger in 2001, when he also went close to winning the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Jezki looked likely to become hurdling’s dominant force when he followed up his 2014 Champion Hurdle victory with a more decisive

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Jun_130_DataBook_Layout 1 22/05/2015 12:33 Page 93

Caulfield on Jezki: “He’s one of several good performers sired by Milan from daughters of St Leger second Phardante, others being Jenari, Double Seven, Malt Master and Dursey Sound”

success in the equivalent race at Punchestown. Surprisingly a sequence of four defeats followed when Jezki returned to action in the autumn, but a move up to longer distances saw a revived Jezki triumph in the Aintree Hurdle and World Series Hurdle.

Together with his brother Jenari, the very useful chaser Double Seven and the useful performers Malt Master and Dursey Sound, Jezki is one of several good performers sired

by Milan from daughters of the St Leger second Phardante. Daughters of Phardante have also done well with several other sons of Sadler’s Wells, such as Oscar (sire of Oscar Whisky, Oscar Dan Dan, Jetson and God’s Own), Old Vic (Snoopy Loopy, Killultagh Vic and Chelsea Harbour) and King’s Theatre (L’Ami Serge).

Jezki’s dam La Noire excelled as a producer, and her family has made a huge impact on the Punchestown festival. In addition to her good winners by Milan, she produced Jered, a Presenting gelding who numbered the Gr1 Champion Novice Hurdle among his Graded wins, and Jetson, an Oscar gelding who defeated Quevega in the 2014 World Series Hurdle. La Noire was a half-sister to Leading Run, who took the 2006 Champion INH Flat race, and Strong Run, winner of the BMW Chase in 2002. Jezki’s third dam, the Bargello mare Arctic Rhapsody, was an unraced half-sister to Arctic Serenade, winner of the Irish Cesarewitch.

Jezki’s second dam, the Deep Run mare Arctic Run, was a half-sister to Arctic Scale, dam of the talented Irish hurdler Red Square Lady.

255 RYANAIR COLLIERS NOVICE CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 30. 5yo+. 16f.

1. UN DE SCEAUX (FR) 7 11-10 £53,488 b g by Denham Red - Hotesse de Sceaux (April Night) O-E. O’Connell B-Haras de La Rousseliere & Mme Monique Choveau TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Just Cameron (GB) 8 11-10 £16,938 b g by Kayf Tara - Miss Fencote (Phardante) O-Mr And Mrs Paul Chapman B-Mrs A. Dixon & Miss S. J. Dixon TR-Micky Hammond 3. Ted Veale (IRE) 8 11-10 £8,023 b g by Revoque - Rose Tanner (Roselier) O-Mr John Breslin B-J. Mulcahy TR-A. J. Martin Margins 3, 4.5. Time 4:04.50. Going Yielding.

Age 4-7

Starts 14

Wins 13

Places 0

Earned £364,898

Sire: DENHAM RED. Sire of 6 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - UN DE SCEAUX April Night G1, PRINCE PHILIPPE Saint Cyrien LR, TEAM RED Saint Cyrien LR. 1st Dam: Hotesse de Sceaux by April Night. unraced.

Dam of 1 winner: 2006: Star de Sceaux (f Maresca Sorrento) ran on the flat in France and over jumps in France.

2008: UN DE SCEAUX (g Denham Red) 13 wins, Red Mills Trial Hurdle G2, Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase G1, Frank Ward Arkle Challenge Cup Nov.Chase G1, Ryanair Colliers Novice Chase G1, Prix Leon Rambaud Hurdle G2, Prix Hypothese Hurdle G3.

Broodmare Sire: APRIL NIGHT. Sire of the dams of 5 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - BRISTOL DE MAI Saddler Maker G1, UN DE SCEAUX Denham Red G1.

UN DE SCEAUX b g 2008 Pampapaul Pampabird Wood Grouse DENHAM RED b 92 Giboulee Nativelee Native Berry Kaldoun April Night My Destiny HOTESSE DE SCEAUX ch 95 Diarifos Olympe Occitane Papakiteme

Yellow God Pampalina Celtic Ash French Bird Northern Dancer Victory Chant Ribero Noble Native Caro Katana Chaparral Carmelite Dionysos II Diana Klairon Gorda

See race 131 in the March issue 256 QUEALLY PUNCHESTOWN CHAMPION HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. May 1. 4yo+. 16f.

