Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder by The Owner Breeder

Apr_128_Coverb_OwnerBreeder 20/03/2015 17:41 Page 1

£4.95 | April 2015 | Issue 128

Incorporating

Coney glee Exceptional novice strikes Gold at Cheltenham

9 771745 435006

www.ownerbreeder.co.uk

Plus • Sir Mark Prescott on the Classic path • Down in Doha: Qatar is racing ahead • Rose Paterson’s ambitions for Aintree

31567_DanzigLine_TBOB_Apr'15_31567_DanzigLine_TBOB_Apr'15 18/03/2015 14:44 Page 1

The winners of 14 of the 15 Group 1/Group 2 races for 2YO’s run over 5-6 furlongs in Europe in 2014 were sired by stallions from the DANZIG line. DANZIG DANEHILL HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR European Champion 2YO sire, twice! DANEHILL DANCER 2013. MASTERCRAFTSMAN European Champion 2YO. European Champion First Crop Sire in European Champion Second Crop Sire in 2014. DANSILI REQUINTO 2YO course record breaker at Goodwood over 5 furlongs. ZOFFANY Group 1 winner at 2 over 6 furlongs. EXCEED AND EXCEL EXCELEBRATION The only miler rated higher in the past decade was Frankel! ROCK OF GIBRALTAR Brilliant racehorse. Proven Group 1 sire. GREEN DESERT OASIS DREAM POWER Coventry & Group 1 winner at 2. Irish Guineas winner at 3. INVINCIBLE SPIRIT LAWMAN MOST IMPROVED Dewhurst third at 2. St James’s Palace Stakes winner at 3. WAR FRONT WAR COMMAND Dewhurst and 6-length Coventry Stakes winner.

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31567_DanzigLine_TBOB_Apr'15_31567_DanzigLine_TBOB_Apr'15 18/03/2015 14:44 Page 2

Mastercraftsman, whose first-crop Classic-winning sons The Grey Gatsby and Kingston Hill both remain in training for 2015

Contact: Coolmore Stud, Fethard, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Tel: 353-52-6131298. Fax: 353-52-6131382. Christy Grassick, David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. 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 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

£4.95 | April 2015 | Issue 128

Incorporating

Coney glee Exceptional novice strikes Gold at Cheltenham

9 771745 435006

www.ownerbreeder.co.uk

Plus • Sir Mark Prescott on the Classic path • Down in Doha: Qatar is racing ahead • Rose Paterson’s ambitions for Aintree

Cover: Nico de Boinville salutes the crowd on Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree Photo: George Selwyn

Young stars come out on top in clash for the ages A

fter the unsatisfactory climax to last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, when a messy finish was referred to the stewards’ room, there can be no doubt that this year’s victor Coneygree is the best staying chaser in Britain or Ireland following his thrilling success under Nico de Boinville. Despite the relative inexperience of horse and jockey, both novices in their field, Coneygree jumped for fun under a brave front-running ride, answering every question asked of him while those in behind struggled to keep pace with jumping’s new hero. Indeed, the result had the feel of a new dawn for elite steeplechasing, with the first four home all aged eight or under and running in the blue riband for the first time. The vanquished older guard, including previous winners Bobs Worth and Lord Windermere, were unable to lay a glove on the young pretenders, a comment that also applies to beaten favourite Silviniaco Conti, who has never shown his best form around Prestbury Park. (George Selwyn’s superb photos capture the drama of the Festival, The Big Picture, pages 20-33). The fact that Coneygree even ran in the main event – he was also entered for the RSA Chase – is testament to Mark and Sara Bradstock’s training skills. They knew their horse was ready for such a test, while many commentators thought the novice route would present the best/easier option, backed by the statistic that the 20 previous attempts by novices in the Gold Cup had ended in defeat or, worse, tragedy. It is strange to think that Mark Bradstock, who has enjoyed previous big-race successes with King Harald and Coneygree’s half-brother, Carruthers, has never made it into double figures in a season. Surely this trainer deserves more ammunition – the results suggest owners could do far worse than picking Old Manor Stables in Oxfordshire. Unlike his National Hunt colleague, Sir Mark Prescott has rarely had to worry about attracting

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

enough patrons to his famous Newmarket yard. He once turned down the offer of yearlings from none other than Sheikh Mohammed, for the simple reason that he was content with his lot and did not want any upheaval, as he explains to Julian Muscat (The Big Interview, pages 44-48). In what is his 46th year with a licence, Prescott, who is famous for his unparalleled placing of handicappers – “it is my job to ensure none of my horses ever carry any more weight that they should have to” – will go to war with a genuine 2,000 Guineas contender in the shape of Celestial Path, whose two-year-old campaign ended with a fine third in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy. Time will tell whether Celestial Path, owned by Gordon Woodall and National Hunt fan Caroline Tisdall, can add to the tally of Prescott winners that has almost reached the 2,000-mark. The trainer himself is proud that his 50-box outfit has amassed such a figure and now unearthed a potential star. “That’s a big thing,” he says. “If I’d known I was going to train 2,000 winners when I started, I’d have been thrilled. “Celestial Path works very well, although he probably wouldn’t quite be up to it unless the 2,000 Guineas is not as good [a renewal] as it should be. He won’t need a prep race and he would love firm ground.” Prescott has never won a British Classic, although he captured the Prix de Diane in 2006 with Confidential Lady. However, this old-school handler, who has begun the campaign in flying form (operating at a 40% strike-rate at the time of writing), could well break that record in 2015, 45 years after he took over at Heath House aged 21 following the death of Jack Waugh. Perhaps that should sound a note of caution to those banking on Coneygree or Don Poli dominating the Gold Cup finish next season – you can never discount the older brigade.

“The victory was

testament to the skills of the trainer, who deserves to be sent more horses

”

Apr_128_Contents_Contents 20/03/2015 18:12 Page 4

CONTENTS APRIL 2015

NEWS & VIEWS

FEATURES

ROA Leader

Analysing the new rules

Chancellor brings cheer

9 14

TBA Leader Hard-working staff merit praise

News

Cheltenham Festival action

Changes Your news in a nutshell

COVER STORY The Big Picture

Racing right result

Tony Morris Howard Wright BHA must be more open

INTERNATIONAL SCENE 38

View From Ireland Up-and-coming trainer Michael O’Callaghan

Continental Tales Jessica Long’s Meydan marvel

Around The Globe US tackles lack of runners

The Big Interview Trainer Sir Mark Prescott

Talking To... Aintree Chairman Rose Paterson

Damn lies and statistics

Steroids Special

Qatar Racing Racing’s rising force

Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins enjoyed a terrific time at the Cheltenham Festival (The Big Picture, pages 20-33)

Sales Circuit In the UK and America

Caulfield Files French Classic clues

Dr Statz Where to buy a top performer

24 Hours With... Owner John Hales

Apr_128_Contents_Contents 20/03/2015 18:12 Page 5 B

4:53 pm

Page 3

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Yearlings unsoundness of wind Horses at grass

FORUM 68

ROA Forum Exclusive hospitality at summer festivals

Racecourse League Tables How the courses compare

LEADING THE FIELD IN BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE

TBA Forum Members’ chance to save on costs

Breeder of the Month The late Lord Oaksey

Next Generation Club Chairman Sam Hoskins says farewell

Vet Forum The euthanasia debate

AHEAD OF THE FIELD CONTACT US

DATA BOOK 86

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Graded Races Latest NH winners

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Knockhouse Stud OB Mar 2015 f-p_Knockhouse Stud OB Mar 2015 f-p 20/03/2015 09:31 Page 1

LIBERTARIAN bay, 2010, 16.3hh by New Approach ex Intrum Morshaan (Darshaan)

NEW for 2015

Race record from only 6 starts: 1st Maiden Stakes, 1m2f, Pontefract, on debut. 1st Gr.2 Dante Stakes, 1m2½f, York, beating Trading Leather. 2nd Gr.1 Investec Derby, 1m4f, Epsom Downs, behind Ruler of the World and beating Battle of Marengo and Ocovango. 4th Gr.1 Ladbrokes St Leger, 1m6½f, Doncaster, behind Leading Light. • • • •

Stunning looking son of New Approach. Bred on the classic New Approach/Darshaan cross. From the same family as Halling. Second son of New Approach to go to stud.

“With any pace in the race, he'd have won.” KARL RICHARD BURKE, AFTER THE EPSOM DERBY-GR.1 Also standing: Grey Swallow, Notnowcato, Touch of Land, Millenary, Prince Flori & Subtle Power

Sean or Janet Kinsella, Knockhouse Stud, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland Tel: 00353 51 885170/885363 • Mobile: 00353 85 7852067 seankhstud@eircom.net • www.knockhousestud.com Follow us on twitter and facebook

Apr_128_ROA_Leader_Layout 1 20/03/2015 16:56 Page 7

ROA LEADER

RACHEL HOOD President Racehorse Owners Association

Budget breakthrough can revitalize sport’s finances Chancellor’s backing for racing right a big step towards increased prize-money

aking a connection between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Willie Mullins would normally require a huge leap of imagination. But George Osborne’s ringing endorsement of a racing right in his Budget speech actually links very nicely with Mullins’ pre-Cheltenham call that prize-money for the big Festival events should be doubled. The connection is simply this. To achieve the level of prize-money increases Ireland’s champion trainer believes we should have will undoubtedly require a racing right to replace the levy as a means of funding British racing. The reaction of some journalists to Willie Mullins was to point out that his very wealthy owners are much more involved in racing because of the pleasure they get from winning big events than because of prize-money. But this misses the point. It ignores a vital element that drives this and every other sport. Horseracing lives or dies on its top performers. It is the competition between the best horses in the best races that raises the profile of racing. Championship races and festival meetings are racing’s most natural marketing tool. Without ensuring they are protected and built upon, the attraction of racing to the general public will gradually diminish. There is a natural correlation between the status of a race and the amount of prize-money attached to that race. It is for this reason that the grading structure of racing demands, for instance, that a Grade 1 event carries significantly more prize-money than a Grade 2 and so on. To allow the best races to become uncompetitive in prize-money terms is to allow the foundations on which they are built to start to erode. It is, of course, a different argument as to why racing must balance its very limited resources between quality and quantity. If directing more money at the top means less for the industry’s grass roots, then this is a better

reason for not doing so. Small owners leave racing almost daily because of high costs and low prize-money, with the inevitable and destructive effect on the horse population which in turn translates into small fields, less competitive racing, less betting and less money coming into the sport. The truth is that the racing industry is in a constant state of grappling with these conundrums with one hand tied behind its back. Our current system of funding the sport does not provide us with the means of making the right informed decisions as to where money is best directed. The sport’s two major sources of funding, from the levy and media rights, are driven by bookmakers, and we rely largely on their say-so as to how we maximize income from our race programme. How much better it will be when racing can sell a ‘right to bet’ so that wherever any betting operator takes a bet on British horseracing they have to pay the rate that we, the racing industry, will decide. Until that time, we must listen to the arguments of Willie Mullins and his owners who, having laid out fortunes for their horses, see the many millions of betting pounds that change hands at Cheltenham and wonder why so relatively little finds its way back into prize-money at the biggest betting meeting of the year. We must, however, also listen to those small owners who, whilst not expecting to make money out of racing horses, do expect to operate within an economic model where their losses are not so great that they are driven out of the sport. But most of all we must hasten the arrival of a funding system that will not only close the overseas betting loophole, thereby giving racing a further £25 million a year, but will also make us masters of our own destiny. Now, with thanks particularly to Newmarket’s energetic MP Matthew Hancock, the Minister for Sport and Tourism Helen Grant and the Shadow Sports Minister Clive Efford, a racing right is within our grasp.

“It will be so much

better when racing can sell a ‘right to bet’ and betting operators pay an industry rate

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

”

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Apr_128_TBA_Leader2_TBA 20/03/2015 16:34 Page 9

TBA LEADER

RICHARD LANCASTER Chairman Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association

Fortt deserves plaudits for landing the top prize Stud category produced overall Godolphin Awards winner for the first time

veryone enjoys a pat on the back, especially when the recognition comes from one’s peers, so when Jessica Fortt, manager of Dunraven Stud in Wales, was named Employee of the Year at the recent Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, she could feel justifiably proud. The fact that Jessica’s nomination came through the stud category, among four qualifying sections from which the winner was decided, makes her achievement all the greater. At the same time, her success reflects huge credit on the breeding industry as a whole, for this is the first time a stud representative has won the overall title. I must own up to having had slightly mixed personal feelings when the results were announced. One of the runnersup to Jessica in the Stud Staff category was Ron Lott, who has been stallion man at Shadwell Stud during the whole time I have worked for Sheikh Hamdan. In fact, Ron has been at Shadwell throughout its history, for he was already there when Sir John Musker sold the stud farm in 1984. Ron came into the industry through a chance meeting with the Queen Mother’s first retained jump jockey Tony Grantham, who ran a farm but also trained point-to-pointers when he retired. At the time, the stable had a young, aspiring amateur called Brough Scott, who, of course, is Chairman of the Godolphin panel. I’m sure that didn’t give Ron any extra marks, but it did provide them with plenty to talk about after the judging. Ron is just the sort of character who can ‘sell’ the stud business, a sentiment that applies equally to Jessica and the other Stud Staff category runner-up Dale Clements, who is now lead stud groom at Cheveley Park Stud, having joined them as a 19-year-old in 1988. All three finalists are shining examples for the industry, with a huge passion for their work, and through the TBA we will be looking to use them as ambassadors, highlighting what they have achieved as

a means of finding new recruits, as well as demonstrating to those already in the industry that there is a worthwhile career path. In the first place I hope their success can break down some of the reluctance that stud owners and managers have shown in the past to put forward employees’ names for the Godolphin Awards. On a personal level, they can help in recruiting people into the industry, making it more accessible through such occasions as visits to colleges and educational establishments, as well as careers forums, where the TBA’s training and education team are extremely active. It sometimes helps to have someone on hand who’s directly involved in the day-to-day business, as well as someone from headquarters, because they can convey their passion and give the inside story, which in turn sparks interest. Both Jessica and Ron started in racing, but they have shown that this is not the be-all and end-all of working with thoroughbreds. Racing can be a demanding, physical sport, which doesn’t suit everyone, but there are transferable skills that are ideally suited to working on a stud. Jessica got her grounding at the British Racing School, but injury ended a promising career as an apprentice and 16 years ago she joined Dunraven Stud, where she now acts as a Jill of all trades, from dealing with the administration and handling stallions to foaling down and breaking in the yearlings. Whereas she is at the younger end of the age scale, Ron and Dale have been in the industry for many years, and their examples demonstrate the career structure that is available. To all of them, congratulations. And similar plaudits go to Lady Oaksey, the Bradstock family and all those associated with Coneygree for his thrilling all-the-way victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. British-bred through and through, he provided a fantastic triumph for the small owner/breeder, and an inspiration for everyone. • Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, page 14.

“The finalists are shining examples for the industry and through the TBA we will be looking to use them as ambassadors

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

”

Apr_128_News_Owner 20/03/2015 18:48 Page 10

NEWS Stories from the racing world

Industry fully behind anti-doping rules The BHA’s new policy banning the use of anabolic steroids in thoroughbreds has created much debate globally, yet while it remains a work in progress, there is universal support for its goals

n March 2, the BHA’s new antidoping policy was implemented, meaning that a thoroughbred racehorse cannot be administered anabolic steroids at any point in its life. Any horse that is found to have received such treatment will face a mandatory ban from training of 12 months and will be ineligible to race for a period of 14 months. “The publication of the new rules marks another step on the journey for both British racing and the racing community internationally, which has included the BHA undertaking a lengthy and ongoing consultation and engagement with racing bodies around the world,” said BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust. Referring to the eight-year ban for Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni, who was found to have administered anabolic steroids to 22 horses in his care, he added:

“Following the events of 2013 it was essential that the BHA ensured that British racing would remain at the forefront of a critical topic for not only racing but all modern sports. The enhanced, zero-tolerance rules represent exactly that. “By zero-tolerance we mean that no horse should ever be administered an anabolic steroid or similar substance for as long as it is involved in racing, with no exceptions. This policy is supported by the enhanced powers which we can now call upon both to regulate the sport and to deter those who believe they can succeed in circumventing the rules.” While anabolic steroids were already on the list of banned substances for horses in training, there are occasions when they have been used in chronically sick young stock, which is now forbidden. The absence of such an exemption to the rules has been the cause of concern for some members of the

bloodstock industry but was arrived at on the advice of the BHA’s veterinary committee, which includes veterinary advisors for the ROA and TBA. The ROA’s veterinary representative, David Dugdale, an experienced racing and stud vet through his role as partner at Newmarket Equine Hospital, explained: “There was a lot of discussion among the members of the BHA veterinary committee about therapeutic-use exemption for anabolic steroids but the BHA ultimately decided that it wasn’t necessary, primarily because veterinary science has now moved on and there are alternative ways of treating things like Lawsonia in foals, where medication and treatment has progressed so we don’t need to rely on anabolic steroids. And of course time and rehabilitation are often the best ways of treating chronic or prolonged illness.

The BHA wants to ensure that racehorses are never administered with anabolic steroids – from foaling through to retirement

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Apr_128_News_Owner 20/03/2015 18:48 Page 11

David Dugdale: steroids not needed

“It was also felt it would create a loophole, which some veterinary surgeons might use unscrupulously. Nobody really knows how long the performance-enhancing effect can last – some believe it could last for several years and that’s why it’s important that the legislation applies not just for horses in training but also during the rearing stage.” Owners and breeders can continue to use Regumate – which aids a mare during her cycle and is sometimes used on fillies if they are to be covered while in training or to improve temperament – for both broodmares and fillies in training.

“It was felt that

therapeutic-use exemption for steroids would create a loophole” With the TBA’s veterinary advisors James Crowhurst and Sidney Ricketts also having sat on the committee, the association’s Chief Executive Louise Kemble added her backing to the new policy, saying: “The TBA continues to support the BHA in its development of the rules and procedures which will underpin the clear view that there cannot be a place in horseracing for anabolic steroids. “We will work with the BHA to ensure that British breeders have all the information they need to ensure that they can continue their business of producing the horses on which the industry relies within these important new requirements.” The implementation of the new rules mean THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

The rules: main points

that a thoroughbred can now be tested at any point in its life and not just while in training. The BHA’s guidelines deem the ‘Responsible Person’ to be the trainer while a horse is in a registered training yard, or the owner at all other times. The owner can delegate this responsibility, for example to the owner or manager of a stud if a horse is boarding prior to going into training, but must comply with BHA requirements to provide the whereabouts of each registered horse. Trainers and owners are advised to sign a ‘Transfer of Responsibility’ form which can be lodged with the BHA and is available to be downloaded at www.britishhorseracing.com. Richard Wayman, Chief Executive of the ROA, said his organisation is doing all it can to advise owners of their responsibilities under the new rules. He commented: “Although there is no reason to believe these substances are prevalent within our sport, it is important that, in addition to the detailed information set out in the guide, the BHA has set up a facility so owners can get any queries answered, either on the phone or via email. “We’ll also use our own communication channels to help ensure ROA members understand the changes as well as the steps that can be taken to manage risk, including in relation to the purchase of horses and also when stabling horses with somebody other than a trainer who may not be aware of the new rules.”

must not be administered • Aanracehorse anabolic steroid at any point in its life. horse administered an anabolic • Any steroid will face a mandatory stand down period from training for 12 months and ineligible to start in any race in Britain for 14 months. horses must be available for testing • All at any time, regardless of physical location and whose care the horse is under, from the time it is first registered with General Stud Book. Responsible Person will be the • The trainer while the horse is under their care or control and the owner at all other times. The owner of a horse not yet in training shall be presumed to be the breeder of the horse unless proven otherwise. horses born in GB must be • All registered with Weatherbys within 12 months of birth, phased to six months in two years. Permanently imported horses must be registered with Weatherbys within 90 days of arrival in Britain accompanied by a sample that shows no evidence of administration of anabolic steroids or other substances banned at all times.

Testing at the sales With it now being fairly commonplace for young horses to pass through a sales ring on more than one occasion before racing, sales companies from around the world have been in discussion with the BHA as to how the new rules might affect existing conditions of sale. Post-purchase testing for anabolic steroids has been available to buyers for a number of years and that will continue to be in the form of a blood test, which can generally only detect steroid use from within 30 to 45 days of the test. The new policy will not be retrospective in that horses born prior to this year’s foal crop who may have been administered anabolic steroids on welfare grounds as a young horse prior to being in training would not be penalised, but a horse of any age found to have been treated with prohibited substances after the March 2 implementation of the new rules will be subject to a ban. The BHA has advised that hair-testing is likely to be phased in but, while the authority is already collecting hair samples for analysis, these tests will not be available for purchasers for the foreseeable future.

imported from Ireland, France • Horses and Germany that have spent 12 months under their equivalent policies will be exempt from the above requirement. Likewise, runners from Ireland, France and Germany will be treated as British runners and sampled as per the standard testing policy. other foreign runners must be in • All Britain (and BHA notified of their whereabouts) a minimum of ten business days in advance of their intended race to facilitate post-arrival sampling and analysis, the results of which will be received prior to the horse running. The sample must show no evidence of administration of anabolic steroids or other substances banned at all times. When the horse runs, it will also be subject to the standard testing policy.

