Thoroughbred Owner Breeder by The Owner Breeder

£4.95 JUNE 2018 ISSUE 166

A cut above

James Doyle’s rise to the top

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Welcome

Doyle gains reward for perseverance and talent

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Subscriptions: Keely Brewer Tel: 020 7152 0212 Fax: 020 7152 0213 subscriptions@ownerbreeder.co.uk Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder incorporating Pacemaker can be purchased by non-members at the following rates: 1 Year 2 Year UK £55 £90 Europe £75 £120 RoW £99 £154 Thoroughbred Owner Breeder incorporating Pacemaker is published by a Mutual Trading Company owned jointly by the Racehorse Owners Association and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association is a registered charity No. 1134293 Editorial views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the ROA or TBA Our monthly average readership is 20,000 Racehorse Owners Association Ltd First Floor, 75 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LS Tel: 020 7152 0200 • Fax: 020 7152 0213 info@roa.co.uk • www.roa.co.uk Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Stanstead House, The Avenue, Newmarket CB8 9AA Tel: 01638 661 321 • Fax: 01638 665621 info@thetba.co.uk • www.thetba.co.uk

£4.95 JUNE 2018 ISSUE 166

A cut above

James Doyle’s rise to the top

9 771745 435006

www.ownerbreeder.co.uk

Jun_166_CoverV3.indd 1

Cover: James Doyle prepares for Royal Ascot in morning dress, styled and supplied by Oliver Brown Photo: George Selwyn

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Edward Rosenthal Editor

18/05/2018 13:24

ot every jockey can pinpoint the one ride or winner that changed the course of their career. James Doyle can, however. The horse was Cityscape, trained by Roger Charlton, in the 2012 Dubai Duty Free at Meydan. In less than two minutes in the Dubai desert, Doyle became a Group 1 winner and in truth, he hasn’t looked back since. So what did Doyle take from that first strike at the top level? “Confidence,” he tells Julian Muscat (The Big Interview, pages 46-50). “I was starting to wonder whether I was good enough, but it was a massive boost when Roger let me ride Cityscape.” The victory helped to lay the foundations for a successful association with Roger Charlton and propelled him on to retainers with Khalid Abdullah and, latterly, Godolphin. Big race rides and winners have come by the hatful and include some of the best and most popular performers of recent years, including Al Kazeem, Kingman, Ribchester, Barney Roy and that grand stayer, Big Orange, sadly out of action for the rest of the year due to a leg injury. Doyle is now a man in demand from the big stables, with William Haggas placing his faith in the rider, their partnership yielding important winners at the recent Dante meeting at York. His popularity, and the opportunities that are coming his way, explain why he was reluctant to extend his stay in Australia, when stepping in for Godolphin down under following James McDonald’s disqualification for betting. “It was a great experience,” the jockey explains. “It’s a very different racing style to what I was used to, and it took me out of my comfort zone. To improve in any sport you need to test yourself. “I’d worked hard in Britain to build up the contacts I have. I would have been walking away from that for a few years and I’m very keen to finish my riding career at home. It’s where I’ve spent the whole of my professional life. I feel there’s quite a bit left to come.” Mick Channon is also hoping for plenty more exciting days in the sport he adores. The former

Southampton and England forward, enjoying his 29th season with a licence, has trained – and bred – a host of outstanding runners without ever having the luxury of either a big owner or a big chequebook at the sales. The West Ilsley handler has made a blistering start to 2018 and though Dan’s Dream failed to land a blow in the 1,000 Guineas, she remains an exciting prospect for a man who has a resounding answer when asked if, despite his advancing years, he is still ambitious. “Very much so,” the trainer tells Tim Richards (Talking To, pages 52-57). “Every day you are looking for one of those gems, a Queen’s Logic or a Youmzain.

“He has ridden plenty of big race winners and is a man in demand” “It can take a long time to unearth a superstar, there’s no quick fix and everyone is trying to do the same. That’s the buzz. The competing. And I love it. “I am very hands on, with the hard work and support of the family behind me, and I’ve no plans to step down.” Alain de Royer–Dupré, who has enjoyed a long and successful association with the Aga Khan, also sounds like a man who is very much still in love with the trainer’s life (24 Hours With, page 104). The Frenchman will, ground permitting, run exceptional stayer Vazirabad in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and while regally-bred three-year-old Zarkamiya – a daughter of Frankel and his Arc heroine Zarkava – may not be ready for the Royal meeting, she is sure to attract enormous interest when she next sets foot on a racecourse.

