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£5.95 FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE 186

Park life

Star hurdler showcases skills of Emma Lavelle and Barry Fenton

PLUS

British pointing

Buy-to-sell market booming

Luke Harvey

‘I overachieved in the saddle’

WinStar Farm

New sire Yoshida excites

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24/01/2020 13:55

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Welcome

Rust away as BHA begins search for new chief

Editor: Edward Rosenthal Bloodstock Editor: Nancy Sexton Luxury Editor: Sarah Rodrigues Design/production: Thoroughbred Group Editorial: First Floor, 75 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LS Tel: 020 7152 0209 editor@ownerbreeder.co.uk www.theownerbreeder.com Twitter: @OwnerBreeder Instagram: ownerbreeder Equine Advertising: Giles Anderson/ Anna Alcock UK: 01380 816777 IRE: 041 971 2000 USA: 1 888 218 4430 advertise@anderson-co.com Luxury/Fashion Advertising: Nick Edgley Tel: 07774703491 nedgley@nemediaworld.com Subscriptions: Keely Brewer Tel: 020 7152 0212 subscriptions@ownerbreeder.co.uk

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£5.95 FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE 186

Park life

Star hurdler showcases skills of Emma Lavelle and Barry Fenton

PLUS

British pointing

Buy-to-sell market booming

Luke Harvey

‘I overachieved in the saddle’

WinStar Farm

New sire Yoshida excites

www.theownerbreeder.com

Feb_186_Cover.indd 1

Cover: The husband and wife team of Barry Fenton and Emma Lavelle at Bonita Racing Stables in Ogbourne Maizey in Wiltshire Photo: George Selwyn

Feb_186_Editors.indd 1

Edward Rosenthal Editor

24/01/2020 13:55

he long goodbye has started. Nick Rust will leave his role as Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority by the end of the year; the process of finding his replacement is now underway. Leading racing’s governing body and regulator could be seen as a thankless task – albeit one with a sizeable salary – bearing in mind the myriad of organisations one has to try to keep onside, while receiving criticism for matters that are wholly outside of your control or remit is par for the course. With six years at the helm in sight, Rust has outstayed his predecessor, Australian Paul Bittar, who lasted three years, while Nic Coward, who oversaw the creation of the BHA through the merger of the British Horseracing Board and Horseracing Regulatory Authority, managed a four-year term. Signalling his departure in a message to staff, Rust ran through his accomplishments at the BHA. Referencing the progress made around welfare, stewarding and diversity, he also said that he was “very proud of the way the sport came together to secure a very important change to the levy in 2017. Without it, racing’s finances would be in a more difficult place than they currently are.” In truth, racing’s finances are always in a “difficult place”, with only the extent of that difficulty varying from year to year. Extending the levy to overseas and online operators that take bets on British racing was vital due to the demise of the high street betting shop, a situation exacerbated by the government’s crackdown on fixed-odds betting terminals. The fact that the Levy Board, repeatedly destined for the scrapheap, is still in operation to collect and distribute this money is certainly not a success story for the current BHA era. When I interviewed Nick Rust in late 2015 – previous incumbent Paul Bittar declined the honour of talking to Owner Breeder – he was asked where he wanted the organisation to be in five years’ time. “I’d like the BHA to be absolutely competent and credible in its core roles around regulation, integrity and race planning,” he said.

Rust continued: “The industry targets have been stated – a healthier ownership profile that leads to an extra 1,000 horses in training by 2020, growth in betting of 10% and racecourse attendances north of seven million.” So, do those targets look achievable this year? BHA figures suggest that the number of horses in training (figures taken mid-March) increased by just under 600 between 2015 and 2019, from 15,271 to 15,861. It’s unlikely this year’s number will hit the magic 1,000 but progress has been made. On the other two counts, the news is less promising: off-course betting turnover on horseracing is steadily decreasing, from £4.8 billion in 2014/15 to £4.2 billion in 2018/19. In 2008/09 the figure was £5.7 billion.

“He has outstayed both Paul Bittar and Nic Coward in the role” Looking at attendances, figures show that 5.6 million people went racing in 2019, 100,000 fewer than in 2018 and well below the 6 million level set in 2015. Of course, Rust was talking about industry targets, yet the numbers give an idea of the challenges ahead for the next person to occupy the BHA hot-seat, in trying to drive an industry forward when you don’t own the keys to the vehicle. In Rust’s final answer in the 2015 article, he said he wanted the BHA “to be more open and transparent.” He added: “I am keen that this becomes a more humble organisation, rather than defending our actions at all costs.” A noble ambition, and one that Howard Wright (pages 26-27) feels has not been achieved, as he states that communication from the BHA “has been less than ideal for at least a couple of years.”

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

24/01/2020 16:43

Contents

February 2020

News & Views

International Scene

ROA Leader

View From Ireland

Media rights secrecy is damaging racing

News Nick Rust to depart BHA

The Big Picture 14

From The Archives Silver Buck in 1980

Talking To...

Travel and lifestyle

Point-to-point scene

Trainer Emma Lavelle

Features

Racing Life Saudi Arabia's new dawn

Around The Globe

From Kempton, Chepstow and Haydock

Howard Wright BHA fails to communicate

Prichard siblings strive for success

Maximum Security to race in Riyadh

Changes News in a nutshell

Continental Tales

TBA Leader Thoroughbred movements deal sought

Terence O'Brien optimistic

The rise of the buy-to-sell operator

22 44 50

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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24/01/2020 16:52

104

Features

Forum

WinStar Farm

ROA Forum 54

Yoshida and Audible strengthen roster

Breedersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Digest Lessons must be learnt after sales review

Sales Circuit Reports from Europe, the USA and Australia

Dr Statz Haafhd heads broodmare sires

104

Forum The Thoroughbred Club Stud Farming Course popular

Feb_186_Contents.indd 3

74 84

Dubawi takes plaudits

Vet Forum

Data Book European Pattern Results and analysis

The Finish Line With broadcaster Luke Harvey

TBA Forum

Passports and food chain in focus

Caulfield Files American Pharoah's global appeal

Curtailment scheme's multiple payouts

Did you know? Our monthly average readership is

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ROA Leader

Nicholas Cooper President

Media rights secrecy is harming the industry W

hatever the new decade may bring our sport, you can be sure the subject of prize-money will continue to be a recurring theme running through this column. Prize-money must be central to our thinking, not simply because racehorse owners in this country are so poorly rewarded relative to owners in virtually all other countries where horseracing exists, but also because these derisory returns for owners reflect badly on the economics of the whole industry. The starting point with addressing racing’s financial problems has always resided in our relationship with the betting industry, first to maximise betting on horseracing and then to ensure that a fair proportion of that money flows into the racing industry. There was a time when virtually all of racing’s income from betting was collected by the Horserace Betting Levy Board and then distributed as the board and racing saw fit. It was never a perfect arrangement, but, overall, the system contained a high level of transparency. While the Levy Board remains a major factor in racing’s funding today, the big change since the turn of the century has, of course, been the enormous growth of income from media rights, based on racing pictures being shown in betting shops and now live streaming on betting company websites. As welcome as this growing source of funding has been, the fact that this money flows directly into the coffers of racecourses continues to drive deep divisions within horseracing. These divisions are caused by the racecourses by and large taking the attitude that this is their money to spend as they see fit. Meanwhile, the rest of racing, while not denying that racecourses have legal ownership to the pictures on which this funding is based, believes this revenue, at least morally, belongs to the whole of racing. It is certainly difficult to understand what justification there can be in most racecourses continuing to refuse to share information about media rights income. Nobody would argue that such detail must remain very confidential, but that is not a reason for denying certain allocated representatives of racing’s non-racecourse bodies access to it, and at least to have a say on how it should be shared. As income from media rights is now estimated to be £150 million annually, it is self-evident that racing finds it impossible to put together any sort of meaningful financial plan without knowing the details on which this revenue is based. Putting that aside, how can sensible fact-based discussions take place over the fixture list and race programme (both of which are germane to all racecourses’ financial model) when

Feb_186_ROALeader.indd 5

the operators of our tracks continue to refuse to share vital information? Yet racecourses are constantly pushing for more and more fixtures that the rest of the industry have to service, at the same time compounding the problem of small fields and uncompetitive racing as they frequently pursue policies on the race programme that suit their own needs, without acknowledging the big picture. Not only that, but they often come holding a wish-list that includes reductions in minimum values, presumably so they can further reduce the prize-money levels of moderate races, for which derisory amounts are already being offered.

“It’s difficult to understand what justification there is in continuing to refuse to share this information” The racecourses’ efforts to change the basis of media rights income on a percentage of betting turnover, rather than the existing ‘bet and watch’ system, is a laudable move that we would wholly support. But why in God’s name are representatives of the governing authority of racing and the Horsemen’s Group denied a place at the table for these discussions? It is, after all, the BHA which pulls the strings in putting together not only the race programme and the fixture list, but also the percentages that racing’s workforce take from prize-money. Even more importantly, it is the owners, trainers, jockeys and stable staff who provide the raw material on which every racecourse depends.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

24/01/2020 14:42

The TBA, with you for the journey We invest significantly in equine health, veterinary research and development projects, in fact over ÂŁ2.1m in the last decade alone.

We are currently contributing to important parasitic worms research, early pregnancy loss studies, EHV vaccine development and the Equine Infectious Disease Service. We are also instrumental in the delivery of the HBLB Codes of Practice, key to maintaining the health and welfare of British bloodstock.

Why wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you support us?

thetba.co.uk

TBA Leader

Julian Richmond-Watson Chairman

New deal on movements must be our top priority T

he 2020 breeding season starts with greater political certainty than has been the case for a long time, and everyone involved has a much clearer understanding about the timing of Britain’s exit from the European Union and how the mechanism and implications of Brexit will proceed. There is now an 11-month transition stage, taking us up to December 31, and unlike the uncertain periods before, when the United Kingdom could have crashed out with no deal having been agreed with the EU, the opportunity exists to negotiate an agreement that works for all parties. Finding the right solutions is not going to be easy, and until the very last i’s are dotted and the final t’s are crossed, there will always be the risk that the movement of thoroughbreds and all other equidae becomes entangled in the category of general animal movements, or is traded in negotiations relating to other agricultural or even different sector deals. With the new EU Animal Health Law becoming law in April 2021, it is going to be more difficult for the UK to negotiate reciprocal protocols for the movement of thoroughbreds along the lines of the old Tripartite Agreement (TPA) between Britain, Ireland and France. What has so far been a very helpful stance by the British government towards the free movement of ‘high health status’ horses, as conducted through the TPA agreement, will be difficult to sustain if the EU chooses to lump all equidae into one category and does not differentiate between them, as before. It is possible that the movement of thoroughbreds in and out of EU countries will be more difficult for those involved in the British racing and breeding industries, unless we can agree a solution to facilitate future thoroughbred movements. Then there is the added complication that Britain is used as a land bridge between France and Ireland in both directions. The TPA has been in place since the 1960s, predating the accession of both the UK and Ireland to the EU, and the number of horse movements it facilitates each year is significant. Statistics used in negotiations since the historic referendum decision that triggered Brexit show that annually around 25,000 thoroughbreds move between the three countries for breeding, racing and sales purposes. Of those, an estimated 7,000 involve horses crossing the Northern Irish border, while around 2,700 go from Ireland to France, with about 2,300 moving in the opposite direction, the vast majority of whom are transported through the UK. This free-flow of horses could become a major issue for Ireland and France, and while it does not directly affect British breeders, it may, if it is to be resolved, pave the way for easier access for

Feb_186_TBA_Leader.indd 7

Britain as well. Our negotiators at government level should be encouraged to use this issue to facilitate easier movement all round. There needs to be a clear recognition from the EU negotiators that Ireland and France have as much, if not more, to lose, if a sensible and workable solution is not found for moving breeding stock, racehorses and horses bound for the sales between the original TPA countries, which have made the system work so smoothly and effectively. We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in the wider European thoroughbred sector, and will look to them to lobby Brussels for special treatment of thoroughbreds and other high health status horses. Otherwise the system will become

“Whatever happens, this should be regarded as an opportunity to rebuild the British breeding industry” complicated and it will be difficult to persuade the British government to retain its position, if EU controls make increased demands on our horses entering EU countries. Whatever happens, this should be regarded as an opportunity to rebuild the British breeding industry. With the support of racing and the government, it is a chance to remind the world that Britain breeds top-class racehorses and that this country is ideally suited to the production of thoroughbreds. They can be bred here and raced and tested with the best in this country. As the world moves forward after Brexit, the government should be concentrating on growing British business. As a successful industry with an excellent world-wide export record, British breeders should be handed the ideal opportunity to deliver for the whole racing industry.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

24/01/2020 15:07

News

Rust to walk away from BHA

he search is under way for a new BHA Chief Executive following the revelation in January that Nick Rust is to stand down by the end of 2020. Rust represented a change of direction when appointed to replace Paul Bittar late in 2014, having worked in the betting and gaming industry for 27 years. The ROA President at the time, Rachel Hood, described the appointment as “inspired” and while there have, inevitably given the length of his tenure, been downs as well as ups, Rust is widely considered to have done a good job at the helm of British racing. Explaining his decision to leave in a message to colleagues, he said: “I’ve spent much of the past year reflecting on my situation after my personal bereavement at the end of 2018. I wanted to let you and the BHA know my decision and plans well ahead of leaving to allow plenty of time for a successor to be identified and appointed. “With the committed support of our new Chair, Annamarie Phelps, the BHA has put itself, and helped put our sport, in a place where we can be optimistic about our future. The foundations for success are in place.” Rust went on to reflect on what he considered the more significant areas of work he and the BHA have

GEORGE SELWYN

Nick Rust: the commute from North Yorkshire to High Holborn will soon become a thing of the past

“The change to the levy was one of the big successes of his term in office” tackled, saying: “The industry’s Horse Welfare Board, which the BHA and our members set up only eight months ago, is finalising an ambitious strategy for further improvement of racing’s exceptional standards of care for our horses. For me, it will be a landmark moment after an unrelenting focus on this issue over the past few years. “I’ll begin the process of implementing the plan to deliver the BHA’s part of the strategy, but, given my decision, it’s the right time for someone else to pick up the challenge of delivering on these ambitions through a programme of work we expect to take five years or more. “I’m very proud of the way the sport came together to secure a very important change to the levy in 2017. Without it, racing’s finances would

be in a more difficult place than they currently are. “The BHA team I lead worked hard over several years to put forward the arguments to government, and the industry ensured a consistent, simple message was communicated to parliamentarians and the media. It’s an important reminder of the influence racing can exert when we work together in a common purpose.” On that common purpose theme, Rust, 52, could also cite as an achievement the creation of the Members’ Agreement for racing’s major stakeholders – the BHA, Horsemen’s Group and racecourses – to work together under a tripartite structure. The levy change was undoubtedly one of the big successes during Rust’s term in office, with all betting operators, including those based online and/or overseas, paying 10% of their profits on British racing (from bets placed by punters in the UK) back to the sport. Other talking points to emerge under Rust’s leadership could be held up as either successes or failures, depending on your point of view, including the BHA’s handling of the equine flu shutdown and the review into the bloodstock sector. The latter issue proved especially troublesome for the BHA, involving an extended delay

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Stories from the racing world to publication following a leak to the Racing Post that yielded widespread condemnation from the bloodstock community. The BHA has also come under attack for its handling of issues surrounding equine welfare during Rust’s tenure. Sir Anthony McCoy was one of many racing professionals who criticised the BHA in the wake of riders being banned after last year’s National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, particularly the ten-day suspension handed to Declan Lavery on third home Jerrysback, his ride having been deemed to have been contrary to the horse’s welfare. The ban was quashed on appeal. Perhaps the most embarrassing episode surrounded trainer Henry Oliver’s £140 fine for waving his arms at Burrenbridge Hotel before a race to encourage the horse to start, the BHA subsequently tweeting: “We set a lot of store in our sport behind the fact we do not force horses to race and that they do so of their own free will”. A barrage of criticism followed, and the BHA admitted “free will” was not a phrase they should have used. That followed a u-turn over shoeing horses, a decree that had drawn much comment from trainers, who were of the view such decisions could be left to them. More recently a number of leading Flat trainers have spoken out about the huge change in the percentage of an apprentice’s prize-money and riding fee that trainers receive, in lieu of no longer paying apprentices’ expenses, a move not supported by the National Trainers Federation. Rust would have had little personal involvement in some affairs but, like any football manager, will have carried the can, a reality his successor will soon become familiar with.

Fatalities at record low Last year saw a 14% reduction in fatal injuries under both codes of racing with 173 fatalities from 91,937 runners, at a rate of 0.19%, or 1.9 per 1,000 runners, the BHA has revealed. The five-year rolling average fatality rate stands at 0.19%, the lowest on record, and represents a reduction of 34% in the rate of fatal injuries in over two decades, when compared to the period 1994-1998. In jump racing, the five-yeartrends for both fatal injuries and long-term injuries are at their lowest levels on record. The fatal injury rate remains at 0.39% while the longterm injury rate has reduced from 0.53% to 0.50%. In addition, the fiveyear faller rate is down from 2.53% to 2.43%. David Sykes, Director of Equine Health and Welfare for the BHA, said: “As with all elite sports and all activities involving horses, horseracing carries an element of risk. “It is the responsibility of the BHA and everyone involved in the sport to ensure that we do everything possible to minimise that risk and to ensure that no injury or fatality occurs which could reasonably have been prevented. Through this approach, and the clear commitment that exists across the entire industry to look after our horses, British racing continues to become safer and safer. “However, we will never rest on our laurels. We must continue to raise our ambitions when it comes

David Sykes: horse welfare a priority

to safety. New research methods, science and the use of data affords constant opportunities to learn and improve. This is an industry that puts the welfare of its horses at the front and centre of all its decisions, and we will continue to prioritise this area. “In the near future, the publication of the Horse Welfare Board’s strategy for welfare in racing, and the development of a detailed predictive risk model for Jump racing, are both exciting moments for the sport – both present genuine opportunities to drive further change.” The Horse Welfare Board, which is independently-chaired, plans to publish its proposed welfare strategy for the racing industry this month.

JCR searches for new Chief Executive Paul Fisher brings the curtain down on almost two decades of service with Jockey Club Racecourses this month, latterly in the role of Chief Executive. Fisher joined JCR, then called Racecourse Holdings Trust, in 2001 as Finance Director of its three London racecourses. He became Managing Director of Kempton in 2005 before becoming JCR Chief Operating Officer in 2008. He was promoted again, this time to Managing Director, in 2013 and was named Chief Executive in 2017.

Feb_186_News.indd 9

Paul Fisher: fresh challenge awaits

In 2010, Fisher went back to the floor in Channel 4’s ‘Undercover boss’ series, spending three weeks with staff at different JCR tracks. He said: “After 19 fantastic years at the Jockey Club I’ve decided it’s time for a fresh challenge. I’m proud of the commercial growth, record prizemoney contributions and significant improvements to our facilities and the overall customer experience we’ve been able to deliver around the country.”

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

24/01/2020 15:54

Changes

Racing’s news in a nutshell

People and business William Hill

Bookmaker ends sponsorship of the Ayr Gold Cup and is uncertain about whether it will continue as the backer of the St Leger.

Richard Johnson

Champion jockey will be out of action for around six weeks after breaking his arm when unseating at Exeter.

BoyleSports

Louise Kemble

Bookmaker continues its expansion of retail estate with the purchase of 35 betting shops from William Hill.

Former Chief Executive of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association is appointed as a new Trustee of The Racing Foundation.

Tom Queally

Peter Hiatt

Rides his first winner over jumps when partnering his brother Declan’s Owenacurra Lass to victory at Tramore.

Fixture of the training ranks for 28 years won’t be renewing his licence, citing issues around staffing and making the game pay.

Black Type

Horse Racing Ireland

Donnacha O’Brien

Antoine Griezmann

Online bookmaker enters administration; horseracing was its original mainstay but it came to compete strongly on football prices.

Aidan’s O’Brien’s son, who recently retired from the saddle after a brilliant but short career, sends out his first runners as a trainer.

William Buick

Hugely successful jockey employs a new agent, Tony Hind, who has been behind title-winning riders on seven occasions.

Announces new seven-race series for female riders, five over hurdles and two over fences, open to both professionals and amateurs.

Colin Tizzard

Thriving trainer joins Cheveley Park Stud roster after £170,000 sales purchase Rose Of Arcadia is sent to his Dorset yard.

Barcelona striker joins the ranks of stallion masters in France, with Tornibush taking up residency at Haras d’Ayguemorte.

Nick Bannister

Cheltenham Festival-winning owner, 60, succeeds Lord Daresbury as new Chairman of Haydock Park.

Horse obituaries Kung Fu Mambo 10

Kipling 23

Tavistock 14

Sabiango 21

Winner of the 2012 Derby in Peru, he was one of the horses killed in a barbaric attack at the country’s Haras Barlovento.

Group 1-winning son of Montjeu who become even more effective as a stallion in Australasia and Asia.

Leading Oklahoma sire who had stood at Mighty Acres for nine of his 18 years at stud; his best winner was Kip Deville.

Three-time Group/Grade 1 winner who was standing at Gestüt Fährhof in Germany.

Gladden 5

Lee Carter-trained mare is fatally hurt in a road traffic accident in Epsom amid morning exercise.

Asmara 27

Listed winner who became one of the most influential members of the Aga Khan Studs broodmare band, the mighty Azamour was her fourth foal.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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An eye for success

February 2020

visit studlife online: tweenhills.com/studlife

FIRST LION CUBS ARRIVE The first foals from the only crop left by our 2018 Cartier Horse of The Year, Roaring Lion, have hit the ground. The first was a colt born at Jeffrey and Phoebe Hobby’s Brightwalton Stud in Newbury, and he was followed closely by a filly out of Common Knowledge (pictured) born at Tweenhills. David Redvers said of the Common Knowledge filly: “She’s an absolutely belting physical: big, strong and with great depth, an extraordinary foal considering the mare is 20.”

AND A FIRST FOR ZOUSTAR

Elsewhere, Gr.1 Falmouth Stakes winner Giofra gave birth to a Roaring Lion colt.

REDWALL YEARLINGS SELL WELL Redwall Bloodstock, the pinhooking syndicate created by David Redvers and Hannah Wall, was involved in yet more success in Australia when yearlings sold for A$650,000, A$400,000, A$310,000, A$280,000 etc. at Magic Millions.

She is the first live foal out of dual winner Coral Sea – herself bred and raced by Peter out of Tropical Paradise, whom he trained to win two Gr.3s. Peter said: “I’m a big fan of Zoustar and his first foal born in the UK is a cracker – well conformed, closecoupled and perky. David Redvers actually bought Tropical Paradise for us as a yearling so it’s come full circle.”

Pictured are Rugby World Cup winner Mike Tindall and Australian rugby league legend Billy Slater with a Redwall pinhook: the Divine Prophet colt who sold for A$310,000.

STAFF PROFILE Charles Purtill Stallions

Tell us about your background… I grew up in Killenaule, County Tipperary. My father has worked in Coolmore for 40 years now and when I was 16 he got me part-time work there. When I finished school I worked there full-time and after two years I shuttled to Coolmore Australia. Then back to Ireland and South Africa, working with stallions at Klawervlei Stud. Tweenhills’ new Stud Manager Pieter Van Zyl got in contact

She’s a runner! The first foal bred on a Northern Hemisphere cover by Australian sire sensation Zoustar was born at Peter Winkworth’s Merton Place Stud in Surrey.

with me and Sammy (Griesel) and we were delighted to start at Tweenhills just after Christmas.

RACING TV VISITS TWEENHILLS

How is Tweenhills? People have made us feel very welcome and Xander has been very good teaching me about how the stallions’ set-up works. The farm looks amazing; the foaling unit especially with the cameras and the stabling – it’s top class.

Racing TV came to Tweenhills in January to film This Racing Life; a feature about young racehorses taking their first steps. They interviewed longstanding Tweenhills staff members Victoria Macauley and Scott Marshall as well as new Foaling Manager Samantha Griesel (pictured).

And how do you relax? I’ve played football for about 10 years and support Manchester United. I spend a lot of time with Sammy – she’s my girlfriend – and therefore have naturally been helping with the foaling. We watch a lot of Come Dine With Me as it’s on in the gap between working at the weekends!

Tweenhills, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BG W: www.tweenhills.com T: + 44 (0) 1452 700177 M: + 44 (0) 7767 436373 E: davidredvers@tweenhills.com

Changes

Movements & retirements

Lys Gracieux

Mare, whose retirement ceremony was last month, is named Japan’s 2019 Horse of the Year in a landslide with 271 of 274 votes.

Stormy Liberal

Winner of the Breeeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in 2017 and 2018 is retired aged seven and will spend his golden years in Kentucky.

Shackleford

The 2011 Preakness Stakes winner has been sold as a stallion to the Korea Racing Authority; he had been at Darby Dan Farm.

Silverwave

Group 1-winning son of Silver Frost will commence his stallion career at Haras de la Croix-Sonnet in France this year.

Waiting Patiently

Connections of the Ruth Jeffersontrained chaser will have to do just that after he was ruled out for the season by injury.

Cloudy Dream

In a further blow to northern jumps racing, connections reveal the Donald McCain-trained chaser will not make it back this term.

Secret Circle

Dual Breeders’ Cup hero and emerging young sire relocates to Michele Rodriguez’s Elite Thoroughbreds in Louisiana.

People obituaries Colin Wedd 82

Former teacher who was Chairman of the Northern Racing College from its establishment in 1984 until 2010.

Colin Hawkins 64

Top jump jockey best remembered for association with trainer Neville Crump and horses Fighting Fit and Even Melody.

David Sunderland 76

Topham Trophy-winning jockey and longtime stalwart of the point-topoint community who also worked as a valet.

Raymond Keogh 88

Prominent owner in Ireland in the 1970s and 1980s; his biggest winner was Irian in the 1979 Sweeps Hurdle.

Gene Kelly 91

Won five races on the Queen Mother’s Gay Record, including breaking a Windsor track record by almost nine seconds.

Ray Peacock 86

Rode 25 winners before taking out his trainer’s licence in 1965; his best horse was Rushmoor, the 1986 Galway Hurdle hero.

Eddie Aldridge 77

Long-time owner with Mick Channon; his best horses included Silca’s Sister, Golden Silca and Silca’s Gift.

Harry Parkes 68

Had a long and distinguished career in the horse transport industry; he founded Parkes International Transport in 1994.

Bill Harney 84

Trainer of Monanore, Boreen Belle and Aughanvilla who gave Tom Taaffe a steady stream of winners in the 1980s.

Luigi Camici 93

Born into a racing family, he first took out a licence aged 50 and was the trainer of 1988 Arc hero Tony Bin.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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CABLE BAY INVINCIBLE SPIRIT

Champion 1st Crop Sires in GB and IRE 2019 1

SIRE

GRANDSIRE

Cable Bay

Invincible Spirit

WNRS WINS

BTH

GRW

GPH

TOTAL £

582,494

Night of Thunder

Dubawi

482,636

Gleneagles

Galileo

440,881

Due Diligence

War Front

333,152

Gutaifan

Dark Angel

327,082

Anjaal

Bahamian Bounty

255,460

To date 7th November 2019

IMPRESSIVE SALES PRICES:

£320,000, £200,000, £175,000, £160,000, £150,000, £140,000, €130,000, £110,000, £105,000, £90,000 Also sire of high class 2yo’s LIBERTY BEACH, winner of the Molecomb Gr.3, KING’S LYNN, Winner of Weatherbys £150,000 2yo Stakes, Multiple group placed ROPEY GUEST, ISABEAU, second to Cheveley Park winner Millisle in the Listed Curragh Stakes etc

LAND FORCE NO NAY NEVER

LAND FORCE (IRE) (2016) A Bay Colt

No Nay Never (USA)

Theann (GB) (2004)

Scat Daddy (USA) Cat's Eye Witness (USA) Rock of Gibraltar (IRE) Cassandra Go (IRE)

“A brilliantly fast 2yo which he proved when

Johannesburg (USA) Love Style (USA) Elusive Quality (USA) Comical Cat (USA) Danehill (USA) Off f shore Boom ff Indian Ridge Rahaam (USA)

winning the Richmond. He was very unlucky not to

LAND FORCE (IRE): won 3 races at 2 years, 2018 and £192,225 viz Richmond Stakes, Goodwood, Gr.2, Coolmore Pride of Dubai Tipperary Stakes, Tipperary, L. and Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden, Curragh, placed 4 times including third in Norfo r lk Stakes, Ascot, Gr.2, Cold Move EBF Marble Hill Stakes, Curragh, L. rfo and fourth in Darley Prix Morny, Deauville, Gr.1. 1st Dam THEANN (GB), won 2 races at 2 and 3 years and £74,644 including Cuisine de France Summer Stakes, York, Gr.3, second in Flame of Tara Stakes, Curragh, L., third in Greenlands Stakes, Curragh, Gr.3 and Dimitrova 1000 Guineas Trial, Leopardstown, Gr.3; dam of ffour winners from 5 runners and 8 foa f ls off racing age includingPHOTO CALL (IRE) (2011 f. by Galileo (IRE)), won 6 races at 3 to 5 years at home and in U.S.A. and £544,932 including Rodeo Drive Stakes, Santa Anita, Gr.1, First Lady Stakes, Keeneland, Gr.1, Violet Stakes, Monmouth Park, Gr.3 and Orchid Stakes, Gulfstream Park, Gr.3, placed 7 times including second in Beaugay Stakes, Belmont Park, Gr.3, Robert G Dick k Memorial Stakes, Delaware Park, Gr.3, third in La Prevoyante Handicap, Gulfstream Park, Gr.3 and Perfect Sting Stakes, Belmont Park. LAND FORCE (IRE) (2016 c. by No Nay Never (USA)), see above. 2nd Dam CASSANDRA DRA GO (IRE), won 6 races at 3 to 5 years and £243,262 including King's Stand Stakes, Royal Ascot, DRA Gr.2, Tripleprint Temple Stakes, Sandown Park, Gr.2, King George Stakes, Goodwood, Gr.3 and EBF Lansdown Stakes, Bath, L., placed 7 times including second in Darley July Cup, Newmarket, Gr.1, Ballyogan Stakes, Leopardstown, Gr.3, Palace House Stakes, Newmarket, Gr.3, Stanley Racing Summer Stakes, York, L. and third in EBF Insulpak Swinley Stakes, Ascot, L.; Own sisterr to Grey Eminence (FR); dam of eight winners nner from 10 runners and 12 foals off racing age includingnners HALFWA WAY WA AY TO HEAV A EN (IRE) (f. by Pivotal (GB)), won 4 races at 2 and 3 years and £470,905 including AV Boylesport r s Irish 1000 Guineas, Curragh, Gr.1, Blue Square Nassau Stakes, Goodwood, Gr.1 and rt Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes, Newmarket, Gr.1, placed 4 times including second in Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes, Leopardstown, Gr.3, third in Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes, Leopardstown, Gr.1, Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, Longchamp, Gr.1; dam of winners. MAGICAL (IRE), Jt Champion 3yr old in Europe in 2018 (11-13f.), 8 races at 2 to 4 years, 2019 and £2,466,935 including Tattersalls Gold Cup, Curragh, Gr.1, Irish Champion Stakes, Leopardstown, Gr.1 and Brit. Champions Fillies/Mare Stakes, Ascot, Gr.1, placed 10 times including second in Coral Eclipse, Sandown Park, Gr.1, Moyglare Stud Stakes, Curragh, Gr.1, Prince of Wales's Stakes, Ascot, Gr.1, Darley Yorkshire Oaks, York, Gr.1 and Breeders' Cup Turf r , Churchill Downs, Gr.1. rf RHODODENDRON (IRE), Champion older er mare in Ireland in 2018, Jt top rated 2yrr old filly in Ireland in 2016, 5 races at 2 to 4 y years, 2018 at home and in France and £1,363,928 including ing Dubai Fillies' Mile, Newmarket, Gr.1, Locki kinge Stakes, Newbury, r Gr.1 and Prix de l'Opera, Chantilly, Gr.1, second in ry, Investec Oaks Stakes, Epsom Downs, Gr.1, 1000 Guineas Stakes, Newmarket, Gr.1, Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf r , Del Mar, Gr.1 and third in Moyglare Stud Stakes, Curragh, Gr.1. FLYING THE rf FLAG (IRE), 3 races at 2, 3 and 5 years at home and in U.A.E. and £125,188 including eFlow ow 'You First' International Stakes, Curragh, Gr.3, placed 6 times including second in Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes, Curragh, Gr.2. TICKLED PINK (IRE) (f. by Invincible Spirit (IRE)), won 3 races at 3 and 4 years and £77,734 including Connaught Flooring Abernant Stakes, Newmarket, Gr.3 and The Coral Charge Sprint Stakes, Sandown Park, Gr.3, p placed 3 times; dam of winners. THEANN (GB)) (f. by Rock of Gibraltarr (IRE)), see above. Fantasy (IRE) (f. by Invincible Spirit (IRE)), won 1 race at 2 years, 2018 and £24,413 and placed 4 times including g third in John Siskk & Son Round Tower er Stakes, Curragh, g Gr.3 and Curragh gh Stakes, Curragh, L. NEVERLETM ETM ETM ME E GO (IRE) E , won 2 races at 3 and £16,954 and placed E) d 3 times; dam of wiinners. BEST REGARDS (IRE), Champion 3yrr old Sprinter er in Germany in 2013, 3 races at 2 and 3 years in France and in Germany and £43,335 including Hoppegartener Fliegerpreis, Berlin-Hoppegart ar en, L., art placed twice including third in P.Af A rika Linen J Essberger Flieger Preis, Hamburg, Gr.3. Af Tilthe End of Time (IRE), unraced; dam of Snazzy (IRE), 1 race at 2 years, 2018 and £26,636, third in Langleys Solicitors EBF Marygate Stakes, York, L. 3rd Dam RAHAA RAH AHAAM (USA) S , won 1 race at 3 years and placed twice, from only 4 start r s; rt dam of nine winners ner from 9 runners and 10 foals of racing age includingners VERGLAS (IRE), won 3 races at 2 and 3 years at home and in U.S.A. including Coventry Stakes, Royal Ascot, Gr.3, second in Lexus Irish 2000 Guineas, Curragh, Gr.1, San Marino Handicap, Santa Anita, L.R. and third in Heinz 57 Phoenix Stakes, Gr.1; sire. PERSIAN SECRET (FR), won 3 races at 2 and 3 years at home and in France including Prix La Sorellina, La Teste Buch, L., placed second in Ewar Stud Empress Stakes, Newmarket, L. and third in Bonusprint Champion 2yo Trophy, Ripon, L.; dam of winners. O HONOURS (I E) C dS

Contact: Jake Warren

+44 (0)1635 253 212

win the Norfolk, we were drawn on the wrong side.” - RYAN MOORE

Gr.2 Richmond Stakes

EXCELLENT LOOKS & Conformation (like his Sire) €350,000 Goffs yearling BRILLIANTLY FAST winner of the prestigious 6f, Gr.2 Richmond Stakes VERY FAST winner of the 5f, Tipperary Stakes, Listed PEDIGREE full of champions inc Cassandra Go, Magical, Rhododendron and Verglas

+44 (0)7730 272 895

jake@highclerestud.co.uk

www.highclerestud.co.uk

The Big Picture Obeaux calls the tune at Kempton Despite being the defending champion, Clan Des Obeaux started 11-2 third favourite in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, behind his stablemate Cyrname and Lostintranslation, when young and old racing fans alike flocked to watch the festive highlight. After seeing Lostintranslation pulled up, the Kempton crowd were treated to a superb display of jumping and galloping by Clan Des Obeaux and Sam TwistonDavies, drafted in for the ride after Harry Cobden picked Cyrname, who was to finish runner-up but beaten 21 lengths. For Twiston-Davies and his former boss Paul Nicholls (inset), the champagne certainly flowed! Photos George Selwyn

THE OWNER BREEDER

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24/01/2020 16:44

King George VI Chase

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THE OWNER BREEDER

24/01/2020 16:44

The Big Picture

THE OWNER BREEDER

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Christmas Hurdle

Amazing Epatante JP McManus looks to have another hurdling star on his hands in the shape of ex-French mare Epatante, who made it four wins from five outings in Britain with an impressive success in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. The daughter of No Risk At All, formerly trained by Armand Lefeuvre and now in the care of Nicky Henderson, travelled easily under Barry Geraghty and stayed on strongly after the final flight to come home five lengths clear of Silver Streak, looking every inch a major contender for the Champion Hurdle. Photo George Selwyn

THE OWNER BREEDER

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24/01/2020 16:45

The Big Picture Plaudits and pats for plucky Potters Potters Corner became the first Welsh-trained runner to win the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest race, the Welsh Grand National, since Norther in 1965 with a gallant staying performance under 17-year-old pilot Jack Tudor, who is based in Bridgend. Trained by Christian Williams in Ogmore-by-Sea in the Vale of Glamorgan for Wales rugby star Jonathan Davies and All Stars Sports Racing, Potters Corner raced up with the pace, took the lead three out and produced a magnificent jump at the final fence, staying on strongly to score by a length and three quarters from Truckers Lodge. Photos Bill Selwyn

THE OWNER BREEDER

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Welsh Grand National

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THE OWNER BREEDER

24/01/2020 16:46

The Big Picture

Haydock

Stamina in spades Trainer Anthony Honeyball could have a contender for the big staying prizes on his hands in the shape of Sam Brown. The eightyear-old, who races for owner-breeder Tim Frost, has returned from over two years on the sidelines in fine fettle, taking the Grade 2 Patrick Coyne Memorial Altcar Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chase at Haydock by 15 lengths under Aidan Coleman. Photo George Selwyn

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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24/01/2020 16:47

From The Archives

22 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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24/01/2020 16:29

Silver Buck at Newbury on February 9, 1980

Silver proves too slick for Royal Mail Silver Buck was never at his best on heavy ground but he encountered it at Newbury in February 1980 when facing four rivals in the Compton Chase. He came into the race off the back of winning the King George and was odds-on favourite to follow up under Tommy Carmody, despite the prevailing conditions. After trading blows with Royal Mail, ridden by Philip Blacker, in the home straight, Silver Buck is pictured here jumping the last in front of that rival, and was driven out to score by two lengths. One of the all-time greats, Silver Buck was to win a second King George later on in 1980 and went on to take the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1982. Photo George Selwyn

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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B ATSFORD S TUD COCKNEY REBEL Val Royal – Factice (Known Fact)

DUAL CLASSIC WINNER AND SUCCESSFUL STAKES SIRE FROM 2 YEAR OLDS TO JUMPERS Won Gr.1 2,000 Guineas, Newmarket, beating DUTCH ART (Gr.1), DUKE OF MARMALADE (Gr.1), EAGLE MOUNTAIN (Gr.1), AL SHEMALI (Gr.1) and 10 other Group winners. “The winning time was the fastest since Mister Baileys and Pennekamp recorded exceptional times in 1994 and 1995 …. An extravagant swoop ….” RACING POST Won Gr.1 Irish 2,000 Guineas, The Curragh, beating CREACHADOIR (Gr.1), DUKE OF MARMALADE (Gr.1), and two other Group winners. “A splendid performance to complete the English/Irish Double that eluded George Washington last year.” RACING POST

Fee:

£2,000 1st October Terms (LF)

Won Maiden on debut at Newmarket at 2. 2nd

£300,000 St Leger Yearling Stakes, York.