>> 11

Apr_128_News_Owner 20/03/2015 18:49 Page 12

NEWS

Dialogue between sales houses and BHA continues With the breeze-up sales about to get underway in Britain and Ireland, discussions between the sales companies and the BHA are ongoing but feedback from the auction house representatives has been largely positive with regard to the new anabolic steroids rules. Henry Beeby, Managing Director of DBS and Chief Executive of Goffs, said: “So far we haven’t changed our conditions of sale – we offer a blood test, which will be available at the breeze-up sale. We’ve been blood-testing for anabolic steroids for ten years at Goffs and DBS and we’ve never had a positive test. “The big question we have to answer in the fullness of time is do we need to introduce hair sampling at the sales? I don’t know the answer to that yet. “The BHA has been very helpful and I applaud the fact that they have engaged with us so wholeheartedly. We presented the pitfalls from the sales companies’ point of view and we’re monitoring the situation very closely.” His sentiments were echoed by Tattersalls’ Marketing Director Jimmy George, who said: “We introduced post-sale testing for anabolic steroids in 2010 and

there will be no changes to the Tattersalls conditions of sale relating to testing for anabolic steroids at the forthcoming Craven and Guineas Breeze-up Sales. “Discussions with the BHA on this matter are ongoing and we would hope that in time there will be a uniform test formulated by the BHA which can also be used by the sales houses.” This issue is already being addressed by the BHA, which admits there is a small area of risk for buyers with current blood-testing only able to detect the use of prohibited substances for a limited period rather than for a horse’s entire life, as a hair test is believed to do. “We understand that concern and we’re working on introducing a programme for elective testing,” said the BHA’s Head of Legal Hannah McLean. “We already collect hair samples and will continue to do so but that’s not sufficient on its own for a ban at this stage. We’re moving towards hair sampling being available and we’re looking to improve the testing currently available at sales houses so that they meet BHA standards.” A further area of concern for international

Testing at the sales will be amended to meet BHA standards

“At the sales, there will be a right to test your horse post-purchase and the collection and analysis of the sample will be supervised and accredited by the BHA at the buyer’s expense,” said David Dugdale. “Initially this will be a blood test and eventually hair testing will be available. It will be similar to the testing of prohibited nonsteroidal substances, which already goes on.”

Owners of thoroughbreds being imported to the UK, whether to or from sales or for racing, will be required to provide a sample which shows the horse has not been treated with a prohibited substance. However, with Britain operating a reciprocal policy with Ireland, France and Germany, horses from those countries will be exempt from this requirement.

Geoffrey Russell: buyer confidence key

members of the bloodstock industry is the lack of certified testing laboratories outside the UK. Currently the only facility approved by the BHA is the LGC Laboratory just outside Newmarket. Keeneland’s Director Of Sales Geoffrey Russell said: “Everybody in the commercial market, whether it’s in Europe or America, wants to give confidence to the buyers that when they buy a horse it’s clean. We’ve had conversations with the BHA very recently and they understand that, and they are working towards having a procedure in place that will take care of that. “We’ve also spoken to them about the need for having a US-based certified lab. Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland have been doing drug-testing since 2008 so we have the system in place for the collection of samples – hair, if necessary, and blood. The lab is there, we just need that to be certified by the BHA.” He added: “It’s not just an American problem – it will affect Tattersalls, Goffs and Arqana as one lab is not enough to cope with all the horses going through sales – but the encouraging thing is the open communication that has taken place between us all. The BHA has come to us and asked questions and we’re confident of getting a procedure in place that will give confidence to the buyer.”

Dugdale added: “The major problem internationally is having confidence of horses in training coming to race in the UK. “The current guidelines require that they are in the UK ten days prior to their race so that the BHA can take a sample and know the result before the horse can be allowed to run in its race.” • Richard Wayman’s column, page 68. THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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NEWS

New dates for Flat championship Jockeys’ and owners’ titles to be decided by racing during five months of the season

his year’s Flat jockeys’ championship will be determined by races won between Guineas weekend and British Champions Day in a radical change to the sport backed by the BHA, ROA and PJA. No longer will wins by jockeys at turf fixtures before the start of May – a period that includes the Lincoln at Doncaster and the Classics trials at Newmarket and Newbury – and after mid-October count towards the title. The new season, as far as the official jockeys’ championship is concerned, will run from May 2 to October 17. The owners’ title will also be decided in this period. Cash prizes will be provided under the new system, with the leading jockey collecting £25,000 and the runner-up £10,000, while £15,000 will go to the most successful rider over the full calendar year in Britain. Rod Street, Chief Executive of Great British Racing, said: “We believe the new Flat championships will provide a better opportunity to promote racing and generate greater interest in their outcomes. “The crowning of our leading players at QIPCO British Champions Day creates a fitting finale to the Flat season and will help us to raise the profiles of the sport’s stars, which can only be good for racing.”

Richard Hughes has backed the new season that now ends on Champions Day

ROA President Rachel Hood said: “I have long advocated a change to our championship periods which are dated, don’t reflect how the fixture list has changed and largely fail to engage the public’s interest. “It is appropriate that the leading owners should be crowned on the finale of the Flat season, British Champions Day. As the stars of our sport, we appreciate that the focus will be on the jockeys’ title race – and, hopefully, in due course the trainers’ championship – but it is fitting that the leading owners should be celebrated on this prestigious day as well.” Richard Hughes, champion jockey for the

last three seasons, said the new format was “good progress” and pledged to go “all out” to win a fourth title in his final season in the saddle, while 11-time champion Lester Piggott declared that running the championship between May and October would “cover the real racing”. However not everyone is enamored with the changes: champion trainer Richard Hannon said the championships “should have stayed how they were” while his colleague Mark Tompkins described the new format as “very unfair to everybody.” • Tony Morris talks titles, page 34.

Hope builds for levy replacement after Budget The prospect of a racing right to replace the outdated levy system moved a step closer in March following Chancellor George Osborne’s Budget speech. British racing’s leaders have been in consultation with the government regarding a new funding mechanism for the sport – and those efforts appear to have paid dividends. The Budget document read: “The government will bring forward legislative proposals to replace the 1963 Horserace Betting Levy with a new Horserace Betting Right. The new authorisation scheme will apply to all bookmakers, wherever located, who take bets from British customers on British racing and will be administered directly by the racing industry.” BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust (pictured) said: “The announcement is a tremendous boost for the tens of thousands of people across the country that derive their livelihood from our sport.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER &

“British racing has a collective desire for a modern and direct relationship with the betting industry and believes that a racing right is the best solution to achieve this, and to secure the long-term prosperity of our sport and those within it.” Rust, who spent 27 years working for bookmakers before moving to the BHA, added: “We are still in the position whereby vast majority of bets placed by punters outside of betting shops are making no contribution to the central finances of the sport. This is unsustainable and there is recognition that this needs to change.” Unsurprisingly, Rust’s former colleagues were less positive about the Chancellor’s announcement. A spokesperson for the Association of British Bookmakers said: “The racing right is unworkable and the detail will derail it, leaving racing seriously underfunded. It will be mired in legal and other issues for many, many years.” • Rachel Hood’s Leader, page 7.

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NEWS

Joy for Jessica at Stud and Stable Awards Jessica Fortt, Stud Manager for Dunraven Stud in South Wales, was named Employee of the Year at the 2015 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards in London on February 23. Fortt, who saw off stiff competition from long-serving duo Ron Lott (Shadwell Stud) and Dale Clements (Cheveley Park Stud) in the Stud Staff Award category, became the first stud-based winner of the top prize in the event’s 11-year history. She received a prize of £20,000, with the same amount going to her stud, and the perpetual Godolphin trophy. On accepting her headline award, Fortt said: “I was in shock with the first award and then just overwhelmed to be the overall winner. “I’d always wanted to work with horses and when I left school at 16 I was going to go to agricultural college. But I saw an advert from the British Racing School in Newmarket, I applied for it, went on a course, absolutely fell in love with it and that was it. I’ve worked in racing ever since.

Cheque mates: Jessica Fortt celebrates her triumph with hosts Ryan Moore and Clare Balding and, left, in her day job as Stud Manager of Dunraven Stud in Wales

“I met David [Brace, owner of Dunraven Stud] through a friend. I went to manage his point-to-point yard, but he had some broodmares and I loved that side of it. “I start at 6am and finish at 5pm but then I watch for the mares foaling as well. It doesn’t suit my husband, because I’m up all night watching the mares on my iPad, so I sleep in the lounge on my blow-up bed!” Brough Scott, Chairman of the Judging Panel, commented: “This year’s awards have yet again produced a quite outstanding set of finalists and

excellent winners. Despite the remarkable credentials of the winners, Jessica was a clearcut choice for Employee of the Year. “Despite not being the typical stud staff breed, at less than five feet tall, she shows empathy with each stallion, and a natural way of handling them, that means her lack of physicality is not an issue. “She has been, and still is, involved in all parts of the game, as well as stud life and is also a magnificently refreshing character.” • Richard Lancaster on the Awards, page 9.

Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards 2015 – winners and runners-up Rider/Groom Award

Dedication to Racing Award

Winner: Simon Archer, Groom – Sir Mark Prescott Runners-up: Steve Nicholson, Full-time Work Rider – Ed Dunlop Martyn Peake, Rider/Groom – Lady Cecil

Winner: Lesley White, Travelling Head Lass – Mick Channon Runners-up: Clifford Marsden, Head Man – Luca Cumani Robynne Watton, Senior Travelling Manager – Mark Johnston

Stud Staff Award

David Nicholson Newcomer Award

Winner: Jessica Fortt, Stud Manager – Dunraven Stud Runners-up: Dale Clements, Stud Groom – Cheveley Park Ron Lott, Stallion Man – Shadwell Stud

Winner: Tegan Clark, Head Lad – Olly Stevens Runners-up: Charlotte Clayton, Work Rider/Groom – Rae Guest Reggie Eggleton, Yard Man/Feed Manager – Seamus Mullins

Leadership Award

Administration Staff Award

Winner: Johnson White, Assistant Trainer – Philip Hobbs Runners-up: Joanne Fowles, Head Lass – Roger Varian Kevin Mooney, Assistant Trainer – Charlie Hills

Winner: Peter Shoemark, Racing Office Manager – John Gosden

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Apr_128_News_Owner 20/03/2015 18:49 Page 15

NEWS

SIMON HAYWARD PHOTOGRAPHY

‘8 to follow’ competition

Festival feast: the Brightwells Pavilion entertained owners and trainers

New Cheltenham owners’ facility gets the thumps-up The new Brightwells Pavilion, situated adjacent to the paddock area, proved a real hit with connections at the Cheltenham Festival. All owners with a runner on the day were entitled to four badges for the new facility, while trainers with a runner were offered two badges. Owners Kit and Jenny James enthused:

“We were overwhelmed by the facilities that were extended to us. The Brightwells Pavilion was situated in a magnificent position on the newly created Plaza. It was light and spacious and it was wonderful to be able to look out and see the Cheltenham world pass by. “There was plentiful seating and tables, cloakroom facilities, bar, TV screens and tote facilities. The catering was absolutely first class. We all commented that it was the best buffet we had ever had and with such a wide choice of hot and cold dishes. There was food available right up to the end of racing. The atmosphere was something special and it was a day that we will all remember for a very long time. “Unfortunately our horse did not run well but we were able to celebrate with the Warren Greatrex team on their win with Cole Harden.”

Qatar Racing is repeating its ‘8 to follow’ competition this year, which has a £10,000 first prize for the endof-season winner. The competition, with players selecting eight horses owned by Qatar Racing/Pearl Bloodstock, costs £10 to enter and all proceeds will go to Racing Welfare. It runs from 2,000 Guineas day to Champions Day, with prizes down to fifth place. The three leading entries approaching the final day will be invited to a special lunch at Ascot on Champions Day. Enter online at www.8tofollow.com. Entries close May 1.

Elm Park: one to follow?

Nicholas Cooper wins President vote Nicholas Cooper has defeated Stephen Smith in a vote to succeed Rachel Hood as the next President of the Racehorse Owners Association. The ROA’s membership must ratify the outcome at June’s AGM. Cooper (pictured), a chartered accountant and founder of Sterling Insurance Group, was coopted to the ROA Council in 2014. Smith will step down from his role of ViceTHOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

President of the ROA with immediate effect. Alan Pickering, nominated as the next Vice-President, will assume the role in an acting capacity until the AGM. Richard Wayman, ROA Chief Executive, said: “I’d like to congratulate Nick Cooper and Alan Pickering on their election success but must also particularly thank Stephen Smith for his tireless contribution over the past eight years.”

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in association with

Racing’s news in a nutshell PEOPLE AND BUSINESS Goodwood Sussex track will stage a £400,000 Arab race on Nassau day, August 1, as the first leg of a triple crown series offering $1m bonus to any winner.

Khalid Abdullah Owner/breeder will not hire a retained rider to replace James Doyle, who has moved to Godolphin.

Juddmonte International York’s Group 1 contest is named the best race in the world by the IFHA, according to the ratings of the first four finishers over the past three seasons.

Eimear Chance Marketing executive leaves Great British Racing International for new role with Irish Thoroughbred Marketing.

Fergus Sweeney Signs up to ride as first jockey to trainer Martyn Meade at Sefton Lodge Stables in Newmarket.

Irish Champions Weekend Prize-money at the two-day fixture increases to more than €4 million, with the Irish Champions Stakes boosted by €100,000 to €1.1m.

Ladbrokes Bookmaker reports 9.3% fall in operating profit to £125.4 million for 2014.

Danny Cook Jump jockey, 31, handed six-month ban by BHA after testing positive for cocaine.

Darren Smith Trainer receives 15-year ban by NSW stewards for using the banned substance cobalt on over 40 horses in his care.

Jack Duern Young jockey will continue his career in France with Andrew Hollinshead after returning from a five-month suspension for mis-use of the whip.

Richard Hughes Champion jockey for the last three years announces that he will retire at the end of the 2015 season ahead of a training career.

Also... Jockey Club Racecourses will contribute a record £19.9m towards prize-money in 2015, despite staging 24 fewer fixtures; ARC will maintain its executive contribution at £11.3m. Chris Catlin is set to miss start of the Flat turf season after breaking his collarbone in a fall at Kempton in early March. John Butler, trainer of prolific all-weather winner Stand Guard, decides to relinquish his licence to become assistant to Ismail Mohammed. Canadian Ron Turcotte, 73, best known as the rider of 1973 American Triple Crown hero Secretariat, breaks both his legs in a vehicle accident. Amateur jockey Tom Weston punctures both lungs following fall from Benbane Head in the Kim Muir Chase at Cheltenham but has now returned home. Kevin Stott, 20-year-old apprentice jockey, signs up to ride for Luca Cumani having previously been based with Kevin Ryan. Tattersalls signs a three-year deal to sponsor the Irish 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, while the Tattersalls Gold Cup increases in value by €40,000 to €250,000. Kristof Fahy, William Hills’s Chief Marketing Officer, has been appointed to the top marketing role with the Telegraph Media Group. Betting exchange WBX closes due to increased regulatory costs.

We’ve advised buyers of prime property for over thirty years. It’s all we do. We are your unfair advantage. Unrivalled Access. Astute Advice. Please contact either Robert Fanshawe or Henry Hannon on 01635 813 130

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

TWEENHILLS TIMES AN EYE FOR SUCCESS

APRIL 2015

Sparkling display down under by Noble Protector Bought privately last summer by David Redvers, Noble Protector is on course for a Group One race in Sydney worth Aus$1,000,000 after romping to victory in a Group Three contest at Flemington. Carrying the colours of Qatar Bloodstock, the five-year-old beat a field of 12 for the Gr.3 Schweppervescence Trophy, scoring by four and a half lengths under jockey Craig Williams. A Listed winner when trained in Britain by Stuart Kittow, she was bought on behalf of Sheikh Fahad and subsequently placed in York’s Listed Galtres Stakes for

Qatar Racing before transferring to Robert Smerdon’s yard. Second in a Group Three handicap on her Australian debut – the winner, Contributer, has since won the Gr.1 Norton Stakes – she was then fourth at Flemington in November before being given a mid-summer break.

Williams was highly impressed with Noble Protector, and said: “She won with sheer authority. We’ve been really happy with the

John Campbell Veterinarian

Crossing the world helped… After five years at university I qualified in 1999, but came out pretty green. Large animals were my interest, and I did some work with cattle in the early days, but then I managed to gain placements at equine hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. I joined Three Counties Equine Hospital ten years ago and became a partner in 2012. Now it’s grainy pictures of foetuses… As a practice we cover quite a wide range, from sports horses, to race meetings, licensed trainers’ yards and stud farms. Stud work is my favourite, particularly when you’re working with the calibre of horses found at Tweenhills. At this time of year someone from the practice is here every morning – my colleague, Ben Coles, looks after new-born foals while I tend to be on the scanner, checking which mares are ready to cover, and, once they’ve been covered, to see whether they are in foal and that all is healthy. It’s quite intense work, and very busy during the breeding season, but we get a lot of pleasure watching horses progress from the foaling box to the racecourse.

Smerdon was being realistic about the future, and said: “We’ll aim for the sky and hope we hit the chimney.”

Scoring so impressively on her comeback in mid-March means she is now heading for the Gr.1 Cellarbrations Queen Of The Turf Stakes at Randwick on Saturday, April 11.

Team Member PROFILE

Another acolyte of Herriot? My parents are from farming stock, and I gained an insight for this type of work by hitching a ride with a local vet when I was still at school, but, like most vets, it was author James Herriot who fired my initial interest.

way she’s been going and it’s a great result for Qatar Bloodstock and Robert Smerdon.”

Qatar Racing’s popular 8 to Follow competition – with a first prize of £10,000 – is back for a third year, starting on QIPCO 2000 Guineas Day, May 2. Any profit is given to Racing Welfare, the charity which supports past and present workers from the racing and bloodstock industries.

To take part choose eight horses trained in Europe for Qatar Racing and Pearl Bloodstock – your stable of eight must include four two-year-olds, and you can enter as many stables as you like (£10 per stable). A list of eligible horses and details of the competition can be found at www.8tofollow.co.uk. Entrants gain points each time a member of their string finishes in the first three, and there are additional points for wins and places in Stakes races – cash prizes down to fifth place are given to the stables which accrue the most points. New this year will be a mid-season transfer window, giving players the option of sticking or twisting with their stable/s.

Some two-year-olds to earn you £10,000! Colt by Cape Cross out of Faithful One. Trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, who says: “He moves really well and finds things easy.”

Filly by Makfi out of Aunty Mary (bred by Qatar Bloodstock Ltd). Trained by Clive Cox, who says: “She has pleased me very much with her development physically and mentally. She has a very athletic way about her.”

Colt by Exceed And Excel out of Great Hope. Trained by Kevin Ryan, who says: “He is a likeable colt who has plenty of scope.”

Filly by Compton Place out of Deora De. Trained by Ann Duffield, who says: “She is very forward-going and a great mover with lots of scope.”

Colt by Footstepsinthesand out of St Edith. Trained by Olly Stevens, who says: “He has done well physically and is quite a strong, forward-looking colt.”

Filly by Dubawi out of Diary (bred by Qatar Bloodstock Ltd). Trained by David Simcock, who says: “She is growing in confidence, has a lovely stride and gets up Warren Hill very easily.”

Colt by Rip Van Winkle out of I Hear You Knocking. Trained by Ger Lyons, who says: “We really like him – hopefully he will be an early type.”

Filly by Invincible Spirit out of Golden Whip. Trained by Roger Varian, who says: “She settled in well, is cantering daily and is straightforward.”

Tweenhills Farm & Stud, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BG W: www.tweenhills.com T: + 44 (0) 1452 700177 / 700545 M: + 44 (0) 7767 436373 E: davidredvers@tweenhills.com 588 - Tweenhills Times April 2015_V05.indd 1

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RACEHORSE AND STALLION MOVEMENTS AND RETIREMENTS Saddler’s Rock Son of Sadler’s Wells, winner of the Doncaster Cup and Goodwood Cup, will stand his first season at Somerset’s Beech Tree Stud.

Falbrav Multiple Group 1 winner who stood his stud career at Shadai Stallion Farm in Japan, bar one season in the UK, is retired from covering duties aged 17.

Olympic Glory First-season sire, based at Haras de Bouquetot in France, will shuttle to Arrowfield Stud in NSW later this year for a fee of A$19,250 (£10,000).

Sunnyhillboy Lost out by a nose to Neptune Collonges in the 2012 Grand National, and successful at both the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals, is retired aged 12.

Also...

Jumps sire Vinnie Roe, based at Dunraven Stud in Wales since the end of last year, is sold to Longford House Stud in County Tipperary, where his new fee will be €2,000. Puissance De Lune, a talented son of Shamardal and a dual Group 2 winner in Australia following his purchase from France, is retired and will stand at Swettenham Stud in Victoria. Vercingetorix, a star performer for trainer Mike de Kock, having captured last year’s Group 1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan, suffers a career-ending injury in this year’s renewal.

PEOPLE OBITUARIES

Night Of Thunder Son of Dubawi, winner of last year’s 2,000 Guineas from star colts Kingman and Australia, will race for Godolphin in 2015 but remain with trainer Richard Hannon.

Stefan Friborg 67

Gerry Blum 90

Swedish oil tycoon who was the owner of Dubai World Cup victor Gloria De Campeao and 1,000 Guineas heroine Natagora.

Former Newmarket trainer who won an Italian Group 3 with Stay Low; he looked after 1945 1,000 Guineas heroine Sun Stream.

Donald Sucher 89

Hiroki Goto 40

Breeder of Winning Colors, the last filly to win the Kentucky Derby in 1988, from his Echo Valley Farm in Kentucky.

Jill Dawson 58

Successful point-to-point jockey, riding 162 winners, and trainer of talented hunter chaser Palypso De Creek.

Multiple Grade 1-winning jockey in Japan, who had an unsuccessful spell in Britain in 2002-03, is reported to have taken his own life.

Mark O’Hanlon 52

Well-respected in his role with Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, having previously worked for Goresbridge.

HORSE OBITUARIES Stowaway 21 Top jumps sire based at Whytemount Stud in County Kilkenny, his progeny included Grade 1 winner Champagne Fever and Hidden Cyclone.

Also... Horse Chestnut, 19

Outstanding performer in South Africa, winner of nine of his ten starts for his owner/breeders Harry and Bridget Oppenheimer. Mail The Desert, 15 Daughter of Desert Prince, she captured the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes in 2002 for trainer Mick Channon and owner John Livock. King Of Kings, 20 Provided trainer Aidan O’Brien with his first British Classic when winning the 1998 2,000 Guineas; he suffered heart failure at stud in South Africa.

Cavalryman 9 Stalwart for the Godolphin team who raced every year between two and nine, winning ten races, including a Group 1, and over £1.9m. Marlborough, 23 High-class chaser for owner Sir Robert Ogden, winner of a Grade 1 event at Sandown in 2001 and successful at the Cheltenham Festival. Creator, 29 Completed a Group 1 double in France in 1990, landing the Prix Ganay and Prix D’Ispahan, for owner/breeder Sheikh Mohammed. Nacarat, 14 Popular frontrunning grey for owner Simon Clarke, he landed the 2011 Grade 1 Bowl at Aintree and won the Racing Post Chase twice.