3. Outlander (IRE) 7 11-10 £6,628 b g by Stowaway - Western Whisper (Supreme Leader) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-R. O’Neill TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 7, 2.75. Time 4:53.60. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 2-5

Starts 17

Wins 8

Places 6

Earned £252,684

Sire: AUTHORIZED. Sire of 24 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - NICHOLS CANYON Dalakhani G1, BELTOR Danehill G2.

1st Dam: Zam Zoom by Dalakhani. unraced. Dam of 2 winners: 2010: NICHOLS CANYON (g Authorized) Sold 48,000gns yearling at TAOC3. 7 wins, Ascot Underwriting Noel Murless S LR, Prix Denisy LR, 2nd Worthington’s St Simon S G3, Tattersalls Ireland Champion Nov. Hurdle G1, JUST EAT Mersey Novices Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle G1, Deloitte Novice Hurdle G1, 3rd Neptune Investment Bingham Nov Hurdle G1.

2011: Bright Approach (f New Approach) Winner at 3, 3rd Weatherbys Private Banking Cheshire Oaks LR. 2012: (f Teofilo) 2014: (c Pivotal)

1. FAUGHEEN (IRE) 7 11-12 £93,023 b g by Germany - Miss Pickering (Accordion) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Dr J. Waldron TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Arctic Fire (GER) 6 11-12 £29,457 b g by Soldier Hollow - Adelma (Sternkoenig) O-Wicklow Bloodstock Limited B-Mr U. Gruning TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Dell’ Arca (IRE) 6 11-12 £13,953 b g by Sholokhov - Daisy Belle (Acatenango) O-Prof. Caroline Tisdall B-B. & B. Matusche TR-David Pipe Margins 8, 8.5. Time 3:56.30. Going Good to Yielding.

2nd Dam: Mantesera by In The Wings. unraced. Own sister to CLOUD CASTLE. Dam of NIDEEB (c Exceed And Excel: Sportingbet Supports Heros Winter Derby G3)

Age 4-7

Broodmare Sire: DALAKHANI. Sire of the dams of 6 Stakes winners.

Starts 11

Wins 11

Places 0

Earned £577,659

Sire: GERMANY. Sire of 8 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - FAUGHEEN Accordion G1, FREE EXPRESSION Bob Back G2.

1st Dam: Miss Pickering by Accordion. unraced. Dam of 1 winner: 2006: Molly’s Mate (f Goldmark) unraced.

Broodmare.

2007: Shedaka (f Lahib) unraced.

2008: FAUGHEEN (g Germany) 9 wins, Stan James Champion Chall.Trophy Hurdle G1, Neptune Investment Bingham Nov Hurdle G1, williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle G1, Herald Champion Novice Hurdle G1, Queally Punchestown Champion Hurdle G1, Coral Ascot Hurdle G2, Liberty Ins. Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle G3.

2009: (c Germany) 2010: Telmadela (g Definite Article) unraced.

2013: (c Fracas) Broodmare Sire: ACCORDION. Sire of the dams of 6 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - FAUGHEEN Germany G1, MISTER HOTELIER Beneficial G2.

FAUGHEEN b g 2008 Atan Rocchetta Viceregal Trephine Quiriquina GERMANY b 91 Herbager Big Spruce Silver Sari Inca Princess Hail To Reason Inca Queen Silver Spoon Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge Accordion Successor Sound of Success Belle Musique MISS PICKERING b 01 Sham Creative Plan Another Treat Make Me An Island Ballymoss Bali Near The Line Sharpen Up

Trempolino

See race 92 in the February 257 TATTERSALLS IRELAND CHAMPION NOV. HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. May 1. 4yo+. 20f.

1. NICHOLS CANYON (GB) 5 11-10 £44,186 b g by Authorized - Zam Zoom (Dalakhani) O-Andrea & Graham Wylie B-Rabbah Bloodstock Limited TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Alpha des Obeaux (FR) 5 11-10 £13,992 b g by Saddler Maker - Omega des Obeaux (Saint Preuil) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Marie Devilder & Stephanie Fasquelle TR-M. F. Morris

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NICHOLS CANYON b g 2010 Montjeu

Funsie

Dalakhani ZAM ZOOM gr 05 Mantesera

See race 166 in the April issue 258 AES CHAMPION 4YO HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. May 2. 4yo. 16f.

