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£4.95 | March 2010 | Issue 67

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Incorporating

ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR Denman and Kauto Star go head-to-head at Cheltenham WWW.OWNERBREEDER.CO.UK

I Tony Morris on racing rivalries past and present I Graham Roach: “The Festival is nerve-jangling” I Philip and Sarah Hobbs reveal their dark secret

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WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR Edward Rosenthal

The encounter we’ve all been waiting for auto Star and Denman. The words are so deeply ingrained in the vocabulary of British racing, such has been their impact on the sport, that it is difficult to imagine a National Hunt scene without the two horses that have so thrilled and enchanted us for the past few seasons.

The ten-year-old stablemates will do battle once again at the Cheltenham Festival – albeit on the back of contrasting performances last time out – with the score currently standing at one each in their Gold Cup encounters. George Selwyn’s cover image shows the duo in relaxed mood at Paul Nicholls’s Ditcheat stable and pages 36 and 37 are dedicated to the superstars ahead of their heavyweight clash.

Philip Hobbs may not have a Denman or a Kauto Star in his stable at the moment – how many trainers do? – but he does have plenty of exciting youngsters to look forward to, including Menorah and Planet Of Sound.

A perennial presence in the top five jump trainers’ list, Hobbs and his wife Sarah have sent out over 100 winners in nine of the last ten seasons from their Sandhill base, one of the ‘big three’ stables in Somerset along with Paul Nicholls and David Pipe (about whose gallops Hobbs has a startling admission to make).

Although the present campaign has been disrupted by the weather and the loss through injury of some high-profile names, Hobbs is philosophical about matters. “It’s not nice when things are going wrong like that but racing is never boring – it’s either very disappointing or very thrilling. The thing to do is not get too excited by the successes, and then you won’t get too low with the setbacks,” he tells Alan Lee (pages 38-42).

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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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Cheltenham has been good to owner Graham Roach – indeed Viking Flagship, his dual Champion Chase hero trained by the late David Nicholson, is as synonymous with the venue as either Kauto Star or Denman.

Initially critical of the decision to extend the flagship meeting to four days, Roach has changed his opinion in recent years. “I wondered whether they would be able to find the number of quality horses to sustain a four-day Festival,” he says to Tim Richards (Talking To, pages 32-33). “They have and I enjoy going all four days.”

The breeding season is now well and truly underway and in France, the stallion ranks have increased in size notably this year; the number of new stallions, combined with an influx of established sires, will have made many sit up and take notice.

An open weekend to showcase 27 Normandy studs was held at the end of January and whether you are hoping to breed a July Cup or a Grand National winner, the options are plentiful (pages 44-49).

In shorter supply are people prepared to invest their money in bloodstock, with this year’s auctions to date hit by poor clearance rates. Yet a pair of jumping prospects fetched a combined total of almost half a million pounds at Brightwells’ January event (Sales Circuit, pages 64-67).

A crazy sum perhaps, but if On His Own or Forty Foot Tom reveal half the talent of either horse adorning the front of this magazine, it will be money well spent.

Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder magazine is moving to new offices. From March 1 we will be based at 1st Floor, 75 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LS.

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

“Kauto Star and Denman have made such an impact it’s difficult to imagine racing without them”

£4.95 | March 2010 | Issue 67

Incorporating

ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR Denman and Kauto Star go head-to-head at Cheltenham WWW.OWNERBREEDER.CO.UK

I Tony Morris on racing rivalries past and present I Graham Roach: “The Festival is nerve-jangling” I Philip and Sarah Hobbs reveal their dark secret

Cover: Denman and Kauto Star Photo: George Selwyn

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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

38 Alan Lee interviews perennially successful trainer Philip Hobbs

36 Cover story All you need to know about the Gold Cup duel

NEWS AND VIEWS 06 News Focus ITBA Expo Review, and Dick Francis remembered 10 Changes News in a nutshell 13 ROA Leader Why prize-money affects everyone in racing 15 TBA Leader Money is tight but disease fight must be financed 16 Tony Morris To duel or not to duel 19 The Maxse Factor Racing should get the rugby treatment from the Beeb 44 Elusive City, just one of the many new sires in France for 2010

104 Your Say Dr John Simpson on equine genomics

INTERNATIONAL SCENE 22 View From Ireland John Osborne takes over at Irish National Stud 24 Continental Tales Manfred Hofer joins German training ranks 27 Going Global How Sue McDonnell has helped War Emblem

FEATURES 30 The Big Picture Meydan the magnificent 32 Talking To...

Leading jumps owner Graham Roach 51 Woodlands Stud supremo Kenneth Cullinane talks to Leo Powell 4 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

36 COVER STORY Denman v Kauto Star Lowdown on the Gold Cup-bound neighbours

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Industry agreed measurement Our proven average monthly circulation is certified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations at 10,183* *based on the period July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009

32 Leading jumps owner Graham Roach in this month’s Talking To...

FEATURES continued 38 Philip Hobbs Top trainer whose sensible approach has paid off 44 Normandy Studs Value, variety and a batch of new stallions 51 Woodlands Stud New arrivals show Galway operation means business 55 National Hunt Stallions Focusing on the leaders of the pack 64 Sales Circuit Essential round-up of January and February auctions

FORUM 68 ROA News Your shot at making a difference 76 Racing Welfare Four pages of news and views 80 TBA Forum Swamp Fever outbreak no cause for alarm 87 Breeder of the Month Richard Francome, for Restless Harry 88 Vet Forum Artificial Insemination: the pros and cons

DATA BOOK 94 Caulfield Files Fastnet Rock the latest ‘reverse shuttler’ 96 Global Stakes Results Graded race scorers and analysis of top-flight winners 98 Data Book National Hunt Graded races in Britain and Ireland THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 5

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NEWS FOCUS The big stories in the racing world

Genomics study sparks debate Dr Emmeline Hill’s pioneering work among the many interesting topics at the ITBA Expo Words Lissa Oliver he ITBA Expo at the end of January proved as popular as the 2008 inauguration, with over 4,000 visitors and 85 trade stands, as well as 17 seminars and four symposia throughout the two days.

One of the highlights was Dr Emmeline Hill’s ‘Cracking The Code: The Speed Gene Revealed’, showcasing her pioneering work in the field of equine genomics, with the support of the Equinome partnership she and trainer Jim Bolger founded in 2009.

The horse genome carries instructions for building and maintenance, and has allowed the identification of the specific genes responsible for such essentials as insulin signalling, fat metabolism and muscle strength. While every horse possesses the same number of genes, the difference in each individual is a result of the DNA within genes.

Pedigree studies have shown that more than 35% of variation in racecourse performance is due to inherited characteristics and Dr Hill has successfully identified the three genetic types, containing either the letter C or the letter T, responsible for muscle mass development. Each horse possesses two copies of the gene, one inherited from the dam and one inherited from the sire, resulting in three possible combinations – C:C, C:T or T:T. “This test is not designed to identify how good a horse is likely to be, but rather what it will be good at,” emphasised Dr Hill.

Sampling 151 Group winners and 28 Listed winners, Dr Hill has found that C:C results in a sprinter type with an optimum racing distance of five furlongs to a mile. The optimum racing distance for a C:T type is seven to 12 furlongs, while T:T reflects stamina, with an optimum of ten furlongs and over. The probability of this arising by chance alone is 0.000000000000000000082.

In testing 142 two-year-olds in training with Bolger, Dr Hill found C:C and C:T horses outperformed T:T horses, winning on average five and a half times more races. Fewer than 5% of two-yearold Group winners are T:T and no five- or sixfurlong winners are T:T. Testing 32 winners in a prominent National Hunt yard, Dr Hill found a total absence of C:C. Disappointing many, she concluded that there is, however, no significant genetic difference between Group winners and non-winners.

Illustrating how this can be utilised by breeders, Dr Hill explained that mating a C:C on a C:C will result only in a C:C. Similarly, a T:T on a C:C will result only in C:T, as is also the case with T:T on T:T. However, C:T on C:C and C:T on T:T each has a 50-50 chance of replicating either dam or

T

“The quality is still there in Irish breeding, but the main problem is the length of time you must wait” – Kevin Ross

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sire. Mating a C:T on C:T has a 50% likelihood of producing a C:T and a 25% chance of C:C or T:T. For traditional breeders accustomed to chance, these appear to be good odds!

Another seat-filler in the main auditorium was the symposium ‘National Hunt Racing And Breeding, The Way Forward’ chaired by Ballylinch Stud’s John O’Connor MRCVS, with panellists Willie Mullins, Henry Beeby, Richard Aston, Kevin Ross, Simon Kerins and Bobby O’Ryan.

In his overview of the National Hunt breeding industry, O’Connor stated that the number of jumps foals produced in each of the past four years hovered between 40-55% of overall Irish foal production. In 2009, a significant dip was seen, with a fall from 12,000 foals produced dropping to around 10,000. In the 2007-08 season, 40 Grade 1 races were won by Irish-bred horses, 20 by French-breds and five by British-breds. The following year, the Irish-breds accounted for 32 Grade 1 victories and the French for 28.

The panel recognised a threat from French-bred horses owing to the early preparation they receive, with Willie Mullins pointing out that he can buy a young proven horse that’s ready to run.

He said: “The traditionally-bred Irish horse is still relevant in National Hunt racing. They’re the sort of horses I love to train. But over the years we probably priced ourselves out of the market.”

It was suggested this was owing to the French breeding to race and sell, making their money on the racecourse rather than in the sales ring.

“The quality is still there in Irish breeding,” insisted Kevin Ross, “but the main problem is the length of time people have to wait.”

The bloodstock agents, in particular, were greatly in favour of the early breaking of store

From left: Arnaud Ferratu, Paul Dixon, Gerhard Schoningh, Leo Powell, Derek McGrath, Joe Osborne, Denis Brosnan

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ITBA EXPO REVIEW

horses, an initiative introduced in 2009 by the ITBA, supported at the time by seminars and an educational DVD. This has led to the NH breeze-up, a concept wholeheartedly endorsed by the panel.

“It’s a great step forward to have horses broken, as is the National Hunt breeze-up,” said agent Bobby O’Ryan.

Ross’s suggestion of including hurdles in a breeze-up was well received, particularly by Mullins, who said: “I think Kevin’s is the best idea that I’ve heard in ages. Let’s see a horse popped over a hurdle in a breeze-up.”

O’Ryan went on to confirm the bloodstock agents’ preference of conformation over pedigree and expressed the hope that breeders would continue to mate their horses. He pointed out the number of good horses to have been produced by mares that might have been singled out for culling in the current climate.

“We never know where the next good horse will come from,” he warned. “Use whatever stallion you can most comfortably afford.”

Richard Aston, of Goldford Stud, added: “I’m looking for a well-bred, well-conformed and wellpresented individual. I won’t look at fillies or colts with no page.”

Aston believes that there is a serious issue with the proportion of unraced mares, saying: “People have a tendency to rush fillies off to stud simply because they’re well-related, which only dilutes pedigrees in the long term.”

The lively jumping debate was followed by ‘The Future Of European Racing’, introduced by Joe Osborne of Kildangan Stud and chaired by Leo Powell, Managing Editor of The Irish Field.

They were joined by Denis Brosnan, Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland; Gerhard Schöningh, owner of Hoppegarten racecourse, Berlin; Paul Dixon, President of the Racehorse Owners Association; Derek McGrath, Chief Executive of the European Rugby Cup; and Arnaud Ferratu, Export Area Manager for France’s PMU. Ferratu showed the advantages of the €70 billion revenue from the PMU returning directly to French racing through the administration of France Galop.

“The PMU has plans to introduce new strands, dealing with other sports,” he explained, confident that new legislation will protect the company’s interests.

“German racing has done incredibly well on the breeding front and it is a smaller breeding industry than here and Britain, about the size of Italy,” said Gerhard Schöningh.

“But we have experienced a 40-50% decrease in the number of races staged.”

Schöningh discussed his own methods of promoting Hoppegarten, particularly as a family day out, and expressed disappointment that racecourses do not market their product to the same extent as other leisure industries.

On a positive note, he said: “In 2009 we have seen a new initiative called German Racing,

Dr Emmeline Hill, whose research is in partnership with trainer Jim Bolger

planning to build its own betting platform and acquire a majority stake in leading internet betting platforms. The European Commission understands that betting is very important in funding racing.

“We are very grateful to investors, particularly Coolmore Ireland, who have made a very significant investment.”

Denis Brosnan detailed the impact of the recession on the Irish racing industry and highlighted the problems voiced by the panel on offshore betting.

“If the exchanges become the total betting market in future, there will be no money for the industry,” he warned.

“Prize-money is the most important issue because it is the lifeblood of the sport,” declared Paul Dixon, who called for a decrease in the number of fixtures to retain prize funds.

Praising the unified work of British racing’s two main administrative bodies, he stressed the importance of the purchase of the Tote by racing and promoted Racing For Change, which has the aim of “creating a better raceday experience, in much the way the football Premiership has done.”

With seminars providing advice on finances, education, pasture management and nutrition, the Expo was certainly a worthwhile event for all industry participants.

Joe Foley, chairman of the ITBA, said: “It’s a tribute to the industry that we have been able to attract so many visitors and such good exhibitors during difficult times.”

“This test is not designed to identify how good a horse is likely to be, but what it will be good at” – Dr Emmeline Hill

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Dick Francis contrary via some of his semiautobiographical characters.

Born in Pembrokeshire on October 31, 1920, Francis followed in the footsteps of his father Vince, who had been a professional jump jockey prior to running a hunting yard in Berkshire. Dick and his elder brother Doug, who later became a trainer, were taught to ride at an early age, with success in the show-ring a precursor to his career on the racecourse.

The Second World War interrupted Francis’s long-held ambition to be a jockey but in March 1946 he rode his first point-to-point winner, followed swiftly by his first ride under rules, which saw him part company with Louis The Great at the now defunct Littleton racecourse.

Employed by jump jockeyturned-trainer George Owen, Francis went on to record his

Fairlawn, Kent, thus starting the jockey’s association with the Queen Mother’s horses.

Four of his ten victories for the royal owner came on Devon Loch, whose agonising near miss in the Grand National was greeted by the Queen Mother with great equanimity.

She said to the distraught jockey: “That’s racing, I suppose.”

A broken wrist – one of many painful injuries throughout his career in the saddle – in 1957 brought about Francis’s retirement from race-riding at the age of 36, with 345 victories to his credit and the title of champion jockey for the 195354 season, during which he rode 76 winners. His autobiography The Sport of Queens was published later that year and he became a columnist for The Sunday Express.

PHOTO: GEORGE SELWYN

“The Queen Mother said to Devon Loch’s distraught rider: ‘That’s racing, I suppose’”

Dick Francis will be forever remembered for his books and Devon Loch

RACING is mourning the loss of one of its most famous figures following the death of former champion jockey and bestselling author Dick Francis on February 14. He was 89.

Despite being one of the most successful National Hunt jockeys of his age, Francis will be forever associated with the infamous collapse of Devon Loch in the Grand National of 1956. With the race seemingly at his mercy, the Queen Mother’s horse was thought to have been frightened by the wall of noise generated in anticipation of a royal win and sprawled yards from the post to hand victory to the Dave Dick-ridden ESB.

The disappointment of losing the world’s most famous steeplechase hit Francis hard at the time, but referring to the incident many years later he said: “It was a terrible thing but I look back on it now and I can say that if it hadn’t happened I might never have written a book, and my books have certainly helped keep the wolf from the door.”

As the author of 42 racingrelated crime novels, of which 60 million copies have been sold worldwide in 35 different languages, Francis could have had few regrets about his transition from jump jockey to writer, despite hints to the

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first victory the following year, riding a double on May 3 at Bangor on Wrenbury Tiger and Blitz Boy, a month before he married his wife of 53 years, Mary, who died in 2000.

By the season of 1947-48, Francis was riding so frequently for Owen that he was asked by the National Hunt Committee stewards to turn professional, which he did shortly before being offered the job as second retained rider to Lord Bicester. He made his first appearance in the Grand National for the leading owner aboard Roimond, on whom he finished runner-up both in that race and in the King George VI Chase, which he won on Finnure in 1949.

In 1953, Francis was appointed to the role of stable jockey for Peter Cazalet at

Regarding journalism as a “stop-gap”, he published his first novel Dead Cert in 1962, an event which would become routine over the ensuing years, writing, with the help of his wife Mary, 38 novels up until 2000. After Mary’s death, Francis continued to write in partnership with his son Felix.

Awarded the OBE and CBE for services to literature, Francis also wrote a bestselling biography of Lester Piggott and won the Gold Dagger Award for crime novel of the year with Whip Hand.

He was also three times the winner of the Edgar Allen Poe Award in the US. Francis died on Grand Cayman, which had been his home since 1992, and is survived by his sons Felix and Meyrick, five grandsons and one great-grandson.

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Changes

In association with

Racing’s news in a nutshell People and business

Gary Tanaka Jimmy Fortune Adam Waterworth Hatchfield Farm Jon Ryan Pop single Alan Morcombe Jamie Stier Katie Stephens David Pipe (pictured) Phillip Makin McKeever St Lawrence Sportingbet.com Chantilly

Transatlantic racehorse owner sentenced to five years in prison for fraud offences Jockey replaced by William Buick at John Gosden’s stable to ride as a freelance in 2010 Will succeed Rod Fabricius as Managing Director at Goodwood racecourse at the end of this year Council refuses extension to decision process period on Lord Derby’s planning application to build up to 1,200 new homes in Newmarket Leaves post as Director of Communications at the BHA; he is not being replaced Racing personalities record version of Petula Clark’s 1964 hit Downtown, renamed ‘Cheltenham’, for charity; the song is released on March 8 Quits role as Executive Chairman of TurfTV Former Chief Stipendiary Steward to the Hong Kong Jockey Club will replace Tony Goodhew as Director of Raceday Operations at the BHA Clerk of the Course and estate manager at Hereford to step down after six and a half years at the track Trainer saddles 400th career winner with Sona Sasta at Huntingdon 25-year-old signed up as retained rider to Cumbrian-based owner Andrew Tinkler Johnny McKeever and Oliver St Lawrence split bloodstock partnership after ten years Announced as the new sponsor of the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York; the firm is also backing Winter Derby day at Lingfield Home of the French Derby and Oaks will close on July 16 so work can begin on a new €5 million all-weather track intended to be opened in early 2011

Racehorse and stallion – movements and retirements Kandahar Run All The Good Pipedreamer Daylami Chevalier An Accordion Desert Sun Vangelis Nom Du Jeu Square Eddie Fly To The Stars Star De Mohaison Fieppes Shuffle King’s Apostle

Listed-winning son of Rock Of Gibraltar to stand first season at his owner’s Gestut Ammerland near Munich, Germany Godolphin’s 2008 Group 1 Caulfield Cup winner sold to stand at Cokay Stud near Istanbul in Turkey Dual Group 2 winner bought privately by Marwan Koukash from Cheveley Park Stud Coolagown Stud in County Cork, Ireland secures multiple Group 1 winner for 2010 season; his fee is €3,000 Sire of 2009 Molecomb Stakes winner Monsieur Chevalier sold to Ruia Stud Farms in Maharashtra, India Brian Kilpatrick-owned and bred chaser, winner of the 2008 William Hill Trophy at Cheltenham, is retired aged nine Stallion, 22, pensioned at Eliza Park in Victoria, Australia; he sired champion New Zealand mare Sunline and 30 other stakes winners Group 2-winning son of Highest Honor transfers from Haras de Grandcamp to Haras du Bois d'Argile near Chantilly, where he will stand for €2,000 Australian Derby winner becomes one of the first sons of Montjeu to retire to stud in Australasia at Fairdale Stud in New Zealand US Grade 1 winner for trainer John Best retired to Vessels Stallion Farm in California 16-year-old son of Bluebird moves from Poland to stand at Hrebcin Napajedla in the Czech Republic 2006 RSA Chase winner owned by Sir Robert Ogden retired aged nine German-trained winner of the 2008 Desert Orchid Chase, who won 17 races in all, is retired aged ten Last season’s Prix Maurice de Gheest winner to begin stallion career at Klawervlei Stud in South Africa

People obituaries Age Terry Mills Averil Whitehead Edmund Gann Peter Twite Tony Budge Sid Smith Fred Rickaby Matty Ryan George Hanlon Cyril Bentick Dick Francis Jack Werk Ronan Lawlor Betty Mabee

71 86 86 81 70 77 93 65 92 88 89 66 21 88

Horse obituaries

Age

Yavana’s Pace Alfathaa

18 5

Epsom trainer who saddled Where Or When to land the 2002 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Owner of Owenstown and Broadfield Studs and breeder of top sprinter and stallion Indian Ridge US owner whose Grade 1 winners included Medaglia D’Oro, Peace Rules and Denon Former Jockey Club official Owner with the Richard Hannon stable whose best horses included Showbrook, Rock City and River Falls, plus Uncle Ernie over jumps Racecourse farrier at Goodwood, Ascot, Epsom, Lingfield and Fontwell Twice champion apprentice Flat jockey in the 1930s who rode successfully over jumps and became champion trainer in South Africa Racing enthusiast, course steward, charity worker and member of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee Triple Melbourne Cup-winning trainer who was inducted into Australia’s Racing Hall of Fame in 2002 Lambourn resident who rode as an apprentice on the Flat and later produced high quality horse blankets Legendary jump jockey and best-selling author (obituary page 8) Founder of Werk Thoroughbred Consultants and the eNicks online mating and stallion promotion service Jockey who was apprenticed to David Wachman in 2009 Developed leading Californian breeding operation Golden Eagle Farm with late husband John, winning three Eclipse Awards

Became the oldest British-trained Group 1 winner when landing the 2002 Pokal at Cologne aged ten Nayef gelding purchased in October by Michael Dods for Andrew Tinkler

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ROA LEADER

More to prize-money than owners’ returns It is vital to drum into politicians the importance of prize-money to an industry which supports, directly or indirectly, 100,000 jobs t a time when prize-money looks sure to decline substantially, we must remind politicians of all complexions why prizemoney is so crucial in sustaining British racing and why it plays a key role in helping the rural economy.

Point to any successful racing industry virtually the world over and you’ll see much higher prizemoney than we enjoy in Britain. It might be an inconvenient fact for bookmakers and some racecourses, but it is a universal truth that prizemoney has a direct influence on the number and behaviour of racehorse owners.

With the exception of the few super-rich, almost all racehorse owners, large or small, are sensitive to the financial costs of owning racehorses and the level of their expenditure is clearly influenced by how much prize-money they can win. For the great majority of British owners, it is more a case of losing less than winning more, a fact that is illustrated by our owners recovering, in aggregate terms, only around 23 per cent of their costs, far less than in virtually every other major racing country.

That is not to say that prize-money levels override all the other factors that go into making a decision as to where owners run their horses. Of course they don’t, any more than our owners decline to run because prize-money is so poor.

On most occasions there is little choice. It is a sad fact of British racing life that you run your horse for poor prize-money or you don’t get a run at all.

It is fair to say, however, that almost all owners look at what racing has cost them at the end of the year and adjust their expenditure accordingly.

Today’s financial realities of ownership are translating into most owners cutting back and this will have a direct bearing on the financial wellbeing of trainers, breeders, jockeys and stable staff.

The amount that an owner is prepared to pay determines what a trainer can charge and, in turn, what the trainer can pay his staff. This economic cycle has a direct bearing on the number of horses in training and the financial margins to which most trainers have to work.

It is also a major contributor as to why we are seeing a slow but steady decline in the number of horses in training and, to a lesser extent, why breeders and bloodstock sales are now suffering so badly.

A

And all this takes no account of the fact that trainers, jockeys and stable staff receive a direct benefit from prize-money through the percentages they receive on their horses either winning or being placed.

The relative wealth of trainers and breeders trickles down to employment in rural areas. It also affects the livelihoods of numerous people involved in producing ancillary products and services that make up the rural economy. Reverberations from any decline in the British racing industry are felt in many diverse areas, ranging from veterinary practices, feed suppliers, insurance services and many agricultural activities.

From the Deloitte-compiled Economic Impact of British Racing, we see that the core racing industry sustains over 18,600 jobs, while, if betting is taken into account, this figure becomes over 100,000.

Trainers and breeders alone are responsible for 9,500 full-time and around 7,400 part-time employees. Levels of prize-money might appear remote to the lives of many of these people but there is a sound economic argument to show that it isn’t.

The cycle begins when an owner puts his or her hand in their pocket to buy a horse and then keeps putting their hand in their pocket to pay training fees.

These are the arguments that we must impress on politicians who are much more concerned about employment and the appearance of social justice than they are about whether racehorse owners receive a fair return on their investments.

They are arguments that must be impressed upon those politicians who can, for instance, make decisions and push buttons on reforming the Horserace Betting Levy Board, on whose shoulders the future welfare of our sport still rests. Or on the future of the Tote, whose acquisition by British racing could have such an impact on the wealth of our sport for years to come.

For too long there has been a temptation in British racing to regard owners as the cash cow that can always be relied upon whatever the political and economic landscape. But, as we enter a period of prize-money decline in a time of economic recession, this conviction will be tested like never before. It would be cold comfort to be proved right that even the British racehorse owner has a limit.

Paul Dixon President Racehorse Owners Association

“Reverberations from any decline in the British racing industry are felt in many diverse areas”

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TBA LEADER

Cash tight but disease fight must be funded With finances stretched, our aim is to help ensure that what little funding is provided by the industry can deliver practical and economical benefits he demands associated with the breeding and rearing of thoroughbreds has always made this industry one of the most challenging career options.

Whilst these challenges, particularly for the commercial breeder, are now as strong as ever, with reductions in prize-money and falling demand for stock, surely the most frightening problem we face is that of equine disease.

It is totally indiscriminate and in a global market the threat hangs over us all, despite the thoroughbred industry’s excellent health record and the close attention paid to disease prevention and control.

Throughout the year, and particularly close to foaling, EHV-1 virus abortion can dash away our hopes for the future, and the fear of recurring cases leaves breeders watchful for weeks to come.

Similarly, just one isolated case of Strangles increases pressure on a stud farm, at a time when the workforce is already working to capacity. An outbreak can stretch breeders, both financially and emotionally.

Whilst the industry advocates a combination of careful management of breeding stock, a strict hygiene policy combined with vaccination for the protection against EHV-1, the Codes of Practice does accept that a Herpes virus vaccine raises protection levels, but it will not provide total protection.

Therefore, we rely heavily on the need for veterinary research and diagnostic techniques in order to keep pace with disease and deliver protection.

However, with funds stretched, we need to ensure that what little funding is provided by the industry delivers practical and economical benefits.

For that reason, the TBA strongly supports the work of the Levy Board’s Veterinary Advisory Committee and through our own Veterinary Committee, which has three new members this year in James Crowhurst, Simon Mockridge and James Tate.

The TBA continues to lobby for appropriate research; at a time when finances are strained, I believe veterinary research must focus on delivering practical benefits.

The six Horserace Betting Levy Board currentlyfunded research projects include two with specific benefits for stud medicine: “To what extent is there drug resistance to de-wormers? How will this affect

T

future management strategies to protect horses from poor performance and life threatening parasitic disease?” and “How does the bacterium Rhodococcus equi cause infection, a particularly severe respiratory disease of foals? How does it persist in the environment?”

TBA members will have an opportunity to read more about this research in the HBLB Veterinary Newsletter, which will shortly appear through your letterbox.

The TBA Stallion Parade, held prior to the Tattersalls February Sale, generated a fantastic response from breeders, with attendance levels far exceeding our expectations, and positive feedback from stallion connections.

I sincerely hope that this event becomes a regular feature, showcasing first-season sires and supported by all our leading studs.

Together with the NH Stallion Parade at Cheltenham, these events demonstrate to a wider audience the considerable range of activities the small, but effective, team at Stanstead House deliver on behalf of the industry.

Crucial ‘behind the scenes issues’, such as lobbying within the European Union, at national and local Government level, veterinary monitoring alongside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and representing the breeding industry’s interests at the numerous industry meetings continue to be handled on a day-to-day basis, together with the usual administration associated with looking after 2,500 members – stallion parades, regional days, seminars and training days all act as the breeding industry’s shop window.

The TBA Council election this year will be held over the coming months, in order that the new appointees may be announced at the Annual General Meeting on June 29.

There are two vacant seats to which we hope to attract at least one younger TBA member, whilst also boosting the Council’s skills to support the work of the association.

These are changing times for the TBA and the industry; we ask that our Council members have a passion for this industry, with the drive and enthusiasm needed to take the association forward.

It is a lot of work, but it can be enormously rewarding and satisfying to be able to make a difference. I do hope members will get fully behind this year’s election.

Kirsten Rausing Chairman Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association

“Equine disease is totally indiscriminate and a threat that hangs over us all”

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THE MAN YOU CAN’T IGNORE Comment

Tony Morris Sometimes it is best not to learn the answers we crave

ome visits to the racecourse become memorable for less than obvious reasons and in my own experience one in particular was a day at Newbury in November 1963. For the life of me, I couldn’t tell you much about the way Mill House won the Hennessy Gold Cup that afternoon, but I have vivid recall of an incident that took place several minutes later, when the first three returned for unsaddling.

I was still young at the game, in my late teens, and next to me stood a much older and wiser guy, along with his son, who was probably a dozen years my junior. The kid wasn’t going to see much, with a densely-packed throng in front of him, so his dad hoisted him up onto his shoulders and, having done so, gave him the benefit of his wisdom: “Take a good look at that horse, lad,” he said, “because you’ll never see one better in your life.”

S

“In America they reckon that second-best means ‘loser’, but that is inappropriate regarding Zenyatta” I could see no reason to disbelieve him. After all, everyone had been convinced since the previous season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup that Mill House was the greatest chaser since Golden Miller or Easter Hero, and we supposed we had just seen the proof of it. I’ve often wondered since what that youngster came to think of his father’s judgment.

Arkle, who had finished third after making a hash of the third-last fence, was being unsaddled about ten yards away, and he didn’t rate a mention.

In fact, we all made the same mistake and some of us were dumbfounded when Arkle ran away from the odds-on Mill House at Cheltenham three months later – the first of four occasions when the Irish gelding’s superiority was emphatically rammed home. After their second Festival 16 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

encounter, when Arkle triumphed by 20 lengths, Mill House was never the same again. Another, as decidedly his superior, came along, and few doubted the upstart was a worthier rival to Arkle.

Timeform’s Black Book for the week beginning December 26, 1966 lauded Arkle for having “proved himself the greatest chaser ever”, giving him a rating of 208. Yet the greatest ever was rated just 1lb better than his two years younger stablecompanion Flyingbolt, who had been winning just about everything Arkle had not contested.

What if Tom Dreaper were to saddle both for the same race? That would provide the ultimate test that Arkle v Mill House never could. It never seemed very likely that it would occur, and it never did. Arkle suffered a career-ending injury in the 1966 King George, by which time Flyingbolt was already hors de combat – and would anyway be only a shadow of his former self when he returned.

It is a moot point whether the best racing has to offer is the dominant character who brushes his opposition aside by his sheer brilliance, or the intense rivalry between a pair of similarly gifted outstanding individuals. On the Flat in Europe in 2009 we had one in the first category in Sea The Stars, who never encountered a truly worthy competitor, but over jumps this month we have the prospect of a duel between stable companions who may or may not be in the Arkle/Flyingbolt league, but whose rivalry naturally excites the passions of all who follow National Hunt sport.

There is little to separate the Paul Nicholls pair Kauto Star and Denman on ratings, and hopefully Denman’s fall in the Aon Chase can be put down to simply an off day. In a bitterly cold and routinely overcast February, it is the anticipation of their Gold Cup clash that warms the cockles of the fans, whose fingers are crossed for the safe arrival of the pair, hale and hearty, on a March afternoon blessed with spring sunshine and suitable ground.

Ballot box the only ‘decider’ so far

Across the Atlantic there exists the possibility, in April, of a match between the two star performers who compiled unbeaten records in 2009, but who fought out their battle for the Horse of the Year title at the ballot-box, rather than at the racetrack.

Who was the best horse to race Stateside last year? The electorate – with an East Coast bias, so it was alleged – opted for Rachel Alexandra, the three-year-old filly who became the first of her sex to win the Preakness Stakes in 85 years and the first to capture the Woodward Stakes, an event with a shorter but nevertheless distinguished history.

In America they reckon that to be second-best just means you are a loser, but that hardly seems to be an appropriate label to pin on Zenyatta, who was not just undefeated as a five-year-old in 2009.

She has never been beaten in any of her three seasons at the track and she arguably accomplished more in her final start last term, when coming from last to first for a brilliant win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, than Rachel Alexandra ever did.

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raptures in November, it was assumed her record of 14 wins from as many races was complete. But her connections had second thoughts, kept her on the go, and announced in January that she would compete again in 2010. The possibility that she might yet try conclusions with Rachel Alexandra at the track inevitably resurfaced.

Full marks to the enterprising management of Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, which recognised an opportunity to put on the race everyone wanted to see. If the big two would accept the track’s invitation to its Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap on April 9, the purse would be increased from $500,000 to $5,000,000. The announcement was naturally greeted with enthusiasm by press and public alike, who wanted to believe it was the kind of offer that neither party could refuse.

In fact, neither party was ready to accept at short notice. If the date fitted into their training schedules, it would be given due consideration; that was the nearest thing to a commitment that came from either side. A week after the announcement of the proposal, it was back on, having been off, having been on. This saga will continue until they go in the stalls together.

We can’t take these clashes for granted

In theory, Oaklawn does appear to be an appropriate venue for the contest. True, its track is dirt, on which Rachel Alexandra has excelled, but Zenyatta is not just a star of the synthetics; her first Grade 1 win came in the 2008 Apple Blossom, when she triumphed over the reigning champion older mare Ginger Punch. Both are proven over the Arkansas track’s surface.

As things stand, Oaklawn’s commendable initiative in moving the Apple Blossom back six days to April 9 will hopefully bear fruit. If the girls don’t get it on then, the clash seems more likely to be at Churchill Downs, venue of this year’s Breeders’ Cup. We might savour the prospect of that possibility but must also acknowledge that in eight months there will be plenty of scope for untoward events to ensure that it never happens.

We never learnt for certain Arkle was superior to Flyingbolt; we waited in vain for the rematch that would settle the issue between Mill Reef and Brigadier Gerard; the debate over the respective merits of Montjeu and Dubai Millennium remained just speculation, impossible of resolution.

And when these clashes of the titans do occur, can they be relied on to deliver conclusive answers?

Seabiscuit famously trounced War Admiral in their match, but he wasn’t the better horse. Sir Ivor was clearly superior to Royal Palace, but when they met in the Eclipse he wasn’t even second-best.

In 1769, we are led to believe, the pundits disagreed over the merits of the two outstanding five-year-olds who dominated the season. Who knows? If the pair had met, perhaps Goldfinder would have won, Eclipse’s reputation been shot, and the breed might have evolved along different lines. Sometimes it can be better not to learn the answers we crave.

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JOHN MAXSE Comment

THE

MAXSE FACTOR Six Nations coverage augurs well that the Beeb can deliver at the top sporting events

EVEN TO A part-time follower of rugby like myself, watching England’s home games in this season’s Six Nations, it is clear that the BBC has invested time and money into improving their coverage.

Bar the predictable excessive deployment of former players as pundits, there is plenty to like. The coverage sought to explain rules and tactics, and was complemented by an abundance of camera angles, one of which, as the Daily Mail reported with thinly disguised glee, invoked dizziness amongst viewers!

The programme finished with excellent interviews.

Pitch-side reporter Sonja McLaughlan asked a range of pertinent questions, which were answered in a refreshingly honest and open manner by players and coaches alike, putting the banal responses of football to shame.

It will be interesting to see what the Corporation delivers from its reduced portfolio of racing coverage in 2010.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BBC

BBC:credit where it is due

Sonja McLaughlan: excellent interviews at the Six Nations

I had a degree of sympathy for the BBC as they incurred the wrath of the press and public following their decision to halve the number of days covered. The move to focus on big events and drop some of the supporting days was in line with other broadcasters when satellite and digital

channels provide alternative platforms to broadcast from.

However, I’m also expecting their racing coverage to follow in the footsteps of the Six Nations and fulfil their promise of ‘less is more’.

Not only will costs have been saved by cutting the number of days broadcast, but the BBC also halved the amount they pay Jockey Club Racecourses for the right to cover racing’s jewels, the Grand National and Derby.