Tamure, 23 Runner-up to Lammtarra in the 1995 Derby, he was a successful jumps stallion for Beech House Stud, siring talented mare Bitofapuzzle. Rolling Star, 6 Useful hurdler for the Nicky Henderson stable and owners Michael Buckley and the Vestey family, winner of a Grade 2 at Cheltenham in 2013. THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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THE BIG PICTURE

FAUGHEENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JOLLY GOOD He came to the Cheltenham Festival unbeaten and he left unbeaten â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Faugheen proved his superstar status with a brilliant front-running performance in the opening day highlight, the Champion Hurdle, under regular pilot Ruby Walsh. The race further exhibited the training skills of Willie Mullins, who also saddled the second and third home, Arctic Fire (purple) and Hurricane Fly, the latter appearing in the race for the fifth time having captured the championship contest in 2011 and 2013

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THE BIG PICTURE

RUBY’S NEAR-PERFECT DAY Aside from Faugheen’s Champion Hurdle victory, Ruby Walsh enjoyed a Tuesday to remember, with Un De Sceaux producing an exhilarating round of jumping in the Arkle Challenge Trophy (main image) and Douvan proving far too good for his rivals in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (below). Brilliant mare Annie Power looked set to give his jockey a Grade 1 fourtimer in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle but took a dramatic fall at the final flight to hand victory to stable companion Glens Melody (yellow and black). Willie Mullins’s first day haul helped him become the week’s leading trainer with a record eight winners, while Walsh took the riding crown

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THE BIG PICTURE

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BULLETS REIGNS Frankie Dettori has his own reward for jockey Sam Twiston-Davies after watching Dodging Bullets, whom he bred, produce a fine round of jumping to capture the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The seven-year-old Dubawi gelding, owned by Martin Broughton and friends and trained by Paul Nicholls, is pictured jumping the final fence in the two-mile contest sandwiched by eventual runner-up Somersby (right) and third-placed Special Tiara

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THE BIG PICTURE

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OVER AND OUT FOR AP AP McCoy brought the curtain down on his two-decade career at the Cheltenham Festival with a farewell triumph aboard the Alan King-trained Uxizandre in the Ryanair Chase (main image) for his long-time backer JP McManus. The retiring champion received cheers and heartfelt applause from the huge crowd. While McCoy was celebrating his last victory at the Festival, the rising force of trainer Warren Greatrex and jockey Gavin Sheehan enjoyed their first taste of success with Cole Hardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gutsy pillar-to-post effort in the World Hurdle (above left)

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THE BIG PICTURE

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HENDERSON’S TRIUMPH Anything Willie Mullins can do, Nicky Henderson can do – having seen his Irish counterpart send out the first three in the Champion Hurdle, Henderson repeated the feat in the Triumph Hurdle. The finish was fought out by Peace And Co (far side) and Top Notch, both in the ownership of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede (pictured left in green scarves), who will no doubt be dreaming of returning for next year’s Festival. JP McManus’s Hargam finished four lengths away in third place

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THE BIG PICTURE

Happy families: Chicky Oaksey (left), wife of the late Lord Oaksey who bred Coneygree out of his mare Plaid Maid, with jockey Nico de Boinville and trainer Mark Bradstock

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CONEYGREE IS ALL CLASS It looked an impossible task on paper â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Coneygree, an eight-year-old with just three previous runs over fences and partnered by a conditional jockey, taking on the best chasers around in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. No novice had won the blue riband since Captain Christy in 1974 while the previous British-bred runner to triumph was Master Oats in 1995. Yet the result rarely looked in doubt once Nico de Boinville established an early lead in the 3m2f contest, as they jumped their rivals into the ground, seeing off Irish-trained pair Djakadam (pink) and Road To Riches

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RETURNING HEROES The Cheltenham crowd strain to catch a glimpse â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and maybe take a photo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of Coneygree and Nico de Boinville after their scintillating success in the Gold Cup. Trainer Mark Bradstock feels there is plenty more improvement to come from his charge, who is unlikely to run again this season but could reappear in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November

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THE MAN YOU CAN’T IGNORE COMMENT

Tony Morris Statistics in racing are more reliable these days but some are still awry, a prime example being the jockeys’ championship, which doesn’t reveal who the real leading riders are

GEORGE SELWYN

ack in the 1970s I had a fascinating and enjoyable stint as editor of the Bloodstock Breeders’ Review, an annual publication that endeavoured to give extensive coverage of racing all over the world. As it had been published in Britain ever since the inaugural 1912 volume, we felt we did not have to apologise for treating events at home more comprehensively than those in other countries, but we had correspondents wherever racing had a significant presence, and their brief was to provide an overview of what had happened in their parish in the previous year. Just to prove that all good things come to an end, the publication died, not quite making it to a 70th edition, and I dare say it is still missed by old-timers such as myself who relied on it for information from nations far and wide. Of course, things are very different in a 21st century world where there is plenty of timely knowledge to be gleaned from browsing websites originating in a multitude of countries. But we were very proud of what we were able to provide in those comparatively dark ages, imparting factual, impartial data; as we were sticklers for accuracy, a lot of checking and rechecking had to be done, and that was not always easy. On occasions we were supplied with misinformation, and recycling misinformation in our book was not going to happen if I could prevent it. Sires’ statistics could present a problem, and in the case of North America, where earnings over jumps were lumped in with earnings on the Flat, there was nothing I could do about it. But there was so little racing over obstacles that it hardly seemed to matter; it was extreme odds against those few races affecting the destiny of championships. However, when I received the official sires’ stats for 1975 in Germany – West Germany then, the Bundesrepublik – I was immediately confronted with something I found incredible. The table was headed by Appiani, an Italianbred son of Herbager who stood in France, with progeny earnings of DM1,321,080. That definitely required investigation. What I discovered was that Appiani had only two runners in Germany in 1975. One was an

Champion jockey Richard Hughes (left), with Steve Drowne and PJA chief Paul Struthers, has welcomed the decision to amend the dates of the prime Flat season

English-bred two-year-old called Match Mate, who started three times and earned DM1,000 for his third place in a minor event at Mulheim. The other runner was the more consequential Irish-bred Star Appeal, who collected DM60,000 for his win in the Group 2 Grosser Preis der Badischen Wirtschaft, DM6,500 for his second place in a handicap in Cologne, DM6,000 for his third place in a handicap at Dortmund, and DM15,000 for his fourth place in the Grosser Preis von Baden. Star Appeal’s earnings in Germany were thus DM87,500; add on Match Mate’s contribution and the total for Appiani’s progeny was DM88,500. So how did the Germans bump up his earnings to DM1,321,080? Not a problem. They simply tacked on the prize-money garnered from his wins in the Gran Premio di Milano, the Eclipse Stakes and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, his third in the Benson & Hedges Gold Cup, his fourth in the Champion Stakes, and his fifth in the Washington DC International. That lot boosted Appiani’s tally by DM1,232,580 and made him Germany’s bogus champion sire for 1975. His true position in the table was 50th and the real champion sire was Kaiseradler, whose progeny earned in

excess of DM1 million more than him. Why would they perpetrate such a falsehood? It wasn’t as though they felt the need to promote a German-based sire; Appiani was in France. And Star Appeal, though trained in Germany and out of a German mare, was foaled in Ireland. Why wouldn’t they want to give due credit to Kaiseradler, one of their own? It was all frankly absurd and I took special delight in elevating Kaiseradler to the top place he clearly merited, dumping Appiani among the also-rans. That, of course, was an extreme example of distorted statistics, but we see them all the time now where sires are concerned. We get stats now that cover the world, for the simple reason that it has become easy to compile them, and they should always be treated warily. Levels of prize-money vary considerably from country to country, and comparisons of sires’ progeny records are obviously apt to mislead in our era of regular international and intercontinental competition. It is possible, as it always was, to form a reasonable judgement of the comparative merits of sires where their progeny compete within the same jurisdiction, but it is much more difficult in this day and age. At home the statistics I know I can’t trust are THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Apr_128_Tony_Morris_Owner 20/03/2015 16:51 Page 35

those for jockeys. It’s been a fact now for a couple of decades that the Flat season runs the full length of the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31. But when the lunatics took over the asylum they ignored the glaringly obvious and decreed an arbitrary season that just takes in everything between the start of racing on grass and the end of racing on grass. Of course, that period includes a lot of meetings conducted on the all-weather, which are no more and no less valid than the all-weather fixtures in the first three and last two months of the year, but, with startling lack of logic, they don’t count. They might as well not exist, so far as jockeys are concerned. Accordingly, we have their prize-giving at a time when 90 days of their season have been wiped out as irrelevant and there are still 60 days to follow. The absurdity of this regime was first exhibited in 2004 when Kieren Fallon handed the trophy to Frankie Dettori, who had actually ridden fewer winners than him. Three years later we were supposed to celebrate two champions in a tie between Jamie Spencer and Seb Sanders, with 190 winners apiece; in fact, both had been riding on the all-weather and Sanders held a clear lead, 213 to 207. In 2012 the media invited us to congratulate Richard Hughes on securing a long-awaited first title, which was all well and fine except that his annual score of 172 was second-best to the industrious Joe Fanning, who chalked up a tally of 188. Hughes earned my congratulations the following year, when he really finished on top. And so to 2014, when Hughes was awarded a third title with 161 winners to his name within the arbitrary period. He rode a bit on the allweather outside the set parameters, his actual score for the year being 166, but that was only enough to place him fourth on the true, allinclusive list. Let’s give a hearty cheer for Adam Kirby, the real champion, whose 192 successes put him three in front of Luke Morris, while Joe Fanning took an honourable third place with 168 wins. Now the proposal is to ignore even more of the season, and as a sop to the real champion jockey give him £15,000 and call him ‘leading jockey.’ Where else on the planet does such an absurd system apply? Champion jockey and leading jockey are logically one and the same. A trophy would be fine, but a monetary reward is not required. It’s about glory, about being a successor to Archer, Richards, Piggott and Eddery. Some have argued for years that the jockeys’ championship should be determined by the prize-money earned by their mounts, as it is purses which serve as the deciding factor for owners and trainers. The Americans have long used prize-money as the criterion for their jockeys. How about settling matters by percentage of winners to rides? That is a feasible system, but where would the cut-off point for number of mounts be set? Would 500 be too many or too few? All a bit problematical, I feel. In Europe centuries of tradition have made the highest number of winners the sole criterion for determining the identity of the champion jockey, and I see no reason at all for switching to anything different. What Britain needs to do is to ensure that the right fellow is identified as champion – the guy who rides most winners in the full calendar year. Four times in the last 11 years the leading jockey has been denied the crown he justly deserved. Why should the guys who put in a full year’s effort receive such scant recognition? Let’s see justice for the likes of Fanning and Kirby, I say.

“What Britain needs to do is to ensure that the right fellow is identified as champion jockey”

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Apr_128_HowardWright_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 18:04 Page 36

HOWARD WRIGHT COMMENT

Detailed accounts of businesses proliferate at this time of year, but not so with the BHA and UK racing – the Rust regime will hopefully put that right

It’s spring but it’s still dark

GEORGE SELWYN

side from studying Cheltenham and Aintree form, spring is the time to examine annual reports for those companies that operate on a calendar year basis. Not, though, if you want to know what’s been going on at the British Horseracing Authority. Just as the daffodils began to escape their winter slumber, among the most illuminating documents to emerge this year was William Hill’s annual report and accounts, an eminently readable edition that provided a full rundown on the company’s performance and strategy, accompanied by valuable information on board members’ appointments and their expertise, and the names and job titles of senior staff. Compare that with the much smaller BHA, whose last annual review appeared in 2011, and whose most recent abridged accounts, as published on its website, were for the year ended December 21, 2012. In terms of administration, a lot has happened since the end of 2010, yet the wider world still awaits a full explanation for the reasons and mechanics behind wholesale changes that were made to the BHA board as recently as last autumn. Anyone hoping for more detailed information from the BHA website is in for a major disappointment. The directors are singled out, along with five executives who feature with photographs and thumbnail backgrounds but no breakdown of their job specifications. As for the identities of other staff, they long ago disappeared from public view under the anonymity of data protection. Spring is also the time when fact books bloom, as international racing organisations publish their round-up of the previous year’s figures. Not, though, if you want to know what’s been going on under the BHA’s jurisdiction. The US Jockey Club published its annual return in the first couple of days of March, detailing 41,000 races, 55,000 starters and $1 billion of prize-money in the form of “statistical information as well as an organisational directory,” and noting that the statistics are updated on a monthly basis. Britain’s equivalent, on a far smaller base, came out faithfully each year under Weatherbys’ production from 1973 to 2010. After an 18-month gap, they reappeared under

The BHA has been open with numbers concerning small fields, but not much else

the BHA banner as the British Horseracing Fact Book 2011-12 – the jumping half of 2012, that is. It proved to be a one-hit wonder, and the collated annual facts have not been seen since. To call this situation a shambles would be generous. Disgraceful might be a better description, especially for a sport devoted largely to facts and figures.

“Anyone hoping for

more detailed information from the BHA website is in for disappointment” However, hope is at hand, and just like spring bulbs poking through frost-bound soil, green shoots of information are emerging into the sunlight, as evidenced by the BHA’s publication in February and early last month of statistics relating to field sizes and whip use. Their appearance is just the start, new BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust says, promising the

publication of industry information on a monthly basis. Rust has spent the first three months of his tenure in, around and out of the BHA head office, getting to know the staff and the organisational structure, while also visiting racecourses both to make himself known and discover more about the raceday operation, and meeting trade bodies to explain himself and hear what others think. “I want the BHA to become completely open on a number of matters,” he says, “and wholly agree that we need to be totally accountable. We cost the industry £31 million a year, and for that amount of money we need to be accountable.” Rust gives the impression of having joined an organisation more concerned about the BHA brand and ‘doing the right thing’ for itself than always acting in a way that was right for British racing. “We need to accept we will make mistakes,” he says, “but we must reach out, be humble, and work on our accountability, transparency and communication.” The new broom cannot sweep away all the recent deficiencies of the BHA’s public performance, but at the very least it can ensure that the industry starts with a clean slate. THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Apr_128_View_From_IrelandV2_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 16:43 Page 38

VIEW FROM IRELAND By JESSICA LAMB

Young gun out to make his mark Michael O’Callaghan is a 26-year-old trainer with innovation, ambition and Classic designs

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here was a time when a simple stopwatch was the only electronic equipment a trainer used. Now Jim Bolger has a treadmill, equine hospitals have dynamic scopes, helmet-cams produce in-race footage, and Michael O’Callaghan is adopting methods from professional cycling. The 26-year-old is probably the first trainer in Ireland to have been brought up on the technology and certainly the first to use it to stand out, producing a YouTube production of 1,000 Guineas hope Letters Of Note working on the gallops just days before getting off the mark at Dundalk. It has received more than 1,100 views, but more intriguing

than the helmet-cam the jockey wore that morning is the GPS and heart rate monitor sitting on his girth. O’Callaghan got the idea from his days as a competitive junior cyclist. “The training we did, and what a lot of professional athletes do now, was based on times and heart rates,” he said. “We use Garmin GPS devices and via equinITy’s software package can record in detail every training session. The biggest benefit I get from it with the horse is that all the gallops on the Curragh are mapped and so I can take splits and other snippets of information, like heart rate changes and recovery. “This will get even more immediate as they are bringing in live streaming. This will mean I can be on top of the gallop and see what speed

they are doing and what their heart rate is on my iPad as they’re coming up.” With innovative thinking like that, it’s little wonder he enters his fourth season as a trainer with two horses for one of the world’s mightiest owners, Sheikh Fahad Al Thani. Days after Letters Of Note won at Dundalk, Sheikh Fahad added her to his Pearl Bloodstock team, having already purchased O’Callaghan’s top sprint prospect, Aggression, to run for Qatar Racing. With 2,000 Guineas hope Rapid Applause another exciting horse to look forward to, the Curragh trainer has plenty of ammunition for the 2015 season. “I always dreamt of training horses for Sheikh Fahad,” he said. “I never wanted to train on a small scale; I want to be the best I can possibly be. “Luckily I’m very privileged in that I have a

Apr_128_View_From_IrelandV2_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 16:43 Page 39

furlongs at Dundalk by a neck in December, but first impressions are lasting and his beefy stature and explosive speed stood out that night. “He is a very fast colt with a lot of raw speed,” O’Callaghan beamed. “He’s about 550 kilos and for a horse of his height that’s a massive amount of muscle. I always knew he was going to be a sprinter. “He has a mark of 89 so we might try to exploit that and run him in a three-year-old handicap early on, then go to Naas for the Royal Ascot trial at the start of June. It is tough

CAROLINE NORRIS

“I never wanted to O’Callaghan has high hopes for Rapid Applause, pictured left (orange/black)

lot of support from my father [Michael senior], and he has the same drive and ambition for me to succeed that I have. It got the ball rolling a lot quicker than it would have normally. “Despite all that, getting Sheikh Fahad in the yard at this early stage is a dream, and to get two guns to fire for him at the same time is great. He could very easily have taken them away. This is a massive boost for the team, it’s really encouraging, but even without him in the yard, you would be jumping out of bed every morning to work with what we have. I actually find it hard getting the staff out of the yard.” First up of the stars will be Rapid Applause at Dundalk later this month, testing his Classic potential in the Listed Patton Stakes over seven furlongs. With a rating of 110, the Round Tower Stakes second was ranked among the world’s top 50 juveniles last term and O’Callaghan is adamant that was only the beginning for the son of Royal Applause. He said: “We think he’s well up to that standard. He’s not your typical two-year-old. He was raw and backward and still very high behind. He’s put on about 30 kilos and is a bigger, stronger horse now and has levelled out.” Having been kept to six furlongs last year, O’Callaghan has set a mid-summer target of the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot for the Cork winner, but he will aim him at the 2,000 Guineas until the colt tells him not to. We have seen little of Aggression, the threeyear-old that won his sole start over five

train on a small scale; I want to be the best I can possibly be”

for a three-year-old like him, as I think experience makes a sprinter, and they get better with age so we will try to keep him to his age group early on. Hopefully he’ll make into a Group-class sprinter.” YouTube star Letters Of Note induces a smile in O’Callaghan. This 1,000 Guineas prospect, picked up for a mere €13,500 at Goresbridge, has class he cannot yet fathom. He said: “She’s a big filly so anything she did

last year was a bonus. She will go for the Guineas trial at Leopardstown and could easily be as good as Rapid Applause. “I remember hand timing her at Dundalk and thinking the fractions were very quick and that’s always the sign of a good race. I’ve never ever had her off the bridle at home because I’ve never had anything to take her off the bridle! I could work her with Rapid Applause, that might do it – but I would never do that.” What made her YouTube appearance stand out was the speed of the canter, which is a common theme in O’Callaghan’s training regime. He explained: “A lot of our work is bridle work, but it’s very swift. It comes from reading Sir Henry Cecil’s book: he said that when he first took over the yard, the horses weren’t running well. His canters were too slow and ever since then he had the fastest canters in Newmarket. “So our canters are fast and when they do work it’s short – four, five or six furlongs. They get used to pace so then when they get to the track they can quicken up off the pace because we haven’t left their speed at home.” April will be a big month for O’Callaghan, with his two-year-olds expected out early. What he hopes for more than anything though is that Sheikh Fahad is proved right to put his faith in him, leaving two hugely exciting threeyear-olds with a trainer so far proven only with juveniles. “People will either class me as ambitious or mad,” O’Callaghan said. “I find myself a mix of the two. I like to challenge myself and this is our chance to prove ourselves.”

O’Callaghan on… Switching disciplines “I started out as a breeze-up consignor. Dad and I would do it all together and when I had horses left over from the breeze-ups, I’d put them into training. I found I was able to do more with them training myself and something clicked in my head. “I remember selling seven colts one year and watching six of them win on their first or second start and thinking how much I could have made selling them on. “We owned all of the horses at the start, which I know not everyone is in a position to do, but if you can put some skin in the game and prove yourself like that it pays.”

Communication “WhatsApp is a great thing for keeping

owners up to date. I couldn’t see the point of owning a horse and just turning up on the day of the race. Owning a horse is about the journey and all the ups and downs. It’s nice for an owner to be sitting at their desk in the office and get a video of their horse galloping that morning or a simple picture.”

The staff “I’m 26 and my girlfriend Siobhan O’Sullivan is a similar age and we’re trying to build up a team of staff that will be here for a long time with us. Everyone is ambitious and has drive. They have to be loyal as well and have the best interests of the yard to the fore. That’s what we’re always looking for. Of course it puts a strain on Siobhan and I working together, but you get over it.”

Apr_128_Continental_Tales_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 16:41 Page 40

CONTINENTAL TALES

By JAMES CRISPE, INTERNATIONAL RACING BUREAU

EN ED

Long thrilled to keep prize asset

DUBAI RACING CLUB/ANDREW WATKINS

Trainer eyeing further gains with Dubai World Cup Carnival winner Volatile

Jessica Long (right) on the podium in Dubai after Volatile’s Meydan Classic victory

J GERMA

essica Long has just experienced both the up and down sides of being a small trainer who saddles the winner of a big international race with a promising young horse, in her case the three-year-old Volatile in the Meydan Classic on February 26. Aside from the thrill of entering the number one spot under the dazzling lights at one of the

world’s most awe-inspiring racecourses, not to mention receiving her share of the £48,077 first prize, she was able to enjoy the kind of positive publicity that can make all the difference to a nascent career. However, such a big win also brings your horse to the attention of bloodstock agents acting on behalf of mega-rich owners and,

Down in the slumps The Direktorium (German Jockey Club) recently published a seven-year statistical overview of racing in Germany which makes for interesting – and at times alarming – reading. There have been several dramatic slumps during the last seven years – the number of horses in training is down to 2,649 from 3,039, the number of active breeders down to 550 from 777, and the foal crop size has crashed to 748 from 1,245.