HAAFHD

Alhaarth – Al Bahathri (Blushing Groom) EUROPEAN CHAMPION 3 YEAR OLD Won Gr.1 2,000 Guineas, Newmarket, beating Gr.1 winners AZAMOUR, GREY SWALLOW, WHIPPER, BACHELOR DUKE etc. Won Gr.1 Champion Stakes, Newmarket, beating Gr.1 winners CHORIST, AZAMOUR, REFUSE TO BEND, DOYEN etc. Won Gr.3 Craven Stakes, Newmarket, beating THREE VALLEYS.

Consistent Sire of Stakes winners under both Codes 40% lifetime winners to runners on the Flat JUNOOB – Gr.1 Metropolitan H’cap; Gr.2 Neville Selwood S; LR Randwick City S; 2nd Gr.3 Summer Cup, 3rd Gr.1 Doomben Cup, Gr.2 Brisbane Cup, Gr.3 Newcastle Cup. Fee:

COUNTRYWIDE FLAME – 9 wins, Flat and NH including: Gr.1 Fighting Fifth H’dle; Gr.1 Triumph H’dle; 2nd Gr.1 4yo H’dle; Gr.1 Future champions Hurdle; 3rd Gr.1 Champion Hurdle, Gr.1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle

£2,000 1st October Terms (LF)

CARLITO BRIGANTE – Gr.2 Juvenile Hurdle, Gr.3 Coral Cup, Cheltenham, 3rd Gr.1 World Hurdle, LR Premier Ch.

FIRST FOALS 2020

HARBOUR LAW Lawman – Abunai (Pivotal) CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD STAYER by a CLASSIC WINNER AND MULTIPLE CLASSIC SIRE Won 3 races at 3 years, 12-14f and was placed 4 times from 8 starts: Won Gr.1 St Leger, Doncaster beating 5 Group winners.

Fee: £2,500 1st October Terms (LF)

2nd

3rd

Gr.1 Gold Cup, Royal Ascot.

Queens Vase, Royal Ascot.

“A tough, well balanced Classic winner who was a dream to ride and undoubtedly was very talented with so much more to come” GEORGE BAKER, JOCKEY “Harbour Law, a talented horse with an attitude that matched his ability. A true professional in every sense” LAURA MONGAN, TRAINER Also contact:

Matthew Houldsworth • M: 07775 803406 • E: mjhouldsworth@yahoo.co.uk

www.batsfordstud.co.uk Batsford Stud OB Feb 2020 dps.indd 2

23/01/2020 08:36

B ATSFORD S TUD NATIVE RULER Cape Cross – Love Divine (Diesis)

By the sire of SEA THE STARS, GOLDEN HORN, OUIJA BOARD, etc ALREADY THE SIRE OF WINNERS UNDER BOTH RULES Won at 3 years £31,006 and placed 4 times from 7 starts: 2nd Gr.2 Jockey Club Stakes, Newmarket, beaten a nose, beating CAMPANOLOGIST (Multiple Gr.1), INDIAN DAYS (multiple Gr.2), MONITOR CLOSELY (Gr.2) and LAAHEB (multiple Gr.3). “... he had the prize snatched from him in the very last stride … He hardly deserved to lose” RACING POST 4th

Gr.2 Yorkshire Cup, York, beating ASKAR TAU (multiple (Gr.2) and Stakes winners BUXTED, FREE AGENT and ELECTROLYSER. “.NATIVE RULER was potentially a high-class Group performer. He is a lovely mover with a top-class pedigree, Unfortunately he retired due to injury. I can see him producing horses of real ability both on the Flat and National Hunt” SIR HENRY CECIL

Fee:

£1,500 1st October Terms (LF)

PASSING GLANCE Polar Falcon – Spurned (Robellino)

TOUGH AND SOUND DUAL GROUP WINNING MILER Winner of 7 races, 2-5 years, £224,594 and was placed 12 times: Won Gr.2 Oettingen-Rennen, 8f, Baden-Baden. Won Gr.3 Diomed Stakes, 8f, Epsom. Won LR Sovereign Stakes, 8f, Salisbury. 2nd Gr.2 Celebration Mile, 8f, Goodwood beaten just a head. 2nd LR On The House Stakes, 8f, Goodwood. 4th Gr.3 Sovereign Stakes, 8f, Salisbury, beating TOUT SEUL (Gr.1), ANCIENT WORLD (Gr.1), AUTUMN GLORY (Dual Gr.3), SHOT TO FAME (Gr.3), AFRICAN DREAM (Dual Gr.3) etc.

63% WIN OR PLACED RUNNERS ON THE FLAT OVER 63% WON OR PLACED FROM NH RUNNERS

Fee:

£3,000 1st October Terms (LF)

THE VALUE HORSE TO UPGRADE YOUR MARE

SWISS SPIRIT

Invincible Spirit – Swiss Lake (Indian Ridge) GROUP WINNING SPRINTER Won 3 races at 2 and 3 years, 5f - 6f and was placed 5 times: Won Gr.3 World Trophy, Newbury, beating KINGSGATE NATIVE (Gr.1). Won LR Carnarvon Stakes, Newbury, beating LETHAL FORCE (Gr.1). 2nd Gr.2 Temple Stakes, Haydock Park, btn a neck. Beating RECKLESS ABANDON (Gr.1), SOLE POWER (Gr.1), TANGERINE TREES (Gr.1), etc. 2nd Gr.2 King George, Goodwood, beating KINGSGATE NATIVE, BORDERLESCOTT (Gr.1), JWALA (Gr.1), etc.

LEADING 1ST SEASON SIRE IN GB & IRELAND (Winners to Runners) 85% Runners to Foals, 50% Winners to Runners, from his first crop at 2 and 3 Already Sire of 30 Two-Year-Old Winners, rated up to 102 Foal crop of 87 in 2018 to come

Fee:

£2,500 1st October Terms (SLF)

A 2-y-o made £110,000 at the Ascot Breeze-Up in 2019

BATSFORD STUD, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9QF Tel: 01608 651890 • Mob: 07899 957355 • Email: alanvarey@batsfordstud.co.uk

Batsford Stud OB Feb 2020 dps.indd 3

23/01/2020 08:36

The Howard Wright Column

BHA need to practise what they preach A mong the BHA’s 83-page, grandly titled Review of the Buying and Selling Practices of Bloodstock and Racehorses Within British Racing, which explains in detail why and how this sector demands reform, six words stand out from several tens of thousands for their pertinence. They are contained in the foreword by BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust, who says: “We need to ensure openness, transparency.” Admittedly, Rust was discussing the general theme of continuing “to attract, develop and retain owners within British racing.” However, he might have been just as relevantly referring to the sport’s governing body itself. The truth is that the BHA’s overall ability to communicate effectively with some of racing’s components, better known these days as stakeholders, has been less than ideal for at least a couple of years. Social media output, from Twitter to Facebook, has been stepped up, in keeping with modern trends for disseminating bite-sized chunks of instant information, but interaction with participants along more traditional communication routes has not kept pace. Annual reports continue to be published; monthly data packs, introduced in 2015, provide handy background data and regular handicappers’ blogs are a useful innovation. Yet the need to keep those with dayto-day involvement in the sport adequately informed on a regular basis has remained most successfully addressed by trade bodies such as the National

BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust: having announced his decision to leave his role later this year, openness and transparency will hopefully be part of his legacy

Trainers Federation and Racecourse Association. Not long after being appointed, Rust promised regular public bulletins from BHA head oﬃce. It has not happened; nor can I remember the last time members of the media were brought together for a briefing on policy matters. Getting certain oﬃcials to appear on Sunday morning satellite racing programmes is not a satisfactory substitute. That adequate communication remains the BHA’s Achilles heel was aptly demonstrated through progress of the bloodstock buying and selling review itself. Its report by the ex-policemen Justin Felice was dated July 31, publication

“Nick Rust promised regular public bulletins from BHA head office. It has not happened” in September was promised, yet it did not appear until December 19, by which time the hiatus had thrown up ﬂaws galore. The Racing Post had sight of a draft copy of the report and, as befits a media outlet with responsibilities beyond that of industry cheerleader, it published what details it had seen. To say that all hell broke loose would be an understatement. An extraordinary but extremely telling comment from the selling side suggested that the BHA had lost all trust, while the BHA itself seemed to spend more time and energy investigating where the supposed leak had come from than getting on the front foot by publishing the final report. Looking for leaks is a plumber’s job, yet seeking out perpetrators is a common, if usually futile, response by institutions. Racing has not been immune, and I well remember in the old days of the BHB being told how, after a certain, probably contentious decision had been taken by the board, a director leaned under the table and remarked: “Did you get that so-and-so?” name-checking a senior racing journalist, as if he had planted a bugging device in the room. As a consequence of the BHA’s failure to publish the Felice report when promised, with the lack of explanation that the absence inevitably entailed, the sport’s governing body was caught on the hop when the Bloodstock Industry Forum, which the review

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Westminster headwinds have not disappeared At last, Christmas is a memory, the January sales are all but over and B-Day is upon us. Racing can breathe a gentle sigh of relief that movement of horses to and from Ireland and France will continue as before, for the time being, and that EU-born staff will still be employable. However, the choppy seas of 2019 have not entirely returned to calm tranquility. December’s general election, which has allowed Brexit to be pursued with greater certainty in the face of the Conservative’s Boris Johnson-inspired 80-seat parliamentary majority, raised fresh questions about racing’s approach to Westminster. Having spent four years grappling with the transition from a coalition to a tiny Conservative majority and then a minority government, the BHA’s Batman and Robin team of parliamentary persuaders, Will Lambe and Ross Hamilton, now have to get to grips with the identities, biographies and preferences of 140 new MPs. Through sheer weight of numbers, they can safely forget the 17 newcomers drawn from the Liberal Democrats, SDLP, Alliance Party, DUP, Sinn Fein and a single independent. They may also be able to pay little attention to the SNP’s eight new members, although the Scottish racecourses will perhaps not agree. They may even need to pay only passing attention to the 26 fresh faces on the Labour benches, given that the party lost 59 seats as its support in the Midlands and north tumbled spectacularly. But they cannot ignore the 97 new Tory MPs, several of whom took seats that had voted Labour for ever, or at least for as long as anyone alive could remember, and will either want to make a name for themselves or will toe the party line assiduously for fear of losing at the next call-over. Backing the wrong horse in parliament, or not backing one at all, paid off badly for the rudderless betting industry in the FOBTs debate, when the absence of a strong, united voice proved costly. Racing, and the BHA in particular, cannot afford to make the same mistake. Racecourses have a part to play, since Fakenham, Newmarket (in part), Newbury, Sedgefield and Redcar all have new Tory MPs in place, but Messrs Lambe and Hamilton are the ones who will have been thumbing through the latest Westminster handbooks most intently to find potential allies. Brexit may be on the backburner, but the animal welfare debate will loom larger, and racing needs to be fully prepared.

NEW

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had actually recommended, met for the first time but without a BHA presence. Turkeys being asked to vote for Christmas had nothing on this little episode. The eventual outcome may prove to be satisfactory, but better communication from the BHA to participants and others might have saved the build-up of a divisive, damaging atmosphere. A change in procedure at BHA board level could prevent a similar catastrophe, and its members do not have to look far for a precedent. The late Tristram Ricketts, as Chief Executive of the Levy Board, introduced publication of concise minutes of board meetings on its website in 2007. They remain a useful precis of events and a good discipline for the board and executives to follow, even if some items have to be cloaked in confidentiality. Similar treatment of BHA board meetings would give participants the opportunity to know what was being discussed in timely fashion, as well as remove the excuse of ignorance.

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19/11/19 09:25

24/01/2020 16:26

MAKE BELIEVE Fee: €12,000

2020 Classic Prospects

IRISH 1,000 GUINEAS & IRISH OAKS

EPSOM DERBY TAMMANI

Impressive Listed winner for Prince Faisal and William Haggas.

GIN BLOSSOM

1,000 GUINEAS

a fast finishing second on debut for Joseph O’Brien.

ROSE OF KILDARE Dual Group 3 winner for Mark Johnston.

IRISH 2,000 GUINEAS

“The further she went, the better she got. We will look at the English Guineas.” Mark Johnston, Trainer

MISHRIFF

IRISH 2,000 GUINEAS & EPSOM DERBY FISCAL RULES

10 length winner for Prince Faisal and John Gosden.

beaten a head by Dewhurst placed Wichita on debut for Jim Bolger.

BALLYLINCH STUD THOMASTOWN, CO. KILKENNY.

Tel: +353 (0) 56 7724217 • info@ballylinchstud.ie • joc@ballylinchstud.ie • eoin@ballylinchstud.ie • www.ballylinchstud.com

Make_Believe_Owner_Full_February_2020.indd 1

24/01/2020 16:05

View Fr m Ireland

By Jessica Lamb

O’Brien and Horgan revival

“Ballyadam Destiny won’t show his full potential until later on” Costing €70,000 at the 2017 Goffs NH Landrover Sale, the six-year-old is the most expensive horse Horgan has bought. The Martaline gelding made his debut in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in mid-January, showing promise to finish ninth in the 22-runner field. “He’s had a couple of different problems that have always held him up,” explained O’Brien. “He got a splint as a four-year-old and just didn’t come right for ages, so we left him out. “He returned that autumn and was down to run in a point-to-point at Mallow

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CAROLINE NORRIS

t last year’s Cheltenham Festival one Irish trainer was belatedly making his debut, leaving with third place in the Arkle Challenge Trophy. It had been a long-time coming for Cork-based Terence O’Brien, who left the training ranks in the 1990s only to return again in 2007. Peaks and troughs have followed, but that third with his first Festival runner, Articulum, signalled the beginning of his latest upward curve. Two victories from three runners at Limerick’s Christmas Festival took his prize-money haul beyond last season’s total and heading towards the dizzying heights of 2015’s record campaign. What has been constant throughout this second stint at training is owner William Horgan, who last season had his first winner since that 2015 campaign, and has a potential star waiting in the wings. “He will hold on to them if they show potential,” said O’Brien. “It’s been a while since he had some horses to get excited about, but I’m hoping this fellow is as good if not better than any of them.” The horse in question is Ballyadam Destiny, out of three-time winner New Destiny, a half-sister to three-time Grade 1 winner Nickname and No Risk At All, the sire of Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle heroine Epatante.

Articulum: his fine third in the 2019 Arkle Chase was the pick of a good year’s work the following January, but there was a problem with his passport so he couldn’t run. A week later he fractured his pelvis. “We brought him back in the autumn last year, only he got another splint on a different leg, which slowed him down. Then he pulled a muscle in his back before Christmas.” He added: “It’s not as if he has weak joints or tendon problems, it’s splints, which aren’t unusually enough to stop them for that long. We have kept going because we think a lot of him, and he is sound now. “He won’t show his full potential until later on, because we’ve never got stuck into him at home. Come the spring we might see something from him.” Already full-sister Papagana has won four hurdle races for trainer Oliver Sherwood, including two Listed mares’ events last year. Like Ballyadam Destiny, and Champion Hurdle winner Katchit, the seven-year-old was bred by Dominic Burke at Whitley Stud in Gloucestershire. The shoes Ballyadam Destiny has to fill are those of Ballyadam Approach, the winner of two valuable handicaps at the Irish Grand National and Punchestown festivals in 2015. The latter remains the richest win of owner and trainer’s career and though he went on to finish third in the 2016 Irish Grand National, it was not until last year that Horgan enjoyed another win courtesy of Veneziano Springs.

As Horgan has bounced back, so has O’Brien, this term’s star emerging as Lakemilan, who has big plans this summer. “She’s not much of a filly, she’s light,” said O’Brien, “and you have to mind her. She can be hot-headed at times, but she’s been fantastic for us. She’s so versatile, she jumps well, she has speed for the Flat and takes her training well.” Lakemilan has now won three valuable handicaps over jumps, the latest coming at Cork in a Grade C handicap chase last October, but it is her consistency which really stands out; in 36 runs over jumps, on the Flat and in point-to-points, the eight-year-old has finished out of the first five only nine times – and it isn’t smallfield races she’s been contesting. The mare begins 2020 rated 140 over fences, with O’Brien eyeing the big meetings at Fairyhouse and Punchestown this spring, as well as the Galway festival. “She has gone back to her owner Denis Wilson for a few months to freshen up,” he said. “I think she is high enough in the handicap now, but we’ll start her there and after that, there is a mares’ chase at Limerick over two and a half miles that could suit her. “We’ll probably look at some of the longer-distance Flat handicaps too; she could even go for the amateur handicap at Galway if she has won a race before then, and we might even gear her towards the Galway Plate or the Hurdle.

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“In fairness, she doesn’t owe us anything at this stage. She has black type now three or four times over. We’ll just let her enjoy herself, wherever that may be.” Her win at Cork was bittersweet for O’Brien as in second was Articulum, who then fell at the Limerick Christmas Festival. He turned out again in a bigger test at Fairyhouse two weeks later and is heading for another tilt at Cheltenham.

“He was stiff and sore for a day or two, but that was all,” said O’Brien. “It was too far out to know how we were going, everything was travelling well. The plan is to go back to Cheltenham, probably for a handicap chase, though he has a nice hurdle mark too and we will consider that. “He’s going the way of the 150s over fences, which would give him options at

Cheltenham. We may look at the Ryanair.” Since that Cotswolds visit, O’Brien has begun to dabble more in Britain. From 2010 to Articulum’s run at Cheltenham, O’Brien saddled three runners in Britain. This season he has already had four, Safe Home winning at Market Rasen, then travelling twice more, and Her Nibs taking in the sights at Ffos Las last November.

Racing figures on the front foot when it comes to welfare How horseracing is perceived as cruel and profit-driven by outsiders has become increasingly visible, exacerbated never more than last Grand National day as celebrities took to Twitter to spread the message #YouBetTheyDie. For Irish television presenter Sally-Ann Grassick this did not produce anger; instead it was the catalyst for launching a project aiming to show exactly how horses are looked after in racing, from birth to raceday and beyond. She explained: “During the Grand National I saw the negative comments from celebrities and asked people not to attack them back – that’s not going to protect our industry – but to tweet them back offering to bring them to a stable yard, a racecourse or a stud farm to show them what goes on. “If you actually opened it up to people and said, ‘Come and learn’, it’s more inclusive than saying, ‘You’re stupid and you don’t know what you’re talking about’. “So many people responded with offers, and tweeted pictures of their retired racehorses in nice places.” Grassick had already been inspired by the I Am Horse Racing project, launched last March in America. Using stylish videos, its aim was to introduce people to a full range of people who work in horseracing, telling unique stories across social media and online. Its launch sparked a conversation between Grassick, vet and breeder Meta Osborne, trainer Sarah Lynam and a host of Irish racing journalists, including Aisling Crowe and Tom Malone. They agreed that they wanted to do something similar for racing in Britain and Ireland, but how would they get funding? “I was looking through the Ireland’s Farmers account one day and realised we could do it that way,” said Grassick. “Each week they have a different farmer

Sally-Ann Grassick: active online tweeting for a full week about what’s going on at their farm. The account @ Ireland does something similar too. “At about the same time, another friend had said she wanted to do a self-made documentary on time spent at the sales. So many racing fans have no idea what goes on there. “I know from working on ITV that people who are very knowledgeable about racing have no idea about what it takes to make a racehorse. “But she was making it on a phone with a selfie stick, and there’s only so much people will watch of that before they get bored.” Broken up over the course of a week on a Twitter feed, this idea was perfect. Thoroughbred Tales was launched on November 22 and had 1,000 followers by December 1. One week later, Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Employee of the Year ‘Catch’ Bissett, who works for trainer Nick Alexander, took over as the first guest host. “She was unbelievable,” said Grassick. “She had planned out exactly what she wanted to cover on each day of the week and the insight she gave was incredible. She was so good, she actually put people off hosting, because they didn’t want to follow her!” Today @ThoroughbrdTale has more than 3,000 followers and a schedule of

hosts, designed to get to the heart of the biggest events. In early January, it was Stephanie McGlynn on the Gold Coast in Australia, giving insight into the yearling sales, and during the Cheltenham Festival it’s likely to be trainer Noel Meade’s long-serving head lass Emma Connolly. “The other idea of the account is that is provides a link for people to whoever is hosting the account,” Grassick said. “The direct messages are open, the Tweets are open. Anyone who wants to can directly contact the account.” Grassick’s main aim is to “get ahead of the welfare thing, rather than putting out fires” and to that end she also wants to provide training to racing professionals about how to deal with social media negativity. “I am in the process of trying to bring sports journalism students to a racing yard and then a race meeting, to show them what goes on,” she said. “It’s a question of educating, and if they can educate themselves about horseracing, they’ll be able to support racing, rather than just follow negativity on Twitter.” She added: “I’ve offered to do media training with students in RACE, and it’s also very important to do social media training. A jockey should be trained in how to deal with trolls, because even for me it’s an everyday job.” Lumped in with the horse welfare category is the whip – some have even said they believe that the whip will not be used in horseracing within a decade. Grassick does not want to see that happen and believes the terminology is the simplest way to alter perceptions. “The whip is something the average person thinks about, purely because it’s called the whip,” she said. “I got a taxi back from Ascot the other day and the driver said he didn’t think the whip was anything bad, but that it does sound cruel. Once I’d explained it all, he understood.” conversation from a negative perspective.”

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Continental Tales

Brother and sister on right road FRANCE

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Charly Prichard: going well in France

he brother and sister pair of Dave and Charly Prichard have both enjoyed an eventful past 12 months on the Continent, some way from their roots in south Wales, as they each try to make a career for themselves in the ultra-competitive world of National Hunt jockeyship. Last year Dave became the first British winner of the Gentlemen’s League, a pan-European amateur jump jockeys’ competition founded in 2017, while his sister has recently become one of the most sought-after female conditional jockeys in France, riding three winners in a row during the new year period at the

prestigious Pau meeting. The siblings are the children of Ian and Tracey Prichard, from Pontypridd, near Cardiff, and owe their love of the sport to their parents, who have long trained point-to-pointers. Dave, who at 28 is four years the older of the pair, took part in seven of the eight legs of the Gentlemen’s League, which kicked off in Cork in March and concluded in midNovember at Compiegne in France. Despite sitting out that finale, he still took the title by a comfortable margin ahead of the Swede, Elliot Ohgren. Currently living in South Moulton in Devon and riding out for Nigel Hawke while he endeavours to get his new equine sales platform, Equivend, off the ground, he was once a conditional jockey for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, notching a dozen or so victories before things went quiet. He then took the pragmatic decision to revert to amateur status prior to reaching the age threshold of 26, when such a move becomes prohibited. “At that point I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to keep riding,” he admits. “But I’m loving it again now and in particular looking forward to

Shimizu settling into life at famous Chantilly yard FRANCE Plenty has been written about the retirement of the English-born dual Arc-winning trainer John Hammond at the end of last year following a career that lasted over three decades. Less is known about the man who has taken over the licence at Hammond’s historic Chantilly yard, Hiroo Shimizu. This 38-year-old became the second Japanese national to take out a French training licence late in 2017. The first was another former Hammond employee, Satoshi Kobayashi, who also worked for both Mikel Delzangles and Richard Gibson before he branched out on his own at premises in Lamorlaye, around the corner from Chantilly, in 2008. After a slow start Kobayashi has averaged 14 winners per annum over the

past five seasons, and of late has been involved in some marquee races thanks to the Lope de Vega filly Tosen Gift, a dual winner at Listed level and also placed five times in Pattern company. Like Kobayashi, Shimizu has no family background in the industry, which may have been a contributory factor to the two of them being forced to venture to Europe to make a career out of their passion for racing. Shimizu has been a French resident for most of the last dozen years – though he did enjoy one season in Newmarket with Luca Cumani – and the bulk of his apprenticeship was served there with Fabrice Chappet. His first full campaign after going it alone was a successful one, featuring nine victories from 81 runners and a classy standard-bearer in the shape of the four-year-old filly Endorphine,

runner-up in the Group 3 Prix Belle de Nuit in late October. Now he has transferred his 30-strong string to the 8 Chemin des Aigles stable where Suave Dancer and Montjeu were housed prior to landing Longchamp’s most famous race back in the 1990s. “John Hammond still lives across the road and comes to see me nearly every day, he has been really helpful,” admits Shimizu in English which, though some way from word perfect, is a million miles better than this writer’s Japanese. “I have inherited his farewell winner, Nisreen [beaten a short-head in a Meydan Group 2 on January 16], while Endorphine stays in training and is being aimed at the Gold Cup at Ascot. “Yomogi [placed in Group 3 company] and Fee Historique [sixth in October’s Prix Marcel Boussac] could both make up into Classic fillies.”

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By James Crispe, IRB

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riding my dad’s new horse, Young O’Leary, who I rode into second place on his British debut at Barbury Castle last month. “I had never ridden abroad before last year’s Gentlemen’s League, so I was really grateful to be selected to represent Britain. I suppose my highlight would have to be winning the Czech leg at Pardubice in October, the day before the course hosted the famous Velka Pardubicka.” Not such a happy memory came at Le Lion d’Angers in May when, riding in a cross-country race that took place in front of a packed crowd 70 minutes before the track’s annual highlight – the four-and-a -half mile €100,000 AnjouLoire Challenge – Prichard was in the lead when going the wrong side of a marker on a steep downhill section of the course with just three fences to jump. Despite saving negligible ground in the manoeuvre, his mount, Absteme, was inevitably disqualified from his second-place finish. The stewards took a draconian view of the incident, imposing a 45-day suspension on Prichard, largely on the grounds that he had continued in the race after taking the wrong course, though quite how the poor man was meant to know that he had gone wrong is anyone’s guess! The one small mercy Prichard had about the whole affair was that the

Hiroo Shimizu: trains 30-strong team

More new beginnings for Kelp SWEDEN When the three-year-old General de Vega finished a fine third in the £75,000 Dubai Trophy at Meydan on January 9, it completed the return to the international stage of Swedish trainer Lars Kelp. About to celebrate his 56th birthday, in his youth Danish-born Kelp was champion Flat jockey in Scandinavia and spent the 1988-89 season riding over jumps for Martin Pipe, finishing 11th aboard The Thirsty Farmer in that season’s Grand National, before admitting defeat in his battle with the scales and following his father into the training profession. The best part of two decades

Gentlemen’s League was about to enter a three-month midsummer break after this, its fourth leg, so the ban did not affect his title aspirations. Looking back on the day now, Prichard remembers: “Before the meeting got under way I took a photo of the course map in the weighing room and then went out to walk round and it was like trying to figure out a maze! Then, when I met up with my trainer, she told me that the horse had to make the running and I thought to myself, ‘We could be in trouble here’. “It was a disaster but, apart from the trainer, everyone was very sympathetic afterwards and it was a real thrill to take part. The variety of the crosscountry obstacles was something that I’d never experienced before and there was a sense of achievement in just jumping round.” A much-appreciated shoulder to cry on in the race aftermath was that of Charly, who had made the long drive from her base near the Atlantic coast yard of the nine-time champion jumps trainer, Guillaume Macaire, to support her big brother. “It was just one of those things that could happen to anybody,” Charly says. “I just wish that I had been able to get there a bit earlier so that I could have walked the course with him.” Charly has plenty to be grateful to her brother for, most of all helping get her the job with Macaire (with whom Dave himself spent a couple of summers) a couple of years ago after

with a licence produced various good winners, most notably with the multiple Group-placed sprinter Glenlivet, before he decided to concentrate on his bloodstock agency in 2008. The highlight of his third career was sourcing future Epsom Derby runner-up Libertarian for just £40,000 at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale in April 2012, but, inspired by the construction of Sweden’s Bro Park racecourse, he returned to training there in 2016. Now he is looking for another fresh start and hopes to find a venue, ideally in the Stockholm area, where he can establish a new private training base for General de Vega and his nine stable companions.

she had returned early from a stint working in New Zealand. She soon took to the French way of life and now speaks the language quite well and has her own house just three minutes drive from Macaire’s Royan Le Palmyre stable. Despite having 20 point-to-point winners under her belt, riding opportunities did not come along straight away, even after her first two rides for Macaire, in 2017, were both successful. Her career was stalled for three months last winter when a broken ankle sustained in a schooling fall left her on the sidelines. But after she engineered a meeting with David Cottin, the coming man among the ranks of France’s jump trainers, by offering to ride out for him last summer, she now has the backing of two of the nation’s biggest yards. After success on Crack de Reve at Pau on January 9 took her record for Cottin to four wins from just eight rides, the Chantilly handler’s succinct assessment was: “Charly is a talented rider – she listens.” Charly herself says: “I am very lucky to be associated with two of the top trainers and the 4lb female riding allowance, on top of my regular claim, is also a real help, as I can do 9st 2lb so I am never in trouble with the weight. “I see myself staying in France for the foreseeable future and I’d just like to keep going as I am. If I could end up riding out my claim [by reaching 70 winners] that would be brilliant.”

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Around The Globe

The Worldwide Racing Scene

Security after maximum returns NORTH AMERICA By Steve Andersen

Maximum Security: controversially disqualified in the Kentucky Derby

“I don’t think anyone has the credentials that he has demonstrated” He finished the second half of the year with three consecutive stakes wins – the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in July, the Grade 3 Bold Ruler Handicap at Belmont Park in late October and an emphatic victory in the Grade 1 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct on December 7. A few weeks later, the Coolmore syndicate bought a 50% interest (breeding and racing rights) in the son of New Year’s Day. Maximum Security, who won a $16,000 maiden claimer at Gulfstream Park in December 2018 on

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hen choosing wintertime international races for prospective champions, money very much matters. In late December, shortly after Gulfstream Park announced that the purse of the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup would be reduced from $9 million in 2019 to $3 million on January 25, owner Gary West altered plans for Maximum Security, his star American three-year-old. Out went the Pegasus, which was worth $12 million in 2017 and $16.3 million in 2018, and in came the newly-founded Saudi Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 29, with its staggering $20 million purse. If all goes well, Maximum Security will be sent to Saudi Arabia as a champion. Maximum Security was the leading contender for the Eclipse Award as the nation’s outstanding three-yearold of 2019, a year in which he was disqualified from first to 17th in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on a controversial decision.

his debut, will stand at Ashford Stud in Kentucky at the end of his racing career, which has not yet been determined. West declined to comment on Maximum Security’s status in early January, other than to confirm via text message that the Saudi Cup remains a goal. West was more ebullient after the Cigar Mile. “I don’t think anyone has the credentials that he has demonstrated throughout the entire year,” he said in reference to a potential championship. “He’s had setbacks with colic and fought through some things, but it was a pretty impressive race we saw there.” In September, Maximum Security was hospitalised overnight in a New Jersey veterinary clinic after a colic scare that prevented him from starting in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx in Philadelphia. He missed a potential start at the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita and was instead re-routed to the Bold Ruler Handicap. After the Cigar Mile, Maximum Security was sent to trainer Jason Servis’s winter base at Palm Meadows training centre in Florida. The Saudi Cup is over nine furlongs, an ideal distance for Maximum Security. A bold front-runner, Maximum Security

won the Florida Derby and Haskell Invitational at nine furlongs in 2019. West, who operates a racing stable with his wife, Mary, is expected to have two formidable older horses for the 2020 season. The Wests’ Game Winner, the champion two-year-old male of 2018, returned to trainer Bob Baffert’s stable in southern California in late December after a lengthy rest. Game Winner won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs in 2018 to clinch his title but did not perform to expectations in 2019. He was second in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby in April in his second start of the season, placed fifth in the Kentucky Derby after the disqualification of Maximum Security, and made what turned out to be his final start of the year with an easy win in the Grade 3 Los Alamitos Derby at Los Alamitos in July. The Los Alamitos Derby was supposed to be a prep for the lucrative stakes races of late summer, but Game Winner was sidelined by a virus in August. There are no stated goals for Game Winner, but a springtime return is anticipated. By then, the Wests may have won the richest race there’s ever been with Maximum Security.

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Around The Globe

There should be no regrets over gelding Alligator AUSTRALIA By Danny Power

COLIN BULL

wner Allan Endresz has been faced with two important and life-changing decisions with his outstanding racehorse and, maybe, the next superstar of Australian racing, Alligator Blood. One was to geld the regally bred but “dangerous” colt as a yearling in 2018, despite his stallion’s pedigree, and the other was to reject a massive offer for the horse from Hong Kong interests. The first was an easy one. According to trainer David Vandyke, there is no way Alligator Blood would have made it to the races, let alone be one of Australia’s rising stars, if he was left a colt. Even as a gelding, Alligator Blood has had his moments; as a colt he was unmanageable. “Even though he has been gelded, we had to scratch him in Sydney last year because he was being quite unruly,” said Vandyke. “Imagine if he was still a colt; he was aggressive enough in Sydney that day even as a gelding. If he hadn’t been gelded, he certainly wouldn’t be doing what he is doing.” That doesn’t stop many Australian racing fans lamenting the fact he’s a gelding. Others, like me, are delighted that, barring accidents and injury, we will be watching this incredible athlete perform at the highest level for the next three or four years. It’s reminiscent of the good old days, not so long ago, when most of our best horses were geldings. It was a time – pre-Danehill – when there was little interest in the Australian-bred stallions, and champion geldings such as Kingston Town, Super Impose, Manikato, Vo Rogue and Better Loosen Up ruled the racetrack with crowds flocking to watch them. Now our top colts are rushed off to stud, such as The Autumn Sun last year, even when they haven’t reached their full potential on the track. Alligator Blood has been beaten only once, in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas at Caulfield in October when he was nabbed on the post by the late-closing Super Seth. After the race, Endresz knocked

Alligator Blood is one of the most attractive, athletic racehorses on the scene in Australia

back a Hong Kong offer of $A3.2 million (£1.7m) for his horse. While Alligator Blood will campaign on our racetracks for a while to come, Super Seth is likely to be covering his first book of mares after New Zealand’s Waikato Stud paid five times that amount for the son of Dundeel. At a time when Australian racing was screaming out for more longevity out of its racehorses, Alligator Blood comes along post-Winx as a Messiah for a racing industry rich in prize-money but not rich in prized racehorses, after being battered from pillar to post by visiting and imported horses, especially at distances of a mile and further. Alligator Blood comes from Queensland. There is an irony there in the fact that no alligators live in Australia; the closely related and more vicious crocodiles crowd the estuaries and beaches of north Queensland like shrimps on an Aussie barbie. He overcame a major travel hiccough to easily win the Magic Millions Coast Guineas at Gold Coast on January 11. It was his eighth win from nine starts and took his bank balance to just beyond $A2m. He’s a horse that drama seems to follow. He needed a police escort to get to the track after a normal two-hour trip from Caloundra (north of Brisbane) stretched to four hours and 15 minutes before he arrived in hot and steamy conditions. Fortunately, the race club agreed to delay the Guineas by 40 minutes, which gave both the gelding and trainer time to gather their wits and prepare for the race. Vandyyke had his doubts about Alligator Blood when he noticed the horse was ‘tucked up’ in the pre-race

parade, although he had no thoughts of scratching him. “He’s a born racehorse with a competitive streak, he was here to race, wanted to race,” he said. “He’s a horse with everything you’d want.” Vandyke’s right. There are few more attractive, athletic animals racing in Australia. He possesses an action reminiscent of the sweet movement of his dam’s sire, Encosta De Lago, and he has the ability to sprint twice in a race without giving his rider any bother. Ryan Maloney rode the perfect race to record his biggest win in the Magic Millions Guineas. Maloney has always been a raw talent and a move to Queensland a couple of years ago has seen him mature and blossom. Those disappointed that Alligator Blood is a gelding need only to look at his pedigree to let out a sigh. He’s by Black Caviar’s outstanding half-brother, All Too Hard (by Casino Prince), from one of the best families in the Australian Stud Book. His dam, Lake Superior, is out of Kylikwong (by Red Ransom) and was runner-up in the VRC Oaks and her dam, Tracy’s Element (by Last Tycoon), was the Australian-bred 1993 champion filly of South Africa, winning four Group 1 races. The next dam is the Irish-bred import, Princess Tracy (by Ahonoora), who won the Group 3 Ballyogan Stakes and Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes in 1984 before founding a magnificent dynasty in Australia that included the top racehorses and sires Danasinga, Cullen and Towkay, and Kyliewong’s sister, the sensational Typhoon Tracy, who was the 2009-10 Australian champion racehorse. Alligator Blood won’t carry on the bloodline thanks to the snip, but he’s certainly going to enhance it ever further.

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Racing Life

edited by Sarah Rodrigues

SAUDI ARABIA:

between sand and sky It’s never been more possible for Westerners to visit this intriguing desert kingdom

or the first time in its history, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has extended its visitor permissions beyond religious pilgrimage and business visas and is actively courting leisure tourism, in a bid to diversify its economy and lessen its reliance on the oil trade. Visitors from 49 different countries can apply for an eVisa, which is valid for a year and permits a stay of up to 90 days, with an option for multiple entries. You need to be over the age of 18 to apply and it costs approximately £90. Based on its early success – around 24,000 visitors are said to have entered the country within the first ten days of the eVisa’s introduction – it’s estimated that the government expects over 30 million annual visits by the end of the decade. If you see yourself as one of them, whether for February’s Saudi Cup or at another time, here are some of the sights (and sites) not to miss.

push for tourism is being seen, with entertainment venues and leisure outlets springing up. As the Kingdom’s commercial hub, there is definitely a sense of ‘more is more’ here. The Al Faisaliah Centre, for instance, is one of the Kingdom’s tallest buildings and boasts an architectural curiosity at its top: a huge ball of glass, which is in fact a spherical restaurant with 360-degree views over the city. Dubbed ‘The Globe’,

it serves up contemporary cuisine: time your booking to coincide with the splendour of the desert sunset. Since retail therapy is also practically synonymous with Middle Eastern vacations, don’t miss the Riyadh Gallery, where shops ranging from high-end to high street are temptingly laid out over three floors. Despite the glittering skyscrapers and busy traffic, there are pockets of the city

Riyadh

The capital is where the Saudi Cup is set to take place on February 29, but it’s also one of the primary places where the

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Travel

that speak volumes about its rich history. Visitors to the Al Masmak Fortress, which was built in 1865, can also explore its adjacent museum, where some of the weaponry used in the battle that led to the formation of the Kingdom are on display. At the National Museum, the largest in the country, eight main galleries take visitors through a carefully curated collection that charts the evolution of civilisation, as well as the history of Islam and the development of Saudi Arabia. Just south of the capital, plans are under way to build Qiddaya, a 334sqkm ‘entertainment city,’ which will feature facilities for sports, culture and recreation, complete with safari and theme parks. Falcon’s Flight, tipped to be the longest and tallest rollercoaster in the world, is set to launch here in 2023.

Jebel Fihrayn

Away from the bustle of the city, one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest drawcards is its incredible landscape. For those with little time to delve deep into the country’s vast desert heart, Jebel Fihrayn is located just 56 miles from Riyadh and offers guided

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adventurers a variety of desert treks along the Tuwaiq Escarpment, from the top of which incredible views extend from the sheer cliff drop-off and out over the valley to the horizon.

a must-see, especially at high tide, as is King Fahd’s fountain, which is said to be the tallest in the world and illuminated each night by more than 500 lights.

The Red Sand Dunes

As the first site in Saudi Arabia to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mada’in Saleh is an ancient city riddled with tombs and adobe living quarters. It was, at one time, one of the largest cities of the Nabatean people, who settled across ancient Arabia until Roman conquest in the 2nd century CE. Well preserved carvings, similar to those seen at Jordan’s Petra, are one draw card, but the ruined city’s wild desert setting makes a visit worthwhile in itself. Don’t miss the stark beauty of Qasr al-Farid, otherwise known as Lonely Castle – a remote and unfinished tomb carved into a rock.