British racing may have succeeded in retaining 75 days a year coverage on Channel 4 but the terms of that deal, whereby the sport is paying for the privilege of being aired on a terrestrial channel, means there is very limited scope for investment in production.

Cheltenham apart, the BBC retains racing’s shop windows and I hope there will be visible evidence that much, if not all of, the money saved will have been reinvested in making Aintree, Epsom and Ascot a fantastic viewing experience.

Anything possible!

In my capacity as an owner I am about to enter that scary phase when dreams must meet reality. The horse I share with a dozen friends is set to make his debut. We desperately want to see him run, but until he proves otherwise we can cling to the dream that anything is possible.

Some of the best days of my life have been as a result of my involvement with the Let’s Get Ready to Rumble syndicate. We have had two good horses and two less so. Thanks to Alan King (pictured below) and Noel Chance we have tasted victory at the Grand National meeting and had memorable visits to the Cheltenham Festival and Fairyhouse. We were even lucky enough to make ownership profitable when we sold Senorita Rumbalita to be a broodmare.

Next up is a French-bred four year old who sensibly arrived with a name (Soleil d’Avril), thereby avoiding being landed with one conjured up in the course of a late night. He’s been with Alan since last summer and when I have ridden him he has given every indication he will live up to the compliments he and his staff have paid him – “he’s a nice horse”.

How nice time will tell, but for the moment we can dream.

Quirky Paul Nolan film is worth seeing While BBC Sport has reduced its racing coverage, another arm of the organisation has invested in a fascinating film that attempts to portray the different personalities of racehorses.

‘Horses’, written and directed by acclaimed documentary film-maker Liz Mermin, follows

the ups and downs of three animals trained

by Paul Nolan over the course of a year.

The film will be aired on BBC and RTE in the run-up to Cheltenham and is worth watching. It is quirky, wears its heart and art on screen, and the passion felt by Nolan and his team is transparent and infectious.

John Maxse is Associate Director at Pitch

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VIEW FROM IRELAND From Leo Powell, Managing Editor of The Irish Field

Osborne follows father’s footsteps as he takes Irish National Stud helm The Irish National Stud has appointed John Osborne as the new Chief Executive.

Osborne brings with him a wealth and breadth of experience, as well as a great family history. His late father Michael was manager of the Irish National Stud from 1970 until 1982, when he was succeeded by John Clarke.

Osborne is a veterinary surgeon by profession and owns and operates Tipper House Stud in Naas with his wife Valerie Hyde, herself a veterinary surgeon.

A noted pinhooker and sales consignor, he is also one of the main driving forces behind the Yearling Bonus Scheme and is the current Chairman.

Osborne is well aware of the weight of history attached to the stud and of its unique place in the Irish breeding landscape.

He explained: “It is 100 years since Minoru won the Epsom Derby, having been raised at Tully, and last year the successes of Sea The Stars (born and raised at the Irish National Stud) again confirmed the Irish National

Stud as one of the greatest thoroughbred farms in the world.”

Lady O’Reilly is Chairman of the Irish National Stud and she welcomed Osborne, an appointed director of the stud, to the position.

She said: “Following the contribution of his late father, John brings a unique sense of personal involvement and history to the Irish National Stud. His wide experience in many aspects of the bloodstock industry and his innovative ideas for the future

PHOTOS: CAROLINE NORRIS

New Chief Executive with a great racing history himself aims to build on operation’s famous past

John Osborne: great family history

will take the stud forward and build on its successes during this challenging period.”

Cheap mare produces valuable chaser in shape of giant Joncol The first Sunday in February saw one of the most informative National Hunt meetings of the year, Hennessy Gold Cup day at Leopardstown. The feature race was won by Joncol, a strapping son of Bob’s Return who was recording the most important win of his career to date.

He will not be joining the Irish exodus to Prestbury Park this year to contest the Ryanair Chase – a Gold Cup clash with Kauto Star and Denman had been ruled out earlier – with trainer Paul Nolan aiming his progressive chaser towards Punchestown instead, given suitable ground, with Cheltenham aspirations likely to resurface next season.

The story of Joncol is one of those marvellous rags to riches ones and joint-breeders Kay Browne (who owns the gelding) and John Lenihan could never have imagined

Kay and Dan Browne (centre) celebrate Hennessy Gold Cup glory

that he would take them to such heights of success, having purchased his dam, Finemar Lady, as a foal for just Ir1,650gns at Tattersalls Ireland in 1997.

By agreement, the partners have half-shares in all the progeny of Finemar Lady,

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except the first, Joncol, which is in the sole ownership of Browne. The mare has since produced a son by Tel Quel, a filly by Classic Cliche, a yearling colt by Definite Article and she is in foal to King’s Theatre.

The Tel Quel gelding is a

five-year-old named Seafield and he has had a single outing to date, running second to Sizing Mexico in a point-topoint in Cork last November.

The winner has progressed to the racecourse proper and landed a Fairyhouse bumper on his only subsequent run.

The return of Seafield is eagerly anticipated.

Another Cliche is the fouryear-old filly by Classic Cliche and she delighted the Brownes when she made a winning debut in a bumper at Limerick in January. She has earned a short break and connections have great hopes for her too.

Kay Browne and her husband Dan are really enjoying these successes, not that they are new to it all.

They also raced smart young chaser Coljon, who seemed to have his heart broken when he was beaten after a gallant display of jumping in the Thyestes Chase in 2006.

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INTERNATIONAL SCENE

Cuts across land as report highlights funding shortfall

NEWS IN BRIEF

HRI chief calls for higher levy on betting to help the sport The depth of the problems facing the Irish racing and breeding sectors was starkly revealed when Horse Racing Ireland issued its 2009 report.

No area escaped the downward spiral and HRI’s Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh once again made a plea to the Government to aid the business by closing the loophole regarding betting tax on offshore transactions.

Kavanagh said: “With so many demands on government finances it is essential for the racing industry to become self-financing, as it is in most other countries.

“This can be done with a meaningful levy on betting, including all offshore internet and telephone betting, which has wrongly escaped the taxation net up to this point.”

The key industry statistics are:

• Total prize-money is down over 12%, dropping from €60.4 million to €52.9m • Jumps prize-money is hit most, falling by over 14% to €24.6m • The Flat prize fund drops 10.7% to €28.3m • The number of runners fell by almost 4%, while the number of individual runners declined by even more, falling by more than 500 horses • The number of owners on record was down by 9.5% to 5,107, while an even more worrying figure was that of new owners – 894 in 2009, a huge decline of nearly 28% • The number of horses in training, reflecting some of the trends above, was down 4% to 11,638 • The total amount bet was down 21.3% in 2009, from €231m to just under €182m. This is made up of Tote betting, on-course bookmakers and on-course SP shops.

• Tote turnover declined 13.2% to €47.8m; on-course bookmakers’ turnover fell 27.1% to €121.9m, while the take in the SP shops oncourse was down 18.2% to €12.1m.

• The contribution from sponsors was €7.5m, down from €8.7m and representing a drop of nearly 14% • Attendances dropped by 12% to 1,237,171

Intense Focus The 2008 Darley Dewhurst Stakes winner Intense Focus (above, centre) will stand his first season at Ballylinch Stud for a fee of €6,500. The son of Giant’s Causeway is the first stallion to have undergone Equinome’s genetic profiling and as a C:C indicates an influence for speed (see pg 6-7).

Brian Kavanagh: “self-financing is essential”

• The bloodstock sales market took a massive hit again, seeing €67.5m transacted but this is a fall of more than 32% year on year.

At the same time as the industry statistics were being announced, racing found an unlikely but welcome ally in the shape of the Labour Party.

With huge political uncertainty in Ireland, Labour feels that it could play a central role in the next government, though an election is not due until 2011. They would do so as part of a coalition government.

The Labour proposals for the funding of racing involves raising the current betting tax rate from 1% to 1.5%, but also including all monies bet in the state, whether on-course, in shops, by telephone, online or on betting exchanges. The amount generated would more than adequately meet the industry needs and Labour recommends that direct exchequer funding would cease by Budget 2011.

All betting operators would be required to register and pay tax and those who do not sign up would be blocked by Irish internet service providers. On-course bookmakers would also be liable for this betting tax.

The whole issue of internet betting is one that is causing headaches for the racing authorities in many countries and this was shown clearly in the presentations made by speakers from Ireland, the UK, France and Germany at the recent ITBA Expo held at Goffs in January.

Daylami back in Ireland The globetrotting Daylami is back in Ireland and will stand for €3,000 at David Stack’s Coolagown Stud. He is the sire of the Irish Derby winner Grey Swallow, the Triumph Hurdle hero Zaynar and the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Ebaziyan.

ITM’s new Marketing Executive Caroline Kennedy is the new Marketing Executive at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. She previously worked for both Weatherbys Ireland and Derrinstown Stud.

New Galway Plate backer Tote Ireland is to sponsor the historic Galway Plate, which this year will carry a prize fund of €200,000. The deal is for three years and the company will support all the races on that day.

This year’s race takes place on July 28.

Death of Matty Ryan One of Ireland’s best known social and racing figures, Matty Ryan, died suddenly in late January.

The County Tipperary jeweller was a member of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee and a steward at the three Tipperary tracks.

Michael O’Leary spreads his wings Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary is to sponsor the €90,000 Grade 1 two-mile novice chase at Punchestown in the name of his Gigginstown House Stud.

Industrial action threat At the time of going to press racing is under threat from possible industrial action by Turf Club officials. Responsible for integrity matters, the officials are unhappy that a series of recent cutbacks in funding from Horse Racing Ireland is leading to significant cuts in their pay. Mediation attempts had so far failed to find a solution.

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CONTINENTAL TALES

By James Crispe, International Racing Bureau

GERMANY

Meydan inspires Hofer to train

PHOTO: FRANK NOLTING

Former champion jockey takes out licence having recently earned a living as a bloodstock agent

Manfred Hofer (pictured), the former German champion jockey who has been making his living as a bloodstock agent since hanging up his boots in 1995, has belatedly taken the plunge and obtained his training licence.

His post-riding career is possibly best remembered for his vaulting behind jockey Kevin Darley and going tandem on a horse he managed, Belenus, into the winners’ enclosure after the 1999 German Derby – bareback, hatless, wearing a suit and puffing a giant cigar!

That incident made him look like a circus act, but Hofer is no clown in or out of the saddle. Despite having no background in racing (he originally trained as a silversmith and did not sit on a horse until the age of 18), he followed his younger brother Mario, who had answered a newspaper advert for ‘small people’ and become a jockey in Vienna in their native Austria.

Hofer was twice champion apprentice there before moving to Germany, where he won the main title three times, along with five Classics.

Falls and broken bones precipitated his retirement in 1995 and, although he had already completed the paperwork to start training, he decided to go down the route of syndicate management and bloodstock agency.

By now married to Marion Hofheinz, whose father was manager of Munich racecourse and whose sister, Susi, got hitched to Ravensberg handler Andreas Wohler, Hofer teamed up with his brother, Mario, who was

also training, and his brother-in-law to land numerous big race successes.

Belenus apart, he was instrumental in the career of another classy Wohler inmate, Simonas, who won two Group 2s and was runner-up in the 2004 Canadian International, and a pair of crack performers from Mario’s string, Flashing Numbers, winner of the 2006 Prix Eugene Adam, and Paita, third in the Prix de Diane a year earlier.

So, with his bloodstock business well established, why make a third career change and try training?

Speaking from the yard at Cologne racecourse that he has taken over from Hartmut Steguweit, Hofer explained: “I was inspired by seeing the plans for Meydan when I was in Dubai two years ago and thought how great it would be to have a runner there. I have two out there, Titurel and Walzertraum, who are both owned in partnership with my old friend, Albert Steigenberger, who I first rode for in 1978.

“Titurel is a Group horse. In my opinion he was handicapper of the year in Germany last season and when he ran in a Group 3 the ground was too soft, the trip too short and he got no run up the inside. Along with Walzertraum, I bought them from Gestut Schlenderhan, although Walzertraum is only leased.

“It has been very different training them on the Tapeta surface and we have had a hard winter over here, but when Titurel comes home I think he will be good enough to run in the top staying races.”

Hofer has another 22 in Cologne and picks out the three-year-old Compton Place filly Paradise Rain as a possible standard bearer for his first season. “She won a Listed race by three lengths and was a close fourth in a French Group 3,” he said. “I think five furlongs may be her distance and I hope she might be worthy of a trip to Royal Ascot.”

His training licence kicked in on January 1 and, although he was in Germany when his fourth runner, Berlino, became his first winner at Neuss on the last day of the month, a string of incidents meant he was not there and had to watch it on television.

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Race moves a desperate act Some key changes to the German Pattern race calendar for 2010 are hardly horsefriendly and appear to be a desperate attempt to attract bigger crowds during these torrid financial times.

Most striking is the moving back of the 2,000 Guineas at Cologne so that it clashes with Munich’s main Derby trial, the Bavarian Classic, on May 24.

The latter, over ten furlongs, is a natural progression from the Guineas and as recently as 2007 Davidoff was beaten favourite in both races. Last year the races were 22 days apart.

The Derby has been put back two weeks to July 18 to avoid a clash with the football World Cup. The spring meeting at cashstrapped Baden-Baden has mirrored that move, so that it now concludes on June 6.

The 1,000 Guineas has gone the other way, by a whopping five weeks to the first day of a Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday May 1, meaning it clashes with the English 2,000 Guineas.

Newmarket stages the first fillies’ Classic the following day but while the top British distaffers have under five weeks to wait for the Oaks, their German counterparts have a three-month gap to fill until the Oaks runners come under orders on August 1.

Baden-Baden: picturesque but cash-strapped

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INTERNATIONAL SCENE

PHOTO: DUBAI RACING CLUB & ANDREW WATKINS

SPAIN

Olivier Peslier gets the leg-up on Synergy from Yan Durepaire (right) at Meydan in February

Durepaire a future star Sometimes it’s easy to pick out future stars at the beginning of their careers.

One such example is Yan Durepaire, who may have started out in the comparative backwater of Spain, but has such a strong CV that it seems only logical that he will be taking high rank among Europe’s premier trainers before too long.

Durepaire is the 36-year-old son of Robert Durepaire, who for over three decades acted as assistant to one of the all-time training greats, Francois Boutin. “Becoming a trainer is all I ever wanted to do. I’ve always loved the game,” he admitted.

Taking nothing for granted, he spent his formative years gaining experience at some of the racing world’s most celebrated locations.

He had already worked for Boutin, Jeane-Claude Rouget and one of France’s top studs, Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard, not to mention gained a qualification in accounting and business, before he even got his first full-time job with Nicolas Clement in 1991.

Over the next 14 years Durepaire spent time in France (with Clement and Freddy Head), America (at the Keeneland Sales and then with Richard Mandella and Patrick Biancone), Japan (at Shadai Farm) and England (serving as pupil assistant to Luca Cumani for two years in the mid-1990s).

The summer of 2005 found him completing a two-year stint with Kristin Mulhall in California. It was after this experience that Durepaire realised the time had arrived to go it alone.

“I had thought that America would be the right place to start and I did have an opportunity there, but it didn’t work out for me,” said Durepaire.

“I was getting tired of Los Angeles and saw myself back working in Europe, so when I heard that racing was about to start up again in Madrid after a ten-year gap I thought that, as a fluent Spanish speaker, it would be the perfect place to start.”

But he had to work his way up from the bottom, beginning with just a dozen horses. His modus operandi was to buy horses out of French claimers and try to improve them.

He achieved this quite spectacularly in his first full season with Trip To The Moon, claimed in June 2006 after she was beaten at Longchamp before lifting three of Spain’s top races, including the Gobierno Vasco, and finishing the year triumphant in a Listed event at Saint-Cloud.

Subsequent progress has been relentless, culminating in a first Pattern success at Toulouse last November when Synergy – a fine third on her Dubai debut in a Group 3 event at Meydan on February 5 – landed the Prix Fille de l’Air. That was a particularly satisfying moment for Durepaire, as the Victory Note filly was ridden by Olivier Peslier, one of his closest friends since they worked together at Clement’s yard, and godfather to his young daughter.

“It was the day after he won the Breeders’ Cup again on Goldikova,” said Durepaire.

“We always used to dream of winning the big races. Olivier has got there a bit quicker than me but I hope to catch up!”

Back in Madrid, his string now numbers 70 and he picks out Diableside, who has had a long rest and been gelded since contesting last year’s French 2,000 Guineas.

Durepaire added: “He is looking better than ever and likes soft ground, so I’m hoping to get him out early.”

FRANCE Thirsk trainer David Nicholls has made an excellent start to his French sortie at Cagnes-sur-Mer, next to the Mediterranean on the French Riviera.

Nine of his first ten runners finished in the money, including four winners, collecting a prize-money haul of almost £39,000.

Not bad considering the vast majority have run in lowly claiming company.

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GOING GLOBAL The worldwide view from Michele MacDonald

A little space goes a long way Why moving young stallions can often have beneficial consequences for frustrated stud owners In the words of American veterinary specialist Sue McDonnell, “a little known secret” in the breeding shed can become a major challenge for some stud managers at this time of the year.

McDonnell’s dedication to coaxing the reluctant War Emblem to breed has elevated her international stature in the field of stallion behaviour management. Often, horses with characteristics that help them succeed in racing tend to have more problems when they start breeding, she said.

“The category of horses that do really well interacting with people – and thus are more likely to achieve what is asked of them in sports like racing – are also predisposed to be a little leery around other horses,” she explained.

Yet, typically, young stallions just out of racing are housed at studs near experienced, older stallions, who can assert dominance through body language and vocalisations.

War Emblem: brilliant on the track but more than a handful at stud

McDonnell said the young horses can become somewhat intimidated, as would bachelor stallions roaming free, and act reluctant when presented with breeding opportunities.

“I’ve seen enough of these cases now, year after year, that we’ve been able to convince people; stallion managers now are more willing to move these horses,” said McDonnell.

“They don’t have to move them far away, but maybe just move them away from the ‘top

dog,’ then the young stallions will get over their hesitation.

“They’re usually just fine then and move on with no problems. But if you don’t do something early, they can become very finicky breeders.”

Such apparently was the case with War Emblem, who after being purchased by the Yoshida family’s Shadai Stallion Station for a reported $17 million (approximately £10.9 million), was retired to stud in 2003.

Immediately displaying a disdain for breeding, he got only four foals, all colts, in his first crop in 2004, followed by 34 in his second, five in his third and then none for the following two seasons. Not only was he not performing, but also becoming unruly.

On McDonnell’s advice, Shadai moved him to a small farm where he was the only stallion and was surrounded by mares and foals. The Japan Bloodstock Information System reports he sired 15 registered foals of 2009, and Shadai officials indicated he impregnated 30-35 mares in the 2009 breeding season.

“He’s a project – a work in progress,” McDonnell said.

“But he’s doing much better.”

A Shadai spokesperson said the farm cannot stand him to outside mares as his behaviour remains unpredictable. Instead the farm has had to present him a variety of in-season mares and let him choose which he will cover.

Deep Impact’s first crop set to hit track The 2010 racing season will be an important gauge for the future of twotime Horse of the Year and Triple Crown hero Deep Impact, who remains Japan’s most expensive stallion at a fee of 9 million yen (about £64,200), although his fee was reduced for 2010 from 10 million yen (about £71,300).

His first crop will be racing this year, and since the son of Sunday Silence received many of Japan’s best mares in his initial season at stud, breeders and owners will be closely following the performance of his offspring.

Manhattan Café, the son of Sunday Silence who gained his first leading sire title in 2009, will be the second most expensive stallion at 6 million yen (about £42,775), more than double his 2009 fee of 2.5 million yen (about £17,825).

Neo Universe and Darley’s new shuttler, the successful Australian-based Commands, a son of Danehill, will rank next with each at fees of 5 million yen (about £35,645).

Japanese breeders rewarded Neo Universe, who sired two Classic winners last year from his first crop, by sending more mares to him than any other stallion in the island nation during 2009.

The son of Sunday Silence, who won the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) and Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) in 2003, covered 251 mares to rank among the most active stallions in the northern hemisphere.

Neo Universe’s total was 39 more than Japan’s second-ranked Kurofune, a son of French Deputy who received 212 mares.

2010 will be key for Deep Impact the stallion

Yet Japan’s breeding statistics overall continue to reveal shifts in the industry that have followed both a contraction of breeding in the past two decades and the death of perennial leading sire Sunday Silence. In 2008, the top ten stallions by mares bred each covered at least 200 mares, but last year only four received that many.

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INTERNATIONAL SCENE

When the Dubai International Racing Carnival kicked off at the dazzling new $2 billion Meydan racecourse, the quality of British racing immediately gained a strong validation.

During the first three Meydan meetings, horses that had most recently competed in Britain won an eyepopping 39% of the races, capturing trophies in nine of the 23 events.

Experience on the UK’s all-weather tracks proved an advantage on Meydan’s Tapeta surface, with the winners including the Jeremy Noseda-trained Leahurst and John Best-trained Sir Gerry on the first card. But horses that had run on turf also enjoyed success, including those of Godolphin, which had six winners.

The international flavour of the Carnival was demonstrated by the fact that horses which had last competed in eight different countries won at least one race, with the United Arab Emirates ranked second with four winners and South Africa and France tied for third with three each. The United States, Brazil, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia each yielded one winner.

American-bred horses proved superior, winning seven races (30% of the events offered), with Ireland close behind at five winners and Britain third with three. Brazil, Australia and South Africa each had two winners, and the UAE and Argentina one.

The reason why all of these otherwise esoteric numbers are important is money. More than £1.9 million was given away in prize-money during the Carnival’s first three days, with another £4.5m to be distributed in the following six Carnival meetings, and a staggering £16.6m on the Dubai World Cup programme on March 27.

Breeding programmes worldwide will be affected by Dubai prize-money, with sire statistics bumped up. With the Dubai World Cup itself worth £6.38m this year and the winner taking home £3.8m, the winner’s sire will be boosted as a stallion never has before – perhaps enough to make the difference in year-end statistics.

The winner’s prize is equal to about two-thirds of what Smart Strike’s progeny earned in 2009 – he was North America’s leading sire on earnings obtained solely in that region – and more than half of what the progeny earned for Giant’s Causeway, who was North American leading sire when international prizemoney was included in statistics.

No American trainers are represented at the Carnival, but if American-breds keep winning on Tapeta and turf, perhaps some of the snobbery that has developed of late at public auctions will disappear. American-breds that European buyers have begun to disdain – such as Soneva, who beat European-breds in the Group 3 Cape Verdi – might be worth another look.

Frankie Dettori celebrates victory aboard Whispering Gallery at Meydan

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Turkey on the up with new sire choices

PHOTO: MICHELE MACDONALD

Dubai prize-money will skew year-end statistics

Lion Heart and Dehere leaving Kentucky for Istanbul

A flight left Chicago on February 9 that could change the future of thoroughbred breeding in Turkey. On board were stallions Dehere, Lion Heart, Cuvee and Yonaguska, in what is the bulk of the biggest transfusion of new sire-blood to that country in modern history.

All but Dehere were purchased – he will stand under a one-year lease from Coolmore.

The Jockey Club of Turkey acquired five new stallions for 2010, including former Coolmore star Powerscourt and Godolphin’s Australian Group 1 winner All The Good.

“Racing authorities throughout the world, which are interested in Turkish racing more and more every year, look convinced that a new big player is emerging in the racing industry,” said the Jockey Club of Turkey.

Dehere, 19, by Deputy Minister out of Secretariat mare Sister Dot, is the most accomplished of the group. With 13 crops of racing age, he has sired 63 stakes winners, including Australian and Irish champion Belle Du Jour and multiple American Grade 1 winner Take Charge Lady.

Lion Heart, runner-up in the 2004 Kentucky Derby who was based at Ashford with Dehere, and Cuvee, a Grade 1 winner, are the youngest of the 27 stallions offered by the Jockey Club.

Both nine-year-olds, Lion Heart has sired 12 stakes winners and the earners of more than £4.5 million. Cuvee has seven stakes winners, including Grade 1 scorer Noble’s Promise.

Yonaguska, 12, by champion Cherokee Run and thus a representative of the Blushing Groom line, has sired 20 stakes winners and the earners of more than £5.1m. Powerscourt, 10, by Sadler’s Wells whose first crop raced last year, and All The Good will deliver potent sources of stamina to Turkish breeding.

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Meydan marvel Frankie Dettori likened the grandstand at the new two billion-dollar racecourse to “a spaceship from Star Wars”, and the project that was unveiled in late January certainly looks out of this world

Photo by Bill Selwyn

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THE BIG PICTURE

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TALKING TO...

Graham Roach

It’s Paul’s business, and our pleasure. He will always tell it as it is, just as he does with the media.

What makes him so good?

Being totally and utterly dedicated. There is no other thought that goes through his head; you’d never find him discussing the Middle East or the economy. He only ever discusses horses and matters concerning them. His social life is his work.

What has been your most memorable day in your racing life so far?

Viking Flagship beating Deep Sensation and Martha’s Son in the 1995 Melling Chase at Aintree, after all three had been locked together over the last. Adrian Maguire on Viking Flagship lost his hat and no one knew the winner when they crossed the line; it was that close. We couldn’t get into the winners’ enclosure afterwards because half of Liverpool beat us to it! The Aintree atmosphere was electric, with Scousers everywhere.

“Racing: it’s all about the buzz” Graham Roach has owned a host of big jumps winners over 25 years yet still gets excited by the sport he adores Words Tim Richards Graham Roach horse is lining up for a Grade 1 at the Cheltenham Festival… how would you describe the feeling?

The closer you get to the tapes going up the more nervous you become. If the nerves aren’t jangling at that stage, what’s the point of being involved?

It’s all about the buzz. You get caught up in the Cheltenham hype from the start of the season, then on the day you are lifted even further by a unique atmosphere created by the biggest, most enthusiastic crowd that goes to enjoy the sport.

A

Do you miss David Nicholson, who trained Viking Flagship for you?

We all do. I had the same kind of relationship with him as I have with Paul. David and his wife Dinah became very good friends. I had a lot of success and a lot of fun with them. Before David was training for me he used to be a tremendous help when I was trying to train! He saddled Prideaux Boy for me to win the Mecca Hurdle at Sandown in 1984 when I was away shooting in Hungary.

You trained your own Prideaux Boy to win a string of big hurdle races 25 years ago. Do you still break in and pre-train the young horses that you buy at Prideaux House?

Yes, and Frank Charlesworth, who has been with me since shortly after the Prideaux Boy days, looks after the horses. If I didn’t get involved with the babies half the fun would go out of racing. There is nothing better than seeing your stock and getting to know them in those formative years. It’s all part of the dream; every horse is going to Cheltenham!

We break them, educate them and play around with them. Then they either go point-to-pointing in Ireland with Liam Burke or to Paul at Ditcheat.

Once they go, they’re not quite all yours; it’s a bit like sending your child away to boarding school.

You were “dead against” Cheltenham going to four days. Do you still feel that way?

I wondered whether they would be able to find the number of quality horses to sustain a four-day Festival. They have and I enjoy going all four days.

What impact did Prideaux Boy have on your life as an owner?

If it wasn’t for Prideaux Boy (winner of the Mecca, Lanzarote and Swinton Hurdles) I possibly wouldn’t be in racing today. Keith Lewis bought him for me and he had to be good as I wasn’t very good at training him. Then, I used to race only if there wasn’t a decent day’s shooting somewhere.

Prideaux won 13 races and changed everything.

How do you get on with your trainer Paul Nicholls?

I call him ‘Our Beloved Trainer’. I get on very well with him, socially and on a business footing.

Since you first became involved in racing what changes have been made for the better?

Steeplechase fences are better, fairer, particularly at Aintree. A lot of people say it’s not like it used to

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“Viking Flagship beating Deep Sensation and Martha’s Son at Aintree was my most memorable day”

FINGERS ON THE BUZZERS What irritates you?

People who can’t make up their mind Viking Flagship won 24 races for Roach, most notably both the Champion Chase and Mumm Melling Chase twice

be, but I say ‘good job, too’. You want the fences as fair as possible, otherwise you end up picking up the pieces, and no one wants that. Also, there seem to be more opportunities for young horses; when Prideaux Boy was around you were for ever being balloted out. It seems better now.

And for the worse?

The handicap system. It is loaded against horses that aren’t quite good enough to reach the top.

There are less chances for the horse that gets up to 150 but isn’t good enough to tackle the 170-rated horses. So where do you go with them? There’s nothing more soul-destroying than running a horse when it can’t win. The handicapper is encouraging people to get ready for a gamble.

Who is the best horse you have seen?

I was lucky to own Viking Flagship, the dual Champion Chase winner, but he wasn’t Kauto Star.

Kauto Star has done it at two miles and three against the best. He must have a physical heart 50% bigger than any other horse; something is driving him, but I don’t know what. He is the best I have seen. I have his half-brother Kauto Relko but you wouldn’t put him in the same field.

What are your hopes for Kauto Relko?

He was a bag of bones when we got him and he’s taken a long time, but he’s coming. He was a late foal and on top of that is about 12 months behind where he should be. He’ll never be his brother but I’m sure he will win some decent races. Liam, who trains near Cork, is excited and he’s a good judge.

Do you have a policy when buying horses?

Very much so: we start with pedigree, then put it

to one side while we look for the athlete and the appeal of the individual. No matter how goodlooking, I wouldn’t entertain one without a pedigree. I buy only geldings. Keith Lewis, who sadly died two years ago, bought for me and was the most influential person in my little operation; he was a wonderful judge and knew everyone.

What is exciting you at the moment?

The Nightingale, who, for the first time did not finish distressed when he won a novice chase at Fontwell in January. At Cheltenham last year I thought we were going to lose him after he’d finished sixth in the Ballymore. Now he seems to be over all that and he could be anything.

Who is the best jockey you have seen?

Ruby Walsh is our stable jockey, but it has to be him, as he is absolutely brilliant in every aspect. His greatest attribute, from an owner’s point of view, is his ability to explain the ‘why’ bits of the race. He tells it as it is and on the rare occasion he makes a mistake, he admits it, and no one is more annoyed with Ruby than Ruby. If you’d asked me this ten years ago the answer would have been Richard Dunwoody. And before that, John Francome.

Would you ever own horses on the Flat?

I had a 250th share in Derby winner Motivator, as a member the Royal Ascot Racing Club. But I am not into the Flat. That’s much more about money.

Who do you most admire in racing and why?

Keith Lewis was a huge influence on me. But it has to be Paul Barber, the fount of all knowledge as far as I’m concerned. He is a very good mentor and a wonderful friend to me.

Who would you most like to meet outside racing?

Bill Clinton Four guests for a dinner party?

Paul Barber, John Francome, Bill Clinton and Valerie, my wife What is your weakness?

You have got to have an eye for a nice filly!

What keeps you awake at night?

Valerie’s snoring Describe yourself in four words?

Loyal, dedicated, competitive, intolerant

FAVOURITES Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones Holiday With family and friends in our Majorca villa Book Anything by Robert Ludlum or Wilbur Smith Sport Shooting Journey Coming home

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TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP FACE-OFF

Kauto Star

Owner: Clive Smith; Trainer: Paul Nicholls

RUNS 33 WINS 20 PLACES 9 FALLS/UNSEATS 3 BHA RATING

193

AVERAGE WINNING DISTANCE

8.4 LENGTHS

KAUTO STAR (FR) Age: 10 Colour: Bay Born: March 19, 2000 near Lion d’Angers, France Sire: Village Star Dam: Kauto Relka (Port Etienne)

DISTANCE RACED 78 MILES TOTAL PRIZE-MONEY £2,012,654

Do you remember the first time?

Kauto Star and Denman both came up short on their first visit to the Cheltenham Festival, the former falling in the 2006 Champion Chase and the latter finishing second to Nicanor in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle the same year.

“A phenomenon” Nick Child, 22, believes Kauto Star can win his third Gold Cup on his birthday. “There’s an aura about Kauto, he’s different to any other horse I’ve seen. He’s a phenomenon.

“Kauto is the finished article now and at his peak. The guv’nor has done a great job with him.

I may be quiet for the first part of the race but two out, when he’s ten lengths clear of Denman, I’ll be shouting him home!”

Fact: neither groom has ever sat on the horse they look after

Mill Reef influence “He was born on St Joseph’s Day...a good sign” Henri Aubert, breeder “Kauto Star was born on St Joseph’s Day, which I took to be a good sign,” says Henri Aubert, breeder with his wife Marie-Louise. “All foals are beautiful when they are born and he was certainly good-looking.” Having started his career with Serge Foucher, Kauto Star was sold privately to Clive Smith in the summer of 2004. Kauto Star’s dam, Kauto Relka, died last year at the age of 16, but the Auberts have retained a full-sister to Kauto Star named Kauto Karolyna and their children own his Art Bleu half-sister Kauto Relstar.

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There is no escaping the fact that Kauto Star is inbred 3 x 3 to the brilliant Mill Reef (right), with both his sire Village Star and late dam Kauto Relko being by sons of Mill Reef. Mill Reef’s precocity may have helped Kauto Star win over hurdles in the April of his three-year-old season, and he can also take credit for some of the gelding’s stamina, as his progeny had a high average winning distance of 11 furlongs on the Flat.

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TOTESPORT GOLD CUP PRICES: 4-6 KAUTO STAR, 11-4 DENMAN, 12-1 BAR PAUL NICHOLLS TO TRAIN FIRST THREE: 4-1

Denman

Owners: Paul Barber & Margaret Findlay; Trainer: Paul Nicholls

RUNS 19 WINS 14 PLACES 3 FALLS/UNSEATS 2 AVERAGE WINNING DISTANCE

12.1 LENGTHS BHA RATING

182

DISTANCE RACED 49 MILES TOTAL PRIZE-MONEY £904,074

DENMAN (IRE) Age: 10 Colour: Chesnut Born: April 17, 2000 in Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland Sire: Presenting Dam: Polly Puttens (Pollerton)

“Once in a lifetime”

“Close call but the heart says...”

Lucinda Gould, 24, has looked after Denman since July 2008.

“He might look like a big old brute – he’s over 17 hands – but he’s actually very intelligent.

Whereas Kauto is a real poser, Denman will tolerate the cameras for only about ten minutes.

“It’s great fun to be involved with Denman.

Jumping the cross fence in the Hennessy you could feel the crowd willing him on; I remember thinking it was a once in a lifetime moment. He’s fine after the Aon and it’s onwards and upwards.”

Jim Culloty, triple Gold Cup-winning jockey “They’re very different horses. Denman is the out-and-out galloper, a real old-fashioned staying chaser built like a tank, while Kauto is big but light-framed – more in the Best Mate mould. He is the more nimble and has the class and speed.

“I think Denman is a very straightforward ride – you need to make the running at a true gallop and test your opponents’ jumping and stamina. Kauto will track the pace and try to beat Denman for speed. The ground will play a part. You would have to favour Denman if it came up very soft, while better ground will obviously improve Kauto’s chances.

“They’re both absolutely class horses; you couldn’t really call it. But I am more of a Denman fan as he is my kind of horse – he just gallops and is so honest. If I let my heart rule my head, I’ll have to go for the Irish-bred Denman.”

Tracing back to David Jack Presenting has developed into the most successful jumps stallion of the last few years, thanks to the likes of Denman, War Of Attrition and Dunguib.

Denman (his Grade 1-winning brother is Silverburn) is out of Polly Puttens, a half-sister to the smart hurdler/chaser Natalies Fancy. His broodmare sire, Pollerton, was a very smart Flat performer who went on to land the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle, a race also won by Denman. The next dam, My Puttens, won seven times over hurdles and was a daughter of St Leger third David Jack, sire of the 1977 Gold Cup winner Davy Lad.

“I think bad luck turned into good luck for him” Colman O’Flynn, breeder Denman was born 29 days after Kauto Star, and was the second Presenting colt for his dam. “She slipped her foal the year before Denman and I think that bad luck turned into good luck for him, because he was a really big foal,” says Colman O’Flynn Jnr, who has two full-sisters and three half-sisters to Denman. After Denman won a point-to-point by 12 lengths for trainer Adrian Maguire, he was withdrawn from Brightwells sale a month later when failing a vetting. He was later bought privately by Paul Barber and Harry Findlay.

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PHILIP HOBBS

CAPTAIN SENSIBLE It’s all too easy to overcomplicate the job of training racehorses, says Philip Hobbs.

Who can argue with the man who has been among the top five trainers for 11 years?