And though the number of races has held steady at around the 1,350-mark over the past five years, the average field size in those races has plummeted to a modern times low of 8.58 – as recently as 2011 it was 9.89. However, German trainers did create one more positive record in 2014 in that they saddled an incredible 2,815 runners abroad, mostly in France, a figure that has grown by 52% since 2008.

although a massive cash injection never does anyone any harm, Long must have feared that her homebred gelding might soon begin advertising someone else’s training talents. So her Facebook posting on March 4 betrayed a huge sense of relief: “After Volatile’s fantastic win last week there has been a lot of interest to buy him. A very difficult and emotional decision had to be made, to sell or not to sell! “We are delighted to announce that his owners will be keeping him and we look forward to the rest of the season,” it continued, before concluding: “Jessica and [husband] Padraig would like to thank the owners of Volatile for a very sporting decision.” Even for the Longs, who met while working at Coolmore Stud in Ireland, the decision cannot have been an easy one. They had their two small daughters, Eleanor and Beatrice, to think about, while Volatile’s dam, Look That Chic, sadly had to be put down after producing just one more foal, the two-year-old Helsinki colt Velocity. THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

“The competition

here is not that tough – he could have between five and ten kilos in hand” under the Riksgaloppen scheme (featured in this column in January 2014) whereby the Swedish Jockey Club provides subsidised introductory ownership in a racing club. “We were involved in Riksgallopen in its first three years and it is a fantastic initiative,” Long insisted. “It has taught trainers the importance of Twitter and Facebook in getting people to know what you do and it’s not just for young people – pensioners have all the time in the world to sit on Facebook and most of them do!” Looking back on Volatile’s Dubai adventure, Long is quick to praise the input of Josefine Svensson, who worked in England with Newmarket trainer Stuart Williams for some time before joining the Longs two years ago. “Josefine was out in Dubai for three months and it wouldn’t have worked without her,” Long said. “She did a marvellous job, she is a really good rider who knows the horses very well and knows exactly what we want.” THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jolly after Solojorie

APRH

Now that the die has been cast, the pair have other big choices to make as they determine the future direction of Volatile’s career. Long is keen to find out details of the European Pattern’s new three-year-old sprint programme, which culminates in the inaugural running of the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot on June 19, but remains non-committal about Volatile’s participation. “If he was going to have an international campaign I think that six furlongs could be his best trip, as he still tends to pull hard in the early stages of his races and in sprints you could just let him roll,” she said. “But there is a strong programme for him here in Scandinavia, where he would be eligible for a 40% prize-money bonus as he is Swedishbred, and you can’t do both. I have been looking at the careers of other Meydan Classic winners and they haven’t done much since. “The competition here is not that tough – he could have between five and ten kilos (11lb to 22lb) in hand, and the way races are run I’m definite that he will get at least a mile and possibly further.” Volatile has a large bunch of owners and for three or four of them he is just their second horse, having been introduced to the sport

FRAN

Apr_128_Continental_Tales_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 16:41 Page 41

Jockey Fabrice Veron and trainer Jess Parize after Solojorie’s surprise win

If the result of its first big race is anything to go by, we could be in for some fun and games during the 2015 French Flat season. The Grand Prix du Conseil General des Alpes Maritimes is the showpiece of the six-week Cagnes-sur-Mer winter meeting on the Mediterranean shore of the French Riviera. Though only holding Listed status, it boasts prize-money of Group 3 proportions and those who managed to back the winner should, at the very least, now be able to afford a return flight to nearby Nice airport. Twelve runners lined up for this extended mile and a half contest on February 21 and half of those had taken part in the main course-and-distance trial 17 days earlier. Solojorie had fared worst of the sextet, at least seven lengths behind any of the others. Yet now, at odds of 61-1, she reversed those placings in beating Golden

The other horse under Svensson’s care was Berling, who twice won useful place prizemoney. He is owned by the Longs’ biggest backer, Benny Andersson, the band member and joint songwriter from the 1970s pop group Abba. “Benny is married to Morna, who used to be married to my father, and he had horses with my mother, Caroline Strömberg, before we took over the licence from her in 2009,” Long said. “He now has six with us and his interest in racing is as strong as it has ever been.” For the 2015 season the Longs have 19

Wood (who had finished second in a similar Listed event in Lyon in November) by a hard-fought neck. Even after the race her odds seem less than generous. Trained 500 miles north of Cagnes on the Franco-German border at Wissembourg by Jess Parize, Solojorie had been well beaten in two claiming races in Paris last autumn and her breeding shouted mediocrity at best – she is her dam’s fifth foal and the previous four have failed to win a single race in a combined 45 attempts! The one factor that made the result less dumbfounding was the going, which was very heavy, hence a painfully slow time of over three minutes. But that won’t bother Parize, whose previous moment of glory came when he won the 1996 Grand Steeple-Chase de Deauville aboard Duky, as he celebrated the first Listed victory of an eight-year training career.

horses at their Stall Rancho yard, which is ten miles and a 20-minute drive to the east of Sweden’s second biggest racecourse, Jägersro, in Malmö. They have excellent facilities at home, including two half-mile all-weather gallops, although they tend to box their horses to Jägersro for their fast work. And their hopes for the coming year do not just revolve around Volatile. They have an interesting new recruit from Jim Bolger’s yard in the Listed-winning five-year-old Einsteins Folly, while two Andersson homebreds, Sergel and Ray, are being targeted at the Swedish Classics.

Apr_128_AroundtheGlobe_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 16:49 Page 42

AROUND THE GLOBE THE WORLDWIDE RACING SCENE

by Steve Andersen

GEORGE SELWYN

NORT H A M E R I CA

As in Britain, field sizes in the US are a talking point

US industry continues to contract

n 2014, average field sizes at American and Canadian racetracks fell for a fifth consecutive year, to 7.69 runners per race, according to the American Jockey Club’s 2015 fact book. For the year, 55,198 horses made 343,397 starts in 44,640 races. The number of average runners per race was below eight starters for the third consecutive year. The figure was relatively unchanged from a range of 8.3 runners in 1994 to 8.24 in 2009, before the decline began. Not surprisingly, the reduction coincided with the recession of the late 2000s, which hit the bloodstock industry severely and curtailed racehorse ownership for some people. Historically, the number of horses competing reached 89,716 in 1990, but the current figure is the lowest since 58,816 raced in 1975. The data was not helped by the closure of several racetracks nationwide in the last decade. In 2014, Pennsylvania led the nation in number of races with 4,217, compared to California (3,900), Florida (3,738), New York (3,686) and West Virginia (3,358). Of the states with at least 300 racing programmes, Louisiana had the best average field size with 8.4 runners per race, better than Florida (8.2), West Virginia

(7.9), California (7.4) and New York (7.3). Kentucky, the hub of American breeding, ran 187 days of racing in 2014 and had an average field size of 8.1 runners per race. Most of those dates were at Churchill Downs and Keeneland. Turfway Park, near Cincinnati, and Ellis Park, in the west of the state, offer fewer racing dates than a decade ago. The data on runners per race is unlikely to rise in the near future. Foal crops declined in the late 2000s and earlier this decade, falling to an estimated 20,300 in 2014. The figure had declined annually since 2006 and was as high as 45,258 in 1988. At a time when fewer horses are competing, a competition for runners has emerged between regions. In 2011, Del Mar launched an incentive programme designed to entice owners to send horses to the southern California track’s summer meeting. The owner of a horse, other than a first-time starter, received a 20% bonus of prize-money earned in non-stakes for the horse’s first start of the season, if the horse had not raced in the state of California in the preceding six months. A separate $1,000 appearance fee was also paid to all owners,

including stakes horses, for the horse’s first start. The bonus was later increased to 30% of prize-money. The entire programme will be expanded to the other southern California tracks – Los Alamitos and Santa Anita – in April. Del Mar officials told the California Horse Racing Board earlier this year that the bonus helped increase average field size from 8.1 runners per race at the 2010 summer meeting to 8.8 runners last summer. In 2014, a record 187 horses were eligible for bonuses, including horses bought during the summer from Britain and France. In addition, many of those horses remained part of the year-round southern California circuit, benefiting field sizes at other tracks. Funding for the programme was derived from contributions from racetracks; the official owner’s organisation, the Thoroughbred Owners of California; purse funds; and a marketing fund designed to promote racing in the state. While the bonus programme has proven to work for a limited time, particularly the sevenweek Del Mar summer meeting, it is unclear whether it will provide a boost for the circuit on a year-round basis. THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Apr_128_AroundtheGlobe_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 16:53 Page 43

AUST R A L I A

by Stephen Howell

Sydney showpiece gathers pace

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Of course, he is now trained at Newcastle in New South Wales by Kris Lees for Australian owners. Two other internationals who won in the spring in Melbourne are trained in Sydney now — Adelaide (Group 1 Cox Plate) and

Contributer (Group 3 David Jones Cup), who will both run in the A$4m Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the richest race of The Championships. Godolphin has Contributer while Coolmore retains a share in Adelaide, who hasn’t run since the Cox Plate. The quality of the visiting horses, and the increase in jockeys travelling to Sydney, show the branding of The Championships has been quick to pay dividends, but in a shrinking world, in the travel and communication sense, the horses and riders are not here solely because of the new lures.

“The quality of the

visiting horses show the branding has been quick to pay dividends” Godolphin has sent its retained European riders William Buick and James Doyle to where the spoils are, in Melbourne and Sydney, and John Ferguson, Sheikh Mohammed’s righthand man, has announced that the stable’s number one Sydney jockey, James McDonald, will travel the other way later in the year; Ryan Moore goes wherever Coolmore or other key stables offer top rides; and the Hong Kong stars Joao Moreira, Douglas Whyte, Zac Purton and Brett Prebble have become regular visitors. The NSW government has stumped up A$10m for the second year running to help Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club build the brand, but in the not too distant future paying for the show will be racing’s responsibility. It is stretching it to suggest that the course set by NSW authorities, and driven by big breeder and Racing NSW supremo John Messara, will put Sydney in the autumn on a par with Melbourne in the spring, but down the track the Harbor City having its time in the sun should bring benefits and kudos for all of Australian racing. Adelaide: Cox Plate hero will be among cast for The Championships

BRONWEN HEALY

The Championships, the grandly-named most important part of Sydney’s autumn racing carnival, underscores its hoped-for relevance with the subtitle ‘The Grand Finals of Australian Racing’ and throws $A18 million (£9.3m) prizemoney over eight Group 1s and a dozen support races. The second running of The Championships at Royal Randwick – just a decent walk from the CBD of Australia’s biggest city – will be held over two Saturdays, April 4 and 11, and feature Australasia’s best horses, jockeys and trainers and a bigger pool of international representatives, horse and human, than in 2014. Then, the two northern hemisphere visitors each won a Group 1 race, albeit in the wider autumn carnival: Ireland’s Gordon Lord Byron won the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill, Sydney’s second course, and Japan’s Hana’s Goal netted the All Aged Stakes at Randwick. Now, Japan has four likely runners, Tosen Stardom, To The World, World Ace and Real Impact, and Hong Kong has one, Dominant. All are in training in quarantine at Canterbury Park, another Sydney track, recently commandeered as a temporary home for the internationals, as Sandown Park used to be for Melbourne Cup visitors. They will be joined by Britain’s Red Cadeaux, after the triple Melbourne Cup finished fifth in the Australian Cup at Flemington in Melbourne on March 14. Last autumn, Gordon Lord Byron and Hana’s Goal had to do their quarantine at Werribee, 1,000km south of Sydney, and the availability of Canterbury this year has played no small part in the increased international interest, despite the rich prize-money looking a little less enticing this year with the 25% drop in the Aussie dollar against the US dollar. Meanwhile, the availability of a better preexport quarantine venue in Japan is encouraging that country’s owners and trainers to consider more strongly Australian excursions. Red Cadeaux’s nemesis in last year’s Melbourne Cup, the German-bred Protectionist, also contested the Australian Cup, finishing eighth, and is onward bound for The Championships.

Apr_128_Prescott_v2_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 17:33 Page 44

Up to the MARK Sir Mark Prescott is closing in on 2,000 winners, which even he admits is good going for a trainer who has never had, or wanted, more than 50 boxes – even when a certain Sheikh Mohammed came calling with the offer of yearlings Words Julian Muscat • Photos George Selwyn

ure. It’s the only word that aptly describes Sir Mark Prescott, Bt. Not exactly pure as the driven snow, but certainly driven. He is driven every day by purity of purpose, which allows him to sleep at night until he rises before dawn to confront a fresh wave of challenges. It’s all there in the most revealing of several things he says about himself. “Fulfilment is quite a word,” he offers. “I try to find it every bloody day. Since I left school I have never gone to bed thinking I could have done more than I did that day. It’s not through lack of effort that I haven’t been more successful.” Yet pure is too abstract a word to define a man who has entertained and enlightened a procession of patrons to his Heath House stables, at the base of Newmarket’s Warren Hill, for the last 45 years. In a curious twist, it is they who depart with the sense of fulfilment to which he so assiduously aspires. It’s a purity the like of which you rarely encounter in others. It makes no concessions, least of all to tardiness or idleness, and while it is largely comprehensible, it requires on occasions a mental adjustment to see precisely where he is coming from. He is well aware of this: in these instances he explains himself with the meticulousness of a well-paid barrister. One particular detail attests to his powers of oratory. Three successive heads of Animal Aid, which campaigned to ban Prescott’s beloved hare coursing, each came to recognise that the hare population was best controlled by the time-honoured practice that became illegal with the Hunting Act of

2004. Prescott was paramount to their conversion. Nothing very much engages him unless it is pure, yet much about training horses holds him in thrall. Every horse is a project whose limitations determine the possibilities, but to Prescott, 67, the equine glass is always halffull. He still entertains hope when the glass is all but empty. Only when it runs dry does hope turn to despair. Despair is unambiguously on show as you accompany him on the round of evening stables. “This is a horse I have failed spectacularly,” he says as he runs his hand down a hind leg. There is no flippancy, no token acceptance of that failure. He is genuinely bollocking himself, admonishing his inability to win a race with a horse he feels should already have achieved its brackets. The standard is so unrelenting it would be exhausting to live one day of his life, yet he wears the burden comfortably. Any owner who has sent him a horse – or more accurately, has been invited to do so – will attest to his patience. Prescott, in turn, has displayed the requisite stamina of a threeyear-old winner of the Cesarewitch. This is his 46th year from Heath House, which he took over in 1970, aged 21, on the death of Jack Waugh. He starts it with something of a rarity: he has a plausible 2,000 Guineas candidate in the shape of Celestial Path. The colt serves to cast light of a different hue on his trainer. Prescott is so renowned for his perennial jousts with handicappers that he is

>> 44

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THE BIG INTERVIEW SIR MARK PRESCOTT

Sir Mark Prescott at home, surrounded by pictures collected over the last five decades

Apr_128_Prescott_v2_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 17:34 Page 46

SIR MARK PRESCOTT

>> quite reasonably pigeon-holed as a devotee

of that quasi-intellectual game. His notable successes in that sphere make it all too easy to overlook the fact he is as ambitious as his most diehard colleagues. Whatever the outcome on May 2, it will be a victory of sorts just to get Celestial Path to post. “He is owned by Mr Gordon Woodall, who is 84 and has had only one horse before,” Prescott says. “It is one of those lovely stories: Mr Woodall has already sold half of it, so he is out of trouble. We can afford to be brave and we both share a dream in that we’d very much like to win the 2,000 Guineas.” Like any other Prescott-trained horse in a prestigious race, Celestial Path will not be there for the beer. He logged two easy wins, the second of them in Listed company, before he advanced to Group 1 competition in the Racing Post Trophy in October. The ground had gone by then, yet the son of

Above: 2,000 Guineas contender Celestial Path returns from morning exercise with Manuel Fernandes. Right: Gordon Woodall, who owns Celestial Path with Caroline Tisdall, is pictured with Sir Mark and jockey Luke Morris at Doncaster in October. Below: the Prescott string are put through their paces on Warren Hill

Footstepsinthesand acquitted himself valiantly in finishing third. “He works very well,” his trainer says, “although he probably wouldn’t quite be up to it unless the 2,000 Guineas is not as good [a renewal] as it should be. I believe he is entitled to run. He won’t need a prep race and he would love firm ground.” Prescott has yet to train the winner of a British Classic, although Confidential Lady chased home Speciosa in the 1,000 Guineas nine years ago, before she went one better in

the French equivalent. That record might have been embellished had Prescott responded differently when approached to train horses for Sheikh Mohammed more than two decades ago. In a bid to overcome Prescott’s reluctance to extend Heath House’s capacity, the sheikh offered to build additional boxes on the side of the property adjacent to Warren Hill. “The big chance never comes to a lot of people in life, and that was my moment,” he reflects. In the end, however, he declined it. “The

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SIR MARK PRESCOTT can’t believe I keep getting away with it. It has been completely fulfilling for me, although I can’t think why.” Asked to try harder, he says: “I suppose there are three strands. If you like your owners, it makes you want to do well for them. If you like your staff, you want to give them as good a life as you can. And third, I love breaking in horses. I love trying to find out what they are good at; try to give them the best chance to do it.

“I believe Celestial

Path is entitled to run. He won’t need a prep race and he would love firm ground”

sheikh wanted to send me between ten and 15 yearlings,” Prescott recalls. “The same number would have arrived the following year, so one owner would have been responsible for half my string.” On the face of it, the decision does not sit squarely with Prescott’s assertion that races like the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby are the ones he covets most. The chances of that happening without such a patron are remote, despite the associated baggage. Did he not blink when opportunity looked him straight

in the eye? “Not for one moment have I ever wondered what might have been,” he says. “I just thought, ‘I like my life the way it is.’ The thing about success is that the only person who can answer that question is the person concerned, because it depends entirely what you want out of life. “For some people it’s about having children,” he continues. ”Others would never be happy unless they became champion trainer, but I love what I do. I

“These things can make a difference,” he continues. “Few people in life are in a position to do that. If you’ve given just one person that feeling [of unbridled joy], then maybe training one horse to go faster than another on the first Saturday in June is not so bad.” These sentiments illustrate another dimension to Prescott that is easily submerged under the myriad of colourful stories about his formative years, each of which he tells in a torrent of anecdotes so redolent of an accomplished after-dinner speaker. One thing common to every raconteur is their ability to place a sequence of events so completely in order that the pay-off line is greatly enhanced. It comes naturally to those of an ordered mind, as Prescott’s undoubtedly is, yet he has emphatically made a conscious decision to leave everything behind in a more enhanced state than he found it. Evidence of this abounds from the moment you set foot inside Heath House Stables. This aspect has been faithfully

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SIR MARK PRESCOTT

Sir Mark Prescott on… Newmarket’s future If foreign labour becomes restricted it would make running a stable pretty difficult. Constant urbanisation is encroaching. When we galloped on Racecourse Side in Mr [Jack] Waugh’s day we used to walk back down the High Street – and if he wasn’t around the head lad would buy us all an ice cream. Can you imagine doing that now? Love of the corrida The average Englishman has as much chance of walking into a Madrid bullring and enjoying it as the average Spaniard has of walking into Lord’s and enjoying a day’s cricket. You have to take the trouble to understand the rules. The corrida is unjustified if it is not dangerous. It has nothing to do with what the English describe as a fair sporting chance. The matador is literally playing with his life: he is going as far as he dare for your edification. Nothing I’ve experienced can give the same emotion as a corrida because it is life and death. Nothing else is.

Sir Mark’s expert knowledge of the race programme is second to none

documented by every visiting writer, yet as beautifully as the place fills the eye, the attention to detail is more arresting still. It is a place impossible to portray in words alone. Suffice to say the horse does not come first, it comes foremost. Heath House is a functional thoroughbred shrine, worthy of preservation as a monument in defiance of the uglier side of time’s passage. Simultaneously, it is anything but antiquated.

“If I’d known I was

going to train 2,000 winners when I started, I would have been thrilled” Prescott’s consistently attractive numbers attest to that. It is almost routine for his annual haul of winners to exceed the stable’s 50-box capacity. He also keeps a close eye on his strike-rate. The fact his winners-torunners ratio dipped last year to 16%, its lowest since 1988, has almost certainly helped stimulate his quick-fire start in 2015. His strike-rate at the time of writing exceeds 40%. All of which sees Prescott bearing

down on the career landmark of saddling his 2,000th winner. “That’s a big thing,” he says. “If I’d known I was going to train 2,000 winners when I started, I’d have been thrilled. I don’t think it’s a bad effort to get there with 50 boxes.” For all that, Prescott seems equally thrilled to have been asked to sit for a portrait commissioned by the Jockey Club that will hang in its historic Newmarket Rooms. “I was staggered and enormously proud,” he says before quickly digressing into the integral role he played in the introduction of scoping horses and the development of the starting stalls blanket. “They are the only two faintly useful things I have ever had anything to do with,” he says. He maintains these advancements pale into insignificance when set against his admiration for Sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered antibiotics, yet they have obvious merit. Endoscopes and stalls blankets have become ubiquitous in the contemporary management of horses. Prescott is almost prepared to concede the point in a less guarded moment. “When you come to tell The Almighty what you’ve spent your whole life doing, he’d probably say, ‘Well, I have Mother Teresa in here; what are you talking about?’ But if you’ve given a few people an experience they will never forget, and if you’ve educated a few pupils and assistants along the way, perhaps it’s not completely useless.”