These undulations of desert sand are true to their name and lie within about a 20-minute drive of Riyadh. Surrounded by mountains, they’re a popular spot for residents and tourists alike, not only for their scenic appeal but also for dunebashing and quad-biking.

Jeddah

The capital of Saudi Arabia until 1982, Jeddah is culturally diverse and reassuringly exotic, with labyrinthine cobbled lanes which are lined with cafes and peopled with locals playing backgammon, selling kettles and spices, or hunched over their various crafts. One of the oldest parts of the city, Al-Balad, which literally translates as ‘Old Town’, is virtually unchanged since the 7th century; by contrast, the waterfront area has been extensively modernised and now comprises an endless stretch of beaches, parks, resorts and dining options. Although the Middle East has a reputation for retail, this needs to be seen in the context of the searing temperatures and the need to be in air-conditioned comfort inside. Banish thoughts of mindless rail trawling though – the Red Sea Mall, for instance, includes a mini-museum by way of a history section. The art scene in Jeddah is also well established and if you make it nowhere else, be sure to visit Athr Gallery, which is one of the city’s most acclaimed art spaces and a great place to get to grips with Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene. Jeddah’s floating mosque is also

Mada’in Saleh

Al-Hofuf

Think Saudi Arabia is all desert landscapes and glittering high rises? Located in the east of the Kingdom, Al-Hofuf is a vast oasis of date palms and verdant gardens – and it’s here that you’ll find another UNESCO-designated site, in the Qarah Mountain cave complex, which offers not only a respite from often searing temperatures but also a natural marvel, with its otherworldly structures carved by the movement of wind and water.

Jubbah Rock Carvings

Becoming a UNESCO world heritage site in 2015, these carvings, some of which are estimated to be around 10,000 years old, are located in the Jabel Umm Sinman range and depict humans as well as a variety of animals ranging from cows to lions. Visitsaudi.com

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Racing Life

Lifestyle

OPERATIC SCENTS A

cqua di Parma’s Note di Colonia collection draws together scent and music; previous fragrances in the range have been based on Puccini’s ‘Nessun Dorma’ and Verdi’s ‘Triumphal March’ from Aida. The latest in the range is Note di Colonia V, a tribute to ‘La donna è mobile’ – one of the most famous arias from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera ‘Rigoletto.’ For those not familiar with the work, it explores the distinct themes and emotional landscapes of vivacity, seduction and sacrifice in each one of its three acts. The aria on which the perfume is based represents one of the lightest moments in the work, with a joyfulness and liveliness that has contributed largely to its popularity and instantly recognisable melody. How to capture such a thing in a scent? According to the makers, ‘The olfactory pyramid calls to mind the structure of an orchestra in which the top notes of the opening violin section are represented by the energising

tingles of Italian citrus fruits. A joyful waltz of Calabrian bergamot and lemon, punctuated by the bright and sparkling rhythm of pink pepper, is followed by the swift entrance of the heart notes. In a crescendo of woodwind instruments and clarinets accompanying the tenor’s voice, the contrast between the vibrant spirit of ginger and the fresh, aromatic tones of juniper creates a true expression of

the senses.’ The fragrance finishes with amber notes of sandalwood and cedarwood to create a ‘bold and powerful composition.’ Presented in luxury packaging, with a crystal bell-shaped stopper and classic black-lettered label, the 150ml Note di Colonia V will be available exclusively in Harrods from February, priced at £350.

ICE BREAKER

ebruary sees St Moritz play host to the White Turf, a thrilling annual event that draws owners, trainers and jockeys from all corners of the globe to participate in a race on the frozen waters of the destination’s lake, surrounded by snowy mountain peaks. Sponsored by Credit Suisse, BMW and Longines, with the support of the local tourist board and municipality, the event draws in a range of other attractions, including top-class catering, live music and carefully curated art exhibitions. As glamorous and well organised as the event is today, its beginnings, back in 1906, were far simpler, with 13 skiers pulled by horses in a six-mile race from Postplatz to Champfèr and back again. A year later, the first official horse races were held in the wintry setting, kicking off a tradition that has now lasted for well over 100 years. Three days of races, held on February 2, 9 and 16, will include sled-pulling, riding and skijoring, with the overall points leader crowned King of the Engadine – a crown that was won by Valeria Holinger in 2017, the first time a female had won the title in the event’s history. The all-suite five star Carlton Hotel St Moritz will be partnering with the White Turf and is available from CHF880 (£700) per room per night based on two adults sharing on a B&B basis, with a CHF100 food and beverage voucher per adult per day, butler service, minibar, service, VAT and complimentary access to the spa. carlton-stmoritz.ch

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Racing Life

Lifestyle

MAIN CONCERN A life involving horses, mountains and music – what could be better?

Three feet of snow surrounded the chalet at Christmas 2019

riginally from Alabama, trainer Heather Main didn’t ski until she was 13 years old – after all, snow-capped mountains are in short supply in America’s deep south. Despite calling herself an ‘average’ skier, however, the sport is now a big part of her life – so much so that she and her husband have built a chalet in Switzerland. “We had so much fun building it,” she says, praising the efficiency of the Swiss builders who constructed the fivebedroom Chalet Sans Frontière over the course of six to eight months in 2015, “and it’s just such a wonderful escape, although we don’t get out there as often as we should, because we are so busy with the horses. The interiors are of old wood and stone, and it’s just beautiful – so warm and full of character.” Set over three floors, the chalet has a sauna, den area with TV and bar, a living room and mezzanine library and offers magnificent views of the surrounding Alps and Rhone Valley, with full-height French windows opening on to the terrace “We’re at an elevation of about 1,500 metres near the French-speaking village of Les Agettes, in the heart of the Quatre Vallees ski area,” explains Heather. “At 412 kilometres, it’s one of the largest ski areas in Europe – we are closest to Veysonnaz, but you can ski to

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Natural materials add to the warm feel of the interior

Verbier via Mont Fort, or to Thyon and Nendaz. We are also right by the Piste de L’Ours, which is the women’s championship downhill run.” Having just returned from the Christmas/new year period, where they were treated to over five feet of snow on the pistes and three feet around the chalet, Heather is just as keen on the mountains in summer, when the scenery provides the perfect setting for long walks, accompanied by the melodic chime of cowbells. That said, she was so

Heather Main

busy with training in 2018 that the whole summer slipped by without a single visit. “I’ve been riding since childhood, including rodeo, but it wasn’t until I came to England that I got involved with racehorses,” she explains. “I started out as an amateur jockey and then came to training in 2009. We are based in Oxfordshire and have about 30 horses in training, a large percentage of which are consistent winners – so, touch wood, it’s going well!” Part of Heather’s approach, as has been mentioned previously in the press, is singing – and as someone who studied at Trinity College of Music in London and is a trained professional opera singer, you can be sure that the horses are not being subjected to the artless humming of the average person. Heather laughs when questioned about it. “Oh yes, if you Google ‘Heather Main sings to racehorses’ you’ll see!” she says. “The horses work hard and it can be stressful being an athlete – singing to them helps them to relax.” Chalet Sans Frontière is not formally advertised for rental, although visitors are welcome to contact Heather with enquiries via the chalet’s Facebook Page (facebook.com/swissalpsion). It’s a 90-minute drive from Geneva airport to the chalet, or two hours and 30 minutes from Milan.

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Talking To...

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Emma Lavelle

Galloping

AHEAD

In Paisley Park and De Rasher Counter, trainer Emma Lavelle has two of the season’s stars over hurdles and fences leading the charge as the big festival meetings appear on the horizon Interview: Tim Richards • Photos: George Selwyn

ith Paisley Park wearing the champion staying hurdler’s crown and De Rasher Counter winning this season’s Ladbrokes Trophy, you are reaping the rewards of all your hard work. Are you moving up a gear to a new level? Since we have been at Bonita Racing Stables we have definitely moved up a gear. The facilities make it easier to train good horses and now we have some really nice ones working their way through. It is lovely seeing them in action on the big days, and importantly with a chance of winning. We always aim to compete with the Hendersons and Nicholls, but we’ll never be able to match their numbers. When our horses are in the big races they are not there just to make up the numbers.

Emma Lavelle and Barry Fenton are enjoying a fine season at Bonita Racing Stables

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After paying €60,000 for Paisley Park you nearly lost him to colic after his first run. What makes him such a lovable character and talented racehorse? He has a very nice temperament and absolutely loves polos! Before you tack him up every morning it is really funny to watch him doing his stretching exercises like a cat. He always loves what he’s doing, getting out there on the gallops and off he goes. He is a good eater and enjoys his routine, so for me, he’s a joy to train. And, from Andrew Gemmell’s point of view, he’s a joy to own. Every jumps trainer wants to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Will we see Paisley Park over fences next season?

I very much doubt it. He will continue down the hurdling route because he is so good over his hurdles. If you’re lucky enough, these top staying hurdlers make their mark in their division and tend to stay there. We hope he carries on as he is. Maybe we’ll try to win the Gold Cup with De Rasher Counter!

“Our horses in big races are not there just to make up the numbers” The aforementioned runners are strong staying types that handle testing ground. Is this the type of horse you love to train most of all? Generally, the model of horse we buy is a store destined to become a staying chaser – with a bit of size and scope. At the sales I look at the individual, which has to be athletic, before I look at the page. Gerry Hogan, a great friend of [husband] Barry’s, gave up riding to become a bloodstock agent and joined up with us when I started training and we’ve been together ever since. The store sales have been our starting point as we don’t tend to have owners who pay hundreds of thousands of pounds.

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Talking To... ›› But when we have owners wanting to spend a bit more, we do go after the more expensive point-to-pointers.

Andrew Gemmell, owner of Paisley Park and part-owner of De Rasher Counter, was voted Owner of the Year at both the ROA and HWPA Awards. He is an avid sports lover, despite being blind from birth. Does his enthusiasm rub off on others? Andrew is the most amazing man for lots of reasons. His voice recognition is extraordinary. He visits the yard quite

regularly and when different members of staff speak to him, he knows who they are. He puts the name to the voice every time, which is incredible. The key is that Andrew absolutely loves the horses. ‘Paisley’ is all over Andrew when he visits him, which is one of the wonderful things about the horse. Andrew goes into his box, giving him pats and polos, and that means so much to us because all we want is for owners to be involved and to love and enjoy the horses. Andrew makes it a great journey for all of us. It was as a result of his passion for sport, cricket in particular, that he came to us. He was at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and happened to find himself sitting next to my brother, Alex, who is editor of The Age in Melbourne. Andrew announced he wanted to have a horse in training and Alex was quick to point out, ‘Would you believe, I’ve got just the person for you…’ Were you taking a big gamble in 2016 when you purchased the historic Bonita Racing Stables, near Marlborough? It was a calculated gamble in that it was a big investment. We’d been renting in Andover for 18 years and that was dead money because it wasn’t our

De Rasher Counter leads Paisley Park and two other stablemates on the gallops, which for Paisley Park is preceded by some cat-like stretching exercises (below)

property and we had been investing in it as a business. For us to go forward we needed to buy and Bonita came on the market. It was in need of modernisation and restoration. But the gallops are fantastic and we thought it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We made friends with the bank and gave it a go. It is a 300-acre plot with 150 acres of grass gallops. We put up a 20-box barn and a 24-box American barn, laid an allweather gallop and built three houses. We also put in two walkers, a school and built an office. It was great because it was ours. Sir Gordon Richards was apprenticed to Martin Hartigan here before training here. He was followed by Bob Turnell and then Peter Makin, who sold Bonita to us. Do you ever feel National Hunt racing is the poor relation compared to the Flat’s excesses in prize-money and ever-expanding all-weather fixtures? I don’t think National Hunt racing is the poor relation. The Flat programme has been rolled out to include additional all-weather racing, in some parts being spread very thinly. This hasn’t happened

in the same way with jumping and, by not overdeveloping the programme, the result has been much healthier for us. Look at the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree and how much money they generate through betting. It is important that we safeguard some of that for ourselves, keeping the money for National Hunt. In many ways National Hunt racing is in a more robust position than Flat racing. Does your husband, former jockey Barry Fenton, ride Paisley Park out every day? His feedback must be invaluable as the eight-year-old has a reputation for being a handful after working.. Paisley Park is a real handful after doing strong work and we are pleased when he is back in his box again. Barry was a very good jockey but had to retire early through bad luck with injuries. Above all else, he is a horseman with a passion and great feel for horses. Having him riding Paisley every day is to both Paisley’s and my benefit. He knows the horse inside out and I can only say I’m glad it’s him and not me riding Paisley when he’s

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Emma Lavelle

coming home from the gallops. There’s no badness in Paisley at all. He’s just happy and full of exuberance. You decided not to risk Paisley Park in Ascot’s extreme rain-sodden conditions before Christmas. How big a setback was that to his preparation for Cheltenham? It was not a setback at all. Last season we were racing on goodish ground, which took far less out of him than if he’d been running on soft or heavy. Ascot before Christmas was only three weeks after a pretty hard race at Newbury. The Ascot ground was unbelievably testing and because they raced the day before there were some false patches coming down the hill. We didn’t want to risk him. Next is the Cleeve Hurdle – the race he won at Cheltenham en route to the Festival last year. How is it, husband and wife working closely together 24/7? Who’s the boss? Most of the time it’s brilliant. We’re both strong minded about what we think, and that’s important. You can’t have it that one is a pushover because

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then you don’t really reason and think things through. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when I’m saying we should do this and Barry says we should

“There’s no badness in Paisley at all. He’s just happy and full of exuberance” do that. Whatever the disagreement, I know I could not do the job without him because his feel for the horses, feedback and passion for the job is unbelievable. When Barry’s riding around he has the vision of how we might improve the place. We bring different things to the table. Who’s the boss? That depends on which day of the week it is!

What are the plans for De Rasher Counter now and how far can he go as a chaser? We always thought a lot of De Rasher Counter and after winning his novice at Newbury he just got stronger. Then after Uttoxeter we knew he was improving, his rating was right and we thought the Ladbrokes Trophy could be his race. It’s great when these plans work out. He’s a strong traveller and a very good jumper, those two assets make him quite a potent force. De Rasher Counter has gone up to a mark of 160 and now we’ve got to see if he can take the next step to the Gold Cup or whether he remains just a very good handicapper. The plan has been the Cotswold Chase on Cheltenham’s Trials day at the end of January. Depending on that it could be Gold Cup, Grand National or Scottish National. He is a busy horse that loves his routine; once he’s racing all he’ll do is gallop for you. He’s a bit of an ‘odd-bod’ as he’ll stand in the middle of his stable and weave for no particular reason and every morning chuck his feed box out of his back window.

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Talking To... ››

Is Aidan Coleman a potential champion jockey, and how big a talent is Ben Jones, the conditional rider successful on De Rasher Counter at Newbury? One of the issues for Aidan becoming champion jockey is that he probably needs to get a prolific winning yard behind him. Dickie Johnson has Philip Hobbs and then the choice of three or four other yards, Harry Skelton has Dan Skelton, while Brian Hughes has got the north pretty much stitched up. Aidan has the ability to be champion, but it’s about the size of the suppliers of the rides. Ben Jones has great talent and a proper chance of being able to make it. He has the right grounding in the right yard with Philip Hobbs, who is a great educator of young jockeys. Ben’s dad was a very good point-to-point jockey and has been instrumental in his career. Ben is starting from a great position with a good racing brain and feel for a horse. He’s got to keep getting better but it’s been a very good journey so far. As the new President of the National Trainers Federation, do you have a view on some trainers saying they will no longer employ Flat apprentices, after the BHA changed the rules on riding fee and prize-money percentages? It’s not a matter in which National Hunt trainers have a huge involvement because we deal with conditional jockeys in a different way. For Andrew Balding – someone who doesn’t necessarily put his head above the parapet very often and certainly not in a vocal way – to be so agitated there has to be a flaw in the argument. Also Richard Fahey, Richard Hannon and Mark Johnston the same. They are doing an awful lot to get the apprentices started. My view is they are probably the people who are being punished, rather than the trainers who caused the problem in the first place by not looking after their apprentices properly. The BHA should really come down on those people, not on the trainers who were doing it right. Early in your life you were inspired by the ‘Iron Lady’, Margaret Thatcher and even thought about going into politics yourself. You must be encouraged seeing so many women succeeding in racing. How tough do you need to be to compete with the men? This sport is tough for all of us. It doesn’t make any difference which sex you are, you have to earn your respect. There are lots of different pressures that all trainers deal with and it isn’t about whether

Emma Lavelle

Emma Lavelle describes Paisley Park’s owner Andrew Gemmell as “the most amazing man”

you’re male or female. It’s the same with jockeys; you’re either a good jockey or not so good, it’s not about whether you’re male of female. If you work hard and think about what you’re doing you have a chance of making it whatever sex you are. In the past there were people who broke new ground for women, like Jenny Pitman, and those who took things to a new level, like Henrietta Knight. But peoples’ mindset towards women had changed by then. I still follow politics and I think it is so important for us as an industry to have our voices heard in Westminster, to engage with our local MPs to put forward racing’s case and to be on the front foot. One of your employees, Megan Lyth, is nominated in the newcomer category for the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards this month. How important is this event for the industry? It is a great way of rewarding staff for going above and beyond what is expected of them. There may be only one winner but there are a huge number of people that work in the industry who are just as deserving. The success of the prize winner filters down through the yard, as it has with Meg. She is passionate about the sport but wouldn’t have had any exposure to racing if it wasn’t for Racing To School, who initially took her on a day out to Sandown. What is the worst part of being a trainer… and the best? Without doubt injuries and fatalities are the worst. You spend so much time with the individuals it is heart-breaking when

CLOSE UP AND… PERSONAL

Favourite song/artist… Pompeii by Bastille I am annoyed by… people expecting things without being prepared to work for them Perfect day-off is… cooked breakfast, Barry and I walking the dogs then curling up in front of the television Four dinner party guests… Chris and Claire Bonner, my husband and Mary Berry to do the cooking One luxury on a desert island… gin and tonic

CLOSE UP AND… PROFESSIONAL

Person I most admire… Margaret Thatcher Racing has taught me… to always expect the unexpected Alternative career… politics Most challenging thing I have done… buying Bonita Racing Stables Best advice I’ve been given… “bad horses make bad trainers”, Paul Barber impressed on me when I started out things go wrong. It is very rewarding when you have a horse that isn’t the most talented, but tries its hardest and eventually gets its head in front. When we had our magical weekend with Paisley Park and De Rasher Counter at Newbury all the staff went out to celebrate. That was special, seeing the joy in everyone. You don’t get that buzz in many things in life.

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Point-to-point scene

Pointers to a THRIVING MARKET Flourishing trade has long been driven by the professional Irish operations but the British point-to-point community is showing signs of cottoning on to the increased opportunities in the sale ring Words and photos: Carl Evans

ne of the most vibrant areas of the current bloodstock sales market revolves around the sport of point-to-pointing. Specialist sales have been built around point-to-pointers at Aintree, Cheltenham and Punchestown, while sections dedicated to pointers have been worked into general sales at Doncaster, generating large numbers of six-figure horses. With many going on to achieve success under Rules, the demand shows no sign of slowing. At Tattersalls’ Cheltenham December Sale, the final auction of this kind in 2019, two pointers made £400,000-plus and ten horses sold for six-figure

sums, all generating a profit on their purchase as stores. Tattersalls’ six Cheltenham sales in 2019 turned over £17,715,000 at an average price of £93,777. At the company’s Festival Sale, held during Cheltenham’s four-day March meeting, the average price was £162,381, while at Goffs UK’s Aintree Sale the average was £127,920. The catalogues usually include a few bumper horses or maiden hurdle winners, plus the occasional French juvenile hurdler, but they largely comprise point-

to-pointers who have run once or twice and shown some ability. Ireland dominates the market. It has the stallions and mares that produce the horses, it stages the two leading store-horse sales, it puts on an autumn and spring point-to-point season which provides the showcase opportunities, and has a wealth of talented specialist ‘handlers’, the trainers who turn an unbroken store into a maiden winner at the age of four or five. Schooling grounds, open fields with fences in a circuit, provide many Irish handlers with a chance to polish a horse’s education to ensure they know their job first time out.

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British traders of pointers are playing catch-up from way behind the curve, but they are showing signs of tapping into this market, not through a desire by the Ministry of Agriculture to widen horizons in rural communities, or through a focussed initiative by the BHA. It is down to the ambition of individuals who recognise the opportunities and want a slice of the action. It is their investments – and training abilities – which are being put to the test and have resulted in some eye-catching business. The record price for an exIrish pointer is £480,000 for a son of Flemensfirth called Flemenshill, and while the top ex-British pointer valuation is one of £220,000, that is not insignificant. The horse in question, Network’s son Interconnected, made a handsome profit for the Tom Lacey-driven partnership which bought him for €37,000. After a run for Nicky Henderson Interconnected was resold at Doncaster to dissolve a partnership and became the highestvalued jumper sold at auction when making £620,000. At a time when British point-topointing needs all the horses it can get, the sport has shown awareness of this small but growing sector, reaching out to commercially-minded people who want opportunities to showcase their store purchases. Peter Wright, Chief Executive of the Point-to-Point Authority (PPA), is mindful that point-to-pointing was founded in the hunting field (as was jump racing) and grew as a fun way for amateurs to race over fences. Those who still enjoy that side of the sport – one that has become rare at Irish point-to-points – are not easily won over to the idea of commercialism. They baulk at the prospect of sending out their homebred or cheaply-

Peter Wright: ‘new races proved popular’

“We hope we are catering for all our groups, we need a broad church” bought maiden against a Derby or Land Rover Sale graduate costing €50,000 to €80,000 or more. Reflecting on his desire to keep pointing as a sport for all, Wright says: “For the current season we introduced two series of races, one for owner/trainers and another for veteran horses. However, for those hoping to bring on a young horse we also have

a new series restricted to four- and fiveyear-old maidens – these are sponsored by Goffs UK and Tattersalls Cheltenham – in addition to our open maiden races, and we have 19 point-to-point Flat races [bumpers, to use a familiarly-heard term] over two miles and restricted to four- and five-year-olds. “They have proved very popular, with 22 runners in year one [2017], 108 in year two and 187 last year. There are also three point-to-point Flat races held on licensed courses – at Exeter, Aintree and Stratford – and restricted to four-, five- and sixyear-olds who have won or been placed in a maiden race or point-to-point Flat race.” That trio of races also offer the carrot of the TBA’s 3-2-1 Bonus, worth up to £3,000 and which rewards the first filly across the line, and in part justifies Wright’s claim that “pointing is working hard to assist in the development of UK breeding stock”. Backing that up is an 18-race series of maiden races for mares sponsored by the Jockey Club. Wright adds: “We recognise that some people want to buy and sell young horses, some want a mix of young and older horses, and others are in the sport purely for fun, and we hope we are catering for all those groups. We need a broad church for the sport to flourish.”

Trading a way of staying in pointing

Britain’s champion trainer of pointers, Tom Ellis, says the opportunity to sell a horse is his only hope of staying in a sport which he has long enjoyed.

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Hazel Hill (centre): seen winning last month at Sheriff Hutton

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Point-to-point scene

SARAH FARNSWORTH/GOFFS UK

setting a chain in motion. Energumene and Ramillies are but two young horses sold by Lacey to none other than Willie Mullins, and both have run well in novice events in recent weeks. Lacey has not been uncritical of the sport in Britain, in particular of meetings where his four-year-olds have been ineligible for maiden races, ruled out by conditions which stipulate horses must be

Interconnected sells for £620,000 to become the highest valued jumper sold at auction

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A former rider who gained honours in the south Midlands region, he is married to Gina Andrews, Britain’s six-time champion woman rider. Ellis, who has built a yard on his family’s Warwickshire farm, says: “The ability to train and sell a young horse is very important for us. We make very little out of training, and while we don’t pay rent we have plenty of staff and it wouldn’t stack up for us if we couldn’t trade a horse. “The older, fun pointers, are important, but we wouldn’t buy and race young horses if there wasn’t an opportunity to sell them.” The Ellis-trained Eurobot made £105,000 at Aintree two years ago, while recently-retired jump jockey Charlie Poste and his wife Fran Nimmo have been slowly inflating their investment in stores, spending more to buy better prospects. They were rewarded in 2019 with the sales of Garry Clermont, who was bought for €24,000 and sold on for £150,000, and Switch Hitter, whose value rose from €26,000 to £120,000 after a winning debut in a point-to-point. They also traded several other horses for fivefigure sums that represented profitable investments. Peter Fahey, the son of Flat trainer

Richard, and Nicky Tinkler, have tapped into the market from their Yorkshire stables, while Chris Barber, a greatnephew of leading jumps owner Paul Barber, is growing his pinhooking operation in Dorset. Shropshire’s Phil Rowley, who trained Hazel Hill to win last season’s Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase, has trained numerous young pointers who have then gone to auction, among them Blossoming Forth, whose sale for £130,000 at Doncaster in May set a record for a filly or mare from the British pointing field. The beacon for many of these traders has been Herefordshire-based Tom Lacey, who studied the Irish model and worked out that horses bought as stores had to possess size and scope, be well-bred by fashionable sires, and had to show their merit in their first or second point-topoint. After that they would be regarded as too exposed and their value would fall. He began gaining rewards in the ring, and while it occasionally frustrated him that his horses’ valuations did not match the prices paid for Irish pointers, that was the penalty for being a pathfinder. The market was unsure about the value of UK form, yet Lacey sold several horses for six-figure sums at public auction – in addition to some he traded privately –

“The ability to sell a young horse is very important, we need to trade” five or older, or to have run in at least two races. Such conditions were brought in at some fixtures because it was felt runner numbers fell when expensive store horses were entered, and the sport wanted to offer races to horses who would remain in pointing and go on to the next level. Lacey got around the barricade with Ramillies by running him in a restricted race – the equivalent of Ireland’s winnersof-one-race – and then selling him for £215,000.

Foot and mouth changed the game

Embracing pure amateurism and the participation for fun with the growing area of buy-to-sell pointers is one which the sport in Britain now contemplates. Commentator and auctioneer Richard Pugh is the founder of p2p.ie, the go-to website for all things relating to Irish

Tom Ellis: champion trainer of pointers

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point-to-pointing, and he is also Tattersalls Ireland’s director of horses in training. An expert on Irish pointing, Pugh believes that an autumn season, beginning in October, is “crucial” to future prosperity for those in Britain who want to run and then sell a pointer. Pugh says: “In Ireland the autumn season is not just crucial, it’s the very core. It is true that Irish pointers were being sold before an autumn season was created, and men like Tom Costello and Padge Berry traded plenty of pointers, but they didn’t have to do so to put bread on the table.” The foot and mouth outbreak of 2001 changed the game, for while racing under Rules buckled, abandoning meetings in hot-spot areas which included that year’s Cheltenham Festival, point-to-pointing shut down on both sides of the Irish Sea. This was partly due to the rural nature of many venues, but also out of sympathy and a sense of unity with farmers. Deprived of opportunities to race their horses, and therefore advertise their ability, Irish handlers turned to the Turf Club for help, and a one-off, eight-week run of autumn point-to-points was staged to enable horses to be raced and then sold. The experiment worked so well that the Turf Club was pressed to allow another autumn season in 2002, and it has continued to this day, leading to expansion in the trading of young pointto-pointers, a raft of new, often youthful

Richard Pugh: ‘autumn season is crucial’

handlers who specialise in the trade, and a series of bloodstock auctions dedicated to that area of the market. Pugh says: “Without foot and mouth it is not certain anyone would have come up with the idea of an autumn season, or considered putting in place the mechanics and funding for one. Before then there was no business model that could be sustained from pointing alone, but now we have a 12-month cycle, with a very short break in the summer. “Stores are bought in the early summer, then broken and ridden away before the autumn season starts. That is followed by the spring season which

completes the year, keeping staff and stables busy over 12 months. “If a four-year-old proves too backward to run in the spring, or if the ground is too quick or too soft, it can be given time before running in the autumn – vendors no longer have to wait a full year to race a backward horse, and that also benefits the buyers and the horses.” Britain’s season opens in midNovember, six weeks later than in Ireland, yet Peter Wright says: “Three hunts or clubs did want to stage October meetings last year, but there was no real interest from others to put on subsequent meetings. Without them we would have had a disjointed programme. “Time is an issue, too. Irish pointto-pointing receives €2.2 million from the Irish government via Horse Racing Ireland, some of which goes to sorting out regulatory matters. We don’t receive such help, and while we are completing regulatory issues in June, they are finalised at the BHA’s September meeting, which gives us little time to complete fixture plans and publish details before the current season opens.” Yet despite the clear evidence that Ireland does a very good job of turning stores into valuable pointers, Pugh says Britain still scores heavily in some areas. He believes Irish pointing needs to take a leaf from the British model and reward owner/riders and those who train veteran horses “in case the bubble [demand for four-year-old pointers] should soften”.

Eurobot (nearside): sold for £105,000 at the 2018 Goffs UK Aintree Sale following an impressive debut win at Andoversford

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WinStar Farm

It’s in the

STARS

Audible and Yoshida have taken the roster number at WinStar Farm to 19, with a tremendous and enviable spread of experience and potential Words: Emma Berry

ream big. That’s the motto at WinStar Farm as well as a mantra for breeders worldwide. And, as WinStar celebrates its 20th anniversary, there’s plenty to keep that dream alive. During those two decades, the stallion roster has grown from two to 19 – the venerable Distorted Humor, now 27, bridging the era of the Preston brothers’ ownership of the Bluegrass farm under its previous moniker of Prestonwood, to its present-day status as the bloodstock empire of Kenny Troutt. As the Kentucky operation moves into its third decade it has welcomed two new names to its line-up for 2020: the Grade 1 Florida Derby winner Audible, a son of the newly crowned American champion sire Into Mischief, and the dual Grade 1 winner Yoshida. As the latter’s name suggests, he originates from the east but one doesn’t need to look too far back in his pedigree to find names with which breeders in the west, particularly in the US, will be more than familiar. There’s always a risk involved when naming a horse in honour of a person, but it worked for Frankel and it has also worked for Yoshida, who is by Sunday’s Silence’s increasingly prevalent son Heart’s Cry. In the case of the new WinStar stallion, his name comes from his breeder, Katsumi Yoshida of Japan’s Northern Farm, but it could equally apply to Katsumi’s father, Zenya Yoshida, the founder of Shadai Farm who was responsible for arguably the most significant chapter in the history of Japanese thoroughbred breeding when importing Sunday Silence in 1991. In hindsight, it seems extraordinary

that the 1989 Horse of the Year ended up heading to the Shadai Stallion Station only because he was given such a lukewarm reception by breeders in Kentucky. Mind you, Sunday Silence’s breeder, Arthur B Hancock III, had been unable to sell the son of Halo as a yearling and as a two-year-old and ended up racing him in partnership with Dr Ernest Gaillard and trainer Charlie Whittingham. Zenya Yoshida bought a quarter-share in Sunday Silence during his four-year-old season and, after Hancock was unable to sell more than a handful of shares in him despite his first-class racing record, the Japanese breeder bought out his partners and took his new stallion home. Neither he nor his sons Katsumi, Teruya and Haruya will have regretted that move. Sunday Silence led the Japanese sires’ table from 1995, when members of his first crop turned three, consistently through to 2007, five years after he had succumbed to laminitis. His legacy is immense. “In American bloodstock, if you look back over the last several decades, I think the one horse every American thinks ‘damn, we let him get away’ was Sunday Silence,” says WinStar’s Director of Bloodstock Services Sean Tugel. It’s easy to see why. Following Sunday Silence’s dominance, his son Deep Impact has written his own important chapter in Japanese breeding and was crowned champion sire for the ninth year running in 2019, five months after his death. In second place last year was Heart’s Cry, who, at 19, is no spring chicken, but is stealthily compiling his

Sean Tugel, WinStar Farm’s Director of Bloodstock Services, describes Yoshida as an “incredible son of Sunday Silence” but says it is his dam, Hilda’s Passion, that sets him apart

own impressive stud record. Yoshida was an important international Group/Grade 1 winner for him, along with Japan’s current Horse of the Year, the Cox Plate and Arima Kinen winner Lys Gracieux, and the late Caulfield Cup winner Admire Rakti. Heart’s Cry’s good season was also boosted by a second winner of the Japan Cup, Suave Richard. “We’ve all seen what Sunday Silence and his sons did for the Japanese market – we’ve certainly had our share of very good stallions here, such as Storm Cat, but it is very exciting to bring this horse here,” adds Tugel of Yoshida. “It was a little bit of a challenge when we first retired him, to educate the American breeders about Heart’s Cry, but he is an incredible son of Sunday Silence, who was a champion sire and who was by Halo, who was a champion sire. But I think what really separates Yoshida from

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LUCAS MARQUARDT/THOROSTRIDE

a lot of other horses who have been born or run overseas is his dam.” Yoshida’s dam Hilda’s Passion was not only a multiple graded stakes winner herself over seven furlongs but her record as a broodmare continues to grow. Bought by Katsumi Yoshida for $1,225,000 at Keeneland, she produced Yoshida, the winner of the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes on dirt and Grade 1 Old Forester Turf Classic on turf, as her second foal, while her fifth, the threeyear-old Deep Impact filly Sanctuaire, won the Grade 3 Sho Shinzan Kinen at Kyoto on January 12. “Having that American mare, that dirt speed, that really is what people crave here, and having been a track recordsetter and Grade 1 winner at Saratoga is what gets us most excited,” Tugel notes. “Once people have come out to see this horse and they see what sort of an

Feb_186_WinStar.indd 55

athlete he is, he’s a horse who has been very well received since retiring.” Also on Yoshida’s side is the fact that he raced in Group/Grade 1 company

“It’s very exciting to bring Yoshida here, he’s been well received” 11 times over three seasons, travelling to Royal Ascot, where he was only just over a length behind Accidental Agent when fifth in the Queen Anne Stakes, and

to Dubai for the World Cup. His fellow retiree Audible was with him at Meydan, finishing one place ahead in the World Cup in fifth. The previous season Audible had gone into the Kentucky Derby on the back of his victories in the Florida Derby and Grade 2 Holy Bull Stakes. His eventual third-place finish at Churchill Downs was behind Justify, en route to Triple Crown glory. “Certainly it looks like Into Mischief could be the next breedchanging sire,” says Tugel. “The early success of his son Goldencents is another boost when you get to retire a Grade 1-winning son of Into Mischief. Audible was a $500,000 two-year-old bought at the Fasig-Tipton Miami sale and he won one of the fastest Florida Derbys for a long time. “With Into Mischief, a lot of times you question if his offspring can stretch

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Audible: Grade 1 winner also joins the roster

›› out. Audible, like Goldencents, was very

effective around two turns, but he also had the speed and hopefully he can be that son of Into Mischief who can get you a Classic type of horse.” The world of bloodstock has shrunk significantly during the rise of WinStar Farm. Its President and CEO Elliott Walden has been at the vanguard of the increasingly prevalent ‘power partnerships’ formed by an amalgamation of leading breeding operations, usually with the aim of buying potential stallion prospects internationally during their yearling days. In the case of Yoshida, Audible and Justify, WinStar has owned all three horses with a variety of partners, including China Horse Club, SF Racing and Head of Plains Partners. “Our original relationship was with SF Bloodstock,” Tugel explains. “Tom Ryan of SF Bloodstock was over in Japan with Elliott and bought Yoshida at the Select Sale, and our relationship with China Horse Club has really expanded. It’s a little bit of the Australian model being brought to us, and we are focusing on buying colts and in the long term having

them come to the stallion barn. If you can show up and buy 25 very well-bred colts at an average of maybe $350,000 and spread it out over those numbers, you spend the same amount of money that you would do if you had to put all your eggs in one basket. It certainly helps us to be able to home-grow stallion prospects, and that initial investment into that stallion has been much less substantial than if you have to buy the proven product. It works well for us and it works well for the partnership. We also partner in Australia with Newgate Farm and China Horse Club.” With 19 stallions on

the roster, clearly they will be at varying stages of their careers. While hope springs eternal every time a new sire walks through the door, nerves can start to jangle as their first yearlings head to market and later to the racecourse. Any such tremors have been quelled in the case of WinStar’s young son of Tapit, Constitution, whose first runners took to the track in 2019 and helped their sire to second place in the freshman table behind Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, a son of the late WinStar resident Pioneerof The Nile. Constitution’s 29 winners – two more than American Pharoah – include five black-type winners led by the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes hero Tiz The Law. Tugel says: “Constitution entered stud at a respectable $25,000 and was well supported early on, but obviously when a horse’s first two-year-olds hit the track you’re always holding your breath a little bit. Through the two-year-old sales he was a horse who made a lot of people take notice but then he just kept proving himself last year all the way through to the end. He has three or four very legitimate colts for the Derby trail from his first crop so it’s very exciting.” As his name suggests, the Barclay Tagg-trained Tiz The Law is out of a mare by another WinStar stalwart, the dual Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Tiznow, while Constitution is himself out of a daughter of Distorted Humor. Tugel adds: “Constitution almost has a similar profile to

›› TATTERSALLS

DRC/NEVILLE HOPWOOD

WinStar Farm

Elliott Walden is President, CEO and Racing Manager of WinStar Farm

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WinStar Farm

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LINZAY MARKS/WINSTAR FARM

More Than Ready: international influence

Distorted Humor, who was kind of the blue-collar kid. Nobody really put him on a pedestal before he had runners but then he came out flying with his first crop of two-year-olds and just climbed the ladder. Constitution’s progeny winning at the racetracks they are winning at, he’s kind of saying, ‘Everybody watch me’.” Another young stallion which the WinStar team hopes will be emitting a similar message is the homebred Speightster, who joined his sire

Speightstown on the roster and has his first runners this year. “More Than Ready, Tiznow and Distorted Humor are all elite stallions that we’ve been lucky to have at Winstar and Speightstown is another,” Tugel says. “He’s a perennial top-ten sire and his sales averages are excellent. The great thing about him is that five of his 15 Grade 1 winners have won at a mile and a quarter and he was a champion sprinter. He can do anything and he has

had four sons so far to produce Grade 1 winners, which gives a lot of confidence for Speightster.” A number of the younger WinStar stallions, and indeed many other stakes winners, have benefited from the dedicated training facility which neighbours the breeding farm in Versailles. Former trainer Walden has been WinStar’s Racing Manager since 2005, a role he now combines with being CEO and President. He is assisted on the racing side by Tugel, who says: “Our entire crop of two-year-olds are broken and pre-trained here. We have a sevenfurlong oval and two turf gallops, as well as an uphill dirt gallop. “Justify did all his pre-training here and we have lots of clients who have been very generous with supporting our programme. We get the horses going for three-eighths or even half-mile breezes here on the farm before we send them to the trainers, and by then you get a pretty good idea of what kind of horse they are.” He adds: “It’s all contained right here and the communication is easy. A lot of these are homebreds and I think it helps to be able to see any idiosyncrasies. A mare may be passing on certain traits and that helps you know what you need to do in adjusting your breeding programme. I think it helps the overall operation, the more knowledge you have of all your bloodstock.”