Words Alan Lee Photos George Selwyn

acing is a jealous parish, its constituents instinctively territorial. Yet even in this sometimes spiteful community, Philip Hobbs engenders no malice. This summer, he will reach 25 years of training with the ongoing respect of all his peers. To them, as to the rest of us, he is a dependable pillar of consistency in a volatile calling.

Statistics support the impression. He has not finished outside the top five in the trainers’ championship for 11 years. In each of the last eight, he has secured at least 100 winners and £1 million in prize-money. And he has maintained such standards entirely without pretension or artifice.

Hobbs is the Captain Sensible of trainers, even debunking notions that the skill is arcane. “There’s

R

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no great mystery to training – it’s just about galloping a horse up a hill,” he famously said after one big-race victory.

Pressed to elaborate now, he shrugs goodnaturedly. “The science of training is very debatable,” he says. “You can’t train horses by blood tests and trach washes. Modern veterinary aids are a help but certainly not a solution. You can easily overcomplicate this job.”

The colourful contrast to his prosaic approach is evident once you negotiate the terrors of the A39 through North Somerset and turn into the 430 acres that constitutes Sandhill. It is not exactly his own domain – in fact, it belongs to the Queen – but the Hobbs family has a three-generation tenancy on a site that has proved as productive for training horses as for farming.

>>

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PHILIP HOBBS

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PHILIP HOBBS

Philip and Sarah Hobbs, husband and wife for 27 years, have enjoyed great success

At its centre is a mellow Elizabethan house, with “I feared the >> priestholes dating from the Cromwell era and the stories to match. Sarah, Hobbs’s wife of 27 West Country ghost years, tells a grisly local legend: “Two hundred would be very years ago, the woman who lived here had three husbands who all mysteriously died. Her name was unfashionable, Madame Carne and there’s a tablet in a local commemorating her. The villagers decided but I couldn’t church, she was a witch and wanted to burn her at the stake but it’s said she fled to a copse, two fields away, and have been turned into a hare. She told them she would take a cock’s leap towards the house every year – and more wrong” when she reached it she would burn it down. By our reckoning, she’s halfway here.”

It has not persuaded them to move. Gradually, indeed, the business has expanded from its humble origins with six horses and one helping hand doubling as children’s nanny.

“When we first came, I feared we would be too remote, and that the West Country would be very unfashionable,” says Hobbs. “As things have turned out, I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

Now, as the third great force in the county of Nicholls and Pipe, Hobbs has 40 staff, 112 horses and a smattering of the wealthy, ambitious owners who have been attracted by the boom in jump racing. They appreciate Sandhill, not just for aesthetic appeal or the quality of Mrs Hobbs’s marmalade. There is something about the atmosphere here that is at once relaxing and

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efficient – an elusive mixture to achieve. While Jack, the ten-year-old Jack Russell, struts around self-importantly as if he trains the horses himself, a rigorous routine is observed with high standards of dress and conduct. Nothing less is accepted.

Like a good football manager, Hobbs positions his key players well. Johnson White, his assistant of 15 years, is a prime example. “People might say it’s unambitious to have been here so long but it’s a good job and a big business,” says the personable White. “I’d rather be number two here than trying to start out myself.”

Look elsewhere to Seanie Mulcaire, reliable and long-serving travelling head lad, to Liz Welsh, who doubles as head girl and physio, or to a squad of talented young jockeys such as Rhys Flint, Giles Hawkins and Matt Griffiths, all learning under Richard Johnson and Tom O’Brien. Then there is Sarah Hobbs, whose effervescent racecourse presence is a tonic to owners on a bad day.

The trainer himself prefers to limit his racegoing to local meetings, believing his time can be spent more profitably. “We’ve got bigger than I ever planned but I really think it would be no problem training 300 horses, as long as I didn’t have to go racing or talk to owners,” he says. “Something has to give and it must never be communication. I know Sir Mark Prescott won’t take a phone onto the gallops and in many ways he is right – you can miss things because of it. But I strongly feel it is important to talk to all the owners regularly myself.

If you do it through a third party, confusion can arise through altered emphasis and interpretation.”

Expansion has included enhanced facilities, including schooling obstacles on the steep Polytrack gallop. “I’ve always tended to follow other people,” confesses Hobbs. “But that was my own personal innovation and it works very well.”

The gallop itself is a shameless copy, a splendid story Hobbs is now prepared to reveal.

“Back in the mid 1980s, Martin Pipe was winning everything and I certainly wouldn’t have been able to ask him his secrets directly,” he says.

“One night, after dark, Sarah and I drove to his yard, crept through the gate onto his all-weather gallop and took down all the measurements, then set out to do the same here. He doesn’t know this himself, even to this day, but I think he might have a chuckle about it now...”

A great number of winners have been prepared on this gallop, though rather fewer than usual this season. Hobbs sighs in assent and says: “We had fewer summer winners than usual, there’s been a surplus of seconds and we’ve lost a lot of racing.

“We also had a desperate autumn with a lot of the better novices, like Snap Tie and Tarablaze, going wrong. It’s a very fine line in this game.

Even Paul Nicholls would struggle if five or six of his best ones got injured.

“It’s not nice when things are going wrong like that but racing is never boring – it’s either very disappointing or very thrilling. The thing to do is not get too excited by the successes, then you shouldn’t get too low with the setbacks.”

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Hobbs’s gallop is a shameless copy of Martin Pipe’s, something that Hobbs has never revealed until now – not even to his Somerset neighbour!

His partial withdrawal from summer jumping has been typically well considered. “I’m not against it at all,” he says. “It was a big help to us financially at first and it’s a good way of getting winners on the board. It certainly has a place. We’ve not been so involved recently because our buying policy has changed. I’d say 80% of ex-Flat horses want fast ground and, because of the watering courses do now, that’s increasingly rare – you never get it at Cheltenham or Aintree. We still buy horses off the Flat but not so many as we did.”

The subject of buying touches a nerve. I ask him to assess his own weaknesses and he admits: “In past years, I’ve been very weak about getting people to spend money on horses. I wasn’t ruthless enough with other people’s money because I always worried about the consequences. I did it for the right reasons but it would have helped us, in terms of winners, if I’d pushed harder.

“To some extent, I enjoyed the early days, when we spent a lot less money and were delighted to win a novice hurdle at Taunton. Expensive horses bring higher expectations – they don’t guarantee

Menorah can exploit any chink in Dunguib armour Philip Hobbs is charged with the demanding mission of leading the home defence against Ireland’s new wonder horse. When Cheltenham opens with the Spinal Research Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on March 16, Dunguib will be an odds-on favourite and Menorah (pictured) the best British hope to derail him.

A taking winner at Kempton over Christmas from subsequent scorer Bellvano, Menorah is owned by Grahame Whateley, who has more horses with Hobbs than anyone else. He is due some good fortune, too, having seen both Snap Tie and Tarablaze suffer seasonending injuries. Hobbs is positive about Menorah’s chances.

success but it does give you more chance. It may seem like more pressure but that is only what you put on yourself. I’m privileged to train for some of the bigger owners now and, because we’re competing at higher level, I’d say it is more enjoyable than it ever was before.”

His pride, though, has been threatened by this modest season to date, heaping ever more scrutiny on the Cheltenham Festival where, for the past two years, he has failed to add to his 11 winners.

“From my point of view, Cheltenham is not the be all and end all,” says Hobbs. “It’s very important and we do get judged on it at the time.

But once you get a month past the festival, it’s the trainers’ table people are looking at. If you said right now I could have a Cheltenham winner or 100 winners for the season, but not both, I’d definitely choose the 100. It’s very dangerous to think that all you want is high-class winners.

“By the same token, it can obviously be frustrating trying to compete with a dominant yard – it used to be Martin [Pipe] and now it’s Paul [Nicholls]. But the most important thing for me

“He wasn’t a cheap horse but he is looking the business,” he says. “I also think he’s improved massively in the last three months.

We were tempted to run in the Totesport Trophy, hoping to win a massive prize and give him some education, but I didn’t want to leave Cheltenham behind on bad ground.

“Dunguib has been very impressive but there might be chinks in the armour – it’s not so easy to hold a horse up with 20 runners as it is with seven or eight and his jumping is also a bit iffy.”

The stable’s other main hope will be Planet Of Sound in the Ryanair Chase. “He won the Haldon Gold Cup despite being outpaced in mid-race,” says Hobbs. “He’ll get the twomile, five-furlong trip fine and he’s better on good ground, which is why we’ve kept him for a spring campaign.”

“If you said I could have a Cheltenham winner or 100 for the season, I’d definitely choose the 100”

>>

Further ahead, Dream Alliance will bid for Grand National glory in April. He was a fairytale winner of the Welsh National, not only through recovering from serious injury but his origins on a Welsh allotment. “It’s a fantastic story and a Hollywood producer has already been over to see the owners,” says Hobbs. “If he wins the National, they’re certain to make a film of him, aren’t they?”

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>> has always been to have a

Planet Of Sound is bound for the Ryanair Chase

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financially stable business. We borrowed a lot of money when we started out, so that has always been my priority. Of course, I’d like to be champion trainer – who wouldn’t?

“But there have been champion trainers who have gone bankrupt. I’d rather have a solid business and never be champion, though it would worry me greatly if I wasn’t in the top ten."

There is no imminent risk of that, with the forces at his disposal. Nor is there any hint that Hobbs, at 54 and with that desired stability, wants to slow down. He has a sharp mind trained on racing issues, berating the use of early-closing entries for Cheltenham races – “utterly needless” – and questioning how small, independent racecourses, “such as Ludlow and Taunton”, routinely offer far better prize-money than most in group ownership.

You would not, however, call him a militant or an especially argumentative man. Rather, one who is content with his lot, still ambitious for better but completely realistic about the truisms of his profession.

“To win any race, you need three things – the horse has to be good enough, he must be fit and healthy, and, just as important, he has to run in the right race,” he says, cutting through the mystique once again. “I enjoy everything we do here, especially because we have such a good and happy staff. While we’re fit and healthy, why stop?”

Why indeed? Especially as the second Sandhill ghost is altogether more endearing than the first. “Two of our daughters have seen her in the guest bedroom,” Sarah relates. “She’s a young girl. And she’s always smiling.”

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La vie en rose The arrival of around 30 new stallions in France this year prompted a studs’ open weekend in Normandy, where variety and value are the key words Words and photos Emma Berry

ith poor prize-money a constant lament and the TBA facing an ongoing battle to uphold the Breeders’ Prizes Scheme, it is hard not to gaze upon the French model for racing and breeding with envy.

Lucrative owners’ premiums for Flat runners, combined with breeders’ premiums of up to 21% of available prize-money, are certainly a draw, while the French system of testing jumpers at a much earlier age is one that reaps rewards not just on the racecourse but in selling proven horses for large sums.

The foal crop in France is significantly smaller than that of its British and Irish counterparts, but the number of first-season stallions in France this year is more than double the amount that has retired to stud in either Britain or Ireland.

In addition to the freshmen, the influx of horses such as Elusive City, Dr Fong, Zafeen, Namid and Redback, all of whom started their stud careers in the British Isles, has swollen the number of ‘new’ sires in France to around 30 for 2010. Whether or not the domestic broodmare band, even if supplemented by increasing overseas visitors, warrants such a rise remains to be seen.

The UK and Ireland are, of course, home to Europe’s headline Flat stallions and, as a move to France is not always viewed as a positive step in a stallion’s career, the decision by 27 French studs to hold an open weekend in the Normandy region at the end of January was an enterprising one.

For breeders during the foaling season, assessing suitable stallions for this year’s coverings can be a time-consuming business. While it’s unlikely that any one person was able to see all 100 stallions on show over the two days, a steady flow of visitors across the region justified such a venture, as did the range of studs which participated.

From established farms such as Haras du Quesnay, home down the years to an elite band of sires including Riverman, Le Fabuleux, Sir Gaylord, Gay Mecene, Dancer’s Image, Highest Honor and Anabaa, to Haras de la Cauviniere, which dips its toe into the stallion waters this year with the recently-retired Le Havre, all walks of the French stallion industry were keen to play their part. >>

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“All walks of the French stallion industry were keen to play their part in the open weekend”

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The speedy Namid has captured the attention of many French breeders since his arrival at Haras de Hoguenet

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Pascal Noue, owner of Haras de la Hetraie, with Kaprika, the dam of his stallions Kapgarde and Kap Rock

“My aim is to win the Grand National, even better if it is with a son of Kap Rock, then I will retire!”

– Pascal Noue, Haras de la Hetraie

>>

Haras de la Hetraie, at Cerisy-la-Foret, is not a new name on the scene but it does have a new location. Stud manager Pascal Noue bought the 55-hectare former dairy farm in 2008 and it now houses six of Hetraie’s nine-strong stallion roster.

Along with his former boss, 75-year-old Charlotte Thoreau, Noue bred Hetraie’s newest jump stallion, Kap Rock, who stands alongside his half-brother Kapgarde at the farm. Noue’s other talents extend to designing his own stallion brochure and telling jokes in both English and French to the visitors to his farm on this cold, snow-covered morning.

“We’re up to nine stallions now and in the future I would like that number to increase,” he says.

“However, my aim is to win the Grand National – even better if it is with a son of Kap Rock – and after that I will retire!”

Noue is understandably proud of his new homebred stallion, who may even follow the recent example of Gentleman’s Deal by combining covering duties with a continued racing career. At Hetraie, a marquee would easily cover four members of the same family as just behind the stallion boxes is the Cadoudal mare Kaprika, dam of Kapgarde and Kap Rock, a few stalls along from her yearling son by Turgeon.

Another new recruit is Zambezi Sun, one of three former Juddmonte campaigners at Hetraie, the other two being Apsis and Polish Summer.

“For me to buy a stallion, I have to look for pedigree and performance at a reasonable price,” says Noue. “The Juddmonte horses all have good pedigrees and the stud has been very easy to deal with. We have built a relationship over the years.”

From Hetraie, the unofficial tour stops next at nearby Haras d’Etreham. Through an unmistakably French avenue of trees flanking a seemingly endless drive, eventually Marc de Chambure’s picturesque establishment appears, home now to Europe’s leading first-season sire of 2008 Elusive City, former resident of the Irish National Stud and France’s most expensive stallion at a fee of €20,000.

In a yard alongside the elder statesmen Green Tune and Poliglote, and the giant second-season sire Falco, he certainly lookss the part: all powerpacked sprinter swagger as he walks and perfectly poised at a halt with an expression that says, “Okay, admire me.”

Other crowd-pullers on Etreham’s roster include the tremendous German-bred Lando – it’s hard to think of many other horses to have won at least two Group 1 races in three consecutive seasons – and the compact grey Stormy River, a grandson of the recently deceased Highest Honor who has his first yearlings in 2010.

While Pat Downes is presumably wrangling with the unenviable task of having to turn away a number of breeders with their hearts set on Sea The Stars, his French counterpart at the Aga Khan Studs, Georges Rimaud, is in relaxed mood as he extols the charms of the only horse to have completed the notable treble of English and Irish Derbys and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Sinndar.

In what was perhaps an accidentally theatrical setting, he and Linngari are presented at Haras de Bonneval on the natural pedestal of the hill above a semi-circular yard for maiden mares, both looking suitably imperious as they gaze down from their vantage point while the girls are being brought in from the surrounding paddocks in fast-fading light.

On the same day that Sinndar stormed to his Arc victory, his then stablemate Namid landed the Prix de l’Abbaye and the two are once more near neighbours, as Namid is about to embark on his first French season at the Baudouin family’s Haras de Hoguenet.

It may not be able to compete with Bonneval’s sweeping vistas but Hoguenet is a farm with a stallion to suit almost any need. >> “When Namid arrived from Ireland, a Prix de

Georges Rimaud (right) gives breeders the lowdown on Sinndar at the Aga Khan's Haras de Bonneval

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The stallion yard at Haras de la Cauviniere, now home to first-season sire Le Havre

>> l’Abbaye winner who has sired a Prix de l’Abbaye winner, breeders were very excited and there has been a huge amount of interest in him,” says Anthony Baudouin, who also stands another exIrish stallion, Desert Style, Montjeu’s half-brother Le Fou, Forestier, a young son of Master Minded’s sire Nikos, and Enrique, sire of high-class hurdler Binocular.

His son could not be more ironically named as Enrique, luckless in narrowly missing out to Island Sands in the 2,000 Guineas of 1999, has been no more fortunate at stud and lost an eye three years ago in a paddock accident.

Temperatures have not improved by the Sunday morning but this has not deterred visitors to Haras de la Cauviniere, approximately an hour’s drive

from Deauville. There is but one stallion there to be shown to breeders, but he is last season’s Prix du Jockey Club winner Le Havre, who has been retired to stud by his owner Gérard Augustin-Normand.

Cauviniere is run by Sylvain and Elisabeth Vidal, with Sylvain having also been appointed racing and stud manager for Augustin-Normand, a position which kept him busy throughout last year’s sales, selecting potential mates for Le Havre.

“Mr Augustin-Normand is very proud of this horse and he wants to support him at stud, so he is sending 35 of his own mares,” says Vidal, who adds that Le Havre has around 100 mares booked to him this season.

Among the breeders keen to use him are Maya Sundstrom and her daughter Anna Drion, who, as Team Hogdala, bred Le Havre and have come along to see how he is settling in at stud.

“It was like a dream come true for us to have bred a Classic winner,” says Swedish-born Sundstrom. “Of course we have to send him mares this year. My husband and I are sending two and his dam, Marie Rheinberg, is going to Sea The Stars, which is very exciting.”

Mother and daughter are also taken with Haras du Mézeray’s new recruit Naaqoos, one of three sons of Oasis Dream to retire to stud in Europe this year. He will have his work cut out to measure up to the success of his fellow Mézeray residents, Muhtathir, the sire of another first-season stallion Doctor Dino, and 26-year-old Arc winner Trempolino, whose appearance certainly belies his advancing years.

“Mr AugustinNormand is very proud of Le Havre and is sending him 35 of his own mares” – Sylvain Vidal, Haras de la Cauviniere

26-year-old Trempolino in great shape as he parades at Haras du Mézeray, where he stands alongside Muhtathir and new recruit Naaqoos

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Mr Sidney, a six-year-old son of Storm Cat out of a Grade 1 winner, is an interesting new recruit to the Quesnay roster

“We’ve had stallions in France for a number of years and it now justifies more support” – Sam Bullard, Darley

With the deaths of Anabaa and Highest Honor and the retirement of Bering, Haras du Quesnay is perhaps without a star stallion at present, though the reliable Gold Away is a domestic favourite. The Head family no doubt hope to remedy this with the introduction of Mr Sidney, a regally-bred sixyear-old son of Storm Cat, who won the Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile on the turf at Keeneland last April. At €9,000, he is expensive by French standards but, as his $3.9m yearling price tag suggests, he is a good-looking horse from an extremely high-class American family.

Alec Head’s daughters Criquette and Martine are on hand to run through the list of stallions, with Criquette adding her own training recollections to another of the stud’s new recruits, the homebred Dunkerque, who is a full-brother to the Prix de la Foret winner Dedication.

The retirement of Soldier Of Fortune to Haras du Logis St Germain not only represents an exciting new stallion for France but a first foray into the country’s stallion ranks for Coolmore. While he is not standing under the Coolmore banner, the stud has retained a quarter-share in him and, despite Logis St Germain not being one of the studs to take part in the weekend, a number of breeders have booked appointments to see the Irish Derby-winning son of Galileo while taking the tour.

Though Coolmore has not had a presence in France before, Darley has had a growing relationship with the country via Julian Ince’s Haras du Logis, which now stands seven Darley stallions, including King’s Best and his son Creachadoir.

“The French industry is in a very healthy state,” says Darley’s director of stallions Sam Bullard.

“We’ve had stallions there for a number of years and it now justifies a higher level of support, which is why we have retired Creachadoir there this year.”

As Bryan Mayoh so eloquently detailed in our January issue, the increase of French-bred National Hunt winners at the top level is remarkable, set against the number of foals the country’s breeders produce. The debate over nature versus nurture will rumble on but, from a jumping perspective, the French horses are no longer simply raiders but residents of all the major jumping yards in Britain and Ireland, and their success has sent us scrambling for the stallion books to answer just who is this Saints Des Saints, this Solon, this Maille Pistol?

Last year Rathbarry Stud recruited Robin Des Champs to its ranks and this season Sagamix has joined Overbury Stud. Just as many breeders are adding French bloodlines to their broodmare bands, don’t be surprised to see more two-way stallion traffic across the Channel in the coming years.

Kapgarde: Hetraie sire gaining a higher profile in the UK

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Luck and timing They were big factors in Grandera and Moon Ballad making their way to a Galway Stud, whose ambitious, hard-working owners have always believed that anything is possible Words Leo Powell Photos Caroline Norris and George Selwyn stud standing seven stallions is rare enough but one based in the west of Ireland is even more unusual. Stallion farms are usually situated in areas of heavy mare populations, not that there is a scarcity of mares in the west, but here is a farm that is swimming against that tide. But the owners of Woodlands Stud are certainly not parochial in their outlook.

The world, they believe, is their oyster.

Though established in 2004 to accommodate the arrival of the Sadler’s Wells stallion Robert Emmet, the 250-acre farm really hit the headlines this year when it was announced that two new sires would be joining their ranks. These are two exceptional racehorses who have both achieved success with their first runners in Japan.

Grandera and Moon Ballad won more than £4.65 million during their racing careers and their progeny have earned some $8 million (about £5.1m) in Japan and elsewhere from just three crops of racing age. So how did these international performers make their way to Galway?

Luck and timing had a big part to play. The stud

A

“Grandera and Moon Ballad won more than £4.65 million and their progeny have earned £5m”

is owned and run by Kenneth Cullinane and Deirdre Lusby, and is based at Cullinane’s home place. He has always been interested in thoroughbreds and is something of a racing fanatic. Lusby is from not too far away, a village called Oranmore which is almost within sight of the Galway races.

Her family too has an equine interest, but more in the sport horse sector, with members of her clan noted for the production of Connemara ponies.

Keen to start up a public stallion station and improve the quality of horse they stood, the couple were given a telephone number for Michael Goodbody and duly made the call.

As fortune would have it, Goodbody was looking for a home for the stallion Germany, and the son of Trempolino arrived for the 2007 season.

Having stood in Germany and Ireland, the stallion was sent to Dubai, where he enjoyed the sun on his back but was otherwise idle.

From limited opportunities he had shown an above average ability to get quality winners, with >> Flat performers Omikron and Fionns Folly

Grandera, who won Group 1s in Singapore, Britain and Ireland, and is now based at Woodlands Stud

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>> predating the National Hunt successes of Captain

Woodlands Stud is run

by Kenneth Cullinane and Deirdre Lusby, who look forward to a great future

Cee Bee, Conna Castle and Tiger Cry. The last-named trio provided a purple patch for their sire in 2008 when, within a fortnight, they landed the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Grand Annual Chase at Cheltenham, and the Grade 1 Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse. The JP McManus-owned Captain Cee Bee consolidated his position at the head of this year’s Arkle Chase market with an easy victory at Naas on February 6.

Relationships built with Goodbody, Jaber Abdullah and the Godolphin team have seen a steady stream of well-bred and performed stallions make their way through the village of Craughwell (pronounced ‘crock-well’) to the townland of Coldwood. There they are regally looked after by the Woodlands team, led by stud groom Michelle Hynes.

However, it has not been success all the way for Cullinane and Lusby. Court Masterpiece spent a season at Woodlands and got his first few mares in foal before proving infertile. He was returned to training but is reported to be again at stud for the coming season in the UK. That disappointment was not as hard to take, though, as the untimely death of Kilimanjaro.

Drawing on all of their resources, the couple brought this half a million guinea yearling back from New Zealand, where he had been an outstanding success and hopes were high that this was the horse to put them firmly on the map.

A Group-placed half-brother to Darazari, Dar Re Mi and River Dancer, Kilimanjaro had already achieved champion sire status in New Zealand and when he stepped off the horsebox in Woodlands

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the couple were overjoyed.

However, disaster was just around the corner and the newly acquired apple of their eye suffered a heart attack covering his first mare. Many a business would have crumbled after this but it would seem to have injected steel into Cullinane and Lusby, and they have taken the blow and put it behind them.

The arrival of the teak-tough Foreign Affairs in 2008 and Mythical Kid last season were much needed boosts, and both horses were well received by breeders. Now three more names are added to the 2010 list, including the stakes-winning Shirley Heights sire Atlantic Waves.

Cullinane and Lusby are a hard-working team, as well as partners. They complement each other and their motto is that they have to believe in the horses they stand. Cullinane is brutally honest and

Moon Ballad, pictured winning the 2003 Dubai World Cup

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calls a spade a spade. Lusby takes care of the business side. The couple have about 40 mares and always use their own sires. Such is their belief in their own stallions.

Cullinane says: “We breed to race, not to sell. We don’t believe either in having to have huge books of mares. If the stallion is good enough his progeny will come to the top. We believe in a slow build-up to success.”

Most stock bred on the farm is sold privately. In that way the couple feel that they can control where they go and make sure they get the best possible opportunities. Indeed, they would like to take that even further and their long-term plan is to have a bigger place, with a separate stud business and their own racing yard. Cullinane’s eyes light up at the prospect of the latter.

“Horses need to have a good start,” he says.

“You can learn so much about stock when breaking them and that is so important. I also believe in giving horses time – so many four-yearolds are ‘roasted’ to win a point-to-point and then nothing is ever heard of them again.”

How hard has the recession hit the business?

Lusby says: “It certainly had a huge effect last year, but I think it will be a bit better this year, certainly judged by the telephone calls so far.

“We have also been very careful with our pricing and all the horses are sold for their advertised fee.

This policy seems to work and we are delighted with the support from clients.

“Bookings are strong this year, with Grandera already attracting significant interest in England, from where he has 15 mares booked.”

Woodlands is a farm still developing and all about it is very homely. Most importantly though, horses are happy and well cared for and this, Lusby insists, is key to the strong relationships they have built with such as Darley. All of the staff have been there long term and are totally dedicated.

The focus to date has been on stallions and improving the property, with land reclaimed for new paddocks. Upgrading of the broodmare band is also planned and the couple hope to have a quality group of five to ten mares. Their current band is almost entirely made up of mares that have won and/or bred winners.

With seven sires on show, which horses are the couple’s favourites? Here, they exhibit utter professionalism and diplomacy, though they see each horse as an individual and talk of them almost in human terms.

Of the “real character” Mythical Kid, the threeparts brother to Whipper and Divine Proportions, they say: “We think he has a significant future and he got good mares last year. There has been a lot of interest in him from France.”

According to Cullinane and Lusby, Foreign Affairs was “tough and sound and he will get racehorses”, while they refer to Germany as “almost human”. The three new sires hardly need an introduction.

Woodlands Stud may still be in its infancy but this could be its decade.

Above: Mythical Kid is a three-parts brother to Whipper and Divine Proportions Left: Captain Cee Bee’s sire Germany with Michelle Hynes

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Kings of the winter game The Sadler’s Wells line may dominate the jumping ranks, but Mtoto’s son Presenting has a stranglehold on the tables for both hurdlers and chasers, just as he did last year the ages have generally been either high-class Flat stayers or large and well-bred but non-performed Flat horses.

Now pensioned, Mtoto still features prominently in NH pedigrees thanks to Presenting

hen Istabraq was winning his three Champion Hurdles, it was generally considered something of an oddity that Sadler’s Wells should seemingly be proving himself so adept as a National Hunt sire.

Even at the time, though, that the Coolmore patriarch had the quinella (thanks to Istabraq’s stablemate Theatreworld finishing second twice) in two of them suggested he wasn’t a one-hit wonder as far as National Hunt racing is concerned.

Now, a decade on, while it remains the case that National Hunt racing still exists only as potentially a second career for Sadler’s Wells’s sons, we have become accustomed to the Sadler’s Wells sire-line dominating the winter sport, with the likes of Old Vic, Oscar, Accordion, Saddler’s Hall, Kayf Tara and Dr Massini riding high in the various National Hunt sires’ tables.

This, though, does not suggest that there is some mysterious jumping gene which is passed down through the male line from Sadler’s Wells; it merely tells us what we know already, namely that Sadler’s Wells is an influence for class, stamina, strength, a tendency to improve with age and the ability to handle soft ground (all of these characteristics, of course, are ones which help him to be such an outstanding sire of Flat horses).

As such, it would have been a surprise if none of Sadler’s Wells’s many big strong sons had found their way onto the National Hunt sires’ tables, bearing in mind that good jumping sires through

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“To attribute Presenting’s success solely to opportunity would be to miss the point completely”

Sadler’s Wells, therefore, is currently merely one of several high-class Flat sires exerting a positive influence on jumps racing. Another is Mtoto, Britain’s outstanding weight-for-age performer of the mid-80s, when he reached his peak as a fiveyear-old and was genuinely top-class between ten and 12 furlongs. His son Presenting, a large horse who finished third to Shaamit in the 1995 Derby, currently sits atop the sires’ tables of Britain and Ireland for both hurdle racing and steeplechasing.

In one sense, Presenting’s dominance stems from the ubiquity of his stock: he has had more individual runners over both hurdles and fences than any other horse, and his numerical superiority in chases is overwhelming. Up to February 7, Presenting had been represented by 117 individual steeplechase runners, 29 more than the next most prolific stallion (Saddler’s Hall).

However, to attribute his success solely to opportunity would be to miss the point completely: not only did he create his own opportunities by demonstrating his merit, but he is also responsible for a disproportionately large number of very good steeplechasers among his many current runners, including Denman, War Of Attrition, Weapon’s Amnesty, Herecomesthetruth, Woolcombe Folly and Ellerslie George. He is also responsible for the outstanding novice hurdler Dunguib, the red-hot favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Presenting, whose average winning distances of 22.7 furlongs for chasers and 19.6 for hurdlers indicate a genuine stamina influence, was Britain and Ireland’s leading sire of both hurdlers and chasers last season, and it is likely that he will head >> both tables again come the end of this term.

PHOTO: GEORGE SELWYN

PHOTO: EMMA BERRY

Presenting a staying influence

Smart hurdler Dunguib is Presenting’s leading earner

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Leading sires of steeplechasers in GB and Ireland in 2009-10 (to February 7) Name Presenting Oscar Old Vic Flemensfirth Pistolet Bleu Accordion Saddlers’ Hall Supreme Leader Beneficial Bob Back Village Star Zaffaran Bob’s Return Kayf Tara Tiraaz Alflora Dr Massini Mansonnien Anshan Winged Love Lord Americo Lahint Roselier King’s Theatre Midnight Legend Glacial Storm Moscow Society Sea Raven Overbury Turtle Island

YOF 1992 1994 1986 1992 1988 1986 1988 1982 1990 1981 1983 1985 1990 1994 1994 1989 1993 1984 1987 1992 1984 1991 1973 1991 1991 1985 1985 1991 1991 1991

Sire Mtoto Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Alleged Top Ville Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Bustino Top Ville Roberto Moulin Assert Bob Back Sadler’s Wells Lear Fan Niniski Sadler’s Wells Tip Moss Persian Bold In The Wings Lord Gayle Woodman Misti IV Sadler’s Wells Night Shift Arctic Tern Nijinsky Sadler’s Wells Caerleon Fairy King

Rnrs 117 76 51 58 32 48 88 71 65 36 1 26 27 30 8 31 27 13 65 7 35 2 9 24 21 23 29 10 41 29

Wnrs 34 22 14 13 12 12 21 13 11 12 1 6 6 10 4 6 11 3 8 2 6 1 5 8 12 4 2 3 10 6

%WR 29.1 29.0 27.5 22.4 37.5 25.0 23.9 18.3 16.9 33.3 100.0 23.1 22.2 33.3 50.0 19.4 40.7 23.1 12.3 28.6 17.1 50.0 55.6 33.3 57.1 17.4 6.9 30.0 24.4 20.7

Wins 39 28 20 19 22 15 26 15 15 16 2 9 9 11 6 8 13 4 11 3 6 2 5 11 16 4 3 4 12 8

AWD 22.7 21.4 22.0 21.1 19.7 21.7 21.3 21.9 20.2 20.2 24.0 20.8 19.7 20.5 21.3 20.0 20.6 21.3 21.6 19.7 19.9 20.5 23.6 18.2 21.7 22.8 22.8 18.5 21.1 19.0

>> Leading the charge for Sadler’s Wells

Cheltenham Festival winner Whiteoak is a daughter of Oscar

Showing similar consistency to Presenting is the admirable Oscar, who currently stands second in the table of sires of steeplechasers and third in the list of sires of hurdlers. Like the majority of sons of Sadler’s Wells who have made the grade as a National Hunt sire, Oscar was a high-class performer on the Flat, his best run being a second to Peintre Celebre in the 1997 Prix du JockeyClub.

Oscar, too, is represented by plentiful good steeplechasers, his current stars being Tricky Trickster, Big Zeb, Oscar Looby, Casey Jones and Oscar Time. His best hurdler at present is Oscar Dan Dan, successful in the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December, while a star of the future for him is surely Peddlers Cross, the 16length winner of the Grade 2 Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock in January.

Peddlers Cross looks likely to take high order among the steeplechasing ranks in the fullness of time, having already won an Irish point-to-point as a four-year-old before his purchase at Brightwells’ Cheltenham Sale last April for £100,000 by Donald McCain, whose stable also includes Oscar’s Cheltenham Festival-winning daughter Whiteoak.

Obviously, younger sires figure more prominently in the tables for hurdlers than for steeplechasers as they have not yet had time to have had a significant number of their offspring graduate to the chasing ranks. Into this category, despite his age, comes Sadler’s Wells’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes-winning son King’s Theatre who, although aged 19 and thus older than both Presenting and Oscar, is a relative

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Places 92 65 31 47 22 26 60 45 63 28 0 21 17 23 8 22 22 14 55 10 28 1 9 18 38 22 24 3 41 21

Earnings (£) 731,730 563,510 446,545 410,216 308,146 292,917 279,307 255,432 243,894 230,615 226,680 224,582 222,862 210,323 200,517 200,063 189,932 184,960 181,626 161,713 155,703 148,910 147,485 140,414 137,875 134,105 134,092 132,612 131,685 126,561

Top horse Denman Oscar Time Vic Venturi Pandorama Sizing Europe Beroni Barbers Shop Whinstone Boy Cooldine Keys Pride Kauto Star Treacle Joncol Planet Of Sound Ballyholland What A Friend Fix The Rib Golden Silver Dev Twist Magic Siegemaster Poquelin The Listener Riverside Theatre Winsley Hill Valley Ride Forpadydeplasterer Tranquil Sea Jack Finch An Cathaoir Mor

Earned (£) 114,020 103,689 67,865 112,848 100,091 50,563 32,100 65,022 30,265 47,403 226,680 66,320 170,276 54,522 146,116 133,071 40,495 101,470 51,407 152,694 58,516 148,910 81,553 25,098 22,833 34,206 41,357 121,975 27,844 59,930

newcomer to the ranks of National Hunt sires, having spent his early years covering predominantly Flat mares.

King’s Theatre currently lies second in the list of hurdlers’ sires, thanks largely to the very exciting mare Voler La Vedette, while only occupying 24th place in the steeplechasers’ standings.

However, he has very high winners-to-runners percentages in both tables – 29 winners from 76 runners over hurdles and eight winners from 24 runners over fences – and, as two of his eight winning steeplechasers are stakes-winning novices (Riverside Theatre and Royal Choice), he looks sure to graduate into the established elite of National Hunt stallions.

Kayf Tara excels

Similarly good percentage figures are currently being posted by Britain’s leading National Hunt sire Kayf Tara. Yet another son of Sadler’s Wells to star at the highest level on the Flat (he won the Ascot Gold Cup in both 1998 and 2000), Kayf Tara has done well to be in the top 20 both over hurdles and over fences despite the fact that his oldest offspring are still aged only eight.

His best winner over hurdles this campaign has been Micheal Flips, easy winner of the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton in January, while his one-inthree strike-rate over fences matches that posted by King’s Theatre. Kayf Tara’s best steeplechasers to date are the Haldon Gold Cup winner Planet Of Sound, The Package and Carruthers.

Midnight Legend, one of the few National Hunt sires to have been campaigned over obstacles himself, has fewer chasing representatives but an

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impressive winners to runners ratio of 57.1%, while only just behind Kayf Tara in the steeplechase standings is the established British sire Alflora.