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Contents

June 2018

News & Views

International Scene

ROA Leader

View From Ireland

Parade ring safety

TBA Leader Welfare obligation lasts a lifetime

7 8 12 26 28

Features Newmarket and Longchamp Classics

Sagaro completes Gold Cup hat-trick

With leading rider James Doyle

Holidays, homes and music

16 24

The Big Interview

Racing Life Ideas that will move you

The Everest and its influence

From The Archives

Howard Wright Prize-money stakes high

The Big Picture

Tony Morris Hard Riddenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Derby

Where it began for Pakistan Star

Around The Globe

Changes News in a nutshell

Continental Tales

News Seismic decision on FOBTs

Breaking through is hard to do

Talking To... 36

Top trainer Mick Channon

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18/05/2018 18:08

104

Features

Forum

Breeders’ Digest

TBA Forum

Two-way traffic across the pond

59 60 66

Knees no breeze

Data Book

Dr Statz Homage to Dansili

104

Forum The Thoroughbred Club Educational and training courses

ROA Forum AGM and other upcoming must-dos

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89 90

National Hunt Graded Races

24 Hours With... French maestro Alain de Royer-Dupré

Richard Kelvin Hughes

Vet Forum

Caulfield Files Brazen value

Breeder of the Month

Sales Circuit Breeze-ups wind down; store season starts

Four vying for your vote

Plus Europe’s top-rated Flat horse of 2017

Did you know? Our monthly average readership is

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18/05/2018 18:08

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08/11/2017 14:51

ROA Leader

Nicholas Cooper President

Safety in numbers? Not in the parade ring I

t is widely agreed that ownership through syndication should be encouraged for the overall good of racing, but it is also recognised that those who run syndicates should do so with the utmost integrity and openness while applying the rules of best practice. Racecourses have certainly played their part in supporting syndication, but the increase in group ownership has not been without its problems. In particular, the number of people who often occupy the parade ring these days is now giving real cause for concern. We live in a world of increasing regulation and one in which racecourses have to take their health and safety responsibilities very seriously. This is an area that requires careful handling because any owner connected with a runner naturally expects to go into the parade ring. It is an important part of the racecourse experience, which the ROA, working with racecourses, has done so much to foster in recent years. The problem is self-evident. You have only to witness the scene before, say, a 20-plus runner race on a course with a fairly small parade ring. Any one of those runners might have ten or even more syndicate owners wanting to be in an area that is patently not adequate to accommodate that number of people. Too many people standing too close to what can be young, excitable horses and you have – to coin that unfortunate phrase – ‘an accident waiting to happen’. It is not possible for racecourses to devise a one-size-fits-all formula to deal with this problem. Every racecourse is different, some with very large parade rings of oval shapes and others comparatively small and more circular. Calculations based on the BHA General Instructions and work carried out by the Racecourse Association suggest, in the most extreme cases, only three connections per runner should be permitted to enter the parade ring over and above that of trainer, jockey and stable staff. The problem may also be exacerbated by the fact that not all owners are used to being around horses, while the current ruling that children under 12 years old should be excluded from the parade ring is often flouted and can result in the racecourses being put in a very difficult position. Each racecourse is encouraged to work to a risk assessment programme that is tailored to their specific needs and which reminds the course of the type of issues they might run up against. Many racecourses have taken to painting a white line approximately a metre and a half inside the inner perimeter of the horse walk to ensure a safe distance remains between people and horses.

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Trainers always need to bear in mind that in the event of an unruly horse causing damage to people or property on the racecourse they could be liable to legal redress. And, in some circumstances, that liability might also fall onto the owner of the horse. It is important that those managing syndicates must keep a reasonable lid on the expectations of their syndicate members. Along with their other duties, they should liaise with the racecourse to ensure they know how many of their members can go into the parade ring. At the same time, some racecourses might be advised to follow Ascot’s example and introduce a ticketing system when they anticipate numbers might run over the maximum capacity of the parade ring. This way, each syndicate would be issued

“As syndication expands, so the administration surrounding it must keep pace” with a set number of tickets per horse for parade ring entry. Then connections who were not able to go into the parade ring could be put at the top of the list for entry into the winner’s enclosure (should they be fortunate enough to find themselves in that position) or they could be invited into the pre-parade ring. Yes, parade ring safety is an excellent illustration of why, as ownership syndication expands, so the administration surrounding it must keep pace.