His former pupils The only one I couldn’t tire out was Eoghan O’Neill. I had to be pretty horrible to William Haggas; I think he resented it. He has surprised me the most because of how well he has done. When he won the Derby with Shaamit it was one of the best day’s racing that I wasn’t involved in. I had Simon Crisford at the same time as David Loder. They used to steal biscuits out of my cupboard, but Simon always used to replenish them because he was scared I’d notice. The handicap system It is my job to ensure none of my horses ever carry any more weight than they should have to. I consider myself the same as any good accountant, and I have to do that within the rules. I don’t know how the handicappers work but I imagine they put a bit of extra weight on mine because I train them. There is no way round the handicap system. An Englishman doesn’t want to see his horse claimed. All-weather racing I think in the future most racing will take place on it. The big grass meetings will be festival meetings. The little tracks that can survive for local interest will do so, but the rest will go. You can run all-weather meetings on the cheap, you can have lots of them, the form is consistent but we’ll all die of boredom. The older generation loves racing’s complexity but the modern punter wants something quick and easy before he moves on to the next bet.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Apr_128_TalkingTo_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 17:37 Page 51

TALKING TO... ROSE PATERSON

The first lady of

LIVERPOOL As the first woman to occupy the post of Aintree Chairman, Rose Paterson is gearing up for her debut Grand National meeting and is an experienced all-rounder, having owned, bred and trained eventers and pointers, and spent time working in a Newmarket yard By Tim Richards

aving worked in the paintings department of Sothebys and as Northern Art Critic for The Daily Telegraph, what got you involved in racing? My mother, who was Teddy Grimthorpe’s aunt, was always very keen, almost fanatically so. She was a great TV punter and once owned a horse trained by Bill Elsey at Malton. It was my mother who got me involved and used to take me to Newcastle races. I have owned point-to-pointers and bred, owned and trained eventers. I loved the breeding side, but it is heartbreaking when it goes wrong. One foal I had to rear by hand after losing the mare; it meant a month of feeding by hand, which could be quite testing. I was four or five when I started riding and have had horses ever since. In 2005, Peter Daresbury asked me to join the board at Aintree. You also did a stint as a member of stable staff in Newmarket. Who did you work for and what did you learn from the experience? I spent my gap year with Gavin PritchardGordon before going up to Cambridge. It was quite an education; I was 17 or 18 and learnt some interesting swear words! I quickly found out that racehorses don’t slow up the same as the horses I’d been used to riding. I remember failing badly one day when being told to take an elderly handicapper up the gallops and stay half a length in front of the two-year-olds. It buggered off with me and we finished a long way clear with the two-year-olds trailing in our wake. After that I was put on the trainer’s

Rose Paterson is looking forward to her first Grand National as Aintree Chairman

>> THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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R O S E PAT E R S O N >> pony. My favourite part of the job was first

thing in the morning going on to the gallops, it was exhilarating. You quickly realised that the whole town revolved entirely round racing and horses. Quite blissful, though I was exhausted at the end of every day and used to crawl into bed. Are you still secretary to your husband, Owen Paterson, MP for North Shropshire? How do you manage to combine the job with your appointment as Chairman of Aintree racecourse? When I took on Aintree I promised to go on working two days a week for Owen until the election. I have cut down massively on what I used to do but I didn’t want to leave him in the lurch. I have done the job for 18 years and know the constituency inside out. I thought it would be too difficult for Owen to start recruiting someone at this stage. These days you can work on the move. I take my laptop on the train and have it with me most of the time. I work late at night and we have a lot of weekend work. This will be your first Grand National as Chairman. In addition, you are the first woman to occupy the post. How are you enjoying the role so far? It is a privilege and thrilling to be involved in what is the greatest race in the world. There is an amazing team at Aintree; they are very dedicated, very enthusiastic and real professionals. This year we are delighted with the standard of Grand National entries; we’ve got a previous Gold Cup winner, a Hennessy winner, seven of the first eight finishers from last year. The overall quality of the race is very strong. We also have a four-week gap between Cheltenham and Aintree, which helps our festival hugely because there is time to recover. So that means over the three days we should have very, very strong races. How do you visualise the Crabbie’s Grand National as it’s seen through the eyes of the nation? When I saw the Channel 4 programme Gogglebox, with real people sitting on a sofa watching the National last year, I thought that’s exactly how most people see the race. They were sitting on the edge of their seats, hiding their eyes, looking again and saying, “Oh my God”. It was unpredictable, thrilling, terrifying. That’s how the race comes across to most people. And that’s why we have such a vast worldwide audience. I suppose I am biased but I don’t see any other sporting event that is comparable. A Wimbledon tennis final can be very exciting but it can last for five hours. The ten minutes of the National is short, but it’s pure adrenalin.

Is there any way you can make Grand National day an even bigger attraction for the British public? After the war Clement Attlee, the Prime Minister, asked to have the Grand National moved from a weekday to a Saturday because it stopped the nation and affected GDP. Not much work got done and it showed up in the national figures. I reckon we still have that effect, but because it’s on a Saturday the country doesn’t come to a halt. It’s huge already and we aim to keep it that way. We’ve invested significantly in improving facilities for people who don’t go racing very often. There are 1,500 more seats down the west end of the course, more bar facilities, chill out areas, a pop-up pub, and for the first time a big team of ‘Race Makers’ all over the course; they are there to make it more fun, more interesting, though not necessarily to give you a winner. There are other innovations like pre-ordering your drinks from the stand with a new app, and it might even be possible to have drinks delivered to your seat in the grandstand. You have said you aim to “continue to use the latest science and experience to bring home both jockeys and horses safely”. How do you propose to do that? The changes we made after 2012 were basically a new fence core, changed from timber to plastic, a massive new irrigation system, a unique wash-down area [the only one in the country] and some levelling of the fence landings. These were undertaken after extensive research and consultation right across racing, and also beyond racing with the other equestrian disciplines such as eventing. We will continue to monitor the effect of these changes and build up the data on every race run over the Grand National fences. We believe there should be a considerable period of stability while the changes bed in and we evaluate them. Only 18 out of 40 finished last year, which we feel shows that we haven’t made it too easy. Tough but fair is what we’re aiming for. What did you learn from the success of Aintree’s recent ‘free-entry day’ and in what way will it benefit the racecourse? We think it earned us plaudits for giving something back to our local community. We are part of the Liverpool community and we want them to realise that’s how we see ourselves. We also wanted to introduce firsttimers to racing, people who never contemplated going racing but lived down the road. We wanted to show off the course in advance of April. There were a lot of people who had never been before, a terrific amount of local publicity and there was a great buzz around the 30,000 crowd.

“I’ve hunted since I

was a child and still get the adrenalin buzz, but I am less brave these days”

Rose Paterson with her husband Owen, MP for North Shropshire

You have mentioned sponsorship as a key area for the racecourse. What are your hopes in this area? We have our main sponsor, Crabbie’s, who are terrific and absolutely get the point of the Grand National. We also have some new sponsors, but on a broader level we have a new Regional Sponsorship Director, Phil Hardman, who is focusing on building up sponsor partnerships across other Jockey Club courses. It is beginning to show encouragingly bigger dividends for all parties involved. It would give sponsors a more fruitful relationship with Aintree, our other courses

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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R O S E PAT E R S O N

and racing. We value our bookmaker sponsorship as much as anyone. They play a huge role and are very generous. What does Aintree mean to you and what is your biggest fear for the race with the biggest worldwide audience? It is the ultimate test of bravery, skill and stamina for both horse and jockey. I have a concern that small politically-motivated animal rights groups try to use our race to further their extreme aims, which is to end all racing worldwide. They use our race for publicity because it has such a massive audience. This is in contrast to the THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

animal welfare charities, who do superb work and with whom we work very closely. You raised £120,000 for charity when you and your husband completed the 1,000km Mongol Derby in 2011. What did you learn from the experience and can you count the times it took you through the pain barrier? You discover in the end it is a mental test rather than a physical one, a case of mind over matter. The first three or four days are agony, everything hurts and your body starts to give up, so it’s a case of keeping yourself going mentally. Because

we had been pledged a huge amount of money, every time you felt you couldn’t carry on you suddenly think to yourself: “What about the money. What about the Royal Irish Regiment. They had three soldiers killed in Afghanistan.” We were riding 14 hours a day and there wasn’t a lot to look forward to at the end of the day, just a tent and no running water. You went through the pain barrier several times a day. One day I was bucked off, got back on, was bucked off again and got kicked and dragged along. When we changed horses (after every 25 miles) my next horse put both feet in a hole and turned over with me. That evening I was feeling very

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R O S E PAT E R S O N

A tough but fair National is the aim as far as Rose Paterson is concerned – though she does not fancy jumping a fence herself!

>> sorry for myself. It’s not something I’d do again, I’m not that stupid!

You have a passion for hunting. Can you describe the excitement and satisfaction it gives you? Comparable to jumping a Grand National fence, perhaps? I’ve hunted since I was a child and still get the adrenalin buzz, but I am definitely less brave these days. I have never jumped a Grand National fence and certainly wouldn’t be brave enough for that. But I do enjoy all my hunting friends and the social side more and more, plus the view of the countryside from the horseback. I hunt with the Wynnstay on the CheshireNorth Wales border and love watching the landscape change between November and March. What horses do you have at home and how often do you ride? Do your three children join you? We have three ex-eventers, which are now hunters. I ride two or three days a week. Our three grown-up children Felix, Ned and Evie, are all in London but would ride when they are here. Aintree is hosting the inaugural Grand Women’s Summit in April? What’s the aim of this get-together and do you think women are represented appropriately in racing? It takes place on the morning of Ladies’ Day, which we are relaunching on the Friday of the National meeting, and the theme will be all about aspirations. What we hope to do at the summit is begin with a discussion about women in sport and business. The aim is to encourage more women to get involved in racing because there still aren’t enough women in the sport. We want to share our experience with women and Beth Tweddle, the world champion gymnast, will be sharing

her sporting experiences with us. Katie Walsh, our Ladies’ Day ambassador, will host a Grand National course walk. We had 44,000 on Ladies’ Day last year and are hoping to improve on that. You are one of very few women to be a member of the Jockey Club. What does this position involve and how often do you meet? For me, it is an honour. We meet four times a year and it is a very good opportunity to keep up with all the Jockey Club business, the racecourses, Jockey Club Estates and all the issues around racing. Individual Jockey Club members have a massive store of knowledge and experience, and I just pick their brains. I have a lot to learn. As the wife of an MP, how involved will you become in the run-up to the general election? I have organised and run the last four general election campaigns for my husband. This year I’ve had to take more of a backseat but I have sorted his itinerary for him and set the whole thing in motion, but I cannot commit to the day-to-day stuff. Normally, I’d be out all day knocking on doors. Hopefully I can do more of that after the Grand National. Your daughter Evie is a medal-winning event rider. How would feel about her, or any of your children, taking part in the Grand National? I’d be terribly proud, obviously on the edge of my seat, but above all proud. When Evie is eventing I get very worked up, can hardly bear to watch, but then there is this feeling of great pride in what she is doing. Are racing politics even more complicated than national politics? Do you see a way forward through the many disjointed racing factions?

They are complicated. But, while I am not involved in the governance of racing, I think there are signs of the racing industry coming together at last, speaking with one voice and trying to map out a long-term, sustainable funding arrangement. Everybody realises that this needs sorting and there are signs of speaking with one voice, which will make racing stronger when it comes to lobbying the government.

CLOSE UP AND... PERSONAL Favourite recipe… mushrooms with onions, cream and wine Relaxation away from horses… digging up bramble roots is very satisfying Four dinner party guests… my husband and three children My guiltiest pleasure is… watching DVDs of Evie eventing I am annoyed by… people who ask me what my husband thinks about things

CLOSE UP AND... PROFESSIONAL Person I most admire… Owen, who is very brave and very clever Horse I’d most like to own… Un De Sceaux Racing has taught me… the fine line between triumph and disaster One thing I’d change about racing… get more people to go racing and enjoy it My fancy for the Grand National is… Rocky Creek

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OVER7631 OB page City Del 18 MAR15 18/03/2015 15:07 Page 1

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who defeated Rip Van Winkle and Mastercraftsman and is THE MOST LIKE DANSILI

of any of his stallion sons. DELEGATOR Dansili ~ Indian Love Bird {Efisio}

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Apr_128_QatarA_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 17:07 Page 56

ON LOCATION: QATAR

A GROWING

FORCE

Over the last few seasons, Qatar’s influence in European racing has been immense and it has grand plans to develop its own racing scene Words and photos Emma Berry

ver the last few years, the name Jassim Al Ghazali has been an increasingly familiar one at British horses-in-training sales. With 189 British and Irish thoroughbreds having been exported to Qatar last year alone, Al Ghazali is far from being the only buyer from the country, but he is the most dominant in that market, and that is echoed by his stranglehold of the Qatari trainers’ championship. His tally at the time of writing was 123 winners for the

season – putting him a distance clear of his nearest pursuer, the British-born Al Shahania trainer Julian Smart, on 33. A chance to witness racing in Qatar at its best was presented to several hundred invited guests of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) in late February, when racing representatives from around the world gathered in Doha for the country’s equivalent to Royal Ascot. The three-day race meeting on the turf at Al Rayyan racecourse

formed the finale to the eight-day HH The Emir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival, which includes a major Arabian horse show. The Emir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, is patron of the QREC but was prevented from attending the racing named in his honour by more important international business. His brother Sheikh Joaan, now a prominent owner/breeder in Europe, was in attendance, however, and was

An Arab race under way at Al Rayyan racecourse just outside Doha

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Apr_128_QatarA_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 17:07 Page 57

Jassim Al Ghazali, second left, leads in Frankie Dettori on HH The Emir’s Trophy winner Dubday, who will run in the UK this summer

able to enjoy seeing the two championship races of the festival fall to his Al Shaqab racing operation. The racedays comprised a mixture of thoroughbred and Arab races, with the most prestigious in each category being HH The Emir’s Trophy and HH The Emir’s Sword. Al Ghazali landed back-to-back runnings of the former with the British-bred five-year-old Dubday, who is now the highest earner in the history of Qatar racing. The son of Dubawi, bred by Evelyn de Rothschild’s Southcourt Stud, is from the family of Notnowcato. He fetched just 11,0000gns when sold as an unraced two-year-old from Sir Michael Stoute’s stable, but after showing some decent Group form in Germany the following season made the more princely sum of €200,000 at Arqana’s Arc Sale in 2013. Since landing in Qatar, he has added QAR4,845,000 (approximately £875,000) to his prize-money tally and has Dubai, Royal Ascot and Goodwood in his sights this season. It’s not just many of the thoroughbred

Harry Bentley has enjoyed a fruitful winter in Qatar and is currently leading jockey

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Apr_128_QatarA_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 17:07 Page 58

O N L O C AT I O N : Q ATA R >> names

on the racecard which would be familiar to followers of British racing. This year, Luca Cumani and Marco Botti became the first British-based trainers to saddle runners during the festival and, following his second victory in Qatar’s biggest thoroughbred race, Dubday returned to scenes witnessed frequently in Ascot’s winners’ enclosure. Al Shaqab’s retained jockey Frankie Dettori leapt from the saddle while Racing Manager Harry Herbert punched the air and hugged everyone within reach of his long arms. Sheikh Joaan and his young sons were on hand to collect the trophy, and half an hour later were back for more when Al Mourtazez bagged the big Arabian prize for French trainer Thomas Fourcy. Arab racing may still be the poor relation to thoroughbred racing in European countries, but the Qataris seem intent on ensuring its profile is raised in other parts of the world. On the morning of the Emir’s Sword it was announced that from next year the race will form the third leg of the newlycreated Arabian Triple Crown.

Morning work at Al Rayyan, where the majority of Qatar’s 700 racehorses are trained

“We want to show the international racing community how we do racing in Qatar”

Lord March attended the press conference which announced that the contest will begin at Goodwood, which this year has received significant sponsorship from Qatar for its ‘Glorious’ meeting, with the £400,000 Harwood Stakes for Arabs being run on the same day as the Qatar Nassau Stakes and Stewards’ Cup. The second leg will be at Longchamp on Arc day and there’s a bonus of $1 million for any horse who manages to complete the Triple Crown at Al Rayyan the following February. Explaining its decision to expand the international guest list for this year’s Sword Festival, QREC’s General Manager Sami Jassim Al Boenain says: “People know Qatar through our sponsorship of overseas events, like the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and through QIPCO and now with the new sponsorship at Glorious Goodwood. So we want to show the international racing community how we do racing in Qatar and to see our country and where we come from – our lifestyle and culture.” In similarity to Dubai, visitors to Qatar in

Female racegoers focusing on the action during the HH The Emir’s Sword meeting

Traditional Qatari Maseela match races took place between the regular contests

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Apr_128_QatarA_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 17:07 Page 59

O N L O C AT I O N : Q ATA R

A relaxed air at Al Rayyan racecourse, which will stage 57 meetings this season

Al Shahania’s horses in training spend afternoons turned out in canopied day yards

Paul Messara and Jon Freyer of Arrowfield Stud, which will stand Al Shaqab sire Olympic Glory in Australia, with Al Shahania’s representative Bertrand Le Metayer

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years to come will be presented with very different scenes. Building work is under way all around the outskirts of Qatar’s major city of Doha, which in 2022 will host the football world cup. By then the country’s racing industry is also likely to have significantly enhanced facilities, with an additional racecourse just one project in the planning. Al Boenain adds: “We are looking for a bigger grandstand and a new track for the future and that’s in progress. We want to make it a friendly track so people are close to the horses and can see the horses and feel like they are at the races. “We’ve visited beautiful racetracks all over the world and we are looking for a good design which will keep the spirit of racing for people coming to the track. We are not looking for a huge track – Qatar’s population is not that big and we don’t want to build a racetrack for just one day, we want to build one that suits all our racing season. We want to keep this racetrack but also build something else so we have options – a different track gives different opportunities to the horses.” Al Rayyan racecourse also acts as a training centre, with the majority of the country’s 700 horses in training based there, including more than 200 trained by Al Ghazali. His main rival, Julian Smart, is located away from the racecourse on private facilties at Al Shahania Stud, an oasis of green paddocks surrounded by desert which doubles as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Arabian breeding farm. When the local racing season ends in May, Smart relocates to Lambourn with a string of Arabs to race in Europe through the summer. The breeding business in Qatar is also expanding, with former Darley stallion Kheleyf a recent QREC purchase. Currently there are around 55 individual breeders, producing mostly Arab horses and a few locally-bred thoroughbreds, but that number could well increase with a major development which will include an auction hall for a sales company. “We have just finished phase one of a new breeding farm up in the north of Qatar,” Al Boenain explains. “It will accommodate up to 600 horses, mares and stallions, mostly Arabians, and we have all the latest technology and all the facilities needed to breed the best horses here in Qatar. “There’s also a plan for a training centre for about 3,000 horses. It’s good to have people from all over the world here to see our plans for the future. Qatar is developing very fast.” Anyone who has paid even scant attention to world racing in recent seasons would struggle to argue with Al Boenain’s final statement. It would be no surprise to see Qatar play host to a major international racing festival in years to come.

ownerbreeder ad pages 04.2015_OwnerBreeder Ad pages 04.2015 20/03/2015 09:47 Page 60

Heeraat INTRODUCING

Bay 2009, 16.1hh (1.65m) DARK ANGEL – THAWRAH (GREEN DESERT)

THE LOOKS A 140,000gns yearling (the top priced of his sire’s crop).

THE SPEED GROUP WINNING SPRINTER OF 5 RACES, and 11 LENGTH WINNER of his maiden at 2.

The fastest winner of the Hackwood Stakes since 2001

THE PEDIGREE By DARK ANGEL out of a half sister to the Gr.1 winning sprinter and Gr.1 sire

(faster than INVINCIBLE SPIRIT and 5 other Gr.1 winners of the race). Won

MALHUB.

Half brother to LR winner AMBIANCE, out of a half sister to Gr.1 winning sprinter MALHUB and full sister to the dam of multiple Group winner YELLOW ROSEBUD, etc. Family of DANDY MAN, ANTHEM ALEXANDER, SUDIRMAN, GENTILDONNA, etc.

The same DARK ANGEL – GREEN DESERT cross as LETHAL FORCE

Gr.3 Hackwood Stakes, 6f, Newbury, 2013 (above) in the fastest time since 2001, beating Gr.1 winner KRYPTON FACTOR (at levels). Won Maiden Stakes, 6f, Pontefract, at 2, by an easy 11 lengths. 2nd (nk) Gr.3 Hackwood Stakes, 6f, Newbury, 2014, beating Gr.2 winner ES QUE LOVE (at levels). 2nd (nk) LR City Walls Stakes, 5f, York, to Gr.1 Nunthorpe Stakes winner JWALA (rec. 5lbs), beating two other Gr.1 winners.

Defeated 43 Black Type winners (5 Gr.1 winners) Rated 5lbs superior to DARK ANGEL by Racehorses of 2013

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Apr_128_Bloodstock_Intro_Owner 20/03/2015 17:15 Page 61

BREEDERS’ DIGEST By EMMA BERRY, Bloodstock Editor

Our bloodstock coverage this month includes:

• Sales Circuit: From Cheltenham to Florida, Mick Flanagan in the hot seat – pages 62-64 • The Caulfield Files: An in-depth look at sires’ entries for the French Classics – pages 66-67 • Dr Statz: Ratings against value – which yearling sale comes out on top – page 85

Coneygree is pure gold for Britain A

s if it wasn’t enough that Coneygree was bred by one of the most beloved figures in National Hunt racing and represents a small stable of popular grafters, the fact that he is the first Britishbred Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in two decades – since Master Oats in 1995 – adds further lustre to his achievements. His tour de force at Prestbury Park was a performance that will remain undimmed in the memories of jumps fans for decades. “He doesn’t know he’s a novice,” said an elated Sara Bradstock after his pillar-to-post win, and she’s right, of course. But we all knew, and that’s what made watching the race that bit more excruciating and his ultimate triumph all the more astonishing and satisfying. Also satisfying was the fact that two of the four feature races of the Festival fell to Britishbred winners, with the Frankie Dettori-bred Dodging Bullets outlasting the evergreen Somersby and Special Tiara in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Adding to the GB haul through the week were Darna, a nineyear-old son of the pensioned Alflora bred by Leonard Fuller, who lifted the Grade 3 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate, and the Juddmonte/Millsec-bred County Hurdle winner Wicklow Brave. Finally, plaudits must go to spring-heeled veteran The Package, who, at 12, is a member of Kayf Tara’s second crop but belied his age by skipping up the Cheltenham hill to post a 12-length victory in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase. His homebred dam Ardent Bride may have been an underwhelming performer for the Embiricos family’s Barkfold Manor Stud but she has produced a highly likeable and durable campaigner in The Package, who could yet line up for his third attempt at the Grand National this month.

