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£4.95 | February 2010 | Issue 66
Incorporating
A bloodstock bastion
The Aga Khan celebrates 50 years of achievement I Sam Thomas: turbulent career of a young jockey I Trainer Nick Littmoden’s Hong Kong enterprise I New this month: John Maxse’s world of racing
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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR Edward Rosenthal
Aga Khan interview is frank and fascinating he Aga Khan may appear to be a surprising choice for this month’s cover feature as the jumps season continues – albeit at a weatherinterrupted pace – towards the Cheltenham Festival in March, yet 2010 sees the renowned owner/breeder celebrate a notable anniversary: 50 years involvement in racing and breeding. It was in 1960, upon the death of his father, Prince Aly Khan, that the then 23-year-old Harvard graduate inherited his family’s bloodstock empire. Sixteen Derby triumphs and countless Group 1 winners later, with a collection of the finest broodmares on the planet and the Tsui family’s Sea The Stars primed for action at his Gilltown base, the Aga Khan’s stud operation carries all before it. A stunning run of success on Arc weekend in October, when he collected no fewer than five Group 1s, highlights the fact. Yet it has not always been plain sailing for the Aga Khan. Market forces dictated the sale of some of his best-bred broodmares during the 1990s and not all of the decisions he has made during the last half century have turned out for the better, as he tells Julian Muscat in a frank and fascinating interview (pages 34-38). Most breeders, small or large, would undoubtedly love to send a mare to Sea The Stars this season. Only a small number will be able to do so, of course, but there are plenty of other exciting stallions for breeders to consider and on pages 5257, we preview those appearing at the TBA Stallion Parade at Tattersalls on February 4. There won’t be many people reading this who haven’t experienced a bad day or week at the office; however, our audience is usually confined to a handful of colleagues.
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Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder incorporating Pacemaker is published by a Mutual Trading Company owned jointly by the Racehorse Owners Association and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Chief Executive Michael Harris Editor Edward Rosenthal Bloodstock Editor Emma Berry Design Fruit Design www.fruit-design.co.uk Editorial First Floor, 65 The Broadway, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3AS
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Sam Thomas had no such luck last season, with a series of high-profile mishaps on superstars Kauto Star, Denman and Big Buck’s televised in front of millions of people. The Gold Cup-winning jockey, at just 25, has had to endure considerable criticism and show plenty of resilience to get back to racing’s top table, which he did via What A Friend’s Lexus Chase victory. He explains to Alan Lee (pages 44-49) how those unfortunate incidents affected his confidence and why he is relishing his association with trainer Tom George. It is resilience of a different kind that is in the air listening to Nick Littmoden. Faced with a declining rank of owners unwilling to race for lower prize-money levels, the former champion allweather trainer made the decision to cut back on his racing business in order to supply young horses to the lucrative Hong Kong market. Taking his lead from the late Ivan Allen, Littmoden is enjoying his role in the Far East, where the minimum prize-money for a low-grade Class 5 handicap is a whopping £38,500. “If the UK had the set-up that the Hong Kong Jockey Club has, I’d be full steam ahead wanting to run horses,” he tells Graham Dench (pages 41-43). Finally, I would like to welcome readers to my first issue as Editor. Emma Berry has joined Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder as Bloodstock Editor and her knowledge and journalistic talents will be a huge addition to the magazine. Our aim is to continue to produce a world class racing and bloodstock title that informs and entertains in equal measure, continuing the excellent work that Richard Griffiths put in over five years to make this product the best of its kind. We intend to keep it that way.
incorporating Pacemaker can be purchased by non-members at the following rates: 1 year 2 years UK £55 £90 Europe €85 €135 RoW £99 £154 Racehorse Owners Association Ltd 4th Floor, 60 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LE Tel: 020 7408 0903 Fax: 020 7408 1662 info@roa.co.uk www.racehorseowners.net
Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Stanstead House, The Avenue, Newmarket CB8 9AA Tel: 01638 661321 Fax: 01638 665621 info@thetba.co.uk www.thetba.co.uk The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association is a registered charity No. 215752 Editorial views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the ROA or TBA
“Fifty years after inheriting his family’s empire, the stud operation carries all before it”
£4.95 | February 2010 | Issue 66
Incorporating
A bloodstock bastion
The Aga Khan celebrates 50 years of achievement I Sam Thomas: turbulent career of a young jockey I Trainer Nick Littmoden’s Hong Kong enterprise I New this month: John Maxse’s world of racing
WWW.OWNERBREEDER.CO.UK
Cover: The Aga Khan’s silks Photo: www.scoopdyga.com
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VIEW FROM IRELAND From Leo Powell, Managing Editor of The Irish Field
Clarke and O’Kelly up sticks to leave holes to fill at stud Long-serving Chief Executive John Clarke and Director Pat O’Kelly leave Irish National Stud
John Clarke: 27 years with stud
January 11 marked the official end of John Clarke’s reign at the helm of the Irish National Stud. The son of a Meath veterinary surgeon and from a family wellknown in the breeding world, he took over the role at Tully after the departure of Michael Osborne. Clarke moved into the position following a period as manager of Ballsbridge International Bloodstock Sales, the forerunner of what is now Tattersalls Ireland. At the time of going to press, a successor had not been named, though
applications for the job closed in early December. Also leaving the Irish National Stud is renowned breeder Pat O’Kelly. A member of the board since 1992, she was one of the longest serving members and during her time with the company played a leading part in the acquisition of Indian Ridge and Invincible Spirit. Hugely involved in any buying of mares at the sales, she was instrumental in the purchase of the Nureyev mare Sabaah for the stud. Sabaah became the dam of Desert King, winner of the Irish 2,000
Guineas and Irish Derby. O’Kelly inherited Kilcarn Stud following the death of her father, who had established the County Meath farm in 1943. Early Classic winners bred there included Sodium and Athens Wood, but it was surely the exploits of Flame Of Tara that catapulted the nursery to international fame. The daughter of Artaius won the Coronation Stakes and Pretty Polly Stakes, both then Group 2s, and her long list of offspring included triple Classic winner Salsabil and St James’s Palace Stakes winner and successful sire Marju.
New positions for the New Year Eamonn Cullen leaves Irish Thoroughbred Marketing to take up similar role in South Africa THE success of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing has resulted in a number of similar bodies being set up worldwide. Now the Irish marketing wing of Horse Racing Ireland will hopefully be able to build a closer alliance with the South African thoroughbred industry when Eamonn Cullen, the former Marketing Manager at ITM, takes on a similar role at Bloodstock South Africa. For many years associated with the Coolmore organisation, Cullen will surely have his entry to the South African scene aided by the former Irish racing correspondent Michael Clower, who has been based there for the last few years. Clower writes a regular South African column for The Irish Field. A number of Irish people have homes and bloodstock interests in South Africa also, notably David and Diane Nagle of Barronstown Stud. Cullen has wide international experience and had many important contacts already in South Africa. He replaces a man with an Irish sounding name, Byron Kennedy, in the role.
Fran Berry, as expected, has replaced Michael Kinane as first jockey to the powerful John Oxx team at Currabeg Stables. Already well associated with the yard, which famously housed Sea The Stars last year, Berry has been made favourite to take the Irish jockeys’ championship this year. Among the horses he has to look forward to riding will be the 2008 Futurity Stakes winner Arazan, a half-brother to Azamour. The Irish Turf Club has a new Senior Steward. Accountant John McStay replaced Nick Wachman in midDecember and will be at the helm for a two-year period. A former Chairman of the Curragh Committee, McStay owns Oaklawn Stud near the Curragh with his wife Clodagh and also plays a pivotal role at the Irish National Stud. In other Turf Club changes, owner and breeder Roddy Ryan is the new Deputy Senior Steward, while Ballymacoll Stud manager Peter Reynolds becomes a Steward. Rathbarry Stud owner Liam Cashman is a newly appointed Steward of
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Eamonn Cullen: wide international experience
the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee. Meanwhile, over at Goffs, Liam Hanly succeeds Paddy Hale as the company’s Finance Director.
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INTERNATIONAL SCENE
NEWS IN BRIEF Prendergast honoured Kevin Prendergast (pictured) trained a pair of Group 1winning juveniles in 2009 in Termagant and Kingsfort and the Friarstown handler was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement award at Horse Racing Ireland’s annual awards. Sea The Stars was chosen as Horse of the Year, while John Oxx and Michael Kinane were both in attendance to accept the Flat and the Contribution to the Industry awards. Death of Jim Marsh The globetrotting Jim Marsh died suddenly in late December. He was 81. Best known in Ireland for being manager of the Curragh, Marsh was a much respected racing administrator in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, while his work as a veterinary surgeon took him to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang. He also worked for a time as a stewards’ secretary with the Irish Turf Club. Marsh is survived by wife Sheila and his children Andrew, Tony, Gillian and Alison, who is married to the Aga Khan’s French manager Georges Rimaud. The gallant Hardy Eustace won seven Grade 1 races, including two Champion Hurdles
Hardy Eustace bows out to enjoy teenage years He wasn’t just a hero to the Irish racing public, as he and his connections were equally well feted by British fans. A day short of his official 13th birthday, Hardy Eustace made his final appearance on the track when he finished second at Punchestown. A son of the speedy Archway and out of the Corvaro mare Sterna Star, Hardy Eustace was bred by Patrick Joyce and his wife Louise CooperJoyce, and sold as a store at the Goffs Land Rover Sale to trainer Dessie Hughes. He raced in the silks of Lar Byrne and won 14 of his 47 starts, with half of his victories coming in Grade 1s. The first of these highest-level successes came in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse, but it was his second such success that provided one of his most celebrated and poignant moments, as he won the 2003 Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham under a great ride from Kieran Kelly, who was later tragically killed on the racecourse.
Remembering this win, Hardy Eustace’s trainer Dessie Hughes put it in context: “Kieran did so much with the horse in the early days before he met with his death in tragic circumstances, and the SunAlliance was a special day for us all,” he said. “I was lucky to find Conor O’Dwyer to ride him and they were a match made in heaven.” The first of two Champion Hurdle wins at Prestbury Park followed in 2004, when Rooster Booster was his chief victim. Hardy Eustace defended his crown the following year in one of the greatest finishes to the race, outbattling Harchibald and Brave Inca. His other wins at Grade 1 level were in the Champion Hurdles at both Punchestown and Leopardstown, plus the Maplewood Developments Hurdle at Punchestown. Hughes added: “I was very fortunate to have a horse like him and it will be hard to find another like him.”
Lynch back with Oscar Time Many British racegoers will remember with great affection Martin Lynch, who as a jumps jockey had much success with the John Webber yard. On his retirement from the saddle, Martin and wife Suzanne moved back to Ireland. On the recommendation of the late John Durkan, he commenced his training career at the Durkans’ facility in Dublin, before moving to Westmeath, where he has been based since. He enjoyed success with horses like Colonel Yeager, Winter Gardens and Party Woman, but gave up training for a few years and took up other positions in the industry. The lure of racing brought him back into the training fold and that move was rewarded when he enjoyed his biggest win over the Christmas period, Oscar Time winning the €190,000 Paddy Power Chase. Irish budget cuts Regular readers will be aware of the severe difficulties faced by racing in Ireland following the announcement of a cut in government funding for 2010. The bare facts of its impact are as follows: • No further racecourse development projects • Prize-money reduced by 10%. This mainly affects Group/Graded and Listed races. Minimum race value remains at €7,000. • Pay cuts of 6% for staff in HRI and affiliates. • 12% reduction in racecourse support schemes. • Grants to industry bodies cut by 6%. • Savings of 11% on integrity costs being sought from the Irish Turf Club.
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NEWS FOCUS
Changes
In association with
Racing’s news in a nutshell People and business
Pat Haslam Sir Robert Ogden Charles Enderby Richard Johnson (pictured) Wilf Walsh TurfTV Eric Legrix Chris Bell Paul Beck Yogita Popat William Buick Sea The Stars Peter Beaumont Swamp Fever
Middleham trainer to hand over the reigns to his son Ben, having sent out over 1,000 winners since 1971, including Prix de l’Opera scorer Kinnaird Owner increases Flat string to 22 and will have two-year-olds for the first time with Richard Fahey, Brian Meehan, Sir Michael Stoute and Dermot Weld Hexham racecourse Managing Director appointed LVO in the Royal Victorian Order in the New Year Honours’ List Rides his 2,000th winner on Fighting Chance at Newbury; colleague Timmy Murphy partners his 1,000th British jumps winner on Wizard Of Edge at Taunton Former Coral Managing Director joins the Racing For Change board, as does ex-Totepool Managing Director Nigel Roddis Signs long-term deal with 30 of the 31 racecourses it covers; its Commerical Development Director, Phil Siers, leaves to join rival SIS 44-year-old calls time on riding career to become assistant trainer at Pascal Bary’s Chantilly yard Will leave post as Chief Executive of Ladbrokes Owner returns Stan, Flintoff and Atouchbetweenacara to Venetia Williams’s stable, having moved the trio to Tim Vaughan last year Security Operations and Projects Manager parts company with the BHA 21-year-old appointed stable jockey to John Gosden, replacing Jimmy Fortune Tops World Thoroughbred Rankings, although mark of 136 is 1lb less than 1997 Arc winner Peintre Celebre Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer with Jodami in 1993 retires; his assistant Patrick Holmes will take over at Foulrice Farm Stables Two non-thoroughbreds in Wiltshire test positive for Equine Infectious Anaemia, the first cases of the disease in Britain since 1976
Racehorse and stallion – movements and retirements Hardy Eustace Goodricke Moon Ballad Kap Rock Court Masterpiece Milk It Mick Zenyatta Majorien Pipedreamer Trade Fair Dayjur
Popular Irish hurdler retired after career that yielded two Champion Hurdles among 14 wins Group 1-winning sprinter moves from Italy to Gestut Ohlerweiherdof in Germany, where he will stand at a fee of €4,000 Dubai World Cup winner moves to Woodlands Stud in Galway, along with Grandera, both having being purchased from Darley Japan Half-brother to Kapgarde, sire of useful hurdler Mr Thriller, to stand alongside sibling at Haras de la Hetraie in Normandy for €1,200 Dual Group 1 winner returned to stud at Norton Grove Stud in North Yorkshire Stallion moves from Lone Oak Stud in Newmarket to Hedgeholme Stud in County Durham; the 2003 Dewhurst Stakes winner’s first crop are yearlings Unbeaten Breeders’ Cup Classic heroine will race on in 2010; fellow female Rachel Alexandra wins the US Horse of the Year title Son of Machiavellian, a Group 2 winner at three, transferred from Haras de Lonray to Haras de Grandcamp; his fee is €2,200 Dual Group 2 scorer and winner of the 2007 Cambridgeshire for trainer John Gosden is retired aged six Son of Zafonic sold to Lynward Park Stud in Australia, having stood last four seasons at Tweenhills Farm 1990 Horse of the Year and sire of three champions retired from stud duty at Shadwell Farm, Kentucky, due to the infirmities of old age; he is 23
People obituaries Age Bridget Swire John Hobhouse Fred Webb Jim Marsh William ‘Red’ Terrill Michael Gillow Jack Denham Barry Court Lady Patricia O’Sullevan Tommy Lappin John Stephens Keith Rogers Brian Cox Dave Brewer
85 99 75 81 80 88 85 71 89 69 71 61 76 40
Horse obituaries
Age
Amelia Bearhart Granny’s Pet Presidium Brier Creek Celestial Gold
27 16 27 21 12
Owner/breeder whose best horses included Sakhee’s Secret, Lucky Vane and Accipiter (obituary page 8) Spitfire pilot during World War II who owned sprinter King Of Spain, winner of the 1978 Mill Reef Stakes for trainer Peter Cundell Worked for Racing Welfare for 40 years Former Senior Stewards’ Secretary with the Turf Club and Manager of the Curragh racecourse Trainer of five-time US Grade 1 winner Turnback The Alarm Owner of talented chaser Whispering Steel, winner of 11 races for Gordon Richards and Kim Bailey Veteran Australian trainer who sent out around 4,000 winners, including Might And Power, winner of the 1997 Caulfield and Melbourne Cups Known as ‘The Judge’, he was a top paddock watcher and punter Wife of legendary racing broadcaster and journalist Sir Peter O’Sullevan Former Flat jockey who spent much of his career based in Middleham, North Yorkshire Racehorse owner with Epsom trainers Philip Mitchell and Roger Teal Journalist who started out in racing with BBC Radio Sheffield and later worked for The Sporting Life and Grimsby Evening Telegraph Represented the Transport & General Workers Union on the Horseracing Advisory Council Member of the Racing Post’s data page production team
Dam of dual Canadian Horse of the Year Chief Bearhart Nine-time winner for owner Sir Martyn Arbib and trainer Paul Cole Norton Grove Stud sire whose best runners included Group 3-winning sprinter Andreyev French National Stud stallion, sire of jumpers Edgbriar and Palypso De Creek; trained by John Gosden, he won the 1993 Henry II Stakes David Johnson-owned chaser who notched the Paddy Power – Hennessy Gold Cup double in 2004
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ROA LEADER
Racing must connect with the unconnected The Racing For Change initiative must break through consumer apathy, from students to city high-flyers, as only new custom will see sport grow he hugely important Racing For Change programme has made a good start. There will always be those who carp at innovation but the extensive press coverage during the first icy weeks of the New Year was largely favourable. We must not be perturbed by an apparent failure to get our message across to a few racing journalists and broadcasters. We should disregard those who complain we are merely tinkering at the edges and hammer home the message that this was just the first stage of a long and exciting journey. Certainly, the first set of Racing For Change recommendations are important, but should not be viewed in isolation. Inevitably, more substantive initiatives will go to the very heart of this multi-faceted and conservative industry, requiring a balancing act that coaxes the established horseracing fan to accept change, while at the same time capturing the imagination of a new audience. Strands connect the many subjects now being discussed. Of the first set of proposals, for instance, the decimalisation of betting odds, which has received so much coverage, is closely connected to Racing For Youth. Quite simply, anybody under the age of 30, and probably much older, is going to be much more familiar with decimals than they are with fractions, and this represents just a tiny example of how, if racing is going to connect with a new, young audience, it must be prepared to make changes. The thrill of going racing, the fun of placing a bet, of being part of a social club of young owners – these are the sort of things that we have to convey to the millions of young people who today remain oblivious to our sport. Racing also has to work on being a magnet for yesterday’s university graduates. These are the people who are the most attractive to advertising and marketing executives because they have a high level of disposable income. Indeed, it remains a mystery that racing largely missed out on the great financial buoyancy that, until two years ago, surrounded the City of London. Those times will surely return and when they do horseracing must be ready to seize the opportunity of captivating young men and women who effectively bet for a living, and for whom the cost of having a racehorse in training would make a very
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small dent on their annual income. In advertising and marketing, you have to break through consumer apathy. Racing will do this only if it can deliver clear, easy-to-absorb messages that make an impression generally, but particularly on the young and, to put it in marketing speak, the upwardly mobile. Then our sport would have the ammunition to obtain, for example, higher levels of sponsorship and corporate entertaining, two areas that are of crucial importance to racecourses. And, in theory at least, what is good for racecourses, should be good for the other constituents in racing. The racing industry should be especially aware of these points when we come to the huge unfolding discussion about the funding of fixtures and premier racing. It is here where the industry is going to face its sternest test. Here the future will pivot on whether racing is going to put its foot down and reject almost all of the proposed changes to our existing premier race structure, or whether it will embrace the bigger picture. Of course, none of us could stand by and watch 250 years of British racing’s heritage and tradition being thrown out, but, at the same time, an unwillingness to accept change will surely see a slow decline that might have equally disastrous consequences. With any sport it is the major events in which the best compete that attract the biggest audiences. It is right, therefore, that racing’s Group/Grade 1 events will receive the most attention from Racing For Change. When these events are run, where they are run and the structure created to support them are the essential elements now being put under the microscope. The word “narrative” has become a derided cliché but it nevertheless aptly describes what is required – a story with a start, middle and end to which a big and exciting label is attached saying, ‘This is the best’. Nothing could be simpler, you might think. But not in horseracing. Racing is about the horse and with horses you can’t create a Formula 1-type structure where the same competitors continue to meet until a champion emerges. It is for Racing For Change to find the answer.
Paul Dixon President Racehorse Owners Association
“The word ‘narrative’ has become derided, but it does aptly describe what is required”
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TBA LEADER
Incentivised breeding industry is good for all As racing faces huge financial pressures, only togetherness and lobbying from breeders will help ensure the Breeders’ Prizes Scheme beyond 2010 frozen start to 2010 affects everyone and, whilst stud work goes on, difficulties maintaining supplies of water and feed simply add to the challenges faced by breeders in the relatively quiet weeks at the start of the season. The number of abandoned race meetings must now be reaching record highs and the fact that there has been little or no racing in the north of England or Scotland since well before Christmas, at least at the time of writing, will surely offer no comfort to those hoping the predicted levy deficit can be contained. At least the 2010 Breeders’ Prizes Scheme has been secured, with a total prize fund of £1.539 million. This is a significant achievement, given that there was a growing call from within the industry for the scheme to be dropped, as a result in a predicted fall in prize-money. Its retention occurred as a result of a well timed TBA lobbying campaign, which clearly spelt out the importance to racing of a healthy, incentivised, domestic breeding industry. This demonstrates to me the effectiveness of the TBA when breeders work together. Our attention is now focussed on producing a well researched, all-encompassing submission for the retention of the scheme to the Levy Board Review of Expenditure Heads for 2011 and beyond. A joint working group has been formed comprising Paul Greeves (Weatherbys), Alan Delmonte (Horserace Betting Levy Board), Bryan Mayoh (NH) and Louise Kemble. We also need the support of breeders to maximise our chances of success and, to this end, we have contacted over 350 TBA members to provide feedback on the scheme, and we will be calling on your support again over the coming months. I should explain that the Breeders’ Prizes Scheme has not been singled out for termination; all HBLB heads of expenditure will be examined by the Levy Board with a view to ensuring that expenditure is fulfilling the statutory objectives and, in the case of BPS, that the scheme is structured effectively. Each expenditure head will be assessed on its ability to grow the levy, i.e. increase the return to racing from the bookmaking industry.
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Tattersalls’ December Sales, a traditional barometer of the health of the industry, posted surprisingly good returns. Theories abound about the root of this success, but with a brisk trade provided by domestic and international purchasers, the positive results – aided, it has to be said, by the relative weakness of sterling – provide plenty of encouragement for the 2010 breeding season. The contraction in the number of broodmares in both the UK and Ireland will hopefully stabilise on the back of this encouraging sale, whilst the removal of a number of lesser mares from the respective national herds will stand the industry in good stead for the future. The TBA had its expectations of an Indian trade for broodmares at December Sales cruelly dashed by the confirmation of a single positive case of CEM in a non-thoroughbred mare in the UK in October 2009. To merely say that it is frustrating, that an industry with a turnover of some £200m a year can be held to ransom by the relaxed health controls governing the movement of non-thoroughbred horses throughout the EU, would be an understatement. Despite considerable effort on the part of the TBA, its veterinary committee and advisers, the Indian breeders’ delegation and DEFRA, it was not possible to find an acceptable wording for importation papers to the satisfaction of officials in the UK and India. However, during this process we have made a number of allies within the ranks of Indian breeders. I remain optimistic that we will find a route to guarantee the official exportation of thoroughbreds from Great Britain to India. I hope to bring more positive news on this in the coming months. In closing, I would like to record my congratulations and best wishes to this magazine’s new Editor Edward Rosenthal, and Emma Berry who has taken up the new position of Bloodstock Editor. Their energy, enthusiasm and passion for our industry will, I’m sure, be reflected in the pages of this magazine.
Kirsten Rausing Chairman Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association
“The positive results of the Tattersalls’ December Sales provide encouragement for 2010”
TBA Stallion Parade takes place on February 4, at 9.30am at Tattersalls. For details see pages 52-57. THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 17
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THE MAN YOU CAN’T IGNORE Comment
Tony Morris If you’re interested in racing, let no-one stand in the way!
am often asked how I came to acquire an interest in racing, and, more particularly, breeding. My inquisitors seem surprised when I tell them there was nothing in my family background to stimulate my interest, nor anyone in my early life to point me in that direction. My mother was born and bred in Lewes, when it was both a major training centre and home to a thriving racecourse, and I gather that she did go racing there a few times in her youth, before she met my father and moved away from the town. But the only tale she ever told me that had a racing connection was when Lewes-trained Shaun Spadah won the Grand National – she would not have remembered the year, but it was 1921. She, in common with every other schoolchild in the town, was the recipient of sixpence, a gift from the horse’s trainer, George Poole.
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“What I found intriguing was racing’s development over 300 years into a sport with global appeal” No, that was not going to inspire me to become fascinated with racing. The fact is, I found racing myself. I used to read the daily paper back to front. Becoming Prime Minister or Archbishop of Canterbury was never realistic, but sporting glory was seemingly attainable by anyone from whatever background. Being small, as I was, was actually a requirement for a kid who fancied emulating Gordon Richards or that young upstart Lester Piggott. Did I ever seriously imagine myself as a jockey? No, not even after a lad a couple of years ahead of me at school made his escape early to become an apprentice. But by the time Jeff King left to begin a career that took him to the top as a rider over jumps, I was already hooked on racing. 18 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
I had bought a book, and then another one, little realising I was founding a library that would one day grow to around 5,000 volumes. I had still never seen a racehorse in the flesh, but the turf held me in its thrall. I memorised the names of all the Derby winners, became fascinated with the history of the sport, and all my pocket-money was spent on gathering more information. I recall the expression on my newsagent’s face when I told her I wanted to cancel my order for Tiger – a flourishing comic of the time, featuring Roy of the Rovers – and to replace it with an order for the weekly Sporting Chronicle Handicap Book. She had never heard of the publication and I had to explain what it was. My change of reading matter inevitably met with parental disapproval, but as I was funding it from what I earned on my paper round they could hardly do much but hope that this was a passing fad. By then they should have known better. I was eventually able to convince my parents that my obsession with racing matters did not conflict with my school work; my high mark on my French A-level essay paper was down to the fact that “Mon Heros Favori” was Fred Archer. When, straight from school, I became a racing journalist in Fleet Street, they had to acknowledge I had not been guilty of an entirely misspent youth. It was breeding, not racing, for me
Journalism was challenging but I did not want to spend the rest of my life compiling betting forecasts, writing tipping articles or reporting from the racecourse. If I had been fortunate enough to have a private income, I would have been a historian, because what I had always found most intriguing about the game was its development over three centuries from a pastime for England’s royalty and nobility to a sport with global appeal. For me the most fascinating aspect of that was how the thoroughbred had evolved as a distinct breed, and how, through the pages of the General Stud Book, it was possible to trace the pedigrees of all horses in the racing population back to their ancestors, in many cases over a period of 250 years. I was less interested in what was going to win the 3.30 than in how the best horses were bred and wondering what it was that made them good. I’ve been wondering about that for over half a century now, scarcely much the wiser, though I’d like to think today’s best guess might be an improvement on my best guess of 1960. I lapped up all I could find on the methods that notable breeders had employed, occasionally getting an inkling about why certain things had worked, but I soon became convinced that there was no formula that could ever be depended upon to deliver the desired result. Inbreeding was successful – sometimes. Outcrossing was successful – sometimes. Most so-called ‘nicks’ were figments of the imagination and those that did warrant credibility seemed to become less successful when more breeders employed them. As for belief in the perpetual power of the male
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line, or female line, there was any amount of evidence to indicate that was so much bunkum. Yes, there were successful sires who got successful sires, but within a few generations the line would be reduced to mediocrity or even extinction; likewise families tended to flourish for a while, then spend generations in the doldrums. There seemed no better theory than the age-old dictum to “breed the best to the best, and hope for the best.” Most breeders didn’t have the best and couldn’t operate that way. It was desperately frustrating, so I endeavoured to do something about it. In 1975, or thereabouts, I found the addresses of three eminent university professors who specialised in livestock genetics and wrote identical letters to all of them. Genetic bunkum, pre-useful development!
I said there were people in the thoroughbred business who could quote chapter and verse on Mendel, and while we were jolly glad to know such trivia as why the mating of one chesnut with another invariably produced a chesnut, we had been aware of that for some 80 years and it served no purpose to know it. I wanted to learn why the science of genetics had so far failed to provide breeders with any really meaningful information. Only one of the learned professors bothered to reply and he did not answer my question, choosing to refer only to what I already knew – about how his kind had improved matters for the farming community and industry. My conclusion was that he knew no more than I did and I strongly suspected that the geneticists would rather steer clear of matters appertaining to the athletic animal. Some 15 years later, when I was serving on the TBA Council, we had a visit from a livestock geneticist who presumed to advise us on how we could improve the thoroughbred. Yet he hadn’t a clue about how the industry operated and we had to tell him that what he suggested was unworkable. But developments did come, from geneticists who had an interest in racing and who accepted the challenge of studying the athletic animal. The horse genome was sequenced, not so far behind the human genome, and over the last ten years we have been aware of much ongoing research into the inheritance of factors affecting racecourse performance. Now, at the start of a new decade, it seems that the first fruits of those researches have arrived. The eminent Irish geneticist, Dr Emmeline Hill, has developed a technology that can be used to predict the best race distance for any individual horse. Does this signify an imminent revolution in the breeding industry? On its own, surely no, but make no mistake, it does constitute the first step into a brave new world where genetics will have an everincreasing impact on the thoroughbred business. Some of us might say that it has been a long time coming, but there is rapid progress now and exciting times ahead. By the start of the 2020s the industry will be very different. THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 19
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JOHN MAXSE Comment
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MAXSE FACTOR Our new columnist says Racing For Change must be given time to galvanise the sport
Why it all matters “IT ALL MATTERS. I know we thought it didn’t, but it does. It all matters.” So says Lieutenant Carver to former colleague Herc in The Wire. On the face of it, British racing may not have a great deal in common with the gritty US cop show. After all, where is the link between an urban drama based around Baltimore’s drug trade and the lush green turf of Goodwood on a summer’s day? Yet Carver’s heartfelt quote resonated in relation to the Racing For Change initiatives. Individually, they will not dramatically impact on racing’s popularity. Yet together they can make a real difference. Many are sceptical over the recommendations’ ability to attract new people to racing.