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17/05/2018 08:12

TBA Leader

Julian Richmond-Watson Chairman

Why ticking the boxes is more vital than ever T

he welfare of our thoroughbred horses is of paramount importance for anyone with even the slightest connection to breeding and racing, and how we care for them, and are seen to be caring for them, at every stage of their lives is a vital part of how the outside world perceives the sport in Britain. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to ensure that from the time thoroughbreds are foaled and while they are racing they receive the best possible care and attention. Then, if they do not go on to form part of the breeding herd at the end of their racing careers, we must make sure the best options are found for their futures. Retirement from racing can last a long time. As breeders, we bring foals into the world and therefore have a welfare responsibility from the very beginning. That explains why, in order to support this aim, with the help of Weatherbys and through the General Stud Book, the TBA has introduced some changes to the modest opt-in contributions to be found on the foal registration form. This facility is now live, and I would urge all TBA members registering 2018 foals to tick the boxes that allow for a contribution to be made to the Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) charitable organisation and a modest amount that will be ringfenced to support our veterinary research activity. The TBA already contributes collectively to ROR, but we believe this more visible system will increase support and ensure that the responsibility of breeders is recognised. The sum has been deliberately set at a modest level, as most of the horses that breeders register will not need such support, but those few who do will have the benefit of the breeders’ contribution. The TBA’s budget for veterinary research in 2018 amounts to almost £250,000. Decisions on which projects to support are made by our Veterinary Committee, working to objectives that include funding study projects, providing support and guidance on the surveillance and control of infectious diseases, and disseminating information, advice and guidance to members on all relevant veterinary matters. And where we contribute to the Animal Health Trust’s diagnostic work and vaccine research, our backing helps to unlock other funding to ensure this essential work is undertaken. The association supports other research projects, and the recent studies carried out on early pregnancy loss and parasite issues are very relevant to all breeders. The Levy Board has been a valuable supporter of veterinary research for nearly 60 years but, with its role about to change, the shadow Racing Authority, which I am pleased to report is constituted and up and running, has asked me to look into the board’s entire veterinary research, education and equine health

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budget, with the aim of reviewing the structure and process that has supported this excellent work. Inevitably there will be an opportunity to update and modernise the way in which this expenditure is prioritised and then monitored. This is a real opportunity for racing’s stakeholders to unite in support of veterinary work that, as a result of Levy Board support, has often turned Britain into a world leader. Liaison with veterinarians around the globe is becoming ever more important, and the high-health status being sought for UK horses to allow free movement around Europe in the post-Brexit era should be kept secure by our knowledge of what is happening elsewhere in the world. The European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders

“We bring foals into the world and therefore have a welfare responsibility from the very beginning” Associations and International Thoroughbred Breeders Federation, to both of which the TBA belongs, will have strong veterinary sessions this year, providing opportunities to ensure everyone is working together for the benefit of the health and welfare of thoroughbred horses both here and internationally, and where possible co-ordinating research with other countries. By contributing to the TBA’s Veterinary Research Fund, members are supporting these key equine health and welfare programmes, including the veterinary research projects and infectious disease surveillance service. So, please tick both boxes on the foal registration form and show that breeders care about the future health and welfare of their horses.

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18/05/2018 16:27

News

Racing braced for income hit after FOBT stakes slashed to £2

ixed odds betting terminal (FOBT) stakes are to be slashed to £2 from £100 to protect the vulnerable, the government announced last month, when culture secretary Matt Hancock – also MP for the constituency that includes Newmarket – described the machines as a “social blight”. Bookmakers and industry figures had warned of 4,000 betting shops closing, 21,000 job losses and a hit to the racing industry of £50-60 million if the £2 limit was introduced, while the Treasury’s coffers would also suffer. However, social and political pressure had been mounting on the government to step in and reduce stakes on FOBTs, which account for a rising percentage of bookmakers’ profits. Along with the change in stakes, other measures unveiled included stronger age verification rules, proposals for operators to set limits on spending, and heightened responsible gambling messages around advertising. Remote Gaming Duty, paid by online operators, will be increased “at the relevant Budget” to cover any