Now aged 21, the son of Nijinsky’s Irish St Leger-winning son Niniski achieved his finest hour when winning the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. Although his form didn’t necessarily mark him down as a future sire of jumpers, his physique and his lineage did, and he has duly produced a steady stream of decent National Hunt performers during his lengthy reign at Shade Oak Stud. His current steeplechasing star is the Grade 1 Lexus Chase winner What A Friend.

Another grandson of Nijinsky is Godolphin’s former globetrotter Overbury. His top performers have included Irish Arkle Chase winner Missed That and Simon, while his current runners include the admirably game mare I’m Delilah.

A big boost to the British National Hunt ranks has come with the relocation to Dunraven Stud in Wales of Dr Massini. The former Sir Michael Stoute-trained Listed winner currently holds a top 20 position among sires of steeplechasers and is faring almost as well with his hurdlers. His son Tell Massini, twice a Grade 2 winner at Cheltenham this season, rates as one of the most promising staying novice hurdlers, while Master Medic posted another first-rate performance when winning the Byrne Group Handicap Chase in October.

A contributor to Dr Massini’s statistics on both tables has been the admirable Fosters Cross, a Grade 3 winner this season over both hurdles and fences. >>

Kayf Tara has a good winners to runners strike-rate with his young steeplechasers

Leading sires of hurdlers in GB and Ireland in 2009-10 (to February 7) Name Presenting King’s Theatre Oscar Bob Back Flemensfirth Accordion Sadler’s Wells Daylami Supreme Leader Anshan Montjeu Beneficial Solon Old Vic Bahhare Key Of Luck Mujahid Alflora Kayf Tara Double Eclipse Alhaarth Saddlers’ Hall Dr Massini Galileo Sir Harry Lewis Captain Rio Cadoudal Winged Love Alderbrook Kahyasi

YOF 1992 1991 1994 1981 1992 1986 1981 1994 1982 1987 1996 1990 1992 1986 1994 1991 1996 1989 1994 1992 1993 1988 1993 1998 1984 1999 1979 1992 1989 1985

Sire Mtoto Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Roberto Alleged Sadler’s Wells Northern Dancer Doyoun Bustino Persian Bold Sadler’s Wells Top Ville Local Suitor Sadler’s Wells Woodman Chief’s Crown Danzig Niniski Sadler’s Wells Ela-Mana-Mou Unfuwain Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Alleged Pivotal Green Dancer In The Wings Ardross Ile de Bourbon

Rnrs 148 76 139 81 104 72 62 40 74 67 64 125 2 78 12 26 12 86 79 7 45 116 33 31 30 17 13 32 55 27

Wnrs 23 29 27 18 21 19 16 8 11 14 12 20 1 16 4 10 6 17 12 2 11 14 10 9 8 3 5 7 10 6

%WR 15.5 38.2 19.4 22.2 20.2 26.4 25.8 20.0 14.9 20.9 18.8 16.0 50.0 20.5 33.3 38.5 50.0 19.8 15.2 28.6 24.4 12.1 30.3 29.0 26.7 17.7 38.5 21.9 18.2 22.2

Wins 34 39 32 24 25 26 19 10 16 21 16 24 3 17 6 12 8 24 16 4 13 16 14 13 9 6 8 11 15 8

AWD 19.9 18.6 19.1 19.5 19.6 18.8 18.1 19.9 19.8 19.8 18.0 20.9 16.0 19.2 20.6 18.6 18.6 19.3 20.5 17.1 17.8 20.0 19.5 17.8 20.9 16.4 21.9 18.5 20.8 17.3

Places 79 70 85 55 51 36 41 30 39 36 41 76 2 62 11 23 8 58 58 2 42 51 22 23 14 5 9 16 31 15

Earnings (£) 457,134 348,886 346,951 291,682 270,821 260,648 219,269 205,893 197,443 191,036 190,447 187,718 184,545 178,536 178,248 175,518 174,027 168,961 164,975 163,360 154,324 143,332 142,102 137,168 136,225 135,389 131,488 129,582 127,767 117,606

Top horse Dunguib Voler La Vedette Oscar Dan Dan Saludos Luska Lad Fionnegas Judge Roy Bean Zaynar The Hurl Treaty Flyer Noble Prince Arabella Boy Solwhit Ninetieth Minute Bahrain Storm Starluck Khyber Kim Cootehill Micheal Flips Go Native Moville Operation Houdini Tell Massini Celestial Halo Diamond Harry Jumbo Rio Big Buck’s Premier Victory Amber Brook Karabak

Earned (£) 117,437 73,316 76,519 49,303 47,570 30,169 38,928 80,722 51,917 59,087 24,666 21,935 184,331 19,214 159,705 61,950 142,525 39,034 21,551 157,374 24,661 25,057 36,684 69,211 64,478 63,167 68,104 55,123 30,280 36,157

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>> Welcome back Daylami An interesting relocation concerns the repatriation of Daylami from South Africa to Coolagown Stud in County Cork. The grey grandson of Mill Reef, a champion in his racing days who has already sired two Cheltenham Festival winners, is currently lying eighth in the list of hurdlers’ sires thanks to wins by the likes of leading Champion Hurdle contender Zaynar, Ebadiyan and Zarinava.

“Flemensfirth’s statistics were boosted with three stakes winners over hurdles in eight days”

Champion Hurdle fancy Zaynar (orange) is one of two Cheltenham Festival winners for Daylami

Three stalwarts who are yet again enjoying good seasons are the Irish-based veterans Flemensfirth, Old Vic and the late Accordion. Flemensfirth, a son of the dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Alleged, was a Group 1 winner in both France and Italy during his days in John Gosden’s stable (in which he was a contemporary of Presenting).

His hurdles statistics received a big boost in the opening weeks of 2010 when he sired three stakes winners over hurdles within eight days (Tidal Bay, Luska Lad and Beshabar), while his seven-year-old daughter Tally Em Up won two Grade 3 novice chases during January.

Even more successful, though, in the closing weeks of 2009 was Flemensfirth’s son Pandorama, winner of two Grade 1 novice chases. As his other current representatives include the high-class steeplechasers Imperial Commander and Kicks For Free, and the good hurdlers Muirhead and Time For Rupert, Flemensfirth is clearly one of the best National Hunt sires at stud today.

A similar comment could be made about Old Vic, the runaway winner of both the Prix du Jockey-Club and the Irish Derby in 1989. Like his paternal half-brother King’s Theatre, Old Vic was trained by Henry Cecil for Sheikh Mohammed

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before beginning his stud career as a mate for Flat mares. However, he failed to shine in that role (in which perhaps his most significant product has proved to be the outstanding German broodmare Sacarina, dam of the Classic winners Samum, Salve Regina and Schiaparelli) and it didn’t take him long to find himself covering National Hunt mares, in which sphere he has excelled.

The former champion steeplechaser Kicking King and the 2008 Grand National winner Comply Or Die remain his most distinguished sons, while his dual Grade 1-winning son Our Vic is still racing with great enthusiasm, as he showed when belying his 12 years with an ultra-brave victory in the Grade 2 Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock in January.

Other current chasing stars for Old Vic include recent Grade 1-winning novice Citizen Vic, Lexus Chase runner-up Money Trix, the ever-reliable In Compliance and last autumn’s Becher Chase hero Vic Venturi. These horses have helped their father into his current position of third in the ranks of sires of steeplechaser.s While Old Vic was a top-class racehorse, his paternal half-brother Accordion was unraced.

Accordion, who died in 2007, gained his place at stud thanks to his pedigree, as a half-brother to the 1978 Derby runner-up Hawaiian Sound and a fullbrother to the 1993 Goodwood Cup winner Sonus.

He ranks sixth in the tables of sires of both hurdlers and chasers, with his biggest victories so far coming from Grade 1-winning chaser Albertas Run and recent Totesport Trophy scorer Get Me Out Of Here.

Across the Channel

It would be wrong to review the ranks of National Hunt sires without highlighting a few of the French stallions who have good sons or daughters racing in Britain or Ireland.

These stallions are obviously hindered by the fact that numerically they cannot generally compete with the leading domestic sires, but when they can produce horses of the calibre of Kauto Star (a son of Mill Reef’s Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud-winning grandson Village Star) and Master Minded (whose deceased sire Nikos was by the 1974 2,000 Guineas winner Nonoalco, like Northern Dancer a son of Nearctic).

This pair represent merely two of the many topclass French-breds racing this side of the Channel.

This group also includes the likes of Big Buck’s and Long Run (who are both sons of France’s former leading jumps sire Cadoudal who, like Alflora, was a grandson of Nijinsky) and the outstanding young hurdler Solwhit.

As Solwhit’s sire Solon (a son of the Blushing Groom stallion Local Suitor, who won the Mill Reef Stakes as a two-year-old) has had only two runners over hurdles in Britain this season – of which Solwhit is the only winner – he presents a strong argument that quality doesn’t have to be accompanied by quantity.

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SALES CIRCUIT Your essential round-up of the January and February events

Clearance rates the main concern after low-key start to the year Quality still sells but no appetite for ordinary horses as the 2010 sales begin Words Edward Prosser

t can be misleading to interpret too much for the year ahead from January and February’s assorted sales on either side of the Irish Sea. Classy animals are usually scarce – most vendors do not want to offer their best horses in a depressed market – and annual comparisons have more to do with the catalogue make-up rather than any great market trend.

But one fact is already clear: buyers in 2010 have no more of an appetite for runof-the-mill horses than they have done in either of the previous two years.

I

Doncaster

Between the Doncaster and Cheltenham January sales, and those at Tattersalls, Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland in February, no fewer than 1,331 horses appeared, and only 654 of those changed hands in the ring. That’s a clearance rate of just 49%, hardly an impressive figure to begin the year with (it was 54% last year, when fewer horses were offered and sold).

Although some ‘not solds’ were owing to over-optimistic vendors, there was also a noticeably large number of horses who failed to reach the sales companies’ minimum bids.

The sum spent at the five sales this year has been £5,399,731 (using a conversion rate of €1 = £0.88), that’s 25% up on the £4,305,236 turnover in 2009. The sales companies would no doubt be delighted to see a similar percentage rise for the rest of the year.

While quality still sells – two bumper performers made more than £200,000 at Cheltenham’s January Sale – of greater importance to vendors’ livelihoods will be that the middle market makes some sort of comeback by the time we come to look back on the 2010 sales.

JANUARY

Aggregate £1,147,900 (+60%) Average £6,412 (+19%) Sold 179 (50% clearance rate) Median £3,000 (+20%)

It has been a frustration for Doncaster that some of the best home-grown jumping foals head to Fairyhouse in November rather than staying at home for the DBS January Sale two months later.

Many didn’t cross the water this year, resulting in a foal catalogue that many felt compared favourably with any previously put together at the Yorkshire venue.

There were 202 youngsters catalogued compared to 93 a year before, but the increase in numbers was more than the market could cope with, as the clearance rate dropped from 77% to 52%.

“It was the very selective market that you find at every sale now, Flat or jumps,” said bloodstock agent David Minton.

While last year’s foal turnover of £397,000 was the lowest since 1998, this year’s £795,500 figure was the third highest ever and the £7,530 average price was the best ever achieved.

The list of top foals was headed by a £50,000 King’s Theatre filly out of Goldford Stud’s outstanding mare Fortune’s Girl. She was snapped up by Richard Haggas (although breeder Richard Aston retains a half share).

Top Lots

David Minton: “Every sale is very selective” Above: The sale-topping King’s Theatre filly

Sex

Pedigree

Vendor

Price (£)

Buyer

f

King’s Theatre–Fortune’s Girl (Ardross)

Goldford Stud (agent)

50,000

Richard Haggas

c

Flemensfirth–Maid For Adventure (Strong Gale)

Galbertstown Stud

36,000

Ian Ferguson

c

Presenting–Queen´s Flagship (Accordion)

Jethro Bloodstock

35,000

Aiden Murphy

c

Presenting–Rosie Redman (Roselier)

G W Turner/Brampton Hall Stud

33,000

Kennycourt Stud

f

Kayf Tara–Heltornic (Zaffaran)

Trickledown Stud

30,000

Simon Hubbard Rodwell

c

King’s Theatre–Disallowed (Distinctly North)

Goldford Stud (agent)

28,000

Mark Pitman

c

Heron Island–That´s The Bonus (Executive Perk)

Jamestown Consignment

27,000

Susan Carsberg

c

King´s Theatre–Karello Bay (Kahyasi)

Goldford Stud (agent)

26,000

M Wright

c

King´s Theatre–Wyldello (Supreme Leader)

Little Lodge Farm

25,000

Highflyer BS

f

Presenting–No More Money (Alflora)

David Jenks/Wickfield Stud

25,000

Swanbridge BS

g

Internationaldebut (5g High Chaparral)

Martins Grange Stables

25,000

Paul Midgley

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Brightwells

JANUARY

Aggregate £1,044,400 (+13.7%) Average £33,690 (+12.1%) Sold 31 (55.4% clearance) Median £14,000 (-44%)

Brightwells’ Cheltenham sales are now making quite an impact on the National Hunt horses-in-training market. Using the scouting services of agent Michael Moore, their top-end trade has been dominated by young horses with form in Irish bumpers and point-to-points.

On His Own, who has scored in each code for trainer Oliver McKiernan, set a Cheltenham sale record of £240,000 at

the January post-racing auction when selling to Graham Wylie.

Meanwhile, Forty Foot Tom – a 24length Navan bumper winner for Danny Miley – heads back to Ireland after selling for £220,000 to agent Gerry Hogan.

Jim Culloty will train the five-year-old, whose new owner is said to be Dr Ronan Lambe. He bought exciting novice hurdler Rite Of Passage privately last year.

Top Lots

Graham Wylie spent £240,000 on On His Own

Horse

Vendor

Price (£)

Buyer

On His Own (6g Presenting)

Cavan Developments Bloodstock

240,000

Howard Johnson

Forty Foot Tom (5g King´s Theatre)

Devils Glen Equestrian Centre

220,000

G H Bloodstock (PS)

Bens Moor (5g Beneficial)

Glenview Stables

75,000

Tom Malone Bloodstock

4g Beneficial-Fashion House (Homo Sapien)

Knockanglass Stables

70,000

Donald McCain

Ardkilly Rebel (6g Witness Box)

Ardkilly Stables

42,000

Roger Brookhouse

Killary Bay (6g Accordion)

Modreeny Stables

39,000

Brendan Bashford BS

Ontrack (6g Snurge)

Waterloo Lodge

35,000

W McKeown

Quiet Whisper (4g Quiet American)

Cisswood Stables

30,000

GH Bloodstock

Lord Landen (5g Beneficial)

Wilsford Stables

30,000

Highflyer BS

Ballyegan (5g Saddlers’ Hall)

Lisardboula Stables

26,000

Bob Buckler

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Tattersalls Ireland Aggregate €601,900 (+4.2%)

FEBRUARY

A clearance rate of just 36% at this oneday sale marked an inauspicious start to the year for Tattersalls Ireland, as the country’s National Hunt breeding industry continues to adjust to the economic downturn.

The top lot, a Presenting colt out of triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate’s halfsister Sidalcea, was offered by Tattersalls Ireland auctioneer Philip Myerscough and his wife Jane, and changed hands for

Average €5,788 (-1.8%) Sold 104 (36.4% clearance) Median €3,000 (no change)

€80,000. Signed for in the name of Gortskeagh Bloodstock, he is expected to race in the colours of one of Ireland’s biggest jump owners.

The first lot through the ring produced the second highest price of €26,000. A daughter of Flemensfirth out of a halfsister to Grade 2-winning hurdlers Valiramix and De Valira, she was bought by a pinhooking client of the BBA Ireland’s Eamonn Reilly.

Top Lots

Philip Myerscough sold the top lot for €80,000

Tattersalls

Sex

Pedigree

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

c

Presenting–Sidalcea (Oscar)

Sunnyhill Stud (agent)

80,000

Gortskeagh BS

f

Flemensfirth–Valleya (Linamix)

Moorpark Stud

26,000

BBA Ireland

c

Presenting–Coolvane (Dr Massini)

Gerard Quirke/Shanaville Stables

25,000

John O’Byrne

f

Oscar–Molly Maguire (Supreme Leader)

Gerard Quirke/Shanaville Stables

24,000

Aiden Murphy

f

Presenting–Native Bid (Be My Native)

Borris House

21,000

Aiden Murphy

c

Turgeon–Shannon River (Nashamaa)

Ennel Bloodstock

19,000

Martin Cullinane

f

Robin Des Champs–Gee Whizz (Turgeon)

John Halliday

18,000

Martin Cullinane

c

Flemensfirth–Holly Grove Lass (Le Moss)

Hollygrove Stud

15,000

Summerhill

f

Flemensfirth–Last Of Many (Lahib)

Mrs Kathleen McKeever

15,000

Padge Berry

c

Milan–Samarinnda (Akarad)

Stow Stud (agent)

14,500

Peter Vaughan

FEBRUARY MIXED

Aggregate 991,500gns (+40.2%) Average 6,745gns (+2.9%) Sold 147 (63.1% clearance) Median 3,500gns (no change)

Tattersalls’ year made its traditional lowkey start with the mixed February Sale, which – after registering its second worst ever turnover a year before – produced a 40% increase in expenditure to 991,500gns.

Top lot Rhythm Queen brought back a fraction of her 700,000gns yearling price when purchased by agent Dwayne Woods for Andrew Tinkler, CEO of Eddie Stobart, for 55,000gns

Tinkler has assembled a seven-figure string of horses in training for this season and is also building a select broodmare band at Brook Stud in Cheveley.

Chrisalice, bought as a yearling for 5,200gns by Athens hotelier Chris Imirziadis, returned to Park Paddocks as a dual winner in Greece and, following the exploits of her siblings Total Gallery and Lady Darshaan, sold for 50,000gns to John O’Byrne.

Top Lots

Andrew Tinkler (right) spent 55,000gns on Rhythm Queen through Dwayne Woods

Horse

Vendor

Price (gns)

Rhythm Queen (4f Danehill Dancer)

John Troy (agent)

55,000

Buyer

Dwayne Woods

Chrisalice (6m Lujain)

Castlebridge Consignment

50,000

John O’Byrne

Prince Apollo (5h Dansili)

Juddmonte Farms

46,000

Dr Marwan Koukash

Sircozy (4g Celtic Swing)

Diomed Stables

40,000

Gary Moore Racing

Aunt Nicola (4f Reel Buddy)

Fitzroy House Stables

40,000

Deerpark Stud

Truism (4g Daylami)

Juddmonte Farms

36,000

Amanda Perrett

Riviera Chic (3f Medaglia D’Oro)

Whitsbury Manor Stables

25,000

Jamie Lloyd/Gordian Troeller

Dhaawiah (4f Elusive Quality)

Shadwell Stud

22,000

Blandford Bloodstock

Earlsmedic (5g Dr Fong)

Diomed Stables

22,000

Stuart Williams

Silken Promise (4f Pulpit)

Walter Swinburn Racing Stables

17,500

Tobias BP Coles

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Goffs

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FEBRUARY

Aggregate €1,856,100 (+14%) Average €9,617 (+11%) Sold 193 (49.1% clearance) Median €4,000 (+14.3%) This sale had ballooned into a five-day event by 2007 during an era where it seemed that virtually every Irishman who had profited from the Celtic Tiger wanted to invest not only in a racehorse, but also a broodmare and a foal to pinhook.

Those heady days are long gone. The February Sale is now only two days but it still grossed more than any of its rivals in the same period with a turnover of Malih Al Basti bought €1,856,100 (it was €12,035,100 in the top lot at Goffs 2007).

The 16-year-old Machiavellian mare Midnight Angel, carrying a sibling to Middle Park Stakes winner Dark Angel, was bought for €145,000 by Dubai-based owner Malih Al Basti. Angel’s Pursuit, another son of the mare who chased home the unbeaten Awzaan in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes last year, is also owned

by Al Basti.

A Montjeu colt bred by Goffs Chairman Eimear Mulhern and John Flynn was the highest-priced yearling, selling to agent Hugo Merry for €100,000. The colt’s dam, Playboy Mansion (by Grand Lodge), is a sister to US Grade 2-winning filly Grande Melody.

Ian Ives’s Angelic Girl was bought by Marc Antoine Berghgracht. The daughter of Swain is a half-sister to On Verra, runner-up to Rosanara in last year’s Prix Marcel Boussac.

Top Lots Horse

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

Midnight Angel (16m Machiavellian)

Knockatrina House (agent)

145,000

Malih Al Basti

c y MontjeuPlayboy Mansion

Abbeville & Meadow Court Studs

100,000

Hugo Merry

c y DalakhaniSet The Pace

Jockey Hall Stud (agent)

75,000

Thistle Farm

Dance To The Band (7m Kingmambo)

J K Thoroughbreds

55,000

Arturo Brambilla

Angelic Girl (5m Swain)

Mickley Stud

55,000

MAB Agency

c y High ChaparralDanse Classique

Honeypound Stud

48,000

Camas Park Stud

c y AcclamationMary Arnold

Honeypound Stud

48,000

BBA Ireland

Hearsay (4f Dubai Destination)

Darley

48,000

Silfield Bloodstock

c y Amadeus WolfQueen Al Andalous

Glenspring Farm

46,000

Abbey House Farm

Champion Place (7m Compton Place)

Ballyhane

40,000

Roalso

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ROA FORUM The special section for ROA members

The ROA Council election Do you want to make a difference?

Excellent opportunity for racehorse owners to influence future decision-making in the sport There are three places available in this year’s ROA Council elections, with two incumbent Council members likely to stand.

The ROA’s Chief Executive Michael Harris said: “Standing for election to the ROA Council presents a chance for racehorse owners who have an interest in the future well-being of the sport to become involved in influencing future decisionmaking.

“Potential candidates should be aware their required input may be considerable, but, when you are helping to make a really positive contribution to the industry in which you are involved, it can be very rewarding.

“British racing’s administration and finance operates on many levels, and this is one of the reasons why we require a Council that brings with it a wide variety of knowledge, experience and talent.

“It is essential we have people on the Council who understand racing from a really practical perspective, but we also require good

businessmen who can get their heads around the complicated finances and structures of racing.

Professional people, such as accountants, solicitors and barristers are a godsend to us.

“Many ROA Council members are both owners and breeders, and this again brings an important dimension to our business.

“ROA Council meetings are always lively, sometimes contentious but their outcome is invariably constructive.

Almost every month the Council is joined by a leading figure within the industry and this invariably stimulates some fascinating debates.

If you want to make a difference as an owner, then the Council is for you

horse during the past 12 months.

If you are interested in standing, please write to

“We need members who understand racing from a practical perspective” “A place on the ROA Council is a natural objective for any owner who wants to make a difference.”

To qualify, owners must be current members of the ROA and have had a horse in training, or part-ownerships that amount to at least one

Michael Harris at the ROA office, or email mharris@roa.co.uk. The deadline for applications is April 1.

The election will be decided by a vote among all ROA members in the spring and the result will be announced at the

ROA AGM on the morning of Thursday, June 24 at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, Knightsbridge, London.

Members are encouraged to attend the ROA AGM, which includes an owners’ forum, when members can direct questions to the Council.

The formal AGM is followed by a Champagne reception and lunch for members and their guests.

Please put this date in your diary. Further details of how to book places for lunch will be mailed out to members soon.

Free use of Racing Administration site

FREE

The following areas of the BHA Racing Administration site are now free to all registered users: entries tracking, provisional entries, confirmations tracking, declarations tracking, provisional declarations and name reservations.

The only area of the site where charges remain is fixtures and races.

Paul Foster, BHA Financial Controller, said: “The BHA Racing Administration is the main portal for communication with the industry.

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For this reason we believe that, where possible, it should be free to use.

“In 2009, the number of hits from owners increased by 23% to over 1.5 million and we hope these changes will help to encourage even more owners to start using the site regularly.”

For any owner who is not currently registered, registration is free and can be activated by contacting Weatherbys Client Systems on 01933 440077 or ihelp@weatherbys.co.uk.

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AGENDA The January ROA Council meeting Words Michael Harris, Chief Executive

Racing For Change Under Racing For Change, there was a further discussion about an alternative funding and fixture structure for 2011 and beyond. The Council heard that much of the detail underpinning this complex subject was still not finalised but, whatever new structure emerged, the Council believed it had to recognise that levy funding was diminishing at a time when the racecourses’ picture rights income was increasing.

Picture rights By 2013 picture rights income might have overtaken levy income, notwithstanding the forthcoming negotiations with bookmakers over the 50th Levy Scheme. On this basis, it was believed there was a clear need to change the levy funding mechanism so that racecourses were more strongly incentivised to make contributions to prize-money.

Tiered racing There was further discussion on the tiering of fixtures and the importance of protecting our Group/Graded races, while striking the right balance between the funding of premier fixtures and those lower down racing’s pyramid.

The Council recognised that the number of funded fixtures in 2011 would be key to the restructure, while understanding that bookmakers having a full betting shop product appeared paramount to the Levy Board. Whether or not the horse population could sustain 1,500 fixtures in the light of the continuing decline in numbers was also key.

More information from bookmakers on betting trends was deemed essential if racing was to construct a fixture list that maximised its income from the levy.

Premier racing The Council moved on to the latest proposals for premier racing and discussed the idea of giving the premier race season for both Flat and jumps a much clearer narrative, with most major events run on a Saturday and with a big Flat-racing ‘final’ day in September or October.

The Council heard how more clearly defined premier racing seasons were thought necessary if the sport was to appeal to a wider audience.

The idea of a ‘team challenge’ event was still on the table.

Insurance cover The new unique Lycetts’ veterinary insurance policy for ROA members that, for the first time, offers cover against injury for horses in and out of training, was discussed.

ROA office on the move The ROA is moving on March 31, to take up a new office at racing’s headquarters in High Holborn. From this date, the ROA address will be 75 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LS. Full contact details will appear in next month’s issue.

Parliamentary lobbyist The Council talked about the appointment of Luther Pendragon as racing’s new parliamentary lobbyist. This was seen to be a very important development, with the industry about to move into a new set of levy negotiations and with Tote privatisation back on the agenda.

Broadcaster tie-up The new collaboration between ATR and RUK regarding the sale of pictures overseas was discussed. This was regarded as a positive step, although it was disappointing to hear that this did not as yet include the internet. The Council discussed the importance of 48-hour declarations in relation to this.

The Tote The Tote was the meeting’s other major agenda item, with the prospect of privatisation moving ever closer. The Council heard how the racing industry now appeared to be moving in unison on this allimportant matter, but acknowledged the continuing likelihood that a state aid challenge would emerge unless racing could find the right mechanic to overcome this.

The Tote’s Chief Executive, Trevor Beaumont, joined the meeting, bringing specialist knowledge to the discussion.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Owner integrity The ongoing matter of owners being subject to a “fit and proper” test as a condition of registration was raised. There was a mixed reaction to this and further debate was required on this subject.

Prize-money Prize-money statistics for 2009 were noted. Although the year produced a record prize-money total of £110.5m, this had to be seen in the context of racecourse contributions declining by 9% year-on-year and levy contributions certain to reduce substantially in the current year.

It was made clear to the Council that 2010 was unlikely to be a good year for prize-money.

Newbury offer Newbury are continuing their policy of allowing two badges for ROA Horseracing Privilege Cardholders at every meeting, except Juddmonte Lockinge Day and Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup Day, providing owners show their photocard.

Selling badges Members are reminded that the selling on of owners’ badges to ticket touts is not acceptable. In the case of the Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners, any abuse could result in the member’s place on the scheme being revoked.

Grand National offer Aintree is pleased to offer a special discount to ROA members for hospitality packages at this year’s John Smith’s Grand National meeting, April 8-10. The offer is for 20% off the first four places booked for any hospitality facility, subject to availability. To make a booking, please contact Karan White on 0151 522 2902, quoting ‘ROA’

by Friday, March 26.

HBLB newsletter The Levy Board’s latest veterinary newsletter can now be downloaded as a pdf file at www.racehorseowners.net. The newsletter gives an overview of veterinary-related activities funded by the Levy Board, plans for disease prevention and control, and summaries on topics such as infectious and musculo-skeletal disease, reproduction and nutrition.

Details of current research scholarships and clinical scholarships are also listed in the newsletter.

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Racing charities benefit from ROA/Sportingbet.com Awards Nearly £64,000 raised for Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme, Spinal Injuries Association, and Racing Welfare’s Malton Fire Appeal Fundraising efforts at the ROA/Sportingbet.com Horseracing Awards in December resulted in significant sums being raised for three racing charities.

HEROS, the Homing ExRacehorses Organisation Scheme, based in Fawley, Oxfordshire, was the main beneficiary of the event with £33,049 from the fundraising efforts of a grand auction and silent auction.

Racing Welfare’s Malton Fire Disaster Appeal received £18,032 as a result of owners’ colours being featured in the evening’s souvenir brochure.

A special auction lot donated by BHA Chairman Paul Roy prompted a donation of £12,500 to the Tristram Ricketts Appeal for the Spinal Injuries Association.

Grace Muir, Chief Executive of HEROS, said: “We would like to extend a huge thank you to the ROA for supporting our charity in this way, and recognising our work in promoting responsible ownership and demonstrating what horses can do after racing.

“We hope that we can continue to work with the ROA in the future.”

ROA Council member Tony Hirschfeld, who headed the fundraising efforts, said: “We are delighted to have been able to donate these sums to our charity beneficiaries, due to the generosity of ROA members and guests at our 2009 Awards.

“This was the highest amount we have raised so far at the Awards.”

The ROA would like to extend its thanks to all who supported the evening so generously.

Tony Hirschfeld hands BHA Chairman Paul Roy (right) a £12,500 cheque for the Tristram Ricketts Appeal for the Spinal Injuries Association

Lucinda Freedman (right) hands a cheque to Grace Muir for HEROS, the chief beneficiaries of the ROA/Sportingbet.com Horseracing Awards

Cedric Burton (left), Chief Executive of Racing Welfare, receives a cheque for £18,032 from Tony Hirschfeld for the Malton Fire Appeal

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Changes to BHA’s equine drug testing programme The British Horseracing Authority has changed its raceday testing programme to adopt a more flexible approach, making increased use of information and intelligence, and employing more targeted testing, which will occur both before and after racing, and in training.

Testing is less predictable; the levels and timing of testing, the type of testing and even the samples collected vary to ensure efforts are targeted, and not just routine.

Whilst some post-race sampling is continuing, the amount of pre-race and in-training testing is increasing considerably.

Blood and other forms of sampling are being adopted.

Communication with trainers is being enhanced via seminars and articles, with revised advice on the BHA website. In line with the new approach, the number and type of tests will not be published in advance, but reported on in an annual review.

The BHA has renegotiated a contract with HFL Sport Science, the lab that provides testing to British racing, for the next seven years.

Professor Tim Morris, BHA Director of Equine Science and Welfare, said: “We have been working to ensure we have a system in which everyone can have confidence. This new approach will allow us to ensure a good spread of testing, whilst increased unpredictability in testing will deter offenders.”

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York wins ground award Totesport-sponsored winners in December

Sea The Stars (left) enjoying the Knavesmire in 2009

THE winners of the much coveted 2009 Pitchcare Neil Wyatt Racecourse Groundstaff Awards have been announced.

The award for the best Flat racecourse was given to York. The Dual Purpose award went to Newcastle, while Plumpton received the award for best jump track.

Rupert Arnold from the National Trainers’ Federation said: “As usual, the awards were fiercely fought over and the panel had a tough job separating the nominations. There was particularly strong competition in the Flat section, with several courses deserving winners in any other year, but York was outstanding.”

He added: “The commitment of groundstaff to high standards around British racecourses is commendable.”

FLAT PURPOSE

JUMPS PURPOSE

DUAL PURPOSE

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

York Adrian Kay

Plumpton Mark Cornford

Newcastle Guy Woodward

RUNNER-UP

RUNNER-UP

RUNNER-UP

Goodwood and Newmarket

Taunton

Chepstow

Black N Brew

Lingfield Park

1/12

R Friends Electric

Glamorous Spirit

Lingfield Park

1/12

Robert Bailey

Amir Pasha

Catterick

2/12

J McAllister

Blue Lyric

Kempton Park

2/12

Fittocks Stud & Andrew Bengough

Bubbly Braveheart

Wolverhampton

3/12

The Champagne Club

R Woody

Southwell

5/12

Quintessential Thoroughbreds Solar Syn

Join Up

Lingfield Park

6/12

P R Kirk

Lunar Limelight

Lingfield Park

7/12

Mrs Jacqueline McColl

Bangkok Pete

Fontwell Park

8/12

J Daniels

Danum Dancer

Southwell

8/12

G Hart, B Abbott, R McGrane, K Senior

Deejan

Ludlow

10/12

The Bill & Ben Partnership

Deep Purple

Huntingdon

10/12

Paul Green

Sound Stage

Cheltenham

11/12

K S B Bloodstock

Bubbly Bellini

Wolverhampton

11/12

The Champagne Club

Ballyfoy

Lingfield Park

12/12

M K George

Dazzling Begum

Wolverhampton

12/12

MacNiler Racing Partnership

Lunar Limelight

Wolverhampton

14/12

Mrs Jacqueline McColl

Squirtle

Wolverhampton

14/12

J Jones Racing Limited

Woolfall Sovereign

Wolverhampton

14/12

Woolfall Manor Stud

Amir Pasha

Catterick

15/12

J McAllister

Atacama Sunrise

Lingfield Park

16/12

Jim Furlong

Maldon Prom

Wolverhampton

17/12

The Super Four

Captain Smoothy

Exeter

17/12

A White

Shake On It

Wolverhamton

18/12

Mrs L Bangs

King Of Rhythm

Southwell

18/12

Miss C King

Lord Appellare

Huntingdon

26/12

The Reality Partnership

Good Faloue

Huntingdon

26/12

Bob W Smith

Edgewater

Lingfield Park

30/12

One More Bid Partnership

Total runs – 362; Total wins – 28 (7.7% wins/runs); Horses in bold – Group/Graded winner

Members are invited to apply for the next Totesport owner-sponsorship scheme, starting on March 1.

The scheme runs for 12 months and enables members to register for, and reclaim, VAT on their racing interest. It is simple to join. For further details or an application form contact Keely Brewer in the ROA office, or email kbrewer@roa.co.uk

DIARY DATES & REMINDERS

March 16-19 Members are reminded that tickets can be purchased for the ROA marquee at the Cheltenham Festival. The marquee has unreserved seating, overhead TV screens, Tote betting facilities, a cash bar and hot and cold food to purchase. Marquee badges are held at 2008 prices: ROA marquee prices ROA member Guests of ROA member (up to three)

All four days £80

Any two days £50

Daily £27

£125

£75

£38

Badges for the marquee must be booked as soon as possible, via racehorseowners.net or on 020 7408 0903. Please note that it will not be possible to buy marquee badges on the day. Racecourse admission can be booked via Cheltenham (0844 579 3003 or cheltenham.co.uk).

April 20-24 ROA members who purchase tickets for any of the four days, April 2124 (Wednesday to Saturday), of the Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival will receive the equivalent booking for Tuesday, April 20 free of charge.

To book, email ticketsales@punchestown.com or call Stacey on +353 45 897704, quoting your ROA membership number. Prices: General Admission €30, Reserved Enclosure €40, Senior Citizen €18 (optional €10 R.E upgrade). Payment can be made by credit card or Euro Bank draft.

June 24 ROA Annual General Meeting, followed by members’ and guests’ lunch at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, Cadogan Place, Knightsbridge, London.

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Ironman Muldoon – a showman who has also enjoyed hunting

PHOTO: WWW.IMAGESOFPOLO.COM

PHOTO: WWW.EQUINEMOMENTS.FREEUK.COM

Many former racehorses are thriving in their second careers, from hacking around the countryside to competing at the highest level.

As British horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) has actively promoted the suitability of former racehorses in other sport horse disciplines, including showing, dressage, polo, eventing, endurance and showjumping.

One of the most popular second careers for former racehorses is showing. The winner of the RoR/SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship at the Horse of the Year Show in 2009 was Ironman Muldoon.

The 12-year-old gelding owned by Mandy Bowlby was initially purchased by Jenny Pitman and trained by her son Mark, before going into training with Bowlby.

Whilst he could not live up to the standards of his fullbrother, the Grand National winner Royal Athlete, who also retired to the show ring, Ironman Muldoon did run three times over hurdles, winning on his first outing. On his retirement from racing his owners, Greg and Mia Bone, gave him to Bowlby, for whom he has also enjoyed hunting.