Not only are they overlooking the point Carver is trying to make, but also ignoring a factor critical to RFC success. In order to be a complete success, RFC must introduce a whole new audience to our sport, yet there are also significant gains to be made amongst the thousands of people who already go racing. Take King George weekend when 26,000 saw Conduit win at Ascot. Yet 10,000 more people visited York that afternoon for an inferior card. I wonder how many of the 36,000 were aware of the King George even taking place? These people are already going racing and enjoying a social day out and a flutter. They represent racing’s best chance of increasing its appeal,
Ellis Carver: he had the right idea
providing we make the sport more entertaining and easier to understand. That’s not to say racing should be ‘dumbed’ down; a key part of its allure is the reward that awaits those that make the journey. Back to The Wire; such is the authenticity of language and plot lines, that at times it is hard to understand, while many of the most dramatic moments seem unconnected to the main narrative. But if given time, it becomes addictive viewing, leaving the audience satisfied and yearning for more. Sound familiar?
No longer f***ing Plumpton In my early years riding in point-to-points an oftentold joke in the changing rooms would start with a novice rider being asked the question: “Can you name the three southern racecourses beginning with the letter ‘F’?” The new boy would promptly name Fontwell and Folkestone, before pausing for thought and hitting a blank, after which the answer would be forthcoming. The third course was Plumpton, prefixed by the ‘F’ word. In those days, the course was synonymous with testing ground, sharp turns and downhill fences. It attracted very moderate horses and so it wasn’t hard to see why Plumpton did not feature near the top of most jockey’s wish list to ride at. No longer is that the case. Through investment in the track and facilities, some shrewd rejigging of its fixture list and a lot of hard work, Plumpton is now one of our best small jump courses. It certainly has every right to be plenty of people’s favourite.
Trouble down on the farm From a PR perspective, the campaign to oppose Lord Derby’s planning proposals at Hatchfield Farm has been successful. The enthusiasm and determination of the Newmarket residents has enabled the campaign to secure considerable coverage beyond the local and racing media. Their only faux pas was taking to the stage at the HWPA lunch; it must have seemed an opportunity not to miss, but jeopardised support for their cause in a room of journalists.
That the initial proposals have seemingly been given licence to proceed to planning by Forest Heath District Council says a lot about Newmarket’s precarious position. In truth, the horse has already bolted regarding the look and feel of its High Street. First-time visitors to HQ are habitually disappointed by their first impression – namely a homogenised high street much like any other. The sooner the racing industry can influence or exercise more of a say in the thinking of FHDC, the better.
‘F’ now stands for ‘favourite’ in Plumpton’s prefix John Maxse is Associate Director at Pitch
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CONTINENTAL TALES By James Crispe, International Racing Bureau
FRANCE
Nicholls takes Cagnes stable Mediterranean venue used to be regular haunt for British trainers, and now it’s back in vogue
David Nicholls: off to the south of France
Cagnes-sur-Mer’s ‘Hippodrome de la Cote d’Azur’, next to the Mediterranean sea on the French Riviera, used to be a happy hunting ground for British trainers looking for some winter sun. One can go back 40 years to find the eccentric Bournemouth trainer Louie
Dingwall plundering the Prix des Anemones. In the 1970s, the team to fear was trainer John Dunlop and jockey Ron Hutchison. More recently Simon Dow regularly made the trip from Epsom, while Ferdy Murphy won the 2000 renewal of the Cagnes Champion Hurdle with Paddy’s Return. The widespread acceptance of allweather racing in Britain and relative strength of the pound against the euro led to a hiatus, but that is all set to change. The pound is now a sick currency and a new Polytrack surface will be in action during the course’s 19-fixture winter meeting, from January 16 to February 27. Every race – even the plentiful claimers – is worth a minimum of €15,000, making it a more than viable destination for British and Irish raiders. One of the first to recognise this opportunity is Thirsk handler David Nicholls, though he concedes the idea came from his wife, Group 1-winning jockey Alex Greaves. Nicholls has been thinking of going to Cagnes for a couple of years, but has
ended up opting for Dubai instead. But with the new Meydan racecourse untried, he plans to wait for that to bed in. Kate Sigsworth, his secretary, said: “The prize-money is so good out there and it already costs so much for us to get down to Lingfield and Kempton that it won’t make a lot of difference on that account. “I have got my HGV licence so I will drive the box down and stay for the first week as I have a bit of French. “We put in our application for six stables in early November and plan to keep them full. We will be taking quite a lot to run in claimers as we have a few of that type of horse and they tend to have to clash against each other over here.” Garnica and Royal Power will be among the raiding party for a man who has never before ridden at Cagnes, or indeed even visited the course. But, as Yorkshire shivers in sub-zero temperatures, who could blame him for scouring the cheap flight timetables to Nice as he dreams of beating the French on their home ground while basking in some Mediterranean sunshine?
GERMANY
German trainers’ title ends in dead-heat The German Flat trainers’ title race for 2009 proved a cliff-hanger, with the result in doubt until the last race. Even after Christmas it looked certain that Andreas Wohler would end Christian von der Recke’s two-year reign. Wohler was five winners clear in his bid for a first title. But Recke was in no mood to give up and declared 22 different horses for the final two all-weather meetings. At Dortmund on December 27, ten horses secured two wins. Wohler was still in pole position but his Altano could manage only fourth in the Preis der Buchmacher and, more significantly still, the contest went the way of
Criticize, sporting von der Recke’s own silks. Two more winners followed for the reigning champion, meaning scores were level going into the closing race. Von der Recke’s hopes were on the fancied Giant Gino. Wohler’s supporters must have had their hearts in their mouths when Giant Gino came from some way back to press favourite Los Cantos for the lead passing the furlong marker. However, Los Cantos found extra to hold on, so the trainers’ title was a dead-heat. Amazingly, von der Recke’s 70 wins included not a single prize of over £13,000. Indeed his biggest pay cheque came when Earlsalsa pouched
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Christian von der Recke (left) and Andreas Wohler battled to the finish
£16,019 for landing a race at Saint-Cloud in France. He wins titles by mopping up minor races with cast-offs. For instance, Rubacuori has won five of eight starts since joining the stable for a pittance from James Eustace. Silex, bought from Edward O’Grady
having won a Ballinrobe maiden hurdle in July 2008, won five of seven German starts the following year. Von der Recke’s biggest triumphs during his three-year stint as Flat champion have, in fact, come over jumps (he is 12-time German champion).
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INTERNATIONAL SCENE
SWITZERLAND
St Moritz is getting ready to play host to one of Europe’s most gloriously bonkers annual racing festivals, with ‘White Turf’ racing taking place there on the first three Sundays in February. ‘White Turf’ means Flat races, trotting and – most remarkably of all – skijoring on St Moritz’s snow-covered frozen lake racecourse, with horses wearing studded shoes to stop them from slipping. Skijoring is a variation on trotting, except the drivers have no sulky, just a pair of skis! Royal Ascot-winning trainer John Best is champing at the bit to return to Switzerland, having been bowled over by his first taste of racing on ice in 2009. “It’s the best experience I’ve ever had in racing,” said Best. “I’ve had runners in Dubai and in some of the top races in America and really enjoyed them all, but the whole atmosphere [at St Moritz] makes it better than any of those. “Steve Drowne, who rode a winner for me there last year, said before we went that you can’t explain it until you’ve experienced it and he couldn’t have been more right. I was shocked at how much I loved it.”
PHOTOS: GEORGE SELWYN
‘White Turf’ season looms large
Popular St Moritz hosts Flat racing, trotting and skijoring – a variation on trotting – on Sundays in February
Best continued: “It’s brilliant and weird. My owners had the absolute time of their lives. “For instance, there is a big party the night before racing held in a marquee on the lake. It’s freezing, but there is such good heating that you wouldn’t dream of wearing a jacket.” Best may send three or four horses to St Moritz this time. Drawing on last year’s experience, he intends to give them a pipe-opener on February 7, then allow them a two-week break prior to targeting the bigger prizemoney on February 21. “I think horses need a bit of time to acclimatise to the altitude,” explained the Kent trainer. “The cold is not such a problem as it is a dry cold, you don’t get the dampness that we do in England.” The victory of Princess Rose
Anne in a sprint race reduced to four furlongs because of unusually warm conditions meant that Best’s two-horse raid more than broke even 12 months ago. But, given the strength of the Swiss Franc, it can be an expensive adventure – accommodation does not come cheap and a bottle of water in one of the mountaintop cafés can cost the equivalent of £8.
A keen skier, Best will be combining the racing with a long weekend on the pistes, though the quality of the sport on offer for two-legged creatures does not, in his opinion, match that available to quadrupeds. “It’s the only thing that lets it down,” he quipped. “The skiing is just ordinary. If you ski well it’s not very challenging.”
Winning Brits abroad GIVEN the weakness of the pound, it is hardly surprising that 2009 was a record-breaking year in terms of prizemoney won abroad by British trainers, with a total of just over £24 million in foreign booty. Admittedly, the figures are a little skewed as the official BHA exchange rate is set on January 1 (when sterling was at its nadir) and remains the same throughout the year. Nevertheless, a tally of £5.9m from 46 wins and 146 places in France alone makes impressive reading.
John Best loves it at St Moritz
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GOING GLOBAL The worldwide view from Michele MacDonald
Bank lawsuits add pressure Owners Ahmed Zayat and Bobby Hurley, and trainer Cash Asmussen facing loan repayments IN one of the most serious signs yet of the economic pressures confronting the US racing and breeding industry, two banks filed loan default lawsuits against prominent owner Ahmed Zayat, whose Zayat Stables led all North American owners by earnings in 2008, five-time French champion jockey Cash Asmussen, now a trainer, and Bobby Hurley, a former basketball star. More defaults were expected as many in the business have relied on large bank loans for financing and have been hit hard by tremendous declines in domestic bloodstock markets. Final figures for 2009 showed that wagering on American racing – which provides most of the sport’s operating revenue – fell by almost 10% from 2008, hitting $12.32 billion (£7.68b), far from its 2003 peak of $15.18b, which at the time
was worth about £8.82b. Prize-money for owners dropped by 5.59% to $1,093,875,799 (£682,024,997), the lowest level since 2005. Fifth Third Bank, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based institution that is one of the most active lenders in the equine field, sued Zayat for more than $34 million (about £22.2m), alleging he had defaulted on one note. Under terms of their agreement, the bank stated it could seek all the principal and interest due. Zayat, whose stable has included more than 200 horses and who recently retired Grade 1 winners Pioneerof The Nile and Zensational to stud, borrowed $38.6m (£24.1m) in seven loans from Fifth Third from August 2007 to January 2009. He said he was shocked by the bank’s legal action against him. Legal documents show
US trainer Cash Asmussen (right) has been sued by Fifth Third Bank
Zayat had agreed to give the bank a security interest in all of his horses, stallion shares, purses and breeders’ awards, as well as income from stud fees. Asmussen was also sued by Fifth Third, which claimed the trainer, his wife Cheryl, and his Mark Point Stables owed more than $3m (£1.87m). The Asmussens allegedly failed to make a payment in October. Fifth Third named Bemak
NV Ltd, the Coolmore Stud subsidiary that owns Ashford Stud, as a co-defendant, along with Laredo National Bank in Texas, citing the fact that those businesses may also claim an interest in Asmussen’s equine collateral. PNC Bank sued Hurley for $950,000 (£592,000) and seized the shares he owns in Grade 1 hero Songandaprayer, who stands at Walmac Farm.
Chile filly and Indian princess maul males
Dushyantor, whose daughter Belle Watling has excelled in Chile against the top males
Even after Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, Vodka and Goldikova had finished their seasons, the assault of male-conquering fillies continued. Two remarkable new stars shone in South America and India who are both propelled by the blood of stallions that raced and stood in Europe. Stud Don Theo’s Belle Watling, a
Chilean-bred daughter of Rathbarry Stud’s shuttler Dushyantor, etched her name in history as the first horse to earn Club Hipico de Santiago’s Quadruple Crown by winning the Group 2 Gran Clasico Coronacion over males on December 27. Named after the colourful character who ran a brothel in Gone With The Wind, Belle Watling defeated males in the El Ensayo (Chilean Derby) and National Ricardo Lyon after first lifting the Polla de Potrancas (Chilean 1,000 Guineas), all Group 1s on turf. Dushyantor, the 1996 Derby runnerup who finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Turf two years later, has led all Chilean sires the past two years and boasts this year’s Polla de Potrillos (Chilean 2,000 Guineas) winner Hoy Si among his progeny. He stands to both Flat and jumps mares in Ireland.
Indian-bred Jacqueline, a daughter of King Charlemagne, showed her heels to colts in the 2,000 Guineas in Mumbai a week after winning the 1,000 Guineas. She became the first filly in 30 years to lasso both races. Foaled at Sultan Singh’s Sohna Stud in Gurgaon, Haryana, Jacqueline could be asked by trainer Pesi Shroff to compete in the Indian Derby and Oaks in February. Jacqueline is the latest vindication of Singh’s strategy of relying on mostly European bloodstock as he builds up Sohna, which he founded in the late 1990s and is now home to one of India’s most promising sires, Noverre, acquired from Sheikh Mohammed. A majority of the stud’s 120-member broodmare band has been imported from Europe, including Jacqueline’s dam, Talita Kumi, by High Estate.
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INTERNATIONAL SCENE
A case of north and south for Storm Cat sons STORM CAT has been pensioned since the spring of 2008, but his influence has not waned. Not only did his son Giant’s Causeway top the North American sires’ list for 2009 with progeny who earned 35 stakes wins and $11,079,918 (£6,938,266), but his sons also dominated in Argentina. Bernstein, a Group 3 winner in Ireland based at Castleton Lyons in Lexington, ranks as Argentina’s leading sire by earnings for 2009, according to the Jockey Club Argentino, which reports that the stallion’s 72 winners earned £1,792,643. Bernstein, who has sired 13 Grade/Group 1 winners, shuttled to Haras La Biznaga from 2001 to 2007. Storm Cat is also represented by his sons Pure Prize and Easing Along, both bred by the Phipps family from Grade 1-winning mares, who finished the year at fifth and sixth among Argentina’s leading sires. The rise of Storm Cat in South America has deposed the reign of Mr Prospector blood and contributed to the eclipsing of Argentina’s domestic stallions. In 2005, Argentina’s top four sires were all sons or grandsons of Mr Prospector, while in 2000, five of the top 13 sires had been bred in Argentina. In 2009, the 22-year-old Interprete was the only sire bred in Argentina to rank among the top 25; every other leading sire was bred in the United States. Argentina, the world’s fourth largest producer of foals and the fifth most active by number of Flat races conducted annually, has become more prominent in international circles in recent years as exports have been competitive in Dubai. Argentine-breds have long achieved success in America, where Invasor reigned as Horse of the Year in 2006 before his victory in the 2007 Dubai World Cup.
Bernstein: Argentina’s leading sire by earnings
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Sunday Silence (right) had 11 sons among the top 20 leading first-year sires
Diversification needed as Silence reigns in Japan WHILE racing in Japan in 2009 saw a new jockey crowned champion, the other pillars of the sport remained firmly entrenched, with the sons of Sunday Silence maintaining his legacy and brothers Teruya and Katsumi Yoshida continuing their rule over all other owners and breeders. Yutaka Take, who won the Japan Racing Association jockeys’ title for seven consecutive years to 2008 and for all but one of the seasons going back to 1992, was dethroned by Hiroyuki Uchida, a former champion on the lesser National Association of Racing circuit. But beyond that shift, Japanese racing and breeding was in many ways a mirror of previous years. Zenno Rob Roy, Japan’s Horse of the Year in 2004 when he won the Japan Cup, became the latest son of Sunday Silence to leave his mark when he earned the leading freshman sire title with 15 winners from 65 runners, who captured 18 races and earned a total of £1.64 million. Another son of Sunday Silence, Durandal, twice champion sprinter and once champion miler, ranked second on the freshman list, with the American-bred Devil His Due stallion Roses In May, winner of the 2005 Dubai World Cup, third. There were 11 sons of Sunday Silence among the top 20 leading first-year sires, another sign that
eventually Japan will have to diversify its bloodlines. Manhattan Café, Sunday Silence’s champion son who won the 2001 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger), led all Japanese sires for the first time, boosted by Classic-winning daughter Red Desire and Group 1 winner Jo Cappuccino. Manhattan Café’s progeny earnings of £17.3m topped the £15.5m earned by the offspring of 2008 leading sire Agnes Tachyon. Dance In The Dark, another son of Sunday Silence who won the 1996 Kikuka Sho, ranked third. Ten of the top 20 leading general sires were by Sunday Silence, who led all sires for 13 consecutive years prior to Agnes Tachyon taking his crown. Sunday Racing, a stable affiliated with Katsumi Yoshida’s Northern Farm, was leading owner by earnings in Japan Racing Association results (including JRA-trained runners competing on the NAR circuit), with Teruya Yoshida’s Shadai Race Horse second. Sunday Racing’s 231 runners amassed £23.14m and Shadai’s 238 runners £22.61m. Katsumi Yoshida’s wife, Kazumi, was sixth in the standings and Teruya Yoshida as an individual owner was ninth, with Katsumi ranked 25th. Shadai Farm was leading breeder with 262 winners earning £52.29m. Northern Farm was second with its 231 winners earning £52.07m. The Yoshidas’ Shiraoi Farm was third.
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Sensational! Desert Orchid’s four wins in the King George were matched this season by the new king of Kempton. In fact, by winning his fourth on the spin – officially by a distance, although 36 lengths was his margin of victory – Kauto Star went one step beyond even Dessie. Bring on the Gold Cup v Denman!
Photos by George Selwyn
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THE BIG PICTURE
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TALKING TO... Paul Nolan
Who is the best jockey you have seen and what makes him so special? Ruby Walsh for his ability to assess the horses he is riding against. He is a very good judge and can weigh up horses when they are running over different trips and on different ground. He is always full of sound information and knows the opposition. He makes the fewest mistakes of anyone and is an outstanding professional. What is the big difference between racing in Ireland and racing in Britain? It’s more competitive in Ireland because there are not as many meetings, but a lot of horses. There are fewer opportunities for the lesser horses – and they make up the majority in Ireland.
PHOTOS: CAROLINE NORRIS
How would you enhance Irish racing and how could British racing be improved? Some of the Irish racecourse stabling facilities are in need of a serious upgrade to bring them up to scratch. Also, I think the Irish trainers’ organisation should have more clout with Horse Racing Ireland and the Turf Club. In Britain the trial by media is overdone, particularly when jockeys have made what are basically human errors. In Ireland the media is more sympathetic. What did you do before training horses and was there ever an alternative career to racing? Dry stock and tillage farming, which was sheep, cattle and corn. And we didn’t make enough to buy chewing gum out of it! I nearly emigrated to Australia with a couple of friends and would probably have ended up laying gas pipes out there.
From school of hard knocks to Grade 1 winner PAUL NOLAN regrets leaving school at 15 but has mastered the art of training racehorses Words Tim Richards
hat has been the most memorable day in your racing life so far? Cloone River winning the 2004 Galway Hurdle. The riding instructions were on my head because the owner didn’t want him ridden off the pace, but Cloone River was a very quick horse and needed to be settled early on and John Cullen carried out my orders. He was a major gamble and it was so memorable mainly because of the release of pressure when he crossed the line – just like the whistle blowing on a kettle.
W
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How do you recall your time working with Jim Bolger? I learned an awful lot in a short time from a selfmade genius. And I hope I am still learning; he is such a knowledgeable man and I have the utmost respect for him. He was a great disciplinarian and always rewarded hard work. Who is the best horse you’ve seen? Without doubt, Kauto Star because he can annihilate Grade 1 horses at any distance from the Tingle Creek to the Gold Cup. He is so awesome he can kick a fence out of the way and still beat them over two miles or three and a quarter. You have won the Galway Hurdle three times with Say Again, Cloone River and Cuan Na Grai. What’s your secret? There’s no secret; the horses were good enough and were on the right side of the handicapper at the time. Say Again went on to win a Grade 1, Cloone River won premier handicaps on the Flat and Cuan Na Grai is back from breaking his pelvis and should be very good over fences. Was Accordion Etoile unlucky to win only one Grade 1? I think he was because he appreciated nice ground
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TALKING TO...
FINGERS ON THE BUZZERS Who puts the fear of God in you? A horse I ride out that stumbles a lot
Grade 1 winner Shinrock Paddy is one of the horses exciting trainer Paul Nolan, with Cheltenham on the horizon
and, on reflection, we didn’t make enough trips across the water with him. He had four runs in Britain, winning the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham, the Irish Independent Novices’ Chase, finished fourth in one of the best Champion Hurdles ever and fell in the Arkle. What is exciting you at the moment and why? Having Grade 1 horses in the yard; everyone wants them and they are very hard to find. At the moment we have Joncol (winner of the John Durkan Chase and third in the Lexus, pictured left) and Shinrock Paddy (winner of a Navan Grade 1). We also have some very nice young horses to come out like Alpha Ridge, Clan Tara and some lovely juveniles. Who do you most admire in racing and why? Martin Pipe, because he was champion trainer 15 times, broke nearly every record, set the standard and changed the manner in which horses are trained; he brought fitness levels to a different scale. I have always found him to be a gentleman and have nothing but admiration for him. What is the biggest mistake you have made? Not finishing school. I regret missing the last two years because they would have given me more independence. I was 15 when I left and there are times when I wish I could go back and complete my schooling. My father had become sick and I had to stay at home and work on the farm. I suppose I didn’t really have much option. Can you tell us the most difficult thing you’ve ever done? I’d say burying my grandmother. I spent a lot of time with her and not many days go by without me
thinking about her. She brought me up and was a great lady. If you could be someone else who would it be? Count Dracula. Then I could suck the blood from all my enemies, the bad guys, and give eternal life to all my friends, the good guys. Tell us a funny racing story... We had a horse running at Tramore for a pal called ‘The Bomb’, who, after a night out, had a stomach upset on his way to the races. He felt a bit queasy, stopped his jeep, and trying to climb a gate into a field everything went pear-shaped from the rear end. He’s not the slenderest of types and the pressure of raising his leg over the gate was too much. Conscious of the fumes surrounding him, he made his way to a shop, bought some trousers, socks and a bottle of perfume. He arrived at the races in a giant-sized pair of jeans only to watch his horse fall after it was intoxicated by the fumes in the parade ring. So, you’ve an All-Ireland hurling medal... My mother made a brooch out of it. I played competitively but was never that good. I have a cousin who won an Irish title boxing and nowadays I take my ten-year-old son Barry training three nights a week. When he is 11 he will be able to box in the championships. Describe your perfect day away from racing? A sunny day, calm sea, four fishing rods, my wife Catherine, daughter Sarah and son Barry all on board at Kilmore Quay, off Hook Head, on the south east coast of Ireland. Ending the day eating the catch in Susie’s pub in Kilmore.
What’s the best thing about your life? Great craic and being surrounded by the best people How do you recharge your batteries? John Doyle’s pub at Enniscorthy for a singsong and a few scoops What tipple do you enjoy? Guinness or Budweiser What bugs you? Burnt sauces and bland food Four ideal dinner party guests? Tiger Woods, comedian Pat Shorts, Bill Clinton and Charlize Theron for dessert
FAVOURITES Holiday Killarney Racecourse Leopardstown Journey Taking a spin with Catherine and the kids Meal Pork, apple sauce, broccoli with white sauce, and mashed spuds TV programme Desperate Housewives
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THE AGA KHAN
Half century of green and red success The Aga Khan inherited his family’s bloodstock empire 50 years ago – a strong team of horses in training can make it an anniversary to remember for the world’s pre-eminent owner/breeder Words Julian Muscat Photos George Selwyn ew things, not least some of the turf’s strongest institutions, are unaffected by time’s passage. Countless owner/breeders have been swept away. Even the blood of Hyperion, champion sire six times in the 1940s, has all but washed through pedigrees. Yet one thoroughbred bastion survives the pounding of its walls. It stands today as tall as it ever has. And this, more than any of the great horses it has bequeathed, is the true litmus of HH The Aga Khan’s Studs. Contemplate it by the numbers. The family has celebrated 28 Derby successes in England, Ireland and France since Pot Au Feu claimed the first of them in 1924. Zarkava’s victory in the 2008 Prix de Diane marked a 60th Classic triumph in those countries. And for a tour de force, how about those five Group 1s at last year’s Arc weekend? Little wonder, then, that the Tsui family chose to commit Sea The Stars’s future to the court of this powerful enterprise. A benefit to both parties is that the Aga Khan will breed to Sea The Stars in numbers. No young stallion will have it so good. Sea The Stars’s arrival at Gilltown Stud also adds lustre to a significant personal milestone for the Aga Khan, who inherited the family’s bloodstock exactly 50 years ago. A strong team of older horses in training promises an anniversary to remember, for the studs and his famous green and red silks. Getting the best from Sea The Stars is one of two challenges on his hands. The second could be more significant still. It is a fresh building block designed to buttress the studs for generations to come. In the late 1970s he purchased the bloodstock holdings of Francois Dupre and Marcel Boussac. Both were highly successful breeders in France; Boussac dominated the sport for three decades from the 1930s. Some of the mares would become worth their weight in gold – Boussac’s Tourzima, for instance, is ancestress of Darshaan and Sinndar. Now the Aga Khan, 73, is in the formative years of amalgamating the late Jean-Luc Lagardere’s
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mares into the fold after their purchase in 2005. It is almost certainly the most significant project he has embraced for two decades. Into studs replete with the purest remaining collection of Classic European blood have entered a host of mares by Linamix, the bedrock of Lagardere’s success, from a broad cross-section of fast American lines. Their potential was telegraphed by last season’s two-year-olds, the first from Lagardere mares to be bred by the Aga Khan. In their number are Siyouni and Rosanara, winners of the Group 1 juvenile tests on Arc weekend, the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and Prix Marcel Boussac respectively. The names of the races alone conveyed a beautiful symmetry. “Of the three major acquisitions I made,” reflects the Aga Khan, “I think the Lagardere operation is the one that was at the greatest distance from us in terms of typology of activity.” You cannot help but ponder his choice of words. Unusual, but telling nonetheless; since they allude to the numerous checks and balances, all of them anchored in discipline, that shore up his operation. Later, it is with a mixture of humour and mild exasperation he responds to the level of romance involved in sending Zarkava to Sea The Stars. “Obviously one gets attached (to certain horses),” he says, “but we try to detach ourselves when we have to make these judgements. If you don’t run an operation like this with rigorous logic, it will go off course at some stage.” Such thinking is what prompted his memorable pronouncement, some years ago, that breeding horses was like playing chess with nature. Back to the Lagardere stock, whose integration has demanded significant investment – both in the original purchase and by the subsequent increase in what the Aga Khan previously felt was his “optimum” number of mares. The 220 mares presently populating his studs represent an increase of more than 20% on preLagardere numbers – and a commensurate rise in annual costs across the board. >>
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Siyouni’s win in last year’s Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere follows the start of the amalgamation of the late Jean-Luc Lagardere’s (inset) mares into the fold
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This extra cost is significant. For all his wealth, the Aga Khan insists the studs must aspire to pay their way. And for an outfit in robust health, the Lagardere project represents something of a risk. The fusion is full of possibilities, the most intriguing of which is the direct role reversal those mares are now being subjected to. “The Lagardere lines are in full flurry,” says the Aga Khan, “but his whole operation was very different to mine. “He built his success around one stallion. We have avoided that. And he acquired his female stock in relation to breeding them to one stallion. We do the opposite; we take female stock and choose the stallion to put to them.”
“Each breeder has his/her own criteria, driven by pedigree but also the economics of the industry” The US origin of much of Lagardere’s stock also provides a fresh opportunity to experiment with American lines on a footing totally different to an earlier programme that delivered mixed results. Consequently, a select and highly-defined tribe of 14 mares has now returned to Kentucky. “This time we are looking to breed US strength to US strength,” says the Aga Khan. “Before, we were breeding European mares to American stallions. We came out with an uncertain answer.” Here is the essence of the traditional breeder: one who feels compelled to test new theories for the advancement of his lines. It demonstrably helps his cause that the Aga Khan does not breed to sell. If an unfashionable stallion represents an ideal mate for any mare, he will sanction that mating. In this way does he keep the studs free of blood that might compromise long-term strategy. 36 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
Inevitably, there are blips along the way. He experienced one two decades ago, after his stallion roster expanded with middle-distance stallions who were dismissed by commercial breeders as unsuitable for their purpose. Convinced of their mettle, and therefore determined to support them, the Aga Khan did so to the extent that his stallions accounted for 70% of his annual matings. While racetrack success ensued – Mouktar and Kahyasi won three Derbys in 1987-88 – that allimportant commercial desirability remained elusive. And with his stallions under-patronised, the Aga Khan’s chief source of income diminished to the extent that he engineered the private sale of some of his choicest mares in the early 1990s. This asked the ultimate question of HH The Aga Khan Studs. The sale of mares like disqualified 1989 Oaks winner Aliysa (see overleaf), and Dayanata and Darara, full- and half-sisters to Darshaan, would be felt by any stud. Was there enough quality within the paddocks to override it? The answer was emphatic. Whatever the wider perception, the Aga Khan’s use of his own stallions had no negative effect on the virility of his lines. If anything, it served to enhance them in the longer term. A return to using a greater percentage of outside stallions delivered a resumption of normal service. The studs have never looked back. In this respect, the wisdom accumulated from reviving the decaying lines he bought in the late 1970s was invaluable. “Each breeder has his/her own criteria, driven by pedigree but also the economics of the industry,” says the Aga Khan. “That’s where, for example, Marcel Boussac fell into a trap. His economic situation was getting more and more fragile, therefore he bred more and more of his mares to his own stallions.”