1. PETITE PARISIENNE (FR) 10-7 £46,512 gr f by Montmartre - Ejina (Highest Honor) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-T. de la Heronniere TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Buiseness Sivola (FR) 11-0 £14,729 b g by Archange d’Or - Louve Orientale (Red Ransom) O-Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede B-G. Trapenard, Ecurie Manue Garcia & T. Trapenard TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Thunder Zone (GB) 11-0 £6,977 gr g by Shamardal - Mussoorie (Linamix) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Hascombe Stud TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 8.5, 1.75. Time 4:09.30. Going Soft.

Age 3-4

Starts 9

Wins 3

Places 5

2nd Dam: ENODIA by Surumu. 1 win at 3 in France.

Dam of ERINYS (f Kendor: Prix Madame Jean Couturie LR), Eubea (f Anabaa: 3rd Prix Edellic LR). Grandam of Quartz Jem, Zied.

Broodmare Sire: HIGHEST HONOR. Sire of the dams of 62 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - PETITE PARISIENNE Montmartre G1, HONNEUR AU ROI Turtle Bowl LR, NEWS REEL Vespone LR.

PETITE PARISIENNE gr f 2011 Sadler’s Wells Montjeu Floripedes MONTMARTRE gr 05 Linamix Artistique Armarama Kenmare Highest Honor High River EJINA gr 01 Surumu Enodia Eidothea

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Top Ville Toute Cy Mendez Lunadix Persian Bold Rossitor Kalamoun Belle of Ireland Riverman Hairbrush Literat Surama Teotepec Erigone

See race 168 in the April issue 259 IRISH STALL.FARMS EBF MARES CHPN. HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. May 2. 4yo+f. 18f.

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Top Ville Floripedes Toute Cy Rainbow Quest Saumarez Fiesta Fun Vallee Dansante Lyphard Green Valley Shirley Heights Darshaan Delsy Miswaki Daltawa Damana Sadler’s Wells In The Wings High Hawk High Line Lucayan Princess Gay France Sadler’s Wells

AUTHORIZED b 04

2012: 2013: 2014:

Hurdle G1, Gala Retail Spring Juvenile Hurdle G1, 2nd Irish Stall. Farms EBF Mares Nov. Hurdle G1.

Swingline (f Whipper) (f Turtle Bowl) (f Myboycharlie)

Earned £123,907

Sire: MONTMARTRE. Sire of 2 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - PETITE PARISIENNE Highest Honor G1, KALKIR Cadoudal G3.

1st Dam: EJINA by Highest Honor. 3 wins at 2 and 4 in France. Dam of 4 winners: 2008: DON LUIS (c Poliglote) Winner at 3 in Spain.

2009: REGINA EJINA (f Muhtathir) 2 wins at 2 in France.

2010: SEVEN EVEN (f Turtle Bowl) 2 wins at 4 in France.

2011: PETITE PARISIENNE (f Montmartre) Sold 17,460gns yearling at ARAUG. 2 wins, 3rd Eme Derby du Midi LR, AES Champion 4yo

1. ANNIE POWER (IRE) 7 11-7 £46,512 ch m by Shirocco - Anno Luce (Old Vic) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-E. Cleary TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Analifet (FR) 5 11-7 £14,729 b m by Califet - Viana (Signe Divin) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Mr J. Cherel TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Kalane (IRE) 6 11-7 £6,977 b m by Kalanisi - Fairy Lane (Old Vic) O-Mr Paul Murphy B-Sunnyhill Stud Ltd TR-Charlie Longsdon Margins 10, 11. Time 4:33.40. Going Soft.

Age 4-7

Starts 14

Wins 12

Places 1

Earned £344,816

Sire: SHIROCCO. Sire of 26 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - ANNIE POWER Old Vic G1, FOR ME Galileo LR. 1st Dam: ANNO LUCE by Old Vic. 4 wins at 2 to 4 at home, Germany, P.der Hannoverschen Sparkassen & der VGH G3, 3rd Preis der Diana - Deutsches Stuten Derby G2. Dam of 6 winners: 1999: ALOOF (f Rahy) Winner at 3 in France.

Broodmare.

2000: Anno Mundi (f Red Ransom). Broodmare.