The runner-up prize in the Show Championship went to last year’s winner Another Man, another ex-racehorse related to a talented racehorse, as his half-brother was the topclass chaser One Man. A more unusual equine discipline in which former racehorses are excelling is

PHOTO: WWW.REALTIMEIMAGING.CO.UK

Former racehorses thriving in their second careers

Vindaloo – well known handicapper has represented Britain in horseball and he is still going strong at 17

Crafty Politician has made his mark as a top polo pony and polo stallion

horseball, a combination of polo, rugby and basketball played on horseback.

Well known handicapper Vindaloo, who equalled the record at the time for the number of handicaps won in a season, has gone on to represent Britain in horseball.

He was retired from Jimmy Harris’s yard by owner Mrs David Abel, when he was spotted in a field by Matthew Worthington, a former lad at the yard. Vindaloo gave Worthington and his Nottingham first division team British Horseball League Cup victory four years running, and competed in the British Team.

After retiring from international competition, Vindaloo has

Max Routledge and was part of the team that won the FIP European Championships. At the same time he has had four seasons at stud.

To leave racing at seven years and change roles so quickly, as well as start a stud career, he is clearly a great success story for former racehorses. There are more success stories from the highest level in equine sports to everyday hackers, many of which feature on RoR’s website at www.ror.org.uk.

Look out for parades of former racehorses at Sandown Park, the Cheltenham Festival and Ascot racecourse, as Retraining of Racehorses celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2010.

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helped train several novice riders and at the age of 17 he continues to perform incredibly well, with amazingly clean legs and a heart as big as a lion.

Crafty Politician, a racehorse with international form on the Flat, has also made his mark as a polo pony and polo stallion.

A RoR polo winner at Pony Club level and higher, he had previously raced successfully in five countries before being trained by Gary Moore in the UK, where he won on the allweather.

He was then purchased at Ascot Sales by Margaret Routledge for her son Max, and just six weeks later was playing polo. Now aged 13, he is playing 12–18 goal with

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Racecourse League Table Ptn Racecourse

Racecourse ownership

Exec + Sponsors (£)

% of Total

Levy Board (£)

1 Aintree JCR 2 Cheltenham JCR 3 Ascot I 4 York I 5 Epsom Downs JCR 6 Haydock Park JCR 7 Chester I 8 Goodwood I 9 Doncaster Arena 10 Newmarket * JCR 11 Hamilton Park I 12 Sandown Park JCR 13 Musselburgh I 14 Ripon I 15 Ffos Las North 16 Newcastle North 17 Ayr I 18 Sedgefield North 19 Salisbury I 20 Stratford-on-Avon I 21 Beverley I 22 Fakenham I 23 Newbury I 24 Pontefract I 25 Windsor Arena 26 Thirsk I 27 Bath North 28 Leicester I 29 Carlisle JCR 30 Wetherby I 31 Yarmouth North 32 Kelso I 33 Chepstow North 34 Ludlow I 35 Cartmel I 36 Wincanton JCR 37 Lingfield Park Arena 38 Bangor-on-Dee I 39 Nottingham JCR 40 Perth I 41 Redcar I 42 Catterick Bridge I 43 Kempton Park JCR 44 Market Rasen JCR 45 Uttoxeter North 46 Huntingdon JCR 47 Brighton North 48 Hereford North 49 Fontwell Park North 50 Warwick JCR 51 Folkestone Arena 52 Taunton I 53 Exeter JCR 54 Newton Abbot I 55 Southwell Arena 56 Towcester I 57 WolverhamptonArena 58 Worcester Arena 59 Plumpton I 60 Hexham I Total

1,652,752 2,997,024 4,081,612 2,041,777 1,191,553 1,254,941 480,147 1,174,931 1,357,713 2,994,179 224,282 984,885 319,045 211,040 119,532 366,168 480,066 91,058 216,935 202,515 175,638 83,250 784,423 202,764 236,486 144,504 143,186 230,552 148,250 132,830 136,432 107,681 184,488 109,418 31,670 145,694 586,487 95,365 106,637 79,462 88,061 75,655 481,978 92,403 99,283 65,594 46,472 40,826 59,981 62,226 44,620 28,461 26,460 21,911 29,671 4,976 26,342 5,409 1,827 -1,881 27,606,856

50.1 50.0 42.6 42.6 40.4 34.3 32.1 31.3 29.1 28.1 27.0 26.6 25.2 23.7 23.4 22.9 22.4 22.3 21.7 21.3 20.7 20.7 20.5 20.1 19.8 19.7 19.4 19.1 17.9 17.5 16.2 15.3 14.9 14.9 14.4 14.4 13.8 13.2 12.9 12.8 10.3 9.6 9.6 9.4 9.4 9.3 7.2 7.0 6.7 6.6 5.9 4.7 3.5 3.2 1.2 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.4 -0.4 25

1,185,950 2,013,740 3,114,500 1,596,550 998,360 1,833,030 887,710 1,997,170 2,100,129 3,731,210 513,800 2,196,110 823,710 583,990 343,200 1,012,720 1,317,510 261,010 623,180 664,870 574,590 319,225 2,344,830 692,640 785,250 476,840 515,667 818,577 601,390 545,600 571,720 548,820 869,870 576,040 162,360 737,900 3,130,930 576,190 539,510 488,770 534,200 622,533 3,910,570 795,170 799,850 554,790 529,070 471,420 754,740 745,530 627,470 512,810 640,243 627,240 2,217,930 545,800 3,024,872 588,062 425,300 434,900 63,140,667

In order of racecourses’ percentage contributions to overall prize-money % of Total

Owners (£)

36.0 459,890 33.6 894,923 32.5 2,302,808 33.3 1,116,316 33.8 737,857 50.0 487,964 59.3 80,560 53.2 512,426 45.0 1,089,135 35.0 3,742,521 61.9 55,777 59.3 483,917 65.0 89,945 65.5 66,175 67.2 45,100 63.4 190,774 61.4 294,450 63.9 48,032 62.5 84,684 69.9 66,201 67.6 62,172 79.3 0 61.1 538,094 68.7 63,887 65.8 120,568 64.9 79,251 69.8 67,034 67.9 97,196 72.5 79,525 71.8 57,994 67.8 100,714 77.9 38,211 70.1 142,165 78.2 49,530 74.0 25,370 72.9 102,657 73.8 345,628 79.8 39,320 65.1 114,287 78.9 45,857 62.6 221,739 79.3 59,748 77.8 461,774 81.0 88,198 75.8 144,690 78.9 71,581 81.7 66,035 80.8 68,016 83.7 87,086 78.8 107,502 83.3 76,570 85.4 40,549 85.6 78,349 93.0 5,264 88.9 201,614 90.4 52,990 87.7 306,461 83.3 84,096 92.3 29,565 89.2 47,681 57.2 17,324,613

% of Total

Total 2008/9 (£)

Total 2007/8 (£)

% total Up/ 2007/8 down

13.9 3,298,592 3,273,598 14.9 5,989,687 5,564,113 24.0 9,591,420 10,170,334 23.3 4,791,143 1,995,325 25.0 2,952,770 2,965,662 13.3 3,663,935 3,073,370 5.4 1,497,417 1,510,940 13.7 3,752,527 3,832,910 23.3 4,668,976 4,632,115 35.1 10,650,410 11,182,239 6.7 830,359 823,744 13.1 3,706,412 3,835,579 7.1 1,268,200 1,228,925 7.4 892,205 792,366 8.8 510,832 N/A 12.0 1,596,212 1,302,032 13.7 2,147,326 2,037,504 11.8 408,500 551,496 8.5 997,499 957,818 7.0 951,086 865,124 7.3 849,650 849,115 0 402,475 343,984 14.0 3,834,847 4,257,111 6.3 1,008,791 866,664 10.1 1,193,304 1,127,677 10.8 734,195 632,050 9.1 738,886 678,639 8.1 1,205,324 1,310,902 9.6 829,165 705,900 7.6 759,424 952,888 12.0 842,966 753,942 5.4 704,212 594,414 11.5 1,241,023 1,151,660 6.7 736,488 664,684 11.6 219,400 203,383 10.1 1,012,251 1,119,314 8.2 4,243,395 3,572,044 5.5 722,125 657,250 13.8 828,934 691,927 7.4 619,089 677,900 26 854,000 876,300 7.6 784,936 734,842 9.2 5,026,372 4,608,679 9.0 981,271 889,800 13.7 1,054,823 975,250 10.2 703,465 853,646 10.2 647,877 569,025 11.7 583,562 428,888 9.7 901,807 843,708 11.4 945,508 1,031,634 10.2 753,160 796,642 6.8 600,520 543,283 10.5 747,552 992,136 0.8 674,715 604,666 8.1 2,493,915 1,985,700 8.8 603,766 519,500 8.9 3,450,175 2,818,599 11.9 705,566 626,214 6.4 460,692 538,680 9.8 487,500 333,100 15.7 110,461,037 106,000,514

50.4 M 50.5 M 47.0 M 37.9 L 39.1 L 29.9 L 37.9 M 38.4 M 33.7 M 30.7 M 38.7 M 34.2 M 23.6 L 30.0 M N/A N/A 27.9 M 27.2 M 5.0 L 26.1 M 25.4 M 20.6 L 22.3 M 27.9 M 23.9 M 27.3 M 32.4 M 30.4 M 17.4 L 25.8 M 21.4 M 26.5 M 11.0 L 18.3 M 14.2 L 16.4 M 18.4 M 19.8 M 15.6 M 14.7 M 15.1 M 16.5 M 11.3 M 16.4 M 17.2 M 13.1 M 16.2 M 15.6 M 3.9 L 14.7 M 23.2 M 11.8 M 13.1 M 12.8 M 6.7 M 5.4 M 7.6 M -1.8 L 2.0 M 6.5 M 26.4 M 28.7 M

Figures relate to prize-money for the 12-month period January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009

EXPLANATION OF TABLE This table sets out the three main contributors to prize-money with percentages of the total: 1 Racecourses’ executive and sponsorship; 2 Levy Board; 3 Owners. A small additional contribution is also made by the Divided Race Fund and the BHA Development Fund. The order is taken from the percentage in the second column of figures. This shows how much each racecourse has contributed to prize-money, expressed as a percentage of their overall prize-money. The arrows at the end of each line are based on a comparison between the percentages for the two rolling year periods. If a racecourse has improved its position by this criteria it receives a green ‘up’ arrow. If the year-on-year percentage has decreased it receives a red ‘down’ arrow.

Note: All of the figures are produced on an ‘as originally programmed’ basis, i.e. where any transferred fixtures were originally programmed rather than where the fixtures have actually taken place. However, any transferred BHA ‘National’ fixtures and ‘Regional’ fixtures are attributed to the courses where the fixtures have actually taken place.

RACECOURSE OWNERSHIP KEY JCR Jockey Club Racecourses

North Northern Racing Ltd Arena Arena Leisure Ltd I Independently owned racecourse Gold Standard Award (*July Course)

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Swamp Fever outbreak in Wiltshire contained TBA reassures mare owners there is no need for additional testing against disease

“It is regrettable if EIA-positive animals in Romania are not being prevented from travelling to other EU states” – TBA Chief Executive Louise Kemble (pictured)

On January 19 Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) was reported as confirmed in two horses in Wiltshire, following importation from Romania via Belgium. EIA, commonly known as Swamp Fever, is notifiable by law in the UK. There is currently no cure and any horse testing positive will be subject to compulsory slaughter.

The infection was identified by officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) after post-import testing and, on confirmation of the positive results, the two infected horses were humanely destroyed to prevent a disease risk to other horses.

Fortunately for the horse population in the UK, the risk of transmission at this time of year is very much reduced, as biting flies (the natural vector for transmission of EIA) are not present in the UK during cold winter months.

DEFRA’s policy, to restrict slaughter to the confirmed positive animals and the requirement for containment of at-risk contact animals on the identified restricted

premises, was welcomed by the TBA as the most pragmatic way forward.

The TBA’s veterinary advisers considered DEFRA’s response to the two confirmed cases was entirely appropriate; heavy-handed restrictions and unnecessary slaughtering of in-contact horses had been avoided. This response demonstrated the close working relationship, developed over recent years, between the racing and breeding industry and DEFRA officials.

Louise Kemble, TBA Chief Executive, said: “It is very regrettable if EIA-positive animals in Romania are not being detected and prevented from travelling into other member states through the present EU restrictions implemented back in April 2007, which were specifically designed to prevent this sort of event.

“However, we are relieved that DEFRA’s subsequent investigations to date have confirmed no spread to incontact horses, which indicates that at the present time there is no need to take further action.”

The TBA is content for mare owners to follow the existing advice of the Levy Board’s Code of Practice on EIA for 2010, without the need for additional testing.

The TBA will continue to liaise with DEFRA, the veterinary profession and the BHA, and keep its members and associates in Europe and further afield fully informed.

If circumstances change, the TBA will urgently review and transmit amended advice to mare owners.

Episodes like this emphasise the risks of importing equine animals into the UK. A wider message needs to be sent to all horse owners that the importation of cheap horses, particularly from Eastern Europe and especially Romania, can present a fatal disease risk.

It is essential that importers adequately confirm health status before and after importation. The TBA urges all UK horse owners and dealers to follow the advice of the Code of Practice regarding EIA and other important equine diseases for the benefit of their own horses.

Richmond-Watson steps in to TBA role The end of 2009 witnessed the end of terms of office for some of the TBA’s hardest working, stalwart supporters.

William Morgan, who provided reports on the BHA Racing Committee meetings to Council for many years, stepped down at the end of December. Julian Richmond-Watson has kindly agreed to take on the role as the TBA’s representative on this key industry committee.

The Dowager Duchess of Bedford, David Ellis and Charles McCartan, all long serving and central members of the TBA Veterinary 80 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Committee, have retired, allowing James Crowhurst, Simon Mockridge and James Tate to take a turn on this busy and vitally important committee.

On the TBA National Hunt Committee, Ian Bare, Robert Chugg and Jim Old stepped down, and now the committee will have to consider carefully who to co-opt, to fill the two places which are now vacant on a committee which works extremely hard to maintain and create the most suitable environment for the breeding of jump horses in Britain.

Julian Richmond-Watson: key new role on BHA Racing Committee

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UPDATED...

TBA employment law guidance If you are an employer you will know how important it is to keep up to date with employment law, which supports and protects you as an employer. TBA members employing staff have access to a dedicated area of the TBA website which provides information, guidance and advice, including: > Updated for 2010: fact sheets and sample policies to manage the employer/employee relationship > A quarterly employment law newsletter > Access to a dedicated Health and Safety advisor and guidance documentation > Information on education, training, qualifications and recruitment

To access the above and to receive regular updates you will need to register for a username and password, when you will be asked to complete an online form providing some basic information on your stud.

This information is protected under data protection legislation, and is simply to give us an understanding of the size and scope of the industry, allowing us to communicate better with employers.

For further information visit the employers’ area at www.thetba.co.uk.

If you have any difficulty accessing the pages contact Caroline Turnbull at Stanstead House on 01638 661321 or email: caroline@thetba.co.uk.

New awards date in June

Mount Nelson was one of the sires on parade

Stallion Parade popular A large crowd gathered in the sales ring at Tattersalls on February 4 to watch the TBA Stallion Parade prior to the start of the Mixed Sale.

Accompanied by commentary from Sam Sheppard, the impressive collection of 13 stallions, both established and new, included ten Group 1 winners, ranging from top-class juveniles to Classic heroes.

The lowdown on each had been given in the previous edition of this magazine.

The parade offered mare owners a wonderful opportunity to see stallions from all over the country in one place and breeders took advantage of inspecting individually those that took their eye after the parade.

The TBA’s hospitality box was busy throughout the morning and the association would like to thank all the stallions’ connections for their support.

The annual TBA Awards dinner this year will take place on Monday, June 28 in a very different format to that which has been traditionally held in January in London.

The evening, which is generously being sponsored by Juddmonte, will begin with a champagne and canapé stallion parade at Banstead Manor, followed by a dinner and the annual awards presentation at Tattersalls, Park Paddocks, Newmarket.

Application forms to apply for tickets will be sent to members in April. Mark your diaries for what promises to be a great evening.

Owing to the change of date for the TBA’s year-end accounts, the AGM, which historically has been held in London on the morning of the

awards, will now be held on the morning of Tuesday, June 29 at Tattersalls, Park Paddocks, Newmarket.

Following in the footsteps of last year’s successful ‘Breeding Business’ seminar, this year the TBA AGM will be followed by ‘The Breeding Business – One Year On’, giving members an opportunity to be updated on economic and production issues, and their impact on the industry. In the afternoon, British Bloodstock Marketing will provide an international marketing perspective and there will be plenty of chance for debate and discussion, during the seminar and over lunch.

Put the date in your diaries now for this not-to-be-missed event.

PHOTO: RACINGFOTOS.COM

Paul Greeves of Weatherbys discusses current and future production data for the industry

Calusa Crystal won the EBF/TBA Mares’ Novices’ Steeple Chase Series qualifier at Huntingdon on December 10. The £40,000 Listed Final is being held at Newbury on March 27; TBA members can gain free entry on production of their TBA membership card

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Next Generation Committee Breeze-up sales have crowd-pulling potential and could help ignite a new ownership base Words Matt Coleman Spring time means breeze-up time.

Two-year-old breeze-up sales that were initially an American concept have been embraced by the European bloodstock market and have almost created an entirely new sector of the business.

There are now several large specialist breezeup consignors, who not only provide agents, trainers and owners with the chance to watch their prospective purchases breeze prior to entering the auction ring, but also constitute a significant percentage of the buying fraternity at yearling sales. Such an auction without Arab buyers or breeze-up consignors would be a scary place for any yearling vendor.

However, a breeze-up consignor ideally requires the type of horse that is sufficiently mature to produce an eye-catching breeze in the April of its juvenile year, and thus inevitably this means their buying power is focused upon speed-orientated pedigrees and mature-looking individuals. It is natural that breeders will take this into consideration when selecting matings but, equally, breeze-up buyers are not expecting a scopey colt by the likes of Dansili to burn up the track like a five-furlong sprinter.

The times clocked by the breeze-up horses are of interest, but are not the be all and end all.

Some trainers were – and some still are – sceptical that breeze-up sales place too much pressure on immature horses before they are ready, mentally or physically, for such demands.

However, experience has shown that as long as the breeze-up horses are given a period of rest following the sale, the attrition rate does not differ greatly from those two-year-olds that have been to a yearling sale.

Much like yearling vendors, breeze-up consignors have relied upon Arab custom at the top end of the market. Members of the Maktoum family have purchased more than 30% of the horses at each of the last two Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sales.

The reason they keep returning is that these sales have an enviable record of producing topclass racehorses. Indeed, Godolphin’s only two Group 1-winning two-year-olds last year were Vale Of York in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Passion For Gold in the Criterium de SaintCloud. Both were products of the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale.

It is the market below the top level of Arab involvement that needs all the help it can get.

This is why the breeze-up vendors began the breeze-up bonus last year; a concept quickly copied by the yearling vendors.

A horse purchased at this year’s breeze-up sales that has been through the ring as a yearling will qualify for a double bonus. This means any of these two-year-olds could win up to £20,000 in bonus payments, a huge incentive in this time of reduced prize-money, especially for buyers with limited budgets.

Racehorse ownership remains largely the luxury of the wealthy and the over 40s. It is my belief that breeze-up sales, combined with the bonus schemes, are the best avenue for attracting younger people to buy at auctions.

In comparison to looking at a huge number of yearlings walking up and down in a straight line, it is a more much tangible, quantifiable and exciting selection procedure to watch horses gallop up a racetrack. Furthermore, the bonus scheme potentially allows new buyers to perhaps earn back a good proportion of their initial outlay, while many of the black-type performers from breeze-up sales have by no means been the most expensive. Last season’s Group 2-winning breeze-up colts, Our Jonathan (25,000gns) and Silver Grecian (16,000gns) are examples.

If Racing For Change succeeds in attracting more young people to the races and, in turn, a small percentage of these new racegoers want to become new owners, then perhaps breezeup sales are the right place for them to buy.

Next Generation Committee members Jane Hedley (chairman) Mark Johnston Racing Daniel Polak (vice-chairman) Scarvagh House Stud Gina Bryce At The Races Matt Coleman Anthony Stroud Bloodstock Ollie Fowlston Tattersalls Bloodstock Sales

Ed Harper Whitsbury Manor Stud Phil Haworth The Royal Studs David Hodge Llety Farms Sam Hoskins Niarchos Family racing office Tim Kent Doncaster Bloodstock Sales

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James Read Selwood Bloodstock Kevin Sommerville Banstead Manor Stud Jamie Trotter Banstead Manor Stud Zenia Wright Racing UK To contact the NGC, email samantha@thetba.co.uk

DIARY DATES Tuesday, March 16 Cheltenham – Breeders’ Club Day (Champion Hurdle Day) Saturday, March 27 Newbury – EBF/TBA Mares’ Novices Steeple Chase Final Tuesday, April 13 Scotland Regional Day A visit to Lucinda Russell’s Arlary House Stables Thursday, April 15 Cheltenham – Breeders’ Club Day (National Hunt Breeders’ Day) Friday, April 16 South West Regional Day Paul Nicholls’ Manor Farm Stables Wednesday, April 28 West Midlands Regional Day Tom Dascombe’s Manor House Stables Thursday, May 6 The North Regional Day Rose Dobbin’s Hazelrigg Racing Tuesday, May 11 East Anglia Regional Day Sir Michael Stoute’s Freemason Lodge and Juddmonte Farms’ Banstead Manor Stud Wednesday, May 19 The West Regional Day Highclere Stud and Castle Friday, May 21 Yorkshire Regional Day David Nicholls’s racing stables, the Bedale Hunt Kennels and racing at Catterick Monday, June 21 Wales Regional Day Tim Vaughan’s Pant Wilkin Stables, then racing at Chepstow Monday, June 28 TBA Awards Dinner, Newmarket Application forms to apply for tickets will be sent to members in April; mark your diaries for what promises to be a great evening Tuesday, June 29 TBA AGM, followed by the TBA Annual Seminar, Newmarket Full details will be sent to members in April, together with an application form to apply for places at the Annual Seminar Tuesday, July 20 South East Regional Day Gary Moore’s Cisswood Stables and Sir Eric Parker’s Crimbourne Stud

TBA NEW MEMBERS Mr & Mrs K Glastonbury, Oxfordshire. B Blatch Esq, Dorset.

Mrs A Lear, Oxfordshire. D Coates Esq, Kent. G Bailey Esq, Essex.

A King Esq, Wiltshire. M Webley Esq, Buckinghamshire.

Mrs A Duffield, North Yorkshire.

I Anderson Esq, Powys. Redland Bloodstock, Gloucestershire.

I Crane Esq, Leicestershire.

J Carney Esq, Co Wicklow, Eire.

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Breeders’ Prizes Based on dates money was paid

National Hunt HBLB Breeders’ Prizes worth £500 or more Breeder Rewbell Syndicate D and Mrs Holmes R and J Micklethwait Lord Oaksey E R Hanbury P Murphy Goldford Stud J R Bosley & Mrs E Bosley Mr P E Clinton A Briscoe & Mrs G Meacham Northmore Stud

Prize (£) 10,000 5,200 5,200 4,800 4,800 4,800 *3,080 2,600 *1,040 750 *500

Horse Dream Alliance Call Me A Legend Over Sixty Carruthers Sherwoods Folly Mad Max Riverside Theatre Zanzibar Boy Fistral Beach Awesome Freddie John Forbes

Sire Bien Bien Midnight Legend Overbury Kayf Tara Classic Cliche Kayf Tara King’s Theatre Arzanni Definite Article Karinga Bay High Estate

Dam Rewbell Second Call Free Travel Plaid Maid Action de Balle Carole’s Crusader Disallowed Bampton Fair Empress Of Light Awesome Aunt Mavourneen

Date Course 28/12/09 Chepstow 23/01/10 Ascot 25/01/10 Fontwell Park 29/12/09 Newbury 01/01/10 Cheltenham 16/01/10 Kempton Park 27/12/09 Kempton Park 18/01/10 Fakenham 16/01/10 Kempton Park 31/12/09 Warwick 22/01/10 Catterick Bridge

*second tier (40% of breeder’s prize)

Flat HBLB Breeders’ Prizes worth £400 or more Breeder A S Denniff The Hon Mrs R Pease Genesis Green Stud Ltd The Queen West Dereham Abbey Stud D K Ivory

Prize (£) 1,600 1,600 1,500 1,500 1,000 900

Rabbah Bloodstock Limited G Reed K T Ivory G Reed Mr R Ahamad & Mr P Scott

800 500 500 500 400

Based on dates money was paid

Horse Dubai Bounty Levitation Tripitaka Full Toss Snow Bay Clifton Bridge

Sire Dubai Destination Vettori Sulamani Nayef Bahamian Bounty Avonbridge

Dam Mary Read Uplifting Memo Spinning Top Goodwood Blizzard Ambitious

Thundering Home Tiddliwinks Lujeanie Tiddliwinks Edgewater

Storming Home Piccolo Lujain Piccolo Bahamian Bounty

Citrine Spirit Card Games Ivory’s Joy Card Games Esteemed Lady

Date 26/12/09 28/12/09 03/01/10 22/12/09 10/01/10 23/01/10 26/12/09 29/12/09 03/01/10 30/12/09 09/01/10 30/12/09

Course Wolverhampton Wolverhampton Kempton Park Southwell Southwell Lingfield Park Wolverhampton Southwell Kempton Park Kempton Park Kempton Park Lingfield Park

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BREEDER OF THE MONTH January 2010 Sponsored by Blue Chip Feed Ltd

Breeder of the Month

Richard Francome

Words Alan Yuill Walker The late Sir Harry Lewis sired 2009 Classic Novices’ Hurdle winner Diamond Harry, and he repeated the feat this year when Restless Harry powered away from his field to capture the Grade 2 contest at Cheltenham in January.

In so doing, Restless Harry earned Richard Francome of Sutton Benger, near Chippenham in Wiltshire, the January Breeder of the Month award, for which he wins six sacks of Blue Chip Original feed balancer and some Blue Chip clothing.

Restless Harry’s dam, Restless Native, is the solitary mare Francome and his wife Sylvia have on their Hazelwood Farm.

Francome said: “I used to be a dairy farmer until three years ago but now I run 200 heifers for other people, which allows them to milk more cows themselves.”

Francome, who took over the family farm from his father, has had only one other broodmare, Forest Stone. She won ten point-to-points, but was abysmal at stud. So fingers crossed for Restless Native, who failed to score between the flags, yet has produced Restless Harry as her first foal.

The Francomes, who hunt regularly with the local Duke of Beaufort’s pack of hounds, have always been point-topoint enthusiasts. Both rode winners between the flags and Sylvia had the misfortune to fall off one owned by the Queen Mother.

“We bought Restless Native as a five-year-old at Doncaster in August 1999 for 3,400 guineas,” said Francome.

“She appealed because she was by Be My Native, who was all the rage, and belonged to a

Restless Harry wins at Cheltenham to earn his breeder the January gong

stout Irish jumping family – her grandma, Tarthistle, won the Thyestes Chase.

“She was very unlucky not to win a point-to-point for us – ridden by Polly Gundry she was beaten a short head and then by a head another time.

“We also sent Restless Harry down to her yard at Ottery St Mary in Devon to be trained and she rode him to victory in an open maiden at her local fixture at Bishops Court on his one and only run for us.”

That was in February 2009.

Within the space of four days last April there was a significant sequence of events.

Restless Native foaled on the 12th; Sir Harry Lewis died on the 14th; and Restless Harry was sold on the 15th to trainer Robin Dickin for £12,000 at Brightwells’ auction.

It is par for the course that Sir Harry Lewis should now be doing so well with his runners – it is indicative of his posthumous success that when Restless Harry gained his only other victory under Rules, at Towcester, the first three were all by the former Wood Farm Stud resident.

His death was certainly illtimed so far as Francome was concerned, as he explained: “Not surprisingly we had intended sending Restless

Native back to Sir Harry Lewis – we chose him in the first instance as he was the cheapest of Bill Bromley’s stallions at the time.

“Instead we sent her to Wood Farm’s new horse, Lucarno.”

Due to foal in April, Restless Native will then be covered by Kayf Tara. The mare has a three-year-old gelding by Pasternak, a two-year-old filly

by Loup Sauvage and a Rocamadour yearling colt. All are retained but, unlike Restless Harry, they will not run before they are sold.

Not since the days of Kadastrof has Dickin had such a promising individual as Restless Harry.

Kadastrof never won at the Festival, but perhaps the new stable star will get the chance to shine in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle this year.

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VET FORUM: THE EXPERT VIEW Artificial Insemination

Artificial Insemination: The Global Debate A court case in Sydney could have major implications for the future of AI, a subject that divides opinion like few others within the bloodstock world Words James Tate BVMS MRCVS

nder current legislation, to be registered in the International Studbook a thoroughbred foal must be the result of natural mating and not from Artificial Insemination (AI) or Embryo Transfer (ET).

However, as this article goes to press, the AI ban in Australia is being challenged in the courts by former Sydney Turf Club Chairman Brian McHugh.

There has been so much written about AI that it is difficult to even begin to research the topic and gain a well-informed, considered opinion, particularly because the majority of the most compelling literature is so onesided.

Opponents to AI such as Kirsten Rausing, His Highness The Aga Khan and John Messara put across powerful arguments as to why a continued ban should be supported, perhaps the most compelling of which is that the already tiny gene pool would

U

become even smaller if the most popular stallions are allowed to impregnate even more mares.

However, advocates of AI, such as Professor Twink Allen, point out significant advantages such as reduced mating injuries, infections and costs. This article aims to give the reader an unbiased, balanced view of the current situation.

Veterinary advances

There have been many groundbreaking and advantageous scientific and veterinary advances in thoroughbred breeding over the past 40 years, for example, artificial lighting, drugs to manipulate the mare’s cycle and ultrasound scanning. As a result, according to Twink Allen and Sandra Wilsher, we have lifted conception rates per cycle to 67% and end-of-season pregnancy rates to 93%.

AI and ET are breeding methods that have been

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similarly designed to improve breeding efficiency and to overcome specific problems.

For all types of AI the stallion ejaculates into a rubber-lined, warmed artificial vagina using either an inseason mare, an ovariectomised oestrogentreated mare, or a wood and leather ‘dummy’ mare upon which to mount. Following checking, the semen is diluted before being used in one of three ways – fresh semen that is used on the stud, chilled semen that can be shipped anywhere within 24-48 hours and frozen semen that can be used whenever and wherever desired.

The global debate

AI of the horse is not a new concept but, over time, technology has improved and veterinary surgeons have now become so proficient at the technique that it is used in nearly every equine discipline in the world, including Standardbred racing. So why is the thoroughbred industry not welcoming it? Is it simply fear of the unknown or tradition and sentiment?

Twink Allen certainly thinks so, saying: “A handful of wealthy stallion owners are afraid of it and frightened by a change in the status quo. In their minds, they see their stud farms would diminish or disappear.”

Allen intends to spread his message around the world and the global debate is intensifying further as a result

of the unprecedented court case launched by former bookmaker and Sydney Turf Club Chairman McHugh, who now has significant bloodstock interests.

The Australian Stud Book, the Victorian Racing Club and the Australian Racing Board are currently preparing their defence to McHugh’s argument that the ban on AI amounts to a restraint of trade and a breach of Australia’s Trade Practices Act. The case could have enormous consequences if McHugh is successful.

Advantages of AI

AI has several advantages, for example, it allows greater efficiency of stallion use.

When used fresh, one ejaculate can be used to inseminate up to 15 mares, which saves time and labour, but it also reduces the ejaculation load of the stallion and so maintains his fertility. In addition, fresh AI conception rates are actually often higher than those of natural covering.

AI also has significant advantages with regard to the natural covering procedure.

There is less stress and reduced risk of traumatic damage to the mare and stallion, and it is much easier for the impregnation of shy, maiden mares.

In addition, semen can travel cooled to anywhere within the UK, or even abroad as long as it can get to the mare within 24-48 hours and providing that quarantine

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regulations permit.

Therefore, mares technically do not have to leave their home and so avoid the stresses, dangers and costs of transport.

Furthermore, if the semen is frozen it can be transported anywhere in the world in a container of liquid nitrogen in which it can persist indefinitely. This has two significant consequences.

First, it could give some of the lesser racing countries a chance to use one of the world’s best stallions to cover their best mares; and second, it also theoretically allows the use of a stallion after it has died – something that many are against, including His Highness The Aga Khan who argues: “It totally undercuts traditional breeding purposes to be able to breed from stallions long dead.”

Another advantage of AI that is often mentioned is the reduction in infection rates, which is particularly important in older mares. Provided that the stallion has been tested as free from disease, then mares should suffer from fewer infections because there is no natural covering process.

However, it should be noted that AI is not a completely sterile procedure and in fact, certain infections can be spread easily via infected semen straws. For example, CEM was spread into 48 US states last year by AI, there was an Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) outbreak in the UK in the mid 1990s caused by AI, and the UK was banned as a source of breeding stock imports to India due to an outbreak of CEM last October in a mare who was thought to be infected through AI. As one ejaculate can be used to artificially inseminate up to 15 mares, another advantage of AI is that it relieves the workload of the stallion.

According to Allen and Wilsher, the pregnancy rate per cycle figures for many popular stallions covering over 100 mares is falling due to

overuse causing sub-fertility.

They argue that this results in many healthy, fertile mares having to return for re-mating on two or three consecutive cycles, which means a loss of time as well as increased transport costs, keep, veterinary charges and risks for the mare and foal.

In addition, they also argue that a vicious cycle begins as stallions are then asked to cover mares three or four times a day, seven days per week, which in turn reduces their sperm output and fertility further.

However, not everyone agrees that there is a stallion sub-fertility problem. Recent research published in the Equine Veterinary Journal in 2009 by Bosch et al. found that stallions in Kentucky which covered over 100 mares did not have reduced fertility.

After reading such wildly differing research it is difficult to know whether there is a stallion sub-fertility problem or not.

Disadvantages of AI

Aushorse Chairman John Messara believes that introducing AI in thoroughbreds could have disastrous long-term genetic and commercial consequences.

So what exactly is he concerned about?

As it is impossible under current legislation to enforce a limitation on the number of mares a stallion could inseminate each season, Messara believes that AI could put the thoroughbred in a precarious position through inevitable genetic narrowing.

“Imagine if one dominant stallion inseminated 500-plus mares in a season and five or six of his best sons were similarly prolific,” he said.

“This would lead to a significant proportion of our commercial broodmare population being inseminated by one sire line, causing a serious narrowing of the gene pool. This is not a far-fetched scenario. Even without AI, I

fear this very thing is happening in Australia right now, due to the resounding success of the Danzig sire line via Danehill and sons of Danehill.”

Furthermore, many are also concerned that people could become too focussed on using only proven sires or new sires that were great racehorses, and that there would be no incentive to develop new stallions.

In fact, some argue that if AI had been in place and there was no limit on the number of mares a sire could impregnate, then would horses like Danzig, who was retired after just three starts, ever have been given a chance?

There are also practical downsides to AI. There are a small number of stallions who resist AI, the semen of some stallions does not travel well cooled, and the ‘freezeability’ of semen varies hugely between stallions. As we do not yet understand why the semen of some stallions travels and freezes better than others, Messara argues that this shows that we do not yet know everything about AI and so there could also be other negative effects which may not be exposed for a number of years.

Rausing is perhaps the most vocal critic of AI in the UK. As TBA Chairman, she reports that there has been no show of support from breeders, >> official bodies and leading

“After reading widely differing research, it is difficult to know whether there is a stallion sub-fertility problem or not”

With AI, semen could be shipped for use anywhere within 48 hours

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Under current non-thoroughbred legislation, the introduction of AI would also allow Embryo Transfer. This involves the flushing of a genetically desirable womb to obtain a seven- or eight-day-old embryo, which is then transferred into the womb of another mare that is healthy and fertile but whose genes are irrelevant. Whilst Allen and

>>

figures and therefore no further discussion or debate is necessary.

Rausing points to Bosch et al’s recent study from Kentucky which found that there was “no significant influence of stallion book size on fertility measures” and hence there is no sub-fertility problem to be addressed.

She also expresses concern that under current EU legislation any introduction of AI will also allow the use of other artificial methods such as embryo transfer, sexing of sperm and cloning, which would have a severe impact on the shape and structure of General Stud Books across the world. This is also a concern expressed by the Aga

Khan, who argues: “It would simply destroy all value to the Stud Book.”