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“AI would simply destroy all value to the Stud Book; we should not breed to dead stallions”
A proud Aga Khan with his latest Arc winner, Zarkava
His reference to the economics of the industry is poignant at a time when the popularity of racing in Britain wanes in tandem with the retirement of three-year-olds to stud. Wouldn’t the sport be so much better off if they raced at four? On the face of it there is no argument, yet the argument is not simple. Asked to outline why so many of his best horses retire at three, he replies: “Every sport has its own dynamic. The professional
career of a golfer is longer than that of a skier. I personally don’t think one can change the dynamic of horseracing. What we have to do is to recognise that it is an issue and try and work around it.” Did he consider these issues when contemplating a four-year-old career for Sinndar or Zarkava? “From my point of view, absolutely not,” is his answer. “The issue is keeping an operation like ours alive and, as far as we can, right at the top. That’s the basic challenge, decade after decade.” There are two considerations with such horses, he avers: “Firstly, what’s the probability that a fouryear-old career will add credibility or value to the horse? And secondly, you lose a breeding year. Statistically, the younger stallions are the most successful. It becomes a question of good sense and logic more than anything else.” And so we return to the theme of the eroding influence of time’s passage. A possible solution to the preservation of a young stallion’s virility is one the Aga Khan will never countenance: the introduction of Artificial Insemination (AI). He is surprised that more and more breeders advocate it. “It would simply destroy all value to the Stud Book,” he maintains. “It totally undercuts traditional breeding purposes to be able to breed to stallions long dead. We know from experience that if you breed to a limited number of bloodlines, you destroy them. Even without AI, the game now is not whether you have Northern Dancer (in your pedigrees) but how you limit its impact.” Mere mention of AI would have been heresy when the Aga Khan inherited his family’s bloodstock holdings in 1960. At a time when more money is thrown at the sport than at any point in its history, it is no mean feat that the enterprise – >>
Petite Etoile puts down her roots – finally! NOTHING could have prepared the Aga Khan for the sudden death of his father, Prince Aly Khan, 50 years ago. He had already succeeded his grandfather Aga Khan III, who died three years earlier, as Imam to the Ismaili Muslims. The Aga Khan was 23 when his father died in a car crash in the Parisian suburbs in 1960. The previous year Prince Aly Khan had enjoyed an outstanding season, winning five European Classics and the Arc with Saint-Crespin. He was the leading Flat owner in Britain and France. Among his horses, pride of place undoubtedly belonged to Petite Etoile (pictured). Just as she enchanted Prince Aly
Khan in winning the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks in 1959, so she would enchant his son. Then, the Aga Khan had little time to devote to racing. Having inherited as fine a stud operation as existed in tragic circumstances, he was unsure whether to continue it. “She was instrumental in my deciding to carry on,” reflects the Aga Khan of Petite Etoile who, in winning eight Group 1s over three seasons, acquired a devout public following. But the filly who so animated Lester Piggott threatened to withhold her genetic magic at stud. After 12 years in the paddocks she had bequeathed but a pair of colts, neither of much account.
Then she mothered her only filly foal, by Habitat. The Aga Khan would name her Zahra, after his daughter. From such fine threads can dynasties sometimes hang. “It was like running a breeding operation through a needlehead,” recalls the Aga Khan. Zahra would do him proud with five fillies from six live foals. The line of Petite Etoile – herself a descendent of the family’s principal foundation mare Mumtaz Mahal – had finally put down roots. “Practically every one of Petite Etoile’s granddaughters was a black-type individual,” says the Aga Khan. Then, 38 years after she first ran for him, the Aga Khan
would savour a quite seminal moment when Petite Etoile’s great-granddaughter, Zainta, won the 1998 Prix de Diane. “It is one of the most extraordinary examples of traditional breeding,” says the Aga Khan. Thanks to Zahra, Petite Etoile’s line is firmly established within the studs. As for Zainta, she could add a highly unusual bauble to the family tree. At the time of writing, her son, Zaynar, is on course for the Champion Hurdle in March.
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Shergar’s Derby win is cherished by his owner “for the way he did it”
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“it’s actually more of an institution now” – still flourishes. All the more so for the obvious constraints on the Aga Khan’s time. “People often ask me whether they should enter the industry,” he ventures. “If I told them the truth about how long it had taken me to learn, they wouldn’t go anywhere near it.” All the same, it has been quite a voyage. In due course his daughter, Princess Zahra, will become only the fourth family member to assume responsibility for studs that have functioned for 88 unbroken years – and which owe debts of gratitude to a spate of advisors and employees over that time. Of the Aga Khan’s great Classic winners, Shergar’s ten-length Derby romp in 1981 is cherished “for the way he did it, which stays in your mind.” Yet he is convinced there would be less to celebrate but for the much-understated values of good land management. “It is a critical issue,” he maintains. “If you don’t breed stock that are absolutely sound and capable of performing, there’s no point in being a traditional breeder. You may as well just buy the best yearlings in every auction.” Above all, however, it is a hobby. “It’s about the only one I have,” says the Aga Khan. “Mind you, not that any of my team runs it as a hobby. It is run as a tremendously exciting activity we all enjoy.” I
“If I told people how long it took me to learn, they wouldn’t go near racing”
Princess Zahra will one day assume responsibility for the operation
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Sir Michael Stoute (right) trained two Derby winners for the Aga Khan
Britain remains on sidelines IT is ten years since the Aga Khan had horses in training in Britain. There is no discernible prospect of a return. His involvement with racing in Britain is one of three distinct chapters. His grandfather, who bought the family’s first yearlings at auction in 1921, raced in Britain for 33 years until he moved the string to France. Then, as now, it made economic sense. However, when, in successive years from 1977 the Aga Khan bought the bloodstock holdings of Madame (Anna) Dupre and Marcel Boussac, the increase in homebred produce saw him send yearlings to Britain. Luca Cumani won him the 1998 Derby with Kahyasi after Sir Michael Stoute had done so with Shergar (1981) and Shahrastani five years later. But Aliysa’s failed post-race test after winning the 1989 Oaks saw her owner withdraw his horses in protest at the Jockey Club’s anti-doping policies. In 1995, satisfied with the modernisation of those policies, he sent horses to Britain. They stayed until 1999, when two trained by Cumani returned positive tests. Despite Cumani’s protests, the Aga Khan removed his 35 horses. Those events have no bearing on the Aga Khan’s continued absence. The ongoing development of his bloodstock holdings has
reached a new stage: one that demands constant dialogue between staff at the racing stables and those on the studs. “In France there is this (close) relationship, and we have a similar operation in Ireland,” he says. “There used to be a situation where the racing end and the breeding end didn’t always consult each other as much as I think was necessary. This is perhaps part of our strength at the present time.” With no studs in Britain, no such symboisis is possible. Nor is poor prize-money an issue. “If you are a breeding operation you are looking at the added value, or the loss in value, of multiplier generations of a family,” he says. “You come at the prize-money dimension from a completely different premise.” Running horses in Britain is a different matter and one he will continue to pursue. “The English Classics establish quality benchmarks which traditional breeders want to maintain year after year,” he says. “Of all the races in Europe, they are the ones that add commercial value.” The Aga Khan’s purchase of Jean-Luc Lagardere’s studs and bloodstock in 2005 saw a rise in homebreds, similar to which accompanied his buying of the Dupre and Boussac bloodstock. His response was to send horses to Jean-Claude Rouget, in south-west France.
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ne might be forgiven for thinking that Nick Littmoden was losing his appetite for racing. Not at all; he has simply diversified. A former five-time champion on the all-weather and recently voted the trainer who contributed most to the first 20 years of racing on artificial surfaces, he has recorded diminishing winning totals of 43, 23, 13 and nine in the last four years. The truth is that he still loves the sport, but he argues the declining level of prize-money on offer at the lower levels have made it almost impossible to make a decent living at the game. “It’s only the top of our prize-money that is worth chasing and you’ve got to be a hardened owner to commit to running for the sums on offer now,” says Littmoden. “The drop in prize-money cost me some of my main owners, including Nigel Shields [former champion owner on the allweather].” Training racehorses, therefore, represents only about half of Littmoden’s business nowadays. The other half is buying and preparing horses on behalf of the Hong Kong Jockey Club for their twiceyearly sales. At the International Sale, a select event featuring just 19 lots held in the parade ring at Sha Tin the day before December’s Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International raceday, he sold five unraced twoyear-old geldings for a handsome profit. The first two in the ring were sold with issues, which under Hong Kong’s stringent but transparent vetting system were listed on the public address as they entered the ring. Both made a small loss on what it had actually cost to get them that far, but the others sold well.
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“The drop in prize-money in Britain cost me some of my main owners, including Nigel Shields”
The road to Hong Kong Newmarket trainer Nick Littmoden has broadened his horizons and swapped Southwell for Sha Tin to keep his business in the black Words Graham Dench of the Racing Post Photos George Selwyn and Alan Chung
The Rock Of Gibraltar gelding out of Moon Unit, who cost €105,000 at the 2008 Goffs Million Sale, fetched HK$3 million (£238,095); the War Chant out of Green Minstrel, who cost 55,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up sale, fetched HK $4m (£317,460); and the Danehill Dancer out of Ho Hi The Moon, bought for €120,000 at the 2008 Arqana Deauville Yearling Sale, was one of the sale toppers at HK$5m (£396,825). Littmoden, who selects horses in conjunction with Mark Player of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Newmarket-based bloodstock agent Larry Stratton, works on a commission basis. In the current economic climate, the results proved more than satisfactory. It was the late Ivan Allen, who at one time was one of his principal owners, who put Littmoden in for the Hong Kong role. Littmoden recalls: “I started doing this six years ago when Ivan, who had retired from training, was asked by the Hong Kong Jockey Club to purchase THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 41
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Good Ba Ba (right), the great success story of Hong Kong’s Subscription Sale system, wins the Hong Kong Mile for an incredible third time
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European horses for the International Sale. He wanted me to do it for him and although I wasn’t that keen to begin with, I soon started to enjoy it. It meant going to all the main sales, including the breeze-ups, which I particularly liked. “The horses are not cheap, but the whole purpose is to get the quality of bloodstock in Hong Kong up. You need a very, very sound horse, as the all-weather track gets quite demanding and sometimes even those we think are very sound fail the vet and aren’t allowed to travel. “They have the most stringent vetting system in the world and that’s why out of 36 horses purchased for the sale only 19 made it into the ring; if they have no ability they are written off. “In 2009 we prepared 12 horses, of which five went to the International Sale and another six will go out in March for what they call the Subscription Sale, which is the old fashioned Hong Kong system in which everyone puts up an identical sum and you don’t get to choose your horse, as they are allocated at random. I’ve already bought another nine to sell this year.” The great success story of the system so far is the brilliant Good Ba Ba, who in December created local history by winning a third Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Mile – his seventh Group 1 win in all. It was Cash Asmussen, one of three others in different parts of the world performing the same role for the HKJC, who prepared the Lear Fan
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gelding for the 2004 International Sale, but Littmoden has had his share of success too. Danesis, who was the last unraced Danehill sold at public auction, has won almost HK$6m and, unusually for Hong Kong, is still an entire, so may well have done enough to get a job as a stallion. Soaring Dragon, by Pivotal, has won his last three races and is now bordering on Group class. Littmoden hopes that one of his latest consignment may do even better. Having had them for up to 14 months, he got to know them well. He says: “We look for a tough, sound individual, and they have to be pretty compact and very durable, as the track conditions can change quite radically. We break them, train them, and then trial them to see if they are going to make the grade. “A mark of at least 85 is normally required for imports with previous form and with these unraced horses they need to have shown they can hit the 80 mark or higher. Of those I’ve just sold, I particularly like the War Chant gelding, who breezed particularly well, but the Danehill Dancer was a really nice type too and he could do very well for Derek Cruz, who now has Good Ba Ba.” While the Hong Kong side of the business is vital to the profitability of Littmoden’s operation, he has no thoughts of giving up training, although he cannot see himself training in Hong Kong in the foreseeable future. He says: “Hong Kong is a great place to train, but it’s not for me because of domestic
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How racing works in Hong Kong Ownership Owning racehorses is regarded as a privilege. To be eligible you must be a member of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. There is a lengthy waiting list, but the HKJC has some 16,000 members. Members must apply in the ballot for a permit to own a horse; the annual ballot is usually around 1,100 applications for around 300 permits. You can own a maximum of four horses at any one time. Horses undergo a full five-stage veterinary inspection, so the owner has confidence the horse is suited to racing in Hong Kong. Around 98% of the population are geldings. The HKJC has 24 licensed trainers and a trainer can have a maximum of 63 horses on their books at any time.
Equine life Hong Kong “has the most stringent vetting system in the world,” according to Littmoden
commitments and a young family. I still love training though and if we had the set-up here that the HKJC have I’d be full steam ahead wanting to run horses. “I was very prominent on the all-weather here. I could make it pay with the type of horses I had as you used to be able to race horses rated 60 to 70 fairly regularly for prizes of, maybe, £6,000 to £8,000, but now those races are worth £1,500 to £2,000, which is pitiful.”
“If Britain had the set-up that the HKJC has, I’d be full steam ahead wanting to run horses” Littmoden now has only 30-odd horses, around half of them for the Hong Kong market, in a Newmarket yard that can accommodate 45, but that suits him. He certainly does not want the worries that come with yards of 80 or more. He adds: “I’ve still very much got the appetite for it and I’m getting ten to 15 ready to run during February. I do miss having a good horse or two, but I don’t miss the headache of worrying if I’ll get paid, or if the staff will turn up. “It would be a right struggle now if that was all I was doing, but the two parts of the business work well, side by side, and I have got a nice mixture of horses to look forward to for 2010.” I
There are around 1,200 horses in training at any time in Hong Kong. The best known to British and Irish readers would be the current Horse of the Year, Viva Pataca, who raced as Comic Strip for Sir Mark Prescott, and the Hong Kong Cup second Collection, who won the 2008 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot for William Haggas. While Hong Kong lacks the open spaces in which thoroughbreds thrive, Littmoden believes horses have a good life there. He says: “I think on the whole they are very well looked after, as the trainers and facilities lack for nothing, and the after-care is very good. The stables are all air conditioned and they have an excellent veterinary team and a huge workforce, incorporating international work riders and local labour.”
Betting and prize-money Total betting turnover in Hong Kong last season was HK$66,820 million, or £5,303m. That came from 78 race meetings, featuring a total of 733 races. Average turnover per meeting was HK$857m, or £68m. Because there are no bookmakers and these huge sums are all bet through the Hong Kong Jockey Club, prize-money is high. The minimum prize-money for a Hong Kong Class 5 – typically a low-grade handicap – is HK$485,000, or £38,500. The average prize-money per race in the 2008-09 season was around HK$1m, or £79,400. Only nine races a year are open to runners from abroad and four of those take place at the International meeting, which is held annually in December.
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A friend indeed
Words Alan Lee Photos George Selwyn and Caroline Norris
Sam Thomas has endured a rollercoaster few years in the saddle but a link-up with Tom George’s yard and a chance ride from his former boss have turned things around am Thomas wore the gratified smile of a child at Christmas, which must have been precisely how he felt. He had waited more than a year for the big winner he craved and now it had come through a freak of nature, a dense fog that had descended dramatically on Leopardstown racecourse the previous afternoon, setting off a chain of events that gave Thomas the chance to win the Grade 1 Lexus Chase. We are sitting at Dublin airport, the detritus of families returning from festive breaks all around us. The flight back to Bristol is delayed interminably, further extending a day Thomas had begun by leaving his Cheltenham home at 4am after a semisleepless night checking on the worsening weather. Having wrested back the ride on What A Friend, once Barry Geraghty was re-routed to Newbury, the last thing he wants is to get snowed in. Now, a glass of champagne sunk and a thrilling race rerun in his mind several times over, Thomas is ready for bed, yet still beaming. “Everything happens for a reason,” he says contentedly. At other times, and out of other mouths, this can be an irritating cliché but from Thomas it is utterly apt – and not just in relation to the previous 24 hours. True, the fog had seemed a kind of divine intervention, a signal that he had been punished enough since the indulgent glories of two seasons earlier. It had even emboldened Thomas unusually. “I was disappointed not to be asked to ride What A Friend after being second on him in the Hennessy and riding him most of last season,” he says. “I’d been keeping an eye on Leopardstown on the weighing-room TV at Chepstow. Once I saw what had happened, with the race being held over for a day, I went to find Paul [Nicholls, What A Friend’s trainer] in the paddock to ask him if I could go over and ride the horse. I still had to clear it with my own stable but Tom George and his owners were very good about it.” They, like everyone else, surely recognised that Thomas needed every opportunity offered for a
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return to the top table. He had suffered a humbling time in the season that followed those endless glories capped by Denman’s Gold Cup. But maybe, as Thomas muses wearily, all that had happened for a reason, too, a perverse kind of equaliser for what had gone before. Two weeks earlier, we had sat together in a very different setting. Down Farm, the serenely rural base for George’s training operation, lies in the sleepy south Cotswold village of Slad. It was here, 50 years ago, that Laurie Lee wrote Cider With Rosie. It is here, now, that Thomas is seeking new impetus for a career shunted into anonymous sidings. >>
“I had been keeping an eye on the weather at Leopardstown; everything happens for a reason”
Friend and foe: Thomas and What A Friend (left) chase home Denman in the Hennessy
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Unseating on Big Buck’s (above) in the Hennessy and Denman’s fall in the Totesport Bowl at Aintree contributed to a “difficult” 2008-09 season
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“Sam came on the market at just the right time for us; the yard merited a senior stable jockey” – Tom George
George’s profile has suffered similar downturns, specifically through a brave and deliberate downsizing to 18 horses a few years back. He felt he was marking time with mediocrity, saying: “One year, we had 50 winners, which was the only target I’d ever set myself. But all it brought us was a lot of run-of-the-mill horses and owners tying to jump on the bandwagon. I was going backwards and not enjoying it any more. I couldn’t carry on the way it was.” Now the yard is back up to its 60-strong capacity, but the quality is enhanced. Nacarat and Tartak have made their mark at a high level, Tell Massini and Olofi are following suit. George has three all-weather gallops and 300 acres of prime land on which to facilitate his patient method of giving each horse 90 minutes of exercise each day. “Horses get variety here,” he says. “It’s the key to some of them.” The recruitment of Thomas was another, calculating piece on the jigsaw. “I wanted to wait until I felt the yard merited a senior stable jockey,” says George. “Some of the owners were getting irritated if we couldn’t engage a top man. Sam came on the market at just the right time for us.” The timing was right for Thomas, too. “I was in between jobs,” he says candidly. “Paul had told me he wasn’t going to have a second jockey any more. By going there I’d effectively given up the job with Venetia [Williams], so I was in no-man’s-land. This was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.” Not that he grabbed at it without studying the territory and assessing that George could be a trainer with just the upward graph he needed. “It’s a smaller yard than I’d been used to but there is a great community feel,” says Thomas. “Everyone knows about every horse and that helps the atmosphere. We’ve got great facilities here, a
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lot of land where we can take the horses. If they can’t be happy here, they never will be. “Paul Nicholls has got 100 more horses than we have but both men want to have big winners. Tom is striving for better horses and big races, and that’s exactly what I want from the job. I get my kicks that way.” Which led us, naturally enough, to the year in which the only kicks he got were of the unwanted type. Mostly they came from a media to whom Thomas’s declining star was an irresistible target. But occasionally they even came from Nicholls himself, showing his exasperation at missed opportunities and what he plainly divined to be a jockey whose confidence had vanished. The parallels and contrasts of the two seasons were uncanny. Second jockeys, even in the most triumphant jumps stable there has ever been, are not supposed to get the big-race chances that came Thomas’s way – or not two years in succession. Yet Ruby Walsh twice suffered serious injuries at Cheltenham’s November meeting. In 2007, it opened a Pandora’s Box for Thomas, who won the Betfair Chase, Hennessy Gold Cup and Tingle Creek on the next three Saturdays. In 2008, it brought him a series of indignities, hitting the turf at the final fence in the first two corresponding races, and then being jocked off Master Minded in the third. He also fell from Denman in the 2009 Totesport Bowl at Aintree. “It’s only now I realise how fortunate I was, the first year, and how you must appreciate the good days,” says Thomas. “At the time it was too easy to take it all for granted. It’s only when things aren’t going so well that you realise how lucky you were – and that it’s not actually as easy as it felt at the time. “Everything went to plan. It was so great to be in that zone, you know? I felt like a kid again, >>
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>> floating on a cloud and without a care in the world. You just let it flow when things are like that...I’d love to think I’ll have those feelings again but I do realise now what a remarkable time it was.” Thomas was plainly transported back to those heady days as he talked. Outside, winter was biting at last, there was snow on the hills and the forecast of bitter weeks to come. But in the 250-year-old farmhouse kitchen, Thomas was warmed by memories and telling the story as, perhaps, he has never publicly done before. “I don’t think all the success changed me,” he says. “Even winning the Gold Cup. It meant I was better known and brought some opportunities my way, but I believe if things go well you have to make the best of it, set up your profile. But I’ve always been level-headed, my friends will say as much, and I’m sure it didn’t affect me badly.” What was much harder to assimilate, of course, was the series of mishaps that must have come to him like landing on an especially long, slimy snake in a childhood game of Snakes & Ladders. Thomas was young, good-looking and photogenic. His success had elevated jump racing as much as himself. Suddenly, the pin-up boy, the closest the sport had to a genuine celebrity, had become a target for doubt and criticism. “There’s no doubt that the good year threw me into the limelight,” he recalls. “There was a lot of expectation, suddenly, and when things don’t go so well, people are quick to criticise. It’s difficult when you’re seeing it in the press all the time. You try to get on with things but it did get me down. “I’m lucky to have a strong family and great friends. My Mum and Dad are only 45 minutes away from my place, and I’d go back there to get away from it by fishing or shooting, maybe. “It was important to take my mind off racing at times but I still had to get through the situation and there was really only one person who could deal with it, and that was me.” At the time, beset by unwelcome headlines and questions, Thomas did what any pressurised sportsman would do and denied his riding was being diminished by loss of confidence. At a distance of 12 months, he was more open. “Having a positive, confident mindset is a massive thing in any sport,” he says. “But as much as you don’t want to feel negative, it’s hard to get out of that mental state. It damaged my confidence and was a feeling I don’t want to have too often.” The split with Nicholls was probably inevitable, possibly good for both parties. That there is no acrimony is obvious from what has followed – Thomas still rides out at Ditcheat and mounts are still put his way. What A Friend in the Hennessy was welcome, though another mixed blessing. Having looked set for a redemptive win, they were collared and bullied after the last fence by none other than Denman, on whom Thomas had achieved the greatest of his glory. “It was great to get back on What A Friend, I was grateful for that,” admits Thomas. “I got a head up going to the last but Denman showed us
Celebrating Cheltenham Gold Cup glory with Harry Findlay (left) and Paul Barber
how good he is. I suppose it was ironic that he beat me, but Ruby [Walsh] is Paul’s stable jockey – I can’t grumble about not riding him.” He may yet be back on board in the Gold Cup but he has different priorities now. George’s season took time to engage top gear, which was perhaps more trying for the jockey than the trainer. Most confusing of all was the December Saturday when the stable enjoyed a rich double and Thomas was absent through suspension. “It seemed typical of my luck,” he says. “I had mixed emotions – delighted for Tom, gutted for myself as I felt I’d put a lot of work into those horses. But, taking the broader view, it was a good sign. Tom likes his horses to improve through a season. He doesn’t want them peaking early, then petering out. It’s frustrating to be well down on winners compared with the last few seasons – I do
“There’s no doubt that the good year threw me into the limelight; there was a lot of expectation” think about it – but I know they will come.” Tartak, a valiant second in the Peterborough Chase, and Nacarat, fourth in the King George, gave Thomas more cause for optimism. What A Friend intervened with the big prize he had been missing. “I can’t wait for the second half of the season,” says Thomas with relish. He has learned, the hard way, that a virtue of his job is a philosophical approach. “It’s easy to spend time worrying but I try not to,” he says. “The best policy is to think of tomorrow. Things move so quickly in this sport that it does you no good to dwell on things.” I THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 49
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Stallions on show at February sale Bertolini: the son of Danzig has sired 117 juvenile winners from his first five crops
THE Arctic conditions of the past month will have prevented many breeders from getting out and about to view stallions so, for those of you still undecided as to your mare’s mate for 2010, the TBA stallion parade offers a great opportunity to assess 13 stallions in one location. Including ten Group 1 winners, the parade takes place in the sales ring at Tattersalls at 9.30am on Thursday, February 4, before the start of the one-day February sale. Bertolini 1996 Danzig – Aquilegia (Alydar) £4,000 SLF Overbury Stud, nr Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Captain Gerrard 2005 Oasis Dream – Delphinus (Soviet Star) £3,500 1st Oct SLF Mickley Stud, Market Drayton, Shropshire
Having started his stud career at Overbury Stud, Bertolini spent two years in Ireland and one in Newmarket before returning to Gloucestershire last season. “He has a lot of old friends around here and he was well received in a difficult year,” says stud manager Simon Sweeting. “Hardly a day goes by when he doesn’t have a winner so he’s an obvious choice to get a young mare off to a good start.” His first crop, conceived from a fee of £4,000, contained the Cheveley Park Stakes winner Donna Blini among his 28 winners in 2005, a highly encouraging start which saw him crowned champion first-season sire. The three-parts brother to Green Desert has continued to turn out a high number of two-year-old winners – 117 from his first five crops – and has dependable Group-class sprinters such as Moorhouse Lad and Prime Defender among his offspring. Though no longer shuttling, his time spent in New Zealand yielded Group winners Puttanesca, Solvini, Juice and Medic Power.
There can be no faulting the outstanding start Oasis Dream has made at stud. With his eldest offspring now just five, many are tipping him as a future champion sire and this year sees two of his sons begin their own stud careers. While Aqlaam retires to stand alongside his grandsire, the veteran Green Desert, at Nunnery Stud, the dual Group 3winning sprinter Captain Gerrard has joined Richard Kent’s diverse stallion band at Mickley Stud. “We bought him after the stallion books were printed so coming to the parade will be his shop window,” says Kent. “He’s settled in very well and quite a few people have already been to see him. This year, when people don’t want to spend too much money on stallion fees, Captain Gerrard offers a good chance to breed a speedy, precocious horse.” Captain Gerrard certainly had a busy juvenile campaign himself, winning five of his ten starts, including his final outing of 2007 in the Cornwallis Stakes. His finest hour came when beating the previous year’s July Cup winner Sakhee’s Secret on his three-year-old debut in the Palace House Stakes.
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Cockney Rebel 2004 Val Royal – Factice (Known Fact) £4,500 NFFR National Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk
Mount Nelson 2004 Rock Of Gibraltar – Independence (Selkirk) £8,000 1 Oct SLF Newsells Park Stud, Royston, Hertfordshire
In two seasons we saw Cockney Rebel just three times each year but his performances were of the highest calibre. Even when fracturing his pelvis mid-race in the St James’s Palace Stakes he was beaten only a length and three-quarters, that run coming on the back of his victories in both the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas, the former in an exceptionally fast time. The National Stud was enterprising in parading the Guineas champion the morning after his Newmarket victory before a gathering of breeders, his Classic win being the highlight of his sire Val Royal’s stud career. Father and son stood together for just one season before Val Royal’s death in Brazil in October 2008. Thus, his son is set to continue his legacy at the National Stud in Newmarket, less than a mile from where he was trained by Geoff Huffer. With his first yearlings set to pass through sales rings later this year, Cockney Rebel is described by stud manager Brian O’Rourke as “a great looking, very willing horse with a solid temperament.” He adds: “When you look at his race record, it’s not just the races he won but the horses he beat, such as Duke Of Marmalade and Eagle Mountain.”
The first foals of Mount Nelson are being born now and there is no doubt that Newsells Park’s sole stallion resident was well supported during his debut year. His first book, which numbered 111 wellcredentialled mares, included the dams of Equiano, Imperial Beauty, Speciosa and Mac Love. After winning the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud on his third and final start of his juvenile season, Mount Nelson headed into the winter as one of Ballydoyle’s Classic hopefuls, but a foot injury was to scupper his chances of racing at three until the autumn. Bouncing back as a four-year-old, the son of Rock Of Gibraltar battled ferociously to win the Coral-Eclipse, and was an honourable third in the Arlington Million in Chicago on what was to prove his final outing. “He’s changed so much in a year,” says stud secretary Isobel Anthony. “He’s let down and matured, and we’ve been really impressed with his attitude.” Mount Nelson has recently returned from a stint at stud in Australia, where he was based at Baerami Thoroughbreds in New South Wales.
Cockney Rebel: first yearlings will be put through the ring this year
“Captain Gerrard had a busy two-year-old campaign, winning five of his ten starts, including his final outing of 2007 in the Cornwallis Stakes” Haafhd 2001 Alhaarth – Al Bahathri (Blushing Groom) £6,000 1 Jan SLF Nunnery Stud, Thetford, Norfolk There was no doubting Haafhd’s favourite racecourse. He appeared at Newmarket five times, winning his maiden, the Craven Stakes, 2,000 Guineas and Champion Stakes, and finishing third in the Dewhurst. Little wonder then that at the end of his three-year-old season he was promptly retired to his owner Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell operation. The son of Alhaarth and the top-class mare Al Bahathri has sired plenty of two-year-old winners from his two crops to race, and the highlight of his stud career to date has also been at Newmarket, where his son Silver Grecian won last year’s Superlative Stakes. Stud manager Johnny Peter-Hoblyn says: “We didn’t have our usual stallion parade during the December sales, so this is a perfect opportunity for breeders to be reminded just what a lovely horse he is. Silver Grecian and Infiraad both performed very well for him last year and he has his best crop of two-year-olds in training this year, including a lot for Sheikh Hamdan.”
Haafhd loved Newmarket, winning the Craven, 2,000 Guineas and Champion Stakes
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“Myboycharlie was the first of two successive Prix Morny winners for Danetime”
Above left: Myboycharlie and Kieren Fallon, winners of the 2007 Prix Morny Above right: Overbury sire Proclamation has his first runners this year
Myboycharlie 2005 Danetime – Dulceata (Rousillon) £5,500 1st Oct National Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk
Proclamation 2002 King’s Best – Shamarra (Zayyani) £3,000 SLF Overbury Stud, nr Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Danetime, who died in 2005, has been posthumously responsible for back-to-back winners of the Prix Morny, Myboycharlie in 2007 and Bushranger the following year. Fresh from his first season at Vinery Stud in New South Wales, Myboycharlie is about to embark on his first northern hemisphere season and the National Stud will hope a horse whose racing career – as a highclass performer from humble origins – mirrored that of his sire will also follow suit at stud. “Danetime was a huge loss – we lack an injection of Danehill speed in the northern hemisphere,” says Brian O’Rourke. “If you’re standing a horse for less than £10,000, he has to produce two-yearolds and Myboycharlie has every chance of doing it. There have been great stallions from the Morny.”