Dam of GIANTOFAMAN (g Stowaway: 2 wins over hurdles at 5 and 6, boylesports.com M.Purcell Mem.Nov Hurdle G2) 2001: ANGELENO (f Belong To Me) Winner at 3 in France. Dam of LADY PIMPERNEL (f Sir Percy: 5 wins at 2 to 4 at home, USA, Robert J Frankel S G3) 2003: HEAD WAITER (g Lend A Hand) 7 wins, 2nd Listowel Races Supp.Club Lartigue Hurdle G3, Owens Mccarthy Claims H. Chase G3, 2nd Carrickmines Mick Holly H. Chase G2.

2004: ATHENEUM (c Noverre) 6 wins at 3 to 5 in Hungary.

2005: Manuels Sister (f Lend A Hand) ran twice in N.H. Flat Races. Broodmare.

2007: AIR TROOPER (g Monsun) 2 wins at 3 in France, Prix de l’Avre LR. 2008: ANNIE POWER (f Shirocco) 11 wins, Irish Stall. Farms EBF Mares Nov. Hurdle G1, Irish Stall.Farms EBF Mares Chpn. Hurdle G1 (twice), paddypower.com Johnstown Novice Hurdle G2, Coral Ascot Hurdle G2, olbg.com Doncaster Mares’ Hurdle G2, 2nd Ladbrokes World Hurdle G1.

2009: Kalucci (g Kalanisi) 2010: Anna’s Star (f Hernando) unraced.

93

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DATA BOOK STAKES RESULTS

National Hunt Grade 1s 2nd Dam: ANNA PAOLA by Prince Ippi. Champion 2yr old in Germany in 1980, Champion 3yr old filly in Germany in 1981. 5 wins at 2 and 3 in West Germany Preis der Diana G2. Dam of ANNO LUCE (f Old Vic, see above), ATLAAL (g Shareef Dancer: Bic Razor Lanzarote H. Hurdle LR, James Capel Novices’ Chase LR). Grandam of POZARICA, ANNABA, ANNUS MIRABILIS, ANNA OF SAXONY, MIDDLE CLUB, PIPING ROCK, SADLERS WINGS, Anna Mona, Andean, Anna Royal, Ancelin, Abyaan. Third dam of HELMET, EPAULETTE, ANNA MONDA, SMOOTH OPERATOR, AUTUMN GLORY, BULLBARS, ANNA PALARIVA, SUGAR BABY LOVE. Broodmare Sire: OLD VIC. Sire of the dams of 28 Stakes winners. NH in 2014/15 - ANNIE POWER Shirocco G1, SHANPALLAS Golan G1, KALANE Kalanisi LR.

ANNIE POWER ch m 2008 Konigsstuhl Monsun Mosella SHIROCCO b 01 The Minstrel So Sedulous Sedulous Sadler’s Wells Old Vic Cockade ANNO LUCE ch 93 Prince Ippi Anna Paola Antwerpen

Dschingis Khan Konigskronung Surumu Monasia Northern Dancer Fleur Tap On Wood Pendulina Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Derring-Do Camenae Imperial Prinzess Addi Waldcanter Adelsweihe

performers after her purchase by Darley, two of the most recent being the top Australian colts Helmet and Epaulette. No fewer than five of Anna Paola’s daughters produced stakes winners on the Flat, including six Group winners, one being the remarkably tough Annus Mirabilis, who earned more than £1 million in

For the second successive season, Annie Power easily plundered the Mares’ Champion Hurdle, this time starting at 2-9, having been 1-6 in 2014. Clearly this daughter of Shirocco stands head and shoulders above the other top female hurdlers.

Indeed, her only true defeat – in the 2014 World Hurdle – came at the hands of a gelding, while the only other blot on an otherwise immaculate record came when a lastflight fall robbed her of certain victory in the 2015 Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Annie Power was in utero when her dam, the Gr3 Flat winner Anno Luce, was sold by Darley for €60,000 in 2007. Since her sale Anno Luce has been represented by two notable winners. Air Trooper, a colt by Annie Power’s grandsire Monsun, won his first two starts, including the Listed Prix de l’Avre. And Head Waiter, her gelding by Lend A Hand, won a Grade C chase in 2010.

Annie Power’s second dam is the champion German filly Anna Paola, a Preis der Diana winner who became the ancestress of numerous Group

Europe, Dubai and Japan.

Old Vic, the broodmare sire of Annie Power, was a powerful influence for stamina, as he showed by siring two Grand National winners.

The mare’s family has produced several other good jumpers, including Atlaal and Sadlers Wings (a Gr1 winner over hurdles).