Matt Hancock MP: taking a stand

impact on tax revenue. The government pledged to look at limiting the impact on racing of lost levy and media rights by reviewing the mechanism and seeing if it could extend to global bets placed in Britain. Hancock said: “When faced with the choice of halfway measures or doing everything we can to protect vulnerable people, we have chosen to take a stand. These machines are a social blight and

prey on some of the most vulnerable in society, and we are determined to put a stop to it and build a fairer society for all. “We are working with the BHA on a package of measures to mitigate the impact on horseracing, but I would say this to people in the horseracing industry and who love that sport: horseracing should not be financed on the back of this misery.” The minister’s words provided cause for optimism to Nicholas Cooper, President of the Racehorse Owners Association, who nonetheless warned of the prospect of racing losing a substantial tranche of revenue. Cooper said: “Although this decision will have an adverse effect on racing’s income from betting, some of the Secretary of State’s subsequent comments were quick to sweeten a bitter pill. “As things stand, if the dire predictions of betting shop closures materialise, racing could lose up to £60m annually on levy and racecourse media rights. But it is clear this government is very keen to support

Physical and mental wellbeing concerns Flat jockeys are to receive a six-day break at the end of the season in November, and an intended five-day rest in March, as part of steps to support the mental and physical wellbeing of the sport’s workforce. The breaks in the calendar will also be a welcome relief for stable staff in Flat yards, while both jockeys and staff will also benefit from the final race at all floodlight fixtures, which run from January to midApril and from September to December, starting no later than 8.30pm. The changes for the 2019 fixture list were supported by all stakeholders in the sport, and in addition will include no racing being programmed on Sunday, December 22, meaning a four-day break before the busy Boxing Day programme. The existing eight-day summer break and five-day end-of-season breaks for

the jumping community will also be maintained. While floodlit fixtures will finish earlier, there will be more of them, in a bid to balance wellbeing concerns with maintaining the sport’s revenue streams. Floodlit cards are therefore to be programmed with the aim of providing greater continuity of product from the start of afternoon racing through to the final race of the day on a consistent basis, with the final race always staged between 8-8.30pm. There will be an additional 15 floodlit fixtures in the autumn, to be run alongside existing floodlit cards on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as part of a one-year trial to test their popularity with punters. Although the double floodlit trial will involve creating 15 fixtures, the total rise in

the fixture list will be limited to around five or six due to removing fixtures elsewhere. Meanwhile, from within the existing prize-money budget, racing’s tripartite bodies have agreed to support extending the recently introduced Appearance Money Scheme. Currently the scheme pays an extra £100 to horses finishing in the first eight on Friday and Saturday floodlit and summer evening fixtures, guaranteeing connections £400. This extra payment will now be extended to cover all floodlit fixtures. BHA Chief Operating Officer Richard Wayman said: “We are aware of the demands that the fixture list places on our participants. Repeatedly returning home late from race meetings being followed by early starts the following day is not good for the health and wellbeing of our trainers,

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Stories from the racing world British racing and Matt Hancock is again proving to be a good friend. “His comment that the levy net could be extended to include bets placed in Britain on global racing sounds very promising. So too does his statement that the review of the rate of levy, now set for 2024, could be brought forward if the FOBTs initiative looks likely to have a bad effect on racing. “I would love to see the scope of this review widened to include a proposal that the basis of the levy moves back to turnover from gross profits. “If, as is likely, the amount of horserace betting in shops decreases as the online business increases, racing is going to suffer because margins (on which gross profits depend) are significantly tighter for online betting. “A turnover levy would be a much truer reflection of all betting operators’ horseracing business.” Cooper added: “Racing must not lose sight of the possibilities that could be created by the collapse of betting on FOBTs. We know the notion of the FOBTs punter somehow transferring their interests to racing has been dismissed by the betting industry as being a naïve misunderstanding of those who go into betting shops. “But it should not be beyond the betting industry, working with racing, to devise a daily horseracing bet or game that would appeal to the type of customer whose betting appetite is no longer sated by the machines.”