Creachadoir joins the French stallion ranks this season but another son of King’s Best has stolen a march on him and has his first runners in 2010. Bred by the late Cathal Ryan, Proclamation was successful on his only start at two and put together a trio of victories as a three-year-old, including the Jersey Stakes and the Sussex Stakes, in which he flew home to nail Soviet Song and Ad Valorem. “We’re really looking forward to seeing his first runners,” says Simon Sweeting. “His yearlings were well received and have gone to good homes. He had a decent book of 125 mares in his first season and not far off 100 in his second, so he should have plenty of chances. It’s a great chance to show him off at the parade as physically he gets better and better every year.”
Phoenix Reach 2000 Alhaarth – Carroll’s Canyon (Hatim) £2,500 NFFR National Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk
Refuse To Bend 2000 Sadler’s Wells – Market Slide (Gulch) £5,000 1st Oct SLF Whitsbury Manor Stud, nr Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Racegoers at Salisbury on June 27, 2002 could not have known it, but the finish of the two-year-old maiden was fought out by two colts who would both go on to be top class. Making their debuts and eye-catchers in the paddock, Norse Dancer beat Phoenix Reach by a head, the sole juvenile start for the latter, who would later land Group 1 wins at three, four and five. The fact that his best wins came in Canada, Hong Kong and Dubai perhaps contributes to a lack of recognition for such a decent galloper. His first runners, which take to the track this season, are unlikely to put him in a position to challenge for first-season honours. But with a first-rate pedigree – his dam is a half-sister to Carroll House – he should not be overlooked by those aiming for durable, middle-distance horses.
He’s not a newcomer to the market, but Refuse To Bend is new to Britain, having stood at Kildangan in Ireland for the first five years of his stud career. “There’s been a good bit of interest in him and his appearance at the parade will be the first time many English breeders have seen him since he retired to stud,” says Whitsbury Manor Stud manager Charlie Oakshott. Despite being a half-brother to Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle, Refuse To Bend is one of Sadler’s Wells’s fastest sons. He won a Group 1 in each of his three seasons in training – the National Stakes at two, the 2,000 Guineas and Eclipse. With his eldest runners now four, he has sired a good number of juvenile winners (35 in two crops) and Group winners Grace O’Malley and Neon Light.
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Sakhee’s Secret 2004 Sakhee – Palace Street (Secreto) £5,500 1st Oct Whitsbury Manor Stud, nr Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Virtual 2005 Pivotal – Virtuous (Exit To Nowhere) £5,000 LF Cheveley Park Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk
Joining Refuse To Bend on the horsebox from Whitsbury is Sakhee’s Secret, one of many successful horses to race in the colours of owner/breeder Bridget Swire, who died in December (see obituary, page 8). Crowned champion three-year-old sprinter in 2007 after an impressive performance against his elders in the July Cup, which included six Group 1 winners among the field, Sakhee’s Secret returned from a southern hemisphere season at the Oaks Stud in New Zealand on January 14 and has his first British-conceived foals arriving this spring. “Sakhee’s Secret was full last year and there has been plenty of interest in him again for this year,” says Whitsbury Manor Stud manager Charlie Oakshott.
Added to Cheveley Park Stud’s roster this year is homebred Virtual, who is not only a son of Pivotal but also a three-parts brother to the ill-fated Iceman, who died after only one season at the stud. Placed in two starts at two, Virtual notched two Listed wins as a three-year-old before the highlight of his career, a hard-fought win in last season’s Lockinge Stakes. Iceman’s sole book included more than 120 mares and though he was a more precocious racehorse, it would be no surprise to see his close relation fare equally well. Cheveley Park Stud’s Matthew Sigsworth says: “Virtual hasn’t put a foot wrong. We want people to see him and there have been plenty coming to have a look in the last couple of weeks.”
Tobougg 1998 Barathea – Lacovia (Majestic Light) £2,500 1st Oct SLF East Burrow Farm, Crediton, Devon
Winker Watson 2005 Piccolo – Bonica (Rousillon) £3,500 1st Oct SLF Norman Court Stud, nr Salisbury, Wiltshire
Tobougg, who stood his first term at East Burrow in 2009, enjoyed a heartening season under both codes last year. A high-class two-year-old himself, it was no surprise to see him represented by the likes of Group 3-winning juveniles Distinctive and Circumvent, while his Classic crop included German 1,000 Guineas winner Penny’s Gift and Italian Group 3 winner Lady Alida. Placed in the Goodwood Cup, The Betchworth Kid has since made a good fist of hurdling, while Bouggler, who landed the G2 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, further advertised his sire’s versatility. “Bookings are very good,” says John Haydon of East Burrow. “People are looking at him as a great value horse that can throw anything, though the vast majority of his mares are still Flat mares.”
Unbeaten as a two-year-old, Winker Watson landed a hat-trick of wins, including two of the early summer’s hottest contests, the Norfolk Stakes and July Stakes. His own racing profile, combined with his sireline, certainly suggests that Winker Watson would be in with a chance of being to the fore in the first-season sires’ title race of 2013, given sufficient patronage in this, his first year at Norman Court Stud. Tina Dawson, who looks after nominations for the Wiltshire stud, says: “Winker Watson has let down really well and is already looking like a proper stallion. “As a first-season sire he offers real value for money and has attracted plenty of interest.”
Below left: Tobougg, well capable of siring winners over a range of distances Below right: Virtual (red silks) won the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes last year
“An unbeaten juvenile, Winker Watson won the Norfolk Stakes and July Stakes”
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ROA FORUM The special section for ROA members
Injuries sustained on the gallops will be covered by the new policy
ROA ready to launch unique insurance scheme with Lycetts Exclusive package for members will help with costs accrued while a horse is out of training Hearing that your horse has injured itself in training has always been a harsh reality of racehorse ownership. This disappointment has never been possible to insure against unless it ended in death...until now. In an exclusive and unique insurance policy, ROA members will soon be given the opportunity to purchase cover against disability affecting their horses in training, whether temporary or permanent, and the costs of treating their injuries. The Racehorse Owners Compensation Scheme (ROCS) has been created by Lycetts especially for the ROA and provides a comprehensive insurance package for the
three main exposures facing a racehorse owner: disability, vets fees and death. ROA Chief Executive Michael Harris said: “Owners of horses in training have never been offered this sort of insurance cover before and it is all available under one policy. “It will provide a unique service that is exclusive to ROA members. We anticipate a high level of interest.” Cover for disability will provide fixed benefits depending upon the severity of the injury and irrespective of the horse’s value or use. The payments, which range from £2,000 to £8,000, can be used to defray costs in whatever manner the owner chooses and irrespective of where or
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how the horse recuperates. Members can expect to receive further details of the exclusive package through the post in February. Harris added: “Lycetts has spent a lot of time on the development of this project in order to ensure that ROCS is as practical and as affordable as possible.” Charles Hamilton of Lycetts said: “The purpose of ROCS is to compensate owners for the cost of keep/training fees that are still incurred while a horse is necessarily out of training and will perform similarly to a personal accident policy for humans, with set benefits for specific injuries.” ROCS also provides members with the option to insure the cost of surgery and
all associated hospitalisation charges incurred in treating the same tariff of injuries, up to a maximum of either £5,000 or £10,000. The scope of cover is wider than anything else available in the market and with transport costs recoverable as well, an owner has access to the top veterinary surgeons in the UK. These initiatives follow the popularity of the third party liability cover that ROA members now automatically enjoy with Lycetts. ROCS comes as a result of a positive response from members to the ROA’s insurance questionnaire sent out in October. Thanks to all those who responded. Charles Hamilton can be contacted on 01638 676700.
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British racing to speak to Government with one voice New group will unify industry and lobby on behalf of the entire sport IN the second half of 2009, British racing’s major organisations decided to pool resources and form a single, unified lobbying unit, appointing one common agency to support its activity. The brief is to establish a joined up and consistent approach to the sport and wider industry’s political communications, and ensure that racing speaks with one voice on the key issues it faces. The Public Affairs Stakeholder Group (PASG), chaired by Nic Coward, includes representatives from the British Horseracing Authority, the Horsemen’s Group (including the ROA) and racecourses through the Racecourse Association, the
Jockey Club and Scottish Racing. Will Lambe at the BHA will co-ordinate this work, supported by Luther Pendragon, whose team will be headed by lobbyist Chris Guyver. The recent Economic Impact and Community reports will be invaluable tools in stressing the sport’s importance and wider contribution. A set of common messages will be formalised and meetings and contact with key individuals right across the political spectrum established. This will ensure co-ordination and true two-way communication right across the various and far-flung elements of racing.
Recent years have seen a major change in how racing makes its case. Efforts will be focused on those issues where racing most needs to exert its influence, such as the future of the levy and the Tote. The ROA will play a crucial role in the success of this initiative. The potential political reach of the organisation’s membership, across all political parties and in all parts of the country, is considerable. Individual members may be interested in supporting the lobbying campaigns, either through assisting via personal contacts, networks or other points of access they may have to MPs, Peers, ministers and civil servants.
Lobbyist: Chris Guyver
Direct contact will be made with ROA members in the near future, but in the meantime if you would like to speak to Lambe, then please feel free to do so through the BHA on 020 7152 0028, or at wlambe@britishhorseracing.com
AGENDA Key points from the December ROA Council Meeting Words Michael Harris, Chief Executive I The ROA/Sportingbet.com Horseracing Awards were seen as being very successful and much positive feedback was received. I Discussion on the possibility of the Tote being sold by this Government and the importance of ensuring that if/when it was acquired by racing, that Racing Enterprises Ltd was regarded by the whole of the industry as its natural home. I The ROA was playing a key role in the Racing For Change programme, in particular with the initiatives being taken to attract a younger audience.
I The
Council agreed on a 3% riding fee increase. Although this was well over the rate of inflation, the ROA was persuaded by the jockeys’ argument that fuel costs had risen by a much higher rate.
I There
were further discussions on the proposal for a new insurance scheme that encompassed a policy for members to insure against injury to horses in training. I Further
had been a significantly bigger initial take-up by Racecourse Badge Scheme applicants as a result of the lower joining threshold.
debate took place on the funding and structure of a new three/four-tier fixture list from 2011 onwards. The central role played by the Levy Board was emphasised.
I Musselburgh
I The
I There
would be the next racecourse to be assessed as a potential Gold Standard recipient.
President gave a summary of the most recent Levy Board meeting, during which there was further evidence of racing’s declining income from bookmakers.
I Aspects I The
possibility of the ROA having a special facility at Royal Ascot was discussed.
of the new Premier Racing proposals were discussed as part of an ongoing debate.
I There
was also debate about the changing role of the levy in future years.
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Free tickets to the 2010 festival for ROA members Punchestown racecourse is offering all ROA members free tickets to the opening day of the Punchestown festival, which runs from Tuesday, April 20 to Saturday, April 24. To enjoy all that is famous about the Punchestown festival simply purchase tickets for any of the other four days (Wednesday to Saturday) and receive the equivalent booking for Tuesday, April 20 free of charge. To take advantage of this exclusive offer simply email ticketsales@punchestown.com or call Stacey on +353 45 897704. Festival ticket prices are: General Admission €30, Reserved Enclosure €40, Senior Citizen €18 (optional €10 RE upgrade). Please quote your ROA membership number for verification purposes. Payment can be made by credit card or Euro Bank draft. For a comprehensive guide to the five-day Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival visit www.punchestown.com.
Racegoers enjoying the occasion at Punchestown
Totesport-sponsored winners in November Royal Swain
Carlisle
1/11
Spinning Ridge
Lingfield Park
1/11
Andrew Sparks Robert & Nina Bailey
Fitzolini
Wolverhampton
2/11
Mrs Susan Johnson
Shilllingstone
Kempton Park
2/11
R Alner
Gan On
Plumpton
2/11
Club Revive
Laconicos
Plumpton
2/11
Caroline Scott
Red Jester
Warwick
4/11
DWE Coombs
Overton Lad
Warwick
4/11
D R Pritchard
Ellerslie George
Wincanton
7/11
Guy Henderson
Danehill Willy
Ffos Las
8/11
Miss Gemma Green
The Great Alfie
Exeter
10/11
Mrs S A Goodman
Echo Point
Sedgefield
10/11
The Border Reivers
Ray Mond
Warwick
11/11
A White
Phidippides
Ludlow
12/11
Paul Green
Oriental Cavalier
Wolverhampton
12/11
The Three R’s
Decider
Wolverhampton
14/11
Robert Bailey
Ya I Know
Market Rasen
15/11
Mrs S J Humphrey
Good Old Thyme
Leicester
16/11
G Carstairs
The Betchworth Kid
Plumpton
16/11
W H Ponsonby
Sacrilege
Leicester
16/11
G Whyte
Fair Bunny
Southwell
17/11
Mrs Susan Johnson
Hareem
Market Rasen
18/11
John H W Finch
Ministerofinterior
Hereford
19/11
DE Simpson & R Farrington-Kirkham
Merchant Of Dubai
Wolverhampton
20/11
Highland Racing
Mr Hitchens
Kempton Park
21/11
Adam Richard Wilson
My Arch
Musselburgh
22/11
J D Spensley & Mrs M A Spensley
Dingat
Ffos Las
23/11
Mr & Mrs G Handley & Mr & Mrs T Vesey
Nazreef
Southwell
24/11
Deborah Collet & M J Watson
Blue Lyric
Kempton Park
25/11
Fittocks Stud and Andrew Bengough
Magot de Grugy
Chepstow
25/11
P M de Wilde
Brandywell Boy
Lingfield Park
27/11
P B Gallagher
Dutiful
Wolverhampton
28/11
Wood Street Syndicate II
Shillingstone
Newbury
28/11
R Alner
Double Hit
Leicester
29/11
Dr G M Thelwall-Jones
Applaude
Leicester
29/11
Stan Wright
Owners’ fees remain at 2008 levels
Total runs – 459; total wins – 34 (7.4% wins/runs) (Horses in bold = Group/Graded winner)
The majority of owners’ fees (excluding VAT) have been held at 2008 levels for the second year running. In addition, access charges, with the exception of the charge for accessing fixtures and races, for owners using the Racing Administration site that previously applied have now been removed. The only fee that has not been held at current levels (excluding VAT) is the owners’ handling charge for entries, which applies for entries or declarations made via the call centre rather than through the administration site. These have been set at the following (exclusive of VAT) levels: £14.98 for internet only transactions (£15 in 2009) and £19.49 for all other transactions (£16.52 in 2009). The additional income generated from this increased fee is being used to offset the costs of operating the call centre at Weatherbys.
DIARY DATES
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To join the Totesport owner-sponsorship scheme, please email kbrewer@roa.co.uk or telephone the ROA office on 020 7408 0903
March 16-19 Tickets are on sale for the ROA marquee for members and guests at the Cheltenham Festival. ROA marquee prices: All four days – ROA members £80, guests of members (up to 3) £125 Any two days – ROA members £50, guests of members (up to 3) £75 Daily – ROA members £27, guests of members (up to 3) £38 Marquee badges must be booked in advance, via www.racehorseowners.net or telephone 020 7408 0903. Admission into the racecourse can be booked via Cheltenham racecourse – telephone 0844 579 3003 or book online at www.cheltenham.co.uk. June 24 ROA AGM followed by members’ and guests’ lunch at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, Knightsbridge, London.
Don’t miss Kauto Star in March
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TBA FORUM The special section for TBA members
TBA Stud Farming Course informs and enlightens Delegates enjoy three fascinating days at the British Racing School in December This year’s TBA Stud Farming Course took place at the British Racing School in Newmarket during the second week of December, attracting 47 delegates from the UK, Ireland and Sweden. Running over three days, this annual residential course aims to educate and update stud owners, managers and staff on a range of topics essential to good stud management. For the first time the course was jointly sponsored by the Niniski Trust, Merial Equine Health and Saracen Horse Feeds, with each day broadly themed to reflect the interests of a sponsor. Day one, in association with the Niniski Trust, covered aspects of the management of the broodmare, in particular highlighting the importance of the HBLB Codes of Practice in ensuring disease prevention on UK studs. A visit to Rossdale & Partners Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Exning in the middle of the day gave delegates a break from the lecture theatre. This fascinating tour included presentations from veterinary experts on foal care, surgical procedures and laboratory services, together with the opportunity to view the newly opened Diagnostic Centre with its full range of state of the art diagnostic tools. The first day ended with the course dinner held at the Bedford Lodge, which gave delegates the opportunity to meet informally with each other and the speakers. Day two, sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds, was
Alistair Watson (red sweater), Manager at Lanwades Stud, talks to the delegates about walking-in mares
broadly themed around nutrition, with guest speaker Dr Joe Pagan, President of Kentucky Equine Research, making presentations on feeding the mare and breeding stallion, and on managing growth to produce a racehorse. In addition to extensive notes provided by Dr Pagan, delegates received a free memory stick containing an interactive slide presentation made by him entitled ‘Size matters for Racehorses’. Lanwades stallions on view
This second day’s visit was to Lanwades Stud, where delegates were able to view resident stallions Hernando, Selkirk and With Approval together with the ‘new boy’ Archipenko. In the walk round the stud that followed Alistair Watson gave an insight into managing a busy stallion stud and, most importantly, offered some dos
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and don’ts of walking mares into a stud, aimed at making life easier for everyone during the season. Back in the lecture theatre, delegates had the chance to pick the brains of industry experts Jamie Railton on sales, Andrew Mead on mating plans and Julian Dollar on stallion management. The final day of the course began with a voluntary early start for those delegates wishing to have a closer look at the British Racing School. Director Rory MacDonald led the tour, which proved to be a revelation for many delegates. Supported by Merial Equine Health, lectures focussed on foaling, care of the neonatal foal and the importance of the immune system. The highlight of the day for one lucky delegate was the prize draw, sponsored by Merial, who had generously provided a TomTom as first prize, which was won by
Adam Stevenson of Juddmonte Farms. The course was rounded off with a session on management techniques for foals with congenital and acquired growth defects, and surgical/non-surgical approaches to limb correction. Unrivalled pool of expertise
The TBA is extremely grateful to all speakers and visit hosts for their contribution to the success of the course, owing mainly to the unrivalled access to a pool of expertise, both within Newmarket’s bloodstock breeding industry and at the Newmarket Equine Hospital and Rossdale & Partners. Thanks must also go to Merial Equine Health, The Niniski Trust and Saracen Horse Feeds, whose support was greatly appreciated. This year’s course takes place on December 7-9. Put a note in your diaries now for this unique three-day event.
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TBA Stud Staff Award January 2010 The first Stud Staff Award winner for 2010 is Kevin Gossage, groom at Aislabie Stud in Stetchworth, who has worked in the industry for over 30 years, and who joined Aislabie in August 2007. Manager Oliver Gaisford-St Lawrence describes him as an excellent horseman who is exceedingly dedicated to his job. His experience and knowledge are great assets, particularly when foaling, and welfare of all his stock is of paramount importance.
Kevin Gossage receives his prize from Caroline Turnbull of the TBA
If you have a member of staff you would like to nominate, contact Caroline Turnbull at Stanstead House for a nomination form. The award of £100 and a certificate is made bi-monthly.
New Nomination Agreements The TBA Nomination Agreements, the standard and special terms for which have not required changing since 1994, have recently been amended and now take into account agent’s commission – the updated agreements are now available for purchase from Stanstead House. Subject to VAT, the agreements are priced at £1.50 each, or a licence fee of £100 per annum, plus 75p per agreement for those studs in the UK who stand stallions attracting a larger book of
The Thoroughbred
mares. The agreements are used by all the major studs, testimony that they have stood the test of time, and give both the vendor and purchaser piece of mind, particularly with regard to any disputes that may arise. Those studs presently holding a licence have been sent the new wording; those wishing to purchase the new nomination agreements, please contact Christine Standley at the TBA office. The new agreements supersede all previous issues.
Breeders’ Association
Full-Time Person Required to cover Maternity Leave To commence the beginning of April for one year. This position would suit someone with a pleasant telephone manner, excellent typing and IT skills, together with a good working knowledge of the Bloodstock Industry. Hours of work are 9.15am – 5.15pm Monday to Friday. Written applications to: Mrs Pauline Stoddart, The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Stanstead House, The Avenue, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9AA or email: pauline@thetba.co.uk Registered Charity No: 215752
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Next Generation Committee Better marketing to students and free racecourse entry just two ways to spread the racing message Words Sam Hoskins Those of you who have read the Next Generation Committee (NGC) column over the last few months must think that Racing For Change is all we talk about. However, we feel that this is a very important issue for any young person in the industry and are, therefore, focusing our efforts on ensuring that our voices, and those of the TBA, are heard at this key discussion stage. With that in mind, we were delighted to welcome Nick Attenborough, the PR director for Racing For Change, to our meeting in January. While strategies are being formed it is not my place to divulge the plans that Nick and his team are working on, but rest assured the debate was lively and I feel the NGC armed Nick with many ideas to add to his campaign. From a younger person’s perspective, racing is like a restaurant that serves moderately presented but delicious food, served by friendly but middle-aged staff, at prices too high for young people to take seriously. For the restaurant to have broader appeal, it needs the chef to add a little ‘X-factor’ on the presentation front – that could also extend to some charming young waiters/waitresses dishing out fare at realistic prices that will see a youthful crowd coming back more regularly, thus creating a vibrant and trendy atmosphere. Jump racing must work on the fun, sophisticated image, while Flat racing must really push the sexy, glamorous look. The number of young people who attend Royal
Ascot and the numerous ladies’ days shows what can be done when racing is seen as ‘fashionable’. This is great for these few days but the makeover must be longer lasting. One of the key issues is promoting the sport to students and young working people. This is an area Racing For Change has highlighted and one we have been working on for months at NGC meetings. Gaining regular exposure in student magazines around every university would be a great start, especially if readers are offered free entry on their first visit to the races. Towcester’s free entry policy and days such as Newbury’s free Arab racing day, and the free Salisbury meeting in October, shows what can be achieved by enterprising courses aiming to give more people experience of the sport. Exposure is vital and a bigger crowd means a better atmosphere, more food and drink sold, and a higher Tote turnover, which goes back into racing’s coffers at a time it is much needed. If we can attract this young, fashionable crowd, and ensure that they enjoy themselves, then we can let the stars of the show, the horses, play their part in converting them into the next band of owners and breeders. Racing is fortunate that it has the ability to enchant every day of the week, but when Kauto Star moves menacingly up to Denman’s quarters coming down the Cheltenham hill in March and collective goosebumps hit the roaring crowd, it can only re-emphasise that racing can offer the best dish in town. We just need to ask people to taste it.
Stallion nominations still available The connections of the stallions paraded at the TBA NH Stallion Parade at Cheltenham in November very kindly donated a nomination each to the TBA, the proceeds of which go towards National Hunt initiatives. There are a few nominations still for sale; contact Pauline Stoddart at Stanstead Beat All struts his stuff at Cheltenham in November House for further details. 64 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
DIARY DATES Thursday, February 4 TBA Stallion Parade, Tattersalls, Newmarket The parade will precede the start of the February Sale at 9.30am and provides the ideal opportunity for mare owners to view and compare 13 stallions at one venue. Each stallion will be shown in the sales ring for approximately two minutes, each with a short commentary. All stallions will then return to their boxes in Further Paddock, adjacent to the Sales Ring, where they will be available for individual viewings. For more information please contact Pauline Stoddart at the TBA on 01638 661321. Alternatively, email pauline@thetba.co.uk. See also the feature, with details, including fees, of the 13 stallions on show, on pages 52-57. Monday, March 1 Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Annual Awards Celebration of the workers at the coalface of the racing and breeding industries. Monday, June 28 TBA Awards and Dinner Mark your diary for this popular event. Tuesday, June 29 TBA AGM, followed by the TBA Annual Seminar Further details of this event will be sent to all TBA members in due course. TBA NEW MEMBERS N Kendall Esq, North Yorkshire. Miss J Keir, London. A Gray MRCVS, Cheshire. I Snowden Esq, Somerset. G Chambers Esq, Devon. Mrs J Evans, Worcestershire. M Watson Esq, Buckinghamshire. T Haworth Esq, Warwickshire. R Francome Esq, Wiltshire. Ms A Hall, Devon. Perle D’Or Partnership, Suffolk. R Lanigan, County Tipperary, Eire. Lady J Fowler, County Meath.
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Breeders’ Prizes Based on dates money was paid
National Hunt HBLB Breeders’ Prizes worth £520 or more Breeder Exors of the late B Johnston
Prize (£) 7,120
Barkfold Manor Stud Mr W Smith Bricklow Ltd P D and Mrs Player A E Price Mr R M Fear R J Francome D McCain Mrs Kaathy Stuart N Shutts J I Wilson E Hanbury S Tindall I R Snowden C R Mason Millsec Limited J A Jenkins Conkwell Grange Stud Ltd Dr G M Thelwall Jones P Murphy Goldford Stud Bloomsbury Stud W and J Aitken K D Pugh R Chugg Helshaw Grange Stud Ltd R D Chugg & C M A Aston Mr D G Ford Sandicroft Stud
6,000 5,200 4,000 4,000 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,120 1,500 1,500 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,040 1,040 1,000 750 750 600 600 520 520
Horse I’m Delilah *Watch My Back The Package Fit To Drive *Deep Purple *Khyber Kim Just Smudge Midnight Queen Restless Harry Comhla Ri Coig Bertie May General Miller Mill Side Mighty Man King Edmund Knighton Combe *Tasheba Lightening Rod Aflie Spinner I’m A Legend Double Hit Carole’s Legacy *Riverside Theatre *Temoin Double Expresso Amroth Bay Malindi Bay *Candy Creek *Alegralil *Den Of Iniquity *Bakbenscher
Sire Overbury Bob Back Kayf Tara Kayf Tara Halling Mujahid Fraam Midnight Legend Sir Harry Lewis Sir Harry Lewis Terimon Karinga Bay Milieu Sir Harry Lewis Roi de Rome Midnight Legend Dubai Destination Storming Home Alflora Midnight Legend Sir Harry Lewis Sir Harry Lewis King’s Theatre Groom Dancer Kayf Tara Alflora Alflora Definite Article King’s Theatre Supreme Leader Bob Back
Dam Gallants Delight Gallants Delight Ardent Bride Fit For Firing Seal Indigo Jungle Rose Flakey Dove Panda Shandy Restless Native Analogical Kalogy Millers Action Little Greyside Vanina II Cadbury Castle Cindercombe Tatanka Bolero Little Red Spider I'm Maggy Grayrose Double Carole’s Crusader Disallowed Kowtow Sallys Lodge La Bella Villa Rachel C Roxy River Lucy Glitters Divine Comedy Jessolle
Date Course 11/12/09 Doncaster 12/12/09 Doncaster 11/12/09 Cheltenham 23/11/09 Kempton Park 10/12/09 Huntingdon 12/12/09 Cheltenham 23/11/09 Ludlow 26/11/09 Newbury 28/11/09 Towcester 29/11/09 Carlisle 05/12/09 Chepstow 11/12/09 Cheltenham 11/12/09 Doncaster 13/12/09 Hereford 14/12/09 Plumpton 16/12/09 Newbury 05/12/09 Sandown Park 25/11/09 Wetherby 04/12/09 Exeter 26/11/09 Taunton 29/11/09 Leicester 17/12/09 Exeter 26/11/09 Newbury 04/12/09 Sandown Park 01/12/09 Southwell 25/11/09 Chepstow 30/11/09 Folkestone 23/11/09 Kempton Park 02/12/09 Catterick Bridge 30/11/09 Folkestone 03/12/09 Wincanton
*second tier (40% of breeder’s prize)
Flat HBLB Breeders’ Prizes worth £800 or more Breeder Cheveley Park Stud Ltd S A Douch Worksop Manor Stud Miss Alison Wiggins Mr J R Best
2,100 2,000 2,000 2,000
Horse Spinning Plush Lucky Punt Black Dahlia Poyle Meg Mr Willis
Genesis Green Stud Ltd Richard Moses Bloodstock B C Allen
1,500 1,500 1,200
Tripitaka Aurorian Lesley’s Choice
Sulamani Fantastic Light Lucky Story
Felday Nazreef Troopingthecolour
Bahamian Bounty Monaiya Zafeen Roofer Nayef Hyperspectra
Rockwell Bloodstock M J Watson Meon Valley Stud
Prize (£) 2,800
Based on dates money was paid
900 800 800
Sire Pivotal Medicean Auction House Dansili Dansili Desert Sun
Dam Starring Glorious Sweet Coincidence South Rock Lost In Lucca Santiburi Girl Memo Aurelia Wathbat Mtoto
Date 27/11/09 04/12/09 05/12/09 25/11/09 09/12/09 25/11/09 01/12/09 02/12/09 04/12/09 08/12/09 25/11/09 05/12/09 24/11/09 27/11/09
Course Wolverhampton Wolverhampton Southwell Kempton Park Kempton Park Lingfield Park Lingfield Park Kempton Park Lingfield Park Southwell Kempton Park Southwell Southwell Lingfield Park
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BREEDER OF THE MONTH December 2009 Sponsored by Blue Chip Feed Ltd
Breeder of the Month
Olivia Bush
PHOTO: CAROLINE NORRIS
Words Alan Yuill Walker
The merit of Denman’s two Hennessy Gold Cup victories was endorsed in no uncertain fashion over the Christmas period. Dream Alliance, who had finished second in the 2007 Hennessy, won the Welsh National, and then Denman’s stable companion What A Friend, runner-up at Newbury in November, prevailed in the Lexus Chase. Both chasers are Britishbred, but as the Leopardstown race is a Grade 1 contest the adjudicating panel for the December Breeder of the Month award came down in favour of Olivia Bush, the breeder of What A Friend, who wins six sacks of Blue Chip Original feed balancer for broodmares and young stock, and some Blue Chip clothing. Ollie Bush is married to Cullompton trainer Grant Cann, formerly a proficient west country amateur whose rides for Ryan Price included no less a celebrity than What A Myth. From their Devon base, husband and wife enjoy producing young store horses assisted by her daughter, Amanda. It was really Bush’s involvement in racing between the flags that started the What A Friend ball rolling. She said: “When I was married to my first husband Nicky Bush and living near Badminton, I bought a filly foal for £580 from Gordon Giddings, who lived close by at Melksham, to run with another foal. “By Gordon’s own stallion, New Member, she was quite a handful and I remember her jumping out of her paddock and kicking my husband. Not surprisingly he was not keen to
What A Friend became a Grade 1 winner when taking the Lexus Chase
keep her when we divorced so I took her on and in due course Grant broke her in.” The filly was named Friendly Lady (which sounds a bit perverse in the circumstances) and she was destined to become the dam of What A Friend. Bush continued: “Just about all that Gordon told me concerning Friendly Lady was that her dam Friendly Glow had won a seller, but she was a good mover and a lovely ride. “I took her out for her first day’s hunting and she proved a very good point-to-pointer. “Various people including Robert Alner, Justin Farthing and my former husband won on her, and she finished up winning the John Corbet Cup at Stratford ridden by Polly Curling, beating Moorcroft Boy.” Bush envisaged What A Friend following in the footsteps of various siblings by competing in points, but was produced by Grant to make a successful debut in a bumper at Newton Abbot. “Beforehand, Paul Nicholls, who also had one in the race, came over to say that What A Friend was decidedly the pick of the paddock.” she recalled. Soon the four-year-old Alflora gelding was winging
his way from Cullompton to Ditcheat and doubtless he came attached with a price tag. Friendly Lady, who was put down in May 2006 aged 22,
had two subsequent progeny – both retained sons of Karinga Bay, they have now been broken in and ridden away. It is fascinating to reflect that Giddings originally obtained What A Friend’s grandam Friendly Glow in the late 1970s from Rosemary Vallance. Married to the Bishops Cannings trainer Ricky Vallance, she had procured Friendly Glow’s grandam Cinderwench for 56 guineas in 1937, after the latter had finished unplaced in a seller at Folkestone for her breeder, Jimmy de Rothschild.