Freshman challenge In this transitional month, as we prepare to bid farewell – on the track at least – to AP McCoy, it’s also time to start assessing the

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first runners of the freshman stallions. While a significant number of the season’s races no longer count towards the jockeys’ championship, every single juvenile contest of the year, from the Brocklesby and beyond, will matter in the race to be champion firstseason sire. Among this year’s leading contenders are two winners of the Irish 2,000 Guineas – Canford Cliffs and Roderic O’Connor – as well as Derby winner Pour Moi, crack sprinter Dream Ahead and Group 1-winning two-yearold Zoffany. Ballylinch Stud provided last season’s champion, Lope De Vega, and the Co Kilkenny team has a decent chance of retaining the title this season with Dream Ahead, who covered 134 mares in his first book and landed both the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes in his own outstanding two-year-old season. Bloodstock expert Joseph Burke, who represents online bookmaker Racebets.com, has made the betting market for first-season sires his own in recent years, and though he rates Dream Ahead a 5/2 chance, the son of

RACEBETS.COM FIRSTSEASON SIRE BETTING 2015 CANFORD CLIFFS

2/1

DREAM AHEAD

5/2

POETS VOICE

10/3

ZOFFANY

10/3

LILBOURNE LAD

7/1

FROZEN POWER

7/1

RODERIC O'CONNOR 14/1 POUR MOI

16/1

DICK TURPIN

33/1

OTHERS

100/1

Win Only. Number of individual winners in UK and Ireland during the Flat turf season, March 28 to November 7

Diktat is second favourite to Coolmore stallion Canford Cliffs. “It’s always difficult to know what to expect from first-season stallions but it’s reasonable to assume they might throw horses similar in type to themselves and it is for that reason that Canford Cliffs heads the betting,” says Burke. “The five-time Group 1 winner was the highest rated of the 2012 intake and his offspring are well distributed among a wide variety of trainers so he has everything going for him. Dream Ahead was the second-highest rated, courtesy of Group 1 wins at two and three, and he is next in at 5/2.” The stock of Zoffany, another Coolmore representative who was well patronised with a first book of 194 mares, was popular at the yearling sales, his 81 yearlings sold to date having returned an average of 49,705gns. Similar comments apply to Darley’s son of Dubawi, Poet’s Voice, who, with a couple of whopping yearling sales prices set an average figure last year of 102,163gns for his 47 sold. Lilbourne Lad raced solely at two, winning as early as mid-April, so it will be no surprise to see some of his stock being quick off the mark. Though the Derby winner tag may count against him in perception terms, Pour Moi’s young stock looked on the whole to be quite handy types who may not take as long to come to hand as some of the offspring of middle-distance stallions. Let’s not forget Dawn Approach, though fairly speedily-bred on his dam’s side, is by the Derby winner New Approach but managed to win the first juvenile contest of the Irish turf season in March 2012 and remained unbeaten through to the Dewhurst in October. A personal preference must be expressed for Roderic O’Connor, who is bred on the Galileo/Danehill cross but avoids the hoopla surrounding another representative of that cross, Frankel. As a group, his sales yearlings were an impressive bunch and it would be pleasing to see him succeed for the team at Ballyhane Stud, which is also home to freshman Frozen Power, an Oasis Dream halfbrother to the highly talented racemare and broodmare Finsceal Beo.

Apr_128_Sales_Circuit_Sales 20/03/2015 17:03 Page 62

SALES CIRCUIT By CARL EVANS

Champers in demand at Brightwells’ Festival Sale Second Cheltenham date a success despite scarcity of winning Irish pointers

Brightwells Cheltenham Festival Sale

CARL EVANS

Champers On Ice will race for Bryan Drew and Caroline Tisdall after topping the sale

and the sale of stores to British buyers, and you have two factors which have led, temporarily at least, to reduced field sizes in Irish point-topoints. However, the Champion Hurdle victory of Faugheen – who won his sole start in a point-topoint at Ballysteen in April 2012 – was a

CARL EVANS

heltenham’s winner’s enclosure was once again the venue for a select sale of young horses-in-training held after racing on the third day of the Festival. The monetary figures were down (28% average, 14% median), the clearance rate slightly up and looking very healthy at 86% (21 offered, 18 sold), but with noted vendors and buyers in position, two of the three main ingredients were in situ. Slightly lacking was depth of quality among the horses on offer – a few more bumper winners from major tracks, smart young hurdlers or horses with the potential to go to Aintree or Punchestown this spring, or run in the following day’s JCB Triumph Hurdle – would have put real glitter on the occasion, but as with all horses-intraining sales, the auctioneers can only play with the cards they are given. Ireland’s point-to-point circuit remains a prolific source of winners under Rules, but prior to the sale most of this year’s four-year-old maiden races had been won by horses owned by Gigginstown House Stud, and they were not destined for auction. Add in smaller foal crops

Point-to-point runner-up Minella Awards, an €11,000 foal purchase, sold for £120,000

“The Champion

Hurdle victory of Faugheen was a sweetly timed advert for Irish pointers” sweetly-timed advert for horses from that nursery of racing, and it was no surprise to see Willie Mullins (who trains Faugheen) and his sales emissary Harold Kirk in the bidding area and playing an active role. They were instrumental in Champers On Ice, a five-year-old who had won an Irish point on debut the previous Sunday, heading the evening’s trade at £205,000, not because they bought the horse, but as underbidders they drove racehorse owner Bryan Drew up to that figure. Drew, in partnership with Professor Caroline Tisdall, had experienced the thrill of winning the Champion Bumper 24 hours earlier with Moon Racer, a £225,000 buy at THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Apr_128_Sales_Circuit_Sales 20/03/2015 17:03 Page 63

“Like the April Sale

graduate Moon Racer, Champers On Ice will continue his career with David Pipe” Brightwells’ Cheltenham April Sale last year, and one of two 2015 Festival winners bought via the Herefordshire-based auction house, the other being Next Sensation. Like Moon Racer, Champers On Ice – who scored heavily on both sides of his pedigree – will continue his career with David Pipe. Mullins and Kirk did take the secondhighest priced horse from the ring, four-year-old Sutton Manor, while Jonjo O’Neill, who was present with JP McManus and his son Kieran, gained the most-valued bumper horse, Holly Bush Henry, who landed his sole start at Southwell and made £100,000. This one was offered by Herefordshire-based Tom Lacey, who has been playing the trading game as a trainer of pointers, but who took out a licence late last year. Lacey had purchased the four-year-old for €20,000 at Tattersalls Ireland’s Derby Sale in June last year, but he was not alone in making a handsome pinhook on the night, and it is that ability to sell at a profit which will keep consignors returning to an auction. Similarly, buying winners will keep purchasers returning, and it was interesting that when Minella Rocco (who headed the 2014 sale when knocked down to J P McManus for £260,000) hacked up at Newbury just before the Festival, AP McCoy admitted the powerful five-year-old was one horse he would miss in retirement. Trainer Jonjo O’Neill has been noticeably patient with the son of Shirocco, and it could pay off, both for him and McManus, and for Brightwells.

Fasig-Tipton Florida Select 2YO Sale A new venue at Gulfstream Park in Florida was used for this one-day sale of two-year-olds, its third location in as many years and held three weeks earlier. Following stints at Palm Meadows and then Adena Springs South, the event moved to the racecourse’s pre-parade ring where a bigger catalogue, which included a group of Adena Springs’ juveniles which had previously been THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Brightwells Cheltenham Festival Sale Top lots Name/Breeding

Vendor

Champers On Ice (Robin Des Champs — Miss Nova)

Alan Harte/Towerview Stables

Price (£) 205,000

Buyer David Pipe

Sutton Manor (Gold Well — Nighty Bless)

Milestown Stables

125,000

H Kirk/W Mullins

Minella Awards (Oscar — Montys Miss)

John Nallen

120,000

Highflyer B’stock

Crazyheart (Alhaarth — Buckle)

Milestone Stables

110,000

Paul Nolan

Holly Bush Henry (Yeats — Maslam)

Cottage Field Stables

100,000

Semper Invicta (Shantou — Statim)

Milestone Stables

Jonjo O’Neill

90,000

Highflyer B’stock

Robin Of Locksley (Robin Des Pres — Duggary Dancer) Hassett Racing

72,000

Dan Skelton

Oldgrangewood (Central Park — Top Of The Class)

Ballyboy Stables

70,000

Highflyer B’stock

Monbeg Rose (Beneficial — Roses And Wine)

Monbeg Stables

60,000

H Kirk/W Mullins

Dangerous Games (Scorpion — Cyclone’s Sister)

Monbeg Stables

60,000

J J Hanlon

Battle Of Shiloh (Shantou — Realt Na Ruise)

Mocklershill

60,000

Donald McCain

Figures Year

Sold

Agg (£)

Avg (£)

Mdn (£)

Top Price (£)

2015

1,362,000

75,667

60,000

205,000

2014

1,688,000

105,500

70,000

260,000

Fasig-Tipton Florida Select 2YO Sale Top lots Sex/Name/Breeding

Vendor

Price ($) Buyer

C Scat Daddy — Alittlebitearly (Thunder Gulch)

Crupi’s New Castle Farm 1,400,000 M V Magnier

C Bernardini — Temporada (Summer Squall)

Northwest Stud

900,000 Stonestreet & M V Magnier

C Tapit — West Coast Swing (Gone West)

Thomas & Casse

900,000 M V Magnier

F Hard Spun — Swaythisaway (Scat Daddy)

Crupi’s New Castle Farm

850,000 Let’s Go Stable

C Smart Strike — My Miss Storm Cat (Sea Of Secrets) Secure Investments

800,000 Live Oak Plantation

F Gian’s Causeway — Embur’s Song (Unbridled’s Song)

Niall Brennan Stables

800,000 Katsumi Yoshida

C Pioneerof The Nile — Lady Bonita (Smart Strike)

McKathan Bros

685,000 Bob Baffert

C Eskendereya — Im A Dixie Girl (Dixie Union)

Wavertree Stables

650,000 Bernard Schiappa & M Petersen

C Harlan’s Holiday — Invitation (Vindication)

Northwest Stud

625,000 Maverick Racing

C Harlan’s Holiday — Pension (Seeking The Gold)

Eddie Woods

600,000 Darley Stud

C Uncle Mo — Call Mariah (Dixie Union)

Eddie Woods

600,000 Antonio Sano

Figures Year

Sold

Agg ($)

Avg ($)

Mdn ($)

Top Price ($)

2015

20,095,500

225,792

130,000

1,400,000

2014

13,370,000

284,468

180,000

1,200,000

2013

17,725,000

385,326

300,000

1,600,000

sold at a stand-alone sale at that stud, was offered to buyers. Comparisons in the figures have to bear in mind the many changes, but a 67% clearance rate was up on the 2014 figure, the aggregate rose with the increase in lots – up from 85 offered horses to 132 – but the average (-26%) and median prices (-28%) both fell. Coolmore Stud’s MV Magnier was in potent form, landing the top three lots including a saleheading Scat Daddy colt who made $1,400,000, a significant rise on his yearling

price of $450,000 at Keeneland in September. The youngster is a half-brother to Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Bayern, while Scat Daddy is sire of No Nay Never, Coolmore Stud’s Royal Ascot and Group 1 Prix Morny winner. The Irish stud’s Demi O’Byrne has often secured the top horse at this sale, so there was nothing unusual in Magnier Jr’s investments – other notable purchases he made included $900,000 sons of Tapit and Bernardini, the lastnamed in partnership with Barbara Banke’s Stonestreet Stable.

Apr_128_OnTheSalesBeat_Sales 20/03/2015 17:04 Page 64

ON THE SALES BEAT

Q&A

Mick Flanagan

Townley Hall Bloodstock I’m 30 but my pals in racing reckon I have the head of a 60-year-old. Growing up, I was big into ponies and did everything from hunting to showjumping to hunter trials. In fact, it was at pony club where I squeezed my first girl’s bottom, but even after that magnificent experience I didn’t see myself going on to work in the horse business! I was hell-bent on dairy farming and after school got heavily involved in that industry down in New Zealand. I came back to Ireland to study for a degree in Agriculture at University College of Dublin with the intention of going back out to New Zealand, but during that time I began to go racing with a pal whose family were big owners in Europe. And that was that, I got bitten by the bug and decided to work on creating a career within the bloodstock industry for myself. I started from scratch and used my summer breaks to work on studs in France, the USA and South Africa. It was in my second year that I linked up with Peter, Anna and Ross Doyle, who were very good to me, taking me from sale to sale looking at horses of all ages. After university I was lucky enough to get a position on the Darley Flying Start course and that gave me a great insight into the business globally. From there, I spent a few more years working with Mike de Kock as an assistant in South Africa, and Dermot Farrington in Europe and Australia, before going out by myself as an agent three years ago.

Your best buy? I haven’t been buying horses for very long but it has to be Kheleyf’s Silver, who I bought privately prior to her daughter Tiggy Wiggy winning last year’s Middle Park. She went on to be crowned Cartier’s champion juvenile filly in Europe last year, which I got a great kick out of. I have a soft spot for Pale Mimosa, who won the Lonsdale Cup last year, and also a horse I bought with Guy Mulcaster called Weary, who raced in Europe as Sir Patrick Moore before winning the Group 2 Expressway Stakes in Australia.

One that got away? A few shares in Lope de Vega.

Name a recent purchase you’re most looking forward to seeing at the races... A two-year-old, Vanbrugh. He is in training with

Chris Waller in Sydney and I bought him for Merriebelle Stable as a yearling at the Inglis Easter sale for AU$100,000. He won first time out at Randwick impressively and was then fifth in the Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes. He might take his place in the Group 1 ATC Sires Produce Stakes. Also, a three-year-old colt in Europe called Consort who I bought as a foal with the boys from Baroda & Colbinstown. He has nice entries and hopefully can produce the goods.

EMMA BERRY

Tell us about yourself and how you got into racing and bloodstock...

Flanagan: grateful for his Flying Start

When you see an individual you really like, how important is the horse’s pedigree to you? Pedigree is ferociously important but I cannot always afford it. That said, I won’t lock onto a pedigree if I am not happy with the physical, so the physical is very important for me. I would prefer to spend £1,000,000 on ten goodlooking athletic yearlings with goodish pages than spend £1,000,000 on one good-looking athletic yearling with a massive page.

Most underrated stallion? I think Elusive City, who stands at Haras d’Etreham, is very good. He is €10,000 this year and I would breed to him all day long at that.

And a young stallion to watch? Zoffany.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? There are too many to mention from the team at Arqana, to Mike de Kock to Peter Doyle to Tom Ryan and Ben McElroy in the States, but Sheikh Mohammad’s Darley Flying Start programme was a massive help to me. I travelled the four corners of the world on the programme and most of the people that I do business with today are people that I met during those two years.

Your racing/bloodstock hero? Again, too many to mention as people like Mike de Kock, John Magnier and Harry Sweeney have broken the mould and achieved exceptional feats. I’ve only recently got to know Elliott Walden of WinStar Farm in Kentucky. He has grown that farm into one of the most important farms in the northern hemisphere. He has a huge grasp of the business and executes it on a daily basis with great energy. If that isn’t enough he also trained over 1,000 winners on the track, including the mighty Distorted Humor, Menifee and Victory Gallop.

Which is your favourite sale and why? Arqana’s August Sale – craic galore!

Best auctioneer? Andrew Nolan.

Who is the biggest diplomat in the bloodstock world? David Redvers has done a great job at introducing Sheikh Fahad to the world of racing and bloodstock and managing his interests. Often, wealthy people can be extraordinarily hard to manage from a horse point of view as they are either too busy in other areas or just point blank fail to understand what the whole thing is about. Sheikh Fahad is obviously the complete opposite, which helps, but I admire David for being able to achieve results on the track and in the sales ring and do it in tandem with building a good business structure across entities such as Pearl Bloodstock, Tweenhills, Qatar Racing and Qatar Bloodstock. These are businesses that are hopefully going to be around for many years to come and I don’t think there is any single person in the bloodstock business that does not wish them every success.

Do you have any superstitions? I’m not sure if I’m superstitious or not. I do wear my grandfather’s watch, which I think has brought me luck for sure. I am more a believer in what comes around, goes around!

Best sales food? Tattersalls’ Red Room.

How do you like to unwind after a long hard day pounding the sales grounds? I am a very bad unwinder. That might explain the slagging I get for having ‘the head of a 60year-old’. THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Apr_128_Caulfield_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 16:40 Page 66

CAULFIELD FILES ANDREW CAULFIELD REPORTS ON THE BLOODSTOCK WORLD

Classic engagements Only a fraction will stand their ground but the list of French entries is worth perusing

acing is a business built on optimism, so it wasn’t too surprising that as many as 506 individual horses, making a total of 703 entries, were nominated to France’s first four Classics of 2015 when they closed on February 18. That said, I find it just about understandable that the Prix du Jockey-Club, which takes place on May 30, drew 206 entries and that the Prix de Diane, which is contested on June 14, attracted 193 entries. After all, many of the potential runners in these middle-distance Classics have yet to be tested beyond a mile. But surely it is a little strange that Classic aspirations were held for as many as 157 fillies in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and 147 colts in the Poulains, even though these mile Classics take place less than three months after the initial entry stage. This situation highlights how difficult it can be for even the most experienced trainers to gauge the potential of well-bred, lightly raced three-year-olds. Even Andre Fabre, with well over 20 trainers’ championships to his credit, must find it hard to sort the wheat from the chaff – no fewer than 89 of his three-yearolds feature among the entries. If last year is anything to go by, roughly 90% of these horses won’t meet their French Classic engagements, but even so it makes an interesting exercise to analyse the entries by their sires. Perhaps the motivation for entering many of these three-year-olds in the Classics stems from the fact that they were expensively produced. The highest-priced stallions of 2011 inevitably feature very prominently, none more so than the extraordinary Galileo, whose French Classic team stands at an enormous 34, including 12 trained by Aidan O’Brien. Galileo’s half-brother Sea The Stars, who was the second-highest priced stallion in Ireland in 2011, has 14 nominees. This represents a potentially excellent effort, as the 14 come from a second crop numbering only 66 (compared to Galileo’s 2012 crop of 192). Others which emerge with plenty of credit from this exercise are Green Desert’s sons Invincible Spirit and Oasis Dream. Nineteen of Invincible Spirit’s 119 three-year-olds were considered worthy of entry. As they include Alea Iacta, Territories, High Celebrity and Local Time, this is a powerful team. Oasis Dream has

Makfi’s French-trained offspring have been promising and he now stands in France

a 16-strong contingent from a crop of 107 threeyear-olds, including Charming Thought, Muhaarar and Dar Re Mi’s promising son De Treville. You can see the figures for the other stallions on the accompanying league table, but there are a few which merit closer inspection.

Makfi As Makfi had been the highest-priced new stallion of 2011, there were high expectations of his first two-year-old runners. To be frank, their achievements were somewhat underwhelming, to the extent that his yearling average for his second crop stood at 30,388gns, compared to his first crop’s 65,699gns. The median also fell by more than 50%. However, I would advise against a knee-jerk reaction. It is worth remembering that the twoyear-old Makfi was considered surplus to requirements by the Shadwell team, which sold him unraced for 26,000gns at the Autumn Sales. Although he went on to win his only juvenile start for his new connections, his victory came on very soft ground in a Class F newcomers’ race at Fontainebleau in November. So perhaps we shouldn’t be too disappointed that his first runners managed nothing better than a single Listed race victory, something he had in common with one of 2005’s first-crop

stallions – a certain Galileo. Makfi has, of course, now been transferred from Tweenhills Stud to the Aga Khan’s Haras de Bonneval, where he is standing alongside the very promising Siyouni. There are sound reasons for thinking that this move will play to Makfi’s strengths. Although he won the 2,000 Guineas, his other wins were gained in France, and he accounted for Goldikova when he emulated the Prix Jacques le Marois victories of his sire Dubawi and grandsire Dubai Millennium. In gaining his French successes Makfi showed his appreciation of soft ground – something he shares with many of Dubawi’s other progeny. If Makfi’s offspring inherit this penchant, France could be the ideal base for him, as soft ground is very common across the Channel. The early signs are that Makfi is set to shine with his French-trained offspring. Nine of his ten nominees in the French Classics are trained there, the one exception being Marco Botti’s tough and useful filly Astrelle. There is plenty to like about Makfi’s French collection, which is made up mainly of fillies. There are a couple of interesting colts, though, especially Prince Faisal’s Make Believe. Trained by Andre Fabre, he put in two appearances late in the season and emerged victorious each time. Having taken a newcomers’ race at Deauville in late-October, THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Apr_128_Caulfield_Owner Breeder 20/03/2015 16:40 Page 67

Make Believe didn’t have to extend himself to land a conditions event on heavy ground at Saint-Cloud in November. His dam Rosie’s Posy produced the American Grade 1 winner Dubawi Heights to Makfi’s sire, so there’s cause for optimism here. The other Classic-engaged colt, Cornwallville, proved his toughness during a long two-year old campaign which began in the Brocklesby Stakes in March and ended with a Listed victory at Toulouse in November. Altogether he won four of his 14 starts, with one of his wins coming on heavy. The Makfi fillies worth keeping an eye on include Stars And Clouds, Harpy and Daramakfi. Stars And Clouds’s yearling price of €360,000 reflected the stellar achievements of her exceptional half-sister Moonlight Cloud, and she went some way towards justifying the investment when she landed a newcomers’ event on soft ground at Chantilly in October. Harpy was another who displayed plenty of potential during an unbeaten first season. Her narrow success in a Maisons-Laffitte newcomers’ race in July was followed by a victory over a Dubawi filly in a conditions race at Deauville on heavy ground. The ground was also very soft when Daramakfi ended her brief first season with a win over Deauville’s mile in August.

Lope De Vega As Lope De Vega was trained in France but stands in Ireland, the possibility existed that it wouldn’t be easy to appreciate the full extent of his first crop’s achievements. In reality, there was no escaping the scale of his success, which featured three Group winners in Britain, another

“There are sound

reasons for thinking that his move to France will play to Makfi’s strengths” in Italy and an impressive total of 25 individual winners. These results were made all the more eye-catching by the fact that Lope De Vega had started out at no more than €15,000. As many as ten of Lope De Vega’s 25 winners were trained in France and ten of his 16 entries in the French Classics are French-based, including five trained by Andre Fabre for his breeder and owner Gestut Ammerland. Among them are the potentially smart filly Baltic Comtesse and the stylish Deauville maiden race winner Burma Sea. THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

FRENCH CLASSIC ENTRIES BY SIRE Galileo Shamardal Invincible Spirit Lope De Vega Oasis Dream Dubawi Sea The Stars Le Havre Montjeu Makfi Fastnet Rock New Approach Siyouni Monsun Teofilo Cape Cross

34 21 19 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 10 10 9 9 8

There is also an impressive Anglo-Irish team among Lope De Vega’s 16, with the Dewhurst winner Belardo being the one with proven Group 1 ability. Watch out, though, for the strapping Endless Drama and Flaming Spear, as these once-raced maiden winners could be very exciting if they have no soundness issues. Lope De Vega, of course, is standing the 2015 season at the substantially bigger fee of €40,000, but he is still cheaper than his sire Shamardal, whose fee has risen to a new high of €70,000. Shamardal’s popularity reflects his tremendously successful 2014 season, which saw him finish third behind Galileo and Invincible Spirit on the leading sires’ list. His 2014 juveniles were also very successful, so it is hardly surprising that Shamardal ranks second only to Galileo by number of French Classic entries, with 21 contenders. If this optimism isn’t totally misplaced, Shamardal looks to have plenty of ammunition for another vintage year.