Annie Power: ‘head and shoulders above other female hurdlers

National Hunt Graded Races Date 06/04 06/04 06/04 06/04 06/04 07/04 07/04 07/04 09/04 09/04 10/04 10/04 10/04 10/04 11/04 15/04 18/04 18/04 18/04 25/04 28/04 29/04 30/04 01/05 01/05 02/05 02/05

Grade G2 G2 G3 G3 GrA G2 GrB GrB G3 G3 G2 G2 G3 G3 G3 G2 G2 G2 G3 G3 GrB GrA GrC GrA GrC GrB GrB

Race (course) Keelings Ire. Strawberry Ballybin Hurdle (Fairyhouse) Rathbarry Hardy Eustace Novice Hurdle (Fairyhouse) John & Chich Fowler Mem. EBF Mares Chase (Fairyhouse) Rea Grimes Percy Maynard Cup Hurdle (Fairyhouse) Boylesports Irish Grand National H Chase (Fairyhouse) Normans Grove Chase (Fairyhouse) Farmhouse Foods Glasscarn Hcp Hurdle (Fairyhouse) INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hp Hurdle (Fairyhouse) Betfred Red Rum Handicap Chase (Aintree) Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Hurdle (Aintree) E-Lites Top Novices’ Hurdle (Aintree) Weatherbys Champion Open NH. Flat Race (Aintree) Alder Hey Children’s Charity Hcp Hurdle (Aintree) Crabbie’s Topham Handicap Chase (Aintree) Crabbie’s Grand National Handicap Chase (Aintree) Teenage Cancer Trust Silver Trophy Chase (Cheltenham) Jordan Electrics Future Chpn Nov. Chase (Ayr) QTS Scottish Champion Hurdle (Ayr) Coral Scottish Grand National Hcp Chase (Ayr) Bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Sandown Park) Killashee bragbet.com Handicap Hurdle (Punchestown) Guinness Handicap Chase (Punchestown) Three.ie Black Hills Handicap Chase (Punchestown) EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Chase (Punchestown) HanlonEBF Glencarraig Lady Mares H Chase (Punchestown) Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe Hcp Chase (Punchestown) Setanta Sports Handicap Hurdle (Punchestown)

Dist 20f 16f 20f 16f 29f 17f 16f 24f 16f 24.5f 16.5f 17f 20f 21.5f 35.5f 21f 20.5f 16f 32.5f 29.5f 16f 20f 16f 21f 21f 25f 20f

Horse Dedigout (IRE) Sempre Medici (FR) Vroum Vroum Mag (FR) Buiseness Sivola (FR) Thunder And Roses (IRE) Twinlight (FR) Some Article (IRE) Jimmy Two Times (IRE) Surf And Turf (IRE) Taglietelle (GB) Cyrus Darius (GB) Barters Hill (IRE) Theinval (FR) Rajdhani Express (GB) Many Clouds (IRE) Anay Turge (FR) Top Gamble (IRE) Cheltenian (FR) Wayward Prince (GB) Just A Par (IRE) Some Article (IRE) Ballyadam Approach (IRE) Jacksonslady (IRE) Blood Cotil (FR) Mallards In Flight (IRE) Gallant Oscar (IRE) Sort It Out (IRE)

Age 9 5 6 4 7 8 7 6 9 6 6 5 5 8 8 10 7 9 11 8 7 10 10 6 9 9 6

Sex G G M G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G M G M G G

Sire Bob Back Medicean Voix du Nord Archange d’Or Presenting Muhtathir Definite Article Shantou Beneficial Tagula Overbury Kalanisi Smadoun Presenting Cloudings Turgeon Presenting Astarabad Alflora Island House Definite Article Bob Back Jackson’s Drift Enrique Well Chosen Oscar Milan

Dam Dainty Daisy Sambala Naiade Mag Louve Orientale Glen Empress Fairlight Ahead of My Time Shedan Clear Top Waltz Averami Barton Belle Circle The Wagons Kinevees Violet Express Bobbing Back Anayette Zeferina Salamaite Bellino Spirit Thebrownhen Ahead of My Time Timely Approach Leinster Lady Move Along Lasracha Mairead Park Wave Snowbelle

Broodmare Sire Buckskin Danehill Dancer Kadalko Red Ransom Lancastrian Big Shuffle Royal Fountain Perpendicular Topanoora Averti Barathea Commanche Run Hard Leaf Cadoudal Bob Back Vaguely Pleasant Sadler’s Wells Mansonnien Robellino Henbit Royal Fountain Good Thyne Lord Chancellor Northern Crystal Case Law Supreme Leader Flemensfirth