Equestrian art exhibition in June

Mao Wen Biao’s Burst to Win, available to view at the Osborne Studio Gallery

An exhibition of the finest contemporary equestrian art will take place during Royal Ascot week this month. ‘Celebrating the Turf’ will feature renowned painters and sculptors at London’s Osborne Studio Gallery, the leading gallery for equestrian art with a focus on horseracing. The list of artists includes Susan

Crawford, Nichola Eddery, Charlie Langton, Mao Wen Biao, Katie O’Sullivan, Alistair Little, Freddy Paske and Michelle McCullagh. ‘Celebrating the Turf’ runs from June 18 to July 7 at the Osborne Studio Gallery, 2 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JU. Admission is free. Please see osg.uk.com for more details.

lead to breaks for Flat community

The relentlessness of Flat racing has been addressed with breaks to be introduced in 2019

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stable staff and jockeys, and ultimately impacts retention rates. “At the same time, as the world changes and betting behaviours alter – in particular the ongoing and ever increasing switch to digital betting platforms – it is essential the sport adapts to meet this demand and schedules its fixtures and races accordingly. “We must maximise revenues to the sport and its people by engaging with betting audiences at times when we know they want to bet and have few other sporting options to do so. “It is about striking the right balance and ensuring the sport generates revenue while not asking too much of our workforce. It is for this reason that the agreed policies will be put in place next year.”

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18/05/2018 17:13

News

Sisters-in-law go out on a high Two of jump racing’s greatest assets, sisters-in-law Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry, retired on a winner apiece at the Punchestown Festival, the 33-yearolds successful for the last time in stellar careers within a day of each other. First Walsh announced her retirement on the spot after winning on Antey on the Friday night of the meeting, to be followed the next afternoon by Carberry, who scored on Josies Orders. Walsh, brother of jockey Ruby and daughter of trainer Ted, and who is married to trainer Ross O’Sullivan, won three times at the Cheltenham Festival – Poker De Sivola (2010 National Hunt Chase), Thousand Stars (2010 County Hurdle) and Relegate (2018 Champion Bumper) – and also landed the 2015 Irish Grand National on Thunder And Roses. She won not just the Grade 1 bumper at Cheltenham but the Punchestown Festival’s equivalent on Blow By Blow in 2016. Walsh also boasts the best finish in the Grand National by a female rider, having come third on Seabass in 2012, one of five times she completed the race in six attempts. Champion trainer Willie Mullins paid a glowing tribute, saying: “Katie has been very lucky for us and very good to us. She’s been a tremendous jockey,

Nina Carberry: rode 395 winners in Ireland

Katie Walsh, here with her trainer-father Ted, was the first to retire on a winner at Punchestown

always willing to give us a hand at big festivals and ride work. “I always treated her as a jockey rather than a lady jockey and she was always next choice when one of the guys at home in the yard couldn’t ride. “Katie rode a couple of Cheltenham Festival winners, Thousand Stars and Relegate, for us and rode winners in France, too. She could ride a chaser, a hurdler or a bumper horse, and was more than capable in a Flat race. “She’s a fantastic person and a fantastic jockey. I’m delighted to have provided her with her last winner and we all wish her well for the future.” Carberry is also from racing royalty, her dad being Tommy Carberry, her uncle Arthur Moore, and brothers Paul, Philip and Peterjon. She is married to Walsh’s brother, Ted. Carberry holds the distinction of being the first female rider in Ireland or Britain to win a Grade 1 race, that coming on Leading Run in the Punchestown bumper in 2006. She won the same race again the following year, on Mick The Man. She had seven Cheltenham Festival successes – Dabiroun (2005 Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle), Heads Onthe Ground (2007 Sporting Index Cross Country Chase), Garde Champetre (2008 and

2009 BGC/Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase), On The Fringe (2015 and 2016 Foxhunter Chase) and Josies Orders (2016 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase) – and also won the Irish Grand National, on Organisedconfusion in 2011. Like her sister-in-law, she rode in six Grand Nationals, doing best when seventh on Character Building behind Don’t Push It and AP McCoy in 2010. She was twice champion amateur in Ireland, where her career wins amounted to 395. Walsh’s total was 179. Noel Meade, with whom Carberry had a long association as an amateur rider and at one stage as assistant trainer, said: “She’s marvellous and has been an absolute star. With Nina, what you see is what you get. It’s always been that way. There are no sides to her. “She’s a great judge, a great jockey and a fabulous person. It was a pleasure to work with her and have anything to do with her. I’m thrilled she got out in one piece and is okay. That’s brilliant.” Enda Bolger said: “I’m so happy for Nina that she’s gone out on a winner. You always got 110% from her. We would discuss plans but you never had to give her instructions. “What made her special? She’s a Carberry. That’s what made her special.”