French stallions With the 2014 exploits of Le Havre and Siyouni propelling each of their fees from €7,000 to €20,000, it is only natural that they should lead the French-based stallions in order of Classic entrants. Le Havre, who pulled off a notable Classic double last year with Avenir Certain, leads the way with a team of 13, the majority owned by Gerard Augustin-Normand. Siyouni has a team of ten, which is exactly an eighth of his first crop. Ervedya, Lady Sybil, Svoul and Passiflore all showed above-average ability at two. One name which took me a little by surprise was that of Fuisse, who – like Siyouni – has his first three-year-olds this year. He has only 45 in this first crop but five of them are Classicallyengaged, including three trained by Criquette Head-Maarek, who sent out Fuisse to win the Prix du Moulin in 2010.

War Front Azamour Dansili Elusive City Raven's Pass Iffraaj King's Best Lawman Pivotal Rip Van Winkle Dalakhani Danehill Dancer Duke Of Marmalade Fuisse Zamindar

8 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5

Fuisse has had only a few winners so far, but this 16.3hh horse improved with age, so his progeny are entitled to a bit of patience. The Head trio are all fillies and all are unraced at the time of writing, but it could be worth monitoring the progress of these fillies – Gallice, Souveraine and Toride – especially as Toride is a half-sister to none other than Treve.

US stallions In last month’s column I was looking for American stallions with the potential to succeed in Europe. The French Classic entries confirm what we already knew – that European owners and breeders still have some faith in the likes of Giant’s Causeway, Smart Strike and Speightstown, all of whom have four representatives. Then there are Kitten’s Joy, Medaglia d’Oro and More Than Ready, with three each. The most interesting aspect concerns Tapit and War Front, the highest-priced stallions in Kentucky. Tapit is still something of an unknown quantity in Europe, despite his dominance in the US, so it is to be expected that he doesn’t feature prominently among the French Classic entries. There are two, though – the Wertheimer brothers’ once-raced colt Ecureuil and the talented filly Rosey De Geneve, who won her first two starts at Chantilly before finishing fifth at Listed level. War Front, on the other hand, has a potentially strong hand with a team of eight, featuring the Aidan O’Brien colts War Envoy, Royal Navy Ship and Cenotaph. Then there’s John Gosden’s pair of Faydhan and Lady Correspondent, and Jean-Claude Rouget’s War Dispatch, who has already won five of his six starts. Hamdan Al Maktoum’s English-trained Hakam, only narrowly beaten on debut in March, has also been entered, so this $450,000 yearling could be a name to remember.

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ROA FORUM The special section for ROA members

Understanding the new steroids rules Richard Wayman says owners must be aware of their responsibilities under BHA guidelines We have seen in other sports the damage that results from the widespread use of performance-enhancing substances and, although there is no evidence to suggest that the use of anabolic steroids is endemic in British racing, the ROA fully supports the BHA’s clear and strong position on this issue. In a sentence, the new anti-doping rules introduced at the beginning of March mean that no horse should ever be administered an anabolic steroid for as long as it is involved in racing, with no exceptions. The new rules inevitably have potential implications for owners, not least because any horse administered an anabolic steroid will face a mandatory stand down period from training for 12 months and from racing for 14 months, from the time the substance was administered. In addition, the burden of compliance will sit with the ‘Responsible Person’, which, in certain situations, will be the horse’s owner. As you would expect, if a horse is stabled with its owner, that individual would also be the Responsible Person. The situation that has required much more consideration has been when a horse was not stabled with its

trainer or owner, but at a third party location, most commonly when having a temporary break from training. The general principle the BHA will apply in such circumstances is the Responsible Person will be whoever directed the horse to go the third party. In the event it was primarily the owner’s decision and they become the Responsible Person, the trainer should have notified the owner they are

“Having become the

‘Responsible Person’, there are a number of precautions to take” transferring responsibility, with the latter accepting this in writing. Having become the Responsible Person, there are a number of precautions an owner should take, including making sure the third party is aware the horse is subject to strict regulations in relation to treatment and also ensuring any treatments are only administered following prescription by a vet aware of the rules. Another issue of relevance to owners is in

relation to the purchase of horses. The ROA has had constructive discussions with Tattersalls and Goffs/DBS, and would expect their conditions of sale to be updated once hair testing procedures become more established. In the meantime, it is obviously essential that blood testing undertaken by the sales houses is consistent with the BHA’s standards. Of course, such elective testing comes at a cost and, at least for now, this seems likely to be something that the purchaser will have to decide whether they wish to incur or not. As the market develops we would hope that vendors increasingly take responsibility for providing purchasers with evidence that confirms horses being offered are free of anabolic steroids. Analogies can be found elsewhere as it is not that long since purchasers were responsible for the cost of xrays taken of horses but, nowadays, these are increasingly provided by vendors with a view to supporting buyer confidence in the marketplace. I am very clear the ROA has a role to play in making sure our members understand what this all means and, although we don’t believe anabolic steroids are widespread within British racing, it is essential that owners have their eyes wide open to the implications of these new rules.

Log on for all the latest news on entries The BHA’s Racing Admin website features a host of information of interest to owners and is the quickest way of receiving news of entries, declarations, handicap ratings and going reports. Another popular feature is the declarations tracking facility, which shows the number of declarations for each race as the 10am deadline approaches. The website also provides fixture and race programme details. Registered owners are able to access this information with a login and password issued by Weatherbys. Owners can apply for login details by contacting ihelp@weatherbys.co.uk or by calling 01933 304828. Most areas of Racing Admin are free to access, but viewing Fixtures and Race information does carry a charge of £2 per day. Multiple access during

the day is covered by one charge. For those owners wanting details of race programmes in printed format, the Programme Book is published quarterly. Volume 2 is available now, covering racing from April 1 to June 30. The Racing Calendar is published weekly and contains the latest amendments to race

conditions and sponsors details, with information on races three weeks ahead of the publishing date. All BHA publications can be ordered through Weatherbys publications on 01933 440077. The schedule for the release of fixture information follows, but please note these dates are subject to change. Online

Mailed out in the Programme Book

Volume 3 (July-September)

April 21

May 15

Volume 4 (October-December)

July 15

August 11

Please note all dates are subject to change

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Apr_128_ROA_Forum_Owner 20/03/2015 17:51 Page 69

www.racehorseowners.net

The ROA has secured a new facility at Royal Ascot, with a fantastic package awaiting – but early booking is recommended

Exclusive hospitality at summer festivals The ROA is delighted to announce that there will be a special hospitality package for ROA members in a private facility for all five days of Royal Ascot, June 16-20. Located in what is currently the Australian Bar, the new facility will be refurbished to create an exclusive dining room. Located at ground-floor level facing the pre-parade ring and close to the horsewalk leading to the paddock, the dining room is in a central location that will provide attendees with a fantastic base for the day. As the facility is in the Grandstand admission area, it will therefore be open to members and guests with Grandstand admission or Royal Enclosure badges. The specially tailored offering includes one car park label per couple, a Prosecco drinks reception and a three-course sit-down lunch on shared tables of ten. The package also includes full afternoon tea and complimentary beers, wine and soft drinks throughout the day. Racecards and racing papers will also be provided, but please note this package does not include admission. Places are limited so we advise booking early. For further details, or to make a booking, please

contact Sarah Holton in the ROA office on 020 7152 0200 or sholton@roa.co.uk, or alternatively via the Events section at racehorseowners.net.

Glorious Goodwood badges and hospitality package ROA members can look forward to enjoying another highlight of the racing summer season with two offers for the Qatar Goodwood Festival, July 28 to August 1. Members can book badges for the Richmond Enclosure for the five days of Glorious Goodwood through a special service provided by the ROA in partnership with the West Sussex racecourse. A maximum of four badges can be booked for each day, which is otherwise reserved exclusively for Goodwood members and their guests during their flagship meeting. Badges booked before June 1 are priced at £75 per person, and will increase to £85 thereafter. Junior badges for those aged 18-24 years are £42.50. The ROA car parking label is not valid during

Glorious Goodwood, but members can buy labels for car park 8 for £10 each. Members can also avail themselves of a bespoke ROA hospitality offer at Glorious Goodwood, which provides a table for the day in the Horsewalk Restaurant, located in the Charlton Stand. The exclusive dining package for Goodwood is priced at £180 per person per day Richmond Enclosure badge Car parking label Three-course sit-down meal Afternoon tea • Full bar facilities Richmond Grandstand reserved seat Racecard • Tote facilities Places are limited for this special offering, so early booking is recommended. Bookings for Goodwood badges and hospitality places can be made at racehorseowners.net or by calling the ROA office.

The special package for Royal Ascot is priced per person per day Tuesday, June 16

£375

Wednesday, June 17

£375

Thursday, June 18

£460

Friday, June 19

£425

Saturday, June 20

£355

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Members can enjoy a superb dining experience at Glorious Goodwood

Apr_128_ROA_Forum_Owner 20/03/2015 17:51 Page 70

ROA FORUM

GEORGE SELWYN

MAGICAL MOMENTS

James Couldwell (second right) and Value Racing Club members celebrate their Imperial Cup triumph at Sandown

ne of the most memorable interviews during the whole Cheltenham Festival occurred before the County Hurdle, when Clare Balding tracked down the head of the syndicate that owns Ebony Express. A £100,000 bonus was on the table following the six-year-old’s gutsy victory in the previous week’s Imperial Cup, but being coy and trotting out the usual “he’s in good form and we hope he runs well” was not how James Couldwell played things. Instead, the excited owner told Balding the horse would “romp home”. Sadly, Ebony Express must have been on his own ad break as Couldwell was speaking on Channel 4, for he finished down the field. He owes his proud owners, the Value Racing Club, nothing, however. Indeed, talking of interviews, the unrestricted joy of Couldwell and his clubbers after the Imperial Cup was also great television and a brilliant advert for racehorse ownership. It was via that very medium that Couldwell, an ROA member for two years, first became hooked. “I caught the bug watching horseracing on TV with my dad when I was about six,” he says. “We had a family Irish draughtthoroughbred horse I used to ride called Alice and I always wanted to go as fast as the jockeys on TV; my love for the sport grew from there. “The day that really got me hooked was a trip to the 1994 Doncaster St Leger meeting with my dad. I was 17 so couldn’t bet, but I used to

look through the form and I gave my dad £3 per race to put on for me. “I backed the second-placed horse in every race at odds of up to 33-1. I had a £1 placepot on the same horses, and there were two lines going into the last race. I had one of them. The placepot paid £6,000 and wasn’t won – I’d missed it by a whisker as my horse was fourth. From that day on, I started to take the punting side of the sport seriously.”

“I’m very hands on –

I find it surprising when other clubs just allow the trainer to put them into a horse” He adds: “Everything changed much later in 2007 when I was made redundant and work was scarce. I used some of my redundancy to join a racing club, as I’d always wanted to go in the parade ring. The horse I was involved in did not have much joy, but I saw another side of the sport, from the perspective of being an owner. “In 2009, back in work but in a job I didn’t enjoy, all I wanted to do was be involved in

racing. I got a group of friends together and said let’s get a horse and I’ll run it as a syndicate. The horse sourced was Changing The Guard, who Dr [Richard] Newland had recently purchased but had yet to run over hurdles. “He won four times for us and won over £23,000, the highlight being a fourth in a big handicap hurdle at Aintree on National day. “I wanted more of that and Value Racing Club was born towards the end of 2013. In our first full year we had 14 runs and six wins, and if we can emulate that each year I’ll be a happy man.” Couldwell was certainly a happy man in the lead up to Cheltenham, with Dino Mite winning for the club at Taunton the day before the Festival. Indeed, Value Racing Club’s four jumpers have all scored this season, Rhythm Star and Gran Maestro being the other two. Making the right purchase is important for single owners, but even more so when you’re using not just your own money and have more than yourself to please – or disappoint. “I’m very hands on and spend at least 50 hours-plus on a sales catalogue,” says Couldwell. “If you get the initial purchase wrong it can go pear-shaped quickly, and this really is the most important part of running a horseracing club. “I find it surprising when I speak with other owners or clubs that just allow the trainer to put them into a horse, without doing any homework. When at the sales I always remind THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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

myself it’s shareholders money I’m using. I’ve walked away from plenty of sales when potential targets just don’t look correct up close, no matter what the formbook or breeding says.” The choice of Newland and Jamie Snowden as the club’s trainers was also the result of extensive spadework, while there’s now a second code to the bow, with Couldwell revealing: “We’ve just purchased our first Flat horse, to be trained by Chris Wall, so we now cater for jumps and Flat fans.” There may then be some magical Flat moments to come, but for now that major handicap strike at Sandown ranks number one. “Although I’ll never forget our first winner as owners, Changing The Guard at Uttoxeter, who we backed from 33-1 into 9-2 and who won by 20 lengths, the most special day has to be the Imperial Cup win,” Couldwell says. “It was an incredible day, and without a doubt the best day of my life so far; a recently formed racing club with six horses in training winning one of the most prestigious handicaps of the year was beyond our wildest dreams. “On this day all the hard work paid off, research, time at the sales, being with the right trainers, and having that bit of luck you need.” He continues: “Ebony Express was our most expensive purchase by a long way at 27,500gns. We bought him at the Horses-in-Training Sale at Newmarket after being there all week and not coming close to getting a horse on the shortlist, due to them going for telephone numbers! “Ebony Express was the final horse we were interested in and we didn’t hold much hope in getting him for the budget. Thankfully we did. When we secured him, Dr Newland and I both thought the Imperial Cup could be his type of race, before he’d even jumped a hurdle. I wrote that on the horse’s profile, which can still be seen on our website, in September 2014. “We thought he had a proper chance of going close at Sandown and really fancied him to be placed. Watching him travel as he did and hit the front jumping the last was incredible. “All his owners were there to cheer him on, and watching them celebrate as they did meant a great deal to me. My owners are what it’s all about. I was emotional and I cried live on Channel 4 when interviewed by Alice Plunkett!” Couldwell adds: “The best thing about being a racehorse owner is getting members who’ve put their faith in you into the winner’s enclosure. And the most frustrating is pretty much the opposite, informing them of setbacks and when the horse can’t run.” Another frustration is the distribution of owners’ and trainers’ badges. “I feel strongly about this,” says Couldwell. “How can it be right THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

GEORGE SELWYN

with ROA member James Couldwell

Ebony Express and Will Kennedy clear the last hurdle en route to victory

that single-owned horses get six owners and trainers badges, yet syndicates get the same, or sometimes eight, in the majority of cases? The word ‘syndicate’ clearly means the horse is owned by a group. Most tracks allow syndicates to buy more badges, but some won’t budge. “Yet the more people at the racecourse, the more revenue and profit they make, surely? What other sport in this country turns away the people who finance it? The BHA should look at

making it a standard rule that every single racecourse must give ten free owners’ and trainers’ badges for syndicates and the option to purchase at least five more.” Whether there is movement in this area – one the ROA works hard on behind the scenes – from racecourses or the BHA remains to be seen, but what doesn’t is that Couldwell will continue to seek as much value for his syndicate members as he can.

Diary dates and reminders APRIL 9 Opening day of Crabbie’s Grand National meeting Free admission to ROA members on production of their ROA Horseracing Privilege Photocard. Please note that car park labels for the day are only available in advance on request via the ROA office.

APRIL 28-MAY 2 Punchestown ROA members visiting the festival can enjoy access to the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners marquee facility, with complimentary snacks and refreshments.

APRIL 29 ROA Owners Jackpot at Pontefract £10,000 will be shared among ROA-owned winners on the day.

MAY 13 Regional meeting and ROA Owners Jackpot at Perth A chance for members in Scotland to meet

the ROA and win a share of the £10,000 Owners Jackpot at this evening fixture.

MAY 23 The Curragh Free admission to ROA members on Irish 2,000 Guineas day with a valid Horseracing Privilege Photocard, and to the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners members’ suite.

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. Details of events are listed online at racehorseowners.net in the Events section. Bookings can be made online or by calling the ROA on 0207 152 0200

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ROA FORUM

Six share Jackpot at Taunton On February 26, Taunton hosted the first jumps ROA Owners Jackpot of 2015. Despite the testing ground, six eligible horses were triumphant at the popular Somerset racecourse.

Jobarry Partnership Lord Navits

Carole Wallace Crookstown

The winning owners, who each scooped £1,667 on top of their prize-money, are listed below along with their successful horse on the day. See page 71 for the upcoming schedule of ROA Owners Jackpot fixtures.

Grahame Waterman Dragon’s Den

David Morgan Chosen Milan

Jill Dennis Its A Long Road

Bright N Breezy Partnership Cresswell Breeze

TRACK TALK The latest news from the UK’s racecourses

Chester go the extra mile

Epsom badges Epsom’s opening fixture of the year is the Investec Spring Meeting, on Wednesday, April 22. Dedicated to everimproving racehorse owners’ experience, Epsom is now kindly offering ROA members using the Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners two free admission badges to participating fixtures.

Kelso and Salisbury food offer The ROA is pleased to announce that Kelso and Salisbury are the latest racecourses to offer complimentary food to owners with a runner. The most recent ROA members’ survey highlighted the importance of this aspect of the raceday experience, so we expect this development to be very well received at both tracks. Kelso will be providing six vouchers per ownership, redeemable at either the owners’ and trainers’ bar, Rosie’s Bistro or the Tweedie Stand restaurant. Salisbury now offers a choice of complimentary sandwiches for owners along with tea, coffee and biscuits.

Your feedback is vital

Chester has raised its already high bar even higher for this term

Chester provides a superb environment for racehorse owners yet they are always striving to find ways in which to make the raceday experience even better. Following discussions with the ROA, we are pleased to reveal that, commencing this season, Chester will now offer all owners dining within the owners’ pavilion plus a complimentary voucher for a half bottle of house wine per person. Additionally, the course has created a new winning connections’ area, so all placed connections can now also be entertained after each race.

The ROA strongly encourages members to complete the Raceday Feedback questionnaire via the ROA website following visits to the track to watch their horses in action. This information will be invaluable in determining the six large and six smaller tracks that will be awarded the ROA Gold Standard Award at the end of the year. Each month the ROA will present a £50 John Lewis voucher to one of our members, drawn at random, who submits a return. We are pleased to announce that the inaugural winner is Professor Lorna Hardwick, an owner with shares in horses in training with David Dennis – many congratulations!

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Equine-assisted therapy project proves its worth R O A O F F I C I A L C H A R I T Y PA R T N E R During 2014, with a grant from The Racing Foundation, Racing Welfare commenced a two-year pilot project to assess the suitability of equine-assisted therapy for racing staff facing mental health issues. The idea is very much the brainchild of Joe Carter, Racing Welfare’s Addiction and Recovery Advisor, who has given the project the title ‘Thoroughpeutics’. He says of the inspiration for the project: “Equine-assisted therapy has proved incredibly valuable in other areas of society and has been growing rapidly in regard over recent years.” Various groups, from the military, to prisoners and Riding for the Disabled, have reported upon the way in which a relationship with horses can help people to overcome a huge range of problems, including bereavement, stress, injury, depression, dementia, addiction, relationships, anxiety, trust, work issues, and many other day-to-day challenges. The charity now has a two-year opportunity to see how it could be developed specifically for use in the racing industry. Development of the programme started in December with the assistance of well-known problem horse specialist Michael Peace. Famous for his 50-50 approach, a theory that proposes you work at such a level of communication that you never get into battles or confrontations with your horse, he originally began his career in racing in the 1980s as an apprentice jockey in Newmarket working for Luca Cumani and the late Michael Jarvis.

Problem horse specialist Michael Peace developed the equine therapy programme

The therapy sessions are being conducted at the British Racing School in Newmarket, making use of their excellent facilities, including a fully covered arena, and a selection of their ex-racehorses, whose varying personalities and character traits add depth to the programme. Over ten racing staff are involved in the project. The efficacy of it will be monitored and evaluated by Dr Stuart McNab from Chester

University, who has a special interest in research into psychological trauma, along with extensive experience of therapeutic work using horses. Videos and animations explaining the concepts involved in Thoroughpeutics are available on the Racing Welfare website – www.racingwelfare.co.uk, along with a blog charting the week-to-week progress of the project.

In Brief... ROA Council elections

Plus 10 prizes

Members are reminded that the deadline to stand for election in this year’s ROA Council elections is Thursday, April 2. A brief outline of the qualifying criteria, requirements and the role of a Council member were outlined in last month’s ROA Forum. Interested applicants are invited to contact Richard Wayman at the ROA or email rwayman@roa.co.uk for further information.

The Plus 10 programme offers a prize pool amounting to £1.6 million available to pay out to qualified winners of Plus 10 races in Britain and Ireland from the end of March to the end of June. The programme covers 106 British and 43 Irish races which will carry a bonus of £10,000 or €12,500 to qualified winners. Owners of winners will receive 75% of the bonus paid, which will also be shared among the two payers of the horse’s registration stages (10% each), the trainer, jockey and stable staff associated with the winning horse (5%). Details of all Plus 10 bonus races for juveniles in the period can be found at www.plus10bonus.com and include Class 2-4 maidens, novice or conditions races, and Class 5 fillies’ only maidens.

Summary of cover The ROA provides members with automatic third party liability cover up to a limit of liability of £10 million against potential damages if a racehorse they own causes damage or injury to a third party or their property. Full policy details and a list of frequently asked questions can be found on the ROA website. A summary of cover is also available online or on request from the ROA office.