Breeders visiting WinStar during the traditional January open house days will doubtless have been pleased to bear witness to one of the greats of the Kentucky scene in the modern era, Distorted Humor. A champion as freshman and in the general sires’ list, the 27-year-old son of Forty Niner is also a revered broodmare sire, and one of the few living wonders among champions in this sphere. He is one of a quintet of stallions in their 20s at the stud, along with More Than Ready, Speightstown, Congrats and Tiznow. “Distorted Humor is on the back-end of his career but he has certainly made his stamp on the breed,” says Sean Tugel, WinStar’s Director of Bloodstock Services. “His daughters are crown jewels and he’s the broodmare sire of three very exciting young stallions – Constitution, Practical Joke, and everyone is really excited to see what

kind of stallion Arrogate could become. “He’s a grand-looking old guy and when you bring him out even hardened breeders want to get their picture with him because he’s a very special horse.” He adds: “Obviously at his age any year could be his last but while he’s still physically able to serve mares and it’s not something that puts him at risk or anybody else at risk, he will have a limited book. We’re not out there hustling mares to him.” Another wonder of longevity, especially when considering his dualhemisphere stud career, is More Than Ready, who is now 23. The broad appeal of the grandson of Halo also serves as extra encouragement in the introduction of Yoshida, from the same sireline. “It’s crazy to think that More Than Ready has just made his 19th round trip to Australia,” notes Tugel of the sire of 200 stakes winners. “He’s a horse that

Distorted Humor: “very special”

LINZAY MARKS/WINSTAR FARM

The old guard still commanding plenty of attention and respect

keeps getting better with age. Uni was his seventh Breeders’ Cup winner. He does it on turf, he does it on dirt, he does it long, he does it short. He’s just a cool horse to be around and he keeps it interesting every year.”

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www.redmills.com 10/12/2019 09:39

Breeders’ Digest

Nancy Sexton Bloodstock Editor

Our bloodstock coverage this month includes: Sales Circuit: Top end of point-to-point market continues to buzz – pages 62-68 Caulfield Files: American Pharoah bridging the gap in second career – pages 70-71 Dr Statz: Damsire standings cast lesser names in new light – page 94

Transparency must improve in the wake of the BHA sales review

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TATTERSALLS

cloud that has been hanging over the industry for some time finally showed some sign of lifting as 2019 came to an end with the release of the BHA’s long-awaited review into the practice of buying and selling of bloodstock. Commissioned by the BHA back in June 2017 and led by Justin Felice, a former leading police officer, the 83-page review stresses that the “vast majority of industry participants appear to display high standards of integrity” and that ‘the bloodstock industry is largely a safe and secure environment in which to buy and sell bloodstock’. Against that, however, Felice also warns that there are “a small number of unscrupulous individuals identified repeatedly by different interviewees as people who pose a real risk to the integrity and reputation of the entire bloodstock industry”. Felice also went as far as to write: “We have found clear and compelling evidence of widespread instances of breaches of agency and fiduciary duties... which in certain circumstances also constitute potential criminal offences, including under one or more of the Bribery Act 2010, the Fraud Act 2006 and the Criminal Law Act 1977. There are also concerns that certain alleged practices could constitute money laundering and/or tax fraud offences.” Eight recommendations were made within the report, notably the creation of an industry forum. That is already in motion with different sectors of the business having come together to launch the Bloodstock Industry Forum (BIF). It held its first meeting in September and now comprises representatives of the Federation of Bloodstock Agents, Goffs, the National Trainers Federation, the ROA, Tattersalls, the TBA, the Breeze Up Consignors Association and the BHA. As such, thankfully there is a willingness from these major parties to address the problems highlighted. A temptation to bury heads in the sand,

The publication of ownership details of lots catalogued would be a sensible step

a seemingly more appealing option to some others within different sectors, is not going to work. For some, the most striking aspect of the review will not be the words of Felice but those anonymous quotes peppered throughout the 83 pages. One breeder was quoted as saying that the “level of corruption is widespread but it is hard to prove as crooked vendors will not want to expose crooked bloodstock agents”. Another noted “younger agents coming into the industry are seeing examples of what their elders are up to and expect that this is the norm and they do the same”. On the other hand, another felt that “the industry is cleaner than the perception”. Several of the review’s recommendations will be met with resistance. For that, my money is on the notion that the BHA should act as regulator of the industry. It will also be interesting to see how much traction is gained behind the idea that agents should be licensed. One real step towards transparency would be the publication of ownership details of lots catalogued, something that would surely bring an element of much needed trust to the selling process. As it is, details of the breeders in question are readily available, though on occasions they only reveal half the story and are obviously not particularly helpful when it comes to pinhooks. British racing is always in search of new owners and investment. In

the long run, any move to strengthen transparency in the sales ring will be a positive piece in the jigsaw. The key is trust and while the manner in which the release of information relating to the review back in the summer didn’t please everyone, now is probably the time for the bloodstock industry to do what it can and work together to address the issues raised.

KAYF TARA’S PURPLE PATCH

The jumping landscape in Britain would look very different were it not for Overbury Stud’s stalwart Kayf Tara. Britain’s leading jumps sire for well over a decade now, his importance to British breeding has yet again been emphasised in recent weeks, notably via Thyme Hill, who became his tenth individual Grade 1 winner over jumps when striking in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury in late December. Ballyandy, meanwhile, reeled in Pentland Hills to land last month’s The New One Unibet Hurdle at Haydock to set himself up for a crack at the Champion Hurdle on the same card that another son, Edwardstone, ran a fine second in the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle. Now 26, Kayf Tara is entering the twilight of his stud career but as recent weeks show, thankfully his story is far from over. Indeed, he once again looks primed to play a vital role in the fortunes of British-breds at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Sales Circuit • By Carl Evans

TATTERSALLS CHELTENHAM

Impressive win and reputable team the key to Gallyhill sale

Gallyhill in the Cheltenham ring, where he commanded a winning bid of £450,000 from former trainer Henrietta Knight

Tattersalls Cheltenham December Sale

Is it any wonder that when a young trainer’s first point-to-point runner sells soon after for £450,000 that other youthful entrepreneurs regard pinhooking stores as an exciting career? In truth such ambitions need research, and a quick look at the case

of Gallyhill, who made the bumper sum at this sale, reveals that Jamie Sloan, 28, had one of the most respected teams behind him when he set up as a trainer in County Antrim. He did so at the home of Ian Ferguson, a legendary trader and trainer of jumpers, whose decision to concentrate on advising clients rather

than training horses opened the door for his protege. In addition, Gallyhill was a son of leading jumps sire Getaway and owned by Wilson Dennison, a man whose purchase of stores of all ages has led to some bumper results in the ring. At Cheltenham in February 2017 Dennison sold the once-raced, but subsequently ill-fated, Flemenshill – also

Tattersalls Cheltenham December Sale Top lots Name/sex/breeding

Vendor

Price (£)

Buyer

Gallyhill g Getaway – Tanit Sir Gerhard g Jeremy – Faanan Aldaar

Loughanmore Farm (Jamie Sloan)

450,000

Henrietta Knight

Coolmeen Stables (Ellmarie Holden)

400,000

Gordon Elliott Racing

Kalkas g Kapgarde – Fortunateencounter

Francois Nicolle

210,000

Bertrand Le Metayer Bloodstock

Es Perfecto g Shirocco – Shadow Dearg

Ballinadrummin Stables (Colm Murphy)

170,000

Highflyer Bloodstock/A King

Rose Of Arcadia f Arcadio – Rosie Lea

Ballyvic Stables (Danny Fitzsimmons)

170,000

Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock/C Tizzard

Three-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (£)

Average (£)

Median (£)

Top price (£)

2019

3,589,000

89,725

60,000

450,000

2018

3,587,500

83,430

65,000

295,000

2017

3,777,500

80,372

50,000

400,000

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Overview and analysis of the latest events in the ring TALKING POINTS

TATTERSALLS CHELTENHAM

• In 2018 there were no French horses in this sale or the November version, but they reappeared 12 months later. The November Sale saw one French entry who was sold for £60,000, while at the December Sale there were five horses from France – four three-year-olds and one four-year-old. Two failed to sell, one made £75,000 (to Edinburgh Woollen Mills), another sold for £100,000 (to Kate Harrington), while the third, Kalkas, was knocked down for £210,000 to Bertrand Le Metayer. He said the gelded son of Kapgarde would be heading back to France.

Henrietta Knight: on hand to strike the successful bid for an unnamed buyer

trained in County Antrim, but by Colin McKeever – to Alan Potts for £480,000, the sum which remains a record at public auction for a pointer. Now Dennison lies behind the second-highest valuation too. Gallyhill’s impressive debut win at Kirkistown a couple of weeks before the sale caught the eye of all the leading

agents and trainers, but it was Henrietta Knight who brought the hammer down on behalf of an unnamed buyer. One month later the new owner and trainer remained a mystery. This was not the only sky-rocketing transaction at this sale, for Gordon Elliott, who had been underbidder for Gallyhill, parted with £400,000 for once-raced winner Sir Gerhard, a son of Jeremy whose death at the age of 11 in 2014 is proving a bitter pill for jump breeders. Trainer Ellmarie Holden and her father Paul had bought Sir Gerhard for €72,000 as a store. These two big-scale sales were far in advance of the leading price at the same event in 2018, but the horse

who topped the day on that occasion, Chantry House, is proving well worth the £295,000 he cost. He won on the Cheltenham card a few hours before this sale and is a leading contender for novice hurdle honours at the Festival. Tattersalls revamped this auction by dropping a section of unraced breezeup jumping horses whose popularity had been waning. There are no longer any such breeze-up sales on either side of the Irish Sea. Their omission meant the clearance rate rose to 74% from 68%, and the big-money horses helped the average price gain 7.5%. Six-figure lots dropped from 15 to ten, pulling down the median by eight per cent, while turnover held steady.

Big-money business for pointers has a knock-on effect, improving trade for three-year-old stores and jump-bred foals. That simple chain of command could be witnessed at this two-day sale of jumping stock, where a colt foal by Soldier Of Fortune headed trade when selling for €72,000 to pinhooker Adrian Costello, who relegated Pine Tree Stud’s Timmy Hillman to the underbidder’s role. The price had been beaten twice by a weanling at the 2018 edition, at which the €230,000 mare Whistle Dixie set a record price for the event. A lack of such sparklers at the 2019 renewal did not spoil the figures, which showed the average price was unmoved and that a 16% rise had been achieved in the median price. Turnover, which went past €5 million for the first time, was up 14%, but that was in part due to a bigger catalogue which resulted in 71 more horses walking the ring. The combination of a notable Flat sire and a jumps-bred mare resulted in the €68,000 sale of a colt by Mastercraftsman out of an unraced King’s Theatre mare whose three foals to race have all won Grade 2 races. The most recent is Bun Doran, who landed Kempton’s Desert Orchid Chase after

Feb_186_SaleCircuit.indd 63

GOFFS

Goffs December NH Sale

The colt foal by Soldier Of Fortune out of Brog Beanri who headed trade at €72,000

his foal half-brother had been sold at this event to Peter Nolan. Dick Frisby, who bought Bun Doran as a foal, was underbidder to Nolan, but he went on to be the sale’s leading buyer by aggregate, securing

eight horses for €210,600. Second on the list was Rathmore Stud’s Peter Molony who has been enjoying some heady reflected glory with unbeaten Honeysuckle, the €110,000 mare he bought at Goffs’ Punchestown Sale for

››

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Sales Circuit ››

his client Kenneth Alexander. Molony’s purchases included a Milan filly for €54,000. Walk In The Park had been the sire responsible for the 2018 sale’s €90,000 top foal, and he once again made a mark when one of his sons was sold to Gerry Aherne for €64,000.

made €58,000 to head the sale’s list of mares. Alighting’s half-brother, Don Poli, may be some way removed from this Grade 1-winning best, but he recently qualified for Cheltenham’s Foxhunter Chase after winning his second British point-to-point.

Michael Moore’s Ballincurrig House Stud led consignors by trading 32 lots for €595,050, while the name of Gigginstown House Stud appeared among the top sellers by reaping €182,000 for four broodmares. The pick on price, seven-year-old Kayf Tara mare Alighting with a Diamond Boy cover,

Goffs December NH Sale Top lots Name/sex/breeding

Vendor

b c Soldier Of Fortune – Brog Beanri

Garryrichard Stud

ch c Mastercraftsman – Village Queen b c Walk In The Park – La Segnora

Price (€)

Buyer

72,000

Park Farm

Mary Griffin/Ballyshannon Stud

68,000

Peter Nolan Bloodstock

Gary Adams/Ashwood Stud

64,000

Prospect Stables

Alighting m Kayf Tara – Dalamine

Gigginstown House Stud

58,000

Babbinswood Ltd

b c Blue Bresil – Miss Izzy

White Bloodstock

56,000

Kevin Ross/Killeen Glebe

Three-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Average (€)

Median (€)

Top price (€)

2019

367

5,921,850

14,419

10,500

72,000

2018

318

4,631,650

14,565

9,000

230,000

2017

349

4,266,300

12,224

8,200

100,000

Set against a backdrop of record temperatures and raging bush fires this three-book sale turned over Aus$188.5m (£99.5m), a record for a southern hemisphere bloodstock auction – and there was some rain too! International buyers competing with domestic racehorse trainers and their multitude of syndicates drove trade on, leading Magic Millions’ Managing Director Barry Bowditch to say: “It’s been another incredible carnival. To eclipse last year’s record-breaking sale was a goal – but deep down I didn’t think it was possible. “To return record figures for gross and average and a clearance rate of more than 87% across all six days of yearlings is incredibly rewarding.” A $1.9m son of Japan’s late, great sire Deep Impact headed trade. Consigned by John Messara’s Arrowfield Stud, this first foal out of the Redoute’s Choice Group 3-winning Honesty Prevails was knocked down to Sydney trainer Richard Litt, acting for a patron at his stables, Ottavio Galletta. Litt thanked Galletta for backing his judgement, and then said: “Now it’s my job to deliver.” This was one of four million-dollar sales on day two of the event, which contained nearly 900 catalogued lots in Book 1 alone. The top-priced filly also

MAGIC MILLIONS

Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

This Deep Impact colt out of a Redoute’s Choice mare led the way on the Gold Coast

sold during this session – a daughter of Written Tycoon, she made $1.5m to a bid from agent Sheamus Mills having been consigned by John Singleton’s Strawberry Hill Stud. Tom Magnier, who heads Coolmore’s Australia division, was in action with a couple of seven-figure purchases and while they included a $1.1m Exceed And Excel colt who topped day one, the pick of yearlings by the Darley sire was a $1.8m colt who was sold to the Hawkes family, namely John and his sons Michael and Wayne. Their purchase was foaled by Grade 1 winner Platelet.

Day one saw the team of trainer Chris Waller and agent Guy Mulcaster pay $1.05m for an I Am Invincible colt, but this is a sale which has been kind to them. They will long be known for their 2013 purchase of Winx for $230,000, while their 2017 investment in Madam Rouge worth $310,000 paid off during the Saturday of the sale, known as Magic Millions Raceday, when she won the $1m Magic Millions Snippets. The same day’s 2yo Classic, worth $2m, was won by Away Game, who had been bought by Kerri Radcliffe for $425,000 at last year’s sale. Book 1’s average broke a quarter of a million dollars for the first time, rising four per cent, there was a five per cent aggregate increase and a six per cent rise in the median price.

››

TALKING POINTS • Australia’s bush fires have rocked people around the world and made news headlines to match the worst ‘natural’ disasters. Vendors and traders at this auction raised Aus$1.1m towards the Bushfire Appeal, a sum helped by the $100,000 contribution from Victoria breeder Sam Duke following the $160,000 sale of his colt by Rubick.

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FIRST FOALS 2020

RAJASINGHE C H O I S I R - B U N D I T T E N ( S OV I E T S TA R ) £ 5 , 0 0 0

A N O U T S TA N D I N G R O YA L A S C O T G R . 2 WINNING SPRINTER

FIRST BOOK OF MARES F E AT U R E D M U LT I P L E BLACK TYPE PRODUCERS

“ W E H AV E S E N T RA J A S I N G H E N U M E R O U S HIGH QUALITY MARES AND PLAN TO S U P P O R T H I M H E AV I LY AT T H E S A L E S ” RICHARD SPENCER, REBEL RACING

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Sales Circuit Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale Top lots Sex/breeding

Vendor

Price (A$)

Buyer

b c Deep Impact - Honesty Prevails

Arrowfield Stud

1,900,000

Galletta Construction Co Pty Ltd

b c Exceed and Excel - Platelet

Cressfield

1,800,000

Hawkes Racing

ch f Written Tycoon - Karuta Queen

Strawberry Hill

1,500,000

Sheamus Mills Bloodstock

b c Hinchinbrook - Harlem Heat

Yarraman Park

1,150,000

James Bester Bloodstock/Tom Magnier

b c Exceed and Excel - Dream in Colour

Milburn Creek

1,100,000

Tom Magnier

b c Redoute’s Choice - Gresset

Bhima Thoroughbreds

1,100,000

An Zhiqiang

b c I Am Invincible - Adrift

Segenhoe Stud

1,050,000

Waller Racing/Mulcaster Bloodstock

b c I Am Invincible - Amanpour

Rosemont Stud

1,000,000

Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott Racing

b f I Am Invincible - Set to Unleash

Yarraman Park

1,000,000

Asian Bloodstock Services

gr c Exceed and Excel - Smokin’ Alice

Edinburgh Park

1,000,000

Gerald Ryan/David Raphael

Three-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (A$)

Average (A$)

Median (A$)

Top price (A$)

2020

709

177,407,000

250,221

180,000

1,900,000

2019

707

169,545,000

239,809

170,000

1,700,000

2018

695

156,985,000

225,878

160,000

2,000,000

The American sales year opened at Keeneland in January in much the same fashion as it had left off in 2019; anything deemed commercial commanded top dollar while those in possession of something even a little adrift of the mark was held hostage to a soft market, writes Nancy Sexton. A solid rather than spectacular catalogue was enhanced significantly at the last minute by a series of high-profile supplementary entries, and they duly accounted for three of the top four lots. Enaya Alrabb, who ran Chasing Yesterday to a head when second in the 2018 Grade 1 Starlet Stakes at Los Alamitos, proved the star attraction, selling to agent James Schenck for $640,000. The price represented a great turn for owner Enaya Racing, who had paid ‘just’ $140,000 for the filly, a relation to champion Rachel Alexandra, through the BBA Ireland at the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. It was a busy sale for Schenck, whose mission to compile a high-quality broodmare band on behalf of a new investor also included the purchase of Uncle Mo’s half-sister Confidently for $560,000. A daughter of War Front, and therefore also a sister to Aidan O’Brien’s 2018 Irish 1,000 Guineas second Could It Be Love, Confidently contributed to an excellent return to the marketplace for Craig Bernick’s Glen Hill Farm, a Florida-

››

KEENELAND

Keeneland January Sale – Book 1

The session-topping Grade 1 runner-up Enaya Alrabb went the way of agent James Schenck

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FIRST FOALS

TIME TEST D U B AW I - PA S S A G E O F T I M E ( DA N S I L I ) £ 8 , 5 0 0

“TIME TEST WAS THE ONE THEY WERE A L L TA L K I N G A B O U T AT T H E S A L E S ” “He had a lot of DUBAWI characteristics about him. He was a very uncomplicated, correct horse with a good mentality, and is a great representative for his sire.” J A M I E R A I LT O N , B L O O D S T O C K A G E N T P U R C H A S E R O F C O LT E X C A S T E R S U G A R F O R 6 2 , 0 0 0 G N S

“I’ve been impressed by the TIME TEST foals. He’s very much throwing a type; attractive, bay dominant, lots of quality and intelligent heads. I suspect they’ll be popular in the sales ring and he’s been well supported by a wide range of commercial and owner breeder operations.” M AT T H E W H O U L D S W O R T H HOWSON & HOULDSWORTH BLOODSTOCK AGENCY

LEADING FIRST CROP SIRES NAME

2018 STUD FEE

SOLD

AV E RAG E ( £ )

Profitable (IRE)

€ 12,000

32,985

Time Test (GB)

£8,500

24,551

National Defense (GB)

€ 12,000

19,301

El Kabeir

€ 8,000

16,802

Cotai Glory (GB)

€ 6,000

14,382

* Stallions standing at a fee of €12,000/£12,000 or less with more than 5 foals sold Statistics supplied by TDN 15/01/20 ($1=£0.77)

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Sales Circuit â&#x20AC;şâ&#x20AC;ş

based outfit which also celebrated the sale of Inflamed for $525,000 to Naohiro Hosoda on behalf of Shadai Farm. Inflamed, a daughter of Unusual Heat sold in foal to successful first-crop sire Tapiture, had been purchased by Glen Hill for just $170,000 in November 2019; such an upturn in value came courtesy of her three-year-old son Mo Forza, who had swept the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby and Grade 2 Mathis Brothers Mile Stakes in the weeks following her original purchase. Top billing among the short yearlings was assumed by a son of Uncle Mo, who made $400,000 to Gabriel Duignan of Springhouse Farm. Catalogued to Book 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; traditionally a lesser catalogue â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he boasts fine connections as the second foal out of stakes winner Red Sashay.

Without the allure of a major star such as Abel Tasman, who realised $5 million to MV Magnier when topping last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renewal, trade during Book 1 understandably failed to keep pace with 2019. All told, 464 horses realised a total of $32,167,100 for an average of $69,326, down 17% from the previous year. However, the median held steady at $37,000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The supplements were ones we knew would be very popular with the buyers, and they shone a light,â&#x20AC;? said Keeneland Director of Sales Operations Geoffrey Russell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first book is a typical January catalogue without a major dispersal. The quality was even. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are delighted to see Glen Hill back in the consignment business and buyers were all over the right yearlings.â&#x20AC;?

TALKING POINTS â&#x20AC;˘ Although there were slim pickings for European investors, pinhooker Jamie Railton struck successfully for one gem with appeal on both sides of the pond in a War Front short yearling bred by Frank Hutchinson out of the Speightstown mare Agreeable Miss. Railton had to go to $345,000 for the filly, but in turn that secured possession of a sister to two classy Europeanbased siblings in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Middle Park Stakes fourth King Of Neptune and Free Handicap third Faydhan.

Keeneland January Sale - Book 1 Top lots Name/sex/breeding

Vendor

Price ($)

Buyer

Enaya Alrabb 4 f Uncle Mo - Lotta Rhythm

Paramount Sales, agent

640,000

James Schenck, agent

Confidently 4 f War Front - Playa Maya

Glen Hill Farm

560,000

James Schenck, agent

Inflamed 10 m Unusual Heat - Little Hottie

Glen Hill Farm

525,000

Shadai Farm

Pomeroys Pistol 12 m Pomeroy - Prettyathetable

Brookdale Sales

475,000

Mike Ryan, agent

b c Uncle Mo - Red Sashay

Taylor Made Sales Agency

400,000

Springhouse Farm

Three-year tale Year

Sold

Agg ($)

Average ($)

Median ($)

Top price ($)

2020

464

32,167,100

69,326

37,000

640,000

2019

465

38,857,300

83,564

37,000

5,000,000

2018

415

28,302,000

68,198

37,000

1,600,000

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY

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J h J h t John Johnstone MRICS

Chartered Surveyor

RICS Valuations, Leases, Sales 124 High Street, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8JP

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Cheltenham

The source for Grade 1 Success Slate House

Battleoverdoyen

23 Black Type winners this season

Cheltenham February Sale Friday 21 February

Cheltenham Festival Sale Thursday 12 March T: +44 (0) 1638 665931 cheltenham@tattersalls.com tattersallscheltenham.com

Notebook

Envoi Allen

Poet’s Word 2013, Bay, 16.1 1/2 h.h., Poet’s Voice (Dubawi) ex Whirly Bird (Nashwan)

MULTIPLE GR.1 WINNER OVER 10-12f CHAMPION OLDER HORSE IN EUROPE IN 2018

NEWR FO 0

202

DEFEATED 23 GR.1 WINNERS incl Cracksman, Crystal Ocean, Churchill etc. FROM THE DUBAWI SIRE LINE Gr.1 NH Winners: Dodging Bullets, Hisaabaat, etc.

Califet

Sire of CILAOS EMERY, winner of Gr.2 Hilly Way Chase, Dec. ‘19

Court Cave

Cheltenham Festival winners in 2017, 2018 and 2019

Kalanisi

Recent Stakes horses incl: KALASHNIKOV, BRAIN POWER, DARVER STAR & IMPERIAL AURA Contact: William Flood +353 (0)87 2380583 Serving the Irish and UK Breeder since 1935 or John Flood +353 (0)87 9066772 www.boardsmillstud.com

Fractional ad pages February 2020.indd 69

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Caulfield Files

Champion Pharoah is bridging the divide in a manner others couldn’t

Liam’s Map’s first crop already includes two Grade 1 winners of 2019

GEORGE SELWYN

oughly five years ago in this column, I ventured the opinion that – just as Britain and America have been described as two countries divided by a common language – the two countries’ racing industries have become divided by a common breed. “They may all be thoroughbreds,” I wrote, “but this divide is fuelled by the different surfaces largely employed by the opposing industries.” So, has the situation changed substantially in the interim, at a time when turf racing has been staging something of a comeback in the States? Well, judging by the sires of last year’s American Grade 1 juvenile winners and 2019’s leading first-crop sires, I don’t think there is going to be a great deal of change to the status quo in the immediate future. Fortunately, though, there is one star who promises to transcend the two industries’ insularity – the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, who landed the title of champion North American first-crop sire. But let’s start with some facts. The US staged 15 Grade 1 races for two-yearolds. The seven races for colts and geldings fell to sons of Empire Maker, Street Sense, Ghostzapper, Court Vision, Constitution, Palace Malice and Liam’s Map. The last three respectively finished second, third and fourth behind American Pharoah on the first-crop sires’ table. Liam’s Map also supplied Wicked Whisper, one of the five fillies which collectively took the eight Grade 1 races for their sex. The other Grade 1-winning fillies were Bast, a triple Grade 1 winner by Uncle Mo, British Idiom, a dual Grade 1 winner by Flashback, Sharing, a daughter of Speightstown, and Perfect Alibi, by Sky Mesa. There are, of course, some familiar names among the above stallions, which include a 22-year-old in Speightstown, three 20-year-olds in Empire Maker, who died in January, Ghostzapper and Sky Mesa, and a 16-year-old in Street Sense. Bearing in mind that these five never raced on turf, despite making a total of 54 starts, I suppose we shouldn’t be too surprised that they have generally made little impact with their European-raced offspring, the main exception being Speightstown. This sire of the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Sharing also enjoyed Group 1

success in France with Lord Shanakill, and he also has several other European Group winners. However, Empire Maker failed to hit the Group 1 target in Europe, despite being given every chance by Juddmonte’s turf-dominated broodmare band. The best he could do was to sire a Group 2 winner (Brooch) and a Group 3 winner (Charity Belle). Ghostzapper, for his part, has only a Group 3 winner in Italy, while Street Sense has nothing better than a pair of Listed winners. Sky Mesa hasn’t sired a single European black-type winner, but – as always when assessing American dirt stallions – it must be remembered that he hasn’t been given a huge chance of doing so. He is credited with having 11 runners in Britain, five in France, four in Ireland and two in Italy, with just five of the 22 winning. Ghostzapper has also had scant representation, with six runners in Britain, five in Ireland, five in France and one in Italy.

TURF VISION

The one stallion with turf form among the older stallions with a Grade 1-winning American juvenile was Court Vision, whose five Grade 1 turf successes included the Breeders’ Cup Mile. He was also a Grade 2 winner on dirt, though, and was by a champion dirt performer in Gulch, so his achievement in siring the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Storm The Court isn’t too unpredictable – except for the fact Court Vision is now based in Louisiana and stands at $3,500.

Do any of the younger stallions among the sires of Grade 1-winning two-year-olds have the potential to make a bigger impact in Europe? The 12-year-old Uncle Mo is still young enough to do so, but this sire of Bast – already a Grade 2 winner in 2020 – raced exclusively on dirt. As he’s based at Ashford Stud, one might have expected the Coolmore team to test his progeny in Europe, but he has so far had only a handful of representatives in Europe, with the useful miler Corrosive among them. While the disappointing record of his Australian progeny must count against Uncle Mo as a turf sire, it mustn’t be forgotten that he has sired several Graded stakes winners on turf in the US, including two winners – Mo Town and Mo Forza - of the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby on turf, with Mo Forza being one of the three finalists for the 2019 Eclipse Award for turf male. Tapit, a three-time champion sire in the States, is another who has failed to convince non-Americans that he is as effective as a sire of turf performers, even though he owes more than 20% of his earnings to his turf runners. He has had 17 runners in Britain, 13 in France and six in Ireland, with only one blacktype winner – Wissahickon – among the 36. I could add that Tapit shares the same sire, A.P. Indy’s son Pulpit, as the aforementioned Sky Mesa, who has cut little ice in Europe. Interestingly, two of the young stallions with Grade 1-winning juveniles

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– Flashback and Constitution – are sons of Tapit (as is Tapiture, who finished fifth on the first-crop sires’ table, three places below Constitution). Flashback, the sire of Eclipse Award nominee British Idiom in his second crop, isn’t likely to enter European considerations, not least because he is now based in Pennsylvania, where he covered only 22 mares in 2019. He is priced at a mere $3,500, having started out at $7,500 at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms in Kentucky. WinStar Farm’s Constitution stands a much better chance of long-term success, even though this winner of the Grade 1 Florida Derby and Donn Handicap has experienced the fall in demand which affects most young stallions in the US. Although he started out with a book of 172 mares in 2016, his next three books stood at 143, 110 and 85. Fortunately, his impressive first crop has done so well that there is sure to be considerable demand for his 2020 services, even though his fee has jumped from 2019’s $15,000 to $40,000. It isn’t an exaggeration to say that the start made by Constitution is reminiscent of the way Tapit started out, taking the 2008 title of leading firstcrop sire with help from two Graded stakes winners. In addition to siring the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes winner Tiz The Law, Constitution had three other Graded stakes winners among his five black-type winners, namely the Grade 2 winner Amalfi Sunrise and Grade 3 winners By Your Side and Independence Hall. He also has the Grade 1-placed Gouverneur Morris and two other Graded-placed youngsters. While two of the Graded-placings came on turf, I suspect European buyers will need more encouragement than that before they invest heavily in Constitution. Palace Malice is another successful first-crop sire with some talented turf performers already to his credit, headed by the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Structor and the Grade 2-placed stakes winner Crystalle. But Palace Malice is a Classic-winning dirt runner by another Classic-winning dirt runner in Curlin. Even though Curlin was second in the Grade 1 Man o’War Stakes on his only appearance on turf, he has largely been given a wide berth by Europeans, his involvement being limited to six runners in Britain, one in Ireland, two in France, four in Germany and two in Italy. None has so far won at black-type level. Palace Malice won the Belmont Stakes over a mile and a half before dropping back very successfully to shorter distances at four, when his wins

GEORGE SELWYN

Bloodstock world views

American Pharoah: his first crop features Breeders’ Cup winner Four Wheel Drive

included the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap. Even so, he is another who has experienced diminished support. After a first book of 158, the figures have been 117, 65 and 91. It will be interesting to see whether this phenomenon of dwindling support will be at least partly halted if the American Jockey Club’s drive to restrict books to 140 mares comes into effect.

IMPRESSIVE STARTS

The Lane’s End-based Liam’s Map has been more immune than most to such fluctuations, with his first four books standing at 148, 157, 114 and 133. This is good news, as this winner of the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile has made an impressive start, with the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes winner Basin and Grade 1 Frizette Stakes heroine Wicked Whisper. Bearing in mind that Liam’s Map didn’t race at two and didn’t become a Graded stakes winner until he was four, there is every reason to hope that he will build on this bright start. But will he appeal to Europeans? I rather doubt it, as he is a dirt horse by Unbridled’s Song, who failed to sire any black-type winners in Europe. Unbridled’s Song, like Empire Maker, was a son of the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Unbridled, who also ranks as the broodmare sire of Tapit, so Unbridled has been a common denominator among three important stallions who appear not to suit European turf. This was one of the reasons why I wondered whether American Pharoah’s progeny would thrive in Europe, even taking into account the fact that Unbridled is pushed all the way back in the fourth generation of the Triple Crown

winner’s progeny, via his sire Pioneerof The Nile and grandsire Empire Maker. Perhaps Unbridled’s influence has been nullified by the presence in the same generation of Storm Cat, whose lengthy list of top European winners featured the multiple Group 1 scorers Giant’s Causeway, One Cool Cat, Aljabr, Nebraska Tornado and Black Minnaloushe. Maven’s Group 3 Prix du Bois success and Monarch Of Egypt’s second in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes seem to suggest that there will be no frontiers to American Pharoah’s success. The Coolmore partners own another fine prospect by him in Ocean Atlantique, an eight-length maiden race winner at Saint-Cloud for Andre Fabre in October, while Godolphin has quite a useful colt in Saqqara King. There is also no getting away from the wholesale turf successes of American Pharoah’s first-crop runners in the States, with his number of turf winners in the US already extending to double figures. Four Wheel Drive won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and Sweet Melania landed the Grade 2 Jessamine Stakes prior to her second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. The turf stakes winner Another Miracle was Grade 2-placed on turf while Princesa Caroline was Grade 3-placed. Perhaps American Pharoah’s pedigree is going to prove less important than his most important assets; his toughness and his undoubted class, which made him a champion both at two and three. Remember, Timeform rated him 138 as a three-year-old, compared to the 129 allocated to the 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify. Horses as outstanding as American Pharoah rarely fail as stallions.

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www.thethoroughbredclub.co.uk •

@TTC_GB

Stud Farming Course proves popular with members

s part of its membership benefit offering in 2019, The Thoroughbred Club offered five funded places on the TBA’s flagship three-day ‘Stud Farming Course’ held at the British Racing School in December, to encourage those with an interest in pursuing a career within the industry to further their knowledge of practical stud management topics. Over the course of the three days, delegates heard from expert speakers on a range of topics, including foaling, commercial stallion management, updates on infectious diseases and remedial farriery. As part of the course itinerary, delegates visited Rossdales Equine Hospital, where they were given a tour of the hospital facilities and some of the equipment used in diagnosing the referral cases sent from all over the UK to the practice for further investigation. Delegates were also treated to a visit to the renowned Banstead Manor Stud, home of the Juddmonte stallions, with a roster headlined by

Kingman was one of the stars on show at the course visit to Banstead Manor

TTC members enjoyed a visit of Rossdales Equine Hospital as part of the itinerary

Frankel and Kingman. This particular part of the course was a highlight for member Aine Ryan, who commented: “I attended the TBA Stud Farming Course because I have a keen interest in the thoroughbred breeding industry and thought that the range of lectures and visits would be hugely beneficial to me. The guest speakers are the best in their field and the topics ranged from breeding to sales. “A particular highlight of mine was the visit to Banstead Manor to see the five incredible stallions offered by Juddmonte this season.” University student and TTC member Eve Whitby said about her experience on the course: “I currently study bloodstock at university and was interested in attending the course to advance my understanding of breeding. “I found the course covered all aspects of the subject and enlisted industry professionals to speak and answer questions, which was hugely beneficial. I really enjoyed my time on

HALF-PRICE ASCOT BADGE OFFER FOR 2020 Ascot racecourse has kindly offered TTC members half-price entry to all fixtures at Ascot in 2020, excluding selected days of Royal Ascot and British Champions Day. Members can purchase one half-price ticket on the day only by presenting a valid TTC membership card at Ticket Office East. Members will also be able to purchase one half-price Royal Ascot ticket for the Tuesday and Wednesday of the Royal Meeting.

However, applications can only be made in advance. More information on purchasing Royal Ascot tickets can be found on the TTC website. Ascot will also provide additional offers to our members throughout the year, including at the upcoming Betfair Ascot Chase raceday, where members can purchase two half-price tickets per membership, by presenting a valid membership card at Ticket Office East. Details on upcoming racedays can be found on the TTC website.

the course, with trips to Rossdales and Juddmonte being a highlight. I would recommend it to anyone!” The course is not only popular with those who attend to learn more about the industry, but also with those who are working in the industry and are wishing to further their knowledge or boost their CV. Member Jonathan Adams, who completed the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Entry 2 Stud Employment (E2SE) programme at the National Stud prior to embarking on his career within the industry, was keen to attend the course to further his experience and knowledge of stud farming. He said: “I have been lucky enough to be supported by my employer, who actively encourages me to attend courses, especially those run by the TBA. “Having been in the industry for only two years, following attending and completing the E2SE pilot course with the TBA and National Stud, I felt that this three-day course, meeting the industry’s leading vets, farriers and experienced professionals would give me a broader outlook on thoroughbred management and provide up to date information that could benefit my employer and myself in the future. “I would thoroughly recommend anyone with an interest to attend the course.” The Thoroughbred Club is invested in providing its members with the educational opportunities to help pursue their career within the thoroughbred breeding industry. The club offers members the opportunity to attend TBA educational events throughout the year at a free or discounted rate and members can also apply for a bursary to attend industry run courses. For more information on the bursary or to look for upcoming courses, please check the TTC website regularly for updates.

Diary Dates and Reminders Saturday, February 15 Betfair Ascot Chase Raceday Ascot racecourse Further information on all events can be found on the TTC website

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Al Kazeem TOB-February 2020:Oakgrove Stud

16/1/20

11:14

Page 1

Al Kazeem

bay 2008, 16.1hh by Dubawi - Kazeem (Darshaan) N Four-time Gr.1 winner by DUBAWI Won Gr.1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, 2015 Won Gr.1 Coral-Eclipse, 2013 2020 FEE PRIVATE Won Gr.1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes, 2013 Call David Hilton 07595 951248 Won Gr.1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, 2013 N Joint Champion Older Horse in Europe in 2013 (9.5f-10.5f ) N Timeform rated 128 in three consecutive seasons N Sire of ASPETAR, Gr.1 Preis von Europa and Gr.2 Grand Prix de Chantilly (new race record), black type sprinter GOLDEN SPELL (RPR 103) and promising two-year-old filly FINERY N 56% winners to runners from his first crop N 9% black type horses to foals from his first crop

Group 1 Sire!

STANDING AT OAKGROVE STUD Oakgrove Estate, St Arvans, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 6EH For Nominations Contact: David Hilton: 07595 951248 G Email: david@oakgrovestud.com

ROA Forum

The special section for ROA members

ROA Raceday Curtailment Scheme proves its worth

GEORGE SELWYN

ncessant rain at the turn of last year prompted a spate of abandonments during racedays. There were three incidents during December and three in early January where the ROA’s Raceday Curtailment Scheme was triggered. The first cancellation occurred at Exeter on December 19, when racing was abandoned after the third race due to unsafe ground on the bend. The following day at Southwell racing was abandoned due to a waterlogged track after race four. Fontwell’s popular Boxing Day fixture was abandoned after race five due to unsafe ground. The last race of Hereford’s fixture on January 3 was abandoned after the ground was considered unsafe on the hurdle course. The following week at Newcastle on January 8, the failure of floodlights forced the abandonment of the last two races on the card. On January 14, Storm Brendan forced Chelmsford City to abandon the last two races due to safety concerns with high gusts of wind. There were 85 horses across the six affected meetings that qualified under the terms of the ROA Raceday Curtailment Scheme, and in each case the horse’s owner received a payment of £100. A number of horses were intended to race at more than one of the abandonment meetings, which triggered second payments to their owners. During 2019 a total of eight fixtures were abandoned after the first race had taken place, prompting 144 payments to owners. Payments are made to ROA members who own at least 51% of an eligible horse. Alan Hill was among those affected and sent a thank you after receiving a credit when Shimba Hills, trained by his wife Lawney, was unable to race at Fontwell. He said: “It was indeed very frustrating, but I am pleased that my ROA membership has covered a portion of my costs.” The ROA is grateful to the team at Weatherbys Hamilton for their prompt assistance in making payments to owners affected by these lost races.