Index 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286

Leading National Hunt sires 2014/15 by earnings Name

King's Theatre Presenting Milan Oscar Beneficial Kayf Tara Flemensfirth Westerner Cloudings Old Vic Karinga Bay Dom Alco Alflora Shantou Heron Island Definite Article Dubawi Midnight Legend Gold Well Voix du Nord Dr Massini Germany Network Saint des Saints Montjeu Gamut Brian Boru Stowaway Sholokhov

YOF

1991 1992 1998 1994 1990 1994 1992 1999 1994 1986 1987 1987 1989 1993 1993 1992 2002 1991 2001 2001 1993 1991 1997 1998 1996 1999 2000 1994 1999

Statistics to end of Punchestown

94

Sire

Rnrs

Sadler's Wells Mtoto Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Top Ville Sadler's Wells Alleged Danehill Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Ardross Dom Pasquini Niniski Alleged Shirley Heights Indian Ridge Dubai Millennium Night Shift Sadler's Wells Valanour Sadler's Wells Trempolino Monsun Cadoudal Sadler's Wells Spectrum Sadler's Wells Slip Anchor Sadler's Wells

274 398 306 302 336 281 300 174 72 161 64 38 113 90 95 129 24 135 69 17 102 15 34 24 48 54 103 63 15

Wnrs

126 134 94 100 106 89 98 61 26 52 16 16 33 32 37 43 9 50 30 11 33 5 11 15 17 14 30 18 4

%WR

45.99 33.67 30.72 33.11 31.55 31.67 32.67 35.06 36.11 32.30 25.00 42.11 29.20 35.56 38.95 33.33 37.50 37.04 43.48 64.71 32.35 33.33 32.35 62.50 35.42 25.93 29.13 28.57 26.67

Races

AWD

Earnings (£)

Top horse

222 201 152 152 160 128 142 92 38 77 29 23 47 54 60 65 13 78 44 29 47 10 21 26 29 24 46 25 9

19.7 20 21.1 20.1 19.6 19.2 20.2 19.9 22.1 21.8 21.3 20.7 21.9 20.7 20.2 19.5 17.5 19.4 19.4 18.4 20.8 17.9 21.1 20.3 18.4 20.0 20.3 19.3 19.6

2,793,959 2,103,621 1,998,823 1,753,364 1,701,764 1,524,844 1,427,806 1,208,299 1,022,192 1,010,554 654,033 629,099 584,385 584,123 572,888 569,210 536,172 530,796 525,450 507,445 504,674 480,797 479,154 475,809 449,513 445,468 428,176 407,861 400,599

The New One Thunder And Roses Jezki Felix Yonger Living Next Door Special Tiara Foxrock Cole Harden Many Clouds Killultagh Vic Coneygree Silviniaco Conti Wayward Prince Polly Peachum Blue Heron Some Article Dodging Bullets Sizing John Johns Spirit Vibrato Valtat Rocky Creek Faugheen Saint Are Djakadam Hurricane Fly Road To Riches Next Sensation Champagne Fever Don Cossack

Earned (£)

203,606 122,661 254,238 141,921 83,768 156,007 97,266 231,418 740,944 87,120 398,935 313,525 156,197 65,315 72,190 52,111 362,578 73,600 97,774 121,009 77,777 421,322 240,866 190,546 204,767 309,137 53,306 67,508 331,963

Take a bow, Oscar King’s Theatre maintained his clear lead over Presenting, and Jezki’s success at Punchestown ensured that Milan finished well clear of the remainder in third. Oscar and Kayf Tara both moved up one place. Felix Yonger’s win in the Champion Chase at Punchestown came ten days after the announcement of Oscar’s retirement. He had a superb career and was responsible for such as Cheltenham championship winners Big Zeb, Lord Windermere and Rock On Ruby. Special Tiara’s Grade 1 win at Sandown rounded off a fine season for Kayf Tara.

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THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

95

Jun_130_24Hours_Owner 22/05/2015 12:28 Page 96

24 HOURS WITH… KEVIN DARLEY

96

GEORGE SELWYN

I

’m not a morning person and take a bit of getting going, but I’m all right once I am up. I have an alarm clock and radio to wake me – that’s only me being me, just in case one of them doesn’t work. I have a shower and shave and as soon as I’m dressed I’m straight into the office to check my phone.