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18/05/2018 17:13

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18/05/2018 09:36:55

Changes

Racing’s news in a nutshell

People and business Fixture list Six-day break for Flat jockeys in November, and an intended five days in March, to be introduced from 2019, to aid riders’ health. Goodwood A 50-man brawl at the track in May makes national headlines, with some of the worst violence seen on a British racecourse in recent years.

Sam Twiston-Davies Top jockey becomes a freelance, with Harry Cobden taking over the number one job at Paul Nicholls’ powerful Ditcheat stable.

The Stars Group Total net revenues up 23.8% for the first three months of 2018 for the company that has agreed to buy Sky Bet in a £3.4bn deal.

Charlie Deutsch Jump jockey handed ten-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to dangerous driving whilst over the alcohol limit and escaping from police custody. SIS Agrees a deal with the Korean Racing Authority to broadcast live coverage from two of the country’s leading tracks, Busan and Seoul.

Trainer announces split with Qatar Racing – he provided Sheikh Fahad with his first winner, Wade Giles.

Supreme Court Repeals law which prohibits sports betting in all but a handful of American states in a move that could lead to a huge market opening up for UK gambling operators.

Breeders’ Cup Rearrangement of races will see the first day turned into ‘Future Stars Friday’, with all five juvenile contests now taking place that day.

Timmy Murphy

Top jump jockey who switched to the Flat retires from riding. He rode Grand National winner Comply Or Die and top chasers Well Chief and Beef Or Salmon.

Sky Sports Racing Successor of At The Races signs long-term deal with Racing Victoria for exclusive rights to show the Lexus Melbourne Cup. Robert Smerdon Australian trainer is disqualified for life for his involvement in the milkshaking scandal that has rocked racing in Australia.

Amedeo Modigliani Masterpiece by the artist bought by John Magnier for $26.9m in 2003 sells at auction at Sotheby’s in New York for $157.2m.

Bafta ITV Racing delighted to scoop the sport category award for their 2017 Grand National programme.

Ian Popham Jump jockey retires in order to become an agent, with title contender Harry Skelton on his books.

Libby O’Flaherty Appointed Clerk of the Course at Chepstow; the 30-year-old takes over from Keith Otteson – who is moving to Newbury – on June 4.

Edgar Prado US-based Peruvian jockey records winner number 7,000 on Thefundsarelow at Parx, Philadelphia.

Ger Lyons

Philip Robinson Former jockey joins Rabbah Bloodstock as understudy to current racing manager Bruce Raymond with a view to taking over the role in 2019. Bob Davies ‘Mr Ludlow’ gives up the day job after 35 years’ service at the Shropshire course, during which time its reputation has improved hand over fist. National Association of Racing Staff Agrees £100,000 funding partnership with country’s largest independent bookmaker JenningsBet, which will be used to finance a course in mentoring. Louise Kemble Former TBA Chief Executive succeeds Andrew Mead as Secretary General of the Federation of Bloodstock Agents. Matt Coleman is co-opted to the board.

››

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18/05/2018 17:18

TWEENHILLS TIMES AN EYE FOR SUCCESS

June 2018

CHARM SPIRIT OFF THE MARK Charm Spirit had his first winner on May 14 when Diviner won at Wolverhampton by five lengths.

Diviner improved plenty for her debut when making all over furlongs at Dunstall Park for owners the Kingsley 8, trainer Mark Johnston and jockey Joe Fanning. She was bred by Ennistown Stud out of Mark of Esteem mare Water Fountain, an unraced full sister to French Gr. 3 winner Spring Oak. Diviner was purchased by her trainer for just €14,000 at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale.

Charm Spirit’s first winner Diviner

A second Charm Spirit winner came two days later when Charming Kid, out of Coronado’s Quest mare Child Bride, made an impressive debut at York’s Dante meeting. He looks exciting.