Rain caused several fixtures around the festive period to be abandoned after race one

Jonny McIrvine of Weatherbys Hamilton said: “It is particularly pleasing to receive messages of thanks from ROA members telling us that the curtailment payments are well received and especially so during such a spate of bad luck for racehorse owners, with several recently abandoned meetings before and after the Christmas period.” The ROA is pleased to confirm that the Raceday Curtailment Scheme will continue during 2020 as part of the insurance provision of the third-party liability insurance scheme for members, provided through Weatherbys Hamilton. Full details of insurance cover can be found at roa.co.uk/third.

ARC goodwill payments

We are pleased to report that Arena Racing Company will be making goodwill payments of £300 to owners affected by the following recent abandonments that took place midfixture at their courses: Southwell, December 20 Heavy rain waterlogged the Fibresand track (last three races) Fontwell, December 26 Heavy rain throughout the card (last two races)

Hereford, January 3 Heavy rain caused false patches of ground (last race) Newcastle, January 8 Floodlight failure (last two races) The nature of these goodwill payments is to be applauded, as the incidents were undoubtedly impacted on by extremely wet weather conditions from October to the new year, or an unforeseen issue in the case of Newcastle. ARC will be paying £300 to the racing account of the owner of each horse that was due to run. Jockeys who otherwise did not get a ride on the affected cards will also receive a payment. Member David Hunt, whose horse Coachella Green was due to run in the abandoned race at Hereford, said: “Many thanks for the payments triggered by the ROA and ARC. I’m sure all the other owners who were disappointed not to get their run will be as pleased as I am that our disappointment and transportation costs have been acknowledged by ARC. “I hope they’re all ROA members, if not I strongly recommend they join as they do fight our corner.”

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Following discussions between the Racehorse Owners Association and the Professional Jockeys Association, there will be no increase in jockeys’ riding fees for 2020. The fee, net of VAT, payable to a professional jockey in a Flat race remains at £127.14, whilst for a jump race it is £173.59. However, in lieu of no basic per ride pay rise, the ROA and the PJA have together looked at the situation regarding payments to jockeys who are booked to ride horses that are subsequently declared non-runners. Should a horse become a non-runner after jockey declaration time, 50% of the riding fee will be paid as a booking fee. The current process applies a fee at 40%, which is paid to jockeys only for horses declared a non-runner after 9am on day of racing. This will be removed and replaced by the booking fee. The new deal, effective from January 1, sees the following changes: • In the event of a non-runner, if the last booked rider was booked prior to the jockey booking deadline of 1pm on declaration day, the jockey will receive 50% of the riding fee • In the exceptionally rare event that a jockey was booked after 1pm then

The recent negotiations centred on non-runners rather than the riding fee

no non-runner riding fee is paid • If the horse is withdrawn before the signal to mount is given, the jockey will receive 50% of the riding fee • If the race is declared void or the fixture abandoned after declaration time no fee will be paid • If the horse is withdrawn after the signal to mount is given, the jockey will receive the full riding fee • If the jockey is double booked on a horse with a second preference, the jockey will receive the riding fee only for the actual ride (e.g. first preference). The second preference non-runner will not trigger a payment

GEORGE SELWYN

No riding fee rise but new non-runner deal

ROA Chief Executive Charlie Liverton said: “At a time when owners’ costs are continuing to increase, the ROA Board is pleased to announce this new measure, which will avoid another price rise across the board for owners. “The new structure for the payment of fees for jockeys engaged on non-runners appreciates the lost opportunity. Whilst non-runners are a frustration for everyone involved, they accounted for 7.3% as a percentage of declarations in 2019, and hopefully they can be reduced even further over the coming 12 months. The ROA/ PJA Working Group looks forward to continuing discussions in early 2020.”

Offers at Ascot The ROA is delighted to continue its association with Ascot racecourse and provide a number of tempting offers for members this year. Members will once again be able to enjoy a 30% discount on Queen Anne admission on the opening two days of the Royal Meeting, on Tuesday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 17. Discounted packages at Royal Ascot will be circulated to members in the coming weeks and we are excited to be able to offer members an option for Holyroodhouse, a new fine-dining experience in a prime trackside location adjacent to the Royal Enclosure Gardens. Michelin-starred chef Ollie Dabbous will bring his inspirational cuisine to the facility, which was showcased in his

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Members can enjoy a 30% discount to Queen Anne admission at Royal Ascot

debut at last year’s Royal Meeting in the Balmoral Restaurant. ROA members can also enjoy a whopping 50% off Queen Anne admission tickets and 15% off hospitality throughout the year at all Flat and jump fixtures outside of Royal Ascot (June

16-20) and British Champions Day (October 17). Further details will be circulated to members when confirmed and will be posted at roa.co.uk/events. Expressions of interest for Royal Ascot can be made to the ROA office.

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ROA Forum

The British Horseracing Authority, in conjunction with Horse Racing Ireland, announced in December that a trial of non-standard race times will be held in February. Non-standard race times refers to races not programmed on the standard five-minute marks, e.g. 3.08pm. The objective of the trial is to explore the potential benefits to the sport and its customers of adopting non-standard race times on those afternoons when the volume of racing in Britain and Ireland is relatively high. The trial has been proposed following an internal review of the BHA’s approach to race times, completed in the first half of 2019. The trial has been discussed by the Levy Board’s Betting Liaison Group, which supports the four-week initiative. Numerous other parties, including racecourses, the media rights companies and broadcasters, have welcomed this opportunity to trial and assess the concept of non-standard race times. Non-standard race times will be trialled only on days when there are four or more meetings staged concurrently in Britain or Ireland. There are 11 days in February on which non-standard race times will

GEORGE SELWYN

Non-standard race times to be trialled in February The trial will take place over 11 of the busiest racing days this month

be in use – five Saturdays and six weekdays. Any fixtures being broadcast on terrestrial television in Britain or Ireland will continue to use standard race times, with the exception of any third ITV Racing meetings on a Saturday, which would have non-standard race times for non-televised races. Benefits of non-standard race times may include: • Improving the scheduling of race times through periods of congestion so that there would be fewer clashes and delayed races • Reducing the number of 35-minute intervals and introduce a more even distribution of time between races • Reducing on-the-day hold requests, thus enabling BHA and HRI officials to frame raceday timetables from an earlier stage • Broadcasters would be able to draw up their running orders to the published off-times rather than having to request delays

• The risk of avoidable near-clashes – whereby one race is held until only seconds after the preceding race has concluded – should reduce as racecourses would be expected to adhere to the published off-time. Richard Wayman, BHA Chief Operating Officer, said: “Working closely with our colleagues in Ireland and other partners across the sport, we are always looking for ways to improve our scheduling of races to benefit racing’s customers. “The impacts, both positive and negative, of non-standard race times will be known only once the initiative is trialled. “The hope is that they allow for a more even spread of races without requiring longer intervals between races, and potentially fewer clashes or delays. However, we’ll be taking in feedback from all parties before deciding on whether to make the trial permanent.” Registered owners can access upcoming fixture information at www2.racing.admin.co.uk.

Race Planning news Programme Books

The Programme Book, the hard copy of the fixture programme, will be separate books for each code rather than one book divided into two sections. This is to enable each book to contain enough space to include penalties for all weight-for-age and early closing races.

Signposting of race values

Race values are being more clearly signposted on the Racing Admin website, Programme Books and in the Racing Calendar. Race values for all handicaps at Class 3 level and

below are being highlighted as either £, ££ or £££ races depending on the amount of prize-money offered within the race classification. The intention is to more clearly highlight which races are being run for higher values than the minimum.

Optional claiming handicaps

After two years of trialling these races, the BHA has committed to continue programming optional claiming handicaps for another year. The intention is to stage ten races for a value of £30,000 each. Claiming prices

will remain unchanged from 2019 values.

Race planning forum

Race planning is a topic often raised at ROA regional events. Owners are reminded that trainers can access a race planning forum accessible through their Racing Admin login. Traffic is increasing and comments have identified gaps in the programme. Alongside elimination data, the BHA can consider additional races and fixtures, so this may be an option where chances are limited for your horse to get a run.

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Festival offers Heading to Cheltenham, Aintree or the Punchestown festival this spring? Check out the ROA facilities and offers for members...

Cheltenham Festival

Places in the ROA marquee at the Cheltenham Festival have been selling quickly, as ever, and we are close to capacity. The relaxed surroundings of the marquee provide unreserved seating and a welcome meeting point away from the throng of the crowds at the pinnacle of the National Hunt season. Please check the events page online or call the ROA office as soon as possible to secure a place. Looking for a Festival preview evening? The ROA website has a listing at https://www.roa.co.uk/events/ cheltprev.html

Aintree

We have a special hospitality package with optional course walk on the opening two days of Aintree’s Randox Health Grand National meeting, on April 2 and 3. The package includes access to a ground floor hospitality pavilion overlooking the Grand National start area, a four-course lunch and afternoon tea. There will be a cash bar, televisions

The ROA marquee at the Cheltenham Festival provides a sanctuary away from crowds

and tote betting facilities. Places can be booked for the heavily discounted rate of £240 per person on Thursday and £320 per person on Friday. See roa.co.uk/events or contact the ROA office. Members can alternatively enjoy free raceday admission on production of their PASScard or Horseracing Privilege Card on April 2 and 3. This is redeemable only with access through the owners & trainers’ entrance. Car-parking labels can be reserved for both days, subject to availability, by

emailing info@roa.co.uk. The closing date for reservations is March 20.

Punchestown Festival

Members can go racing for free on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival on Tuesday, April 28 and enjoy access to the AIRO facility on the first four days of the Festival (April 28-May 1) on production of a valid PASScard or Horseracing Privilege Card. For bookings and further details of all events see roa.co.uk/events or call the ROA office.

Industry Ownership Strategy update Syndicates

Constructive cross-industry consultation continues in relation to the development of the Syndicate Manager Accreditation Scheme and we will continue to provide updates. The initiative to provide raceday facilities for syndicates is also developing and constructive discussions are ongoing with a number of racecourses to establish the best mechanism to deliver this.

Racecourse Quality Mark Scheme

Following the successful introduction of the scheme in 2019, an assessment programme will again take place in 2020, with the majority of racecourse assessments taking place from February onwards. In order to achieve a more holistic understanding of the raceday experience, a number of ‘festival’ visits will also be made to racecourses. The scheme will again be supported by AA Hospitality Services, with whom we work closely in developing the criteria

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and managing the programme. Best practice will be shared with racecourses at two regional Ownership Experience Workshops in March to encourage ongoing improvement and innovation.

ROA Racedays: Rewarding Ownership

Our thanks go to racecourses for their help in developing the schedule for the 2020 ROA Racedays – we will be focusing on working with racecourses to promote and support ownership across the year, both for existing and prospective owners, and at all levels of engagement. The events have grown and evolved, so that we are now hosting much larger events, with representatives from the BHA and other stakeholders in attendance on many occasions. The schedule of ROA Racedays this spring: Tuesday, February 18 Bangor racecourse Tuesday, March 31 Musselburgh racecourse Tuesday, April 21 Sedgefield racecourse

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ROA Forum

MY DAY AT THE RACES With David Sumpter at Chepstow on December 7

Did you receive any welcome information as an owner in advance of the raceday? I received no information from Chepstow in advance of the raceday. How was the experience of arrival at the racecourse, and collecting your owners’ badges? The owners’ car park was well signposted and on arrival my ROA badge was recognised and I was directed to the right area. The staff on the desk were courteous and gave me a racecard and lunch voucher. There was no explanation of where I could go, although I found the owners’ and trainers’ area quite easily. Did you use the O&T facility on the day? I’d not been to Chepstow for some years and I was pleasantly surprised at the standard of the facility. As I approached, I was greeted by an official who explained that I had the choice of the owners’ and trainers’ bar and restaurant or the adjacent marquee. I chose to go into the bar, where I was welcomed by another official who handed me a welcome

JOHNNY HATHAWAY

avid Sumpter has been involved in racehorse ownership for around 30 years but always with other people in partnerships and syndicates. As he says: “There’s nothing worse than being on your own to watch your horse lose.” A trip to Towcester, now sadly closed, with his father is his earliest recollection of going racing and there have been plenty of other experiences over the following decades. David runs three syndicates: Ten From Seven with Nicky Henderson and Fortnum Racing and The Bourtoneers with Ben Pauling. The latter syndicate has enjoyed plenty of success in recent seasons with the likes of hurdling mare Treaty Girl and chaser Equus Secretus, who finished fifth in a competitive handicap chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. It was with The Bourtoneers that David attended Chepstow on December 7 with the five-year-old Coastal Path gelding, For Luck. David Sumpter has enjoyed plenty of success with The Bourtoneers syndicate

letter explaining all that was available food-wise, the going and contact numbers should I need anything. What were your thoughts on the location, comfort and provision in the facility? A really good experience for owners; there were six of us and we found a table to sit at to enjoy the lunch, which was basic but very good. Coffee and tea were available at no charge all day and the bar prices were not inflated like at some courses. How was the pre-parade ring/paddock experience? The pre-parade ring at Chepstow is some distance from the paddock and a good climb back up. However, we all enjoyed the paddock experience in anticipation of the race. How did you find the facilities for owners’ viewing? The owners’ viewing is excellent as there is a large balcony attached to the O&T bar. However, we all chose to watch from the stands, which were

much closer to the paddock. Were you able to review a replay of your race easily on course? As our horse unfortunately finished last there was little enthusiasm for watching a replay, but the facility was available. What was your overall lasting feeling of the day, based on your racecourse experience? I was really impressed with what was provided, especially as my impression from a previous visit some years ago was disappointing. I would definitely return, hopefully with a better result!

HOW IT RATED Entry Viewing Atmosphere Owners’ facilities Food Overall score

★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ 22

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Diary dates and reminders FEBRUARY 18 ROA Raceday and regional meeting at Bangor MARCH 10-13 ROA marquee at the Cheltenham Festival MARCH 31 ROA Raceday and regional meeting at Musselburgh APRIL 2-3 Aintree hospitality offer and free admission for members on opening two days of Randox Health Grand National meeting

Renowned ‘horse whisperer’ Gary Witheford started the barrier trials three years ago

Barrier trial experience Lingfield Park will host its first barrier trials of the year on Monday, March 16 and the ROA is joining forces with the racecourse to enrich the morning for owners interested in attending. This is an opportunity for owners to broaden their knowledge by seeing how barrier trials work. The barrier trials were first set up by Witheford Equine three years ago at Lingfield and they have grown in popularity due to the results on the track, with this extra education for inexperienced horses proving worthwhile for many trainers. Archie Watson has been the biggest supporter and has enjoyed success with many of his two-yearold barrier-trial graduates, with other trainers to note including Richard Hannon, Richard Hughes, Hugo Palmer and Brian Meehan. Gary and Craig Witheford manage all of the horses booked into a barrier trial and will run approximately ten barrier trial days at Lingfield Park in 2020. Full

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details can be found athttp://www. garywitheford.co.uk/booktrials.html. The morning trial on March 16 will start at around 8.00am and finish at approximately 11.30am, running every 25 minutes with a maximum of ten horses per ‘lot’. The starting stalls are positioned at the six-furlong start on the allweather track and each lot will be required to load, jump, then pull up at the cottage bend, before loading again and doing a piece of work over the six furlongs – very similar to how a race would be run. Lingfield Park and the ROA will host tea/coffee and pastries in the Eclipse Suite, which also overlooks the racecourse and owners will be able to get a lift to the start to see what happens out on the track. Owners can book a place whether or not they have a horse taking part in the trials. See roa.co.uk/events or call the ROA office on 0207 152 0200 to book your place. Numbers are restricted so please do book early to avoid disappointment.

APRIL 21 ROA Raceday and regional meeting at Sedgefield APRIL 28 Members can enjoy free admission on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival APRIL 28, 29, 30 & MAY 1 Access for members to the AIRO marquee for the first four days of the Punchestown NH Festival MAY 7 ROA Raceday and regional meeting at Huntingdon JUNE 16-20 Discounted hospitality package for all five days of Royal Ascot JUNE 30 ROA AGM and members’ lunch at York For more details or to book places for events see roa.co.uk/events or call 020 7152 0200

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ROA Forum

MAGICAL MOMENTS

Life is sweet for ROA members Richard and Carol Cheshire win by just looking at the paper? You have a much better chance now with information being so much more available via the web. “Owning a racehorse was a personal goal and being more involved from the inside was a dream for 30 years.” Cheshire and his wife are now living that dream, having served their time as ‘just’ racegoers, and are delighted to have settled upon Chris Gordon as their trainer. He adds: “For many years Carol and I enjoyed traveling all over the country to various meetings, mostly at weekends. We purchased our first two horses from John Costello – my hero – in Ireland, namely Commanche Red and Baddesley Knight. “It was very early in Doyen’s National Hunt journey but I was particularly interested in him as a sire. We currently own seven horses, four of them Doyens, that have come from John and various sales. They’re all with Chris and

Commanche Red: Boxing Day winner for the Cheshires

Jenny Gordon at Morestead Farm near Winchester. What a fabulous start we have had – we feel very lucky. “Carol and I are townies, rather than country folk, but we really do love the game and it’s open to all sorts of people. “Being local to our trainer was so important, to have that access and be

“I was always fascinated by the energy and excitement of horseracing, even as a boy” close. I met with Alan King and Kim Bailey, who are clearly class acts, but the distance was too much. I then spoke with Chris, who is much more local. “I think there is lots in common: age, desire, passion for the game, beautiful wives, although I can’t drink like Chris! “I am serious about being successful in racing and, in looking closer, Chris’s stats were really good, having a strikerate of 15% with loved but inexpensive horses that mostly compete in lowergrade handicaps; I thought that was really impressive. Over the last three years I have come to learn what a brilliant horseman he is. “His reputation for being a fun guy is deserving – he is great fun – but this overshadows his skills sometimes. Chris and Jenny have come from very humble beginnings and had to fight really hard, show tremendous resilience over the last ten years, and to have established the operation they have is a huge achievement. “They’re very hands-on and hardworking, they’re adventurous, and their owners are becoming more so too. It’s a stable on the up and it’s great to see Chris and Jenny enjoying success. “I would like to think I am an okay judge of people, and what I see in Chris

GEORGE SELWYN

“I

t doesn’t get any better to have a winner on a day like this, it’s fantastic.” They were the words of Richard Cheshire in the Racing Post the day after Boxing Day, when Commanche Red had carried the silks of the owner and wife Carol to a commanding nine-length victory in the first race on ITV that day, a valuable handicap chase. While JP McManus, Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, and Paul Barber, Alex Ferguson and Ged Mason were among the winning owners at Kempton that afternoon, it was also a meeting at which smaller owners got a look-in, their delight in doing so being a little more obvious. The thrill and excitement of owning jumpers was something Richard Cheshire hankered after for a long time and so having a winner on the biggest day outside of the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals was not going to be wasted on him. “I was always fascinated by the energy and the excitement of horseracing, even as a young boy,” he admits. “Although I have never ridden or grown up around horses, I loved the excitement of having a bet, I loved studying the form, pedigrees and working out the puzzle – though looking back, how did anyone ever

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News in brief AGM moves to York is as good as anyone. For us, nine winners from 32 runs as we speak is incredible.” So, from those winners and the experience so far, what particularly stands out? “Visiting and buying from John and Grainne Costello in Ireland was a real thrill; the tradition, knowledge and passion was a joy to be around,” answers Cheshire. “I very much enjoyed getting to know Hen Knight, too. Buying at the Tattersalls Derby Sales was so exciting. Chris picked a top three, from 60 we bought one, but all three of his choices have turned out to be very good winners. “Being on the gallops at Chris’s on a Saturday morning is something I enjoy very much, chatting to the staff and watching Carol feed the horses two bags of carrots. “Commanche Red was our first ever winner of a hot bumper at Kempton, so that was a magical moment, as was Baddesley Knight winning his first chase at Wincanton in a really fast time, and then of course recently seeing Commanche Red win on Boxing Day at Kempton. It’s all a dream come true.” With jump racing, of course, comes risk as well as reward, and Cheshire says: “We have bought young horses so over time you get fond of them. They are such beautiful animals, some are very sweet and good natured, but they are physically vulnerable and seeing them get injured is sad. “Carol does not watch the races – we did watch together once and our horse fell – so I have to call her straight after and tell her what’s happened. I normally just say that he is safe, and where he finished.” While injuries are unfortunately part and parcel of the sport, Cheshire feels there are ways in which racing can help itself more than is currently the case. He says: “Racing is sensitive and proactive about outside concerns, which is good news, but from an outsider looking in, it overstates those concerns sometimes and magnifies them beyond the magical things that go on.

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This year’s ROA AGM will be held at a new venue, York racecourse, on Tuesday, June 30. The AGM has traditionally been held at a central London location and we hope the change in location will enable even more members to attend the meeting to listen to keynote speeches and participate in the owners’ forum. Once again, the popular members and guests’ lunch will follow the morning session. York was joint recipient of the ROA’s Gold Standard Large Racecourse of the Year in 2019, along with Chester. ROA Chief Executive Charlie Liverton said: “I am delighted that the 2020 ROA AGM will be taking place in York. The success of the Industry Roadshows over the past 12 months has shown how engaged owners are and I sincerely hope that by hosting the AGM in York our members will support it.”

BHA handicapping discussion

Members of the BHA handicapping team will be joining some of our ROA Racedays this year. The first of these will be the event at Bangor on February 18. Members who aren’t able to attend are invited to pose general questions and we will endeavour to communicate some Q&As after each event. Owners

“Racing creates passion and joy for so many, which I think is something special racing should understand more and be proud of. I also believe racing needs to be more innovative about the customer and owner experience. “We all know expectations evolve constantly. Protect and be mindful of tradition, but be brave and innovative to evolve and stay ahead. A good, fundamental example for me would be the structure of ownership; all we seem to have are wealthy owners – a small pool – who can afford to be indulgent and where return on investment is in the mind but not critical, or else a syndicate, which serves a purpose but has complexities. We must create better

interested in finding out more on the topic might be interested in the BHA’s online resource, ‘Guide to Handicapping’, at https://www. britishhorseracing.com/regulation/ guide-to-handicapping/

Official distances

In order to increase accuracy for handicapping purposes, and to bring British racing in line with Ireland, new official winning distances were introduced on January 1. From now on all winning distances above a length are being divided into quarter lengths up to five lengths, and half lengths from five to ten lengths. Previously, quarter-length distances had stopped at four lengths and halflength margins had stopped at five lengths.

Divided races

Only three racecourses have opted out of dividing races during 2020. These are: Hexham, Newton Abbot and Plumpton. All other racecourses, both Flat and jumps, will divide races as required by the Rules of Racing.

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options for the future.” Plenty of the Cheshires’ fellow owners will be envious of nine winners from just 30-odd runners plus a Kempton Boxing Day strike, while plenty of us will also become a green-eyed monster where his job is concerned. “I am the CEO of Krispy Kreme UK,” says Cheshire. “We started the business in November 2002 and opened our first location in Harrods in 2003. Today we have 1,200 locations throughout the UK. It’s a fun, evolving business that aims to spread a bit of joy.” Whether horseracing is evolving is a moot point, but perhaps in fun and spreading joy there is some correlation with the doughnut business.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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ROA Forum Figures for period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019

Flat Racecourse League Table Ptn Racecourse

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

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

Ownership

Avg racecourse spend per fixture (£)

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

486,133 281,530 224,507 179,919 135,666 86,180 84,906 84,834 78,662 78,135 53,029 45,629 44,588 43,248 41,863 41,502 41,410 41,292 39,767 39,741 39,000 38,361 35,377 34,782 34,634 34,494 32,486 30,969 30,739 29,204 25,928 23,392 23,162 20,510 20,007 19,816 62,983

Avg HBLB spend per fixture (£)

Avg owner spend per fixture (£)

Avg prizemoney per fixture (£)

Total no. of fixtures 2019

Total prize-money 2019 (£)

Avg racecourse spend per fixture 2018 (£)

121,800 263,948 93,347 116,783 86,943 81,712 70,754 108,762 70,735 74,132 53,937 37,036 45,863 14,776 52,732 40,631 41,804 31,679 43,273 19,189 35,591 13,961 29,736 3,509 21,365 5,784 20,038 6,254 27,287 6,215 21,594 5,801 21,822 5,119 22,473 4,601 20,146 7,169 13,743 5,520 20,652 4,386 20,068 6,454 21,234 7,298 24,689 4,590 22,460 16,900 22,442 7,102 20,549 5,788 19,750 3,149 20,725 5,314 18,610 4,492 18,698 4,773 12,993 3,614 17,412 3,600 14,214 3,381 15,927 2,856 16,279 2,510 30,958 20,932

876,784 495,549 398,515 359,435 282,969 182,447 146,745 180,331 152,202 145,232 102,580 81,141 73,499 69,966 76,182 69,485 68,351 68,366 67,253 59,003 64,038 64,883 64,240 64,156 74,394 64,532 58,823 53,868 57,715 52,363 50,160 39,998 44,192 38,106 38,790 38,605 115,835

18 18 18 11 39 17 15 15 22 21 14 15 65 63 15 17 17 16 16 3 19 13 52 72 15 23 26 14 16 22 23 6 84 15 21 42 898

15,782,112 8,919,874 7,173,268 3,953,785 11,035,792 3,101,591 2,201,175 2,704,958 3,348,445 2,977,251 1,436,120 1,217,108 4,777,419 4,407,864 1,142,724 1,181,250 1,161,972 1,093,860 1,076,049 177,010 1,216,716 843,480 3,340,492 4,619,204 1,115,915 1,484,233 1,529,393 754,146 923,443 1,151,984 1,153,684 239,990 3,712,096 571,587 814,585 1,621,418 103,961,991

471,381 247,392 214,435 203,471 134,724 87,169 83,457 91,898 82,427 74,173 52,677 47,646 53,710 41,857 47,797 47,807 42,657 43,731 37,037 46,662 36,671 39,809 40,592 40,396 39,412 38,004 36,059 36,955 37,039 29,094 31,074 28,703 28,137 23,675 24,862 24,394 65,272

Jumps Racecourse League Table Ptn Racecourse

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

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

Up/ down

s s s t s t s t t s s t t s t t t t s t s t t t t t t t t s t t t t t t t

Ownership

Avg racecourse spend per fixture (£)

Avg HBLB spend per fixture (£)

Avg owner spend per fixture (£)

Avg prizemoney per fixture (£)

Total no. of fixtures 2019

Total prize-money 2019 (£)

Avg racecourse spend per fixture 2018 (£)

Up/ down

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

289,663 283,073 170,649 108,899 105,618 67,449 59,125 46,563 43,188 40,820 37,249 37,130 36,794 36,273 35,049 34,852 33,957 32,485 32,439 32,377 32,237 32,156 32,110 31,334 29,908 27,762 27,602 24,965 24,753 24,743 24,681 24,285 22,094 21,116 20,954 20,428 19,339 17,751 16,810 16,712 0 45,767

150,322 129,852 93,402 94,978 87,228 64,958 71,135 39,713 48,557 37,039 22,291 32,903 34,394 29,750 30,387 21,225 33,357 34,162 31,287 29,124 29,350 29,154 31,333 25,214 30,573 21,570 30,388 23,761 28,742 24,935 24,397 24,097 20,903 25,090 24,178 20,176 21,012 20,767 23,597 19,646 0 36,895

78,032 74,097 18,333 18,524 17,950 10,790 16,707 12,115 7,408 5,942 0 4,170 6,971 6,212 5,468 6,044 0 8,905 6,277 5,852 6,648 4,741 5,485 5,618 6,572 2,476 4,951 3,054 6,229 4,543 3,627 4,178 3,927 4,890 4,443 3,177 3,310 3,716 3,675 3,414 0 8,911

518,611 487,689 286,759 228,512 222,679 143,613 148,444 102,558 102,376 86,568 59,540 74,520 78,659 73,598 70,904 62,121 67,313 75,551 70,360 67,569 68,235 66,363 69,344 63,644 67,177 51,808 62,941 51,780 59,724 54,221 53,204 52,561 47,096 51,097 49,574 43,781 43,661 42,233 44,082 39,772 0 92,360

8 15 8 9 9 12 11 12 9 15 11 15 16 11 9 14 15 15 14 22 15 16 12 18 18 15 8 8 23 16 10 17 13 9 16 24 19 6 15 20 0 548

4,148,885 7,315,341 2,294,072 2,056,607 1,892,769 1,723,357 1,632,882 1,230,700 921,380 1,298,519 654,936 1,117,800 1,258,547 809,583 638,133 869,695 1,009,701 1,133,270 985,045 1,486,527 1,023,519 1,061,802 832,129 1,145,589 1,209,194 777,121 503,525 414,237 1,373,657 867,543 532,043 893,534 612,251 459,870 793,182 1,050,745 829,557 253,400 661,234 795,444 0 50,567,326

288,649 272,497 156,982 110,570 102,282 60,584 32,949 45,895 39,769 47,770 33,582 89,156 37,614 33,596 34,420 29,465 29,821 42,325 34,236 27,138 35,882 60,584 32,390 30,240 32,019 26,753 30,240 26,686 28,335 22,610 24,596 34,815 23,815 33,321 28,441 23,387 21,070 47,770 23,720 19,759 25,953 47,702

s s s t s s s s s t s t t s s s s t t s t t t s t s t t t s s t t t t t t t t t t t

EXPLANATION The tables set out the average prize-money at each fixture staged by a racecourse over the last 12 months. They show how this is made up of the three sources of prize-money: 1. Racecourses’ contribution 2. Levy Board (HBLB) 3. Owners The tables also confirm the number of fixtures staged and the total amount of prize-money paid out by each racecourse throughout this period. The racecourses are ordered by the average amount of their own contribution to prizemoney at each fixture. This contribution originates from various sources including media rights, admission revenues and racecourse sponsors. If a racecourse has increased its average contribution at each fixture compared with the previous 12 months, it receives a green ‘up’ arrow. If its average contribution has fallen, however, it receives a red ‘down’ arrow. As these tables are based on the prizemoney paid out by each racecourse, the abandonment of a major fixture could distort a racecourse’s performance.

OWNERSHIP KEY JCR Jockey Club Racecourses ARC Arena Racing Company I

Independently owned racecourse

Gold Standard Award

82 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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FIRST YEARLINGS 2020

MONDIALISTE GALILEO - OCCUPANDISTE DUAL GROUP 1 WINNING SON OF GALILEO

A LANDMARK FAMILY Sire: GALILEO – Champion: won Gr.1 Derby S, Gr.1 Irish Derby, Gr.1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S, etc: Multiple Champion Sire and Sire of Sires, incl: FRANKEL (Triple Champion, sire), TEOFILO (Champion 2yo, sire), NEW APPROACH (Champion, sire), RULER OF THE WORLD (Gr.1, sire), NATHANIEL (Gr.1, sire), SIXTIES ICON (Gr.1, sire), INTELLO (Gr.1, sire) CHURCHILL, ULYSSES, (Gr.1, sire) etc. Dam: OCCUPANDISTE – won 6 races, incl Gr.1 Prix de la Forêt, Gr.1 Prix Maurice de Gheest; dam of 7 winners, incl MONDIALISTE, IMPRESSIONANTE (Gr.2 Prix de Sandringham, 2nd Gr.1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, Gr.1 Prix d’Astarté; herself dam of INTELLO, by GALILEO [Gr.1 Prix du Jockey Club, Gr.3 x 2, 3rd Gr.1 x 3, promising young sire]), ONLY ANSWER (Gr.3 Prix de Saint-Georges, Gr.3 Prix du Petit Couvert, LR Prix du Cercle), PLANETAIRE (by Galileo; LR Prix Pelleas, 3rd Gr.3 La Coupe) Her grandam ELLE SEULE won Gr.2 Prix d’Astarté; dam of 10 winners, incl ELNADIM (Champion Sprinter, sire), MEHTAAF (Champion, Gr.1 1,000 Guineas, dam of a Champion). Her dam FALL ASPEN (Gr.1 Matron S); dam of: FORT WOOD (Gr.1, Champion Sire), HAMAS (Gr.1, sire), NORTHERN ASPEN (Gr.1), TIMBER COUNTRY (Champion at 2, sire), BIANCONI (Gr.2, sire), COLORADO DANCER (Gr.2, dam of DUBAI MILLENIUM [Champion, sire of DUBAWI]. DUBAWI

First foals sold with an average of

€37,500

STANDING AT ELWICK STUD Elwick Stud, Sheraton Farm, Co. Durham TS27 4RB

t: +44 (0) 1429 856 530 e: info@elwickstud.co.uk w: www.elwickstud.co.uk

FEE £6,000

TBA Forum

The special section for TBA members

Final forum of 2019 at Newbury

t was a full house for the final TBA/ Weatherbys Forum of 2019, held at Newbury racecourse on December 18. This rearranged event followed Salisbury and Newton Abbot abandoning fixtures due to waterlogging earlier in the year. The presentations started with a talk by the TBA Chairman, Julian Richmond Watson, who outlined the association’s vision for the year ahead and gave an overview on the work that is being undertaken on behalf of the members. He reaffirmed the various events and incentives that are available to members, such as NH MOPS and the Elite Mares Scheme, all of which are managed by the TBA. Chief Executive Claire Sheppard then took to the floor to talk further on industry matters, which included Brexit and the new EU Animal Health Law. She went on to speak about how the TBA works to advance the development of employees within the British breeding industry and touched briefly on the

TBA South East regional representative Joan Langmead, pictured with Esme Cooke, representing Magic Of Light's trainer Jessica Harrington, and jockey Robbie Power

development of a new digital hub. Simon Cooper from Weatherbys GSB gave an insight into how the digital age is helping improve, amongst other things, the traceability of thoroughbreds. He also discussed how using online applications can help with security and efficiency, and showed how the new E-passport could look in the future. A lively Q&A session followed with questions ranging from post-racing welfare, foal shares and the 30-day foal registration process, and these continued over lunch. After lunch, those in attendance enjoyed an afternoon of racing, which included the TBA-sponsored Listed

mares’ chase. The near three-mile test was won for the second consecutive year by the Jessica Harrington-trained Magic Of Light, who made just about all the running. Winning jockey Robbie Power commented after the race: “She’s been in unbelievable form since she came back in and that will be a nice confidence booster for her. Aintree is the plan for her and I imagine she’ll have a similar sort of route to get there.” Following last season’s victory, the daughter of Flemensfirth went on to land the Grade 2 Warfield Mares’ Hurdle and finish a gallant runner-up to Tiger Roll in the Grand National at Aintree last April.

TBA Racecourse Badge Scheme for Breeders their breeding records with Weatherbys to ensure that the information on the RBSB card is correct. Failure to do so may result in refused entry if records are not up to date. A list of fixtures eligible for complimentary entry on the RBSB card can be found on the TBA website. The Racecourse Badge Scheme for Breeders is administered by Weatherbys on the TBA’s behalf. For any queries please call 01933 440077.

Last year saw a record number of TBA members using their Racecourse Badge Scheme for Breeders (RBSB) cards to watch horses they have bred run at racecourses across the UK. Members who have not yet applied for a RBSB card, which lasts for the duration of their TBA membership, are encouraged to do so by completing the application form available on the TBA website. Existing card holders are reminded that they are still required to update

Notify your 2020 foals within 30 days of birth TBA members are reminded that breeders are now required to notify the General Stud Book (GSB) of the birth of all foals within 30 days of their birthdate. Notification is free and should be done through the online portal at https:// www.weatherbysgsb.co.uk/. The 30-day notification is now in its

third year of operation and those who fail to notify within the designated time period will be penalised. Breeders are encouraged to complete the online notification as soon as possible within the 30-day period. The British Horseracing Authority has a separate link on its website, a

search tool (BHA POTRO) intended as an aid to check eligibility to race under the Rules of Racing with reference to 30-day foal notification requirements only. To check whether you have notified your foal’s birth go to https://selim. britishhorseracing.com/potro/

84 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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TBA STATISTICAL AWARDS FOR 2019 THE QUEEN’S SILVER CUP

Less than £14,000 separated the two Newmarket stallions at the end of the year. Ultimately, weight of numbers and place money tilted the balance in favour of Dubawi. He was represented by 68 more runners in Britain and Ireland than his Banstead Manor-based rival. Dubawi’s chief flagbearer in 2019 was his new stud companion Too Darn Hot. The previous season’s champion juvenile added two more Group 1 races to his record, including the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood in what was to be his final race before retirement. That was, in fact, Dubawi’s only domestic Group 1 victory, compared with four recorded by Frankel, whose roll of honour included winners of the Oaks and St Leger. Both horses belong to an elite group of stallions judged by their international success at the highest level. In that respect, 2019 was another good year for Dubawi, with Coronet, Ghaiyyath and Old Persian all contributing to a current tally of 41 Group 1 winners worldwide. Closer to home, he also retained his title as the leading British sire by individual winners for a third consecutive year and extended the domination of Dalham Hall-based stallions to five years. The consistent quality of his runners is what sets him apart, though. With more than 100 foals in nine of his 11 northern hemisphere-bred crops, it is a remarkable achievement to maintain ratios of 16% black-type winners to runners and 10% Group winners to runners over such a long period. Indeed, one in every five of his foals has earned black type and 9% have become Group winners.

GODOLPHIN

Leading British-based Flat breeders (Flat earnings) Darley/Godolphin extended its domination of the British and Irish breeders’ championship in 2019 for a seventh consecutive year. Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock operation is the biggest in the history of the sport. It has 2,000 racehorses stabled in Britain, Ireland, the United States, Japan, Australia and the UAE, and a bloodstock operation with 2,500 breeding stock and about 80 stallions on four continents. That global reach was highlighted on March 30, when British-bred horses sporting Godolphin’s royal blue colours captured a brace of Group 1 races on two continents. The Australian domiciled Avilius, who began his career in France, landed the second of three 2019 top-level wins in the Tancred Stakes at Randwick and later that day the Charlie Appleby-trained Old Persian achieved his Group 1 breakthrough in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan. Godolphin starts 2020 with an enviably strong hand for the Classics, especially the 2,000 Guineas in which they have leading fancies Pinatubo and Earthlight.

BBA SILVER CIGAR BOX AND BARLEYTHORPE STUD SILVER CUP

DUBAWI

TATTERSALLS’ SILVER SALVER

CABLE BAY

Leading British-based stallion (Flat earnings) & Leading British-based stallion (individual Flat winners)

Leading British-based first season sire (Flat earnings)

GEORGE SELWYN

In a very close finish, Dubawi held off the persistent challenge of Frankel to record his seventh consecutive title as the leading British-based sire by prize-money.