Messara and Rausing are united in arguing that “lifting the International Stud Book Committee ban on AI without a global, legally enforceable and irrecoverable limit on numbers per stallion constitutes too high a risk for our industry to take.”

Finally, Rausing warns that the ban on AI is agreed by the International Studbook Committee and so, even if one racing authority changed its rules, horses conceived by AI or ET would still be banned from racing internationally with the result that their international value would be limited.

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Wilsher report good success rates, a variety of reasons, including the fact the mare cannot properly super-ovulate, means it is realistic to predict approximately only two or three foals per donor mare. If ET was allowed, 2008 Arc winner Zarkava (above, noseband) could have two or three foals per year and perhaps would not have been retired.

Conclusion

AI and ET are being used routinely and successfully to breed non-thoroughbred horses worldwide.

However, under current legislation, to be registered in the International Studbook a thoroughbred foal must be the result of natural mating and not from AI or ET. Allen and Wilsher argue that now parentage identification is no longer a problem due to the introduction of DNA testing, this subject should at least be formally considered and discussed by the International Studbook and International Breeders’ Conferences.

However, many simply do not like the idea of AI and ET – would it really be right to have a Storm Cat foal in the year 3000? AI has obvious practical advantages but unless the number of mares a stallion can impregnate is limited, then many argue that surely the introduction of AI would narrow the thoroughbred gene pool too far.

In fact, even if the number of mares was limited, who could be trusted with the crucial task of regulating this? Whatever your opinion, the whole thoroughbred world will be watching the result of McHugh’s court case in Sydney.

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CAULFIELD FILES Andrew Caulfield reports on the bloodstock world

Fastnet should be rock solid addition to Coolmore roster A big hit down under from the moment he retired, the son of Danehill has joined the small but expanding ‘reverse shuttle’ movement, travelling from Australia to Ireland for the 2010 season

The speedy Fastnet Rock has joined eight other sons of Danehill at Coolmore in Ireland for the 2010 season

Mention “reverse shuttle” and you could be forgiven for thinking about weaving, space exploration or Britain’s mixed-doubles badminton team. But the phrase is beginning to represent the practice of bringing stallions bred and raced in Australasia to stand the northern hemisphere season in Europe, the latest example being Fastnet Rock.

This very speedy horse left Australia on January 27 to become the ninth son of Danehill on Coolmore’s 2010 roster, which also features three grandsons of Danehill.

Michael Kirwan, manager of Coolmore Australia, said: “We’re talking about him covering between 50 and 60

mares at Coolmore in Ireland.

It will be a good starting point for Fastnet Rock and being a son of Danehill from a Royal Academy mare makes his pedigree most familiar with European breeders.

earlier, fruitless trip to Europe in 2005. Having established himself as Australia’s top sprinter, with Group 1 wins in the Oakleigh Plate and Lightning Stakes, he looked qualified to follow in the

“Being out of a Royal Academy mare, his pedigree is familiar to European breeders” “John Magnier believed the stallion would attract some good mares in Europe after his success in Australia.”

This move is reminiscent of bringing Encosta De Lago – now Australia’s highest-priced stallion – to Ireland in 2007, when he covered 59 mares.

Fastnet Rock made an

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footsteps of the same trainer’s Choisir. Two years earlier Paul Perry had sent this grandson of Danehill to complete a spectacular double at Royal Ascot, before running second to Oasis Dream in the July Cup. Fastnet Rock was duly installed as ante-post favourite for the Golden Jubilee Stakes.

But he suffered a bout of travel sickness on the journey and failed to recover quickly, so he returned to Australia to start his stallion career.

Australian breeders have queued up to use Fastnet Rock since his retirement. In his first five seasons, he covered 208, 194, 257, 251 and 271 mares at fees ranging from $55,000 to $82,500 (£47,000). His 2009 fee of $60,500 put him among the ten highest-priced stallions in Australia and made him the third-highest-priced son of Danehill.

His eldest crop are threeyear-olds of the 2009-10 Australian season and it has already produced Irish Lights (Group 1 1,000 Guineas), Curved Ball (Group 2 winner in South Africa) and Group 3 winner Wanted, Dino Mak and Lovemelikearock.

Fastnet Rock ranks second to New Zealand-based High Chaparral among the season’s leading second-crop sires in Australia. It’s understandable that demand has been high for Fastnet Rock’s best third-crop representatives at the early 2010 yearling sales.

His dam, Piccadilly Circus, won the Group 3 Blue Diamond Fillies’ Prelude at two, and it is interesting that she, as a daughter of Royal Academy, is a grand-daughter of Nijinsky, whose name is in the pedigrees of numerous good winners by Danehill.

Among them are Dansili and his famous siblings out of the Kahyasi mare Hasili, and champion stallion Redoute’s Choice, who has a second dam

by Nijinsky, as does dual Group 1 winner Spartacus.

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CAULFIELD FILES

THE REVERSE SHUTTLE

This concept dates to 1997 at least, when the English and Irish National Studs had the idea of importing an Australian-bred son of Danehill, and Haras d’Etreham imported Kenmare’s Australian Guineas winner Baryshnikov.

Unfortunately, the plan to stand Danewin at Newmarket fell through when it became clear that the champion threeyear-old of 1994-95 had struggled with fertility problems in his first Australian season.

However, the 1995 Golden Slipper Stakes winner Flying Spur arrived safely at the Irish National Stud and this future champion sire in Australia

returned for two more seasons.

Irish breeders were understandably a little wary of Flying Spur and it’s fair to say he generally didn’t receive the quality of mare which his racing record and pedigree merited. Even so, he sired stakes winners of the calibre of Volata (later known as Firebolt in Hong Kong), Mister Links, Osterhase and Steenburg.

The exceptional success enjoyed by Danehill in Australasia has been reflected in the stallions chosen to represent the southern hemisphere in Europe.

Cheveley Park Stud was home to Danzero for two seasons, during which time he sired the Group 2 winner Soar, and more recently Exceed And

Excel has become the most prominent and most regular member of the reverse shuttle team.

The French have also persevered with the concept.

The Head family’s Haras du Quesnay was the base for the outstanding Australian champion Octagonal for four consecutive seasons, but the New Zealand-bred son of Zabeel proved generally disappointing, although he did sire the French and Italian Group 1 winner Laverock.

Haras du Petit Tellier also got into the act by standing Perugino’s son Testa Rossa in 2003 and 2004. Although this champion sprinter struggled for support, his total of fewer than 40 foals in France included the Group 3 winner

Blue Chagall and three Listed winners, which suggests he could have done well with greater opportunities.

Quesnay also had a brief flirtation with Danehill’s son Commands, who sired a Listed winner among a small crop conceived in 2002. As Commands had won nothing more prestigious than a Group 3 race during his 15-race career, it wasn’t surprising that he wasn’t hugely popular in France.

However, the brother to Danewin, from the family of Octagonal, has since become a permanent fixture among the leading stallions in Australia and – now part of the Darley team – he is standing the 2010 northern hemisphere season in Japan.

Inbreeding to Danehill: so far so good Another pointer is the success that Machiavellian’s son Medicean has enjoyed with broodmares by Danehill. The first few foals bred this way included two Group winners, headed by that high-class filly Nannina. This cross produces four lines of Natalma in the fifth generation and five lines of Almahmoud in the sixth.

Danehill’s broodmare sire His Majesty appears twice in the fifth generation of Psychologist’s pedigree. Again there were plenty of signs that this could be beneficial, as Danehill’s Group 1-winning Australian sprinter Keeper is inbred 3 x 3 to His Majesty and quite a few of Danehill’s other Group winners have His Majesty’s brother Graustark in the bottom halves of their pedigrees, including the Group 1 winners Mozart and Rumplestiltskin.

Of course, one swallow does not make a summer, but the chances are that Psychologist will be the first of many stakes winners inbred to Danehill, especially in Australia. But before you too take this step, it might be worth asking yourself what your next step might be.

PHOTO: TREVOR JONES

As mentioned opposite, Fastnet Rock has become the ninth son of Danehill on Coolmore’s 2010 roster, which also features three grandsons of Danehill. That’s a total of 12 sons or grandsons in a team of 21 stallions.

Also, at the time of writing, Fastnet Rock ranked 13th on Australia’s general sires’ list, despite having only two crops of racing age. He is one of seven sons of Danehill among the top 25 stallions, which also features Danehill’s grandson Choisir in 11th place.

With Danehill’s influence being so widespread, it was only a matter of time before breeders started to experiment with inbreeding to the many-times champion sire. Sure enough, we witnessed the first Group winner inbred to Danehill on February 6, when Choisir’s daughter Psychologist made an impressive debut to win the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude by more than four lengths. The filly is out of Danzero’s daughter Miss Conception, so she is inbred 3 x 3 to Danehill.

Of course, this inbreeding is more complicated than that, as Danehill was himself inbred 3 x 3 to Natalma, the Native Dancer mare who found everlasting fame as the dam of Northern Dancer.

There was always a good chance that inbreeding to Danehill would work (although, from a physical viewpoint, there must be a chance that it could produce something very flat through the knee or back at the knee).

Danehill’s record with mares by Machiavellian provided plenty of encouragement, with this pairing’s ten foals producing four stakes winners, including the Hong Kong Group 1 winner Scintillation and his Group 2-winning Australian sister Shania Dane.

As Machiavellian’s dam Coup de Folie was inbred 3 x 3 to Natalma’s dam Almahmoud, this Danehill/Machiavellian cross produced at least four lines of Almahmoud in the fifth and sixth generations.

There was always a good chance that inbreeding to Danehill would work

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 95

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DATA BOOK Listings of every worldwide Group or Graded stakes winner

Global Stakes Results Argentina Date Grade 06/02 G1 07/02 G2 07/02 G2 30/01 G2 04/02 G3 02/02 G3 23/01 G3 22/01 G3 17/01 G3 15/01 G3 G3 02/01

Race G. P. Miguel Alfredo Martinez de Hoz Clasico Guillermo Kemmis Clasico Carlos Casares Clasico Juan Shaw Clasico Luis Maria Doyhenard Clasico Fortunato Damiani Clasico Irlanda Clasico Congreve Clasico Latinoamerica Clasico Buenos Aires Clasico Apertura

City Banker took his third Group 1 – all over the San Isidro mile and a quarter – with a smooth one length defeat of Jeune-Turc. He is owned by Australia 06/02 30/01 06/02 22/01 01/01 08/02 06/02 06/02 06/02 06/02 30/01 30/01 30/01 01/01

G1 G1 G2 G2 G2 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3

Dist 10.0f 5.0f 5.0f 11.0f 5.0f 5.0f 5.0f 5.0f 8.0f 8.0f 10.0f

Juan Garat and Santiago Martinez de Hoz, great grandson of the man after whom the race is named. City Banker has had problems and was out from

Sportingbet C F Orr Stakes Coolmore Lightning Stakes Greenday Expressway Stakes Essendon Mazda N.Carlyon S.Wootton Stks BMW Perth Cup AAMI Hobart Cup Arrowfield Stud Blue Diamond Prelude(cg) Arrowfield Stud Blue Diamond Prelude (f) Hyderabad Race Club G Belmaine Stakes Rokk Ebony Rubiton Stakes C S Hayes Debonair Stakes The Mittys Vanity Cadbury Tasmanian Derby Standish Handicap

Nicconi, who landed the Coolmore Lightning Stakes, will try to emulate four of the previous seven winners of this, the first leg of the Global Sprint Challenge, all of whom went on to Royal Ascot glory. Tagged “the best

Horse City Banker (ARG) Villero Cat (ARG) The Rosy (ARG) Ollagua (ARG) Sipan Dagh (ARG) Shy Candela (ARG) Oystercatcher (ARG) Art Attack (ARG) Lord Gem (ARG) El Garufa (ARG) Foggy Stripes (ARG)

7.0f 5.0f 6.0f 6.0f 12.0f 11.0f 5.5f 5.5f 6.0f 5.5f 7.0f 7.0f 11.0f 6.0f

Typhoon Tracy (AUS) Nicconi (AUS) Rangirangdoo (NZ) Black Caviar (AUS) Lords Ransom (AUS) Growl (NZ) Beneteau (AUS) Psychologist (AUS) Velocitea (NZ) Here de Angels (AUS) Take The Rap (NZ) Tallow (AUS) GeeGees Blackflash (AUS) Royal Ida (AUS)

sprinter I have ever trained” by David Hayes, he has leg two, the King’s Stand Stakes, at the top of his agenda. Coolmore bought crack three-year-old Starspangledbanner for a reported £5.5 million 24 hours

Age H C F M C F H C C H F

Sex 5 3 3 5 3 3 7 3 4 8 4

Sire Lode (USA) Easing Along (USA) Hennessy (USA) Pure Prize (USA) Sebi Halo (ARG) Editor's Note (USA) Luhuk (USA) Russian Blue (IRE) El Sembrador (ARG) Luhuk (USA) Equal Stripes (ARG)

Dam Cirandinha (ARG) Bien Rea (ARG) Mac Royal (ARG) Open Secrets (USA) Instintiva (ARG) Shy Agus (ARG) My Light (ARG) Bellas Artes (ARG) Lady Gem (ARG) La Camorrera (ARG) La Boira Baixa (ARG)

June until January, when beaten by Brave Halo in a Listed event. Brave Halo was third here. Jeune-Turc, who took the Grande Premio Sao Paulo

M H G F G G C F M G C F G G

5 5 6 4 7 8 3 3 5 7 4 4 4 10

Red Ransom (USA) Bianconi (USA) Pentire (GB) Bel Esprit (AUS) Jeune (GB) Montjeu (IRE) Redoute's Choice (AUS) Choisir (AUS) Volksraad (GB) Dehere (USA) No Excuse Needed (GB) Street Cry (IRE) Clangalang (AUS) Star Pyramul (AUS)

last May and the GP Brasil in August, stayed in Argentina after running third in the Carlos Pellegrini. He is with City Banker’s trainer Dany Etchechoury.

Tracy's Element (AUS) Nicola Lass (AUS) She Wishes (NZ) Helsinge (AUS) Palace Alice (AUS) The Lions Roar (NZ) Slice of Paradise (AUS) Miss Conception (AUS) Cat Shmea (NZ) Angelic Belle (AUS) Aroon (NZ) African Queen (AUS) La Quita (AUS) Star of Ida (AUS)

before he finished a close fourth in the Lightning. The Choisir colt is set to run twice more in Group 1s down under before joining Aidan O’Brien.

Ascot was also mooted as a future destination for Typhoon Tracy prior

Broodmare Sire Ibero (ARG) Contested Bid (USA) Roy (USA) West By West (USA) Interprete (ARG) Shy Tom (USA) Southern Halo (USA) Rainbow Corner (GB) Gem Master (USA) Rainbow Corner (GB) Gem Master (USA)

Last Tycoon Scenic Kenfair (NZ) Desert Sun (GB) Palace Music (USA) Western Symphony (USA) Encosta de Lago (AUS) Danzero (AUS) Felix The Cat (USA) Kenmare (FR) Volksraad (GB) Lion Hunter (AUS) Grand Lodge (USA) Paint The Stars (AUS)

to her third top level success – and first against the boys – in the C F Orr Stakes. But trainer Peter Moody later stated that she is unlikely to leave Australia prior to December’s Hong Kong Mile.

Brazil 25/01 06/02 25/01 24/01 23/01 20/01

G2 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3

Grande Premio 25 de Janeiro G. P. Linneo Eduardo de Paula Machado Grande Premio Presidente do Jockey Club Grande Premio Jose Buarque de Macedo Grande Premio Roger Guedon G.P. Prefeitura Cidade do Rio de Janeiro

10.0f 10.0f 8.0f 8.0f 8.0f 11.0f

Versilia (BRZ) Rio Miranda (BRZ) Vitalino Mestre (BRZ) To The Run (BRZ) Dolly Max (BRZ) Starman (BRZ)

F C H C F H

4 4 5 4 4 7

Shudanz (CAN) Red Runner (USA) Torrential (USA) Signal Tap (USA) Crimson Tide (IRE) Trempolino (USA)

E de Amor (BRZ) Luz Do Luar (USA) Expressao (BRZ) Gorgeous Cindy (BRZ) Shanay (BRZ) Sweet Mind (BRZ)

Music Prospector (USA) Gold Legend (USA) Minstrel Glory (USA) Ghadeer (FR) Coax Me Clyde (USA) Baligh

Chile 31/01 29/01 08/01

G1 G2 G2

Premio El Derby Premio Verano - Arturo Cousino Luisino Premio Copa Jackson

12.0f 10.0f 9.5f

Casablanca Smile (CHI) Last Impact (CHI) Truly Funny (CHI)

F H C

4 8 4

Ocean Terrace (USA) Stuka (USA) Gracioso (USA)

Periza (CHI) Angel de Furia (CHI) Terna (ARG)

Sadlers Congress Stagecraft Roy (USA)

Fillies extended their domination of this season’s Classics with an excellent one-two-three in El Derby, Japan 24/01 17/01 07/02 07/02 06/02 31/01 31/01 30/01 24/01 17/01 11/01 10/01 05/01 05/01

G2 G2 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3

New Zealand 30/01 G1 23/01 G1 01/01 G1 30/01 G2 23/01 G2 01/01 G2 01/01 G2 01/01 G2 06/02 G3 06/02 G3 30/01 G3 G3 23/01

the 21st contest on a 26-race marathon card. Oaks winner Casablanca Smile gained

command early in the straight and swept clear to score by six lengths from two stablemates. Both

daughters of Dushyantor, they had finished third and fourth behind Casablanca Smile in the Oaks.

American Jockey Club Cup Nikkei Shinshun Hai Kyodo News Service Hai Stakes Silk Road Stakes Kokura Daishoten The Negishi Stakes Kyoto Himba Stakes Tokyo Shimbun Hai Heian Stakes Keisei Hai Fairy Stakes Nikkan Sports Sho Shinzan Kinen Sports Nippon Sho Kyoto Kim Pai Nikkan Sports Sho Nakayama Kim Pai

11.0f 12.0f 9.0f 6.0f 9.0f 7.0f 8.0f 8.0f 9.0f 10.0f 8.0f 8.0f 8.0f 10.0f

Never Bouchon (JPN) Meisho Beluga (JPN) Hansode Bando (JPN) Ultima Thule (JPN) Osumi Spark (JPN) Glorious Noah (JPN) Hikaru Amaranthus (JPN) Red Spada (JPN) Roll Of The Dice (JPN) Eishin Flash (JPN) Cosmo Nemo Shin (JPN) Garbo (JPN) Live Concert (IRE) Axion (JPN)

H M C M H C F C H C F C H H

7 5 3 6 5 4 4 4 5 3 3 3 6 7

Marvelous Sunday (JPN) French Deputy (USA) Manhattan Cafe (JPN) Fuji Kiseki (JPN) Admire Vega (JPN) Precise End (USA) Agnes Tachyon (JPN) Taiki Shuttle (USA) Twining (USA) King's Best (USA) Zenno Rob Roy (JPN) Manhattan Cafe (JPN) Singspiel (IRE) Sunday Silence (USA)

Pearl Necklace Papago (IRE) Crown Athlete (JPN) Air Thule (JPN) Silk Sparkle (JPN) Love Robbery (JPN) Star Mie (USA) Barbicat (USA) Love Forever (JPN) Moonlady (GER) Du Pre (GB) Yamato Damashii (JPN) Dance Lively (USA) Greatest Hits (USA)

Mill Reef (USA) Sadler's Wells (USA) Afleet (CAN) Tony Bin Forty Niner (USA) Jade Robbery (USA) A P Indy (USA) Storm Cat (USA) Sunday Silence (USA) Platini (GER) Singspiel (IRE) Generous (IRE) Kingmambo (USA) Dixieland Band (USA)

Harcourts Thorndon Mile The Oaks Stud Telegraph Handicap Blandford Lodge Railway Handicap Century City Wellington Cup Wakefield Challenge Stakes New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes Rich Hill Mile City of Auckland Cup H S Dyke Waikato Guineas White Robe Lodge Handicap Little India Desert Gold Stakes Grant Plumbing Wellington Stakes

8.0f 6.0f 6.0f 12.0f 6.0f 10.0f 8.0f 12.0f 10.0f 8.0f 8.0f 8.0f

Wall Street (NZ) Vonusti (NZ) A Gold Trail (AUS) Red Ruler (NZ) Jimmy Choux (NZ) Adaline (AUS) La Etoile (NZ) Red Ruler (NZ) Zarzuela (NZ) Hold It Harvey (AUS) Keep The Peace (NZ) Joey Massino (NZ)

G G G G C F M G F G F C

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

Montjeu (IRE) Ustinov (AUS) Hussonet (USA) Viking Ruler (AUS) Thorn Park (AUS) Court of Jewels (NZ) Thorn Park (AUS) Viking Ruler (AUS) Zabeel (NZ) King Cugat (USA) Keeper (AUS) O'Reilly (NZ)

Villa Wanda (GB) Sound Approach (AUS) Trail of Gold (AUS) Ransom Bay (USA) Cierzo (NZ) Red Covet (AUS) Desert Wine (NZ) Ransom Bay (USA) Star Satire (NZ) Daly Charm (AUS) Peace of Mind (NZ) Rationable (NZ)

Grand Lodge (USA) Sound Reason (CAN) Danewin (AUS) Red Ransom (USA) Centaine (AUS) St Covet (AUS) Deputy Governor (USA) Red Ransom (USA) Volksraad (GB) Best Western (AUS) Wild Rampage (AUS) Housebuster (USA)

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DATA BOOK

Global Stakes Results Date 23/01 01/01

Grade Race G3 Selaks Trentham Stakes G3 Eclipse Stakes

The Railway and Telegraph Handicaps, two sprints run at opposite ends of New Zealand’s North Island, had similar casts but very different outcomes. Sydney Peru 10/01 17/01 31/01 24/01

G1 G2 G3 G3

South Africa 30/01 G1 30/01 G1 30/01 G1 30/01 G1 23/01 G1 09/01 G1 09/01 G1 30/01 G2 05/01 G2 02/01 G2 06/02 G3 G3 02/01

Dist 10.5f 6.0f

Horse Red Ruler (NZ) Cellarmaster (NZ)

raider A Gold Trail overcame a wide draw to land the Railway, making all and holding on by a short neck.

But he was never able to get to the front and finished last in the Telegraph

Age G C

Sex 6 3

Sire Viking Ruler (AUS) Dubawi (IRE)

Dam Ransom Bay (USA) Oenology (NZ)

three weeks later, which resulted in a popular last-to-first win for Vonusti and 55-year-old jockey Noel Harris.

Wall Street, who was almost brought down when coming to

Broodmare Sire Red Ransom (USA) Sound Reason (CAN)

challenge in the Telegraph, put matters straight a week later, seeing out the extra two furlongs of the Thorndon Mile to win by half a length from Tavistock, also by Montjeu.

Gran Premio Nacional-Augusto B Leguia Clasico Ciudad de Lima Clasico Velocidad Clasico Enrique Meiggs

13.0f 10.0f 5.0f 10.0f

Cubillas (CHI) Zeide Isaac (USA) Ole Pegasus (USA) Tiro Al Blanco (PER)

C H F C

4 5 4 4

Riyadian (GB) Freud (USA) Fusaichi Pegasus (USA) Privately Held (USA)

La Maestranza (CHI) Winning Agenda (USA) Stoic (USA) Peniscolisima (PER)

Winning (USA) Twilight Agenda (USA) Forestry (USA) Surely Six (USA)

Klawervlei Majorca Stakes Klawervlei Majorca Stakes J & B Met Investec Cape Derby Betting World Cape Flying Championship TBA Paddock Stakes L'Ormarins Queen's Plate J & B Reserve Stayers Handicap Peninsula Handicap Sceptre Stakes Acacia Handicap Flamboyant Stakes

8.0f 8.0f 10.0f 10.0f 5.0f 9.0f 8.0f 14.0f 9.0f 6.0f 8.0f 8.0f

Gluwein (SAF) Love Is In The Air (SAF) River Jetez (SAF) Bravura (SAF) Warm White Night (SAF) Mother Russia (SAF) Pocket Power (SAF) Sangria Girl (SAF) Fort Vogue (SAF) Badger's Cove (SAF) Milk And Honey (USA) Captain's Gal (SAF)

F M M G H M G M H M M M

4 5 7 4 5 5 8 6 5 5 6 5

Jet Master (SAF) Jet Master (SAF) Jet Master (SAF) Silvano (GER) Western Winter (USA) Windrush (USA) Jet Master (SAF) Wolfhound (USA) Fort Wood (USA) Joshua Dancer (USA) Belong To Me (USA) Captain Al (SAF)

Apres-Ski (SAF) Careful Step (SAF) Stormsvlei (SAF) Musing (SAF) Thousand Nights (SAF) Russian Muse (SAF) Stormsvlei (SAF) Concetta (SAF) Vogue (SAF) Princess Tobin (SAF) Perfect Valley (BRZ) Isle of Capri (SAF)

Our Casey's Boy (USA) Jungle Cove (USA) Prince Florimund (SAF) Centenary (USA) Foveros Russian Fox (USA) Prince Florimund (SAF) Jungle Rock (SAF) Model Man (SAF) Badger Land (USA) Clackson (BRZ) Centenary (USA)

Pocket Power began the month seeking to win four consecutive renewals of two of South Africa’s biggest prizes – the Queen’s Plate and the J&B Met. No horse had previously taken either event more than twice. The seven-year-old gelding accomplished the first part of his dual Kenilworth mission with aplomb, coming with his trademark late burst to beat another old-timer, Kapil, by three-quarters of a length.

Three weeks later and the son of Jet Master finally succumbed to his first

defeat in 16 runs over seven furlongs or more at Kenilworth when third in the Met. Yet the £209,205 showpiece was still kept in the family as it went to Pocket Power’s full sister River Jetez, who beat Mother Russia by half a length. A crowd of 35,000 witnessed an incredible result for trainer Mike Bass, who trains the two siblings as well as the fourth home, Fort Vogue.

Both the first two could have gone for the much less valuable fillies-only

Majorca Stakes on the same card and their absence paved the way for a thrilling dead-heat finish between Gluwein, from the much-maligned three-year-old crop, and Love Is In The Air. The two winners are also by Jet Master, who thus moved to the head of the stallion standings despite the earlier Cape Derby win of Bravura, who is by the erstwhile table-topper, Silvano. Bravura got the better of a great duel with Cape Guineas winner Noordhoek Flyer to give trainer Joey

Ramsden a first triumph in this race as his parents Jack and Lynda looked on.

Mother Russia, whose huge run in the Met was compromised by a terrible draw, beat River Jetez into third, with Love Is In The Air fourth, over a furlong shorter three weeks earlier in the Paddock Stakes.

Trainer Charles Laird took the plaudits following the Cape Flying Championship for his role in nursing the giant but injury-prone winner, Warm White Night, back to health.

United Arab Emirates 05/02 G3 Al Tayer Motors Cape Verdi Stakes 04/02 G3 Dubal Al Rashidiya Stakes 28/01 G3 Invasor Shadwell Farm Al Maktoum Chall.1

8.0f 9.0f 8.0f

Soneva (USA) Alexandros (GB) Gloria de Campeao (BRZ)

F H H

4 5 7

Cherokee Run (USA) Kingmambo (USA) Impression (ARG)

Lakabi (USA) Arlette (IRE) Audacity (BRZ)

Nureyev (USA) King of Kings (IRE) Clackson (BRZ)

United States 06/02 G1 06/02 G1 31/01 G1 07/02 G2 31/01 G2 24/01 G2 23/01 G2 17/01 G2 16/01 G2 16/01 G2 09/01 G2 02/01 G2 06/02 G3 30/01 G3 23/01 G3 23/01 G3 23/01 G3 16/01 G3 10/01 G3 09/01 G3 09/01 G3 09/01 G3 03/01 G3 03/01 G3 G3 01/01

9.0f 9.0f 7.0f 9.0f 7.0f 10.0f 6.0f 8.5f 8.5f 7.0f 8.5f 9.0f 9.0f 9.0f 8.0f 8.0f 8.5f 8.0f 8.5f 6.0f 6.0f 6.0f 8.0f 6.5f 9.0f

Quality Road (USA) Court Vision (USA) Gabby's Golden Gal (USA) Richard's Kid (USA) Bickersons (CAN) Loup Breton (IRE) Kinsale King (USA) Pretty Unusual (USA) Papa Clem (USA) Amen Hallelujah (USA) Neko Bay (USA) Cat by the Tale (USA) Tottie (GB) Acting Zippy (USA) Ron The Greek (USA) Winslow Homer (USA) El Caballo (USA) Conveyance (USA) Crisp (USA) Custom For Carlos (USA) Richiegirlgonewild (USA) Pretty Prolific (USA) Quality Road (USA) Tuscan Evening (IRE) Fly by Phil (USA)

C H F H F H H F C F H M F G C C H C F C F F C M G

4 5 4 5 3 6 5 4 4 3 7 5 4 5 3 3 6 3 3 4 3 4 4 5 3

Elusive Quality (USA) Gulch (USA) Medaglia d'Oro (USA) Lemon Drop Kid (USA) Silver Deputy (CAN) Anabaa (USA) Yankee Victor (USA) Unusual Heat (USA) Smart Strike (CAN) Montbrook (USA) Giant's Causeway (USA) Tale of The Cat (USA) Fantastic Light (USA) City Zip (USA) Full Mandate (USA) Unbridled's Song (USA) El Corredor (USA) Indian Charlie (USA) El Corredor (USA) More Than Ready (USA) Wildcat Heir (USA) Lion Heart (USA) Elusive Quality (USA) Oasis Dream (GB) Act of Duty (USA)

Kobla (USA) Weekend Storm (USA) Gabriellina Giof (GB) Tough Broad (USA) Dancehall Floozy (USA) Louve (USA) Flaming Mirage (USA) Sci Fi Kin (USA) Miss Houdini (USA) Sara's Success (USA) Brulay (USA) St Clair Ridge (IRE) Katy Nowaitee (GB) Stormack (USA) Flambe' (USA) Summer Raven (USA) Fine Jewel (USA) Emptythetill (USA) Cat's Fair (USA) Meadow Oaks (USA) Dream With Angels (USA) Seattle Way (USA) Kobla (USA) The Faraway Tree (GB) True Mood (USA)

Strawberry Road (AUS) Storm Bird (CAN) Ashkalani (IRE) Broad Brush (USA) Paramount Jet (USA) Irish River (FR) Woodman (USA) Siphon (BRZ) Belong To Me (USA) Concorde's Tune (USA) Rubiano (USA) Indian Ridge Komaite (USA) Future Storm (USA) Fortunate Prospect (USA) Summer Squall (USA) Storm Cat (USA) Holy Bull (USA) Sir Cat (USA) Meadowlake (USA) Saint Ballado (CAN) Seattle Slew (USA) Strawberry Road (AUS) Suave Dancer (USA) Deputy Minister (CAN)

Donn Handicap Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap Santa Monica Handicap San Antonio Handicap Forward Gal Stakes San Marcos Stakes Palos Verdes Handicap El Encino Stakes San Fernando Stakes Santa Ynez Stakes San Pasqual Handicap San Gorgonio Handicap Suwannee River Stakes John B Connally Turf Handicap Lecomte Stakes Holy Bull Stakes Colonel E R Bradley Handicap San Rafael Stakes Santa Ysabel Stakes Mr Prospector Stakes Old Hat Stakes Sugar Swirl Stakes Hal's Hope Stakes Monrovia Handicap Tropical Park Derby

Quality Road laid down an early marker for the level required to land America’s top events in 2010 with a track record victory in the Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park – his 12-length margin was the widest in the race’s 52-year history. His biggest

challenge was to go in the starting gates, having failed to do so in the Breeders' Cup Classic last November, an event which is again his long-term target.

The same day, the stewards had the final say in the Gulfstream Park

Turf Handicap; the original winner was demoted to fifth for causing interference in the home straight, allowing the Richard Dutrow-trained Court Vision to register his third Grade 1 victory.

In the Santa Monica Handicap,

Gabby’s Golden Gal stripped much fitter for her start in the La Brea Stakes five weeks earlier and beat the former Andre Fabre inmate Proviso by a length and a quarter, to provide jockey Martin Garcia with a first toplevel triumph.

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DATA BOOK Stakes results

National Hunt Grade Ones 99 VICTOR CHANDLER CHASE G1 ASCOT. January 23. 17f. Soft.

1. TWIST MAGIC (FR) 8 b g Winged Love - Twist Scarlett (Lagunas) O-B Fulton et al B-Dr G Hastrich TR-PF Nicholls 2. Petit Robin (FR) 7 b g Robin des Pres - Joie de Cotte (Lute Antique) 3. Oh Crick (FR) 7 ch g Nikos - Other Crik (Bigstone) Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-8 25 10 7 £560,168 See race 58 in the February issue for analysis

Island’s speed and precocity (which enabled him to win four times at two) must have been attractive to An Cathaoir Mor’s breeder, as the gelding’s dam Money For Buttons has a traditional, stamina-packed jumping pedigree. His first four dams are by Alphabatim, Laurence O, Bargello and Vic Day. Only one of them won and An Cathaoir Mor is comfortably the best winner from recent generations of this family.

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

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

101 IRISH CHAMPION HURDLE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Jan 24. 16f. Soft to Heavy.

1. SOLWHIT (FR) 6 b g Solon - Toowhit Towhee (Lucky North) O-Top Of The Hill Syn B-Haras de Preaux TR-C Byrnes 2. Donnas Palm (IRE) 6 gr g Great Palm - Donna’s Tarquin (Husyan) 3. Sublimity (FR) 10 b g Selkirk - Fig Tree Drive (Miswaki) Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-6 16 10 3 £450,597 See race 2 in the January issue for analysis SOLWHIT b g 2004

100 ARKLE NOVICE CHASE G1

Red God Runaway Bride 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

Local Suitor

LEOPARDSTOWN. January 24. 17f. Heavy.

1. AN CATHAOIR MOR (IRE) 7 b g Turtle Island - Money For Buttons (Alphabatim) O-Owen Byrne B-Miss EJ Gallagher TR-Henry de Bromhead 2. Sports Line (IRE) 7 b g Norwich - Hot Line (Riverhead) 3. Take The Breeze (FR) 7 gr g Take Risks - Reine Breeze (Phantom Breeze) Age 5-7

Starts 15

Wins 5

Places 5

Earned £91,890

Punchestowns’s best form over hurdles came over distances of three miles or more and he can be expected to improve over fences when he returns to those sorts of distances.

Punchestowns is the first foal of History, a lightly-raced selle français mare. Her sire Alesso stayed well enough to finish second in the French St Leger and he passed on his stamina to his son Baracouda, one of the finest staying hurdlers of recent decades. The next dam, another lightly-raced maiden called Clair Deux Lune, was by Altayan, a high-class mile and a half winner.

Punchestowns’s half-brother Rackham Lerouge won three of his four starts on the Flat in France and was second on his hurdling debut for Punchestowns’s trainer Nicky Henderson.

Punchestowns’s sire Morespeed was still active aged 25 in 2007. The son of Pharly had a background typical of numerous successful jumping stallions in France. Good enough to win a Listed race on the Flat, well-bred Morespeed switched to hurdling with some success, winning three on the spin, including two at Auteuil. The half-brother to Breeders’ Cup Turf second Sierra Roberta covered a mixture of thoroughbred and AQPS mares, and showed what he was capable of by siring Le Sauvignon, twice a winner of the French Champion Hurdle over a trip of nearly three and a quarter miles.

AN CATHAOIR MOR b g 2003 Nearctic Natalma Fairy King Bold Reason Fairy Bridge Special TURTLE ISLAND b 91 Derring-Do High Top Camenae Sisania Targowice Targos Delight Co-Optimist Speak John Verbatim Well Kept Alphabatim Grey Dawn II Morning Games Major Play MONEY FOR BUTTONS ch 98 Saint Crespin III Laurence O Feevagh Tominearly Lady Bargello Bartholome Day Tour Northern Dancer

With the Arkle Novice Chase being contested on heavy ground, it wasn’t surprising to see victory go to An Cathaoir Mor, a son of the noted mudlark Turtle Island. This was the fifth career victory for An Cathaoir Mor and three have come on heavy going.

Turtle Island, for his part, is best remembered for strolling home 15 lengths clear on heavy going in the Irish 2,000 Guineas.