LIGHTENING STRIKES AGAIN Qatar Racing homebred Lightening Quick, out of Gr. 1 winner Lightening Pearl, won the Gr. 3 Athasi Stakes at Naas on May 7. Lightening Quick had made a successful 2-year-old debut last year and returned to winning ways in the Athasi, beating an older filly. She’s entered in the Irish Guineas. Winning trainer Ger Lyons also saddled Lightening Pearl to land the 2011 Cheveley Park Stakes, Sheikh Fahad’s first Gr. 1 winner. Lightening Pearl was purchased by David Redvers for €125,000 at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale. Her full brother Satono Crown won the 2016 Hong Kong Vase.

Lightening Quick was born and raised at Tweenhills, and will one day be a very valuable addition to the Qatar Racing broodmare band.

Treasuring was soon in front at Santa Anita and again showed a great attitude late on. She’d won the Gr. 3 Curragh Stakes over five furlongs as a 2-year-old, and landed this $100,000 race over a mile.

SECOND GROUP WIN FOR ZOUSTAR Just five days after Lightening Pearl’s victory, Qatar Racing were celebrating again as Zousain gave first-season sire Zoustar a second Group success in the Gr. 2 Champagne Classic. Zousain, who’d also won on his first start, showed a smart change of gear to win the 1200m Champagne Classic at Doomben by two and a half lengths. Zousain will try to follow Zoustar’s hoofprints by winning the Gr. 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes. Zousain was a $400,000 Magic Millions buy for David Redvers and Guy Mulcaster and, as we mentioned in the March issue, is out of a mare we know well – Pasar Silbano.

Lightening Quick wins the Gr. 3 Athasi Stakes

MORE STAKES GOLD FOR HAVANA Havana Gold gained a seventh Stakes success when Treasuring took the Senorita Stakes in America on May 5, her second Gr. 3 win.

Zousain takes the Gr. 2 Champagne Classic

his unbeaten record at Nottingham, Raid and Worship both improved when midfield in either Guineas at Newmarket, and Havana Grey shaped well in the Gr. 3 Palace House Stakes there.

Another impressive winner for Qatar Racing and Zoustar in May was Be My Star, who had everything covered from an early stage at Balaklava on debut. Zoustar was crowned Champion First Season Sire at the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association Awards.

Treasuring is out of Excellent Art mare You Look So Good and was bred by The Pocock Family. It’s the family of Gr. 2 winner Electric Beat and Gr. 2 Rockfel Stakes third Gray Pearl (also by Excellent Art). In other Havana Gold news, Tabdeed looked a top prospect when maintaining

Treasuring wins her second Gr. 3

Tweenhills in full bloom – happy mares and foals enjoying the sunshine. Photo by D. Redvers!

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

Changes

Racehorse and stallion

Movements and retirements

People obituaries Solna Thomson Jones 90 Co-owner of Snailwell Stud, which won the 1979 Cheltenham Gold Cup with Alverton and finished champion owner over jumps that season. David Thomson 89 Former Chairman of Kelso racecourse and the father of trainer Sandy.

Wuheida

Godolphin’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine is retired, despite a successful comeback this season, due to recurrence of an old injury.

Who’s Steph Winner of the Group 3 Ballylinch Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown last month is bought by George Strawbridge.

Faugheen Popular ten-year-old, who bounced back to winning ways at Punchestown, has operation to remove a growth in his groin area the ‘size of a mandarin orange’. Gronkowski Moved to Chad Brown from Jeremy Noseda by Phoenix Thoroughbreds, who have removed all their horses from Noseda’s Newmarket yard.

Horse obituaries Flying Spur 25 Champion stallion and 1995 Golden Slipper Stakes winner, later credited with helping to build the Arrowfield Stud brand.

Olympian 31 Enjoyed golden period for Martin Pipe in 1993, winning Imperial Cup and Coral Cup in space of five days and a £50,000 bonus from Sunderlands.

Three-time champion jockey in Ireland who enjoyed both Classic success – including for Vincent O’Brien – and Cheltenham Festival triumphs.

Derek Christopher 88 Long-standing member of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association who was also a bloodstock agent.

Legal Right 25 Began career on the Flat for Robert Sangster but hit heights over fences in winning the Tripleprint at Cheltenham and Tote Silver Cup at Ascot. De Capo Dandy 4 On an upward curve for James Ewart yard having won his last three but suffered fatal injury en route to racing at Southwell.

TP Burns 94

Ar Mad 8 Grade 1-winning chaser for Ashley Head and Gary Moore suffered a fatal injury in the Celebration Chase at Sandown.