Dubawi: another terrific year for the Dalham Hall resident

Feb_186_TBAForum.indd 85

Prize-money in Britain and Ireland decides the award for the first-season sire and the Highclere Stud-based Cable Bay ran out a clear-cut winner. The son of Invincible Spirit, also sire of last year’s winner Kingman, topped the domestic list with almost £600,000 in prize-money and for good measure added another £100,000 with his overseas runners. A first-crop conceived at a fee of just £6,500 produced seven black-type horses led by the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes winner Liberty Beach and the four-time Group-placed Ropey Guest. Cable Bay demonstrated high-class form in a 20-race career spanning three seasons. His finest hour came in the last of those races, when he won the Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Newmarket. After such a promising start with his first runners there was very strong demand for his second crop of yearlings and five of them realised six-figure sums at the autumn sales. This has seen his stud fee for the 2020 breeding season increase to £15,000. Highclere Stud has been home to a number of good stallions over the years, including Efisio, a dual winner of the Barleythorpe Stud Silver Cup. lat awards apply to racing in Great Britain and Ireland, with •F statistics relating to the calendar year.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER 85

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TBA Forum

The beginning of December witnessed Honeysuckle stamp herself as not just one of the best mares in Ireland at present but also one of the best hurdlers, when taking the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on the first of the month. The daughter of the late Yorton Farm resident Sulamani, who was bred by Dr Geoffrey Guy of the Glanvilles Stud, stretched her unbeaten record to six races under Rules. That same day the Andrew Whitlockbred Cerberus won a competitive renewal of the Grade 3 juvenile hurdle that opened up the fixture. The son of Iffraaj was bred out of Whitlock’s Listed-winning mare Miss You Too. The three-year-old would race again later in the month, when he went down by nearly ten lengths to fellow British-bred Allmankind in the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow on Welsh National day. From the first crop of the Lanwades Stud-based Sea The Moon, the gelding races for his breeders Bill and Tim Gredley. He rates a live contender for the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle next month. Hopefully we will hear plenty more about Midnights Legacy this year, as he is the son of Midnight Legend kept as an entire by David and Kathleen Holmes. In December it was the turn of his year older full-sister, Midnights’ Gift, to take a turn in the spotlight, when winning the Listed Virgin Bet Fillies’ Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree on Beecher Chase day. Turned out at Taunton at the end of the month against older mares, she finished second in the Listed Byerley Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. On the Friday of Cheltenham’s twoday International Meeting, the gallant then ten-year-old Cogry landed back-toback successes in the Grade 3 BetVictor Handicap Chase. Bred by Robert and Jackie Chugg, the Nigel Twiston-Daviestrained bay made most and proved dour in the closing stages to fend off his nearest pursuer. On the Saturday the Twiston-Davies-trained Redford Road landed a surprise win in the Grade 2 Bristol Novices’ Hurdle over three miles. Sired by Trans Island during his time at Nunstainton Stud, the then five-year-old was bred by Mrs C M Bowman. The same day at Doncaster and both Grade 2 races went to British-breds. Having struck gold with Honeysuckle

BILL SELWYN

British-breds jump to it in December

Allmankind captured the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle for Bill and Tim Gredley

earlier in the month, the Glanvilles Stud were celebrating again when Sam Spinner, the Grade 1-winning hurdling son of Black Sam Bellamy, who was bred by Wriggle Valley Thoroughbreds and Bob Eccleshall, gained Graded honours over the larger obstacles for the first time in the December Novices’ Chase, despite nearly unseating Joe Colliver in spectacular fashion six from home. Unfortunately, it was announced later in the month that the bay was out for the rest of the season due to a pelvic injury. The Graded juvenile test on the card at Doncaster, the Summit Juvenile Hurdle, went the way of the Donald McCaintrained Navajo Pass, a son of Newsells Park Stud-based Nathaniel, who was bred by Natton House Thoroughbreds and Mr G Bishop. At Ascot before Christmas, Master Debonair, the first foal bred by North Devon-based Malcolm and Cathy Yeo out of their Listed-winning mare Swincombe Flame, quickened up impressively between the final two flights to take the Grade 2 Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle. A day later at the Berkshire track, in the valuable Grade 3 Betfair Exchange Trophy Handicap Hurdle, Not So Sleepy put in a mighty performance to score a nine-length win. Bred by Lord Blyth and racing in the silks of his wife Lady Blyth, the then seven-year-old was extremely keen but powered clear again from two out. The black-type wins kept coming after Christmas. At Newbury on December 28, Thyme Hill maintained his unbeaten hurdling record with a hard-fought win in the Grade 1 Challow Novices’ Hurdle. Bred by Overbury Stallions Ltd, for who this was a second Grade 1 win of the current season after Cornerstone Lad, the then five-year-old became the tenth top-level winner for his sire Kayf Tara, who is about to embark on his 20th breeding season at the Gloucestershire-based stud. At Doncaster on December 29 in the

Listed Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares’ Chase, five of the seven runners were rated officially 149 or above. Come the end of the extended two and a half mile test, which was one of the strongest fields assembled for a mares' chase staged in Britain, Keith and Jayne Sivills’ homebred Lady Buttons held onto her title, by getting her head in front near the line at the end of a pulsating finish. On the level and Dubai Warrior, by the retired Banstead Manor Stud sire Dansili and bred by Essafinaat Ltd, gained a first stakes win in the Listed Quebec Stakes at Lingfield Park, the final British stakes race of 2019 on December 21. Overall, December was a month for international success, and a day later in the final European stakes contest of 2019, the Listed Prix Miss Satamixa on the all-weather at Deauville over seven and a half furlongs, Cheveley Park Stud’s homebred four-year-old Preening came out victorious. The daughter of the stud’s resident stallion Dutch Art, who was Group 3-placed earlier in the year, was winning for the first time at blacktype level. The month witnessed the Middle East season kick into gear. At Meydan there were victories for the Qatar Bloodstock Ltd-bred Military Law (Dubawi) in the Listed Entisaar Stakes on December 5, while the Darley-bred Secret Ambition took the Listed Dubai Creek Mile on the 19th of the month. In nearby Qatar, the Archie Watson-trained Maystar, a son of Cheveley Park Stud-based Mayson, took the valuable Al Rayyan Stakes in Doha for juveniles under Hollie Doyle. Stateside on the first Saturday of the month, the Bunny Roberts-bred Feel Glorious added another stakes win to her CV when taking the Winter Memories Stakes on the lawn at Aqueduct. The daughter of Banstead Manor Stud’s Bated Breath had scored at Listed level earlier in the campaign and was also twice placed in Graded company.

86 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Updated Codes of Practice released The Codes of Practice document is available online or on the EquiBioSafe app

NH MOPS WINNERS Wednesday, December 11 HEXHAM The Racecourse Membership An Ideal Xmas Present Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Winner: MIAH GRACE Owner: Caron & Paul Chapman Bonus: £10,000 Wednesday, December 18 NEWBURY The St James’s Place Fillies’ “Junior” Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race Winner: MIDNIGHT GINGER Owner: Pitchall Stud Partnership Bonus: £5,000

The Horserace Betting Levy Board has published the 2020 Codes of Practice on equine disease, in preparation for the upcoming equine breeding season. The codes of practice are an essential guide for the prevention and control of specific diseases which represent a potential major threat to equine breeding, which include:

the United Kingdom.

Thursday, December 19 EXETER The Racing TV Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle Winner: ELEANOR BOB Owner: Francis Mahon Bonus: £10,000

• Contagious equine metritis (CEM) • Equine viral arteritis (EVA) • Equine herpesvirus (EHV) • Equine coital exanthema (ECE) • Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) • Dourine • Guidelines on strangles

• Additions to the EVA section to reflect the 2019 outbreak

Tuesday, December 31 UTTOXETER The Abacus Decorators EBF Mares’ Maiden Open National Hunt Flat Race Winner: ANYTHINGFORLOVE Owner: Foxtrot Racing Anythingforlove Bonus: £5,000

Mare Guidelines Members are reminded that there is guidance for breeders who are walking in mares for covering on the TBA’s newly updated website. Featuring a 14-point plan, the guidance can be viewed by visiting https://www.thetba.co.uk/about-us/ tba-policies/

Feb_186_TBAForum.indd 87

The document is available online at codes.hblb.org.uk or via the free app, EquiBioSafe. The recommendations within the codes of practice are common to France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and

Changes to this year’s document include: • New guidelines on Equine Influenza • Revisions to the CEM swabbing protocol • Updates to the contact details relating to notifiable diseases

Copies have been mailed to members and a limited number are available on request from the TBA office. Members are also reminded that the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is now responsible for administering the Laboratory Registration Scheme, including publication of the 2020 Mare Certificates, which are available from the BEVA website.

Newbury debut for Olivia May On Saturday, February 29 the Amateur Jockeys Association will stage a charity race at Newbury in aid of Greatwood and Olivia May, Communications Co-ordinator at the TBA, will be taking part. Olivia has been riding horses from a young age but this will be the first time she has ridden in a competitive race. The TBA team wish her the very best of luck and you can donate by visiting her JustGiving page: https://tinyurl.com/ wctbvde.

Olivia May: charity race challenge

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TBA Forum

Future in focus at EFTBA autumn meeting The European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s autumn meeting took place in late November in Newmarket, when representatives from 13 breeding countries attended. Amongst the topics discussed was Brexit, the impending Animal Health Law and also Regumate. The meeting discussed the need to nurture the next generation and to encourage as many young people to get involved in the industry. A future generation seminar is planned for Ireland in 2020.

EFTBA Chairman Joe Hernon argued against restrictions on horse movement

Save The Date: TBA Showcase at Cheltenham

EFTBA Chairman Joe Hernon was delighted with both the turnout and the engagement for members, commenting: “There are many challenges facing the industry in the foreseeable future and it is paramount EFTBA take a lead role in ensuring we secure the best deal for breeders. “We must continue to highlight the economic significance of the thoroughbred industry throughout Europe and ensure that no unworkable restrictions will be placed on the movement of horses in the near future.”

Diary Dates & Reminders Friday, February 14 South East Regional Forum Sandown Park racecourse Tuesday, March 3 South West Regional Forum Exeter racecourse Thursday, April 16 TBA Showcase at Cheltenham Cheltenham racecourse

There was a spirited discussion at last year’s TBA Showcase, staged this year on April 16

Following on from the successful inaugural TBA Showcase at Cheltenham last April, where there were over 120 attendees, the TBA will once again hold the event in the morning on Thursday, April 16 before the mares-only raceday at Prestbury Park, which features three Listed races.

David Hodge of Llety Farms named Breeder of the Year In early December, David Hodge of Llety Farms was awarded the TBAsponsored Breeder of the Year trophy at the Welsh Horse Racing Awards, held at Chepstow racecourse. Hodge, the breeder of top-class sprinter Soldier's Call, placed twice in Group 1 company in 2019, is pictured being presented with his award by TBA representative Hazel West.

Featuring presentations, panel sessions and interviews with key industry people, the event provides the chance for engagement between owners, trainers and TBA members. Further information on the event will be posted on the TBA website in the near future.

Thursday, April 30 (new date) Scotland Regional Forum Musselburgh racecourse Tuesday, July 7 North Regional Forum Pontefract racecourse Tuesday, September 22 Wales & West Midlands Regional Forum Warwick racecourse Thursday, October 1 West & South West Regional Forum Salisbury racecourse Further information on all TBA events can be found on the TBA website

NEW MEMBERS

Rebecca Lea Bloodstock – Wiltshire Dale Ablitt – Suffolk Brendan Boyle – Suffolk Michael Bullock – Manchester TTC Nicola Slack – Worcestershire Alice Robinson – Bedford

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Hope springs eternal at this time of year, with foals being born and the start of the covering season looming. David Futter, who runs Yorton Farm Stud in 300 acres of countryside near Powys for owners Jean and James Potter, is an exception. He shares the sentiment but manages to make his excitement last the year round. “You’ve got to be excited,” he says. “At Yorton we’ve two new stallions in Masterstroke and Scalo, as well as Pether’s Moon, who’s beginning to get noticed. “Then there’s Gentlewave, whom Jean and James have owned for five years, back after standing in France for two seasons. He’s the sire of Easysland, whom we bought in Ireland, put into training with David Cottin in France and is unbeaten in cross-country races for a year. Gentlewave is also the sire of the Kerry National winner Poker Party, and he’s started to have runners over here – Erick Le Rouge is probably the best – so the time was right to bring him back.” Futter’s enthusiasm is unmistakable as he adds: “We’re going into a new season on the back of our biggest year, and there’s the excitement of gathering everyone together, along with the new stock, as well as preparing for our second sale in September.

“We should tell people that this is an exciting industry to be part of” “But you’ve got to be enthusiastic all year. Anyone who’s in this industry for any length of time has to have a glass half full. It’s infectious. You don’t meet many people who aren’t fundamentally happy, and if they’re not happy, they aren’t in it for long.” Futter is keen to share his enthusiasm, explaining: “At Yorton we’re always open for anyone to visit, whether they’re trainers coming to buy young stock, breeders looking at the stallions, or anyone who’s just interested in racing and breeding and

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CARL EVANS

BREEDER IN FOCUS – David Futter

David and Lester Futter are excited about the year ahead at Yorton Farm Stud

wants to learn more. “Irrespective of the sale last September, about 1,000 people would come through the farm each year, which is extremely exciting. “National Hunt is starting to get more trendy with younger people, but as an industry we don’t do enough to use the sport and what goes on at stud farms to promote racing. “Every horse who gets on the track comes from farms like ours and private breeders, and so much goes on beforehand – watching foals in the paddocks, seeing them grow and go into training, the foaling itself and the stallions. As stud farms we should open up a little more. It’s not going to make a massive difference overnight but, hopefully, it will bring more people into the industry.” Although Futter has brought his sons into the business – Lester from a very young age, Riley more recently after qualifying as a carpenter – he believes there is a place for everyone, even with no prior experience of horses. “We need to educate people that this is an exciting industry to be part of, and you don’t need to have a background with horses to get involved,” he says. “If you don’t have a natural ability with horses, there are still opportunities.” The sale to which Futter refers, organised in conjunction with Goffs and offering young horses for the jumps field, is an initiative intended to advance a concept that he holds dear.

“We believe we should do something a little earlier with our National Hunt stock, preparing them at two rather than three or four,” he says, “and we wanted to get out into the marketplace to see if there was a gap. “In France they start their horses at two, and we know the influence they are having on racing over here and in Ireland, although on the whole I don’t believe there are any better trainers, stallions or mares in France than we have in Britain and Ireland. I’m not saying we should just copy everything France does, but as an industry you’ve got to look at what your competitors are doing and maybe bring in a little of that into our system and see if it works.” As a long-term member of the TBA’s National Hunt Committee, which he says has “made active inroads and improvements under Robert WaleyCohen and Bryan Mayoh,” Futter will be pressing for more opportunities for National Hunt three-year-olds. “It’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation,” he says, “but if the system is in place and there are races to be won, the trainers will buy horses to go into it.” More than anything, though, Futter wants the breeding industry to retain a sense of optimism. “It’s so easy to knock everybody and everything in life,” he says, “but we have to concentrate on being positive and build on that. No-one owes any of us a free meal ticket, and we’ve got to stress that this industry is exciting.”

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Christmas arrived early again at The Glanvilles Stud, which for the second time in three years had cause to celebrate a Grade 1 winner in December. Two years ago, Sam Spinner, whose breeder Wriggle Valley Thoroughbreds is the former operating name of Doug and Lucy Proctor, announced his arrival as a top-class staying hurdler by winning the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. This year it was the turn of Honeysuckle to bring early festive cheer to the heart of Dorset by stretching her unbeaten run to six races with an emphatic nine-length success in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, with previous Cheltenham Festival winners Apple’s Jade and Penhill trailing in her wake. “She is definitely as good as I’ve ridden,” said jockey Rachael Blackmore of the Henry de Bromhead-trained winner. “We’re all very lucky to be involved with her. After the performance she put up today, she is definitely special.” Dr Geoffrey Guy, who owns Glanvilles Stud in partnership with Doug Proctor, is the registered breeder of the six-year-old daughter of Sulamani, whose target is the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Proctor told Great British Racing International: “It’s very important for profile. It’s special for a small stud, but, as much as it’s great for us, you can see it just lifts the staff when you’ve got a really good horse,” The emergence of Honeysuckle as a

CAROLINE NORRIS

THE GLANVILLES STUD

Honeysuckle: top hurdler is unbeaten

future elite broodmare is a major boost to the bloodstock ambitions of her owner Kenny Alexander, co-owner of New Hall Stud in Ayrshire, the former base of Gordon Thom and birthplace of Donna Blini, dam of Japanese superstar Gentildonna, the highest earning female racehorse ever. Peter Molony of Rathmore Stud acts as bloodstock advisor and racing manager to Alexander and purchased Honeysuckle on his behalf for €110,000 after a 15-length point-to-point win at Dromahane in 2018. “Kenny’s whole idea is to build a nice breeding operation tilted towards racemares and broodmares, which is why he’d love to win the Mares’ Hurdle,” explained Molony. “We’re huge fans of the mares’ programme, we’ve been trying to encourage it for years, it’s there now and this has been the plan forever for her.” Honeysuckle’s dam First Royal (by Lando) died in 2015, three months

after giving birth to a year-younger full-brother to Honeysuckle named Last Royal, now in training with Keiran Burke. An earlier foal, a Shirocco filly called Roc Royal, was placed several times over hurdles in France in 2017 before being sold to race in Jersey, but following the exploits of Honeysuckle was repatriated to Glanvilles Stud, where she is now in foal to Motivator. The stud’s breakthrough Grade 1 winner, Sam Spinner, embarked on a chasing campaign this season and after collecting a pair of early-season novice chases at Wetherby, was stepped up to graded company in the December Novices’ Chase at Doncaster. A 38-length winning margin in the Grade 2 event suggests an easy success, but it hardly does justice to the drama of a race that saw the then seven-year-old survive a monumental blunder six out which almost propelled jockey Joe Colliver into orbit. The rider grinned: “When I was up in the air I thought, ‘Please God he’ll be there when I come down!’, because that’s how much time I had up there. Luckily enough he was there. He had a little look at the next and after that he was good and bold.” The news that emerged at the end of the month that a pelvic injury, possibly sustained during the race, has ruled him out for the rest of the season highlights once more the highs and lows of racing. On a brighter note, Glanvilles Stud is home to Sam Spinner’s Alflora halfsister Tsarinova and his Black Sam Bellamy three-part brother, who Tsarinova foaled on the last day of March 2019.

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THE GLANVILLES STUD

‘ Where dreams are bred’ • Permanent and Seasonal Boarding • Bloodstock Management • Mating Advice • Management of Broodmares in France

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For the very latest sire lists go to www.ownerbreeder.co.uk Tables updated every day

Based at the family owned Bottisham Heath Stud. We are set within 180 acres of post and rail paddocks, with our own private poly track gallop, tranquil walk ways and stabling for 75 horses. Also including starting gates, several Claydon horse walkers, and a large office with owner facilities. It is a beautiful, peaceful and safe environment for horses to be trained in, with the added bonus of ‘time out’ in the paddocks to unwind and relax when needed. As well as this unique setting, we have easy, quick access to world class gallops and equine Veterinary care in Newmarket, the headquarters of horseracing.

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Fractional ad pages February 2020.indd 91

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Vet Forum: The Expert View

Passport to a healthier life

Key to identification

The horse passport is a document that allows a horse to be correctly identified for the purposes of competition, transportation, import and export, change of ownership, insurance and medical treatment, among other things. It contains a sketch and written description of the horse’s markings as well as the microchip number. Information which must be contained in the passport includes the name and/or breeding of the horse; country of birth; gender; age or date of birth; name of the person to whom the passport is issued – usually the breeder. Other pages are for human consumption status, change of ownership details, vaccinations, medications administered, certain test results and health declarations and movements. Older passports might not contain all of this information and owners of

LORRAINE PALMER

he seemingly separate issues of horse passports and medical treatment of horses are actually inextricably linked by rather complicated legislation, most of which has its origins in the EU, where horses are considered food-producing animals (for humans). At the time of writing, we are still in the EU and as such are also required to consider that any horse might enter the human food chain, unless specifically excluded. It is my understanding that this position is unlikely to change when Britain leaves the EU, i.e. the default position is and will remain that every horse will potentially enter the human food chain unless ‘signed out’. In accordance with legislation, every horse in the UK must have a passport and must be microchipped. As of 2020, the requirement for a microchip will include all older horses. There are a few exemptions, for example for Exmoor ponies and other semi-wild animals. There are around 80 Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs) that were or are authorised to issue passports and Weatherbys is one of them. For any horse born in the EU and located in England, an application for a passport must be received by a PIO on or before November 30 in the year of birth or within six months of birth, whichever is the later date. Weatherbys’ requirements differ slightly from this; please see its website for more details.

Every horse in the UK must have a passport and be microchipped

older horses whose passports do not contain the pages concerning the horse’s human consumption status are required to return those passports to the issuing PIO to have the pages inserted. Similarly, some imported horses will not be microchipped and might not have human consumption-related pages in their passport. Any passport that does not contain those pages is not considered a ‘legal’ passport under current legislation and the horse cannot enter the human food chain. If a passport is lost or stolen, this must be reported to the PIO. A duplicate passport will be issued but the horse will be automatically signed out of the human food chain. The owner or keeper of the horse must also hand over the passport when ownership of the horse changes and the new owner is required to forward the passport to the PIO with new ownership details within 30 days of that transfer of ownership. No person should keep a horse unless it has a passport and no-one should buy or sell a horse without its passport being present. The passport is meant to remain with the horse, or be available at short notice, if the horse requires veterinary treatment. It should be shown to the vet so that the vet can determine the human food chain status of the horse before treatment is given. If the horse is transported, the passport must accompany it.

Use of medicines

If we now turn to the use of medicines in horses, we are faced with complicated requirements concerning selection of medicines and record keeping both

for the vet and for the owner. Most of the requirements vary depending on whether or not the horse has been signed out of the human food chain. In newer passports, Section II, part II is a declaration which states that the horse is NOT INTENDED for human consumption. If this is signed, the horse can NEVER enter the human food chain. This declaration cannot be undone. Section II, part III is a declaration that the horse IS intended for human consumption. If this is signed, the horse MUST NEVER be given certain medicines (prohibited substances) under any circumstances. This declaration can be undone if the owner/keeper chooses to do this by signing Section II, part II – this signature will nullify any signature in the ‘intended’ section. If a vet administers a prohibited substance (one that can’t be used in food producing animals) the vet must sign Section II, part II to exclude the horse from the human food chain. There is no legal obligation to sign either part II or part III of Section II, unless a prohibited substance is given, but if no declaration has been made then the horse must be treated as though it IS intended for human consumption. In older passports, the human consumption declaration is likely to be in Section IX. If the horse is declared as not intended for human consumption, the PIO should be informed. Before a vet can administer a prescription medicine to a horse it is necessary for him/her to see the horse’s passport to determine the human consumption status of that horse, as

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By Deidre Carson MRCVS this has enormous bearing on which medicine(s) can be administered or supplied. The owner/keeper MUST provide the vet with the passport when ‘reasonably’ requested. Unfortunately, often the passport is not with the horse – it might be ‘in the office’ or ‘in the horse box’, ‘at home’ or ‘with the owner’ etc. If the passport is not available or the vet is unaware of the horse’s food production status, the horse must be treated as though intended for human consumption. Record-keeping requirements are more onerous if the horse is NOT signed out of the human food chain. All vaccinations must be recorded in the passport regardless of the horse’s food chain status. In situations where the passport is not available, a written record of medicines administered should be given to the owner with directions as to whether the horse MUST be signed out of the human food chain or other records must be kept.

Product choice

In veterinary practice, when choosing a prescription medicine to treat a patient, vets are required to choose, wherever possible, a product which is licensed for use in the species being treated for that specific condition. If there is no licensed product for use in that species, vets are legally required to follow the Cascade to choose a suitable product. This allows use of medicines licensed for other species and also humans providing a flow chart approach is followed. Horse vets are legally obliged to use a product licensed for use in the horse first, even if there is a cheaper human or small animal product available. If the horse being treated is declared as intended for human consumption OR the declaration in the passport is unsigned, there are restrictions on which medicines can be used. Some medicines that are licensed for use in horses in the UK must not be given to horses that are not signed out of the human food chain. Any medicine given to these horses must only contain a substance which is permitted for use in food producing animals. There is a list of these products in Table 1 (Allowed list) of Regulation 37/2010. This list also carries minimum residue limits (MRLs) for target tissues. Vets must also inform the owner of the period after treatment before the horse can be slaughtered (the withdrawal period). The owner is responsible for keeping a written record of all medicines given, the last date of administration and the meat/tissue withdrawal period. This information does

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keepers to keep a written record, either in the passport or separately, of administered medicines for horses that have been declared as not intended for human consumption, apart from vaccinations. Vets have specific recordkeeping and labelling requirements, regardless of the human consumption status of the animals being treated, and these vary with the type of product that is used.

Considerations around human consumption status of any horse Preparing for an intravenous injection

not have to be in the passport. There is no MRL or withdrawal time for phenylbutazone and this MUST NEVER be used in horses that are not signed out of the human food chain. Any horse that is given phenylbutazone must have Section II, part II signed by either the vet or the owner/keeper or their representative to take it permanently out of the human food chain. There are other prohibited substances; these can be found in Table 2 in Regulation 37/2010. To make things more complicated for horse owners and vets, vets are also allowed to administer to food producing horses a specified list of medicines which are not in Table I of 37/2010. This list is known as the Essentials List (Commission Regulation 122/2013) and actually permits the use of a variety of products that we would not otherwise be able to use in horses intended for human consumption. However, their use must be recorded in the horse’s passport along with the last date of administration and a compulsory six-month withdrawal period.

In an emergency…

Even if the passport is not available, a horse may be treated with a prohibited substance in an emergency if, in the opinion of the attending vet, there is no other more suitable product available. In this instance, the vet must provide the owner/keeper with a written note stating what was administered and stating that the horse must be excluded from the human food chain. This should be in duplicate and the owner/keeper must sign the note to acknowledge that they have received this information. If the owner/keeper is not present, the note should be given to their representative as soon as possible.

Record keeping requirements for the ‘not intended’ horse

There are no requirements for owners/

From many equine vets’ perspectives, professional life would be much easier if every horse was signed out of the human food chain as we wouldn’t have to worry too much about which medication was administered, withdrawal times and providing information for owners’ record keeping requirements. There is also an animal welfare argument that the ‘not intended’ horse might receive more appropriate medicinal treatment, particularly in an emergency. However, while it seems to make sense to sign every horse out of the human food chain because it makes life ‘easier’, there is potentially a different, but significant, welfare issue associated with this ‘non-intended’ status. Removing slaughter for human consumption as an alternative route for the disposal of injured or unwanted horses can lead to them being neglected and/or abused. There are significant costs associated with the humane destruction and disposal of a horse, with carcass disposal fees of between £500 and £800 not uncommon. Horses might not attract a high carcass value if slaughtered for human consumption, but even if a few hundred pounds is paid to the owner for the horse as its ‘meat value’, this could make the difference between a humane end to that horse’s life or prolonged suffering. Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare, has recently written a persuasive letter to the Vet Record (November 9, Vol 185 No 18 p577) arguing the case for not signing horses out of the human food chain so that they might be humanely slaughtered for human consumption. Hunt kennels can sometimes take a horse – regardless of its human consumption status – without charging a fee and these horses are usually despatched quickly and humanely at the time of collection/ delivery. There are a few medicines that can’t be administered to horses destined for kennels and any horse that is euthanased by injection cannot be disposed of in this way.

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Dr Statz

John Boyce cracks the code

Lesser names in new light as emerging damsires come to fore

t’s true that the most successful broodmare sires tend to have been excellent sires in their own right. But other factors also play a significant role in determining whether mares by a particular stallion can be prominent producers. Even some failed stallions who received great patronage in their early years can turn up on top of the broodmare sire rankings, as their daughters take strong pedigrees to stud. And, of course, opportunity plays a significant part. A great association with one or two prominent sires of the day can work wonders for a broodmare sire’s standing. Just look at what Galileo did for the broodmare sire accomplishments of Danehill and Pivotal. Genetics tells us that a broodmare sire must play his part and on occasion that part can be clearly defined as a broodmare sire influence and not confused with other elements of the pedigree. In this article I am concentrating on young sires of producers – those born from 2002 onwards – to uncover some up-and-coming superstars. The first name on the leaderboard – sires with eight or more stakes winners ranked by percentage of stakes winners to runners – will be a surprise to many. Haafhd was a top-class racehorse, capping a nine-race career with a hugely impressive victory over Chorist and Azamour in the Champion Stakes in the same year he had taken the 2,000 Guineas. Rated 129 by Timeform – the top three-year-old of his year in Britain and Ireland – Haafhd spent his early years standing at a fee of £20,000, attracting some of the country’s best mares,

GEORGE SELWYN

BROODMARE SIRES BORN AFTER 1999 (Ranked by %BTW to Rnrs)

Haafhd: faring well as a broodmare sire

Name

Born

Sire

Rnrs

BTW

%BTW

HAAFHD SHAMARDAL WHIPPER DALAKHANI OASIS DREAM DUBAWI KHELEYF HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR ELUSIVE CITY EXCEED AND EXCEL ORATORIO

2001 2002 2001 2000 2000 2002 2001 2004 2000 2000 2002

Alhaarth Giant's Causeway Miesque's Son Darshaan Green Desert Dubai Millennium Green Desert Danehill Elusive Quality Danehill Danehill

142 418 162 507 888 367 205 273 228 441 287

9 26 10 27 42 15 8 10 8 15 8

6.3 6.2 6.2 5.3 4.7 4.1 3.9 3.7 3.5 3.4 2.8

particularly those from his ownerbreeder, Hamdan Al Maktoum. It’s not a total surprise, therefore, that some of his early daughters have made an impact as broodmares. His nine stakes winners account for 6.3% of his runners, which is an excellent output for a broodmare sire. To put the figure in context, we can compare it to Pivotal’s 6.4% or indeed Galileo’s 7.8%, and the best of his nine stakes winners – Quiet Reflection (TF126) and Madhmoon (TF122) – are very decent racehorses. We often talk of an elite 10% club among sires, and the equivalent for broodmare sires is the 6% club. Two more European sires are producing stakes winners above this rate. The first, Shamardal, is already up to 26 northern hemisphere stakes winners (6.2%). He has four northern hemisphere Group 1 winners, including Irish 2,000 Guineas winner and Timeform 124-rated Awtaad, plus two excellent sons of Kodiac in Hello Youmzain (TF124) and Gifted Master (TF122). Camelot’s Irish Derby winner Latrobe (TF119) and Oasis Dream’s Prix Morny heroine Pretty Polyanna are his other Group 1 winners. Unlike Haafhd, whose patronage waned quickly after he disappointed as a sire, Shamardal looks set to consolidate his position as an elite broodmare sire over the next decade or so. He’s certainly got the ammunition and the bloodline to benefit from the more traditional European sire lines. The only other European stallion currently maintaining a strike-rate above 6% is also an unlikely candidate in Whipper. True, the quality of his stakes winners is not in the same league as Shamardal’s, but horses like Thikriyaat

(TF117), Daban (TF114) and Group 2 winner Prince Of Lir (TF105) are commendable achievements nonetheless. As a son of Darshaan, whose daughters proved an excellent foil for Sadler’s Wells and Galileo in the past, Dalakhani was always going to make a name for himself as a broodmare sire. He’s already up to 27 northern hemisphere stakes winners but it will be a challenge for his daughters to produce another horse as good as Shamardal’s unbeaten son Pinatubo (TF134). The supporting cast is strong though, led by Japan’s Group 1-winning sprinter by Raven’s Pass, Tower Of London (TF125), plus the 123-rated US Army Ranger (by Galileo) and the 122-rated Nelson (by Galileo’s son Frankel). The most prolific of this group of young broodmare sires is Oasis Dream, whose 42 stakes winners (4.7%) is some way clear of the field. His daughters are also responsible for more Group winners (25) than any sire in the group and they feature Sir Dragonet, rated 122 by Timeform, plus two 121-rated horses in the Dandy Man sprinter Extortionist and Raven’s Corner, by Raven’s Pass. Exceed And Excel’s daughters have come to the fore in recent seasons, providing two outstanding and diverse runners in July Cup and Middle Park winner Ten Sovereigns (TF126 by No Nay Never) and Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck (TF123 by Galileo). And smart Group 1 winners Johannes Vermeer (TF122 by Galileo), Newspaperofrecord (TF122 by Lope de Vega) and Verbal Dexterity (TF119 by Vocalised) form the backbone of Holy Roman Emperor’s achievements so far.

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High-class juvenile and sprinter by Exceed And Excel ex Arctic Drift (Gone West) Cappella Sansevero

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Smooth Daddy

My Dream Boat

Micheál Orlandi, Compas Stallions info@compasstallions.com + 353 (0)83 809 2299 compasstallions.com + 44 (0)7535 263388 Standing at Starfield Stud, Ballinagall, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland N91 K8Y9

Data Book • Analysis by Andrew Caulfield Grade 1 Winners 77 BETFAIR TINGLE CREEK CHASE G1 SANDOWN PARK. Dec 7. 4yo+. 15f 110yds.

1. DEFI DU SEUIL (FR) 6 11-7 £84,405 b g by Voix du Nord - Quarvine du Seuil (Lavirco) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Mme C. Boudot TR-Philip Hobbs 2. Un de Sceaux (FR) 11 11-7 £31,800 b g by Denham Red - Hotesse de Sceaux (April Night) O-E. O’Connell B-Haras de La Rousseliere & Mme Monique Choveau TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Waiting Patiently (IRE) 8 11-7 £15,915 b g by Flemensfirth - Rossavon (Beneficial) O-Mr Richard Collins B-V. Finn TR-Ruth Jefferson Margins Neck, 0.75. Time 3:59.00. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-6 19 13 4 £509,487 Sire: VOIX DU NORD. Sire of 22 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - DEFI DU SEUIL Lavirco G1, DJINGLE Lute Antique G3. 1st Dam: QUARVINE DU SEUIL by Lavirco. 2 wins at 3 and 5 in France. Dam of 1 winner:

2011: 2013:

Brume du Seuil (f Equerry) ran on the flat in France. DEFI DU SEUIL (g Voix du Nord) 13 wins, JCB Triumph Hurdle G1, coral.co.uk Future Chn.Finale Juv.Hurdle G1, Doom Bar Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle G1, JCB Triumph Trial Finesse Juv. Hurdle G2, JCB Triumph Trial Prestbury Juv. Hurdle G2, 888Sport Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase G1, Betfair Tingle Creek Chase G1, JLT Golden Miller Novices’ Chase G1, Shloer Cheltenham Chase G2, 2nd Ryanair Colliers Novice Chase G1, BetBright Dipper Novices’ Chase G2.

Broodmare Sire: LAVIRCO. Sire of the dams of 9 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - DEFI DU SEUIL Voix du Nord G1, GRAND SUD Lord du Sud G3, LISTEN DEAR Robin des Champs LR. The Voix du Nord/Lavirco cross has produced: DEFI DU SEUIL G1, DICA DE THAIX G3, Bonaparte Sizing LR.

DEFI DU SEUIL b g 2013 Lomond

Northern Dancer My Charmer

Vearia

Mill Reef Val Divine

Top Ville

High Top Sega Ville

Girl of France

Legend of France Water Girl

Konigsstuhl

Dschingis Khan Konigskronung

La Virginia

Surumu La Dorada

Video Rock

No Lute Pauvresse

Via Tennise

Brezzo Favorite

Valanour VOIX DU NORD b 01 Dame Edith

Lavirco QUARVINE DU SEUIL b 04 Fleur du Tennis

The Tingle Creek Chase’s recent roll of honour features such illustrious names as Master Minded, Sizing Europe, Sprinter Sacre, Sire de Grugy, Un de Sceaux and Altior. Now Defi du Seuil has joined this select group thanks to his defeat of the veteran Un de Sceaux. In the process he recorded his sixth Gr1 success, even though he was still only six at the time of the Tingle Creek. Like so many French-bred jumpers, he matured quickly, enjoying an unbeaten seven-race campaign as a juvenile hurdler, including Gr1 victories at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals. The son of Voix du Nord has now won 13 of his 19 starts, including seven of his nine races over hurdles and five of his eight starts over fences. Voix du Nord died in March 2013, aged only 12, and his death has proved a serious blow to the French jumping industry. His lengthy list of smart performers in Ireland and Britain

also features Kemboy (a three-time Gr1 winner over fences), Espoir d’Allen (the short-lived winner of the 2019 Champion Hurdle), Voix du Reve (Gr1 Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase), Vroum Vroum Mag (a three-time Gr1 winner over hurdles), Vibrato Valtat (Gr1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase, etc) and Taquin du Seuil (Gr1 JLT Novices’ Chase, etc). A strong support team features such as Duca de Thaix, Vaniteux, Voix d’Eau, Bachasson, Val de Ferbet and Djingle. Defi du Seuil is the second foal of Quarvine du Seuil, a winner of tenand 12-furlong races for non-thoroughbreds. Quarvine du Seuil’s half-brother Catamaran du Seuil is a useful chaser. Their dam Fleur du Tennis, a prolific winner at up to 15 furlongs, was a sister to Jimmy Tennis, a Video Rock gelding who won the Gr2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase over an extended three miles. Defi du Seuil’s broodmare sire, the Deutsches Derby winner Lavirco, is best known in Britain and Ireland as the sire of Royal Boy (Gr1 Tolworth Hurdle), Mikael d’Haguenet (Gr1 Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle) and Roi du Mee (Down Royal’s Gr1 Champion Chase). He died in 2009 and the subsequent years made his death look regrettable, as his French representatives included Bel La Vie (Gr1 Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris). In the role of broodmare sire, Lavirco is also responsible for the Irish Graded winners French Made, Listen Dear and Easy Game. 78 RACINGTV.COM HENRY VIII NOV. CHASE G1 SANDOWN PARK. Dec 7. 4yo+. 15f 110yds.

1. ESPRIT DU LARGE (FR) 5 11-2 £31,095 b g by No Risk At All - Tuffslolyloly (Double Bed) O-Mr & Mrs William Rucker B-Mr P. Noue TR-Evan Williams 2. Nube Negra (SPA) 5 11-2 £11,806 br g by Dink - Manly Dream (Highest Honor) O-Mr T. Spraggett B-Cuadra Internorte TR-Dan Skelton 3. Grand Sancy (FR) 5 11-2 £5,982 b g by Diamond Boy - La Courtille (Risk Seeker) O-Martin Broughton Racing Partners B-Ms B. Poulve TR-Paul Nicholls Margins 1.75, 13. Time 3:59.70. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-5 8 4 2 £51,065 Sire: NO RISK AT ALL. Sire of 10 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - EPATANTE Silver Rainbow G1, ESPRIT DU LARGE Double Bed G1, ATERISK Trempolino LR, GUMBALL Slickly LR, ZARISK Sinndar LR. 1st Dam: TUFFSLOLYLOLY by Double Bed. Winner over jumps in France. Dam of 7 winners:

2003:

2004: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2009: 2011: 2014: 2015: 2017:

SPEED LOLY (f Vertical Speed) Winner at 2 in France. ROSEE NORMANDE (f Vertical Speed) 5 wins at 3 to 5 in France. Broodmare. Summerly (g Polish Summer) Winner over jumps in France, 3rd P.Christian de L’Hermite 4yo Grand Chase LR. Greatloly (f Great Pretender) THYFLORI (f Apsis) 3 wins over jumps in France. Broodmare. MALICAR (g Satri) 2 wins over jumps to 2018 in France. DANSEUR BAMBOLINO (g Le Fou) Winner over jumps in France. ESPRIT DU LARGE (g No Risk At All) 4 wins, racingtv.com Henry VIII Nov. Chase G1. Fils du Large (c Kap Rock) unraced. Holyloly du Large (f Top Trip) unraced to date.