Debbie, my wife, gets up with me at any time every morning and is always a big support, whatever I might be doing. I snatch a cup of tea and piece of toast before I leave home and that’s very often breakfast.

In my role as Sheikh Fahad’s International Racing Representative, my timetable governs the time I get up. If I’m riding out some of Sheikh Fahad’s horses for Kevin Ryan, it’s a 5.45am start to be in Malton for 7am to ride a couple, and then back to Kevin’s yard at Hambleton to ride a couple more.

If I’m not riding out early I’ll be up about 7am and my priority is to take Eric and Ernie, our two Jack Russells, for a walk. They always lift my spirits first thing; I defy anyone not to feel a sense of elation when greeted by Eric and Ernie. As soon as I get downstairs they’re running round in circles wanting to go for a walk, and it’s so difficult to say no. We don’t have any other animals – Eric and Ernie wouldn’t allow it!

Gemma, one of our daughters, has just come home from working in London’s Harley Street to become the physio at Jack Berry House in Malton, while Lianne, our other daughter, lives in Portsmouth. Gemma rode in the York charity race last year.

If I am not going on to the races after riding out I’ll return home and catch up with Bryony, Sheikh Fahad’s racing secretary, to find out what’s running where. I also

Working for Sheikh Fahad, former champion jockey KEVIN DARLEY has a hectic schedule as he mixes foreign travel, riding out and jockey coaching – but he still has time for Eric and Ernie use that time to read the Racing Post, which I usually download the night before.

We have 55 trainers with about 270 horses in England, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan, Australia and America. If we have runners abroad I can accompany Sheikh Fahad or represent Qatar Racing on my own.

David Redvers, Sheikh Fahad’s Racing Manager, tends to go to Australia, where the sheikh spends quite a lot of time. In addition to Kevin Ryan, I liaise and ride out for many

other trainers, including Charlie Hills, Andrew Balding, David Barron, David Brown and Ann Duffield.

Never in my racing days was I as busy as I was in March and April this year, when I was helping Sheikh Fahad to train for his ride in a Limerick charity race, in which he finished fifth.

Straight after the charity race I flew to Germany to watch the Sheikh’s Karpino win a Group 3 at Krefeld. I flew back to Farnborough in Hampshire, then drove home to North Yorkshire late that

Sunday night. I drove over 3,500 miles in March.

I really enjoy the diversity of my job – even at 54 I’ve found you are never too old to learn something new.

Spending time at the sales has been ground-breaking for me. If jockeys outside our two retained riders, Andrea Atzeni and Oisin Murphy, ride for us I’ll call them up and report back on what they have to say about their mounts. I also try and help Andrea and Oisin, who are new recruits and don’t know all our horses.

My other role is as lead coach at the Northern Racing College at Doncaster and hopefully I’ll be doing some jockey coaching at Jack Berry House, so along with Gemma, half the Darley family will be working there.

Being champion jockey in 2000 and winning Classics on Attraction and Bollin Eric were highlights in my career, but only after plenty of lows, which I tell the apprentices were a result of not being familiar with life skills, something they are now taught as part of their training curriculum.

Lunch is a sandwich, though if I’m racing I may not even bother. I used to play lots of golf but don’t have time now. I may sound sad, but after getting home and a bit of dinner – one of Debbie’s specialities is a Thai prawn curry, which I enjoy – I switch on the computer to see who’s been riding the winners.

I do have a favourite TV show which, embarrassingly, is EastEnders, my switch-off programme. I switch off myself as well as the computer and watch it with Debbie.

Bedtime is 11pm and when I’m tired I go straight to sleep. No dreams.

Interview by Tim Richards

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Castlebridge OB June 2015_Castlebridge OB June 2015 21/05/2015 13:25 Page 1

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DAR7797 OB full page Sham and Dubawi 24 MAY15 18/05/2015 16:06 Page 1

Statistics collated on 18-5-15

Shamardal and Dubawi Europe’s leading sire by Stakes winners in 2015

Europe’s leading sire by worldwide earnings in 2015 First stallion son is a G1 sire

First stallion son is a G1 sire Sire of the world’s best racehorse of 2015

The fastest first 50 Group winners of any stallion ever Higher earnings than any other stallion in Europe or America in 2014

The world’s top stallion by ratio of Group winners to runners since 2009

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