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A Welsh Celebration the story of Dream Alliance
PHOTO: RACING ADVERTISER LTD
From slag heap to summit top:
Janet and Brian Vokes (centre) have now bred a Welsh National winner
It was a jingoistic day at Chepstow. There was a moving rendition of Land Of My Fathers; enthusiastic applause for a detachment of Welsh Guards; then a home win for Dream Alliance in the nation’s most prestigious race, the Welsh National. Dream Alliance is trained on the opposite side of the Bristol Channel by Philip Hobbs, but his win was rightly acclaimed as Welsh, as he was bred by his part-owners Janet Vokes and her husband Brian from Cefn Fforest, an ex-mining village near Blackwood, Gwent. Janet Vokes runs the local working men’s club, from whose ranks she recruited many of the 23 members of
the Alliance Partnership which owns Dream Alliance, each of whom pays £10 per week for the involvement. The horse was bred officially by the Rewbell Syndicate, which was named by Vokes after the horse’s dam, whom they acquired privately through a friend for just £350. The reason Vokes became involved in breeding horses could hardly be more unlikely, as she explained: “In the 80s I bred many prize-winning whippets and we qualified for Crufts every year, followed by pigeons – my very first, Will’s Dream, won the equivalent of the Pigeon Grand National. When a friend at the club suggested breeding a horse, I
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thought, why not give it a go? “We had an allotment of less than a quarter of an acre outside the village and this is where Dream Alliance was reared. It is situated on top of an old slag heap that used to belong to Britannia Colliery – this part of the Rhymney Valley was a large coal mining area. And we built two stables, a wooden structure with a corrugated iron roof.” Dream Alliance’s Chepstow victory is all the more remarkable as it was only his second appearance since returning from a serious tendon injury sustained in a hurdle race at Aintree’s 2008 Grand National meeting. Patched up by Liverpool
University’s veterinary department, it looked like the end of the road for the promising staying chaser, who had finished runner-up to Denman in the previous year’s Hennessy Gold Cup. If Dream Alliance’s origins were not exactly salubrious, neither is his distaff pedigree. However, his sire Bien Bien was a smart middle-distance performer in his native America, where he retired to stud initially. Dream Alliance belongs to his first crop of foals conceived at Kirtlington Stud, where Bien Bien died during the course of only his third covering season. By comparison, Dream Alliance’s dam Rewbell (by Andy Rew) was devoid of ability. never managing a place in bumpers, hurdles or points before changing hands as an eight-year-old for 800gns at the sales in February 1994. The Vokes bred three other foals out of Rewbell. Bouncing Bean (2004 filly by M’Bebe), Recurring Dream (2006 filly by Beat All) and a colt by Beat All who is two. Rewbell died foaling him (the day before Dream Alliance’s accident at Aintree), so he was hand reared. The only winner among Rewbell’s first four dams is her grandam Boonah (1969 George Duller Hurdle).
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VETS FORUM: THE EXPERT VIEW Dynamic over-ground endoscopy
The over-ground endoscope technique in action on Mark Johnston’s gallops
Helping to treat wind problems Trainers and jockeys often talk about horses with breathing difficulties; dynamic over-ground endoscopy enables vets to tackle the issue head on Words James Tate BVMS MRCVS ynamic over-ground endoscopy is revolutionising equine respiratory veterinary medicine by enabling us to visualise what the horse’s larynx is actually doing when at full gallop. This allows us not only to find out if a horse has a significant wind problem, but also the exact nature of the problem, so that it can be treated appropriately.
D
The cause of wind problems
Oxygen is the essential fuel for the muscular propulsion of the equine athlete. The horse has a massive, powerful cardio-
respiratory system, but unfortunately air is inhaled and exhaled through a small larynx and a rather narrow complex nasal system, especially considering that the horse is an obligate nasal breather and therefore does not receive any air through its mouth. It is for this reason that any abnormality in the upper respiratory tract causes a reduction in the amount of oxygen it receives. The result is that horses with wind problems tend to have reduced stamina through an inability to sustain oxygendriven muscle function. The associated respiratory noises
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are caused by increased turbulence within the respiratory tract, usually originating in the pharynx or larynx. Diagnosis of wind problems
In the past, when faced with a horse who makes an abnormal respiratory noise, our diagnostic tools have been limited to a resting endoscopic examination and listening to the noise. Endoscopy of a horse at rest is a useful diagnostic aid but it has its limitations, as in many cases it provides little in the way of information as to why the horse is making the noise.
For this reason, equine veterinary medicine has looked to more advanced technology for assistance. Endoscopy has been performed on high-speed treadmills for the past two decades. However, numerous criticisms, including the uneasy thought of allowing a horse to gallop on an artificial rotating rubber mat, reports of injuries, lack of availability and the fact that it is not an equivocal test to a race, have led veterinary surgeons to search for an alternative way in which to diagnose wind problems. Now they appear to have found one – the dynamic over-ground endoscope.
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Dynamic over-ground endoscopy
The traditional flexible endoscope is made up of fibre optics, which are essentially a system of multiple mirrors. However, the over-ground endoscope is actually a camera, which is inserted up the horse’s nostril and stabilised by attachments on the bridle. This, along with a pack on the rider’s back, transmits a signal to a monitor, which can be viewed as the horse works. Hence, it is possible to watch the horse working and visualise exactly what the larynx is doing when a horse is put under pressure and an abnormal noise is heard. Every small detail has been considered in its conception, right down to automatic water flushes to clean the camera every few seconds, with a further option to flush at the push of a button should the view be less than perfect.
Just in case the findings are not straightforward, the video is also recorded and so can be analysed, assessed in great detail and sent to as many specialist surgeons for opinions as required. In addition, if the rider is equipped with a GPS wristwatch, the exact location and speed of the horse can be correlated to any endoscopic abnormality seen. The dynamic over-ground endoscope first came to the UK in 2008 and we are now in a position to review our early findings. Before the introduction of the dynamic over-ground endoscope, veterinary surgeons had wind problems neatly grouped under four main headings – left laryngeal hemiplegia, dorsal displacement of the soft palate, epiglottic entrapment and dynamic pharyngeal collapse. We have already learnt so much more...
Left laryngeal hemiplegia
Left laryngeal hemiplegia (paralysis of the left side of the larynx) has long been considered to be the most common cause of an abnormal inspiratory sound. It is caused by degeneration of the nerve that supplies the left side of the larynx, so that it ‘hangs’ into midline causing an inspiratory ‘whistling’ or ‘roaring’ sound during exercise and thus obstructing airflow to the lungs. This undesirable condition is usually treated by one of two surgeries – a ‘hobday’ for mild cases or a ‘tie-back’ for more severe cases.
who are actually normal at peak exercise. Therefore, in the past, the paralysis of many larynges has been misjudged. Some horses have been operated on unnecessarily whilst others have been treated as though they have only mild paralysis when, in fact, their larynx is severely paralysed at peak exercise. Also, horses have been purchased at the sales on the basis of a resting endoscopic examination grade that we now know to be unreliable. As it is possible to perform dynamic endoscopy with the pack strapped to the horse’s back, this could be a much more accurate way of wind testing at sales.
On the left is an endoscopic photograph of a normal horse’s larynx at rest. On the right is an endoscopic photograph of a horse at rest showing obvious left laryngeal hemiplegia. Note the left side of the horse’s larynx (right as we view it) is hanging into midline and so it will obstruct airflow when the horse is at exercise
Grading of left laryngeal paralysis for surgical decision making and vetting
Horses do not mind the new technology and it can be fitted with their regular tack
The severity of left laryngeal paralysis has traditionally been graded by the amount of movement that the left side is capable of when viewed using resting endoscopy. This grading scale has become important for two purposes – deciding which operation a horse should receive and vetting at the sales. However, dynamic endoscopy has revealed that many horses can appear ‘normal’ at rest but have a severely paralysed larynx at peak exercise, as well as highlighting a significant percentage of horses who appear paralysed at rest but
Axial collapse of the aryepiglottic folds
Dynamic endoscopy has revealed that there is another relatively common abnormality that we were not previously familiar with, which causes an obvious inspiratory noise similar to that heard when a horse has left-sided laryngeal paralysis. Axial collapse of the aryepiglottic folds is a condition in which two thin mucosal folds merge into the airway, causing an obvious inspiratory ‘whistle’. However, whereas left laryngeal paralysis is a major problem for a racehorse, axial collapse of the aryepiglottic folds does not seem to cause a major performance problem.
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Dorsal displacement of the soft palate
Perhaps the most common cause of an expiratory ‘gurgling’ sound is dorsal displacement of the soft palate. During normal breathing, the soft palate sits in front of the larynx just below the epiglottis allowing maximal airflow through the larynx. However, in this condition the soft palate rises up during exercise, thus blocking airflow and often causing an expiratory gurgling or choking sound. Dorsal displacement of the soft palate cannot be diagnosed by resting endoscopy, but has long been believed to be very common and dynamic endoscopy has confirmed this. However, when it occurs in young horses we have now found that it is often related to inflammation and juvenile lymphoid hyperplasia, and thus can improve with anti-inflammatory treatment and time.
us to examine the effect of tack on wind problems by simply sending a horse to work with and without a specific piece of equipment. Often the effect is minimal but the author has seen a few horses whose problem seems to be significantly improved by the application of a cross-noseband. If treatment for juvenile inflammation and the application of various pieces of tack do not cure a soft palate problem, then one of two surgeries are commonly attempted – thermo-cautery of the soft palate or the ‘tieforward’ operation. There is a piece of tack that acts in a similar way to the tieforward operation called the ‘Cornell Collar’. Whilst this piece of equipment is banned by most racing authorities, it is a good indicator as to the potential usefulness of a tieforward operation. If dynamic endoscopy shows that the Cornell Collar significantly helps a specific horse, then it becomes an excellent candidate for a tie-forward operation. Epiglottic entrapment
The epiglottis is the tonguelike structure that should sit in front of the larynx. However, the epiglottis can become
Potential disadvantages of dynamic over-ground endoscopy
The cause of epiglottic entrapment is not completely understood and diagnosis in the past has been a case of waiting until the horse has been entrapping for long enough for ulceration to appear on the tip of the epiglottis. Dynamic endoscopy should have made diagnosis of this condition much easier and many suspected that it was more common than we thought but, interestingly, so far this does not seem to be the case. Dynamic pharyngeal/ laryngeal collapse and multiple wind problems
When a horse develops multiple wind problems the result is often dynamic pharyngeal or laryngeal collapse. Dynamic endoscopy has highlighted the severity of some of these cases and with current surgical techniques treatment is rarely an option. Now that the equine larynx can be examined dynamically before and after surgery to see exactly what has gone right or wrong, it will be fascinating to see how equine wind surgery techniques improve.
Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (black arrow). Dynamic endoscopy has confirmed that this is a very common condition but in a young horse it can often be related to inflammation and juvenile lymphoid pharyngitis (white arrow)
Many trainers have their favourite piece of equipment for horses with wind problems, particularly dorsal displacement of the soft palate, for example, a cross-noseband, a tongue-tie, a spoon-bit or an Australian noseband. Dynamic overground endoscopy has enabled
enveloped by a mucosal fold and so it becomes trapped in front of the larynx causing a partial obstruction. This entrapment usually results in a gurgling or choking sound that may be inspiratory or expiratory, and often surgery is necessary to correct this.
74 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
Dynamic laryngeal collapse
New technology, such as the over-ground endoscope, is incredibly exciting. However, the reader must remember that not every piece of new equipment stands the test of time and hence we must consider the potential pitfalls. First, whilst it is exciting that the wind operations which our horses receive are more likely to be the right ones, it is also possible we may start to ‘overdiagnose’ problems. Horses who are racing well but making audible respiratory noises may end up receiving surgery that could do more harm than good. Second, although overground endoscopy will represent an equivalent test to a morning gallop, unless trainers are going to run ‘trial races’, especially for the diagnosis of a particular horse, it could be argued this is still not an equivalent test to a race. Conclusion
Equine wind problems have been frustrating horsemen for hundreds of years because they have often been diagnosed inaccurately and therefore treated inappropriately. Perhaps the single most important finding of all dynamic respiratory endoscopy, both on highspeed treadmills and the overground scope, is that resting endoscopy is unreliable in the diagnosis of wind problems. It should not be used in isolation for surgical decision-making or for the assessment of horses at time of sale – yet this is exactly what has been happening. The use of dynamic overground endoscopy is becoming more widespread. Trainers are becoming reluctant to send a horse for a wind operation unless its problem has been proven by dynamic over-ground endoscopy, which leaves us to wonder how long until its use is extended to the major sales.
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CAULFIELD FILES Andrew Caulfield reports on the bloodstock world
Selkirk is still one of the best Aga Khan likely to be among the breeders queuing up to use the last direct link to Sharpen Up examples include Favourable Terms, winner of the Nassau Stakes at four; Squeak, who won ten-furlong Grade 1s in the US aged four; Field Of Hope, winner of the Prix d’Astarte and Prix de la Foret in a four-year-old term which also featured a second in the Hong Kong Mile; and Red Bloom, who won Group races at the ages of four and five, having gained her best win in the Fillies’ Mile at two. If you own a smart three-year-old daughter of Selkirk, serious consideration should be given to keeping her in training. Perfect match
Back on the scene: eight of Selkirk’s 12 Group 1 winners are fillies
One valuable commodity which is always in too-short supply is the proven stallion. It was thus great news that Selkirk will be returning to duty at the age of 22 in 2010, having been sidelined by a reluctant maiden mare. With two test mares in foal, time seems to have rectified the problem and there will be no shortage of breeders willing to support the last direct link to the influential Sharpen Up. The Aga Khan will surely be among them, now that the Lanwades stallion has supplied him with a second Group 1winning filly in Hong Kong Vase heroine Daryakana. The Aga’s previous Group 1 winner by Selkirk was Kastoria, beaten a nose in the 2006 Vase. She hadn’t raced at two or three but made up for lost time by winning the Irish St Leger as a five-year-old. Daryakana didn’t need as much time as Kastoria but is
still a late developer. She didn’t see run until July 9 as a threeyear-old, winning a race for newcomers at Clairefontaine. The form was ordinary but Daryakana has proved most progressive. She is unbeaten after five starts and a striking aspect of her wins is that they have been gained with a powerful finishing surge.
One of Selkirk’s attractions has always been his size – he is a tall horse who was elegant and narrow when young. He is therefore an ideal match for the numerous medium-sized, broad-chested, muscular mares typical of the Northern Dancer line. This type of cross gained momentum when Selkirk’s first few crops produced such as the 1,000 Guineas winner Wince (Lyphard mare), the Group 2 winner Kirkwall (Northern Dancer mare) and the Group-winning miler Orford Ness (Topsider mare). Since then we’ve seen the Group 1 winner Leadership (El Gran Senor mare), plus
daughters as she won the Prix de Diane and Prix Vermeille. Famous family
Daryaba comes from one of the celebrated Boussac families, her female line tracing to the famous Pretty Lady, and she too is making her mark as a broodmare, Daryakana being her third black-type performer from her first five foals. Daryaba is one of the mares the Aga Khan has switched to Kentucky. For a while he pretty much severed links with America and there were just a handful of maiden mares based there in 2006. But the US-based band had grown to at least a dozen in 2008 and among them were such standouts as Daryaba, Kastoria and Mandesha. The Aga has always been keen to use as wide a range of stallions as possible, to boost his studs’ gene pool, and the influx of the Lagardere mares probably demanded a change of policy. The Aga still holds Selkirk in high esteem and his 2010 twoyear-olds by him include a colt out of Rosawa (whose first foal is Prix Marcel Boussac winner Rosanara), a colt out of French 1,000 Guineas winner Zalaiyka and a filly out of the Group 1-winning Shamdala.
“It is no surprise daughters of Night Shift suit Selkirk; Daryakana is a recent advert” Another notable aspect of her success is she is the 12th Group 1 winner by Selkirk and no fewer than eight of them are fillies. Several, such as Prix Royal-Oak runner-up Sulk, have stayed much better than could have been predicted given Selkirk was a miler and the son of speedy parents. Several of these Group 1winning fillies have also thrived after the age of three. Prime
76 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
Group 2 winners out of daughters of Tate Gallery and Night Shift (the Champagne Stakes winner Etlaala). Night Shift was a typical son of Northern Dancer, in being strong and rather small. It is no surprise his daughters suit Selkirk, Daryakana being the latest advertisement. She isn’t out of any old Night Shift mare. Her dam Daryaba was one of the best of Night Shift’s
Daryakana comes with a late rattle in the Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin
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CAULFIELD FILES
1994 King George winner King’s Theatre is one of the most successful jumping-sire sons of Sadler’s Wells
Sadler’s Wells continues to exert jumps influence King’s Theatre, Dr Massini, Oscar and Kayf Tara kept their sire’s name in lights during December with a host of winners in Britain and Ireland THE National Hunt stakes races in December acted as yet another reminder of the importance of Sadler’s Wells’s sons in the jumping sector. Dr Massini – now based at Dunraven Stud in South Wales – looks to have an excellent prospect in Tell Massini, who won his second consecutive Grade 2 novices’ hurdle at Cheltenham. The prolific Oscar went one better when Oscar Dan Dan won the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, while Kayf Tara was in form with such as The Package, Give It Time and Like Minded. However, the most successful son during that period was the admirable King’s Theatre. The 1994 King George winner was represented by Riverside Theatre, who won the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase in a style which suggests he is going to be even better over fences than over hurdles; Voler La Vedette, who improved her record to
seven wins from nine starts in the EBF Mares Hurdle; and Royal Choice, who made a winning debut over fences in the Lombardston Mares’ Novice Chase. For good measure the Ballylinch Stud stallion also figured as the broodmare sire of Shinrock Paddy, who took a Grade 1 novices’ hurdle by 15 lengths to improve his career figures to five wins from six starts (including a point-topoint). Success on this scale is reflected in King’s Theatre’s fee of €9,000, which puts him not far behind Flemensfirth, who ranks as Coolmore’s highest-priced jumping stallion at €10,000. Golden Tornado, a less wellknown son of Sadler’s Wells, also got into the act when his son Dancing Tornado landed the Grade 2 Guinness Greenmount Park Novice Chase at Limerick. The Gurteen Stud resident is also responsible for the useful Irish
hurdler Berties Dream. Golden Tornado never made it to the races but his brother Pittsburgh Phil won the Grade 2 Denny Juvenile Hurdle in 2000. Another brother, Astor Place, was Group 2-placed on the Flat but Golden Tornado owed his place at stud more to the exploits of two of his threeparts-brothers by Compliance (like Sadler’s Wells, a son of Northern Dancer). These were the Americanraced Fourstardave, who raced
99 times and was still winning Graded stakes at the age of eight, and his similarly tough younger brother Fourstars Allstar. This remarkable colt travelled from America to win the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 1991 but his somewhat unfashionable pedigree – and preference for turf – limited his appeal to stallion owners in the States. Consequently Fourstars Allstar continued to race until he was seven, gaining further Graded stakes successes at the ages of four, five and seven. He arrived in Ireland in 1996. The toughness which allowed Fourstars Allstar to race 58 times, coupled with the speed he showed in winning a Classic over a mile, suggested he had a lot to offer Ireland’s National Hunt mares. He duly covered more than 1,000 thoroughbred mares in his first seven seasons in Ireland, peaking at 233 mares in 2001. This peak was prompted by the smart form shown by Fourstars Allstar’s son Jardines Lookout as a stayer on the Flat in 2000. Inevitably, given the number of mares he covered, Fourstars Allstar sired some successful jumpers, such as Aces Four, All In The Stars, A New Story, Davenport Democrat, Chomba Womba, Dromlease Express and Rupununi, but he never managed to get the necessary ‘big horse’. One can only wonder whether Golden Tornado might have made better use of the opportunities afforded to his illustrious relative.
Riverside Theatre was just one recent good winner for King’s Theatre
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DATA BOOK Listings of every single worldwide stakes winner
Global Stakes Results Argentina Date Grade 05/12 G1 12/12 G1 12/12 G1 12/12 G1 10/12 G2 20/12 G2 25/12 G2 29/12 G2 19/12 G3 26/12 G3 G3 26/12
Race G.P. Copa de Plata Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini-Int. Gran Premio Felix de Alzaga Unzue Int. GP.Joaquin Anchorena-Int.Aeropuertos Arg C. Los Criadores-Copa Dr N. R.Tartaglia Clasico Uberto F Vignart Clasico Tomas Lyon Clasico Clausura Clasico Republica Oriental del Uruguay Clasico Ayacucho Clasico Ayacucho
Oaks winner Kalath Wells made all and held off the leading older filly, and favourite, Ollagua (Pure Prize) by half a length. Edwin Talaverano, who rode the winner, ended the season in sensational style with a Group 1 treble on Interaction, Lloron Cat and Maruco Plus. Australia 05/12 19/12 19/12 05/12 05/12 05/12 12/12 26/12 26/12
G1 G2 G2 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3
G1 G2 G2 G2 G2
Grand Premio do Parana Grande Premio Oswaldo Aranha C. Pres.Jose Bonifacio Coutinho Nogueira G. P. Almirante Marques de Tamandare Grande Premio Consagracao
Raiders from Sao Paulo dominated the big day of the year at Taruma racecourse in Curitiba. Mr Nedawi, who started favourite, led two Chile 04/12 05/12 21/11 05/12 07/12 20/11 09/12 19/12
G1 G1 G2 G2 G2 G3 G3 G3
Premio Las Oaks Premio St Leger-Cristal Premio Haras de Chile Premio Seleccion de Velocistas Premio Velocidad Premio La Copa - Shadwell Premio Alfredo L Jackson Handicap P. General Jose Miguel Carrera Verdugo
Casablanca Smile, beaten three and a half lengths when runner-up to her stable companion Belle Watling in El Ensayo (Santiago Derby), got up close home to beat Pampa Oceanica Hong Kong 13/12 G1 13/12 G1 13/12 G1 G1 13/12
Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup
Vision d’Etat was lame 24 hours before the Hong Kong Cup but recovered in time to beat the former William Haggas-trained local favourite Collection by three-quarters of a length, with the British raider Presvis well beaten in third. The result meant that trainer Eric Libaud, who will now aim Vision d’Etat at the Dubai World Japan 06/12
G1
Japan Cup Dirt
Horse Kalath Wells (ARG) Interaction (ARG) Lloron Cat (ARG) Maruco Plus (ARG) La Charmante (ARG) Acronimo (ARG) Que Felicidad (ARG) Banganyko (ARG) Saetta (ARG) Che Bailarin (ARG) Dancer's Pride (ARG)
GP Jockey Club victor Interaction proved himself the best on turf with a three-length defeat of 2008 Carlos Pellegrini winner Life Of Victory. Jeune-Turc from Brazil and Bradock from Peru stayed on to fill the minor placings but the Chilean-owned Interaction put his stamp on the race
Kingston Town Classic Landscape Development C B Cox Stakes Inglis Villiers Stakes Rhino Wrap George Moore Summer Stakes Sir Ernest Lee Steere Classic Queen's Cup A J Scahill Stakes Hotel Grand Vo Rogue Plate Summer Cup
Sniper’s Bullet landed his second Perth Group 1 success inside a fortnight and finally proved, at the age Brazil 06/12 29/11 05/12 13/12 19/12
Dist 10.0f 12.0f 5.0f 8.0f 10.0f 6.0f 5.0f 10.0f 8.0f 12.5f 12.5f
9.0f 10.5f 8.0f 6.0f 7.0f 12.0f 7.0f 6.5f 12.0f
Sniper's Bullet (AUS) Lords Ransom (AUS) Palacio De Cristal (AUS) Burdekin Blues (AUS) Dino Mak (AUS) Gondorff (NZ) Proart (AUS) Graceful Anna (AUS) Solid Billing (AUS)
of six, that he stays beyond a mile when taking the Kingston Town Classic by a length and three-
12.0f 12.0f 12.0f 12.0f 14.0f
Mr Nedawi (BRZ) Simply The Best (BRZ) Ladyttore (BRZ) Time For Fun (BRZ) Audacious (BRZ)
furlongs out and battled on to complete a hat-trick. He had won a Group 3 on dirt and a Group 2 on turf in his previous runs, and was back on
10.0f 11.0f 10.0f 5.0f 5.0f 12.0f 9.5f 9.0f
Casablanca Smile (CHI) Cuan Linda (CHI) Trocatas (CHI) Il Pinturicchio (CHI) Blue Shell (CHI) Adios Al Hombre (CHI) Talien (CHI) Rock Star Show (USA)
by half a length. Trainer Patricio Baeza saddled the first four in a field of 14. Ocean Terrace, a son of Saint Ballado who won the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate 12.0f 8.0f 6.0f 10.0f
Daryakana (FR) Good Ba Ba (USA) Sacred Kingdom (AUS) Vision d'Etat (FR)
Cup, has saddled two winners and a third from just three runners at Hong Kong’s biggest meeting. As usual, visiting horses dominated in the Vase, Alain de Royer-Dupre’s Daryakana catching the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Spanish Moon on the line, with another French hope, former crack staying hurdler Kasbah Bliss, 9.0f
Espoir City (JPN)
Age F C C H F C M H F C C
Sex 3 3 4 5 3 4 5 5 4 4 4
Sire Poliglote (GB) Easing Along (USA) Easing Along (USA) Alpha Plus (USA) Indygo Shiner (USA) Southern Halo (USA) Bernstein (USA) Incurable Optimist (USA) Mutakddim (USA) Luhuk (USA) Hidden Prize (USA)
Dam Kalath (ARG) Inter Rails (ARG) Lagrimas De Oro (ARG) Villa Hipica (ARG) La Magie (ARG) Alphabetic (ARG) Queen Tango (ARG) Tanganyika (ARG) Stellify (ARG) Romagnola (ARG) Dancette (ARG)
the moment he hit the front 150 yards out. Easing Along (Storm Cat) was leading first season sire in 2006-07 and has continued to produce smart performers, though more usually speedy ones like Lloron Cat. Claiborne Farm bought a half share in G G F G G G H F G
6 6 4 5 3 6 5 3 5
Bite The Bullet (USA) Jeune (GB) Encosta de Lago (AUS) Sequalo (AUS) Fastnet Rock (AUS) Montjeu (IRE) Rock of Gibraltar (IRE) Canny Lad (AUS) Rock of Gibraltar (IRE)
H F F H H
5 3 3 5 5
Nedawi (GB) Know Heights (IRE) Redattore (BRZ) Yagli (USA) Know Heights (IRE)
3 3 3 4 4 5 3 5
Ocean Terrace (USA) Dynamix (USA) Tumblebrutus (USA) Edgy Diplomat (USA) Muqtarib (USA) Mon Pote Le Gitan (USA) Tumblebrutus (USA) Lear Fan (USA)
Cryptic Crucial (USA) Femme Fatale (BRZ) Binoche (BRZ) Tarradine (BRZ) Always You (BRZ)
3 7 6 4
Selkirk (USA) Lear Fan (USA) Encosta de Lago (AUS) Chichicastenango (FR)
C
4
Gold Allure (JPN)
Sadlers Congress Crowning Tribute (USA) Memo (CHI) Charlie Barley (USA) Espacial (ARG) Nureyev Dancer (USA) Hussonet (USA) Nureyev (USA)
Her sire (by A P Indy) is a half-brother to Hussonet, who was a big success in Chile before his export to Australia. The long-priced second Valor Futuro is another by Ocean Terrace.
Daryaba (IRE) Elle Meme (USA) Courtroom Sweetie (AUS) Uberaba (FR)
just a neck back in third. A strong overseas raiding party was comprehensively repelled in the Sprint, although the sixth place of the Prix de l'Abbaye winner Total Gallery was a commendable effort for a three-year-old. Victory went to a backto-form Sacred Kingdom, who had landed the HK$12 million contest
Cryptoclearance (USA) Clackson (BRZ) Kenetico (BRZ) New Colony (USA) Ghadeer (FR)
has proved a steady source of winners and the son of Rainbow Quest is currently third on the sires’ list at Cidade Jardim, Sao Paulo.