Broodmare Sire: DOUBLE BED. Sire of the dams of 13 Stakes winners.

ESPRIT DU LARGE b g 2014 Take Risks

Highest Honor Baino Bluff

Miss Pat

Vacarme Miss Mood

Simply Great

Mill Reef Seneca

Neomenie

Rheffic Nordenburg

Be My Guest

Northern Dancer What A Treat

Claire’s Slipper

Welsh Saint Semislipper

Direct Flight

Baldric II Felicia II

2003: 2004:

Caretura

Novitur Carenage

2005:

My Risk NO RISK AT ALL ch 07 Newness

Double Bed TUFFSLOLYLOLY b 95

3. Presenting Percy (GB) 8 11-10 £7,658 b g by Sir Percy - Hunca Munca (Presenting) O-Philip J. Reynolds B-Preston Lodge Stud TR-Patrick G. Kelly Margins 2.25, 1. Time 5:36.30. Going Soft.

Sclos

In the corresponding issue in 2016, when I attempted to pinpoint a few young French stallions likely to make an impact on the British jumping scene, I included No Risk At All, who has now burst onto the British scene in a big way thanks to a Gr1 double. First his son Esprit du Large took the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase and then his daughter Epatante landed the Christmas Hurdle. A large part of No Risk At All’s attraction was that his half-brother Nickname had been an accomplished chaser in Ireland before developing into a highly effective sire, with his string of important British and Irish winners featuring Frodon, Cyrname, Yala Enki, Le Mercurey, Gwencily Berbas, Bagad Bihoue and Aurore d’Estruval. Unlike Nickname, No Risk At All never tackled obstacles but he earned a Timeform rating of 121 as a five-year-old, when he collected a pair of Gr3 contests over a mile and a quarter. He had earlier won three Listed races over a mile, so didn’t lack speed. His appeal as a potential sire of jumpers is heightened by the fact that his sire, My Risk, was responsible for that high-class chaser Sire de Grugy. With his first-crop runners six years old in 2020, No Risk At All is also responsible for the very useful hurdler Gumball and the Gr1-placed hurdler Allaho. Esprit du Large started at 14-1 for his Gr1 win but looks progressive. Although his victory was over the minimum distance, two of his three previous wins had been at around 19 furlongs. His dam Tuffslolyloly was only a minor winner over hurdles but this daughter of the tough Double Bed has been a prolific winner producer and she was a sister to Bleu A l’Ame, a Listed winner over fences. Second dam Sclos was a talented half-sister to the smart chasers Nucladeno and Nourylande. 79 JOHN DURKAN MEM. PUNCHESTOWN CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Dec 8. 5yo+. 20f.

1. MIN (FR) 8 11-10 £45,946 b g by Walk In The Park - Phemyka (Saint Estephe) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Madame M. Mimouni TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Hardline (IRE) 7 11-10 £15,315 b g by Arcadio - Hidden Reserve (Heron Island) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Ms N. Humphreys TR-Gordon Elliott

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-8 19 10 8 £695,811 Sire: WALK IN THE PARK. Sire of 8 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - MIN Saint Estephe G1, DOUVAN Saint des Saints G2, GOLDEN PARK Goldneyev G3, WALK IN THE MILL Lost World G3, ANDI’AMU Septieme Ciel LR. 1st Dam: PHEMYKA by Saint Estephe. Winner at 3 in France. Dam of 4 winners:

2009: 2011:

Sipiderman (c Spadoun) unraced. SATWA PRINCESS (f Daliapour) 4 wins at 3, 5 and 7 in France. BELAMAGE (c Daliapour) 6 wins at 3, 4 and 6 in France. GAONE (g Sagacity) 3 wins. MIN (g Walk In The Park) 10 wins, Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle G2, 2nd Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle G1, Racing Post Christmas Novice Chase G1, John Durkan Mem. Punchestown Chase G1 (twice), Ladbrokes Dublin Chase G1, JLT Melling Chase G1, Coral Dublin Chase G2, 2nd Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase G1, Boylesports Drogheda Champion Chase G1, JLT Melling Chase G1, Paddy Power Dial-a-Bet Chase G1.

Broodmare Sire: SAINT ESTEPHE. Sire of the dams of 9 Stakes winners.

MIN b g 2011 Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Floripedes

Top Ville Toute Cy

Robellino

Roberto Isobelline

Wanton

Kris Brazen Faced

Top Ville

High Top Sega Ville

Une Tornade

Traffic Rough Sea

Akarad

Labus Licata

Stormy Scene

Storm Bird Drama

Montjeu WALK IN THE PARK b 02 Classic Park

Saint Estephe PHEMYKA b 96 Stormyka

Montjeu’s son Walk In The Park was transferred from France to Ireland in January 2016 and has been extremely busy ever since, covering 189 thoroughbred mares in 2016, 204 in 2017, 168 in 2018 and more than 200 in 2019. No doubt his first Irish-bred three-year-olds will achieve some notable prices in 2020. The reason for Walk In The Park’s transfer and the demand for his services reflected the tremendous potential shown by his sons Min and Douvan in winning Graded races around the new year in 2016. Although Douvan may not be the force he once was, he won a Gr2 chase in November 2019, having earlier achieved a magnificent sequence of 14 victories. The year-younger Min is still going strong and recorded his second successive victory in the Gr1 Punchestown Chase, taking his total of Gr1 successes to five, including the Melling Chase and the Dublin Chase. Walk In The Park wasn’t nearly as popular during his eight years as a stallion in France, where he sired little more than 200 foals, including 49 foals of 2016. Although Min has so far raced at up to two and a half miles, there is no reason why he should not stay further. Walk In The Park was second in the Derby and was tried at up to 15 furlongs, and Min’s dam Phemyka

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CAULFIELD ON EPATANTE: “Kempton wasn’t the first time the daughter of No Risk At All had shown her ability to accelerate, and this invaluable asset should yield further important successes” is by Saint Estephe, a Coronation Cup winner who also sired the dam of the dual French Champion Hurdle winner Thousand Stars, who stayed well. Min, who sold for only €6,000 as a two-year-old at Arqana, is the fourth runner and fourth winner out of Phemyka, a moderate middledistance winner in the French Provinces. Second dam Stormyka, a winner at up to 11 furlongs in the Provinces, was a half-sister to Stormez, a very useful chaser who thrived over long distances. 80 MARSH LONG WALK HURDLE G1 ASCOT. Dec 21. 4yo+. 24f.

1. THE WORLDS END (IRE) 8 11-7 £56,950 b g by Stowaway - Bright Sprite (Beneficial) O-McNeill Family B-J. Sheehan TR-Tom George 2. L’Ami Serge (IRE) 9 11-7 £21,370 b g by King’s Theatre - La Zingarella (Phardante) O-Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B-P. Ryan TR-Nicky Henderson 3. Papagana (GB) 6 11-0 £10,700 b m by Martaline - New Destiny (Highest Honor) O-Mr D. J. Burke B-Mr D. J. Burke TR-Oliver Sherwood Margins 2.75, 0.5. Time 6:20.40. Going Heavy. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-8 22 9 6 £219,174 Sire: STOWAWAY. Sire of 21 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - FIDDLERONTHEROOF Montjeu G1, THE WORLDS END Beneficial G1, FURY ROAD Oscar G2, PUT THE KETTLE ON Quest For Fame G2, CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC Shahanndeh LR. 1st Dam: Bright Sprite by Beneficial. unraced. Dam of 1 winner:

2006: 2007: 2009: 2010: 2011:

(g Bienamado) (f Bienamado) D Sprite (f Definite Article) unraced. Broodmare. Egret (g Definite Article) THE WORLDS END (g Stowaway) 9 wins, Marsh Long Walk Hurdle G1, Doom Bar Sefton Novices’ Hurdle G1, Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices’ Hurdle G2, Bet365 West Yorkshire Hurdle G2, 3rd Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle G2.

Broodmare Sire: BENEFICIAL. Sire of the dams of 12 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - THE WORLDS END Stowaway G1, UHTRED Fame And Glory LR. The Stowaway/Beneficial cross has produced: THE WORLDS END G1, Seddon G2.

THE WORLDS END b g 2011 Shirley Heights

Mill Reef Hardiemma

Sayonara

Birkhahn Suleika

Slip Anchor STOWAWAY b 94 On Credit

No Pass No Sale Northfields No Disgrace Noble Tiara

Vaguely Noble Tayyara

Top Ville

High Top Sega Ville

Youthful

Green Dancer First Bloom

Tug of War

Reliance II Pirate Queen

Miss Sprite

Bowsprit Miss Sleep

Beneficial BRIGHT SPRITE b 01 Last Sprite

Although The Worlds End’s five starts over fences yielded wide-margin victories at Chepstow and Cheltenham, he went lame and had to be pulled up in the 2019 RSA Novices’ Chase on his fifth start over the bigger obstacles. The decision was then taken to return him to hurdles, over which he had won the Gr1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle in 2017. That win was the fourth from six starts over hurdles for the son of

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Stowaway. While unable to maintain that sort of winning ratio over hurdles, The Worlds End’s latest stint has confirmed his status as one of the country’s leading staying hurdlers. Having won the Gr2 West Yorkshire Hurdle in November, he landed his second Gr1 success in the Long Walk Hurdle. The Worlds End’s sire Stowaway died in February 2015 at the age of 21. The Worlds End is one of several of Stowaway’s progeny doing well over fences during the 2019-20 season, others being the Gr2 winners Put The Kettle On and Fury Road, as well as Champagne Classic, Pym, Go Another One, Soupy Soups and Clondaw Anchor. This encouraging list is a reminder that it is a pity that greater use wasn’t made of Stowaway during the early part of his career, when he regularly covered books of around 30 mares. A son of the Derby winner Slip Anchor, Stowaway showed very smart form in winning the Gordon Stakes and Great Voltigeur at three and a valuable race in Dubai at four. However, he didn’t make his stud debut until he was seven. The likes of Hidden Cyclone (a multiple Gr2 winner over hurdles and fences), Western Leader (a Gr2 winner over hurdles who later won over fences) and Champagne Fever (a dual Gr1 winner at the Cheltenham Festival prior to winning a pair of Gr2 races over fences) put him into the spotlight. More recently Stowaway was represented by the Gr1 Lexus Chase winner Outlander and the Gr2 hurdles winners Kilcooley and On The Blind Side. The Worlds End is out of Bright Sprite, an unraced daughter of the champion sire Beneficial and his second dam is the winning hurdler Last Sprite, a daughter of the stamina-packed Tug Of War. Other good recent winners out of Beneficial mares include Quick Grabim, Waiting Patiently, Uhtred, Jeremys Flame and McFabulous. 81 LADBROKES CHRISTMAS HURDLE G1 KEMPTON PARK. Dec 26. 4yo+. 16f.

1. EPATANTE (FR) 5 11-0 £74,035 b m by No Risk At All - Kadjara (Silver Rainbow) O-Mr John P. McManus B-F. X. Lefeuvre & Anne Doulce Lefeuvre TR-Nicky Henderson 2. Silver Streak (IRE) 6 11-7 £27,781 gr g by Dark Angel - Happy Talk (Hamas) O-Mr L. Fell B-Yeomanstown Stud TR-Evan Williams 3. Ballyandy (GB) 8 11-7 £13,910 b g by Kayf Tara - Megalex (Karinga Bay) O-Options O Syndicate B-Pleasure Palace Racing TR-Nigel Twiston-Davies Margins 5, 3.25. Time 3:55.20. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-5 8 6 1 £142,948 Sire: NO RISK AT ALL. Sire of 10 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - EPATANTE Silver Rainbow G1, ESPRIT DU LARGE Double Bed G1, ATERISK Trempolino LR, GUMBALL Slickly LR, ZARISK Sinndar LR. 1st Dam: KADJARA by Silver Rainbow. Winner at 4 in France. Dam of 4 winners:

2004:

Qui Qu’en Grogne (g Thames) unraced.

2005: 2007:

2008: 2009: 2010: 2011: 2013: 2014: 2015:

RATAFIA (g Adnaan) 7 wins. TANTE SISSI (f Lesotho) 3 wins, 2nd DBS/EBF Mares NH Flat Race Final LR, Ultima EBF Mares’ NH Novices’ H. Hurdle LR. Broodmare. Ultra Bonne (f Network). Broodmare. VIRFOLETTE (f Denham Red) Winner over jumps in France. Abomey (g Denham Red) ran over jumps in France. Boniface (g Kapgarde) unraced. Debuche (c Denham Red) unraced. EPATANTE (f No Risk At All) 6 wins, Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle G1, Ladbrokes Gerry Feilden H. Hurdle LR. Fanfaron Dino (g Doctor Dino)

3. Danny Whizzbang (IRE) 6 11-7 £11,705 b g by Getaway - Lakil Princess (Bering) O-Mrs Angela Tincknell B-Minch Bloodstock TR-Paul Nicholls Margins 1.25, 19. Time 6:17.10. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-7 16 6 3 £114,397 Sire: PRESENTING. Sire of 82 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - SLATE HOUSE Broadway Flyer G1, BALLYOISIN King’s Ride G2, SNOW FALCON Kahyasi G2, BRAHMA BULL Moscow Society G3, A DIEU VAT Turgeon LR, GIVE ME A COPPER Supreme Leader LR. 1st Dam: Bay Pearl by Broadway Flyer. Dam of 3 winners:

Broodmare Sire: SILVER RAINBOW. Sire of the dams of 2 Stakes winners.

2007: 2008:

EPATANTE b m 2014

2011: 2012:

Take Risks

Highest Honor Baino Bluff

Miss Pat

Vacarme Miss Mood

2014:

Simply Great

Mill Reef Seneca

Neomenie

Rheffic Nordenburg

2016: 2017: 2018:

Rainbow Quest

Blushing Groom I Will Follow

Aryenne

Green Dancer Americaine

Useful

Vorias Etoile du Berger III

All Grey

New Chapter All Commander

My Risk NO RISK AT ALL ch 07 Newness

Silver Rainbow KADJARA gr 98 Evavia

Although she disappointed when favourite for the Gr2 Dawn Run Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, Epatante has otherwise compiled an impressive record, with six wins from her eight starts, two of them coming in bumpers and four over hurdles. Still comparatively inexperienced when pitched into Gr1 company in the Christmas Hurdle, she quickened impressively to win by five lengths. This wasn’t the first time that the daughter of No Risk At All had shown her ability to accelerate, and this invaluable asset should yield further important successes. Epatante is out of Kadjara, a non-thoroughbred mare who won over 13 furlongs as a four-year-old in France. Kadjara was sired by the useful stayer Silver Rainbow, a brother to Derby winner Quest For Fame who is arguably best known as the sire of the smart two-mile chaser Isio. Kadjara is also the dam of Tante Sissi, a winner of a mares’ Listed race over hurdles. Epatante’s second dam Evavia was by the selle francais Useful. A winner of five of his eight starts on the Flat, Useful didn’t get the chance to go jumping as he was quickly bought by the French National Stud. He is perhaps best known in Britain as the sire of that smart staying chaser Eudipe. For details of Epatante’s sire No Risk At All, see the notes on Esprit du Large in this issue. 82 LADBROKES KAUTO STAR NOVICES’ CHASE G1 KEMPTON PARK. Dec 26. 4yo+. 24f.

1. SLATE HOUSE (IRE) 7 11-7 £57,955 b g by Presenting - Bay Pearl (Broadway Flyer) O-Eric Jones, Geoff Nicholas, John Romans B-A. Metcalfe TR-Colin Tizzard 2. Black Op (IRE) 8 11-7 £22,375 br g by Sandmason - Afar Story (Desert Story) O-Mr R. S. Brookhouse B-P. Rothwell TR-Tom George

Harris Garden (g Pilsudski) REPEAT BUSINESS (g Croco Rouge) Winner over fences. TOUCH KICK (g Presenting) 6 wins. SLATE HOUSE (g Presenting) 5 wins, Sky Bet Supreme Trial Sharp Nov.Hurdle G2, Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase G1. Supreme Soviet (g Sholokhov) ran a few times in N.H. Flat Races. (f Presenting) (c Walk In The Park) (f Soldier of Fortune)

Broodmare Sire: BROADWAY FLYER. Sire of the dams of 2 Stakes winners.

SLATE HOUSE b g 2012 Busted

Crepello Sans Le Sou

Amazer

Mincio Alzara

Persian Bold

Bold Lad Relkarunner

Belle Viking

Riverman Vallarta

Theatrical

Nureyev Tree of Knowledge

Serena

Jan Ekels Miss Forsyte

Buckskin

Yelapa Bete A Bon Dieu

Thereby

Star Moss Besides

Mtoto PRESENTING br 92 D’Azy

Broadway Flyer BAY PEARL b 01 Buckleby

It was back in the 2010-11 season that Presenting recorded the fourth of his sires’ championships, but the former Glenview Stud star continues to make his mark some 28 years after his birth. His sons Snow Falcon and Ballyoisin have won at Gr2 level in the 2019-20 season but Slate House did even better in the Gr1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase, getting the better of favourite Black Op. A brother to Touch Kick, a useful chaser at up to three miles, Slate House has shown improved form since a second wind surgery, winning all three of his completed starts over fences. He is clearly suited by three miles, which is no surprise in view of his pedigree. Presenting made his name as the sire of such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Denman and War Of Attrition, and Slate House comes from the same female line as the exceptional staying hurdler Big Buck’s, a four-time winner of the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Buck’s Boum, a brother to Big Buck’s, also has a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner to his credit in Al Boum Photo. Slate House’s dam Bay Pearl was a half-sister to Buck’s, the dam of Big Buck’s and Buck’s Boum. Slate House’s broodmare sire Broadway Flyer was a smart performer in Britain, where he was second in the St Leger, before becoming a Gr1 winner in the US.

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Data Book Grade 1 Winners 83 LADBROKES KING GEORGE VI CHASE G1 KEMPTON PARK. Dec 26. 4yo+. 24f.

1. CLAN DES OBEAUX (FR) 7 11-10 £144,050 b g by Kapgarde - Nausicaa des Obeaux (April Night) O-Mr&Mrs P.K.Barber,G.Mason,Sir A Ferguson B-Mme M. Devilder TR-Paul Nicholls 2. Cyrname (FR) 7 11-10 £55,100 b g by Nickname - Narquille (Passing Sale) O-Mrs Johnny de la Hey B-S. Follain, E. Lecoiffier, S. Guesdon & X. Lefeuvre TR-Paul Nicholls 3. Footpad (FR) 7 11-10 £28,425 b g by Creachadoir - Willamina (Sadler’s Wells) O-Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede B-L. Collet & C. Collet TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 21, 5. Time 6:10.10. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-7 21 8 10 £546,567 Sire: KAPGARDE. Sire of 33 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - A PLUS TARD Kahyasi G1, CLAN DES OBEAUX April Night G1, FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES Grand Tresor G1, FEU FOLLET Sageburg G1, WANT OF A NAIL Mansonnien G2, ECRIS L’HISTOIRE Poliglote G3, GAELICK KAP Pistolet Bleu LR. 1st Dam: Nausicaa des Obeaux by April Night. unraced. Dam of 3 winners:

2009: 2011: 2012:

VARDA DES OBEAUX (f Saddler Maker) 3 wins. Broodmare. BAHIA DES OBEAUX (g Saddler Maker) 4 wins. CLAN DES OBEAUX (g Kapgarde) 8 wins, 2nd JCB Triumph Trial Finesse Juv. Hurdle G2, 32Red King George VI Chase G1 (twice), Betfair Denman Chase G2, Fullers London Pride Berkshire Nov Chase G2, 2nd Betway Bowl Chase G1, Ladbrokes Champion Chase G1, BetBright Dipper Novices’ Chase G2, Caspian Caviar Gold Cup H. Chase G3, 3rd Betway Bowl Chase G1.

Broodmare Sire: APRIL NIGHT. Sire of the dams of 9 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - CLAN DES OBEAUX Kapgarde G1, CELTIOR Racinger LR.

CLAN DES OBEAUX b g 2012 Mill Reef

Never Bend Milan Mill

Royal Way

Sicambre Right Away

Cadoudal

Green Dancer Come To Sea

Lady Corteira

Carvin II Nadrusa

Kaldoun

Caro Katana

My Destiny

Chaparral Carmelite

King’s Road

Cadmus II Trieste

Man V

Pot d’Or Cythere

Garde Royale KAPGARDE b 99 Kaprika

April Night NAUSICAA DES OBEAUX gr 01 Bellaman

Win one edition of the King George VI Chase and there’s a fair chance that you will win a second (or even a third, a fourth or a fifth). The long list of multiple King George winners features such stars as Pendil, Captain Christy, Silver Buck, Wayward Lad, Desert Orchid, The Fellow, One Man, See More Business, Kicking King, Kauto Star, Long Run and Silviniaco Conti. The 2018 winner Clan des Obeaux wasn’t expected to add his name to the list, with his stablemate Cyrname starting a 5-4 favourite, but he defied the odds, strolling home 21 lengths clear of Cyrname. In common with several other French-bred winners of the King George, Clan des Obeaux is by a stallion who raced over jumps. His sire Kapgarde – who also enjoyed Christmas Gr1 success with A Plus Tard – raced exclusively over jumps at Auteuil. After winning over hurdles as a three-year-old, Kapgarde became a Gr3 winner at four. He

progressed to fences later in his four-year-old season, winning on his steeplechasing debut before finishing a neck second in the Gr1 Prix Ferdinand Dufaure over an extended two and a half miles. Kapgarde is also responsible for Milord Thomas, a multiple Gr1 winner who landed the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris over three and three-quarter miles. Clan des Obeaux’s dam, the selle francais Nausicaa des Obeaux, was placed during a brief career which ended with a fourth in a cross-country event. Clan des Obeaux is her third winner from three foals. His half-sister Varda des Obeaux produced a Kapgarde colt in 2018. Clan des Obeaux’s broodmare sire April Night was a versatile Flat performer who scored at up to 15 furlongs in winning 18 times. April Night has since thrived as a broodmare sire, with his daughters also being responsible for Bristol de Mai, Un de Sceaux, Trifolium and Ar Mad. 84 RACING POST CHRISTMAS NOVICE CHASE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Dec 26. 4yo+. 17f.

1. NOTEBOOK (GER) 6 11-12 £53,153 b g by Samum - Nova (Winged Love) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Gestut Am Schlossgarten Gbr TR-Henry de Bromhead 2. Fakir d’Oudairies (FR) 4 11-5 £17,117 b g by Kapgarde - Niagaria du Bois (Grand Tresor) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Count M. de Gigou TR-Joseph Patrick O’Brien 3. Royal Rendezvous (IRE) 7 11-12 £8,108 b g by King’s Theatre - Novacella (Beyssac) O-Dr S P Fitzgerald B-Cleaboy Stud TR-W P Mullins Margins 1.5, 16. Time 4:15.10. Going Yielding. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-6 12 5 4 £108,248 Sire: SAMUM. Sire of 18 Stakes winners. 1st Dam: Nova by Winged Love. 4 wins at 2 to 4 in Germany, 3rd Jean Harzheim Rennen LR. Dam of 4 winners:

2002: 2003: 2004: 2006: 2007: 2009: 2010: 2012: 2013:

Nuvolina (f Platini) Namib (f Dashing Blade) (c Seattle Dancer). died as a yearling. NOVIO (c Beat Hollow) 10 wins at 3 to 6 in Italy. NEBUKADNEZAR (c Lomitas) 5 wins at 3 and 4 in Italy, Premio Roma Vecchia LR. NECK OR NOTHING (g Intikhab) Winner of a N.H. Flat Race. Napoleon (c Samum) Noach (g Samum) ran twice in N.H. Flat Races. NOTEBOOK (g Samum) 4 wins, 2nd BetVictor M.Purcell Mem. Novice Hurdle G3, Racing Post Christmas Novice Chase G1, Elliott Craddockstown Novice Chase G2.

2nd Dam: Narina by Nebos. 3 wins in West Germany, 2nd Las Vegas-Slenderella Rennen LR. Dam of Nova (f Winged Love, see above), Newhaven (f Waajib: 3rd Preis des Gestuts Wiesenhof LR). Third dam of New World. Broodmare Sire: WINGED LOVE. Sire of the dams of 9 Stakes winners.

NOTEBOOK b g 2013

NOVA b 97

LIMERICK. Dec 26. 4yo+. 19f 110yds.

1. FAUGHEEN (IRE) 11 11-10 £53,153 b g by Germany - Miss Pickering (Accordion) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Dr J. Waldron TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Samcro (IRE) 7 11-10 £17,117 ch g by Germany - Dun Dun (Saddlers’ Hall) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-D. Taylor TR-Gordon Elliott 3. Castlebrook (IRE) 6 11-10 £8,108 b g by Oscar - Monty’s Sister (Montelimar) O-Ann & Alan Potts Limited B-C. Ennis TR-James Joseph Mangan Margins 10, 22. Time 5:30.80. Going Heavy.

Dschingis Khan Konigskronung

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-11 25 17 4 £1,025,763

Mosella

Surumu Monasia

Sire: GERMANY. Sire of 11 Stakes winners.

Old Vic

Sadler’s Wells Cockade

Brave Lass

Ridan Bravour II

In The Wings

Sadler’s Wells High Hawk

Sacarina

Winged Love

85 MATCHBOOK GREENMOUNT NOVICE CHASE G1

Konigsstuhl Monsun SAMUM ch 97

Samum’s career as a Flat stallion peaked in 2009 and 2010, when his fee rose as high as €25,000 following the Gr1 successes of his son Kamsin and daughter Baila Me. However, this winner of the 2000 Deutsches Derby had an ideal pedigree for jumping, with Monsun as his sire and a daughter of Old Vic as his dam, and he has also enjoyed Gr1 success in the National Hunt sector. His daughter Whiteout was an unexpected winner of Punchestown’s Mares Champion Hurdle and now his son Notebook is busily establishing himself as a leading novice chaser. Notebook was gaining his third consecutive win from as many starts over fences when he defeated the Gr1 winner Fakir D’oudairies in the Racing Post Novice Chase. The bigger obstacles clearly suit him, as this former pointto-point winner won only one of his six starts over hurdles. Notebook cost £70,000 when sold soon after his point-to-point success in May 2018. His dam Nova was a Listed-placed winner in Germany and had already produced a black-type winner on the Flat, in her Lomitas colt Nebukadnezar. Nova’s sire Winged Love won the Irish Derby and sired some smart stayers on the Flat during his years at stud in Germany, but he arguably made a bigger impact as a sire of jumpers. His best representative was the two-time Tingle Creek Chase winner Twist Magic, who had won five Gr1 races over fences by the time he was fatally injured. His other good chasers included the smart Hunt Ball, Josses Hill (Gr2 Peterborough Chase), Bostons Angel (who numbered the RSA Chase among his three Gr1 wins as a novice) and the smart stayer Perfect Candidate. Winged Love died in 2015, at the age of 23. Another of Winged Love’s daughters is dam of Cicalina, winner of the Gr1 Prix Maurice Gillois Chase in 2018.

J’Ai Deux Amours Top Ville Pollenka Nebos

Caro Nostrana

Nacre

Gulf Pearl Metrovision

Narina

1st Dam: Miss Pickering by Accordion. unraced. Dam of 2 winners:

2006: 2007: 2008:

Molly’s Mate (f Goldmark) unraced. Broodmare. Shedaka (f Lahib) unraced. FAUGHEEN (g Germany) 16 wins, Stan James Champion Chall.Trophy Hurdle G1, BHP Insurances Champion Hurdle G1, Neptune Investment Bingham Nov Hurdle G1, williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle G1 (twice), Unibet Morgiana Hurdle G1,

2009: 2010: 2013: 2015: 2016:

Ladbrokes Ch. Tipperkevin Stayers Hurdle G1, Herald Champion Novice Hurdle G1, Queally Punchestown Champion Hurdle G1, Coral Ascot Hurdle G2, Liberty Ins. Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle G3, 2nd BHP Insurances Champion Hurdle G1, stanjames.com Morgiana Hurdle G1 (twice), 3rd Sun Stayers’ World Hurdle G1, Matchbook Greenmount Novice Chase G1. (c Germany) Telmadela (g Definite Article) OSMOTIC (g Fracas) Winner of a N.H. Flat Race at 6. Isabellas Girl (f Shirocco) (f Califet)

Broodmare Sire: ACCORDION. Sire of the dams of 13 Stakes winners.

FAUGHEEN b g 2008 Sharpen Up

Atan Rocchetta

Trephine

Viceregal Quiriquina

Big Spruce

Herbager Silver Sari

Inca Queen

Hail To Reason Silver Spoon

Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Trempolino GERMANY b 91 Inca Princess

Accordion MISS PICKERING b 01

Sound of Success Successor Belle Musique Creative Plan

Sham Another Treat

Bali

Ballymoss Near The Line

Make Me An Island

Faugheen’s glory days saw this son of Germany (USA) win all of his first 11 starts, comprising a point-topoint, a bumper and nine races over hurdles, including the 2015 Champion Hurdle and the Punchestown Champion Hurdle. He went on to add the 2015 Christmas Hurdle and the 2016 Irish Champion Hurdle, suffering only one defeat, before his career was seriously interrupted by injury, forcing an absence of 22 months. His subsequent career has featured some highs and lows, with the lows including two occasions when he had to be pulled up. The highs, though, have included three further Gr1 victories, including his first as a steeplechaser, when he beat the odds-on Samcro by ten lengths in a novice chase at Limerick. Faugheen’s sire was a dual Gr1 winner at up to a mile and a half in Germany. Although Faugheen is comfortably his best winner, several of Germany’s other sons are highly accomplished. Captain Cee Bee landed the 2008 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and 2010 Ryanair Novice Chase, Conna Castle won the 2008 Powers Gold Cup Chase, and Samcro’s Gr1 wins include the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. Faugheen is one of only two winners out of Miss Pickering, who also has a 2016 filly by Califet. Miss Pickering is an unraced daughter of the unraced Accordion, whose brother Sonus won the Goodwood Cup. This helps explain how Faugheen has gained his Gr1 wins at up to three miles. Faugheen’s second dam Make Me An Island won at up to two and a half miles over hurdles and fences. Her sire Creative Plan was an unexceptional American dirt performer. Faugheen’s broodmare sire Accordion is enjoying success in this

98 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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CAULFIELD ON ALLMANKIND: “His second dam is Dancing Brave’s top-class daughter Wemyss Bight, winner of the Irish Oaks and sister to Hope, the dam of Oasis Dream and second dam of Kingman” role, with other daughters producing Captain Cutter (Gr1 Challow Hurdle), Monbeg Dude (Welsh National), Augusta Kate (Gr1 EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final) and the Gr2 novice hurdle winners Beakstown and Coolanly. 86 CORAL FINALE JUVENILE HURDLE G1 CHEPSTOW. Dec 27. 3yo. 16f.

1. ALLMANKIND (GB) 11-0 £37,018 b g by Sea The Moon - Wemyss Bay (Sadler’s Wells) O-W. J. and T. C. O. Gredley B-Stetchworth & Middle Park Studs Ltd TR-Dan Skelton 2. Cerberus (GB) 11-0 £13,891 ch g by Iffraaj - Miss You Too (Montjeu) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Mr A. P. C. Whitlock TR-Joseph Patrick O’Brien 3. Nordano (GER) 11-0 £6,955 ch g by Jukebox Jury - Navajo Queen (Monsun) O-A Whyte, T Messom & D Nott B-Gestut Etzean TR-Neil King Margins 9, 9. Time 4:01.00. Going Heavy. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2-3 9 4 2 £71,245 Sire: SEA THE MOON. Sire of 9 Stakes winners. 1st Dam: Wemyss Bay by Sadler’s Wells. unraced. Own sister to BEAT HOLLOW and Ancient Culture. Dam of 4 winners:

2011: 2012: 2013: 2014: 2015: 2016: 2018: 2019:

Millport (f Zamindar) unraced. Broodmare. WEMYSS POINT (g Champs Elysees) 4 wins. WAVELESS (f Three Valleys) Winner over jumps in USA. BEACH BREAK (g Cacique) 5 wins. Environment Ally (g Bated Breath) ran 3 times over hurdles. ALLMANKIND (g Sea The Moon) 4 wins, Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle G1, JCB Triumph Trial Prestbury Juv. Hurdle G2. Cable News (f Cable Bay) unraced to date. (f Sea The Moon)

2nd Dam: WEMYSS BIGHT by Dancing Brave. Champion 3yr old filly in Ireland in 1993. 5 wins at 2 and 3 at home, France Kildangan Stud Irish Oaks G1, 2nd Prix Vermeille Escada G1. Dam of BEAT HOLLOW (c Sadler’s Wells: Grand Prix de Paris G1, Manhattan H G1, Arlington Million S G1, Woodford Reserve Turf Classic S G1, 2nd Eddie Read H G1, 3rd Vodafone Derby S G1, Shadwell Keeneland Turf Mile S G1), YARALINO (c Caerleon: Tanforan H G3), Ancient Culture (c Sadler’s Wells: 2nd Mataji S). Grandam of GLOWING, Glaring, The Anvil. Third dam of DUCK FEET. Broodmare Sire: SADLER’S WELLS. Sire of the dams of 440 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - ALLMANKIND Sea The Moon G1, KILLER MILLER Flemensfirth G2, FOOTPAD Creachadoir LR, FUJIMOTO FLYER Admire Moon LR, PACIFY Paco Boy LR.

ALLMANKIND b g 2016 Cape Cross

Green Desert Park Appeal

Urban Sea

Miswaki Allegretta

Monsun

Konigsstuhl Mosella

Sacarina

Old Vic Brave Lass

Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Dancing Brave

Lyphard Navajo Princess

Bahamian

Mill Reef Sorbus

Sea The Stars SEA THE MOON b 11 Sanwa

Sadler’s Wells WEMYSS BAY b 06 Wemyss Bight

Juvenile Hurdle, having earlier taken the Gr2 Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle. Allmankind has a dam by Sadler’s Wells, whose daughters have played a significant part in Sea The Stars’ success story, supplying the likes of Taghrooda, Knight To Behold and Storm The Stars. However, Allmankind’s dam Wemyss Bay never raced and was bought by Allmankind’s breeders for no more than 40,000gns, even though she is a sister to the high-class Beat Hollow. Beat Hollow and his unraced brother Court Cave have both sired several notable National Hunt performers, with Beat Hollow’s contribution being led by the redoubtable Wicklow Brave and the Gr1-winning novice hurdlers Cinders And Ashes and Minella Indo. Wemyss Bay has had three winners over hurdles, each of which also won on the Flat. One of them, the Champs Elysees gelding Wemyss Point, won the Pontefract Marathon over an extreme distance, but Allmankind’s free-running nature raises doubts about how far he will stay, even though he scored over a mile and a quarter at two. Allmankind’s second dam is Dancing Brave’s top-class daughter Wemyss Bight, winner of the Irish Oaks and sister to Hope, the dam of Oasis Dream and second dam of Kingman. Wemyss Bight was also a half-sister to Coraline and Trellis Bay. These two daughters of Sadler’s Wells distinguished themselves respectively as the dam of the champion French jumping sire Martaline and as the second dam of Prix du Jockey-Club winner New Bay. 87 PADDY POWER DIAL-A-BET CHASE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Dec 27. 5yo+. 17f.

1. A PLUS TARD (FR) 5 11-12 £66,441 b g by Kapgarde - Turboka (Kahyasi) O-Cheveley Park Stud B-Mme H. Devin TR-Henry de Bromhead £21,396 2. Chacun Pour Soi (FR) 7 11-12 b g by Policy Maker - Kruscyna (Ultimately Lucky) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Mr D. Berland TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Ordinary World (IRE) 9 11-12 £10,135 br g by Milan - Saucy Present (Presenting) O-C. Jones B-Dillon Family TR-Henry de Bromhead Margins 3.75, 6.5. Time 4:08.30. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-5 12 5 7 £208,030 Sire: KAPGARDE. Sire of 33 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - A PLUS TARD Kahyasi G1, CLAN DES OBEAUX April Night G1, FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES Grand Tresor G1, FEU FOLLET Sageburg G1, WANT OF A NAIL Mansonnien G2, ECRIS L’HISTOIRE Poliglote G3, GAELICK KAP Pistolet Bleu LR. 1st Dam: Turboka by Kahyasi. Dam of 1 winner:

Although Sea The Stars has yet to make much of an impact on the jumping sector, his first-crop son Sea The Moon has wasted little time in doing so. Allmankind, a member of the first crop by the Lanwades-based Deutsches Derby winner, has raced three times over hurdles and has won impressively each time. The gelding had nine lengths to spare after leading throughout in the Gr1 Finale

Feb_186_DataBookV2.indd 99

2010:

2011: 2012: 2014:

La Turbale (f Ange Gabriel) unraced. Dam of STYLE ICON (f Doctor Dino: 3 wins at 3 in France, Prix Charles Laffitte LR), Le Lude (c Turgeon: 3rd Prix des Platanes Hurdle LR) Tour d’Esprit (g Ange Gabriel) unraced. Turino (c Doctor Dino) unraced. A PLUS TARD (g Kapgarde) 5 wins, Paddy Power Dial-a-Bet Chase G1, Close Brothers Novices’ H. Chase LR, 2nd thetote.com Fortria Chase G2, Total Event Killiney Novice Chase G3, 3rd Dooley The Ellier Champion Novice Chase G1, P.Dimanche Galop Gen.Rougemont H.Hurdle LR, 3rd Prix Univers II H. Hurdle LR.

2015: 2018:

Kap Auteuil (g Kapgarde) File Au Poteau (c Doctor Dino) unraced to date.

2nd Dam: TURBOTIERE by Turgeon. 6 wins in France Grand Prix de Lyon - Prix Radio Scoop LR, Prix Panacee LR, Grand Prix du Sud-Ouest LR, 2nd Prix d’Hedouville G3. Dam of DOTTORE (g Doctor Dino: Prix Violin II H. Chase LR), TURBOTIN (g Passing Sale: Prix Finot Hurdle (c&g) LR), Allez Sainte Croix (f Saint des Saints: 3rd Prix Pelat Hurdle LR), Kapetienne (f Kapgarde: 3rd Prix Francois de Poncins Hurdle LR) Broodmare Sire: KAHYASI. Sire of the dams of 63 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - A PLUS TARD Kapgarde G1, L’AUTONOMIE Blue Bresil G1, SNOW FALCON Presenting G2.

A PLUS TARD b g 2014

KAPGARDE b 99

Mill Reef Royal Way

Sicambre Right Away

Cadoudal

Green Dancer Come To Sea

Lady Corteira

Carvin II Nadrusa

Ile de Bourbon

Nijinsky Roseliere

Kadissya

Blushing Groom Kalkeen

Turgeon

Caro Reiko

Victoria Dee

Rex Magna Very Smart

Kaprika

Kahyasi TURBOKA gr 04 Turbotiere

LEOPARDSTOWN. Dec 27. 4yo+. 16f.