Turtle Island made an ideal start as a stallion, siring the 1999 2,000 Guineas winner Island Sands in his first crop. Although he was also responsible for Lincoln Dancer, a short-head second in the July Cup, and Turtle Bow, a Gr2 winner in France, Turtle Island was ultimately switched to Coolmore’s jumping division. Even that new role didn’t last and he is standing in Sicily in 2010.

An Cathaoir Mor ranks alongside Bensalem, another promising novice chaser, as one of Turtle Island’s best representatives over jumps. Turtle

Pittoni is a half-brother to Calorando, a useful performer on the Flat and over hurdles. Their dam Key Change was a rangy, angular filly with ability and stamina. Key Change’s dam Kashka was sold out of the Aga Khan’s studs for 80,000gns in 1989, but her new connections – Lady Clague’s Collinstown Stud – returned her twice to the Aga Khan’s Darshaan, who had also covered her in 1987.

Neither of Kashka’s first two foals

by Darshaan was out of the ordinary, but it was third time lucky, with Key Change’s record featuring a win in the Yorkshire Oaks, a second in the Irish St Leger and a third in the Irish Oaks.

Kashka, a minor winner over 12 furlongs, was a daughter of the Group-placed Kalkeen, who scored twice over ten furlongs at two.

Kalkeen’s sire, Sheshoon, won the Gold Cup, and Pittoni’s fourth and fifth dams, Bara Bibi and Masaka, were also high-class performers with plenty of stamina.

104 DELOITTE NOVICE HURDLE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. February 7. 18f. Soft.

1. DUNGUIB (IRE) 7 b g Presenting - Edermine Berry (Durgam) O-Daniel Harnett B-Liam Meade TR-Philip Fenton 2. Fionnegas (IRE) 6 b g Accordion - Tremplin (Tremblant) 3. Some Present (IRE) 7 b/br g Presenting - Some Pidgeon (Strong Gale) Age Starts Wins Places Earned 5-7 9 7 1 £175,763 See race 55 in the February issue for analysis DUNGUIB b g 2003

102 SCILLY ISLES NOVICES’ CHASE G1

103 SPRING JUVENILE HURDLE G1

SANDOWN. Feb 6. 20f 110yds. Good to Soft.

LEOPARDSTOWN. February 7. 16f. Soft.

1. PUNCHESTOWNS (FR) 7 ch g Morespeed - History (Alesso) O-Mrs Judy Wilson B-Gerard Ferte TR-NJ Henderson 2. Tchico Polos (FR) 6 b g Sassanian - Miss Saint Germain (Pampabird) 3. Pocket Aces (IRE) 8 b g Dr Massini - Mrs Mustard (Le Johnstan)

1. PITTONI (IRE) 4 b c Peintre Celebre - Key Change (Darshaan) O-Patrick Wilmott B-Newberry Stud Company TR-Charles Byrnes 2. Cross Appeal (IRE) 4 b g Cape Cross - Hadeb (Unfuwain) 3. Big Game Hunter (IRE) 4 b g Sadler’s Wells - Hill of Snow (Reference Point)

Age 3-7

Age 3-4

Crepello Sans Le Sou Mincio 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

Mtoto

Starts 16

Wins 8

Places 7

Earned £210,989

PUNCHESTOWNS ch g 2003 Lyphard Pharly Comely MORESPEED ch 82 Canisbay Sierra Morena Saigon Alleged Alesso Leandra HISTORY b 95 Altayan Clair Deux Lune Lili Dancer

Wins 4

Places 2

Earned £73,246

PITTONI b c 2006 Northern Dancer Goofed Boran Princesse Commene Doutelle Stroma Mossborough Savona II Hoist The Flag Princess Pout Luthier Ady Endre Posse Aleema Evainqueur Keen Dancer

Although he won only two of his seven starts on the Flat in his native France (all confined to non-thoroughbreds), Punchestowns has built an impressive record since being transferred to Britain. His seven starts over hurdles yielded four wins and two seconds, and he now promises to be at least as effective over fences. After a winning debut in a Gr2 at Newbury, he overcame a few jumping errors to take the Gr1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase by eight lengths.

98 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Starts 7

Amazer

Northern Dancer Nureyev Special PEINTRE CELEBRE ch 94 Alydar Peinture Bleue Petroleuse Shirley Heights Darshaan Delsy KEY CHANGE b 93 The Minstrel Kashka Kalkeen

Nearctic Natalma Forli Thong Raise A Native Sweet Tooth Habitat Plencia Mill Reef Hardiemma Abdos Kelty Northern Dancer Fleur Sheshoon Gioia

Peintre Celebre, the exceptional Arc winner, isn’t a name normally associated with jump racing but that didn’t deter buyers when his son Pittoni was offered at the 2009 Autumn Sales. Already an easy winner of a mile-and-a-quarter maiden at the Curragh, the lightly-raced colt sold for 65,000gns. He has proven an excellent buy, winning his first three starts over hurdles including a Gr3 at Punchestown on the last day of 2009 and the Gr1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle.

105 DR PJ MORIARTY NOVICE CHASE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. February 7. 21f. Soft.

1. CITIZEN VIC (IRE) 7 b g Old Vic - Marianne’s Citizen (Black Minstrel) O-Donal O’Connor B-P Whyte TR-WP Mullins 2. Weapon’s Amnesty (IRE) 7 ch g Presenting - Victoria Theatre (Old Vic) 3. Roberto Goldback (IRE) 8 b g Bob Back - Mandysway (Mandalus) Age 5-7

Starts 9

Wins 4

Places 2

Earned £73,219

CITIZEN VIC b g 2003 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge OLD VIC b 86 Derring-Do Cockade Camenae Luthier Black Minstrel Innocent Air MARIANNE’S CITIZEN b 90 Menelek Kelenem Look Up

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Darius Sipsey Bridge Vimy Madrilene Klairon Flute Enchantee Court Martial Aldousa Tulyar Queen of Sheba Flyover Shady Devon

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DATA BOOK

Caulfield on Citizen Vic: “Stamina is rarely a problem for Old Vic’s progeny and Citizen Vic’s best victory to date has come over the longest distance he has tackled” The latest Return of Mares suggests Old Vic’s career is effectively over, but there can be no grounds for complaint against the first-crop son of Sadler’s Wells. After spells at stud in Ireland and Japan as a Flat stallion, he has supplied the jump industry with Kicking King, Our Vic, In Compliance, Racing Demon, Snoopy Loopy, Comply Or Die, Black Apalachi, Vic Venturi and Mr Pointment, and he appears to have another fine prospect in Citizen Vic. A talented winner of a bumper and

maiden hurdle, Citizen Vic is making rapid progress as a chaser, as he showed with a bold front-running win in the Dr P.J. Moriarty Novice Chase.

Stamina is rarely a problem for Old Vic’s progeny and Citizen Vic’s best victory came over the longest distance he has faced (two miles five furlongs).

Chances are he will stay further, as his dam Marianne’s Citizen is a half-sister to Lovely Citizen, winner of the 1991 Christie’s Foxhunter Challenge Cup Chase over three and a quarter miles.

JONCOL b g 2003 106 HENNESSY COGNAC GOLD CUP G1

Hail To Reason Bramalea Carry 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

LEOPARDSTOWN. February 7. 24f. Soft.

Toter Back

1. JONCOL (IRE) 7 b g Bob’s Return - Finemar Lady (Montelimar) O/B-Mrs K Browne TR-Paul Nolan 2. Cooldine (IRE) 8 b g Beneficial - Shean Alainn (Le Moss) 3. Schindlers Hunt (IRE) 10 ch g Oscar Schindler - Snipe Hunt (Stalker)

BOB’S RETURN br 90 Quality of Life

Montelimar FINEMAR LADY b 97

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-7 12 7 4 £234,915 See race 59 in the February issue for analysis

Fine Gale

National Hunt Graded races Date

Dist

Horse

Age

Sex

Sire

Dam

Broodmare Sire

01/01

Grade Race (course) G3

victorchandler.com H Chase (Cheltenham)

21.0f

Can't Buy Time (IRE)

8

G

Supreme Leader

Sales Centre

Deep Run

Index 107

01/01

G2

Dipper Novices' Chase (Cheltenham)

21.0f

Seven Is My Number (IRE)

8

G

Pistolet Bleu

Waterloo Ball

Where To Dance

108

17/01

G2

Normans Grove Chase (Fairyhouse)

17.0f

Scotsirish (IRE)

9

G

Zaffaran

Serjitak

Saher

109

18/01

G3

Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase (Thurles)

18.0f

Tally Em Up (IRE)

7

M

Flemensfirth

Tot Em Up

Strong Gale

110

19/01

G2

Woodlands Park 100 Club Novice Chase (Naas)

24.0f

Oscar Looby (IRE)

7

G

Oscar

Ballylooby Moss

Supreme Leader

111

20/01

G3

Punchestown Juvenile Hurdle (Punchestown)

16.0f

Pittoni (IRE)

4

C

Peintre Celebre

Key Change

Darshaan

112 113

21/01

G2

Galmoy Hurdle (Gowran Park)

24.0f

War Of Attrition (IRE)

11

G

Presenting

Una Juna

Good Thyne

21/01

GrA

Thyestes H Chase (Gowran Park)

24.0f

Whinstone Boy (IRE)

9

G

Supreme Leader

Deemiss

Buckskin

114

23/01

GrA

Leopardstown H Chase (Leopardstown)

21.0f

Anothercoppercoast (IRE)

10

G

Presenting

Parsee

Persian Mews

115

23/01

G2

Altcar Novices' Chase (Haydock Park)

20.0f

Diamond Harry (GB)

7

G

Sir Harry Lewis

Swift Conveyance

Strong Gale

116

23/01

G2

Holloway's H Hurdle (Ascot)

19.5f

Mamlook (IRE)

6

G

Key Of Luck

Cradle Brief

Brief Truce

117

23/01

G2

Champion Hurdle Trial (Haydock Park)

16.5f

Medermit (FR)

6

G

Medaaly

Miss D'Hermite

Solicitor

118

23/01

G2

Peter Marsh H Chase (Haydock Park)

24.0f

Our Vic (IRE)

12

G

Old Vic

Shabra Princess

Buckskin

119

23/01

G2

Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle (Haydock Park)

16.5f

Peddlers Cross (IRE)

5

G

Oscar

Patscilla

Squill

120

23/01

GrB

MCR H Hurdle (Leopardstown)

16.0f

Puyol (IRE)

8

G

Zaffaran

Star Mover

Move Off

121

23/01

G2

MCR Novice Chase (Leopardstown)

21.0f

Roberto Goldback (IRE)

8

G

Bob Back

Mandysway

Mandalus

122

23/01

G2

Warfield Mares' Hurdle (Ascot)

24.0f

Sweetheart (GB)

6

M

Sinndar

Love And Adventure

Halling

123

24/01

G2

Golden Cygnet Novice Hurdle (Leopardstown)

20.0f

Coole River (IRE)

6

G

Carroll House

Kyle Cailin

Over The River

124

24/01

GrC

Foxrock H Chase (Leopardstown)

17.0f

Dooneys Gate (IRE)

9

G

Oscar

Park Breeze

Strong Gale

125

28/01

G2

Kinloch Brae Chase (Thurles)

20.0f

Newmill (IRE)

12

G

Norwich

Lady Kas

Pollerton

126

28/01

G3

Coolmore Mares Novice Chase (Thurles)

20.0f

Tally Em Up (IRE)

7

M

Flemensfirth

Tot Em Up

Strong Gale

127

30/01

G2

Finesse Juvenile Novices' Hurdle (Cheltenham)

17.0f

Baccalaureate (FR)

4

G

High Chaparral

Rose D'Or

Polish Precedent

128

30/01

G2

Classic Novice Hurdle (Cheltenham)

20.5f

Restless Harry (GB)

6

G

Sir Harry Lewis

Restless Native

Be My Native

129

30/01

G2

Cotswold Chase (Cheltenham)

25.5f

Taranis (FR)

9

G

Mansonnien

Vikosa

Nikos

130

30/01

G3

Betfair Trophy H Chase (Cheltenham)

21.0f

The Sawyer (BEL)

10

G

Fleetwood

Green Land

Hero's Honor

131

30/01

G2

Cleeve Hurdle (Cheltenham)

24.0f

Tidal Bay (IRE)

9

G

Flemensfirth

June's Bride

Le Moss

132

31/01

G2

Tied Cottage Chase (Punchestown)

16.0f

Big Zeb (IRE)

9

G

Oscar

Our Siveen

Deep Run

133

31/01

GrC

Grand National Trial H Chase (Punchestown)

28.0f

Inoma James (IRE)

9

G

Pierre

Currasilla Rose

Beau Sher

134

31/01

G2

Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle (Punchestown)

16.0f

Luska Lad (IRE)

6

G

Flemensfirth

Notsophar

Phardante

135

06/02

G3

Heroes H Hurdle (Sandown)

22.0f

Beshabar (IRE)

8

G

Flemensfirth

In Our Intrest

Buckskin

136

06/02

G2

Towton Novices' Chase (Wetherby)

25.0f

Weird Al (IRE)

7

G

Accordion

Bucks Gift

Buckley

137

06/02

G2

Lightning Novices' Chase (Doncaster)

16.5f

Woolcombe Folly (IRE)

7

G

Presenting

Strong Gara

Strong Gale

138

06/02

G2

Doncaster Mares' Hurdle (Doncaster)

16.5f

Zarinava (IRE)

6

M

Daylami

Zariliya

Darshaan

139

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 99

Mar 67_stats.qxp

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Page 2

DATA BOOK Exclusive stallions statistics

Leading National Hunt sires 2009-10 by earnings Name

YOF

Sire

Rnrs

Wnrs

%WR

Races

AWD

Earnings (£)

Top horse

Presenting Oscar Flemensfirth Old Vic Accordion King’s Theatre Bob Back Beneficial Supreme Leader Saddlers’ Hall Anshan Kayf Tara Alflora Pistolet Bleu Bob’s Return Dr Massini Winged Love Sadler’s Wells Zaffaran Montjeu Daylami Overbury Alderbrook Tiraaz Village Star Lord Americo Sir Harry Lewis Midnight Legend Kahyasi Cadoudal Mansonnien Key of Luck Solon Luso Bahhare Mujahid Definite Article Alhaarth Moscow Society Double Eclipse Dushyantor Galileo Glacial Storm Witness Box Lahint Roselier Shernazar Turtle Island Naheez Sea Raven Portrait Gallery Captain Rio Taipan Rudimentary Dr Fong Silver Patriarch Norwich Halling Hernando Classic Cliche Kalanisi Saint des Saints Selkirk Desert Sun Red Ransom Lomitas Lavirco Karinga Bay Carroll House Golden Tornado Robin des Pres Night Shift Topanoora Double Trigger Anabaa City Honours Milan Sinndar Germany Robin des Champs Diktat Deploy King’s Best Fleetwood Un Desperado Mister Lord Cape Cross Passing Sale Fantastic Light Grand Lodge

1992 1994 1992 1986 1986 1991 1981 1990 1982 1988 1987 1994 1989 1988 1990 1993 1992 1981 1985 1996 1994 1991 1989 1994 1983 1984 1984 1991 1985 1979 1984 1991 1992 1992 1994 1996 1992 1993 1985 1992 1993 1998 1985 1987 1991 1973 1981 1991 1984 1991 1990 1999 1992 1988 1995 1994 1987 1991 1990 1992 1996 1998 1988 1988 1987 1988 1993 1987 1985 1996 1994 1980 1987 1991 1992 1995 1998 1997 1991 1997 1995 1987 1997 1995 1983 1979 1994 1987 1996 1991

Mtoto Sadler’s Wells Alleged Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Roberto Top Ville Bustino Sadler’s Wells Persian Bold Sadler’s Wells Niniski Top Ville Bob Back Fairy Bridge In The Wings Northern Dancer Assert Sadler’s Wells Doyoun Caerleon Ardross Lear Fan Moulin Lord Gayle Alleged Night Shift Ile de Bourbon Green Dancer Tip Moss Chief’s Crown Local Suitor Salse Woodman Danzig Indian Ridge Unfuwain Nijinsky Ela-Mana-Mou Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Arctic Tern Lyphard Woodman Misti IV Busted Fairy King Critique Sadler’s Wells Sadler’s Wells Pivotal Last Tycoon Nureyev Kris S Saddlers’ Hall Top Ville Diesis Niniski Salse Doyoun Cadoudal Sharpen Up Green Desert Roberto Niniski Konigsstuhl Ardross Lord Gayle Sadler’s Wells Cadoudal Northern Dancer Ahonoora Ela-Mana-Mou Danzig Darshaan Sadler’s Wells Grand Lodge Trempolino Garde Royale Warning Shirley Heights Kingmambo Groom Dancer Top Ville Sir Ivor Green Desert No Pass No Sale Rahy Chief’s Crown

257 221 182 139 117 117 127 188 130 189 133 115 138 52 91 53 43 80 43 70 52 86 95 12 1 78 50 49 37 24 18 32 2 109 15 14 71 52 66 8 29 35 36 51 2 11 52 92 13 17 21 17 53 66 36 64 44 26 36 68 15 9 27 15 22 30 15 85 37 13 8 17 28 39 14 45 47 24 8 22 37 27 47 17 12 25 22 14 32 26

62 56 41 32 35 44 33 35 24 36 28 27 29 16 20 17 10 23 9 13 11 20 17 5 1 12 13 17 13 8 3 11 1 13 4 6 17 13 4 2 4 10 6 15 1 5 8 9 5 4 9 3 8 9 10 13 8 3 11 13 8 4 5 5 5 7 5 13 7 4 3 4 5 8 4 5 12 10 4 7 11 3 9 2 5 5 4 4 10 3

24.1 25.3 22.5 23.0 29.9 37.6 26.0 18.6 18.5 19.1 21.1 23.5 21.0 30.8 22.0 32.1 23.3 28.8 20.9 18.6 21.2 23.3 17.9 41.7 100.0 15.4 26.0 34.7 35.1 33.3 16.7 34.4 50.0 11.9 26.7 42.9 23.9 25.0 6.1 25.0 13.8 28.6 16.7 29.4 50.0 45.5 15.4 9.8 38.5 23.5 42.9 17.7 15.1 13.6 27.8 20.3 18.2 11.5 30.6 19.1 53.3 44.4 18.5 33.3 22.7 23.3 33.3 15.3 18.9 30.8 37.5 23.5 17.9 20.5 28.6 11.1 25.5 41.7 50.0 31.8 29.7 11.1 19.2 11.8 41.7 20.0 18.2 28.6 31.3 11.5

81 71 54 40 48 66 46 47 32 44 38 32 40 26 25 26 18 28 13 19 14 26 23 9 2 16 18 23 15 12 6 14 3 17 6 8 19 15 5 4 10 15 6 19 2 5 11 10 6 5 11 6 9 12 13 14 8 6 12 19 16 5 5 9 6 8 8 14 10 8 5 4 7 10 6 6 15 11 8 9 14 4 12 3 6 6 7 5 13 6

20.9 19.6 19.6 20.4 19.5 18.0 19.4 19.9 20.7 20.6 19.8 19.8 19.0 19.6 19.1 19.9 18.6 18.4 20.7 18.8 19.0 19.9 20.6 20.2 24.0 19.6 20.8 20.8 17.3 21.8 22.5 18.3 16.0 19.9 20.6 18.6 19.0 17.9 21.0 17.1 19.0 18.8 20.8 19.6 20.5 23.6 19.8 19.3 22.9 18.5 20.9 16.4 22.3 19.7 17.4 19.1 18.4 19.9 18.7 21.6 18.6 19.9 16.2 19.6 18.0 18.3 19.1 19.5 18.4 20.4 19.1 17.1 20.9 20.2 18.3 19.6 18.0 20.6 17.9 20.7 18.1 19.6 19.3 19.8 18.9 20.6 16.9 22.0 19.4 17.5

1,259,838 964,642 738,916 651,824 611,318 567,352 546,561 475,420 458,827 442,500 399,108 393,583 390,609 345,421 324,940 320,480 314,075 305,870 302,109 267,722 263,877 256,306 245,976 233,261 226,680 224,745 221,144 212,377 210,060 209,641 191,288 188,979 184,545 182,552 179,880 175,514 174,456 169,885 166,140 163,360 152,530 152,379 150,786 149,340 148,910 147,719 146,010 143,588 142,817 141,968 136,912 135,389 134,997 133,761 132,610 128,252 126,562 126,163 122,862 117,145 114,423 108,437 105,023 104,171 103,685 101,287 100,968 98,951 98,807 98,647 95,939 94,857 94,445 92,948 92,737 91,012 88,538 87,333 85,757 84,792 83,109 83,061 82,891 82,556 82,312 81,710 81,203 80,544 79,824 79,767

Dunguib Oscar Time Pandorama Vic Venturi Beroni Voler La Vedette Saludos Cooldine Whinstone Boy Operation Houdini Treaty Flyer Planet Of Sound What A Friend Sizing Europe Joncol Fosters Cross Twist Magic Judge Roy Bean Treacle Our Monty Zaynar Jack Finch Amber Brook Ballyholland Kauto Star Siegemaster Diamond Harry Winsley Hill Kalahari King Big Buck’s Golden Silver Starluck Solwhit Chicago Grey Bahrain Storm Khyber Kim Tasman Lucky Wish Forpadydeplasterer Go Native Loosen My Load Celestial Halo Valley Ride Bench Warrent Poquelin The Listener Nudge And Nurdle Glenquest Northern Alliance Tranquil Sea Beat The Boys Jumbo Rio Calgary Bay Duers No One Tells Me Silver By Nature Newmill Deep Purple Harry Tricker The Hollinwell Barizan Quel Esprit Sublimity The Fonze Deutschland Aitmatov James de Vassy Cool Dude Luke Coole River Dancing Tornado Petit Robin Well Chief Next Week City Of Doral The Last Derby College Daisy Shadow Dancer Sweetheart Star Of Germany Peut Etre Sivola Natural Action Shinrock Paddy Dirar The Sawyer Nostringsattached Kahuna Cross Appeal Backstage Dorset Square Valain

Statistics to February 7

100 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Earned (£)

117,437 104,413 112,848 67,865 78,057 73,316 49,303 30,265 72,668 45,749 59,087 54,522 133,071 100,091 170,276 53,445 152,694 38,928 66,320 50,194 80,722 27,844 30,280 157,639 226,680 58,516 83,879 22,833 43,372 68,104 101,470 61,950 184,331 28,768 159,705 142,525 24,818 32,560 41,357 157,374 40,166 69,211 34,206 19,905 148,910 81,553 26,214 17,670 101,359 121,975 47,888 63,167 19,515 42,733 23,963 47,925 32,777 97,775 31,199 15,465 30,684 35,872 46,583 52,438 46,602 25,282 44,397 12,294 37,057 41,905 56,487 65,784 20,421 17,000 64,340 30,487 12,565 29,001 36,498 26,140 11,770 49,206 14,260 76,089 46,306 36,026 35,479 40,312 18,733 28,097

Dunguib rockets past Denman as Presenting’s ace The persistent poor weather in January with the accompanying cancellations allowed little scope for major moves in the sires’ table. Presenting made more headway than most thanks mainly to Dunguib (Deloitte Novice Hurdle), War Of Attrition (Galmoy Hurdle) and Anothercoppercoast (Leopardstown Handicap Chase). Dunguib’s victory took him past Denman as the sire’s leading earner this season.

The percentage of winners to runners has jumped for all the principals, with Presenting up to 24.1% from 21.4%, Oscar up to 25.3% from 21.7% and Flemensfirth up to 22.5% from 19.6%.

King’s Theatre is still in front in this category with a cracking 37.6%. Among sires with at least 50 runners, Dr Massini and Pistolet Bleu are the only others boasting more than 30%, although Midnight Legend, with 34.7% from 49 runners, deserves applause as usual.

Dr Massini is in a distinct minority among all these stallions in being responsible for a big-race favourite in the weeks leading up to Cheltenham, namely Tell Massini, and Presenting also figures with Dunguib.

However, the vast majority of the other market leaders for Grade 1s and Grade 2s at the Festival – Big Buck’s, Kauto Star, Master Minded, Mille Chief, Poquelin, Punchestowns, Quevega, Solwhit and Zaynar – are French-bred, while Rite Of Passage is by Giant’s Causeway.

Hardly a novel arrangement, but one which those who support National Hunt breeding in Britain and Ireland may still care to reflect on.

Comments: Jeremy Early

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DATA BOOK Overseas winners

British and Irish-bred success abroad Breeder

Winner

Sire

Age/sex Dam

Ctry

Adams, R J E Adams, R J E Adolf, Schneider Agricola Del Parco Agricola Dell 'Olmo Agricola Dell 'Olmo Alberti, Mrs E Alder, R H Aletti Montano Francesco Aletti Montano Francesco Allevamento De Sei Srl Almagro de Actividades Comerciales & F Hinojosa Ambersham Stud Archer, George Avington Manor Stud Azienda Agricola Antezzate Srl Azienda Agricola Francesca Azienda Agricola Francesca Azienda Agricola Luciani Loreto Azienda Agricola Razza Emiliana Srl Azienda Agricola Robiati Angelo Azienda Agricola Rosati Colarieti Azienda Agricola Rosati Colarieti Azienda Agricola Rosati Colarieti Azienda Agricola Rosati Colarieti Azienda Agricola Rosati Colarieti Azienda Agricola Vazdirone Sas Ballygrelihan Partnership Bamford, Lady Bandini Marino Barnett Ltd, W and R Bayless, S & Mrs M Begley, M Beston, Miss P Boucheron, Serge Brain International Ltd Breslin, J Brick Kiln Stud & V A d'Haens Brinkley Stud S A S Brook Stud Bloodstock Ltd Brook Stud Bloodstock Ltd Broughton Bloodstock Brunton, Sir Gordon Burns & J Hennessy, J G Carmody, Dr P Carson, W H F Carter, R J & S A Casieri, R Casieri, Rodolfo Castlelawn Farm Castlemartin Stud Chandris, Mrs J Charlton & Floors Farming, Roger Cheveley Park Stud Ltd Cheveley Park Stud Ltd Cheveley Park Stud Ltd Chevington Stud Citadel Stud Clee, D D Cliveden Stud Ltd Coburn, Joan Compagnia Generale SRL Compagnia Generale SRL Connolly, J Coughlan, S Dalton, M Darley Darley Darley Darley Darley Darley Darley Darley Darley Darley Darley Dayton Investments Ltd Dayton Investments Ltd Deerfield Farm Delaney, Mrs Bridget Delaney, Mrs Bridget Dermot Brennan & Associates Ltd Devine, T Dioscuri di Alduino E Guisseppe Botti Donlon, B Dunne, F Egan, D and B Egan, Mrs M Epona Bloodstock Ltd & P A Byrne Ermyn Lodge Stud Limited

Bell Fess (GB) Bell Fess (GB) Irish Beauty (IRE) Diskussion (IRE) Short Time (IRE) Short Time (IRE) Noland Eyes (IRE) Batten Boom (IRE) Kemito (IRE) Estote Parati (IRE) Procne (IRE) Anabasis (GB) Itshim (GB) Monakrivos (IRE) Escapist (GB) Marblack (GB) Famcur (GB) Fenomen (GB) Louise Wells (IRE) Never Forget Me (IRE) Genuine Contender (IRE) Adane Ruralis (GB) Borghi (IRE) Il Gonghe (IRE) Candid Camera (GB) Powerful Speed (GB) Lykema (IRE) Super Refuse (IRE) Orientalist Art (GB) Giulia Vis (IRE) Dubai Time (GB) Shiva Adiva (GB) Loving Choisir (IRE) Joyride Of Love (IRE) Atilano (IRE) Do Or Die (GB) Blusher (GB) Liniberto (GB) Flemmatico (IRE) Lovit (GB) Alexandros Mazo (GB) Braccio di Ferro (GB) La Data di Giulio (GB) Choiseau (IRE) Zakynthinos (IRE) Munjum (GB) Bacco (GB) Kalashnykov (IRE) Gioconda (IRE) Cambiaso (IRE) Warriors Key (IRE) Live Concert (IRE) Airbuss (IRE) Dream Stride (GB) Vivaldi Real (GB) Rublo Hen (GB) Almaguer (GB) Mafra (IRE) Irazu (GB) Flashmans Papers (GB) Libare (IRE) Roelands (IRE) Landowner (GB) Spirit Grey (IRE) Hazelwood Ridge (IRE) Aiko (IRE) Mac Morgan (GB) Uffa Che Noia (IRE) Country Dance (GB) Country Dance (GB) My Verse (GB) Lost Soldier Three (IRE) Lost Soldier Three (IRE) Mofarij (GB) Dahteer (IRE) Otaared (GB) Whispering Gallery (GB) Poincon de France (IRE) Loup Breton (IRE) Desert Master (GB) Magic Tilla (IRE) Magic Tilla (IRE) Flintlock (IRE) Santu Perdu (IRE) Call For Carola (IRE) Our Flag (IRE) Spring Style (IRE) Leahurst (IRE) Ripper (IRE) Drumbeat (IRE) Kandalek (GB)

Lujain (USA) Lujain (USA) Verglas (IRE) King's Best (USA) Intikhab (USA) Intikhab (USA) Le Vie Dei Colori (GB) Mark Of Esteem (IRE) Noverre (USA) Galileo (IRE) Bahri (USA) Anabaa (USA) Ishiguru (USA) Hernando (FR) Dubai Destination (USA) Martino Alonso (IRE) Indian Ridge Pivotal (GB) King's Best (USA) Numerous (USA) Whipper (USA) Act One (GB) Mull Of Kintyre (USA) Stuck (USA) Lujain (USA) Compton Place (GB) King Charlemagne (USA) Refuse To Bend (IRE) Green Desert (USA) Altieri (GB) Dubai Destination (USA) Needwood Blade (GB) Choisir (AUS) Fruits Of Love (USA) Highest Honor (FR) Tomba (GB) Fraam (GB) Bertolini (USA) Desert Prince (IRE) Halling (USA) Fantastic Light (USA) Medicean (GB) Generous (IRE) Choisir (AUS) Trans Island (GB) Sakhee (USA) Lucky Owners (NZ) Fasliyev (USA) Fasliyev (USA) Danetime (IRE) Key Of Luck (USA) Singspiel (IRE) Mozart (IRE) Medicean (GB) Where Or When (IRE) Carnival Dancer (GB) Spectrum (IRE) Kalanisi (IRE) Numerous (USA) Exceed And Excel (AUS) Bahhare (USA) Hawk Wing (USA) Shamardal (USA) Invincible Spirit (IRE) Mozart (IRE) Intikhab (USA) Daylami (IRE) King's Best (USA) Machiavellian (USA) Machiavellian (USA) Exceed And Excel (AUS) Barathea (IRE) Barathea (IRE) Bering Bachir (IRE) Storm Cat (USA) Daylami (IRE) Peintre Celebre (USA) Anabaa (USA) Green Desert (USA) Tillerman (GB) Tillerman (GB) Oasis Dream (GB) Pyrus (USA) Barathea (IRE) Fasliyev (USA) Pivotal (GB) Verglas (IRE) Almutawakel (GB) Montjeu (IRE) Hawk Wing (USA)

5h 5h 4f 5h 3c 3c 3c 7h 6h 4c 4f 4f 4g 7h 4c 3f 5h 4c 3f 3c 3f 3f 3f 3c 5m 5m 3f 3f 5g 3f 5g 4f 3c 7m 6h 6h 4f 5h 3c 5m 6h 4c 5m 5g 5h 4g 4c 4c 6m 4c 6h 6h 7h 5h 3c 5h 8g 4f 5g 4c 8h 5h 3c 3f 7g 4f 5h 3f 7h 7h 4f 9g 9g 6h 8g 5h 4g 6h 6h 7g 4f 4f 4g 3c 3f 3c 5m 4g 6h 4c 4f

Ity Ity Fr Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Fr Usa Gr Swe Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Ity Gr Ity Hk Gr Ity Swe Fr Gr Swe Fr Ity Gr Gr Ity Ity Gr Gr Gr Ity Ity Ity Hk Uae Jpn Uae Jpn Spa Spa Fr Fr Spa Usa Ity Ity Uae Ity Gr Ity Ity Ity Jpn Jpn Uae Fr Fr Uae Uae Uae Uae Fr Usa Gr Gny Gny Aus Ity Ity Ity Usa Uae Gr Sin Fr

The Sun Also Rises (GB) The Sun Also Rises (GB) Irish Flower (IRE) Scandisk (IRE) Thorbella (GB) Thorbella (GB) Pale Blue Eyes (IRE) Irish Fountain (USA) King Park (IRE) Ellenica (IRE) Prima Nox (GB) Asi (USA) Sumitra (GB) Lady Irene (IRE) Elude (GB) Black Gonal (IRE) Fanofadiga (IRE) Sispre (FR) Paradise Louis (IRE) Miss Fortune (FR) Fee Faw Fum (IRE) Scisciabubu (IRE) Cincini (GB) Be Special (IRE) Cuba Lady (IRE) Gandini (GB) Like Blazes (GB) Panthere (GER) Pink Cristal (GB) Vis Et Robur (GB) Time Saved (GB) Eastern Lyric (GB) Lovingit (IRE) Poly Dancer (GB) Hollanda (FR) Satiric (IRE) Quickstyx (GB) Jasmine Breeze (GB) Trombe (FR) Pondicherry (USA) Fruit Punch (IRE) Sleave Silk (IRE) Persian Victory (IRE) Little Linnet (GB) My Hero (IRE) Ann Veronica (IRE) Night Symphonie (GB) Golden Center (IRE) Silvia Diletta (GB) Tiller Girl (IRE) Warrior Wings (GB) Dance Lively (USA) Kardelle (GB) Summer Daze (USA) Vivat (GB) Abscond (USA) Cerita (IRE) Sovana (IRE) Elouallee (FR) Franglais (GER) Little Brosna (GB) Rentless (GB) Rentless (GB) Ja Ganhou (GB) Aguilas Perla (IRE) Royal Bossi (IRE) Carnival Spirit Amusing Time (IRE) Gold's Dance (FR) Gold's Dance (FR) Reematna (GB) Donya Donya Pastorale (GB) Reematna (GB) Society Lady (USA) Echoes In Eternity (IRE) Poughkeepsie (IRE) Louve (USA) Khambani (IRE) Miss Daisy (GB) Miss Daisy (GB) Finity (USA) Attached (IRE) Carol Alt (IRE) Some Merit (GB) Clear Spring (USA) Badee'a (IRE) Willow River (CAN) Maskaya (IRE) Reveuse de Jour (IRE)

Date

14/1/10 01/2/10 07/2/10 17/1/10 19/1/10 25/1/10 10/1/10 13/1/10 06/2/10 31/1/10 16/1/10 09/1/10 22/1/10 13/1/10 17/1/10 07/2/10 17/1/10 07/2/10 04/2/10 27/1/10 08/1/10 21/1/10 14/1/10 12/1/10 15/1/10 09/1/10 08/2/10 31/1/10 29/1/10 02/2/10 13/1/10 15/1/10 07/1/10 24/1/10 19/1/10 15/1/10 30/1/10 07/1/10 31/1/10 20/1/10 13/1/10 28/1/10 17/1/10 08/1/10 25/1/10 11/1/10 25/1/10 08/2/10 21/1/10 27/1/10 24/1/10 05/1/10 08/1/10 13/1/10 03/1/10 31/1/10 18/1/10 16/1/10 10/1/10 10/1/10 22/1/10 24/1/10 15/1/10 30/1/10 27/1/10 25/1/10 20/1/10 24/1/10 14/1/10 29/1/10 29/1/10 23/1/10 28/1/10 08/1/10 22/1/10 08/1/10 28/1/10 03/2/10 24/1/10 08/1/10 17/1/10 31/1/10 04/1/10 12/1/10 15/1/10 22/1/10 14/1/10 28/1/10 11/1/10 01/1/10 08/1/10