Periza (CHI) Cuanta Bondad (CHI) Memita (CHI) Lady Danzig (CHI) Jasa (ARG) No Me Pillan (CHI) Welsh (CHI) Arsaan (USA)
in 2003, is also sire of the second. Cuan Linda, one of three fillies in a field of 15, came right away in the final furlong to win the Leger by five and a half lengths at odds of 24-1. F G G C
Yallah Prince (AUS) Palace Music (USA) Palace Music (USA) Blue Run (AUS) Volksraad (GB) Marscay (AUS) Nomrood (USA) Grand Lodge (USA) Star Way
and then has the Dubai Duty Free at Meydan in mind exactly one month later.
the dirt here. It was his sixth win of 2009 and his eighth overall. Godolphin’s 1998 St Leger winner Nedawi, sire of Mr Nedawi (suprise!),
F F F C C H C H
2007 but Easing Along has not shuttled this year. Incidentally, Talaverano’s invincible spell came to a grinding halt when Kalath Wells was beaten into third behind Foggy Stripes (Equal Stripes) in the Group 3 Clasico Apertura on January 2.
Yallah Terrace (AUS) Palace Alice (AUS) Crystal Palace (NZ) Winsome Blue (AUS) Hooker (NZ) My Funny Face (AUS) Beaux Art (AUS) Lamellar (AUS) Star Affair (NZ)
quarters. Trainer Tracey Bartley will take him back to the east coast for the Futurity Stakes on February 27
Broodmare Sire Kaljerry (ARG) Ride The Rails (USA) Contested Bid (USA) Ride The Rails (USA) Luhuk (USA) Salt Marsh (USA) Lode (USA) Interprete (ARG) Southern Halo (USA) Slewsville (USA) Bold Forli (USA)
Night Shift (USA) Zilzal (USA) Zeditave (AUS) Garde Royale
two years earlier. The star performance of the day came in the Mile as Good Ba Ba, who had been removed from the yard of Andreas Schutz during the offseason and sent to Derek Cruz, came with his trademark late burst to score by half a length from fellow Hong Konger Happy Zero.
Eminent City (JPN)
Brian's Time (USA)
THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 79
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DATA BOOK Listings of every single worldwide stakes winner
Global Stakes Results >>
Date 27/12 05/12 20/12 21/11 28/11 05/12 12/12 13/12 19/12
Grade G1 G2 G2 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3
Race Arima Kinen Sports Nippon Sho Stayer's Stakes Hanshin Cup Fukushima Kinen Keihan Hai Naruo Kinen Chunichi Shimbun Hai The Capella Stakes Aichi Hai
The season-ending Arima Kinen attracted a below-par field, with none of the first four home in the Japan Cup lining up and the Derby winner also absent. Interest centred upon dual Classic heroine Buena Vista and New Zealand 05/12 G1 26/12 G1 02/12 G2 02/12 G2 05/12 G2 12/12 G2 12/12 G2 26/12 G2 26/12 G2 12/12 G3 19/12 G3 G3 19/12
Dixon & Dunlop Captain Cook Stakes Zabeel Classic Weat Brook Winery Avondale Gold Cup Aussie Butcher Concorde Handicap H S Dyke Avondale Guineas Cal Isuzu Lady Norrie Stakes Waikato Times Gold Cup Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic New Zealand Herald Great Northern Gns. Ezibuy Eulogy Stakes L J Hooker Manawatu Cup Manawatu Higgins Challenge Stakes
Vosne Romanee was sent off at 54-1 when landing the Group 1 Kelt Capital Stakes in October. Yet, less than three months later, he was again an unconsidered 25-1 chance when Peru 20/12 27/11 19/12
G2 G3 G3
South Africa 28/11 G1 05/12 G1 19/12 G1 21/11 G2 28/11 G2 28/11 G2 29/11 G2 05/12 G2 05/12 G2 13/12 G2 19/12 G2 28/11 G3 28/11 G3 05/12 G3 26/12 G3 26/12 G3 27/12 G3 G3 27/12
Horse Dream Journey (JPN) Forgettable (JPN) Kinshasa No Kiseki (AUS) Sunny Sunday (JPN) Premium Box (JPN) Axion (JPN) Earnestly (JPN) Million Disk (JPN) Little Amapola (JPN)
her attempt to become the first threeyear-old filly winner in half a century. She lost out by half a length to the second favourite Dream Journey, who loves going right-handed and was following up his Takarazuka 8.0f 10.0f 11.0f 6.0f 8.0f 8.0f 12.0f 8.0f 10.5f 8.0f 11.5f 7.0f
Ekstreme (NZ) Vosne Romanee (NZ) Ginga Dude (NZ) Irish Colleen (NZ) Joey Massino (NZ) Ekstreme (NZ) Passchendaele (NZ) Katie Lee (AUS) Zarzuela (NZ) Veronica Franco (NZ) High Octane (NZ) O'Cartier (NZ)
taking the Zabeel Classic by a comfortable two and a quarter lengths. He loved the firm ground and trainer Jeff Lynds has October’s Cox Plate in Melbourne as a target.
Age H C H C H H C H F
Sex 5 3 6 3 6 6 4 5 4
Sire Stay Gold (JPN) Dance In The Dark (JPN) Fuji Kiseki (JPN) Marvelous Sunday (JPN) Admire Vega (JPN) Sunday Silence (USA) Grass Wonder (USA) Afleet (CAN) Agnes Tachyon (JPN)
Dam Oriental Art (JPN) Air Groove (JPN) Keltshaan (USA) Sunny Classic (JPN) Chatterbox (JPN) Greatest Hits (USA) Lettre d'Amour (JPN) Happy Request (JPN) Little Harmony (JPN)
Kinen victory in June. A late leg fracture to Summer Bird meant that the Japan Cup Dirt was devoid of a top class foreign contender and left the favourite, Espoir City, to post a front-running F G G M C F F F F F G G
4 7 6 5 3 4 4 3 3 3 7 6
Ekraar (USA) Electronic Zone (USA) Istidaad (USA) Shinko King (IRE) O'Reilly (NZ) Ekraar (USA) Montjeu (IRE) Pins (AUS) Zabeel (NZ) Johar (USA) Towkay (AUS) My Halo (ARG)
three-and-a-half length success – his third in a row at Grade 1 level. He will contest the February Stakes on February 21 before connections decide about a possible Dubai World Cup challenge.
Cashcade (NZ) Madison Avenue (NZ) Clatitude (NZ) Fayette (NZ) Rationable (NZ) Cashcade (NZ) Classic Babe (NZ) Miss Jessie Jay (NZ) Star Satire (NZ) Crystal Hailey (USA) Trendy And True (AUS) Carinda (NZ)
Another Cox Plate contender may be Ekstreme. She had Vosne Romanee back in 11th when prevailing in a blanket finish to the Captain Cook Stakes on soft ground
Broodmare Sire Mejiro McQueen (JPN) Tony Bin Pleasant Colony (USA) Tony Bin Targowice (USA) Dixieland Band (USA) Tony Bin Tony Bin Commander In Chief (GB)
Anziyan (USA) Morcon Clay Hero (AUS) Grosvenor (NZ) Housebuster (USA) Anziyan (USA) Classic Fame (USA) Spectacularphantom (USA) Volksraad (GB) Greinton Prince True (USA) The Jogger (USA)
at Trentham, made the long journey to Te Rapa to lift the Group 2 Lady Norrie Stakes a week later, and may have been paying for that when last but one in the Zabeel Classic.
Clasico Hipodromo de Monterrico Clasico Cesar A del Rio Suito Clasico Jose Rodriguez Razzeto
12.0f 10.0f 8.5f
Al Kadir (USA) La Consulta (PER) Thundering Emilia (USA)
H F F
5 4 3
Aljabr (USA) Privately Held (USA) Thunder Gulch (USA)
Goodas I Look (USA) La Querella (PER) Saint Emilia (PER)
Strodes Creek (USA) Apprentice (USA) Saint Ballado (CAN)
Sansui Summer Cup Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies' Guineas Bloodstock South Africa Cape Guineas Ocean Basket Green Point Stakes Defy Merchants Stakes Vodacom Dingaans Selangor Cup Tony Taberer Southern Cross Stakes Ipi Tombe Challenge Midmar Premier's Trophy WPOTA Diadem Stakes Tarsus Racing Association Handicap Gommagomma Fillies Mile Magnolia Handicap Christmas Handicap Cape Summer Stayers Handicap Lebelo Handicap London News Stakes
10.0f 8.0f 8.0f 8.0f 5.5f 8.0f 8.0f 5.0f 8.0f 9.0f 6.0f 16.0f 8.0f 5.5f 8.0f 12.5f 5.0f 9.0f
Aslan (SAF) Field Flower (SAF) Noordhoek Flyer (SAF) Fabiani (SAF) Arabian Mist (SAF) Curved Ball (AUS) Past Master (SAF) Dance With Al (SAF) Mother Russia (SAF) Red Rake (SAF) Thunder Key (SAF) Santa (SAF) Sidera (AUS) Purple Lake (SAF) Dance At Daylight (SAF) Mokaro (SAF) Cyber Case (SAF) Oracy (NZ)
G F C G G C C F F H G G F F G G H C
4 3 3 4 5 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 3 4 5 6 5 4
Silvano (GER) Silvano (GER) Pivotal (GB) Model Man (SAF) Muhtafal (USA) Fastnet Rock (AUS) Jet Master (SAF) Captain Al (SAF) Windrush (USA) Rakeen (USA) Muhtafal (USA) National Emblem (SAF) Galileo (IRE) Lake Coniston (IRE) Rambo Dancer (CAN) Manaloj (USA) Casey Tibbs (IRE) Zabeel (NZ)
Cry For The Lion (SAF) Field Princess (SAF) Serra Negra (GB) Lady Maroof (NZ) Valley Mist (SAF) Curvaceous (AUS) Early Thaw (SAF) Dancing Miss (SAF) Russian Muse (SAF) Saudies (ARG) Special Key (SAF) Say I Do (SAF) Freja (AUS) Purple Dragon (SAF) Norse Woman (SAF) Matumi (SAF) Laptop Lady (SAF) Lady Dehere (NZ)
Elliodor (FR) Northfields (USA) Kris Maroof (USA) Mount Hagen (FR) Zabeel (NZ) Western Winter (USA) Dancing Champ (USA) Russian Fox (USA) Saint Sever (FR) Brother Philips Rocky Marriage (USA) Danehill (USA) Northern Guest (USA) Northern Guest (USA) Fort Wood (USA) Al Mufti (USA) Dehere (USA)
Silvano, the Lomitas horse who won the 2001 Arlington Million, extended his lead in the South African sires’ championship with Grade 1 victories from Aslan and Field Flower. Trained by Sean Tarry, Aslan answered every request of Felix Coetzee to grind out a narrow victory United States 19/12 G1 20/12 G1 26/12 G1 26/12 G1 05/12 G2 26/12 G2 27/12 G2 04/12 G3 04/12 G3 06/12 G3 12/12 G3 12/12 G3 26/12 G3 26/12 G3 G3 26/12
Dist 12.5f 18.0f 7.0f 10.0f 6.0f 9.0f 10.0f 6.0f 10.0f
Cashcall Hollywood Futurity Hollywood Starlet Stakes La Brea Stakes Malibu Stakes Bayakoa Handicap W L McKnight Handicap San Gabriel Handicap Boyd Gaming's Delta Princess Stakes Boyd Gaming's Delta Jackpot Stakes Vernon O Underwood Stakes Native Diver Handicap Queens County Handicap Kenny Noe Jr. Handicap Stage Door Betty Handicap Sir Beaufort Stakes
in a four-way photo with Magical, Meet At Malamala and Captain Scott in the Summer Cup. Field Flower sprang a 50-1 shock when beating another longshot, Tick Tock, by threequarters of a length to continue the great season of trainer Stephen Page in the Cape Fillies Guineas.
8.5f 8.5f 7.0f 7.0f 8.5f 12.0f 9.0f 8.0f 8.5f 6.0f 9.0f 9.5f 7.0f 8.5f 8.0f
Lookin At Lucky (USA) Blind Luck (USA) Evita Argentina (USA) M One Rifle (USA) Zardana (BRZ) Cloudy's Knight (USA) Proudinsky (GER) Quiet Temper (USA) Rule (USA) Kinsale King (USA) Mast Track (USA) Rodman (USA) Motovato (USA) Sweet Repent (USA) The Usual Q T (USA)
80 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
The colts’ equivalent went for the fourth time in the last six years to trainer Dean Kannemeyer, this time courtesy of Noordhoek Flyer. He is the only horse in South Africa to sport the colours of Lady Christine Laidlaw, wife of Scotland’s second richest man, Lord Irvine Laidlaw. His dam, the
C F F G M G H F C C H C C F G
2 2 3 3 5 9 6 2 2 4 5 4 4 3 3
Smart Strike (CAN) Pollard's Vision (USA) Candy Ride (ARG) One Man Army (USA) Crimson Tide (IRE) Lord Avie (USA) Silvano (GER) Quiet American (USA) Roman Ruler (USA) Yankee Victor (USA) Mizzen Mast (USA) Malibu Moon (USA) Proud Citizen (USA) Repent (USA) Unusual Heat (USA)
Warwick maiden winner Serra Negra, was purchased at Tattersalls in 2004 by Mary Slack of Wilgerbosdrift Stud. She then had her covered by Pivotal before importing her to South Africa. Noordhoek Flyer, the resultant foal, fetched £204,000 at the National Yearling Sale.
Private Feeling (USA) Lucky One (USA) Jealous Wildcat (USA) Leanessa (USA) Dear Filly (ARG) Cloudy Spot (USA) Proudeyes (GER) Dead Aim (USA) Rockcide (USA) Flaming Mirage (USA) Nawal (FR) Crystal Gem (USA) Buffalo Bird Woman (USA) Sweetbabe (USA) Lunge (USA)
Belong To Me (USA) Best of Luck (USA) Forest Wildcat (USA) Bertrando (USA) Southern Halo (USA) Solar City (USA) Dashing Blade Silver Deputy (CAN) Personal Flag (USA) Woodman (USA) Homme de Loi (IRE) Affirmed (USA) Slew City Slew (USA) Formal Dinner (USA) Western Fame (USA)
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Global Stakes Results Lookin At Lucky and Blind Luck both bounced back from Breeders’ Cup (BC) reverses and are early leading fancies for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks following easy victories in the last big juvenile events of 2009. Lookin At Lucky, whose BC Juvenile defeat was clearly attributable to his outside draw,
completed a four-timer on the card for trainer Bob Baffert when winning the CashCall Futurity Stakes. The four previous Futurity winners from the Baffert barn have gone on to a combined tally of four Triple Crown race victories, plus another second place in the Derby. Blind Luck came from last to first to take the Hollywood
Leading global sires by stakes winners Lemon Drop Kid and Captain Al deserve plaudits A December surge by Orpen, with three black type winners, took him into fifth. Lower down, a couple of advances by sires who haven’t been mentioned in this column before deserve comment. Lemon Drop Kid, standing at Lane’s End for $35,000, had 21 stakes winners in 2008 and 17, or 11% of his runners, this time. That fine performance included Grade 1 winners Santa Teresita and Richard’s Kid, yet oddly European buyers have never really taken him to heart – Bronze Cannon and Mad Rush were his only major winners here last year. Several thousand miles away, in a different hemisphere, is Captain Al, based at Klawervlei Stud, South Africa, at 80,000 rands (£6,650). His 14 black type winners included none in Group 1 races, but he is doing superbly, setting records for numbers of races won overall (127 in 2008-09) and number of juvenile scorers. His 280 foals have produced 152 winners. A son of Al Mufti (by Roberto), who was suited by middle distances in Europe, Captain Al was best at up to a mile, landing the Cape Guineas. Captain’s Lover (Group 3 Prix du Pin in 2008) is one of his few runners in Europe. Comments: Jeremy Early BTH = black type horses; BTW = black type winners; GH = Group horses; GW = Group winners
Starlet Stakes, comprehensively overturning BC Juvenile Fillies placings with Beautician. Another eye-catching come-frombehind success to compensate for BC disappointment was posted by Evita Argentina in the La Brea Stakes. Seventh against older distaffers in the BC Filly & Mare
Sprint, she returned to racing against her own generation to give trainer John Sadler a first Grade 1 of the year. M One Rifle took advantage of an uncontested lead to win the Malibu Stakes – a race that had eluded his veteran trainer, Bruce Headley, for 57 years.
Horse
Born
Sire
Stands/Stood
Danehill Dancer (IRE) Galileo (IRE) Montjeu (IRE) Giant’s Causeway (USA) Orpen (USA) Oasis Dream (GB) Lemon Drop Kid (USA) Encosta de Lago (AUS) More Than Ready (USA) A P Indy (USA) Distorted Humor (USA) Redoute’s Choice (AUS) Elusive Quality (USA) Mutakddim (USA) Invincible Spirit (IRE) Wild Event (USA) Not For Love (USA) Tale Of The Cat (USA) Captain Al (SAF) Stormy Atlantic (USA) Smart Strike (CAN) Pivotal (GB) Cape Cross (IRE) Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE) Choisir (AUS) Dynaformer (USA)
1993 1998 1996 1997 1996 2000 1996 1993 1997 1989 1993 1996 1993 1991 1997 1993 1990 1994 1996 1994 1992 1993 1994 1999 1999 1985
Danehill (USA) Sadler’s Wells (USA) Sadler’s Wells (USA) Storm Cat (USA) Lure (USA) Green Desert (USA) Kingmambo (USA) Fairy King (USA) Southern Halo (USA) Seattle Slew (USA) Forty Niner (USA) Danehill (USA) Gone West (USA) Seeking The Gold (USA) Green Desert (USA) Wild Again (USA) Mr Prospector (USA) Storm Cat (USA) Al Mufti (USA) Storm Cat (USA) Mr Prospector (USA) Polar Falcon (USA) Green Desert (USA) Danehill (USA) Danehill Dancer (IRE) Roberto (USA)
IRE AUS IRE IRE NZ USA BRZ IRE AUS ARG UK USA AUS IRE USA AUS USA USA AUS USA BRZ USA ARG IRE USA BRZ USA USA AUS SAF USA USA UK IRE IRE AUS AUS IRE USA
BTH BTW GH GW 59 59 50 49 36 32 32 41 35 28 33 29 25 29 28 23 29 28 26 27 24 31 28 37 24 30
29 26 25 25 22 19 17 17 17 17 16 16 16 15 15 15 15 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14
38 35 34 27 24 20 19 26 21 17 10 17 9 11 11 15 3 11 16 7 15 16 15 19 16 22
13 13 17 13 12 11 6 12 9 10 4 7 4 4 4 9 2 6 6 3 9 10 7 10 6 9
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National Hunt Grade Ones PANDORAMA b g 2003 55 ROYAL BOND NOVICE HURDLE G1
56 HATTON’S GRACE HURDLE G1
FAIRYHOUSE. December 2. 16f. Heavy.
FAIRYHOUSE. December 2. 20f. Heavy.
Hoist The Flag Alleged
1. DUNGUIB (IRE) 6 b g Presenting - Edermine Berry (Durgam) O-Daniel Harnett B-Liam Meade TR-Philip Fenton 2. Some Present (IRE) 6 b/br g Presenting - Some Pidgeon (Strong Gale) 3. Alice Bradys Call (USA) 6 ch g Theatrical - Punkin Pie (Our Liberty)
1. OSCAR DAN DAN (IRE) 7 b g Oscar - Warmley’s Gem (Phardante) O-Mrs Paul Duffin B-M Fogarty TR-Thomas Mullins 2. Ninetieth Minute (IRE) 6 b g Old Vic - Myown (Le Bavard) 3. Healys Bar (IRE) 5 b g Beneficial - River Rescue (Over The River)
Age 5-6
Age 5-7
Starts 8
Wins 6
Places 1
Earned £129,745
DUNGUIB b g 2003
Starts 17
Wins 5
Places 7
Princess Pout FLEMENSFIRTH b 92 Diesis Etheldreda Royal Bund Le Bavard Carlingford Castle Rachel Ruysch GRETCHEN’S CASTLE ch 93 Chinatown Whisper Moon
Earned £114,652
Velocity’s Gift
Tom Rolfe Wavy Navy Prince John Determined Lady Sharpen Up Doubly Sure Royal Coinage Nato Devon Lueur Doree Skymaster Sip Dicta Drake Cheongsam Babur High Velocity
Hunt stallion, as he shares the same sire, In The Wings, as such as Souffleur, Inglis Drever, Landing Light, Westender, Sadlers Wings and Mr Ed. Also, his broodmare sire is Top Ville, sire of such popular National Hunt stallions as Toulon, Norwich, Un Desperado, Pistolet Bleu, Beneficial and Shardari. However, Winged Love is credited in the 2009 Return of Mares with covering 72 thoroughbred mares in 2008 and only 32 in 2009.
OSCAR DAN DAN b g 2002
Crepello Sans Le Sou Mtoto Mincio Amazer Alzara PRESENTING br 92 Bold Lad Persian Bold Relkarunner D’Azy Riverman Belle Viking Vallarta Northern Dancer Nureyev Special Durgam Nashua Famed Princess Copper Princess EDERMINE BERRY b 94 Secretariat General Assembly Exclusive Dancer Tickhill Prince Taj Royal Reproach First Nominee Busted
With two sires’ championships and a second place over the last three seasons, Presenting has established himself as the jumping sector’s preeminent stallion. The good news is that he is still no older than 18 in 2010. The signs are that he will again be hard to beat in the race for the 2009-10 championship, as his current representatives include the mighty Denman and the exciting Dunguib. But for being disqualified following a failed post-race test, Dunguib would have a record of seven consecutive wins since he finished second on his debut. The Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner improved his record over hurdles to three decisive victories from three starts in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle. He clearly has a bright future but the fact that he had been led out unsold at €19,000 at the 2007 Derby Sale is an indication that the bottom half of his pedigree isn’t conventional jumping material. His dam Edermine Berry, winner of a handicap hurdle over 22 furlongs at Downpatrick, is by the little-known Durgam. Although the son of Nureyev cost $1,100,000 as a yearling, he showed little sign of ability in three starts and was sold for 17,000gns. Several other lightly-raced, nonstakes-winning sons of Nureyev have justified their chance at stud, prime examples being Punjabi’s sire Komaite and Trafford Lad’s sire Tragic Role, but Durgam sired little of note. Although Dunguib’s dam was a winner over hurdles, he comes from a Flat racing family. His second dam Tickhill was by Secretariat’s son General Assembly, a top-class American horse, out of Royal Reproach, runner-up to the Classicwinning Pidget in the 1972 Pretty Polly Stakes. Royal Reproach was a half-sister to several successful American broodmares, including Raise A Queen, dam of the Gr1 winner Believe The Queen, and Erotica, dam of the Gr2 winner Once Wild.
Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge OSCAR b 94 Reliance II Snow Day Vindaria Pharly Phardante Pallante WARMLEY’S GEM b 93 Menelek Gemelek Shamrock Gem
Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Tantieme Relance III Roi Dagobert Heavenly Body Lyphard Comely Taj Dewan Cavadonga Tulyar Queen of Sheba Orchardist Flying Gem
In winning the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, Oscar Dan Dan joined the list of leading winners by Oscar which already featured such as Big Zeb, Silent Oscar, Refinement, Black Jack Ketchum, Offshore Account and Casey Jones. Although born as long ago as 2002, Oscar Dan Dan has yet to be asked to tackle fences, which is interesting in view of the fact that Black Jack Ketchum, Refinement and Silent Oscar were others who were never tried over fences. Oscar was once the most indemand stallion in the jumping world, regularly covering around 360 thoroughbred mares a year, but his popularity has waned a little and he is credited with 251 thoroughbred mares in 2008 and 144 in 2009. There are some talented steeplechasers in Oscar Dan Dan’s pedigree. His dam, the Phardante mare Warmley’s Gem, is a half-sister to Pete The Parson, who had a Timeform rating of 148p over fences. The next dam, Gemelek, gained five of her victories over fences and, as her name suggests, she shared the same sire, Menelek, as the Grand National winners Rag Trade and Hallo Dandy. Oscar Dan Dan’s third dam, Shamrock Gem, was a half-sister to Moonduster, a winner of 17 races over fences. This family has also produced the Becher Chase winner Mr Pointment and the Dan Moore Memorial Chase winner Ground Ball. 57 DRINMORE NOVICE CHASE G1 FAIRYHOUSE. December 2. 20f. Heavy.
1. PANDORAMA (IRE) 6 b g Flemensfirth - Gretchen’s Castle (Carlingford Castle) O-RJ Bagnall B-P Carmody TR-N Meade 2. Alpha Ridge (IRE) 7 b g Glacial Storm - Be My Soul Mate (Be My Native) 3. Jered (IRE) 7 ch g Presenting - La Noire (Phardante) Age Starts Wins 4-6 10 8 See race 67 later in this issue
82 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
Places 1
Earned £185,353
58 TINGLE CREEK CHASE G1
59 JOHN DURKAN MEM PUNCHESTOWN CHASE G1
SANDOWN PARK. December 5. 16f. Soft.
PUNCHESTOWN. December 6. 20f. Heavy.
1. TWIST MAGIC (FR) 7 b g Winged Love - Twist Scarlett (Lagunas) O-Barry Fulton Tony Hayward Michael Lynch B-Dr Georg Hastrich & Co TR-PF Nicholls 2. Forpadydeplasterer (IRE) 7 b g Moscow Society (USA) - Run Artiste (Deep Run) 3. Well Chief (GER) 10 ch g Night Shift - Wellesiena (Scenic)
1. JONCOL (IRE) 6 b g Bob’s Return - Finemar Lady (Montelimar) O-Mrs Kay Browne B-Mrs Kay Browne TR-Paul Nolan 2. In Compliance (IRE) 9 b g Old Vic - Lady Bellingham (Montelimar) 3. J’y Vole (FR) 6 ch m Mansonnien (FR) - J’Y Reste (Freedom Cry)
Age 3-7
Age 4-6
Starts 24
Wins 9
Places 7
Earned £501,021
TWIST MAGIC b g 2002 Sadler’s Wells In The Wings High Hawk WINGED LOVE b 92 Top Ville J’Ai Deux Amours Pollenka Ile de Bourbon Lagunas Liranga TWIST SCARLETT b 92 Athenagoras Twistqueen Twistlady
Starts 10
Wins 6
Places 3
Earned £130,215
JONCOL b g 2003 Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Shirley Heights Sunbittern High Top Sega Ville Reliance II Polana Nijinsky Roseliere Literat Love In Nasram II Avenida Our Michael Two Timing Lady
The Tingle Creek Chase has become a regular port of call for Twist Magic, who defeated Voy Por Ustedes to take the 2007 event before falling - with Master Minded in his sights - at the second last in 2008. With the champion two-mile chaser on the sidelines, Twist Magic was back in the winners’ enclosure in 2009 after leading throughout for an impressive 15-length victory. Twist Magic races mainly over the minimum trip of two miles but theoretically should stay at least two and a half miles. His sire, Winged Love, won the Irish Derby and has sired some smart stayers on the Flat, including Macleya, a close second in the 2007 Prix Royal-Oak. Winged Love’s other good current jumping winner, the hurdler Premier Victory, numbers a Gr3 win over three miles among her successes. Twist Magic’s dam Twist Scarlett won four times at up to a mile and a quarter in Germany in a career which also included a few starts over fences. Twist Scarlett’s sire Lagunas won the German Derby and so did Athenagoras, sire of Twist Magic’s second dam, Twistqueen. Twistqueen was herself a talented half-sister to Twist King, a multiple middle-distance Group winner. One would have thought that Twist Magic’s exploits would have earned Winged Love stronger support. The 16.2-hands stallion is very well qualified to make a leading National
Hail To Reason Bramalea Carry Back Toter Back Romantic Miss Bold Bidder Auction Ring Hooplah Ridan Flirting Countess Narrow Escape Hoist The Flag Alleged Princess Pout Le Fabuleux L’Extravagante Fanfreluche Lord Gayle Strong Gale Sterntau Kabale Shuil Donn Shuil Osheen Roberto
Bob Back BOB’S RETURN br 90 Quality of Life
Montelimar FINEMAR LADY b 97 Fine Gale
The 1993 St Leger winner Bob’s Return died in 2005 but the end of 2009 saw him represented by arguably his best son in Joncol. The former point-to-point winner is developing into a very smart chaser, as he showed with his victory in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase. That was his fourth success from his first six starts over fences. The versatile Joncol, who reportedly stands 18 hands, has already shown that he stays three miles, and he comes from an excellent jumping family renowned for its stamina. His fourth dam Shuil Osheen, who gained one of her victories over hurdles, was a half-sister to those fine broodmares Shuil Dubh, Shuil Le Dia (dam of the Welsh National winner Jocks Cross) and Shuil Agragh (dam of the Scottish Grand National winner Baronet). His third dam, Shuil Donn, gained nine victories over jumps, including five over fences, and his second dam, the Strong Gale mare Fine Gale, was a winner over hurdles. Joncol’s dam Finemar Lady never raced but she is by Montelimar, a staying son of dual Arc winner Alleged. As a stallion, he’s best known as the sire of the Grand National winner Monty’s Pass and Hedgehunter. Montelimar is now beginning to make his mark as a broodmare sire, with such as Tazbar, In Compliance, One Cool Cookie and Light On The Broom among his daughters’ best winners.
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Caulfield on Big Buck’s: “His sire Cadoudal died in 2007 at the age of 28 but also enjoyed Grade 1 success in December 2009 with his son Long Run, and his grandson Me Voici” GO NATIVE br g 2003
KAUTO STAR b g 2000 60 BARRY & SANDRA KELLY MEM NOVICE HURDLE G1
Mill Reef Moulin
NAVAN. December 13. 20f. Soft to Heavy.