1. ABACADABRAS (FR) 5 11-10 £53,153 b g by Davidoff - Cadoubelle des As (Cadoudal) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Mme Evelyne Van Haaren TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Heaven Help Us (IRE) 5 11-3 £17,117 b m by Yeats - Spare The Air (Trans Island) O-Mr J. Turner B-P. Hennessy TR-P. Hennessy 3. Embittered (IRE) 5 11-10 £8,108 b g by Fame And Glory - Kilbarry Classic (Classic Cliche) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-C. O’Keeffe TR-Joseph Patrick O’Brien Margins 8, 12. Time 3:55.70. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-5 8 4 3 £119,830

Never Bend Milan Mill

Garde Royale

88 PADDY POWER FUTURE CHAMPIONS NOV. HURDLE G1

It was understandable that Chacun Pour Soi should start odds-on for the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase, as he had defeated no less a performer than Defi du Seuil in a Gr1 race on his most recent appearance. However, he failed to cope with another French-bred gelding, A Plus Tard. A consistent performer over hurdles in France before his purchase by Cheveley Park Stud, A Plus Tard has only once finished out of the first two in his seven starts over fences, the one exception being when he was upped in trip from two and a half miles to an extended three miles. The fact that his first Gr1 success came over only a furlong beyond two miles suggests that this son of Kapgarde is going to prove best at up to two and a half miles. Now aged 21, Kapgarde has been in great demand in recent years, to the extent that his fee has been raised from €12,000 to €15,000. His popularity is well founded, as his representatives include not only A Plus Tard but also his fellow Gr1 winners Clan des Obeaux, Fakir D’oudairies, Milord Thomas (Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris), Prince Ali and Feu Follet (Prix Alain du Breil Hurdle), as well as the recent French Graded winners Want Of A Nail, Ecris l’Histoire and Montgeroult. A Plus Tard’s dam Turboka won five times over jumps in France, at up to two and a half miles, which was also the distance of one of Kapgarde’s best efforts, his close second in the Gr1 Prix Ferdinand Dufaure. Turboka is also a half-sister to the Listedwinning jumpers Dottore and Turbotin, their dam being Turbotiere, a Group-placed Listed winner over middle distances. A Plus Tard’s broodmare sire, the Derby-winning Kahyasi, sired such fine jumpers as Kasbah Bliss, Paddy’s Return, Kalahari King, Karabak, Ansar, Afsoun, Sentry Duty and Vino Griego.

Sire: DAVIDOFF. Sire of 2 Stakes winners. 1st Dam: Cadoubelle des As by Cadoudal. Dam of 3 winners:

2011: 2012: 2014:

2015: 2016: 2017:

Meaculpas (f Davidoff) ran over jumps in France. TEQUILAS (g Voix du Nord) Winner over jumps in France. ABACADABRAS (g Davidoff) 4 wins, 2nd Racing Post Champion INH Flat Race G1, Paddy Power Future Champions Nov. Hurdle G1, For Auction Novice Hurdle G3, 2nd baronracing.com Royal Bond Novice Hurdle G1. La Barakas (f Davidoff) Winner over jumps in France, 3rd Prix Duc d’Anjou Chase G3. Texxas (g Davidoff) unraced. Araucarias (g Kamsin) unraced to date.

Broodmare Sire: CADOUDAL. Sire of the dams of 79 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - ABACADABRAS Davidoff G1, HANG IN THERE Yeats G2. The Davidoff/Cadoudal cross has produced: ABACADABRAS G1, La Barakas G3, Cadoudoff LR.

ABACADABRAS b g 2014 Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Floripedes

Top Ville Toute Cy

Shareef Dancer

Northern Dancer Sweet Alliance

Diaspora

Sparkler Diu

Green Dancer

Nijinsky Green Valley

Come To Sea

Sea Hawk II Camarilla

Melypro

Pharly Promessa

Popie D’ecorcei

Balsamo Sarais

Montjeu DAVIDOFF b 04 Dapprima

Cadoudal CADOUBELLE DES AS b 05 Belle des As

It cost only €14,000 to buy Abacadabras as an unraced threeyear-old at Arqana in 2017 and it isn’t hard to understand why. His sire Davidoff was hardly a household name, but Willie Mullins had already developed Saturnas, another son of Davidoff, into a Gr1-winning novice hurdler. Abacadabras has also excelled in Ireland, graduating from smart bumper performer to very effective novice hurdler, whose only defeat in four starts came at the hands of the unbeaten Envoi Allen. Davidoff ranked as one of Montjeu’s faster sons, as he began his three-year-old season with two wins over an extended mile, including one in the Gr3 Dr Busch Memorial. He never won again in a career which took him to Dubai, France and Italy, and his fee was only €1,500 when he retired to stud in 2009. France-Galop credits him with siring 135 foals before his death in March 2018. Of course, Davidoff is one of numerous sons of Montjeu to have sired very smart National Hunt horses.

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Data Book Grade 1 Winners Abacadabras’ dam Cadoubelle des As raced 17 times without winning (and she failed to finish in eight of them) and his second dam Belle des As was pulled up in three of her four starts over hurdles. While this sounds most unpromising, Cadoubelle des As is a daughter of Cadoudal, who made such an enormous impact on jump racing in France. 89 F WARD CHRISTMAS HURDLE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Dec 28. 4yo+. 24f.

1. APPLE’S JADE (FR) 7 11-3 £53,153 b m by Saddler Maker - Apple’s For Ever (Nikos) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Mr R. Coveliers TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Unowhatimeanharry (GB) 11 11-10 £17,117 b g by Sir Harry Lewis - Red Nose Lady (Teenoso) O-Mr John P. McManus B-R. J. Smith TR-Harry Fry 3. Penhill (GB) 8 11-10 £8,108 b g by Mount Nelson - Serrenia (High Chaparral) O-Anthony Bloom B-Newsells Park Stud Limited & Equity Bloodstock TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 17, 3.75. Time 6:14.40. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-7 26 15 9 £813,799 Sire: SADDLER MAKER. Sire of 16 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - APPLE’S JADE Nikos G1, JANIKA Kapgarde G2, EDGEOY Kadalko G3, FARNICE Dom Alco G3, ENJEU D’ARTHEL Brier Creek LR. 1st Dam: APPLE’S FOR EVER by Nikos. 5 wins over jumps in France. Dam of 5 winners:

2009: 2010: 2011: 2012:

2014:

2015: 2016: 2017:

APPLE’S MAELYS (f Saddler Maker) 7 wins over jumps in France. Broodmare. MADAME APPLE’S (f Saddler Maker) Winner over jumps in France. Broodmare. Le Sete For Ever (f Saddler Maker) ran over jumps in France. APPLE’S JADE (f Saddler Maker) 15 wins, BHP Ins.Champion Hurdle G1, AES Champion 4yo Hurdle G1, Betfred Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1 (3 times), Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle G1 (3 times), Irish Stall.Farms EBF Mares Chpn. Hurdle G1, OLBG David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle G1, Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle G2, Lismullen Hurdle G2 (twice), 2nd JCB Triumph Hurdle G1, stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle G1, Lismullen Hurdle G2, WKD Hurdle G2, Quevega Mares Hurdle LR, 3rd Ryanair Liverpool Stayers’ Hurdle G1, baroneracing.com Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1, ISF. EBF Annie Power Mares Chpn. Hurdle G1, OLBG David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle G1. APPLE’S SHAKIRA (f Saddler Maker) 4 wins, JCB Triumph Trial Finesse Juv. Hurdle G2, JCB Triumph Trial Prestbury Juv. Hurdle G2, 3rd Doom Bar Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle G1. Grisy Apple’s (g Montmartre) Winner over jumps at 4 in France, 2nd Prix Morgex Chase G3. Apple’s du Pont (c Saddler Maker) unraced. Apple ‘s Pierro (c Martaline) unraced to date.

Broodmare Sire: NIKOS. Sire of the dams of 28 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - APPLE’S JADE Saddler Maker G1, ROI MAGE Poliglote G3, POLY GRANDCHAMP Poliglote LR, PRESIDENTE LINE Martaline LR. The Saddler Maker/Nikos cross has produced: APPLE’S JADE G1, APPLE’S SHAKIRA G1.

APPLE’S JADE b m 2012 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Alleged

Hoist The Flag Princess Pout

Alexandrie

Val de L’Orne Apachee

Nonoalco

Nearctic Seximee

No No Nanette

Sovereign Path Nuclea

Le Pontet

Succes Arielle

Silver Girl

Son of Silver Our Best

Sadler’s Wells SADDLER MAKER b 98 Animatrice

Nikos APPLE’S FOR EVER b 00 Apple’s Girl

One could have been forgiven for thinking that the time had come to retire Apple’s Jade. After all, this remarkable mare, whose record once stood at 14 wins, four seconds and two thirds from her first 20 starts, had since suffered five consecutive defeats, the latest being a 13-length drubbing in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle. However, her performance in the Frank Ward Memorial Hurdle silenced her doubters. She came home 17 lengths clear in recording her 11th Gr1 success and her third Gr1 victory over three miles. The possibility exists that she is best suited by a stiff test of stamina nowadays. Her sire Saddler Maker died at the age of 18 in 2016. He hadn’t taken up stallion duties until he was seven, having failed to win during a racing career hampered by injury. Despite his lack of success on the racecourse, Saddler Maker had the distinction of being closely related to champion sire Poliglote and he too proved highly effective as a stallion. His legacy includes the likes of Bristol de Mai, Alpha des Obeaux, Cepage, Chef des Obeaux, Dinaria des Obeaux, Janika, Label des Obeaux and Messire des Obeaux, in addition to Apple’s Jade. Apple’s Jade’s dam, Apple’s For Ever, won five times at up to two and a half miles, over hurdles and fences. Saddler Maker sired six of Apple’s For Ever’s nine foals and five of the siblings have won, the best of them apart from Apple’s Jade being Apple’s Shakira, whose wins in Britain included the Gr2 Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle. Apple’s Girl, the second dam of Apple’s Jade, was a seven-time winner over jumps. She had a couple of useful daughters in Apple’s Andrea, a sister to Apple’s For Ever who won over hurdles and fences at Auteuil, and Apple’s Noa. Her sire Le Pontet won the French Champion Hurdle. 90 SAVILLS LEOPARDSTOWN CHRISTMAS CHASE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Dec 28. 5yo+. 24f.

1. DELTA WORK (FR) 6 11-10 £93,018 br g by Network - Robbe (Video Rock) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-C. Magnien & J. Magnien TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Monalee (IRE) 8 11-10 £29,955 b g by Milan - Tempest Belle (Glacial Storm) O-Mr Barry Maloney B-A. Aherne TR-Henry de Bromhead 3. Road To Respect (IRE) 8 11-10 £14,189 ch g by Gamut - Lora Lady (Lord Americo) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Miss I. Rothwell TR-Noel Meade Margins Head, 2.5. Time 6:18.40. Going Yielding. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-6 18 8 10 £390,819 Sire: NETWORK. Sire of 28 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - BORICE Agent Bleu G1, DELTA WORK Video Rock G1. 1st Dam: Robbe by Video Rock. Dam of 3 winners:

2012: 2013:

CAP YORK (g Ballingarry) 3 wins. DELTA WORK (g Network) 8 wins, Pertemps Network Final H. Hurdle G3, 2nd Irish Mirror War of Attrition Nov.Hurdle G1, Guinness Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle G2, 3rd Monksfield Novice Hurdle G3, Fishery Lane Hurdle G3, baroneracing.com Drinmore Novice Chase G1, Savills Leopardstown Christmas Chase G1, Dooley The Ellier Champion Novice Chase G1,

2014: 2015: 2016: 2018:

Neville Hotels Fort Leney Novice Chase G1, 3rd RSA Ins. Novices’ Chase G1. ELWOOD (g Martaline) Winner over jumps in France. Foster’s (f Cokoriko) Gympie (f Lord du Sud) unraced. Inneston (c Doctor Dino) unraced to date.

Broodmare Sire: VIDEO ROCK. Sire of the dams of 30 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - DELTA WORK Network G1, ENRILO Buck’s Boum G2. The Network/Video Rock cross has produced: DELTA WORK G1, SAINT ARE G1, VENT SOMBRE G2, DIEU VIVANT LR, Colere Noire LR, Rob Conti LR.

DELTA WORK br g 2013 Konigsstuhl

Dschingis Khan Konigskronung

Mosella

Surumu Monasia

Reliance II

Tantieme Relance III

Nicotiana

Naras Nina

No Lute

Luthier Prudent Miss

Monsun NETWORK br 97 Note

Video Rock ROBBE b 05

Pauvresse

Home Guard Misoptimist

Luchiroverte

Slip Anchor Green Lucia

Kelinda

Pot d’Or Tafaraoui

Hotesse du Bouille

Delta Work went within a neck of becoming a Gr1 winner as a novice hurdler, having earlier won over a mile and a half on the Flat in France, but it is as a chaser that this son of Network has really come into his own. In narrowly landing the Savills Chase, Delta Work was winning for the fifth time in seven starts over fences, with no fewer than four of his victories coming at Gr1 level. Delta Work’s sire Network died at the age of 22 in July 2019. A winner of the Gr2 Union-Rennen, Network also gave us the great Sprinter Sacre, the Irish Gr1 winners Le Richebourg, Rubi Light and Adriana des Mottes, the multiple Irish Graded winners Acapella Bourgeois and Ball d’Arc, the Gr1 winner and Grand National second Saint Are and the Galway Plate winner Borice. Network wasn’t extensively used early in his stallion career, but the early crops by this son of Monsun produced a string of notable performers in France, including Rubi Ball, twice a winner of the Gr1 Prix La Haye Jousselin. Network owed some of his success to daughters of Video Rock, who sired the dams of Saint Are and Delta Work. Delta Work’s lightlyraced dam Robbe has also produced the useful Irish chaser Cap York to Ballingarry. Video Rock, who was France’s leading sire of chasers in 2007, has made a name for himself as a broodmare sire, with his daughters also producing the high-class Irish staying chaser Sir des Champs, the Gr2-Irish winner Coquin Mans and the Gr1-winning chasers Valseur Lido and Black Corton. Delta Work is suited by three miles and probably owes some of his stamina to Video Rock, who sired such talented British stayers as Nenuphar Collonges (Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle), Edmond (Welsh National) and Hussard Collonges (Royal & SunAlliance Chase).

91 BETWAY CHALLOW NOVICES’ HURDLE G1 NEWBURY. Dec 28. 4yo+. 20f 110yds.

1. THYME HILL (GB) 5 11-7 £25,929 b g by Kayf Tara - Rosita Bay (Hernando) O-The Englands and Heywoods B-Overbury Stallions Ltd TR-Philip Hobbs 2. The Cashel Man (IRE) 7 11-7 £9,918 b g by High Chaparral - Hadarama (Sinndar) O-Mrs Fitri Hay B-Lynch Bages Ltd TR-Nicky Henderson 3. Enrilo (FR) 5 11-7 £5,117 bl g by Buck’s Boum - Rock Treasure (Video Rock) O-Martin Broughton & Friends 4 B-Mrs D. Airaldi TR-Paul Nicholls Margins 1.5, 18. Time 4:57.10. Going Good to Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-5 6 4 2 £78,764 Sire: KAYF TARA. Sire of 50 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - THYME HILL Hernando G1, ATLANTA ABLAZE Snurge LR. 1st Dam: ROSITA BAY by Hernando. 4 wins. Dam of 2 winners:

2009: 2010: 2012: 2014:

2018: 2019:

Spoilt Rotten (g Kayf Tara) Storming Strumpet (f Kayf Tara) 3 wins, 3rd EBF/TBA Mares’ Novice H. Chase LR. Broodmare. Aspergillum (g Midnight Legend) THYME HILL (g Kayf Tara) 4 wins, 2nd High Sheriff of Gloucester NH. Flat Race LR, 3rd Weatherbys Champion Bumper NH Flat Race G1, Betway Challow Novices’ Hurdle G1, Unibet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle G2, Ballymore Hyde Novices’ Hurdle G2. (c Dunaden) (f Jack Hobbs)

Broodmare Sire: HERNANDO. Sire of the dams of 49 Stakes winners. The Kayf Tara/Hernando cross has produced: THYME HILL G1, Storming Strumpet LR, Two Swallows LR.

THYME HILL b g 2014 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

High Top

Derring-Do Camenae

Reprocolor

Jimmy Reppin Blue Queen

Niniski

Nijinsky Virginia Hills

Whakilyric

Miswaki Lyrism

Roberto

Hail To Reason Bramalea

Mill Queen

Mill Reef Passer Queen

Sadler’s Wells KAYF TARA b 94 Colorspin

Hernando ROSITA BAY b 01 Lemon’s Mill

The dual Gold Cup winner Kayf Tara is credited with covering over 60 mares at the age of 25 in 2019, so Britain’s best jumping stallion is likely to add more chapters to his colourful story. His latest potential star is Thyme Hill, was third to Envoi Allen in the Gr1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper, since when he has won all three of his starts over hurdles, all at Graded level. He did well to wear down The Cashel Man in the Gr1 Challow Hurdle. Thyme Hill is suited by distances around two and a half miles, but it isn’t easy to know how much further he will stay. Although Kayf Tara stayed extremely well, he doesn’t always impart great stamina to his offspring. Special Tiara, one of his biggest earners, gained his three Gr1 wins at around two miles and the smart hurdler Sign Of A Victory also raced mainly at around two miles. However, these speedier types are outnumbered by the stayers, such as Thistlecrack, Planet Of Sound, Tea For Two, Edwulf, Blaklion and Carruthers.

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CAULFIELD ON BATTLEOVERDOYEN: “He is a member of Doyen’s first purpose-bred jumping crop, and his second has also thrown up a couple of good prospects in Andy Dufresne and Beacon Edge” Thyme Hill should stay three miles, as his dam is by Hernando, sire of such good staying chasers as State Of Play and Cape Tribulation. Another of Hernando’s sons, Sulamani, sired the Grand National winner Rule The World. Thyme Hill’s dam Rosita Bay won twice at around two and a half miles over hurdles. A previous mating with Kayf Tara resulted in Storming Strumpet, a winning hurdler/chaser who scored at up to 19 furlongs. Lemon’s Mill, the second dam of Thyme Hill, was classically bred, sired by Roberto from a Mill Reef mare, but it was over jumps that she did best, winning four races over hurdles and another four over fences, winning at up to three and quarter miles. She was also second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. 92 MATHESON DECEMBER HURDLE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Dec 29. 4yo+. 16f.

1. SHARJAH (FR) 6 11-10 £66,441 b g by Doctor Dino - Saaryeh (Royal Academy) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Ecurie Haras De Beauvoir TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Petit Mouchoir (FR) 8 11-10 £21,396 gr g by Al Namix - Arnette (Denham Red) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Mr P. Gueret TR-Henry de Bromhead 3. Coeur Sublime (IRE) 4 11-7 £10,135 b g by Elusive Pimpernel - Love Knot (Lomitas) O-C. Jones B-Mr P. Croke TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 3.75, 8.5. Time 3:48.60. Going Yielding. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2-6 28 9 11 £537,756 Sire: DOCTOR DINO. Sire of 14 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - SHARJAH Royal Academy G1, DOCTOR SQUEEZE Kaldounevees LR, GOCHETIAL Ungaro LR. 1st Dam: SAARYEH by Royal Academy. Winner at 3 viz. Year of the Snake Maiden Stakes, Ascot. Dam of 4 winners:

2003: 2004: 2005: 2006: 2008: 2010: 2011: 2013:

2014: 2015:

JAASSEY (g Josr Algarhoud) Winner at 3. Nariman (f Diktat) unraced. Broodmare. Three Blessings (f Mark of Esteem) ran 3 times. (c Josr Algarhoud) SONGEUR (c Elusive City) 4 wins at 4 in France. Sahawar (c Dark Angel) 4 wins at 2 to 4 in France, 2nd Derby du Languedoc LR. Sarabhai (f Falco). Broodmare. SHARJAH (g Doctor Dino) Sold 23,809gns yearling at AROCT. 9 wins, Guinness Galway H. Hurdle G1, Unibet Morgiana Hurdle G1, Ryanair December Hurdle G1 (twice), 3rd WKD Hurdle G2, Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle G3. Saaryouni (c Siyouni) Shwedagon (c Dark Angel) ran on the flat in France and over jumps in France.

2nd Dam: BELLE ARGENTINE by Fijar Tango. 2 wins at 2 and 3 in France Prix La Camargo LR, 3rd Dubai Poule d’Essai des Pouliches G1. Dam of ALZERRA (f Pivotal: Willmott Dixon Cornwallis S G3, 2nd Chippenham Lodge Cherry Hinton S G2), Matloob (c Halling: 3rd Iveco Daily Solario S G3). Grandam of GIFTED MASTER, MAJEYDA. Broodmare Sire: ROYAL ACADEMY. Sire of the dams of 191 Stakes winners.

93 NEVILLE HOTELS FORT LENEY NOVICE CHASE G1

Sovereign Dancer Primevere

Salagangai

Sallust Malagangai

2013:

Nijinsky

Northern Dancer Flaming Page

Crimson Saint

Crimson Satan Bolero Rose

Fijar Tango

In Fijar Last Tango

Jarlina

Pharly Janthina

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Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge DOYEN b 00

Bold Reason Special

Kris

Sharpen Up Doubly Sure

Lady Moon

Mill Reef Moonlight Night

Blushing Groom

Red God Runaway Bride

Silvermine

Bellypha Sevres

Noblequest

Gay Mecene Polyponder

Bathyale

Green Dancer Battle Field

Moon Cactus

Sillery BATTLE OVER b 98 Battle Quest

Battleoverdoyen proved a major disappointment when he started favourite for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival, having to be pulled up before the last flight. However, he boasts an otherwise perfect record of seven wins, including one in a point-to-point and one in a bumper. His two wins over hurdles included one at Gr1 level and he is now unbeaten in three races over fences, starting odds on each time. He led throughout in two of them, notably landing the Gr1 Neville Hotel Novice Chase – a race spoilt by four withdrawals. Battleoverdoyen changed hands a few days after his point-to-point win, selling for £235,000 at Tattersalls Ireland’s 2017 April sale at Cheltenham. He didn’t race again until late November 2018 and has since repaid his

1st Dam: BATTLE OVER by Sillery. 5 wins. Dam of 3 winners:

Priolo

Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells

Sire: DOYEN. Sire of 27 Stakes winners.

Al Nasr Affirmative Fable

Belle Argentine

BATTLEOVERDOYEN b g 2013

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-6 8 7 0 £148,387

Majmu

Royal Academy

Broodmare Sire: SILLERY. Sire of the dams of 27 Stakes winners. NH in 2019/20 - BATTLEOVERDOYEN Doyen G1, FOR FUN Motivator LR.

connections’ patience. Battleoverdoyen’s sire Doyen commenced duties as a National Hunt stallion at Sunnyhill Stud in 2012, having previously spent three years at Dalham Hall and three at Gestut Auenquelle. He should have more smart performers in the pipeline, as he covered 172 mares in 2017 and more than 140 mares in the both the 2018 and 2019 seasons. It is easy to understand his popularity, as he is a 16.2-hands son of Sadler’s Wells with top-class ability. He was good enough to win the King George, while his sister Moonshell won the Oaks. His best effort as a sire of Flat performers was Turfdonna, winner of the Gr1 Preis der Diana. Battleoverdoyen is a member of Doyen’s first purpose-bred jumping crop, and his second has also thrown up a couple of good prospects in the £330,000 purchase Andy Dufresne and the Gr1-placed Beacon Edge. Doyen had earlier enjoyed Gr2 success over fences with the Flat-bred geldings Valdez and Kumbeshwar, and over hurdles with Golden Doyen. Battle Over, the dam of Battleoverdoyen, gained four of her five wins in France over jumps, winning at up to two and a quarter miles. She had also won over a mile and a quarter on the Flat. A daughter of the Prix Jean Prat and Prix Dollar winner Sillery, Battle Over comes from a useful French family. Her dam Battle Quest was Group-placed in France before becoming a stakes winner in the US.

1. BATTLEOVERDOYEN (IRE) 6 11-10 £53,153 b g by Doyen - Battle Over (Sillery) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Berry Farms TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Champagne Classic (IRE) 8 11-10 £17,117 b g by Stowaway - Classical Rachel (Shahanndeh) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-R. O’Neill TR-Gordon Elliott £8,108 3. Lord Schnitzel (IRE) 6 11-10 b g by Getaway - Britway Lady (Norwich) O-Klaus Koentopp B-Daniel Cotter TR-Matthew J Smith Margins 1, 38. Time 6:15.70. Going Good.

Elmaamul

Logica

2nd Dam: BATTLE QUEST by Noblequest. 3 wins at 2 and 4 in France, USA Estrapade S LR, 2nd Prix des Reservoirs G3. Grandam of HIPPY.

LEOPARDSTOWN. Dec 29. 4yo+. 24f.

2004: 2005: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2011: 2012:

Muhtathir

SAARYEH b 98

Diesis Modena

SHARJAH b g 2013

DOCTOR DINO ch 02

With the odds-on Klassical Dream disappointing, his stablemate Sharjah took full advantage to record the third Gr1 success of his career, following earlier victories in the Morgiana Hurdle and Ryanair Hurdle. Originally a fairly useful middledistance performer in France, Sharjah is a son of the admirable Doctor Dino. Himself a son of the Gr1-winning miler Muhtathir, Doctor Dino developed into a high-class and durable international performer who travelled from France to win the Gr1 Man o’War Stakes and two editions of the Gr1 Hong Kong Vase. He has also developed into a much-sought after stallion, after making his name with progeny sired at only €3,000. They have done so well that his 2020 fee is €16,000, up from €12,000 in 2019. This rise has been fuelled by the Gr1-winning exploits of such as Master Dino, La Bague Au Roi, Sceau Royal and Sharjah. Doctor Dino finished as high as seventh among France’s top jumping sires for 2019, even though he had only 47 runners, compared to the 143 of the top-ranked Saint des Saints and the 124 of secondplaced Martaline. Sharjah’s dam Saaryeh won over a mile and his second dam Belle Argentine was third in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches. Belle Argentine is also the dam of the Gr3 Cornwallis Stakes winner Alzerra and second dam of that smart sprinter Gifted Master, winner of the Stewards’ Cup.

2014: 2017: 2018: 2019:

Take It Over (f Take Risks). Broodmare. (f Tikkanen) (f Generous) (f Generous) (g Winged Love) (f Winged Love) Treackle Tart (f Winged Love) 5 wins, 2nd T.B.A. Fair Maid of Perth Mares’ Chase LR. BATTLEOVERDOYEN (g Doyen) 6 wins, Lawlor’s Slaney Naas Novice Hurdle G1, Neville Hotels Fort Leney Novice Chase G1, Brennan Florida Pearl Novice Chase G2. SWORDSMAN (g Doyen) 2 wins. (f Doyen) Tigger (g Doyen) unraced to date. (c Mount Nelson)

Battleoverdoyen and Davy Russell take the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase

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Data Book Grade 2 and 3 Results Age

Sex

Sire

Dam

Broodmare Sire

06/12

Date

Grade Race (course) G2

Ballymore Winter Novices’ Hurdle (Sandown Park)

Dist 20f

Horse Enrilo (FR)

Buck’s Boum

Rock Treasure

Video Rock

Index

07/12

Virgin Many Clouds Chase (Aintree)

25f

Native River (IRE)

Indian River

Native Mo

Be My Native

07/12

Randox Becher Handicap Chase (Aintree)

26f

Walk In The Mill (FR)

Walk In The Park

Libre Amour

Lost World

07/12

I.S.F. EBF Klairon Davis Novice Chase (Navan)

17f

Tornado Flyer (IRE)

Flemensfirth

Mucho Macabi

Exceed And Excel

07/12

GrB

Foxrock Handicap Chase (Navan)

20f

Minella Times (IRE)

Oscar

Triptoshan

Anshan

07/12

GrB

eCOMM Proudstown Handicap Hurdle (Navan)

24f

The Jam Man (IRE)

Papal Bull

Kathy Jet

Singspiel

08/12

Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase (Cork)

16.5f

Cilaos Emery (FR)

Califet

Queissa

Saint Preuil

100

08/12

Fitzdares Peterborough Chase (Huntingdon)

20f

Top Notch (FR)

Poliglote

Topira

Pistolet Bleu

101

08/12

Kerry Group Cork Stayers Novice Hurdle (Cork)

24f

Well Set Up (IRE)

Gold Well

Such A Set Up

Supreme Leader

102

08/12

Kerry Lombardstown EBF Mares Nov. Chase (Cork)

16.5f

Elimay (FR)

Montmartre

Hyde

Poliglote

103

13/12

BetVictor Handicap Chase (Cheltenham)

26f

Cogry (GB)

King’s Theatre

Wyldello

Supreme Leader

104

14/12

Albert Bartlett Bristol Novices’ Hurdle (Cheltenham)

24f

Redford Road (GB)

Trans Island

Maryscross

Presenting

105

14/12

Unibet International Hurdle (Cheltenham)

17f

Call Me Lord (FR)

Slickly

Sosa

Cape Cross

106

14/12

bet365 December Novices’ Chase (Doncaster)

24f

Sam Spinner (GB)

Black Sam Bellamy

Dawn Spinner

Arctic Lord

107

14/12

bet365 Summit Juvenile Hurdle (Doncaster)

16.5f

Navajo Pass (GB)

Nathaniel

Navajo Charm

Authorized

108

20.5f

14/12

Caspian Caviar Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Cheltenham)

Warthog (FR)

Martaline

Shekira

Medaaly

109

15/12

Navan Novice Hurdle (Navan)

20f

Latest Exhibition (IRE)

Oscar

Aura About You

Supreme Leader

110

15/12

GrB

Tara Handicap Hurdle (Navan)

20f

Alfa Mix (GB)

Fair Mix

Alora Money

Alflora

111

20/12

Jacquart Noel Novices’ Chase (Ascot)

21f

Angels Breath (IRE)

Shantou

Mystic Masie

Turgeon

112

20/12

Sky Supreme Trial Kennel Gate Nov.Hurdle (Ascot)

15.5f

Master Debonair (GB)

Yeats

Swincombe Flame

Exit To Nowhere

113

21/12

Betfair Ascot Handicap Hurdle (Ascot)

15.5f

Not So Sleepy (GB)

Beat Hollow

Papillon de Bronze

Marju

114

26/12

Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle (Leopardstown)

16f

Aspire Tower (IRE)

Born To Sea

Red Planet

Pivotal

115

26/12

888sport Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Wetherby)

24f

Top Ville Ben (IRE)

Beneficial

Great Decision

Simply Great

116

27/12

Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase (Kempton Park)

16f

Bun Doran (IRE)

Shantou

Village Queen

King’s Theatre

117

27/12

Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (Kempton Park)

16f

Global Citizen (IRE)

Alkaadhem

Lady Willmurt

Mandalus

118

27/12

Lyons Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle (Limerick)

23f

Fury Road (IRE)

Stowaway

Molly Duffy

Oscar

119

27/12

Coral Welsh National Handicap Chase (Chepstow)

Potters Corner (IRE)

Indian Danehill

Woodford Beauty

Phardante

120

27/12

GrB

Paddy Power Handicap Chase (Leopardstown)

24f

Roaring Bull (IRE)

Milan

Gift of Freedom

Presenting

121

28/12

GrB

T. Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase (Limerick)

19.5f

Sumos Novios (IRE)

Flemensfirth

Gaelic Million

Strong Gale

122

29/12

Advent Irish EBF Mares Hurdle (Leopardstown)

20f

Stormy Ireland (FR)

Motivator

Like A Storm

Ultimately Lucky

123

29/12

Irish Independent Limerick Hurdle (Limerick)

16f

Soviet Pimpernel (IRE)

Elusive Pimpernel

Soviet Belle

Soviet Star

124

01/01

Dornan Relkeel Hurdle (Cheltenham)

20f

Summerville Boy (IRE)

Sandmason

Suny House

Carroll House

125

01/01

Paddy Power Dipper Novices’ Chase (Cheltenham)

20.5f

Midnight Shadow (GB)

Midnight Legend

Holy Smoke

Statoblest

126

01/01

Paddy Power Handicap Chase (Cheltenham)

20.5f

Oldgrangewood (GB)

Central Park

Top of The Class

Rudimentary

127

01/01

Savills New Year’s Day Wilf Dooly Chase (Tramore)

Al Boum Photo (FR)

Buck’s Boum

Al Gane

Dom Alco

128

30.5f

21f

Summerville Boy and Jonathan Burke capture the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle

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A classical landscape fit for thoroughbreds.

Coach House

Hellvelyn

Pearl Secret

2yo Stakes winning sire & 26 winners in 2019

Proven source of 2yo speed

Gr.2 winning sprinter by speed sire Compton Place

SIRE OF 2YO STAKES WINNER & GR.1 PLACED SUMMER SANDS Plus Stakes performer The Cruising Lord. 26 individual winners in 2019 from limited opportunities.

SIRE OF TOP 2YO FILLY MRS DANVERS As well as 2yo Group and Stakes winners/performers Ardenode, Bonnie Grey, Hellofahaste, La Rioja, Mister Trader.

CONSISTENT 5F STAKES WINNER Won 3 Group/Stakes races and Gr.1 placed 3 times, all over 5f.

ROYAL ASCOT 2YO SPRINTER And 5f Stakes winner. BY CHAMPION SPRINTER & SIRE OASIS DREAM Sire of sires including Showcasing. Out of a Gr.1 sprinter. Fee: £4,000 1st October LFFR

Summer Sands – Wins the Redcar Two Year Old Trophy L, a week after finishing third in the Middle Park Stakes Gr.1.

Chapel Stud Ltd Chapel Lane, Bransford, Worcestershire WR6 5JQ 01452 717 342 www.chapelstud.co.uk

Plus many tough, high-class multiple winning sprinters including 2019 Stakes performer Hells Babe, Quench Dolly, Little Boy Blue, Wrenthorpe, etc.

FIRST YEARLINGS REALISED £55,000, 50,000gns, 35,000gns, £32,000, £30,000, etc. Averaging over 4x his stud fee.

2020 TWO-YEAR-OLDS SET TO BE HIS BEST EVER

In training with Michael Bell, Richard Fahey, Richard Hannon, Karl Burke, Henry Candy, Charlie Hills, Tom Dascombe, Michael Dods, David Barron, etc.

Fee: £3,000 1st October LFFR

Fee: £4,000 1st October

Mrs Danvers - Unbeaten 5-time winner including Cornwallis Stakes Gr.3, St Hugh’s Stakes L and Weatherbys Super Sprint.

“She is a very strong, athletic, good-moving filly.” Henry Candy, re £55,000 Pearl Secret filly ex Speed Princess

Roisin Close 07738 279 071 roisin@chapelstud.co.uk

Coach House In partnership with Whitsbury Manor Stud and Trickledown Stud

Pearl Secret Daniel Creighton 07597 945 219

The Finish Line with Luke Harvey Luke Harvey rode around 250 winners over jumps and was associated with horses as good as top two-mile chaser Katabatic and Cool Ground, on whom he won a Welsh Grand National. He retired from the saddle 20 years ago and has gone on to carve out an impressive career as a broadcaster, latterly on Sky Sports Racing and ITV, where his jovial and engaging persona is underpinned by a deep understanding and love of the sport. Interview: Graham Dench

hen I arrived at Captain Tim Forster’s as a 16-year-old I’d never spent a night away from home. It was men’s final afternoon at Wimbledon and all the lads were absolutely battered, so it was a rude awakening for me. Michael Caulfield and Richard Dunwoody were among my contemporaries and I became best friends with Adrian Rolls, who is now assistant to [trainer] Graham Motion. One of the first horses I looked after was Lefrak City, who won the Tingle Creek. I still say they were the happiest days of my life.

GEORGE SELWYN

It was a military style operation and the work ethic was immense. We lived life to the full, but we were never late for work. I’m a bit of a partygoer, as people know, but I’m still never late for work, whatever state I’m in. That’s definitely down to the work ethic instilled at Letcombe Bassett. Later on, when I was running The Blowing Stone pub and employing people for the first time, rather than being employed, I realised that the majority of workers will do slightly less than the bare minimum. I just couldn’t cope. We all start off in racing wanting to be champion jockey, but I soon realised that wasn’t going to happen. I’m tremendously proud of what I achieved, though. I’d largely be riding bad horses day-to-day, and often when I got a chance on a good one against better and fitter riders, I might not have ridden a finish for three weeks. I wasn’t the best, but nobody tried harder, and I had a Cheltenham Festival win on

Taberna Lord in the Coral Golden Hurdle [now Pertemps Final] and a Welsh Grand National on Cool Ground. I also had some great rides on Katabatic, who could take off a stride and a half further back than any other horse I’d ever ridden. I’ll never forget the feeling he gave me as the turbo kicked in the day he beat Waterloo Boy and Golden Freeze at Cheltenham’s April meeting. It was unbelievable! When Barney Curley rounded on me and Big Mac at Folkestone and described me as “an underachiever” as a jockey, it didn’t hurt me at all. I’d never met Barney before that day and I thought at first he was going to punch me. After 30 seconds or so, I realised I was going to be part of television gold and so I started goading him. I give a lot of stick, but I can take it, too. Ironically, I actually think I was an overachiever. I did a bit of punditry while I was still riding and in my last year I would do interviews with colleagues, but moving from the weighing room into the press room wasn’t easy. I still had a jockey’s attitude and there were people in there that might have affected my career, so I’m very conscious of that as a broadcaster. In my early days, Richard Pitman was brilliant to me on the Racing Channel, and then I got a big break with Radio 5 Live. Starting off there I was doing a 5.20am bulletin from Broadcasting House, and so I was leaving home at 3.30am, however late I’d got in, and then going on to the races afterwards. I was doing other stuff, too, and I remember one day falling asleep at the traffic lights in Wantage and knowing things had to change. I learned so much at the BBC. They didn’t want any

jargon, as they were aiming for a wider audience, so I’ve taken that on board with ITV. I’m not a big form man and I don’t try to be, but when it comes to the horses themselves and the people who own, train, ride them or muck them out, I think I know as much as anyone. I’m privileged to be in racing’s inner sanctum. I ride out every day, and I know lots of lads, so I know lots of things others couldn’t possibly know. When I was up for Broadcaster of the Year at the HWPA in 2017, I had given no thought to a speech as I genuinely believed I had no chance at all! I was drinking all afternoon, which I wouldn’t have done if I thought I could win, but I hadn’t had that level of excitement since I’d last ridden a good winner. I went home shell-shocked, having managed to leave the trophy in a pub that I don’t remember going into. Luckily Rob Dakyn of Sky Sports reunited me with it; I’m very proud of it. I’m going on holiday at the end of the year, driving down Africa’s Skeleton Coast, but I’m never happier than when I’m with a horse. It doesn’t matter if it’s mucking out, picking scabs off legs or riding over the Lambourn gallops on a Sunday morning. It hit me very hard when my point-to-pointer ‘Eric’ [real name Raised With Praise] broke a leg on just his second start for me at the beginning of January. I loved him from the moment I saw him, and I’d invested so much effort and emotion into him, which is something that helps in the job as I can relate when one makes a mistake or falls. It’s a terrible feeling when you’ve been behind the screens and you are walking back to the lorry with just his brushing boots and bridle. You would be a hard person if you didn’t cry, but I’ve no regrets and I’ll probably get another horse. It’s just the way it is. Harvey and Katabatic capture the Grade 2 Silver Trophy at Cheltenham in April 1992, beating Waterloo Boy and Golden Freeze

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136 134 The best young stallions at stud are Cracksman and Golden Horn. It’s all here – in black and white. TIMEFORM RATINGS OF FLAT STALLIONS WHO RETIRED IN EUROPE SINCE 2016

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Cracksman Golden Horn Almanzor Cloth Of Stars Harry Angel Muhaarar Waldgeist Blue Point Postponed Roaring Lion Ulysses

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