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ROA FORUM

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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

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

Figures for period March 1, 2014 to February 28, 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 ARC I I I ARC I I JCR JCR I JCR ARC ARC I ARC ARC I ARC ARC JCR ARC

360,861 169,619 118,711 91,930 88,884 81,446 64,832 55,785 54,675 47,465 39,444 31,954 31,611 30,775 30,759 27,921 27,442 27,174 24,490 23,350 22,641 21,852 21,429 21,234 20,104 19,898 19,707 17,760 16,912 16,659 16,478 16,378 13,169 12,786 11,757 10,693 41,096

140,561 101,795 84,726 85,792 77,199 47,063 60,088 61,138 56,651 48,867 25,367 17,226 28,557 33,991 33,722 26.093 30,130 21,832 9,578 23,269 21,083 19,205 18,642 17,357 22,309 22,393 22,168 15,996 20,273 19,835 20,188 19,911 14,808 16,723 16,166 20,298 34,057

218,152 93,710 109,390 90,483 26,402 10,055 43,732 27,621 23,058 17,037 5,677 2,909 4,658 3,719 9,959 4,415 4,942 5,603 3,323 7,075 3,333 2,954 3,854 3,945 4,822 5,427 4,795 3,165 2,739 2,917 3,389 14,820 2,874 2,481 3,305 1,977 18,282

719,574 365,418 312,828 268,461 192,709 138,898 169,246 144,853 134,759 113,796 70,489 52,089 64,825 68,485 74,735 58,537 63,181 54,943 37,390 54,532 47,058 44,289 44,123 42,689 47,521 48,153 47,040 37,671 40,276 39,523 40,273 51,108 31,620 31,991 31,228 32,968 93,663

18 17 11 39 19 15 24 17 16 23 17 9 16 15 17 92 15 15 7 17 18 18 83 13 21 23 27 20 17 94 23 18 13 21 6 46 880

12,952,340 6,212,100 3,441,104 10,469,983 3,661,465 2,083,471 4,061,900 2,462,493 2,156,139 2,666,084 1,198,306 468,800 1,037,208 1,027,280 1,270,500 5,385,384 947,720 824,139 243,035 927,050 847,044 797,200 3,662,244 554,959 997,934 1,107,519 1,270,087 753,415 684,700 3,715,146 926,282 919,950 411,058 671,809 187,365 1,516,513 82,416,618

349,480 160,032 120,544 91,698 84,714 77,393 54,738 46,673 53,586 41,800 31,993 N/A 27,030 28,935 29,569 17,317 27,239 20,943 23,461 20,782 17,024 17,864 20,686 21,280 18,719 16,842 20,262 14,678 15,840 13,873 12,327 15,226 10,464 8,671 15,897 9,243 36,623

Up/ down

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

Jumps Racecourse League Table Ptn Racecourse

1 Aintree 2 Cheltenham 3 Ascot 4 Haydock Park 5 Sandown Park 6 Kempton Park 7 Newbury 8 Ayr 9 Doncaster 10 Kelso 11 Musselburgh 12 Wincanton 13 Ludlow 14 Perth 15 Chepstow 16 Cartmel 17 Wetherby 18 Warwick 19 Stratford-on-Avon 20 Fakenham 21 Market Rasen 22 Newcastle 23 Newton Abbot 24 Carlisle 25 Bangor-On-Dee 26 Exeter 27 Huntingdon 28 Ffos Las 29 Uttoxeter 30 Hexham 31 Catterick Bridge 32 Fontwell Park 33 Worcester 34 Plumpton 35 Taunton 36 Sedgefield 37 Lingfield Park 38 Leicester 39 Towcester 40 Southwell 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 ARC I I JCR I I ARC I I JCR I I JCR ARC I JCR I JCR JCR I ARC I I ARC ARC I I ARC ARC I I ARC

248,442 220,359 134,429 99,756 98,381 53,326 45,128 30,081 28,422 26,725 26,507 26,024 25,666 25,650 25,254 24,425 23,853 23,046 22,552 22,194 22,125 21,824 21,497 20,598 19,850 19,250 19,081 18,638 18,425 16,447 15,696 15,499 14,083 13,989 13,956 13,700 13,076 12,779 11,032 10,838 33,936

120,439 111,903 81,006 83,428 78,083 69,378 72,215 37,517 43,843 33,420 30,256 32,070 30,513 22,799 29,834 18,129 25,553 34,471 18,394 18,550 25,237 31,527 26,962 25,155 17,481 31,263 21,858 18,761 20,537 16,478 26,381 21,839 18,487 25,644 23,350 19,226 25,769 25,946 15,299 21,391 32,806

69,741 56,741 16,172 16,811 17,243 11,535 15,592 9,866 6,487 3,186 4,450 5,066 4,804 1,953 6,425 4,014 4,588 5,391 3,866 0 4,508 4,970 0 4,124 3,670 5,058 3,933 3,305 4,475 2,433 2,754 3,142 3,263 3,388 3,864 2,838 3,077 3,570 2,711 3,032 7,232

439,497 389,004 232,857 201,316 194,819 134,402 132,935 78,614 79,844 64,332 61,213 63,177 60,984 50,516 61,513 46,568 54,167 62,908 44,976 40,743 52,220 58,321 48,459 50,460 41,001 56,008 44,871 40,703 43,554 35,880 45,031 40,480 35,833 43,020 41,170 36,114 41,922 42,329 29,042 35,261 74,199

8 16 8 8 9 11 12 12 11 14 10 17 15 16 16 7 18 9 17 12 20 11 18 12 15 16 16 20 24 14 9 21 22 16 16 20 6 9 15 17 562

3,515,977 6,224,063 1,862,856 1,524,247 1,753,369 1,478,425 1,595,218 943,371 878,280 900,646 612,129 1,074,011 914,754 808,250 984,204 325,975 974,999 566,170 764,600 488,921 1,044,400 641,536 872,259 605,518 615,018 896,133 717,937 793,713 1,045,299 502,319 405,279 850,086 788,317 688,328 658,713 722,279 251,532 380,958 435,637 599,445 41,705,166

232,451 219,787 94,949 84,951 103,791 49,186 37,905 47,033 21,608 19,347 21,859 21,453 22,117 28,814 23,281 24,931 21,172 15,851 18,614 15,376 21,629 23,170 20,588 15,023 13,649 16,958 19,518 13,452 10,698 12,838 14,470 12,685 12,278 14,785 14,569 7,031 13,805 11,409 10,702 12,423 30,986

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 04.2015_OwnerBreeder Ad pages 04.2015 20/03/2015 10:00 Page 75

Standing at BEECH TREE STUD

SADDLER’S ROCK Bay 2008, SADLER’S WELLS X GRECIAN BRIDE (GROOM DANCER) ◆ Won Gr.2 Doncaster Cup, as a 3yo and Gr.2 Goodwood Cup. ◆ Placed in Gr.1 Ascot Gold Cup and Gr.1 Irish St Leger. ◆ He landed four victories, amassing just shy of £220,000 in prize money. ◆ A half-brother to three black-type performers, including the Gr.2 winner & Gr.1-placed Tarfasha, from the family of Gr.1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud winner Gamut.

Stud Fee: £1,500 (Oct 1st terms) Upton Noble, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6AX Contact: Allan Munnis • Tel: 01749 850786 • Mobile: 07711 072362 • Email: judyandallan@gmail.com

By World Champion GALILEO

CAMERON HIGHLAND 16.0hh, 2009 Galileo – Landmark by Arch

His mothers full sister, ARRAVALE, won 5 races at 2 & 3 years and £632,660. CAMERON HIGHLAND has won 5 races at 3 & 4 years amounting to a total of £107,462. He has won the August Stakes (Listed) at Royal Windsor in 2 successive years, beating GOLDINI by 41⁄2 lengths & the favourite SONGCRAFT by 71⁄2 lengths in 2012. In 2013 he beat SHIROCCO STAR also favourite by 3 lengths. He was 2nd to MICHELANGELO in the Newmarket Tatts Millions. He then won 2 races at Epsom in August 2012 & 2013. One of his half sisters, SUPPOSING, was sold in Book 1 2012 for 525,000gns and his other half sister, STOR MO CHROI, has an early entry in the Darley Irish Oaks 2015. His full sister was sold in Book 1 2014 for 420,000gns to Qatar Racing. CAMERON HIGHLAND has excellent conformation and temperament, he is a very easy horse to handle.

LICENSED YARD TO LET Proven racing yard, centrally located for Northern racing 17% strike rate last season ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

20 stables in American Barn 6 furlong all weather (woodchip) gallop Horse walker 4 acres of turnout paddocks (more land available if needed) 3 furlong sand schooling lane Hay barn Tack room Feed room Lunging pen 2 bedroom cottage Static caravan on site

LEASE – OPEN TO OFFERS Newcastle 35 miles • Edinburgh 70 miles • Carlisle 60 miles

Stud fee: £1,200 1st October

GROVECOURT STUD Llanarth, Raglan, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 2NA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1873 840494 • Mob Zoe: +44 (0)7974 096252 Mob Mervyn: +44 (0)7830 258494 enquiries@grovecourtstud.com • www.grovecourtstud.uk

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For more details please call

07810738149 • 07540815086 75

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TBA FORUM The special section for TBA members

Would you like to take part in our cost reduction challenge for members? Ensure you’re not missing out on the chance to save money and time running your business with the TBA buying group.

How much could you save? The buying group’s cost reduction analysis service is a new offering, helping businesses find out how much they could save. If the thought of ploughing through your invoices and paperwork is your concern then enter into our cost reduction challenge. Would you like to invite members to take part in our cost reduction challenge? This would entail a member of the buying group team visiting you to help you find out how you could benefit from the vast savings and services available. All you have to do is email Lucinda.Miller@thetba.co.uk confirming you would like to take part and the team at the buying group will then do all the work.

The buying group at a glance As part of your TBA membership, you can access a huge range of savings and business efficiencies through the TBA buying group. Operated by Anglia Farmers (AF), the group is nationwide and works as an extension of your farm office, saving you time to concentrate on running your stud. The buying group is the largest agricultural purchasing co-operative in the UK, with more than 50 years of experience and a buying power in excess of £250 million. This significant buying power and relationships with suppliers nationwide means that you can cut the costs of running your business. But it’s not just money that you can save. The buying group can save you time by simplifying your administration, consolidating invoices and delivering the help you may need when making a purchase. The group’s expert buyers continually track the markets to make sure that products are being sourced at competitive prices. For example, dedicated support staff can provide a full electricity switching service, managing the process from point of enquiry through to site registration. This membership offering has been put together with the TBA to help your business and add value, whatever size it may be. Virginia Crawford, who looks after TBA buying group members, said: “Group purchasing can help studs of all sizes save both time and money. We work hard to help

our members run their businesses more efficiently. For example, we have an interactive portal where they can see their account details and information online and where they can even download invoices directly into their farm accounts management software. “We also offer tankscout systems which remotely monitor the level of fuel in members’ tanks and allow our team to advise them to re-fill at the right point in the market – preventing them from running out.” Virginia, who works in the livestock team, brings industry knowledge to the TBA buying group as she joined after graduating from the Royal Veterinary College where she studied Bio Veterinary Science.

What to expect Members can expect to make significant savings on the main farm inputs, providing a professional procurement service for all of your farm business needs. From livestock equipment, grass seed, fertiliser, fencing, electricity and fuel, working closely with suppliers nationwide to secure products at the best possible price. All products are delivered directly to you, with delivery usually within three to five working days.

Seed Excellent savings on grass and maize seeds, as well as a wide range of agrochemical products. The buying group can source the full range of agrochemical products for all arable, vegetable, fruit and horticultural crops. The group works closely with all of the main distributors and manufacturers to source quality products at the best prices, including herbicides, insecticides and seeds. Their experienced agrochemical team can process orders specified by you or your agronomist.

Electricity Sourcing electricity typically saves members between 17% and 40%. The managed electricity service also saves members time, leaving you free to focus on the day-to-day running of your business.

Fuel Get a great price on fuel, including BS EN590 red diesel, LPG, gas oil, coal and universal tractor oil and fuel cards. Fuel cards are also very popular, offering discounted weekly diesel prices and a convenient way to claim back VAT. THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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www.thetba.co.uk

Employment matters Health and Safety Update

Long-standing members Gavin and Sally Tulley present the EBF/TBA Mares-only Novice Chase award at Wetherby to the winning owner, breeder and trainer of Makadamia, Robert Waley-Cohen

TBA diary dates WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 EBF/TBA Mares’ Novices’ Chase Series At Towcester

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 TBA Mares’ Only race At North Warwickshire Hunt Point-toPoint, Mollington

The industry’s Health and Safety Guide (the ‘Red Book’) has been reviewed by Taylor Vinter Solicitors to ensure that the information and guidance within it is up-todate. Main amendments relate to the section on the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, (RIDDOR) 1995, which has been replaced by RIDDOR 2013. In light of this an annex with all amendments has been mailed to TBA members who employ staff, and will also be available on the TBA Website with other Health and Safety Documentation. By way of reminder, if you are an employer or a self-employed person you are responsible for health and safety in your business as well as those affected by that business, for example, the actions of an employee or any selfemployed person under its direction. Now is a good time to refresh your memory of the principles in the ‘Red Book’ and review your policies and procedures. Health and Safety Seminars based on the Guide will take place as follows: July 15, 2015 at Middleham Key Centre, Middleham November 19, 2015 at The British Racing School, Newmarket An additional date in July in Newmarket will be confirmed shortly.

The ‘Health and Safety in the Racing and Breeding Industry’ is available on-line on the TBA and BHA websites. A limited number of hard copies remain and can be obtained by contacting Caroline Turnbull at Stanstead House on caroline.turnbull@thetba.co.uk, and similarly if you haven’t received the updates then please contact us at Stanstead House.

Pensions legislation Over the next few months the Pensions Regulator will be sending out letters to over a million UK small businesses to tell them about their new duties to automatically enrol staff into a workplace pension. Some studs may have already received such a letter. If you haven’t already started planning for auto enrolment, then you need to take action now. For those who employed between 30 and 58 employees on April 6, 2012, the date for implementing auto-enrolment (your ‘staging date’) will fall between January 1 and October 1, 2015. For those employing fewer than 30 on that date, your staging date will fall somewhere between June 1, 2015 and April 1, 2017. Visit the Pensions Regulator website at www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk and contact Caroline Turnbull at Stanstead House for the TBA information leaflet.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 TBA Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Listed) Final At Cheltenham

SUNDAY, APRIL 26 TBA Mares-only race At Cheshire Hunt Point-to-Point, Tabley

TBA SUMMER EVENTS Tuesday, July 7 The TBA AGM, Newmarket Tuesday, July 7 Annual Awards Evening, Newmarket July 15 (Newmarket) and July 16 (Newbury) The TBA Annual Seminar Sunday, July 26 The National Hunt Stars of Tomorrow Foal Show, Bangor

TBA NEW MEMBERS Stephen Adams, Staffordshire; Mrs L Aykroyd, Yorkshire; Clive Johnson, Shropshire; Michael Nelmes-Crocker, Gloucesterhisre; Jennifer Pindar, West Yorkshire; Dennis Price, Australia.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Sandra Mayoh attended Catterick Bridge on behalf of the TBA and kindly presented the winning connections of Donna’s Pride with their award for the TBA Mares-only Novice Hurdle at Catterick Bridge. Our scheme to reward those racecourses who offer the highest number of mares’ races, as a percentage of their total races, continues to go from strength to strength. Catterick Bridge remains a loyal supporter of mares’ races and has been rewarded with a further £750 for 2015. Fiona Needham from Catterick Bridge is seen here being presented with her award from TBA member Sandra Mayoh.

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TBA FORUM

TBA-sponsored courses at the National Stud The TBA is delighted to continue sponsoring a rolling series of short courses at the National Stud, which aim to cover the breeding cycle from conception to foal sales. The first course for 2015 is ‘The Foal: Birth to Weaning’ and takes place on Friday, May 22. Aimed at the new mare owner, but also suitable for those who want to update their knowledge, the programme comprises foaling, care of the neonate, and management of the older foal up to and including weaning. TBA members can attend at the discounted rate of £54 for the day and for further information should contact Leaya Slater at the National Stud on 01638 675930 or email leaya@nationalstud.co.uk. The series will continue with ‘The Mating Game – pedigrees and mating plans’ on September 4 and ‘The Mare: Conception and Pregnancy’ on November 10. The TBA is sponsoring the National Stud Course ‘The Foal: Birth to Weaning’

Whales is the winner for Ashbrittle The TBA Stud Staff Award for March goes to Ginny Whales of Ashbrittle Stud, who is currently interim stud manager at James Rowsell’s stud in Somerset. Described as an exceptional horsewoman by her employer, Ginny has been at Ashbrittle since leaving school at 18 and last year took over responsibility for the day-to-day preparation of sales yearlings, foals and mares, including the record breaking yearling by Galileo ex Penang Pearl, who was sold to John Magnier for £2.6m at Book 1 of Tattersalls’ October Sale on behalf of breeder Nick Ooi. Hardworking, talented, easy to get on with and charming to work with, Ginny also finds time to compete at three-day events and is set

Ginny Whales at Ashbrittle Stud

to assume increasing responsibilities and seniority at the farm. She is pictured with broodmare Warling and her 2015 filly by Declaration Of War, who was born on February 18.

Our Centenary year: we need your stories In May 2017 the TBA will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary so work has already begun on a project that will commemorate this occasion and honouring all those associated with and who have been part of the association over the years. The project currently remains under wraps but what we can share is that we would like to include as much detail about the TBA and its history as possible. Therefore, we would like to request

your assistance, if you have a personal story, memory or photograph from an experience with the TBA that you wouldn’t mind sharing, please send them to us and we will do our best to include this in our Centenary project. We can’t promise that we will be able to include every submission but we will do our best. If you could send your story or photograph to: Lucinda.Miller@thetba.co.uk before the end of the year that would be wonderful.

TBA Elite NH Mares Incentive Scheme continues to grow Described as a “shot in the arm for NH breeders”, the Elite National Hunt Mares Incentive Scheme, funded by the HBLB and now in its fourth year, continues to provide financial incentives for the owners of the best NH mares, encouraging them to upgrade their broodmare bands and to use highclass British-based sires. In November, the TBA publicised the names of the 227 mares eligible for the scheme and contacted their owners, inviting them to submit an application for either a free or greatly subsidised nomination, based on their mares’ official ratings, to British-based stallions in the Scheme. As expected, a good proportion of race mares stayed in training. However, from this initial group, the owners of 30% of the mares have taken up the offer and the allocations for the free and subsidised nominations have been made. One of the eligible mares who will be visiting Geordieland under the scheme this season is Gaelic Gold, whose 2008 progeny Bitofapuzzle (Tamure), won Bob and Shirley Carter the TBA Breeder of the Month award for January.

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BREEDER OF THE MONTH

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Words Alan Yuill Walker Manufacturers of

BREEDER OF THE MONTH – February 2015

one of her progeny not to be retained and go into training with the Bradstocks (he was sold as a yearling in 2006 for €25,000). Sunbsequently, she produced Maid Of Oaksey (by Overbury) and Flintham (Kayf Tara). Unfortunately Plaid Maid died foaling Flintham in March 2009 (ominously it was Friday the 13th), but her solitary daughter Maid Of Oaksey has just produced her first foal – a colt by Malinas – and she was covered by Kayf Tara at Overbury Stud just five minutes before the start of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Obviously the Oakseys set out to breed jumpers with Plaid Maid, but she does not come from a jumping family. Her grandam was bred by Jim Joel at Childwick Bury Stud, the third and fourth dams by Edgar Cooper Bland of Rutland Stud, and the fifth dam by Lord Derby at Stanley House Stud. Plaid Maid’s sire Executive Perk was homebred by Moyglare Stud

The late Lord Oaksey

The late Lord Oaksey has been given the Breeder of the Month award for February for Coneygree’s seven-length triumph in the Grade 2 Denman Chase at Newbury. Of course, subsequent events have seen the sensational novice gallop his way relentlessly to an all-the-way victory in steeplechasing’s grandest prize, the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. In recording big-race success at Newbury, however, Coneygree, trained to perfection by his breeder’s son-in-law aand daughter, Mark and Sara Bradstock, was following his elder half-brother Carruthers, who was given a rousing reception for his victory in the 2011 Hennessy Gold Cup at the same course. The family continues to bring glory to the Bradstocks’ Letcombe Bassett yard, with Carruthers’ full-brother Flintham also being a dual winner this season. Coneygree is undefeated in four starts over fences this season, having previously scored in the Grade 2 Berkshire Novices’ Chase at Newbury and Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park. Although breeding thoroughbreds proved the least of John Oaksey’s many accomplishments, his mare Plaid Maid, the dam of Carruthers, Coneygree and Flintham, has been responsible for her late owner winning a cluster of monthly Breeder of the Month awards – she herself was voted TBA National Hunt Broodmare of the Year for 2011/12. Plaid Maid’s background has been well documented. Mark and his wife Sara, John Oaksey’s daughter by his first wife Victoria (her Coneygree at home with his half-siblings Carruthers, Maid Of Oaksey and Flintham father Ginger Dennistoun trained at Letcombe in Ireland where he proved a proficient Group-winning miler for Regis), bought Plaid Maid privately as an unraced three-year-old in Dermot Weld. Promoted as a jump sire there and one of the first order to give her father a bit of fun in his retirement. stallions to cover a 200-plus book of mares, he eventually came to Having scored once over hurdles and four times over fences in the stand at Ashley Grange Stud in Leicestershire. Oaksey colours, Plaid Maid became a permanent resident at the Tipperary Tartan, the dam of Plaid Maid, was bred by Peter Oakseys’ Hill Farm in the village of Oaksey on the Tellwright, who at the time stood the Ascot Gold Cup hero Twilight Wiltshire/Gloucestershire border, where all six of her progeny were Alley at his Tyrley Castle Stud. Not only did he breed Tipperary Tartan bred and reared. Carruthers (by Kayf Tara) was the first of them and but also her half-brother Destriero (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle), having Coneygree (by Karinga Bay) is the fourth. bought their dam Colourful as a barren mare from Jim Joel. In between, Plaid Maid foaled Carstaires (by Classic Cliche), the only

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