Age 4-5
Starts 6
Wins 5
Places 0
High Fidelyty VILLAGE STAR ch 83
1. SHINROCK PADDY (IRE) 5 b g Deploy - Arts Theater (King’s Theatre) O-Barry Connell B-C Ashe TR-Paul Nolan 2. Rhyl Accord (IRE) 7 ch g Accordion - Kelly Gales (Strong Gale) 3. The Hurl (IRE) 6 b g Supreme Leader - No Dunce (Nordance)
Reliance II Glitter Glistening Mill Reef Port Etienne Sierra Morena KAUTO RELKA b 93 Kautokeino Kautorette
Earned £64,550
Verdurette
Never Bend Milan Mill Hautain Paladrina Tantieme Relance III Aureole Causerie Never Bend Milan Mill Canisbay Saigon Relko Cranberry Lionel Tyrolina
SHINROCK PADDY b g 2004 Never Bend Milan Mill Shirley Heights Hardicanute Hardiemma Grand Cross DEPLOY b 87 Hail To Reason Roberto Bramalea Slightly Dangerous Raise A Native Where You Lead Noblesse Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge King’s Theatre Princely Native Regal Beauty Dennis Belle ARTS THEATER b 2000 Bustino Supreme Leader Princess Zena Supreme Glen Furry Glen Daring Glen Diane’s Mirage Mill Reef
Blending Shirley Heights with Sadler’s Wells has become one of the most productive “nicks” in the Flat sector and it also appears to have come up trumps in the jumping world, when Sadler’s Wells’s grand-daughter Arts Theater was sent to Shirley Heights’s son Deploy. The mating produced Shinrock Paddy, who was winning for the fourth time in five starts when he ran away from the opposition in the Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle. He is now unbeaten in two starts over hurdles, having earlier won a point-to-point and two bumpers, and he already ranks as the best jumping winner sired by the Irish Derby runnerup Deploy. Shinrock Paddy’s broodmare sire King’s Theatre is responsible for quite a few Group winners on the Flat but this winner of the Racing Post Trophy and King George is now one of the most sought-after sires of jumpers. He owes his status to the exploits of such as Wichita Lineman (Gr1 Challow Hurdle), Nobody Told Me (Gr1 Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil), Nas Na Riogh (Gr1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle), Royal Shakespeare and Royal Alphabet. Shinrock Paddy’s second dam Supreme Glen is an unraced daughter of the dual champion sire Supreme Leader. She is a half-sister to the smart hurdler Colonel Yeager, who numbered a victory over the redoubtable Moscow Flyer among his successes. 61 KING GEORGE VI CHASE G1 KEMPTON PARK. Dec 26. 24f. Good to Soft.
1. KAUTO STAR (FR) 9 b g Village Star - Kauto Relka (Port Etienne) O-Mr Clive Smith B-Mme H Aubert TR-PF Nicholls 2. Madison du Berlais (FR) 8 b g Indian River - Anais du Berlais (Dom Pasquini) 3. Barbers Shop (GB) 7 b g Saddlers’ Hall - Close Harmony (Bustino) Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-9 33 20 9 £2,012,655 See race 3 in the January issue for analysis
63 FELTHAM NOVICES’ CHASE G1
Pitcairn Ela-Mana-Mou Rose Bertin
KEMPTON PARK. Dec 26. 24f. Good to Soft.
1. LONG RUN (FR) 4 b/br g Cadoudal - Libertina (Balsamo) O-Mr Robert Waley-Cohen B-Mrs MR Gabeur TR-NJ Henderson 2. Tazbar (IRE) 7 b g Tiraaz - Candy Bar (Montelimar) 3. Ogee (GB) 6 ch g Generous - Aethra (Trempolino) Age 3-4
Starts 13
Wins 9
Places 4
DOUBLE ECLIPSE b 92 Gay Lussac Solac Soragna Our Native Be My Native Witchy Woman NATIVE IDEA b 98 Harp Islet The Very Idea
Earned £673,872
Idealist
Petingo Border Bounty High Hat Wide Awake Faberge II Green As Grass Orvieto Savigny Exclusive Native Our Jackie Strate Stuff Witchy Norma Sharpen Up Formentera Busted Small World
LONG RUN b/br g 2005 62 BORD NA MONA WITH NATURE NOVICE CHASE G1
Nijinsky Green Dancer
LEOPARDSTOWN. December 26. 17f. Yielding.
1. SIZING EUROPE (IRE) 7 b g Pistolet Bleu - Jennie Dun (Mandalus) O-Ann & Alan Potts Partnership B-Mrs A Bracken TR-H de Bromhead 2. Osana (FR) 7 b g Video Rock - Voilette (Brezzo) 3. Bobs Pride (IRE) 7 b g Marju - Vyatka (Lion Cavern) Age 4-7
Starts 17
Wins 8
Places 4
Earned £231,325
SIZING EUROPE b g 2002 High Top Top Ville Sega Ville PISTOLET BLEU b 88 Armos Pampa Bella Kendie Mandamus Mandalus Laminate JENNIE DUN b 94 Deep Run Lakelands Girl Charlie Girl
Derring-Do Camenae Charlottesville La Sega Mossborough Ardelle Klairon Amagalla Petition Great Fun Abernant Lamri Pampered King Trial By Fire Vic Day Polperro
High-class hurdlers don’t always make the transition into high-class chaser, but Sizing Europe, winner of AIG Europe Champion Hurdle in 2008, could hardly have made a better start over the larger obstacles. He was winning for the fourth time from four starts when he took the Bord na Mona with Nature Novice Chase (although the outcome might have been different if Captain Cee Bee hadn’t fallen when challenging at the last). Sizing Europe’s exploits act as a reminder of the considerable blow suffered by the Irish industry when his sire Pistolet Bleu died at the age of 13 after only one season under the Coolmore banner. Fortunately, the winner of the Criterium de Saint-Cloud and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud had been extensively used during his brief time in Ireland, following the success he had already enjoyed with such as Katarino and Geos. Pistolet Bleu’s Irish crop also contains such talented performers as Your Sum Man (Grand National Hurdle in the USA in 2009), Seven Is My Number, Parsons Pistol, Copper Bleu, I’msingingtheblues, Cappa Bleu and Snap Tie. Sizing Europe has won at up to two and a half miles, but races mainly over shorter distances. His dam Jennie Dun – herself out of a Deep Run mare – is an unraced daughter of Mandalus, sire also of those good staying chasers Sir Rembrandt, Macgeorge and Henry Mann.
Green Valley CADOUDAL br 79 Sea Hawk II Come To Sea Camarilla Kashmir II Balsamo Reine Helaine LIBERTINA b 85 Hard To Beat Full Of Pep Full of Fun
Northern Dancer Flaming Page Val de Loir Sly Pola Herbager Sea Nymph Sayajirao Camilla Tudor Melody Queen of Speed Sanctus II Tibesti Hardicanute Virtuous In The Corner Blue Green
Cadoudal’s long reign as France’s outstanding sire of jumpers is nearly over, as the final crop by the son of Green Dancer, which numbers only 13 foals, was born in 2006. However, his penultimate crop will ensure that his name remains well to the fore, as it has already thrown up the exciting Long Run, the Gr3 steeplechase winner Cokydal and the Listed steeplechase winner Roc de Sivola. Long Run made his British debut in the Feltham Novices’ Chase, having built an impressive record of eight wins, three seconds and a third in 12 appearances over hurdles and fences in France. Seven of his victories had come at stakes level, the latest coming in the Gr1 Prix Maurice Gillois Grand Steeple-Chase. The four-year-old outclassed his elders at Kempton, hardly coming out of cruise control despite a blunder at the second last. Long Run’s dam Libertina won over hurdles as a three-year-old. The daughter of the miler Balsamo had previously made her mark in Britain via her daughter Liberthine, whose exploits included victories in the Mildmay of Flete Chase at Cheltenham and the Topham Chase at Aintree, plus fifth place in the 2007 Grand National. Another good stayer from this family is Libertina’s half-brother Full Of Ambition, a very smart performer over hurdles. Libertina’s sister Fioca was good enough to win the Prix Wild Monarch at Auteuil. 64 CHRISTMAS HURDLE G1 KEMPTON PARK. Dec 26. 16f. Good to Soft.
1. GO NATIVE (IRE) 6 br g Double Eclipse - Native Idea (Be My Native) O-Docado Syndicate B-PJ Murphy TR-N Meade 2. Starluck (IRE) 4 b g Key of Luck - Sarifa (Kahyasi) 3. Binocular (FR) 5 b g Enrique - Bleu Ciel Et Blanc (Pistolet Bleu) Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-6 14 8 5 £310,255 See race 4 in the January issue for analysis
65 PADDY POWER DIAL-A-BET CHASE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. December 27. 17f. Yielding.
1. GOLDEN SILVER (FR) 7 b g Mansonnien - Gold Or Silver (Glint of Gold) O-Mrs Violet O’Leary B-N Pelat TR-WP Mullins 2. Tranquil Sea (IRE) 7 b g Sea Raven - Silver Valley (Henbit) 3. Scotsirish (IRE) 8 b g Zaffaran - Serjitak (Saher) Age 2-7
Starts 37
Wins 5
Places 12
Earned £232,304
GOLDEN SILVER b g 2002 Luthier Tip Moss Top Twig MANSONNIEN ch 84 Margouillat Association La Soupe Mill Reef Glint of Gold Crown Treasure GOLD OR SILVER b 91 Esprit du Nord Blue Stone Blue River
Klairon Flute Enchantee High Perch Kimpton Wood Diatome Tita A Tempo Tenace Never Bend Milan Mill Graustark Treasure Chest Lyphard Rajput Princess Riverman Azurella
Mansonnien died in February 2009 at the age of 25, just after he had sealed his second consecutive title as France’s champion sire of jumpers. He again took high rank among the leading sires of 2009, thanks largely to his son Rock Noir, a winner at Gr3 and Gr1 levels in France for JP McManus. Mansonnien has enjoyed considerable success in Britain and Ireland with such as J’y Vole, Taranis, Mansony, Millenium Royal and Golden Silver. Golden Silver was recording his third Graded success since his transfer from France to Ireland when he landed the Paddy Power Dial-ABet Chase. He has been much more successful in Ireland than in his native France, where he won only two of his 28 starts (two on the Flat, 21 over hurdles and five over fences). Mansonnien became a Group winner in the Prix Exbury over a mile and a quarter as a six-year-old, having earlier finished fourth in the French Derby and third in the Prix Ganay. Mansonnien’s Flat performers included Life Is Life, who showed great stamina to win the Queen Alexandra Stakes, but Golden Silver has done all his winning at up to two and a quarter miles. Gold Or Silver, the dam of Golden Silver, is a Wertheimer-bred mare who won three times at around ten furlongs in the Marseille region. Golden Silver is her fifth foal and fourth winner by Mansonnien, and
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DATA BOOK Stakes results
National Hunt Grade Ones there is also a younger brother called Diamond Boy, who won over a mile and a half at Longchamp in 2009. Golden Silver’s older brother Or Ou Argent became a Gr1 winner over hurdles in Italy. Golden Silver’s third dam Blue River is also the second dam of the French 1,000 Guineas winner Torrestrella and his fourth dam Azurella is also the third dam of the Criterium de SaintCloud winner Goldamix.
to Torus and Rolfe, both of whom sired some notable jumpers. Lighted Glory did very well as a broodmare, producing three Group winners, a Listed winner and three daughters who became the dams of stakes winners. Lighted Glory is also the second dam of Laramie, who became one of the few mares to have produced two Classic winners, thanks to Latice and French Derby winner Lawman.
daughter of Carlingford Castle, a Derby runner-up who shares the same sire, Le Bavard, as the likes of Kildimo, Perris Valley, Bankers Benefit and Barney Burnett. Pandorama’s third dam, Velocity’s Gift, is also the second dam of Mrs Muck, winner of Ascot’s Long Distance Hurdle and Haydock’s Premier Long Distance Hurdle. This non-thoroughbred family also produced the smart jumpers High Ken and Random Leg.
Ville comes from the same Torbella family as Saint des Saints. Battani’s third dam, Princesse Tora, was a stakes-winning daughter of Torbella, winner of the Dewhurst Stakes. Princesse Tora was the second dam of Princesse Lida, a winner of the Prix Morny and Prix de la Salamandre, and Me Voici’s second dam Boreale is also the second dam of the high-class French Flat performers Corre Caminos and Racinger.
66 FUTURE CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE G1
67 KNIGHT FRANK NOVICE CHASE G1
68 FUTURE CHAMPION FINALE JUVENILE HURDLE G1
69 LONG WALK HURDLE G1
LEOPARDSTOWN. December 27. 16f. Yielding.
LEOPARDSTOWN. December 28. 24f. Yielding.
CHEPSTOW. December 28. 16f 110yds. Heavy.
NEWBURY. December 29. 25f 110yds. Heavy.
1. HOLLO LADIES (IRE) 4 ch g Captain Rio - Lace Flower (Old Vic) O-Richard Heaney B-JC Fagan TR-N Meade 2. Saludos (IRE) 5 b g Bob Back - Katie’s Cracker (Rambo Dancer) 3. Fionnegas (IRE) 5 b g Accordion - Tremplin (Tremblant)
1. PANDORAMA (IRE) 6 b g Flemensfirth - Gretchen’s Castle (Carlingford Castle) O-RJ Bagnall B-P Carmody TR-N Meade 2. Weapon’s Amnesty (IRE) 6 ch g Presenting - Victoria Theatre (Old Vic) 3. Catch Me (GER) 7 b g Law Society - Calcida (Konigsstuhl)
1. ME VOICI (FR) 3 b g Saint des Saints - Battani (Top Ville) O-Mrs Jane Williams B-Haras d’Etreham TR-Nick Williams 2. Sang Bleu (FR) 3 gr g Lavirco - Formosa (Royal Charter) 3. Bocamix (FR) 3 gr c Linamix - Bocanegra (Night Shift)
1. BIG BUCK’S (FR) 6 b/br g Cadoudal - Buck’s (Le Glorieux) O-The Stewart Family B-H Poulat TR-PF Nicholls 2. Karabak (FR) 6 b g Kahyasi - Mosstraye (Tip Moss) 3. Diamond Harry (GB) 6 b g Sir Harry Lewis - Swift Conveyance (Strong Gale)
Age 4
Age 4-6
Age 3
Starts 8
Wins 2
Places 4
Earned £11,222
HOLLO LADIES ch g 2005 Nureyev Marie d’Argonne Cozzene Fearless Revival Stufida Mr Prospector Miswaki Hopespringseternal Nijinsky Abeesh Lady Bugler Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge Derring-Do Cockade Camenae Blushing Groom Crystal Glitters Tales To Tell Nijinsky Lighted Glory Lighted Lamp
Starts 10
CAPTAIN RIO ch 99 Beloved Visitor
Old Vic LACE FLOWER b 94 Lighted Glitter
I once commented in these pages that, as Captain Rio proved best at sprint distances, he might seem an unlikely type to sire a Gr1 winner over hurdles. However, he reached that landmark when Jumbo Rio took the 2009 Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle and now he has repeated the feat, thanks to Hollo Ladies. The progressive gelding improved his record to two victories from three starts over hurdles when he landed the Future Champions Novice Hurdle, while at the same time confirming that he is much more effective over hurdles than he was on the Flat. Captain Rio’s sire Pivotal has often passed on much more stamina than expected to his progeny and Captain Rio has himself sired a mile and a half Listed winner on the Flat. Even so, the chances are that Hollo Ladies owes his stamina principally to the bottom half of his pedigree. His dam Lace Flower was a useful middle-distance stayer in France. The daughter of Old Vic was conceived when her sire commanded a sizeable fee as a member of the Dalham Hall stallion team, before his temporary exile to Japan. Old Vic, of course, has since become a major force in the jumps world, becoming champion sire in 2007-08. The very promising young chaser Weapon’s Amnesty and the Swinton Hurdle winner Joe Jo Star are others out of Old Vic mares. Hollo Ladies’s third dam Lighted Glory was a Group-winning half-sister
Places 1
Earned £185,353
PANDORAMA b g 2003
Polar Falcon Pivotal
Wins 8
Hoist The Flag Alleged Princess Pout FLEMENSFIRTH b 92 Diesis Etheldreda Royal Bund Le Bavard Carlingford Castle Rachel Ruysch GRETCHEN’S CASTLE ch 93 Chinatown Whisper Moon Velocity’s Gift
Wins 1
Places 1
Earned £30,415
ME VOICI b g 2006 Tom Rolfe Wavy Navy Prince John Determined Lady Sharpen Up Doubly Sure Royal Coinage Nato Devon Lueur Doree Skymaster Sip Dicta Drake Cheongsam Babur High Velocity
Since graduating from the point-topoint field, Pandorama has compiled the highly impressive record of eight victories from nine starts, his only setback coming when second to Mikael d’Haguenet over hurdles in December 2008. He is now unbeaten in three starts over fences but two of these victories were gained by narrow margins and he had only a short head to spare over Weapon’s Amnesty when he courageously gained his second Gr1 success in less than a month, in the Knight Frank Novice Chase. Pandorama’s sire Flemensfirth has finished third on the leading sires’ table in each of the last two completed seasons, helped by such as Muirhead, Joe Lively, Tidal Bay, Imperial Commander, Kicks For Free, Beshabar and King Johns Castle. In addition to Pandorama, his current performers include Drumbaloo, a Gr2 bumper winner, and Time For Rupert, a potentially very smart hurdler. No wonder his progeny sold for up to €160,000 in 2009. Pandorama wasn’t one of his sire’s success stories at the sales when he was offered as a foal and yearling, with the bidding rising no higher than €5,000. Pandorama has shown he stays three miles, even though Flemensfirth was at his high-class best around a mile and a quarter. The gelding probably owes his stamina to the bottom half of his pedigree. His dam Gretchen’s Castle is an unraced
84 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
Starts 3
Age 3-6
Starts 26
Wins 11
Places 9
Earned £521,068
BIG BUCK’S b/br g 2003 Green Dancer
Cadoudal Come To Sea SAINT DES SAINTS b 98 Pharly Chamisene Tuneria High Top Top Ville Sega Ville BATTANI b 92 Bellypha Boreale Princesse Tora
Nijinsky Green Valley Sea Hawk II Camarilla Lyphard Comely Tanerko Torrefranca Derring-Do Camenae Charlottesville La Sega Lyphard Belga Prince Taj Torbella III
Haras d’Etreham is a name generally associated with top-class Flat performers but the stud’s stallion roster also features an up-and-coming jumping stallion in Saint des Saints, who is based at Haras de la Tuilerie. Saint des Saints retired with the proud record of seven victories, four seconds and a third from 13 completed starts. Although he was a winner over hurdles and fences as a three-yearold, it was as a four-year-old that he developed into a very effective and high-class hurdler, a four-time Graded winner at up to nearly two and a half miles, as well as a two-length second in the Gr1 Prix Alain du Breil. His fine record was coupled with a classy pedigree, Saint des Saints being a son of the many-times champion jumping sire, Green Dancer’s son Cadoudal, and his dam being Chamisen, a Gr2 Flat winner from the distinguished Torbella family. Saint des Saints wasted little time in establishing his potential as a stallion, ranking among the top ten jumping sires in France in both 2008 and 2009. His early crops are already making their mark in Britain and Ireland, the Gr3 Irish novice hurdle winner Quel Esprit being a member of his first crop and the Finale Juvenile Hurdle winner Me Voici coming from his third crop (which also includes the French Gr2 winner Saint Macaire). Me Voici, a €20,000 purchase, was bred by Haras d’Etreham from the well-bred Battani. The daughter of Top
Nijinsky Green Dancer Green Valley CADOUDAL br 79 Sea Hawk II Come To Sea Camarilla Cure The Blues Le Glorieux La Mirande BUCK’S b 93 Buckskin Buckleby Thereby
Northern Dancer Flaming Page Val de Loir Sly Pola Herbager Sea Nymph Sayajirao Camilla Stop The Music Quick Cure Le Fabuleux La Magnanarelle Yelapa Bete A Bon Dieu Star Moss Besides
Big Buck’s’ connections have had absolutely no reason to regret their decision to return the son of Cadoudal to hurdling after he unseated his rider when third at the final fence in the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup. Big Buck’s raced six times over the smaller obstacles in 2009 and won every time, his winning streak culminating in the Gr1 Long Walk Hurdle. All six victories were gained over three miles or more, so he stays extremely well. Big Buck’s dam Buck’s is a daughter of Le Glorieux, a muchtravelled French colt who landed the Washington DC International and the Japan Cup in the same season. Buck’s raced 42 times but won only twice, in a steeplechase at Cagnessur-Mer and a claiming hurdle at Auteuil. She was never asked to tackle a distance as long as two and a half miles. The next dam, Buckleby, could be the source of some of Big Buck’s’ stamina, as she was by the outstanding long-distance horse Buckskin, winner of the Ascot Gold Cup and many other top staying races in his native France, but Buckleby’s half-brother Pas de Seul displayed plenty of speed for a son of Mill Reef, as he showed in winning the Prix de la Foret. Cadoudal died in 2007 at the age of 28 but he continues to exert a powerful influence and also enjoyed Gr1 success in December 2009 with his son Long Run and his grandson Me Voici.
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DATA BOOK
Caulfield on What A Friend: “The Lexus winner is a grandson of Niniski, his sire Alflora ranking alongside Assessor, Hernando and Lomitas as sons to have sired top jumpers” 70 LEXUS STEEPLECHASE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. December 29. 24f. Soft.
1. WHAT A FRIEND (GB) 6 b g Alflora - Friendly Lady (New Member) O-Mr Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson B-Mrs OM Cann TR-PF Nicholls 2. Money Trix (IRE) 9 gr g Old Vic - Deer Trix (Buckskin) 3. Joncol (IRE) 6 b g Bob’s Return - Finemar Lady (Montelimar) Age 4-6
Starts 11
Wins 6
Places Earned 3 £169,041 xx
WHAT A FRIEND b g 2003 Nijinsky Niniski Virginia Hills ALFLORA b 89 Bold Lad Adrana Le Melody Alcide New Member Maiden Speech FRIENDLY LADY b 84 Pal O Mine Friendly Glow Cinder Maid
Northern Dancer Flaming Page Tom Rolfe Ridin’ Easy Bold Ruler Barn Pride Levmoss Arctic Melody Alycidon Chenille Relic Gracious Speech Palestine Trottie True Mytholm Cinderwench
Having turned in a career-best effort when second to Denman in the Hennessy Gold Cup, What A Friend confirmed his improvement with a victory in the Lexus Chase – his fourth win in six starts over fences. What A Friend is a grandson of Niniski, his sire Alflora ranking alongside Assessor, Hernando and Lomitas as one of several sons of the former Lanwades stallion who have sired high-class jumpers in recent seasons.
SOLWHIT b g 2004
Alflora got off to an excellent start, siring the Gr1 Ascot Chase winner Hand Inn Hand and the dual Gr2 chasing winner Farmer Jack in his first crop, and the multiple Graded chase winner Central House from his second crop. Of course, it took some time for these geldings to develop into highclass chasers, but their exploits helped stimulate demand for Alflora to such a level that he covered 141 thoroughbred mares in 2002, 261 in 2003 and 209 in 2004. In other words, Alflora has large crops of five- to-seven-year-olds representing him in 2010, so we are likely to hear more from him. What A Friend’s broodmare sire, the smart middle-distance performer New Member, is possibly best known as the sire of the very useful staying chaser Country Member. What A Friend’s dam Friendly Lady also stayed well, winning a hunter chase over three and a half miles.
Red God Runaway Bride Local Suitor Vaguely Noble Home Love Homespun SOLON b 92 Tamerlane Alpenkonig Alpenlerche Scilla Alizier Saxifraga Suleika Nearctic Northern Dancer Natalma Lucky North Olden Times Lucky Ole Me Me Next TOOWHIT TOWHEE b 88 The Axe II Hatchet Man Bebopper Chop Towhee Crozier Swiftybyrd Miss Glamour Gal Blushing Groom
72 CHALLOW NOVICES’ HURDLE G1 NEWBURY. December 29. 21f. Heavy.
1. REVE DE SIVOLA (FR) 4 b g Assessor - Eva de Chalamont (Iron Duke) O-Paul Duffy Diamond Partnership B-G Trapenard, Thomas Trapenard TR-Nick Williams 2. Restless Harry (GB) 5 b g Sir Harry Lewis - Restless Native (Be My Native) 3. Finian’s Rainbow (IRE) 6 b g Tiraaz - Trinity Gale (Strong Gale) Age 3-4
Starts 8
Wins 2
Places 4
Earned £64,422
REVE DE SIVOLA b g 2005
71 DECEMBER FESTIVAL HURDLE G1
Nijinsky Niniski
LEOPARDSTOWN. December 29. 16f. Soft.
Virginia Hills
1. SOLWHIT (FR) 5 b g Solon - Toowhit Towhee (Lucky North) O-Top of the Hill Syn B-Haras de Preaux TR-C Byrnes 2. Sublimity (FR) 9 b g Selkirk - Fig Tree Drive (Miswaki) 3. Jumbo Rio (IRE) 4 b g Captain Rio - Nafzira (Darshaan)
ASSESSOR b 89 Petingo Dingle Bay Border Bounty Sicambre Iron Duke Insulaire EVA DE CHALAMONT ch 92
Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-5 15 9 3 £387,323 See race 2 in the January issue for analysis
Royal Exchange Bel Natura Fudnatura
Northern Dancer Flaming Page Tom Rolfe Ridin’ Easy Petition Alcazar Bounteous B Flat Prince Bio Sif Aureole Ismene II Royal Coinage Little Stormy Novitur Fudna
Reve de Sivola’s stamina won the day when the French-bred gelding came out on top in a tight four-horse finish to the Challow Novices’ Hurdle. It isn’t too surprising that stamina is his strong suit, as he is by that grand stayer Assessor. Assessor was a wellbred colt – he is out of a sister to Pitcairn, a high-class seven and eightfurlong horse probably best known as the sire of Ela-Mana-Mou. Assessor followed in the footsteps of his own sire, Niniski, in winning the Prix Royal-Oak over nearly two miles as a three-year-old. Assessor went on to win the Yorkshire and Doncaster Cups at four, as well as the Prix du Cadran over two and a half miles. As a stallion Assessor is best known as the sire of the versatile My Way de Solzen, who pulled off a notable double at the Cheltenham Festival when successful in the 2006 World Hurdle and 2007 Arkle Chase. Reve de Sivola’s dam, Eva de Chalamont, was a lightly raced winner over a mile and a half. The daughter of Iron Duke has two other winners to her credit, including Reve de Sivola’s younger sister Suite de Sivola, who has contested Listed races over hurdles and fences in France since winning a claiming race. The next dam, Bel Natura, failed to win in 25 attempts on the Flat and over jumps, but fared much better as a broodmare. Her team of eight winners featured the prolific winner Foehn de Chalamont.