Racecourse

Distance

Albenga Varese Hyeres Pisa Rome Naples Pisa Pisa Siracusa Pisa Rome Deauville Sunland Park Athens Taby Rome Pisa Pisa Naples Siracusa Pisa Albenga Albenga Rome Pisa Rome Varese Siracusa Athens Rome Happy Valley Athens Naples Taby Pau Athens Taby Pau Pisa Athens Athens Albenga Pisa Athens Athens Athens Naples Naples Albenga Happy Valley Abu Dhabi Kyoto Jebel Ali Nagoya Dos Hermanas Dos Hermanas Cagnes-Sur-Mer Cagnes-Sur-Mer Dos Hermanas Santa Anita Pisa Pisa Jebel Ali Rome Athens Naples Pisa Pisa Funabashi Kawasaki Jebel Ali Cagnes-Sur-Mer Cagnes-Sur-Mer Jebel Ali Jebel Ali Jebel Ali Meydan Cagnes-Sur-Mer Santa Anita Athens Dortmund Neuss Moruya Rome Pisa Pisa Santa Anita Meydan Athens Kranji Deauville

1m3f £1,315 1m2f110y £3,008 1m1f55y £4,425 1m1f £4,889 1m2f110y £1,880 1m2f £3,761 7f110y £5,265 1m1f110y £1,692 6f £3,008 1m3f £5,265 1m3f £2,256 1m1f110y £7,965 6f £7,407 7f £4,393 1m £1,558 1m £5,641 6f110y £3,761 1m3f £4,889 1m1f £3,384 7f110y £1,504 6f £3,008 1m £1,504 1m3f £1,880 1m2f110y £2,632 7f110y £3,008 6f £4,513 7f £1,880 1m1f110y £1,504 7f £4,845 1m £4,513 1m55y £38,544 1m1f £22,094 5f £2,256 1m4f £2,597 1m1f110y £7,080 7f £3,465 6f165y £2,943 6f110y £6,637 6f £3,761 7f £4,360 1m1f £5,491 1m £3,761 1m2f £1,725 1m £5,814 6f £4,199 6f £5,814 1m3f55y £3,008 5f £4,513 6f £1,315 6f £38,544 1m £6,040 1m £290,992 (Gr3) 1m £6,543 1m1f110y £3,595 1m £4,425 1m4f £10,619 1m4f £6,637 1m4f £7,965 1m £4,425 6f £11,852 7f110y £1,533 7f110y £3,008 7f £7,550 7f £3,008 7f £4,199 7f110y £2,256 1m3f £1,692 7f110y £4,513 7f110y £5,326 7f110y £5,326 6f £6,543 1m2f165y £6,637 1m4f £6,637 6f £8,557 1m £9,060 7f £12,080 1m2f £17,617 2m £7,965 1m2f £55,556 (Gr2) 7f £7,558 1m110y £2,301 1m1f110y £2,301 7f27y £3,611 1m £3,384 1m1f £2,256 7f110y £4,513 1m £19,259 7f £11,073 1m £4,754 1m £15,333 1m1f110y £6,637

Prize-money

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 101

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DATA BOOK Overseas winners

British and Irish-bred success abroad >>

Ezekiel, Mrs V Fattoria di Marcianella di Razza del Pian del Lago Fattoria di Marcianella S R L Flynn, B Foley, J P Foley, T Gainsborough Stud Management Ltd Gainsborough Stud Management Ltd Gainsborough Stud Management Ltd Gainsborough Stud Management Ltd Gainsborough Stud Management Ltd Gainsborough Stud Management Ltd Gallagher, J A Giannotti, Mr P Glending Bloodstock Glending Bloodstock Grangecon Stud Grangemore Stud Grundy Bloodstock Ltd Hackett, D Hanly, Mrs S Hannigan, Edward and Mrs S Haras du Mezeray Harrison, A Hascombe & Valiant Studs Hascombe & Valiant Studs Hashimoto, K Haydock Park Stud Hayes, G Hennessy, P Hennessy, P Herridge Bloodstock Co Ltd Hesmonds Stud Ltd Hesmonds Stud Ltd Hicks, G J Hicks, P M Highclere Stud Highclere Stud His Highness the Aga Khan's Studs SC Hunt, P C Hunter, Mrs E L Hyde Park Stud & Stephen Hillen Illuminatus Investments Ings, M H Jones, Mr D H L Jones, Patrick Juddmonte Farms Inc Juddmonte Farms Ltd Juddmonte Farms Ltd Juddmonte Farms Ltd Juddmonte Farms Ltd Kehoe, B Kelly, P Kennedy, Miss Y Kennedy, Y & G Kent & Mr R Kent, E Kiely, T Kiernan, Mr C J Kildaragh Stud Kildaragh Stud Kilfrush Stud Kilfrush Stud Knipe, Mr & Mrs R F Knipe, Mr & Mrs R F Knockaney Stud Ltd & M O'Dwyer Knockaney Stud Ltd & M O'Dwyer Knocktoran Stud Kura, E Kurtel, A Lavington Stud, The Lawn Stud Legard, Lady Lightbody Celebration Cakes Limestone & Tara Studs Lisieux Stud Llety Stud Llety Stud London Thoroughbred Services Ltd London Thoroughbred Services Ltd Lonergan, E Lynch Bages Ltd & Elite Bloodstock Lyons, P G Magliari, Dr Francesco Marston Stud McCann, D McCutcheon, Mr P McHale & Oghill House Stud, C Mickley Stud Middlebrook, Mr & Mrs G Millenium Partnership Mount Coote Partnership

Tombeur de Femmes (IRE) Azzurra Nota (IRE) Montherlant (IRE) Captain Treasure (IRE) Opal of Fire (IRE) Sweet Diane (IRE) Keyofsong (GB) Obidos (IRE) George Orwell (GB) Atlantic Brave (GB) Princess Hannah (GB) Atlantic Brave (GB) Castor Troy (IRE) Gia Fatto (IRE) Issacar (IRE) Kilmore Quay (IRE) To Believe (IRE) Daybreak Dancer (IRE) Cima Longchamp (GB) Dragon Flame (IRE) Royal Flush (IRE) Different Opinion (IRE) Jodhpur (GB) Russian Angel (GB) Blues Ballad (GB) Tuscan Evening (IRE) Memory Surfinia (IRE) Rub A Dub Dub (GB) Abbadiano (IRE) Alonisos (IRE) Alonisos (IRE) Flying Flute (GB) Mendace (GB) Celtinger (GB) Bonnie Prince Blue (GB) Red Baron Dancer (GB) Celtic King (GB) Celtic King (GB) Kerashan (IRE) Combatiente (GB) St Trinians (GB) Rey Mambo (IRE) Bronco (IRE) Montpellier (IRE) Dream Emperor (IRE) Desert Eagle (IRE) Serious Impact (USA) Lifespan (GB) Walking Talking (GB) Walking Talking (GB) Kali Dal (GB) Bob Esponja (IRE) Sir Al (IRE) Euro Alca Virago (IRE) Loui (IRE) J'Odane (IRE) Theonoi (IRE) Drunken Sailor (IRE) Mubaashir (IRE) Toison d'Or (IRE) Envisage (IRE) Fenice (IRE) Rockfield Rose (GB) Rochdale (GB) Big Mix (IRE) Big Mix (IRE) Smarten Die (IRE) Motrevla (IRE) Ad Victoriam (IRE) Six Shots (GB) Tottie (GB) Eva Kant (GB) Mashaahed (GB) Zabeel Tiger (GB) Evi Dal (IRE) Focus Star (GB) Sagittario (GB) Dream Of Kunda (GB) Krilim (GB) Pelotazo (IRE) Rock of Veio (IRE) Kingsgate Prince (IRE) Red Kimi (IRE) Turkish Lokum (GB) Lin Roos (IRE) Anna For Ever (IRE) Anpado (IRE) Marysty (GB) Sundrive (IRE) Pallodio (IRE) Istimlaak (IRE)

One Cool Cat (USA) Noverre (USA) Desert Sun (GB) Captain Rio (GB) Daggers Drawn (USA) Imperial Ballet (IRE) Key Of Luck (USA) Alhaarth (IRE) Singspiel (IRE) Piccolo (GB) Royal Applause (GB) Piccolo (GB) Ali-Royal (IRE) Xaar (GB) Traditionally (USA) Traditionally (USA) Elusive City (USA) Fasliyev (USA) Doyen (IRE) Tagula (IRE) Acclamation (GB) Noverre (USA) Pivotal (GB) Baryshnikov (AUS) Singspiel (IRE) Oasis Dream (GB) Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE) Falbrav (IRE) Bahhare (USA) Trans Island (GB) Trans Island (GB) Piccolo (GB) Bering Celtic Swing (GB) Tipsy Creek (USA) Fraam (GB) King's Best (USA) King's Best (USA) Sinndar (IRE) Domedriver (IRE) Piccolo (GB) Governor Brown (USA) Fantastic Light (USA) Montjeu (IRE) King Charlemagne (USA) Hawk Wing (USA) Empire Maker (USA) Dansili (GB) Rainbow Quest (USA) Rainbow Quest (USA) Kahyasi Traditionally (USA) Desert Prince (IRE) Imperial Ballet (IRE) Golan (IRE) Tagula (IRE) City On A Hill (USA) Tendulkar (USA) Noverre (USA) Refuse To Bend (IRE) Singspiel (IRE) Woodman (USA) Kyllachy (GB) Bertolini (USA) Linamix (FR) Linamix (FR) Diesis Strike The Gold (USA) Night Shift (USA) Josr Algarhoud (IRE) Fantastic Light (USA) Medicean (GB) In The Wings Cadeaux Genereux Mull Of Kintyre (USA) Auction House (USA) Auction House (USA) Oasis Dream (GB) Dansili (GB) Iron Mask (USA) Rock of Gibraltar (IRE) Desert Sun (GB) Denon (USA) Bertolini (USA) King Charlemagne (USA) Governor Brown (USA) Elusive City (USA) Needwood Blade (GB) Dr Fong (USA) Medecis (GB) Marju (IRE)

102 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

4c 4f 6h 4f 4c 5m 4f 6g 5h 4c 4f 4c 10 h 6h 3c 3f 4c 8g 3c 7g 4c 5m 6h 6m 6h 5m 4f 4f 10 h 5m 5m 5g 5h 11 h 7g 4g 7g 7g 8g 4c 5m 3c 3c 7g 5h 4c 5g 5h 6g 6g 4f 3c 4c 4f 4f 4f 4f 5g 6h 3f 6g 7h 5m 7g 4c 4c 7h 3f 4f 6h 4f 4f 7h 5h 5m 6g 3c 3c 7h 6h 6h 7g 4c 4f 5h 3f 3c 4f 6m 5h 3c

Nadayem (USA) Appiccicamano (IRE) Meznh (IRE) Green's Maud Earl (GB) Hallucination (IRE) Bright And Early (FR) Song of Success (USA) Fawaayid (USA) Bright Vision (GB) Princess Anabaa (FR) Helloimustbegoing (USA) Princess Anabaa (FR) Kathleen's Dream (USA) Golden Superlative (IRE) Indolente (IRE) Dunbrody (FR) Lure Of The Moon (USA) Darkling (IRE) Biodotis (GB) Noble Rocket (GB) Canzonetta (GB) Mainstream Opinion (IRE) Khumba Mela (IRE) Eventuality (GB) Balisada (GB) The Faraway Tree (GB) Silca's Gift (GB) Obsessive (USA) Kates Cabin Sans Souci (IRE) Sans Souci (IRE) Fledge (GB) Chinchilla (IRE) Tea Colony (USA) Heart So Blue (GB) Reamzafonic (GB) Elfin Laughter (GB) Elfin Laughter (GB) Kerataka (IRE) Vivre Sa Vie (GB) Cherrycombe-Row (GB) Shining High (GB) Machudi (GB) Ring of Esteem (GB) Tinsel (GB) Announcing Peace (GB) Diese (USA) Broken Spectre (GB) Wooden Doll (USA) Wooden Doll (USA) House Hunting (GB) Forlorn Point (IRE) Shallop (GB) Eurolink Virago (GB) Akatib (IRE) Savona (IRE) Luisa di Camerata (IRE) Ronni Pancake (GB) Birdsong (IRE) Festivite (IRE) Truly A Dream (IRE) Venize (IRE) Owdbetts (IRE) Owdbetts (IRE) Fifty Five (IRE) Fifty Five (IRE) Highest Dream (IRE) Rettin (TUR) Fizzy Pop (GB) Captive Heart Katy Nowaitee (GB) Quadri (GB) Patacake Patacake (USA) Odette (GB) The Merry Widow (IRE) Vida (IRE) Amwell Star (USA) Kunda (IRE) Kindle (GB) Accounting (GB) Al Saqiya (USA) Princess Mood (GER) Happy Flight (IRE) Malabarista (FR) Swirl (GB) Alycus (USA) Almost Perfect (IRE) Flower Seeker (GB) Wood Sorrel (IRE) Bent Al Fala (IRE) Zither (GB)

Ity Ity Ity Ity Spa Usa Ity Gr Gr Uae Gr Uae Usa Ity Fr Fr Ity Uae Ity Gr Hk Ity Fr Fr Uae Usa Jpn Jpn Ity Gr Gr Spa Ity Ity Fr Hk Uae Uae Uae Spa Usa Spa Ity Uae Mal Usa Fr Gny Gr Gr Gr Spa Usa Ity Gr Ity Gr Uae Ity Fr Uae Usa Gny Uae Ity Ity Gny Fr Tur Usa Usa Ity Uae Gr Gr Swe Ity Ity Spa Fr Ity Hk Ity Gr Ity Ity Ity Ity Gr Fr Fr

13/1/10 26/1/10 30/1/10 08/1/10 17/1/10 20/1/10 16/1/10 25/1/10 11/1/10 08/1/10 15/1/10 29/1/10 08/1/10 03/2/10 08/2/10 09/1/10 27/1/10 22/1/10 28/1/10 20/1/10 31/1/10 08/2/10 17/1/10 07/2/10 08/1/10 03/1/10 17/1/10 13/1/10 22/1/10 20/1/10 27/1/10 17/1/10 31/1/10 06/2/10 26/1/10 27/1/10 09/1/10 15/1/10 31/1/10 10/1/10 09/1/10 07/2/10 28/1/10 15/1/10 03/1/10 09/1/10 08/1/10 24/1/10 06/1/10 13/1/10 27/1/10 31/1/10 23/1/10 31/1/10 20/1/10 03/2/10 27/1/10 28/1/10 07/2/10 06/2/10 10/1/10 06/1/10 17/1/10 22/1/10 24/1/10 31/1/10 17/1/10 15/1/10 19/1/10 01/1/10 07/1/10 11/1/10 15/1/10 01/1/10 08/1/10 31/1/10 23/1/10 12/1/10 31/1/10 29/1/10 09/1/10 24/1/10 07/2/10 06/1/10 28/1/10 11/1/10 26/1/10 01/2/10 06/1/10 01/2/10 01/2/10

Pisa Rome Rome Pisa Dos Hermanas Gulfstream Park Siracusa Athens Athens Jebel Ali Athens Jebel Ali Turf Paradise Pisa Toulouse Deauville Siracusa Jebel Ali Albenga Athens Sha Tin Naples Pau Pau Jebel Ali Santa Anita Kasamatsu Nagoya Pisa Athens Athens Dos Hermanas Siracusa Siracusa Cagnes-Sur-Mer Happy Valley Sharjah Jebel Ali Abu Dhabi Dos Hermanas Santa Anita Dos Hermanas Naples Jebel Ali Perak Golden Gate Deauville Dortmund Athens Athens Athens Dos Hermanas Golden Gate Siracusa Athens Albenga Athens Meydan Pisa Mont-De-Marsan Abu Dhabi Santa Anita Dortmund Jebel Ali Siracusa Siracusa Dortmund Marseille P De Vivaux Adana Turfway Park Gulfstream Park Naples Jebel Ali Athens Athens Taby Rome Rome Dos Hermanas Pau Rome Sha Tin Pisa Athens Naples Naples Rome Varese Athens Cagnes-Sur-Mer Cagnes-Sur-Mer

6f £3,008 1m £1,917 1m3f £3,384 7f110y £3,008 1m1f £3,982 1m £8,148 5f110y £1,880 7f £3,197 6f £4,199 6f £6,040 7f £6,460 7f £7,550 1m £2,296 1m2f £1,692 1m2f £6,195 1m1f110y £9,292 6f £3,761 7f £6,543 1m £3,008 6f £4,199 6f £52,148 5f £2,256 7f110y £8,850 7f110y £6,195 1m1f £10,067 6f £37,037 (Gr3) 5f £1,065 7f £1,132 1m1f110y £1,692 7f £4,845 1m £5,233 6f £5,310 1m110y £1,504 1m2f £1,880 6f110y £6,637 5f £38,544 6f £4,530 7f £8,053 1m3f £6,040 1m £3,982 1m £26,185 1m2f110y £7,965 1m2f £2,256 6f £10,067 6f £7,507 1m £2,784 1m4f £8,407 1m1f £1,858 7f £4,199 1m1f £5,491 6f £3,465 7f110y £3,982 1m £11,852 7f110y £1,504 6f £5,814 1m £1,504 7f £5,814 1m3f £11,073 7f110y £5,265 7f £6,195 1m3f £6,040 1m £8,519 6f £1,858 1m1f165y £8,053 5f110y £1,504 6f £2,256 6f £1,770 1m2f £6,195 6f110y £5,888 1m £2,778 1m £13,704 5f £3,761 1m1f165y £50,335 (L) 7f £4,845 7f £5,697 6f £2,597 7f £7,522 7f £2,632 1m2f110y £4,425 7f110y £6,637 7f £1,725 7f £79,356 1m1f £2,684 6f £5,814 7f £3,761 7f110y £3,761 1m £2,632 5f £2,256 7f £4,199 1m2f £11,062 1m £11,947

Mar 67_overseas_winners.qxp

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Page 5

DATA BOOK

The data in this section is restricted to breeders based in Britain or Ireland, as determined by the address used when the foal was first registered.

Some foreign-based breeders may be included if the mare was boarded in Britain or Ireland and registered as being ‘care of’ a domestic breeder Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd Moyglare Stud Farm Ltd Mullins, D Neary, J New England Stud Farm Ltd Newsells Park Stud Newsells Park Stud Limited Nolan, P & T Nolan, P & T Nolan, S O'Brien, Mrs A M O'Callaghan, A F O'Connor, J O'Hanlon, Brendan O'Riordan, B Ormsby, L O'Shaughnessy, Miss I O'Shaughnessy, P Panetta, A Parker, Sir Eric Parker, Sir Eric Parker, Sir Eric Parrish, Mr M Peaceable Syndicate Pecoraro, S Pecoraro, S Pegasus Breeding Ltd Pembroke, S J and Mrs Peverelli, A Philipps, Mrs Rebecca Philipps, Mrs Rebecca Pier House Stud Pinnacle Bloodstock PLC Plantation Stud (For Breeder's Prizes Only) Purcell, P Purcell, P Raponi, G Rathasker Stud Razza La Tesa Razza La Tesa Redmyre Bloodstock & Helen Wadsworth Bloodstock Redpender Stud Ltd Rothschild, The Rt Hon Lord Ryan, Dr J J Ryan, Dr J J Ryan, J Ryan, T Saccomando, A Sarl Elevage du Haras de Bourgeauville Sc Golden Horse Srl Sc Blueberry S R L Scuderia Cesare Turri Scuderia Golden Horse S R L Scuderia Golden Horse S R L Scuderia Golden Horse S R L Scuderia Golden Horse S R L Scuderia Sama di Falchetti Annunziata Scuderia San Pancrazio Sas Scuderia Sant' Ambroeus S R L Shadwell Estate Company Limited Shenkin, Ian Shropshire, G S Sinanan, M Sinnott, Joe Skymarc Farm Skymarc Farm Skymarc Farm Skymarc Farm Inc Skymarc Farm Inc Steigenberger, A Stivali, S Stone Ridge Farm Sunderland Holdings Ltd Sweet Retreat Syndicate Swordlestown Stud Thomas, Mrs K Thomas, Mrs K Troy, John Tucker, Miss M Twelve Oaks Stud Walsh, L Waterford Hall Stud Weld, Mrs C L Wertheimer & Frere Wertheimer et Frere Whisperview Trading Ltd Whitsbury Manor Stud Wisbey, Miss D L Wright, Mr A A Zanocchio, Gabrielle Zubieta Ltd

Domestic Fund (IRE) Central Station (IRE) Testata (IRE) Saratoga Black (IRE) Fronto (GB) Mahoroba (GB) India Spirit (GB) Daggers Dream (IRE) Daggers Dream (IRE) Maltezos (IRE) Belpasso (IRE) Ades (IRE) Tomas An Tsioda (IRE) Viking Med (IRE) Power Dumaani (IRE) Ziliara (IRE) Ridge City (IRE) Barosch (IRE) Winner In Love (IRE) Billy Halling (GB) Bernini (GB) Fast Go (IRE) Queen Charmer (IRE) Pergamus (IRE) Lemony Snicket's (GB) Tintore (GB) Dubawi Junior (IRE) Bocciuolo (GB) Dea Demetra (IRE) Thorax (GB) Thorax (GB) Alice Med (IRE) Panathenaia (GB) Grandretour (GB) Tadirye (IRE) Tadirye (IRE) Wild Turkey (IRE) Livanos (IRE) Cromo (GB) Cromo (GB) Pagan Belief (GB) Bella de Zio (IRE) Water Hen (IRE) Ciko Jet (IRE) Ciko Jet (IRE) Avantage (IRE) Pure Passion (IRE) Aletis (GB) Premier Violon (IRE) Golden Artist (IRE) Efisio Dream (GB) Paso Escabroso (IRE) Golden Zenga (IRE) Golden Account (IRE) Golden Elnadim (IRE) Golden Dossier (IRE) Duke Of Rome (IRE) Galimar (IRE) Fumin (IRE) Aqaleem (GB) Gran Aguila (IRE) Nice Day (GB) Jet Set Woman (IRE) Yellow Sponge (IRE) Melnitz (IRE) Bereft (IRE) Bereft (IRE) Monet's Gold (GB) Epiousios Artos (IRE) Vianello (IRE) Whifell (GB) All Night Blues (IRE) El Gouna (IRE) Last Hero (IRE) Audrinna (IRE) Melania (GB) Melania (GB) Knight Of Dance (GB) Birra Rossa (IRE) Combat Zone (IRE) Princesa (IRE) Happy Dubai (IRE) Refuse To Davis (IRE) Last Storm (GB) Counterbid (IRE) Borghese Gallery (IRE) Secret Affair (GB) Gaby North (GB) Big Leo (GB) Nisri di San Jore (IRE) Don Gonzalo (IRE)

Sadler's Wells (USA) Indian Ridge Kheleyf (USA) Pyrus (USA) Royal Applause (GB) Giant's Causeway (USA) Dr Fong (USA) Daggers Drawn (USA) Daggers Drawn (USA) Raphane (USA) Danehill Dancer (IRE) Petardia (GB) Bachelor Duke (USA) Viking Ruler (AUS) Powerscourt (GB) Acclamation (GB) Elusive City (USA) Barathea (IRE) Refuse To Bend (IRE) Halling (USA) Kyllachy (GB) Royal Applause (GB) Kingsalsa (USA) Okawango (USA) Polish Precedent (USA) Best Of The Bests (IRE) Dubawi (IRE) Verglas (IRE) Orpen (USA) Machiavellian (USA) Machiavellian (USA) No Excuse Needed (GB) Dr Fong (USA) Grand Lodge (USA) Catcher In The Rye (IRE) Catcher In The Rye (IRE) Touch of The Blues (FR) Trans Island (GB) Grand Lodge (USA) Grand Lodge (USA) Fraam (GB) One Cool Cat (USA) Diktat (GB) Almutawakel (GB) Almutawakel (GB) Fraam (GB) Tobougg (IRE) Dancing Spree (USA) Highest Honor (FR) Orpen (USA) Efisio Definite Article (GB) Daggers Drawn (USA) Rob's Spirit (USA) Elnadim (USA) Rob's Spirit (USA) Bachelor Duke (USA) Galileo (IRE) Medecis (GB) Sinndar (IRE) Hawkeye (IRE) Prince Sabo Indian Haven (GB) Fayruz Verglas (IRE) Bering Bering Peintre Celebre (USA) Hernando (FR) Rimrod (USA) Whipper (USA) Night Shift (USA) Perugino (USA) Danehill Dancer (IRE) Oratorio (IRE) Diktat (GB) Diktat (GB) Singspiel (IRE) Daggers Drawn (USA) Refuse To Bend (IRE) Medecis (GB) Indian Ridge Whipper (USA) Marju (IRE) Rainbow Quest (USA) Oratorio (IRE) Piccolo (GB) Puissance Erhaab (USA) Sri Pekan (USA) Iron Mask (USA)

5h 5h 3c 3c 6h 6h 3f 4f 4f 5h 7h 11 h 4g 5h 3c 4f 3c 4c 3f 3c 5g 5g 3f 5g 5h 4c 3c 3f 3f 6g 6g 4f 4c 6h 5m 5m 4c 5h 9h 9h 6g 4f 4f 4c 4c 5m 6h 8g 7g 3c 4f 6h 3c 3c 3c 4c 4c 5h 3c 6h 4c 4f 3f 5h 3c 12 g 12 g 5g 4c 3c 3c 4c 8h 5h 3f 4f 4f 7h 3c 4g 4f 3c 3c 6m 4c 3c 8g 6h 5h 8h 5h

Market Slide (USA) Qtr Token Gesture (IRE) Hk Dancing Tempo (GB) Ity Mary Martins (IRE) Ity Song Of Hope Gr Janet (GB) Jpn Gino's Spirits (GB) Ity Dance On A Cloud (USA) Ity Dance On A Cloud (USA) Ity Foreign Love (USA) Gr Beltisaal (FR) Uae Era Ity Kimola (IRE) Hk Bright Blue (FR) Ity Dumaani's Dream (USA) Ity Tashyra (IRE) Gr Absolutely Cool (IRE) Fr Florida City (IRE) Gny Patruel (GB) Ity Sadie Thompson (IRE) Ity Broken Peace (USA) Hk Jessica's Dream (IRE) Hk Gold Charm (GER) Fr Peaceable (JPN) Fr Faghela Ben (GB) Ity Surela (IRE) Ity Lady Bex (IRE) Fr Shona (USA) Ity Desparacida (IRE) Ity Mezzogiorno (GB) Gr Mezzogiorno (GB) Gr Chamber Maid (IRE) Ity Tetralogy (USA) Gr Entail (USA) Fr Tadita (FR) Ity Tadita (FR) Ity Donleole (IRE) Ity Dame Laura (IRE) Gr Green Tern (ITY) Ity Green Tern (ITY) Ity Au Contraire (GB) Gr Golden Heart (GB) Ity Waterfall One (GB) Gr Cosa Deasa (IRE) Ity Cosa Deasa (IRE) Ity Kirvana (IRE) Gr Celtic Wing (GB) Ity Blazing Sunset Gr Page Bleue Fr Giacalustra (IRE) Ity Filly Bergere (IRE) Ity Peppa (IRE) Ity Golden Damill (IRE) Ity Golden Bienne (USA) Ity Amami (FR) Ity Sofee's Forty Nine (USA) Ity Higuey (ITY) Ity Maharani (USA) Ity Sagar Flag (IRE) Ity Dalayil (IRE) Aus Heiress Of Meath (IRE) Spa Ruby Heights (GB) Gr Groupetime (USA) Ity Somers Heath (IRE) Ity Brigher (IRE) Fr Giola (IRE) Fr Giola (IRE) Fr Golden Wings (USA) Fr Gold Drop (USA) Gr Silview (USA) Fr Nawafell (GB) Ity Tender Is Thenight (IRE) Fr Kengar (FR) Swe Sweet Retreat (GB) Gr Zvezda (USA) Swe Baldemosa (FR) Gr Baldemosa (FR) Gr Gentle Night (GB) Uae Manucrin (GB) Ity Zeiting (IRE) Gny The Iron Lady (IRE) Ity Gentle Wind (USA) Uae Beautiful Note (USA) Fr Trombe (FR) Fr Brooklyn Gleam (FR) Fr Dipterous (IRE) Ity Secret Circle (GB) Fr Diamond Vanessa (IRE) Ity Due West (GB) Ity Ninna Nanna (IRE) Ity Echelle Musicale (GB) Fr

06/1/10 20/1/10 10/1/10 16/1/10 15/1/10 11/1/10 07/2/10 15/1/10 24/1/10 15/1/10 15/1/10 12/1/10 06/1/10 17/1/10 06/2/10 08/1/10 12/1/10 17/1/10 15/1/10 24/1/10 06/1/10 20/1/10 26/1/10 14/1/10 28/1/10 08/1/10 03/2/10 25/1/10 21/1/10 06/1/10 18/1/10 24/1/10 29/1/10 25/1/10 28/1/10 04/2/10 30/1/10 15/1/10 19/1/10 07/2/10 01/1/10 21/1/10 13/1/10 10/1/10 17/1/10 11/1/10 29/1/10 29/1/10 08/1/10 16/1/10 03/2/10 07/2/10 20/1/10 26/1/10 30/1/10 11/1/10 24/1/10 07/1/10 28/1/10 30/1/10 03/1/10 27/1/10 11/1/10 21/1/10 07/2/10 14/1/10 29/1/10 15/1/10 06/1/10 08/1/10 09/1/10 06/2/10 16/1/10 25/1/10 31/1/10 08/1/10 01/1/10 03/1/10 02/2/10 17/1/10 23/1/10 08/1/10 07/2/10 08/1/10 09/1/10 18/1/10 01/2/10 11/1/10 19/1/10 22/1/10 05/2/10

Al Rayyan Happy Valley Siracusa Siracusa Athens Nagoya Pisa Pisa Pisa Athens Jebel Ali Rome Happy Valley Siracusa Siracusa Athens Marseille P De Vivaux Dortmund Pisa Pisa Happy Valley Happy Valley Cagnes-Sur-Mer Pau Albenga Pisa Cagnes-Sur-Mer Naples Naples Athens Athens Siracusa Athens Cagnes-Sur-Mer Naples Naples Rome Athens Rome Rome Athens Naples Athens Siracusa Siracusa Athens Pisa Athens Deauville Siracusa Pisa Pisa Pisa Rome Rome Naples Siracusa Naples Naples Flemington Dos Hermanas Athens Naples Naples Hyeres Pau Pau Marseille P De Vivaux Athens Deauville Rome Cagnes-Sur-Mer Taby Athens Taby Athens Athens Abu Dhabi Rome Dortmund Rome Jebel Ali Machecoul Deauville Deauville Naples Cagnes-Sur-Mer Naples Rome Pisa Pau

1m 1m1f 1m2f 1m2f110y 7f 7f 7f110y 1m1f110y 1m3f 6f 5f 6f 1m55y 1m2f110y 1m110y 6f 1m2f 1m110y 1m3f 7f110y 6f 6f 1m2f 1m1f110y 1m 7f110y 1m 1m 1m 7f 6f 1m110y 7f 1m4f 1m2f 1m3f55y 1m 6f 1m 1m 7f 1m2f 6f 1m110y 7f110y 6f 1m1f 6f 1m4f 6f 1m2f 6f 1m1f 1m 6f 1m1f 1m2f110y 1m2f 7f 1m 1m2f110y 6f 1m1f 5f 1m1f55y 1m4f 1m4f 1m5f 5f 6f110y 1m 1m2f 1m2f 7f 6f165y 7f 7f 7f 1m 1m1f 7f 6f 1m3f165y 1m4f 1m4f 5f 6f110y 5f 7f 6f110y 1m1f110y

£4,831 £38,544 £1,504 £11,283 £3,465 £1,198 £4,513 £3,008 £3,761 £4,360 £6,543 £1,880 £38,544 £1,880 £3,761 £6,460 £6,195 £2,522 £1,880 £4,513 £21,993 £28,341 £6,637 £6,637 £1,315 £1,725 £8,850 £2,256 £5,265 £3,359 £3,553 £1,504 £5,814 £11,062 £2,256 £3,008 £2,256 £4,845 £1,880 £2,256 £6,460 £4,513 £5,814 £1,504 £2,256 £4,199 £3,008 £5,168 £8,407 £4,513 £3,008 £3,761 £1,880 £1,880 £3,008 £3,384 £1,504 £3,008 £2,256 £25,417 £3,982 £3,465 £5,642 £4,137 £5,752 £7,080 £7,080 £6,195 £19,574 £7,522 £4,513 £7,965 £2,943 £6,331 £3,463 £11,241 £11,628 £6,040 £3,761 £1,770 £1,880 £7,550 £3,540 £10,177 £8,407 £3,761 £7,965 £1,880 £4,513 £1,692 £6,637

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 103

Mar 67_Your Say.qxp

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YOUR SAY

Equinome claims can stand up to scrutiny ‘Speed’ gene discovery appears most useful at early stage to owners and trainers, as a scientific pointer as to when to get to work on young horses Dr John Simpson Somerville Stud, Balrath, County Meath

“Dr Hill’s discovery is likely to have sizeable repercussions for the industry worldwide”

obert Hall moved over to the microphone in the Goffs Sales arena and introduced the speaker with a full-on fanfare. The Goffs auditorium, probably fuller than I had seen it at any time since the early heady days of the Million yearling sales, had that same air of anticipation.

However, this time we had come to hear Dr Emmeline Hill, of University College Dublin, detail the scientific breakthrough that she has been working on for the past six years, billed as the discovery of a thoroughbred ‘speed’ gene.

In essence, whether a horse gene has a C:C as opposed to a T:T determines whether it is a fastermaturing, more precocious, runner whose optimum distance is six furlongs, or the slowermaturing, staying type of horse.

The horses with the C:T gene are what traditional thoroughbred breeders have been aiming to produce for the past couple of centuries, that is, the good two-year-old who continues to extend his speed over time as a three-year-old, taking in the mile, mile and a half, and finally mile and three-quarter Classic races. It is comforting to see that there is nothing in science that has not been before in experience.

That said, Dr Hill’s discovery is likely to have sizeable repercussions for the thoroughbred industry worldwide. In the first place, equine geneticists will be encouraged to redouble their efforts and it is reasonable to expect a string of additional discoveries in the foreseeable future.

We may find strong correlations with previous research, for instance (and this is only an illustrative guess) a relationship between C:C/T:T genes and ‘fast’/’slow twitch’ muscles.

No doubt financiers will take a look at Equinome, the commercial company, with a view to possible stock exchange listing, and no doubt the major multinationals will at some point run a rule over Equinome.

However, the euphoria may lead to extravagant and faintly silly claims, the fate of any previous ‘blueprint’ for producing a better racehorse. For instance, I can remember American yearling vendors trying to persuade me to bid on their yearling because “it has the perfect Varola dosage”; or again, the pedigree guru of the Daily Racing Form annually discussing the entire Keeneland summer sales catalogue, the best, most select in the world, solely in terms of whether a pedigree

R

104 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

contained the Nasrullah/Princequillo nick.

In fairness, Dr Hill and the chief backer of Equinome, trainer Jim Bolger, were measured and careful in their claims, claims that should continue to stand up to the most critical academic peer review. Yet this discovery will be used as a marketing tool by stallion owners, yearling vendors and breeding stock selectors. Marketing means advertising and advertising does not especially revere accuracy or truth.

The most immediate and useful application of this discovery seems, to me, for owners and trainers of racehorses. A most pertinent question was asked afterwards, concerning the horse Ajdal. Owned by Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum and trained by Sir Michael Stoute, Ajdal was many judges’ preseason idea of the 1987 Derby winner, but five weeks after that race he proved that six furlongs was his distance. Equinome might have shown him to be a C:C. Likewise, Marinsky, the Northern Dancer halfbrother to champion miler Thatch, might once have given his trainer, Vincent O’Brien, hopes of being a Derby horse, but he struggled to stay six furlongs.

Conversely, the 1977 European Champion sprinter Gentilhombre was from the immediate family of Federico Tesio’s stellar stayers, Tenerani, Toulouse Lautrec, Tofanella, Tokamura and Trevisana – an apparent T:T if ever there was one.

Trainers and owners will therefore have a little scientific pointer as to when to get to work on young horses: waiting with some, cracking on with others. This knowledge may be well worth the €1,000 blood test.

For stud masters, it may be worth the considerably greater sum involved in blood-testing all a stallion’s first crop of foals, since they will then be likely to have a better idea of how to position their horse and, indeed, whether to keep the stallion at all.

For example, there was considerable fury when the Aga Khan’s Derby winner, Tulyar, was sold on, firstly to the Irish National Stud and then to Claiborne Farms, Kentucky, because breeders thought he was going to be another Nasrullah.

In the event, Tulyar turned out to be an extremely disappointing sire in Kildare, in Kentucky, and finally in South America. Dr Hill’s discovery gives one more clue in what some of us think is the best crossword puzzle in the world.