National Hunt Graded races Date
Age
Sex
Sire
Dam
Broodmare Sire
02/12
Grade Race (course) GrC
Caffrey’s Of Batterstown H Chase (Fairyhouse)
Dist 17f
Sizing Europe (IRE)
Horse
8
G
Lord Americo
Annfield Lady
Furry Glen
Index
04/12
G2
Winter Novices’ Hurdle (Sandown Park)
20f
Manyriverstocross (IRE)
4
G
Cape Cross
Alexandra S
Sadler's Wells
74
05/12
G2
Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (Sandown Park)
16f
Somersby (IRE)
5
G
Second Empire
Back To Roost
Presenting
75
05/12
GrC
Proudstown H Hurdle (Navan)
23f
Operation Houdini (IRE)
7
G
Saddlers' Hall
Supreme Evening
Supreme Leader
76
10/12
G2
Peterborough Chase (Huntingdon)
20.5f
Deep Purple (GB)
8
G
Halling
Seal Indigo
Glenstal
77
12/12
G2
International Hurdle (Cheltenham)
17f
Khyber Kim (GB)
7
G
Mujahid
Jungle Rose
Shirley Heights
78
12/12
G3
Boylesports.com Gold Cup H Chase (Cheltenham)
21f
Poquelin (FR)
6
G
Lahint
Babolna
Tropular
79
12/12
G2
Bristol Novices’ Hurdle (Cheltenham)
24f
Tell Massini (IRE)
5
G
Dr Massini
Kissantell
Broken Hearted
80
12/12
G2
Relkeel Hurdle (Cheltenham)
20.5f
Zaynar (FR)
4
G
Daylami
Zainta
Kahyasi
81
12/12
G2
December Novices’ Chase (Lingfield Park)
24f
Burton Port (IRE)
5
G
Bob Back
Despute
Be My Native
82
13/12
G2
Future Champions Flat Race (Navan)
16f
Drumbaloo (IRE)
5
G
Flemensfirth
Supreme Baloo
Supreme Leader
83
13/12
G3
Lombardstown Novice Chase (Cork)
17f
Royal Choice (IRE)
5
M
King's Theatre
Mammy's Choice
Mandalus
84
13/12
G3
O'Connell Transport Stayers Novice Hurdle (Cork)
24f
Quel Esprit (FR)
5
G
Saint Des Saints
Jeune d'Esprit
Royal Charter
85
13/12
G2
Hilly Way Chase (Cork)
16f
Golden Silver (FR)
7
G
Mansonnien
Gold Or Silver
Glint Of Gold
86
13/12
G2
Tara Hurdle (Navan)
20f
Donnas Palm (IRE)
5
G
Great Palm
Donna's Tarquin
Husyan
87
26/12
G2
Greenmount Park Novice Chase (Limerick)
19.5f
Dancing Tornado (IRE)
8
G
Golden Tornado
Lady Dante
Phardante
88
73
26/12
G2
Juvenile Hurdle (Leopardstown)
16f
Carlito Brigante (IRE)
3
G
Haafhd
Desert Magic
Green Desert
89
27/12
G2
Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (Kempton Park)
16f
Riverside Theatre (GB)
5
G
King's Theatre
Disallowed
Distinctly North
90
27/12
G2
Desert Orchid Chase (Kempton Park
16f
Petit Robin (FR)
6
G
Robin Des Pres
Joie De Cotte
Lute Antique
91
27/12
GrB
Paddy Power H Chase (Leopardstown)
24f
Oscar Time (IRE)
8
G
Oscar
Baywatch Star
Supreme Leader
92
27/12
GrC
Tim Duggan Memorial H Chase (Limerick)
19.5f
Larkwing (IRE)
8
G
Ela-Mana-Mou
The Dawn Trader
Naskra
93
28/12
G2
Christmas Hurdle (Leopardstown)
24f
Powerstation (IRE)
9
G
Anshan
Mariaetta
Mandalus
94
28/12
G3
Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle (Limerick)
22f
Enterprise Park (IRE)
5
G
Goldmark
Park Wave
Supreme Leader
95
28/12
G3
Welsh Grand National H Chase (Chepstow)
29.5f
Dream Alliance (GB)
8
G
Bien Bien
Rewbell
Andy Rew
96
01/01
G2
Dipper Novices’ Chase (Cheltenham)
21f
Seven Is My Number (IRE)
8
G
Pistolet Bleu
Waterloo Ball
Where To Dance
97
01/01
G3
Victorchandler.com H Chase (Cheltenham)
21f
Can’t Buy Time (IRE)
8
G
Supreme Leader
Sales Centre
Deep Run
98
THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 85
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DATA BOOK Exclusive stallions stats
Leading sires in Europe Jump sires 2009-10 by earnings Name
YOF
Sire
Rnrs
Wnrs
%WR
Races
AWD
Earnings (£)
Top horse
Presenting Oscar Flemensfirth Accordion King’s Theatre Old Vic Bob Back Beneficial Anshan Saddlers’ Hall Alflora Supreme Leader Pistolet Bleu Kayf Tara Dr Massini Sadler’s Wells Winged Love Montjeu Village Star Overbury Zaffaran Daylami Tiraaz Bob’s Return Alderbrook Lord Americo Cadoudal Bahhare Mujahid Midnight Legend Double Eclipse Definite Article Luso Kahyasi Sir Harry Lewis Key Of Luck Alhaarth Lahint Moscow Society Naheez Dushyantor Roselier Shernazar Sea Raven Captain Rio Glacial Storm Portrait Gallery Dr Fong Galileo Taipan
1992 1994 1992 1986 1991 1986 1981 1990 1987 1988 1989 1982 1988 1994 1993 1981 1992 1996 1983 1991 1985 1994 1994 1990 1989 1984 1979 1994 1996 1991 1992 1992 1992 1985 1984 1991 1993 1991 1985 1984 1993 1973 1981 1991 1999 1985 1990 1995 1998 1992
Mtoto Sadler’s Wells Alleged Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Roberto Top Ville Persian Bold Sadler’s Wells Niniski Bustino Top Ville Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Northern Dancer In The Wings Sadler’s Wells Moulin Caerleon Assert Doyoun Lear Fan Bob Back Ardross Lord Gayle Green Dancer Woodman Danzig Night Shift Ela-Mana-Mou Indian Ridge Salse Ile de Bourbon Alleged Chief’s Crown Unfuwain Woodman Nijinsky Critique Sadler’s Wells Misti IV Busted Sadler’s Wells Pivotal Arctic Tern Sadler’s Wells Kris S Sadler’s Wells Last Tycoon
243 212 168 110 109 135 118 178 125 177 123 122 50 106 52 76 41 65 1 83 41 47 12 82 90 74 23 15 12 47 8 68 101 34 46 32 50 2 59 13 26 10 49 17 14 35 19 31 31 48
52 46 33 32 41 26 30 31 25 28 25 21 14 21 16 22 9 12 1 18 7 8 5 16 13 11 7 4 6 16 2 16 12 11 11 10 13 1 3 5 4 4 8 3 3 5 9 10 7 8
21.4 21.7 19.6 29.1 37.6 19.3 25.4 17.4 20.0 15.8 20.3 17.2 28.0 19.8 30.8 29.0 22.0 18.5 100.0 21.7 17.1 17.0 41.7 19.5 14.4 14.9 30.4 26.7 50.0 34.0 25.0 23.5 11.9 32.4 23.9 31.3 26.0 50.0 5.1 38.5 15.4 40.0 16.3 17.7 21.4 14.3 47.4 32.3 22.6 16.7
67 57 43 44 60 31 40 40 34 33 33 25 23 25 25 27 14 17 2 23 10 11 6 19 17 14 9 6 8 21 4 17 15 13 12 12 14 2 4 6 10 4 11 4 6 5 11 13 12 9
20.9 20.0 19.9 19.4 18.0 20.7 19.5 19.8 19.7 20.4 19.0 20.5 19.9 19.9 19.5 18.5 18.0 19.0 24.0 20.0 21.5 19.2 21.1 19.0 21.1 19.3 21.3 20.6 18.6 20.7 17.1 18.8 19.9 17.5 20.9 18.3 18.1 20.5 22.1 22.9 19.0 23.4 19.8 18.7 16.4 20.2 20.9 17.4 18.9 22.3
1,017,416 807,519 544,193 530,192 521,395 482,839 459,505 390,301 353,647 351,473 349,812 340,262 329,498 313,224 310,687 284,303 235,365 233,370 226,680 221,456 219,411 207,654 206,535 201,452 199,801 194,444 186,764 179,880 175,514 171,329 163,360 158,540 158,532 157,153 152,858 150,109 149,485 148,910 146,347 142,579 142,267 142,175 138,374 136,712 134,291 132,579 132,078 126,870 126,547 126,418
Denman Oscar Time Pandorama Beroni Voler La Vedette Vic Venturi Keys Pride Strawberry Treaty Flyer Operation Houdini What A Friend The Hurl Sizing Europe Planet Of Sound Fosters Cross Judge Roy Bean Twist Magic Our Monty Kauto Star Jack Finch Treacle Zaynar Ballyholland Joncol Amber Brook Siegemaster Big Buck’s Bahrain Storm Khyber Kim Winsley Hill Go Native Tasman Chicago Grey Karabak Diamond Harry Starluck Lucky Wish Poquelin Forpadydeplasterer Northern Alliance Loosen My Load The Listener Nudge And Nurdle Tranquil Sea Jumbo Rio Valley Ride Beat The Boys No One Tells Me Celestial Halo Calgary Bay
Earned (£)
114,020 104,413 112,848 78,057 73,316 67,865 47,403 26,390 56,951 45,749 133,071 43,356 100,091 54,522 50,967 38,928 93,548 50,194 226,680 27,844 66,320 80,722 146,116 78,683 27,610 51,259 68,104 159,705 142,525 22,833 157,374 24,818 28,768 36,157 64,478 61,950 32,560 148,910 41,357 101,359 40,166 81,553 26,098 121,975 63,167 34,206 47,888 23,963 66,291 19,515
Flat sires 2009 by earnings Name
YOF
Sire
Rnrs
Wnrs
%WR
Wins
AWD
Earnings (£)
Top horse
Cape Cross Danehill Dancer Montjeu Oasis Dream Galileo Pivotal Sadler’s Wells Anabaa Dansili Invincible Spirit Verglas Monsun Rock Of Gibraltar Hawk Wing Dalakhani Noverre High Chaparral Halling King’s Best Linamix Singspiel Sinndar Shamardal Giant’s Causeway Orpen Slickly Fasliyev Peintre Celebre Selkirk Exceed And Excel Diktat Fantastic Light Green Tune Royal Applause Daylami Nayef One Cool Cat Big Shuffle Red Ransom Namid Dubai Destination Indian Ridge Kingsalsa Lomitas Intikhab Captain Rio Dr Fong Gold Away Elusive City Acclamation
1994 1993 1996 2000 1998 1993 1981 1992 1996 1997 1994 1990 1999 1999 2000 1998 1999 1991 1997 1987 1992 1997 2002 1997 1996 1996 1997 1994 1988 2000 1995 1996 1991 1993 1994 1998 2001 1984 1987 1996 1999 1985 1996 1988 1994 1999 1995 1995 2000 1999
Green Desert Danehill Sadler’s Wells Green Desert Sadler’s Wells Polar Falcon Northern Dancer Danzig Danehill Green Desert Highest Honor Konigsstuhl Danehill Woodman Darshaan Rahy Sadler’s Wells Diesis Kingmambo Mendez In The Wings Grand Lodge Giant’s Causeway Storm Cat Lure Linamix Nureyev Nureyev Sharpen Up Danehill Warning Rahy Green Dancer Waajib Doyoun Gulch Storm Cat Super Concorde Roberto Indian Ridge Kingmambo Ahonoora Kingmambo Niniski Red Ransom Pivotal Kris S Goldneyev Elusive Quality Royal Applause
223 258 239 185 209 192 158 143 186 215 215 102 216 185 96 151 130 100 221 105 119 75 62 123 177 101 194 109 130 137 212 151 89 219 136 107 169 154 162 180 155 117 124 127 137 202 178 84 97 143
112 107 82 101 91 108 56 67 91 112 86 42 81 69 44 61 59 42 94 45 59 23 22 46 78 44 79 48 46 63 66 61 35 89 52 49 66 68 59 66 63 47 46 57 62 76 67 39 38 55
50.2 41.5 34.3 54.6 43.5 56.3 35.4 46.9 48.9 52.1 40.0 41.2 37.5 37.3 45.8 40.4 45.4 42.0 42.5 42.9 49.6 30.7 35.5 37.4 44.1 43.6 40.7 44.0 35.4 46.0 31.1 40.4 39.3 40.6 38.2 45.8 39.1 44.2 36.4 36.7 40.7 40.2 37.1 44.9 45.3 37.6 37.6 46.4 39.2 38.5
185 162 123 151 134 172 76 113 146 167 121 62 126 108 61 116 87 69 134 69 84 46 31 72 132 65 137 78 78 90 118 114 53 132 83 69 103 104 82 107 98 85 69 85 114 115 111 66 57 81
8.9 8.0 11.2 7.5 11.2 8.4 11.1 9.2 9.3 7.5 8.9 10.5 9.0 9.4 10.7 8.0 9.8 10.7 9.0 10.9 11.2 12.0 0.0 10.3 7.9 9.5 7.2 10.5 9.9 6.4 8.3 10.0 10.4 8.0 11.4 10.6 8.0 7.5 9.2 6.6 10.1 8.2 9.5 9.7 8.7 6.9 9.4 10.3 6.7 7.0
6,601,711 5,173,071 4,321,329 4,289,565 4,096,282 3,784,902 2,740,589 2,622,087 2,528,800 2,396,685 2,251,737 2,240,701 2,220,245 2,180,253 2,152,032 1,993,381 1,924,104 1,814,224 1,774,435 1,767,778 1,752,305 1,662,323 1,652,397 1,580,201 1,578,678 1,498,832 1,477,375 1,433,141 1,424,603 1,414,498 1,405,150 1,393,388 1,380,841 1,377,690 1,337,981 1,281,759 1,279,770 1,270,736 1,255,242 1,253,495 1,247,849 1,229,570 1,216,536 1,165,958 1,159,576 1,148,771 1,144,553 1,140,641 1,138,812 1,110,716
Sea The Stars Mastercraftsman Fame And Glory Oasis Dancer Rip Van Winkle Sariska Ask Goldikova Famous Name Fleeting Spirit Silver Frost Stacelita Varenar Lucky General Conduit Le Havre Golden Sword Cavalryman King’s Apostle Alpine Rose Dar Re Mi Youmzain Shakespearean Ghanaati War Artist Gris de Gris Coubiza Night Of Magic Selmis Shamandar Al Muheer Scintillo Fuisse Prince Siegfried Voila Ici Nehaam Irish Cat Le Big Ouqba Total Gallery Firebet Libano Certainement Turati Les Fazzani Corcovada Celimene Los Cristianos Elusive Wave Full Mandate
Jumps statistics July 1, 2009 to January 3, 2010; Flat from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009
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Earned (£)
4,347,392 629,883 1,392,835 542,760 509,836 618,677 463,676 612,826 291,240 409,221 287,437 782,903 214,199 1,008,829 857,286 947,612 388,711 908,485 172,400 318,073 440,441 1,008,667 1,001,242 457,128 109,464 194,515 71,845 181,165 158,857 199,057 123,088 171,868 367,621 94,572 312,826 239,276 93,738 88,446 104,706 255,449 101,551 130,428 67,563 225,207 121,480 65,968 138,524 104,369 330,857 294,065
Presenting ahead every which way Presenting, with Denman and Dunguib the star turns, is in his accustomed spot at the top in money earned and number of runners, with an astonishing 243 having raced up to January 3. Two who have made a surge with many fewer representatives are King’s Theatre (109) and, more particularly, Alflora (123), whose progeny earnings are already 50% higher than for the whole of the last campaign. That’s thanks largely to his fine young chaser What A Friend, winner of the Lexus Chase after chasing home Denman in the Hennessy Gold Cup. But Cootehill, successful in two Listed novice hurdles, is another Alflora stakes winner and at £3,000 the sire is good value. Weatherbys’ Return of Mares 2009 reveals that most books have dropped – Presenting from 261 to 221, Oscar from 251 to 144, Flemensfirth from 292 to 225 and King’s Theatre from 142 to 100, various recessionary factors being at play.
Cape Cross crowned thanks to star colt Well done to Cape Cross for landing his first sires’ title, thanks to Sea The Stars. Where would he and the rest of the first dozen or so in the table have finished minus the cash contributed by their top individual earner? The list would have been topped by Danehill Dancer on £4,543,188, followed by Oasis Dream (£3,746,805), Galileo (£3,586,446), Pivotal (£3,166,225), Montjeu (£2,928,494), Sadler’s Wells (£2,286,913) and then Cape Cross (£2,254,319). Clearly, Danehill Dancer and Oasis Dream deserve huge credit for their achievements, especially the latter since he had 73 fewer runners than Danehill Dancer, yet provided only two fewer stakes winners, while his percentage of winners to runners was second only to Pivotal’s. As Oasis Dream is just ten, the youngest among the leaders along with Dalakhani, Banstead Manor Stud, which also houses high-flier Dansili, can look forward to the next few years.
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YOUR SAY
Coming together with ATR is good business Racing UK and At The Races will continue to compete domestically, but the joint venture to sell British racing overseas should be good for the industry Richard FitzGerald Racing UK Chief Executive
“A joint venture made good sense in order to maximise the potential of our racing internationally”
he international joint venture is a really good news story for British and Irish racing. Racecourse Media Group (RMG), the parent company of Racing UK, and At The Races will work together internationally to develop the British and Irish racing package to maximise the opportunity around the number of races and territories all over the world, in order to generate increased revenues to go back in to racing. The clear goal is to provide the world’s leading simulcast and fixed odds wagering product. The quality and integrity of our racing, combined with the skills of the joint venture partners and increased investment in production and marketing, should ensure we can achieve this within the next two years. While ATR and RMG enjoy healthy rivalry on the domestic front (albeit with very different business models for the channels) – and will continue to do so – ATR Chief Executive Matthew Imi and I realised that a joint venture made good sense in order to maximise the potential of our respective racing internationally. Some, I know, will be surprised by the coming together but it can only be good for our respective shareholders and stakeholders. It should provide further evidence that racing can change for the better when there is a real commitment to maximise what we have. We are really looking forward to pooling our resources and expertise, and the initial interaction has been very positive. The partnership also means we can avoid duplicated costs and resources and invest more in production and marketing to deliver the solution our customers are asking for. We have signed for an initial five years as both parties want to demonstrate a long-term commitment to customers around the world. We have already received excellent feedback from the customer base and we have already made significant progress in scheduling fixtures for the commencement of the service in March. We are still working on the brand name for the new service. By the time you read this I hope that we will have it in place. Internationally, our racing competes with each customer’s local fixtures, and also other international products from America, Australia and South Africa. It is a competitive business and all about live racing. It is driven by a number of factors: time zones
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88 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
(affecting when the racing can be seen and wagered on); off times (races can be scheduled as little as every three minutes and if a race is late off it can be scratched from the television feed); declaration times (many territories require 48 hours in order to provide sufficient time for marketing in newspapers, etc); quality of racing (the French, for example, will look to take the very best racing); and, of course, racing which has high levels of integrity. We are marketing the product as one package in a single consistent way and have appointed account managers for each customer as we look to build further on existing relationships and ensure that there is the right balance of fixtures at the right race-times. We need to achieve only a marginal increase in the big Tote monopoly markets, such as Hong Kong, France, Australia and Singapore, to see a big difference. But we are also focused on emerging fixed odds and Tote opportunities in emerging markets in Eastern Europe and Asia. Timing is everything and we have already seen increased interest from France, Hong Kong and a second wagering channel in Australia which should allow us to drive revenues immediately. Further growth in new territories will be driven by legislative changes. We continually anticipate changes in Sweden and Mauritius to allow our racing to go into these territories, but continue to be pushed back. Domestically, our racecourse shareholders will benefit from increased returns. It is difficult to put a figure on it at this early stage, although we hope it will represent a significant increase. The UK Tote will also be enhanced through liquidity from the co-mingling of the international Tote bets on our racing. The Tote continues to work with us to ensure we can offer the international bet types which enables us to co-mingle back into the UK pools. A stronger Tote can only be good for racing. I would like to put on record our appreciation to Phumelela Gold Enterprises, our previous partner, for the work they have done for our racecourses in this area over the last five years in developing the marketplace, and as one of the largest international consumers of British racing. They are the major customer for our racing in South Africa and we look forward to working with them closely to maximise the opportunities.
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No other publication is better equipped to represent the wishes and interests of ALL owners and breeders. We’d love to hear your views: editor@ownerbreeder.co.uk
CONTENTS
44 Sam Thomas talks about his turbulent past few years
76 Selkirk’s return to the stallion ranks is hailed in Caulfield Files
NEWS AND VIEWS 7 News Focus Contrasting sales results in Australia and the US 12 Changes News in a nutshell 15 ROA Leader Racing For Change: first steps are just that 17 TBA Leader United efforts to retain Breeders’ Prizes 18 Tony Morris How I became fascinated with racing and breeding 21 NEW The Maxse Factor John Maxse’s take on the world of racing 32 Trainer Paul Nolan reveals all – and then some! – in Talking To...
88 Your Say Racing UK Chief Executive Richard FitzGerald
INTERNATIONAL SCENE 22 View From Ireland National Stud upheaval as senior figures depart 24 Continental Tales Cagnes-sur-Mer again a target for British stables 27 Going Global Economic woe continues as banks file lawsuits
FEATURES 30 The Big Picture Kauto Star makes history with fourth King George 32 Talking To... Entertaining Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan 52 Mount Nelson (left) features in our TBA Stallion Parade preview 4 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
34 COVER STORY The Aga Khan Exclusive interview with the legendary owner/breeder
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Industry agreed measurement Our proven average monthly circulation is certified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations at 10,330* *based on the period July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009
34 The Aga Khan inherited his family’s bloodstock 50 years ago
FEATURES continued 41 Nick Littmoden Trainer who has looked east to revive his business 44 Sam Thomas Gold Cup-winning jockey on his turbulent few years 52 Stallion Parade The 13 sires lining up for the TBA February Parade
FORUM 58 ROA News An exclusive insurance scheme for members 62 TBA Forum Report on the fascinating TBA Stud Farming Course 67 Breeders’ Prizes Your National Hunt and Flat success stories 69 Breeder of the Month Olivia Bush, for Lexus Chase winner What A Friend 72 Vets Forum Dynamic over-ground endoscopy
DATA BOOK 76 Caulfield Files Selkirk is back – they’ll be queuing up! 79 Global Stakes Results Graded race winners and insightful analysis 82 Data Book National Hunt Graded races in Britain and Ireland 86 Stallion Stats Final Flat table and the jumps pace-setters THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 5
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NEWS FOCUS The big stories in the racing world
Millions sale proves magic Australian auction shows robust signs as growing international status is reflected by buyers’ list hen the four select sessions of the Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale ended in January in Queensland, there were some fairly robust signs considering the current global economic climate: the number of horses sold was higher than that recorded in 2009, the buy-back rate was lower and the turnover increased slightly. “All in all, we’re very pleased and I’ve spoken to many vendors, and they seem pleased with their results,” said Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester. A total of 690 yearlings were catalogued in both 2009 and 2010, with 515 sold this year compared to 503 during the
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same four sessions in the previous year. The buyback rate dropped to 18% from 20% in 2009. Turnover reached £37,765,085, which represented less than a 1% increase from last year’s total, but still a small step in a positive direction, all the more remarkable since there were relatively few high-priced fireworks. Last year’s top price of £960,438 was far above the £524,196 paid for the 2010 sale-topper, a colt by Redoute’s Choice who is a half-brother to 2003 Australian champion juvenile filly Hasna. The sale’s growing international status was reflected by the buyers of the top colt, a partnership
between BC3 Australia, which has been developed in part by principals in America’s BC3 Thoroughbreds, and Lindsay Park Stud. South African trainer Charles Laird, who attended the sale with Klawervlei Stud owner Markus Jooste, ranked as leading buyer with ten purchases for £1,620,758. The Hong Kong Jockey Club was the third leading buyer with eight for £1,518,752. Adrian Nicoll and Amanda Skiffington were among the European-based buyers signing tickets, while Japan’s Katsumi Yoshida and his son Shunsuke acquired colts by Galileo, Fusaichi Pegasus and Redoute’s Choice. Yet, despite the positive highlights, some consignors struggled. In general, those
Adrian Nicoll: buying down under
who bred to Redoute’s Choice in 2007 when his fee was Aus$330,000 found the going slippery, even though he ranked as leading sire with 17 sold; the average price of his offspring was $343,235.
Keeneland event highlights nerves After five days of selling, near springlike conditions thawed Lexington following the snow that preceded Keeneland’s January mixed sale, but the American bloodstock market remained icy cold. Sellers shivered in both the literal and figurative senses, and withdrew nearly a quarter of the 1,753 horses who had been catalogued. But that wasn’t anything particularly new in the downturn that has gripped America since autumn 2008. “People have scratched a lot of them because they are scared of the market,” noted Frank Taylor of leading consignor Taylor Made Sales Agency. Although Taylor and others were hoping the market would level out or perhaps show some flicker of new life, it did not. Of the 1,345 horses who went through the ring, 982 were reported sold, with the buy-back rate hitting 27%, compared to 21.3% in 2009. Turnover of $23,895,100 (£14,646,429) represented a 23% decline from the first five days of last year’s sale and a 27.2% drop from the $32,824,000
Grade 2 winner Miss Isella sold for $1.1 million
recorded during the full six sale days of 2009. Keeneland Director of Sales Geoffrey Russell said: “In this economy, where credit continues to be significantly constricted, buyers are being extremely careful as they make decisions about how much or whether to spend dollars.” Multiple Grade 2 winner Miss Isella, a five-year-old daughter of Silver Charm, provided the sale highlight when she
elicited a bid of $1,085,000 from Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs Farm, America’s leading breeder for the seventh consecutive year in 2009. Stronach said she would probably be bred to his 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper. Multiple stakes winner Bon Jovi Girl, a four-year-old daughter of Malibu Moon and a half-sister to likely American turf champion Gio Ponti, drew $950,000 (£582,299) from Craig Bandoroff of Denali Stud, who was acting as agent for an undisclosed American buyer. Bon Jovi Girl, previously trained by Tim Ritchey, will be sent to Bill Mott for more racing this year. Two Grade 1 winners in foal to Ghostzapper and owned by Mike Moreno of Southern Equine Stable were withdrawn from the sale, but later reported sold privately to Japanese interests. Point Ashley, a daughter of Point Given, was purchased by Katsumi Yoshida for $1 million (£612,947), and Spoken Fur, by Notebook, was sold for $500,000 (£306,473) to Symboli Stud.
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NEWS FOCUS
Bridget Swire
Toby Balding reflects on the achievements of his great friend and patron, the owner/breeder Bridget Swire, who died in December aged 85 Bridget Swire – Bidgie to her friends – became, over a 30-year relationship, not only my most prolific winner-producing owner, but one of my best friends. She was an amazing lady, in that she had a disabling stroke aged 42, but after a brief rehabilitating period made herself totally self-sufficient, until about eight years ago. For about 30 years she lived in Fyfield, neighbouring my yard there, and devoted her life to becoming the archetypal owner/breeder. Her first two mares were Vercacious, whom she raced successfully with John Dunlop, and Paparoa, who was trained by George Vergette and was useless! On arrival in Fyfield, Bidgie sent the two to Malcolm and Jackie Humby, who rent Redenham Park Stud. They were joined in 1989 by what was to be Bidgie’s shrewdest purchase – Palace Street. The only other purchases were Lucky Vane, who was fourth in the Grand National, Royal Ascot winner Sea Freedom, and Nepotism, a good winner on the Flat. Of the three mares, Palace Street was the biggest success, producing ten winners from 12 foals, including Sakhee’s Secret, King’s Caprice, Palace
Moon, Duke Of Modena and Palace Affair, the winner of six Listed races and now dam of the Listed winner Queen’s Grace. What a family! Vercaious was the dam of five winners, including So True, the dam of full siblings Bomb Alaska and Sabrina Brown (and others); Accuracy, a prolific winner on the Flat and over hurdles, and dam of Listed winners Star Precision and Brave Tornado, amongst others; and Indubitable, the dam of Gold Ring. Paparoa was the dam of hurdler Sheer Silk and also of Paperchain, who produced two good sons, Robin Goodfellow and The Decent Thing, both by Decent Fellow. As our relationship matured, I was the headmaster to what were always Bidgie’s children, and the fun we had doing the weekly reports is impossible to describe. Her like will not be seen again; she was from a golden age. She bred only to race and every horse was given its chance to show its talent. What a joy for her trainer! It was wonderful to see the show continuing, with her homebred Ask The Oracle, out of a daughter of Palace Street, flying the family flag when winning at Southwell on January 14.
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Emma Berry joins Owner & Breeder EMMA BERRY HAS joined Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder as Bloodstock Editor, having been a freelance contributor to the magazine since its inception. She has a solid background in journalism and bloodstock, having been Deputy Editor of both Horse & Hound and Pacemaker, and has contributed to several other publications, including the Racing Post and Australian periodical The Thoroughbred. Emma brings much more to the role than just her experience as a journalist. She lives in Newmarket and
is a TBA member who owns one broodmare. Her first homebred has just gone into training and she part owns bumper winner Anis Etoile. She said: “I am delighted to become a member of the editorial team and, as Bloodstock Editor, I look forward to continuing to develop the excellent coverage in this sector.” Emma would be pleased to hear views of members and can be contacted on emma@ownerbreeder.co.uk.
Levy Board rescue act Prize-money in Britain in 2009 was a record £110.5m, showing a year-on-year increase of 4.2%. The increase was primarily due to the Levy Board putting in an additional £7.1m. The racecourses’ overall contributions to prize-money were down £2.7m on 2008, while the owners’ input was marginally above that of 2008. The 2008 figure had been deflated by the abandonment of York’s Ebor meeting but, with last year’s fixture taking place as usual, this boosted the overall 2009 figure against that of 2008 by £2.8m. ROA Chief Executive Michael Harris said: “The Levy Board’s contribution in
2009 was outstanding. Sadly, all the signs are it will be significantly lower this year. “Aside from the fact that the weather has played havoc with racing earlier this year, levy returns are diminishing, partly as a result of Hills and Ladbrokes moving their online business offshore. This means they are able to avoid paying levy on that proportion of their horseracing gross profits. “It is disappointing that the racecourses were not able to match 2008 contributions but, as new media rights deals come into play during the next few years, we must hope their prize-money contributions will more than compensate for the decline of the levy.”
PRIZE-MONEY
2007 £m
2008 £m
2009 £m
2008-09 +/- £m
2008-09 +/- %
Levy Board Racecourses (executive & sponsorship) Owners BHA Divided Race Fund Total
53.4 29.6
56.1 30.3
63.2 27.6
7.1 -2.7
12.7 -8.9
13.1 1.5 0.8 98.4
16.9 1.8 0.9 106.0
17.3 1.4 1.0 110.5
0.4 -0.4 0.1 4.5
2.4 -22.2 11.1 4.2
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ITBA Expo includes launch of revolutionary genetic test Equinome Speed Gene Test revealed by pre-eminent geneticist at one of four symposia likely to provide stimulating debate and fascinating insight into all aspects of the bloodstock industry THE unveiling of a performance-associated genetic test for racehorses is certain to be a major focus of attention at the two-day ITBA Expo at Goffs’ sales complex in Kill, Co Kildare on January 29 and 30. In a presentation entitled ‘Cracking the code: the speed gene revealed’, the findings of Dr Emmeline Hill, the geneticist behind the Speed Gene Test, are revealed during one of four symposia on the first day. The test was devised by Equinome, a company formed in partnership with Jim Bolger, which last year won an Irish business enterprise award for best start-up company. The presentation follows an education and employment symposium, chaired by the ITBA’s Shane O’Dwyer, who is joined by representatives of the Darley Flying Start management training programme, Maynooth
trainers, stud managers and scientists, among many other expert speakers, to appear. The opening day also focuses on jumps racing and breeding in an afternoon symposium chaired by John O’Connor of Ballylinch Stud. The panel includes leading trainer Willie Mullins, Henry Beeby of Goffs, Tattersalls Ireland’s George Mernagh, Richard Aston of Goldford Stud, bloodstock agents Kevin Ross and Bobby O’Ryan, and Peter Molony, chairman of the ITBA NH committee. During the evening session, Leo Powell hosts the final symposium entitled ‘The future of European racing’, which draws together delegates from France Galop and Hoppegarten racecourse, alongside Denis Brosnan of Horse Racing Ireland and Paul Dixon of the Racehorse Owners Association. Also under discussion on
The inaugural Expo attracted 2,500 visitors, while response this year has led to extensions to the event, which will include 80 stand holders
“Dr Emmeline Hill’s presentation features a major breakthrough in genetic testing” University, RACE, Gaisce, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, and Naas racecourse. After a successful inaugural Expo in 2008, which attracted 2,500 visitors, this is the second biennial event and, with 80 stand holders, the industry participants have been quick to show their support. “We’ve been thrilled with the response – we were oversubscribed and have had to extend again,” said event organiser Amber Byrne, who has assembled breeders,
Friday in the seminar area are corrective farriery, nutrition costs, grassland management and employment law issues. Saturday’s schedule switches to seminars, covering a range of topics, like foal nutrition, bloodstock insurance, debt recovery and taxation issues. The Expo starts each day at 10.30am. Entry is €10 (free to members of the ITBA, TBA and ROA, under18s and OAPs). For further details, visit www.itba.ie. See next month’s issue for a report on the Expo and Equinome Speed Gene Test.
The two-day event includes informative symposia and seminars
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