Ken Butler 94 Broadcaster, television producer and one of the original ITV7 racing team, wine merchant, author and an owner and breeder. Vincent O’Toole 92 He bred and initially raced Champion Chase winners Viking Flagship and Flagship Uberalles, and bred Windsor Castle Stakes victor Sea Falcon.

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The Big Picture

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2,000 Guineas

Warrior conquers There were mixed vibes about the unbeaten Saxon Warrior heading into the first Classic of the season at Newmarket, but the son of Deep Impact was certainly fit enough and blew away his Rowley Mile rivals to leave connections dreaming of Triple Crown glory. Trainer Aidan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien has been there and got the t-shirt but for 19-year-old son Donnacha (inset) it was a first Classic triumph, on a colt on whom he has done much of the homework on the gallops. Photos George Selwyn

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The Big Picture

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1,000 Guineas

Brook in full ï¬&#x201A;ow There had never been a 66-1 winner of the 1,000 Guineas, then along came the Richard Hannon-trained Billesdon Brook and Sean Levey (inset). History was made as they left 14 opponents behind; it was a reminder, too, of the skill and foresight of the late Bob McCreery, whose Stowell Hill Stud bred the filly and who founded Pall Mall Partners, whose silks Billesdon Brook carries. Photos George Selwyn

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The Big Picture

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Poule d’Essai des Poulains

Olmedo oh my! Olmedo (right) had been beaten a head in his previous race but this time got the verdict in a pulsating three-way go for the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, denying British raider Hey Gaman and James Doyle (centre) by a neck, with a nose back to Dice Roll. The Cristian Demuro-ridden winner, owned by Antonio Caro and Gerard Augustin-Normand and trained by JeanClaude Rouget, will seek a Classic double in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly. Photo George Selwyn

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The Big Picture

Poule d’Essai des Pouliches

Teppal triumphs There was controversy at Longchamp on Guineas day, with the surface on the middle track deemed unfit after the colts’ Classic, leading to the fillies’ contest being delayed and run on the outer track. Teppal, ridden by Olivier Peslier, was unfazed and became trainer David Simcock’s first Classic winner. Photo George Selwyn

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18/05/2018 15:49

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From The Archives

Sagaro saunters home Sagaro and Lester Piggott come home in splendid isolation in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, the Francois Boutin-trained horse, in the colours of Gerry Oldham, completing a hat-trick in the race some 41 years ago. Sagaro faced five rivals and brushed them aside with contempt, cruising up on the bridle to lead at the furlong pole and then sauntering clear from Buckskin and Yves Saint-Martin (left), with Citoyen and Bill Pyers (centre) back in third. Sagaro was the first horse to win the contest three times, with Yeats coming along in more recent times to steal his thunder as a four-time winner. Photo George Selwyn

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Sagaro on June 16, 1977

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Tony Morris

Hard Ridden’s Derby was just not cricket! S

ROUCH WILMOT LIBRARY

ixty years ago this month I committed an indiscretion that blighted my life for nigh on five years. But looking back now I can recognise that its long-term impact was entirely positive. I was two months short of my fourteenth birthday and already besotted with racing. I had filled my head with facts I had found, most notably having memorised the names of all the Derby winners since 1780, my library of racing books was growing, and I was striving to keep abreast of current events on the Turf, reading the columns of Clive Graham and Peter O’Sullevan in the Daily Express. I had also cancelled my order for Tiger, the weekly comic I had read since its first issue, and replaced it with the Sporting Chronicle Handicap Book, and I had started collecting autographs of jockeys. Of course, none of my pals at Exeter School had the slightest interest in racing, so it was a matter of some regret that I had never got to know Jeff King, who was two years my senior and had already escaped to become apprenticed to Sir Gordon Richards. Still, it really didn’t bother me that I was different from my mates; I rather enjoyed knowing things that were beyond their ken. The Derby of 1958 was scheduled for Wednesday, June 4 and for some reason now long forgotten I had convinced myself that it would be won by Hard Ridden, an Irish-trained colt to be partnered by Charlie Smirke. Had I

Hard Ridden was by a sprinter but that did not stop him winning the Derby – to the huge delight of our columnist

known anything about breeding at the time, I would surely have doubted that a son of sprinter Hard Sauce could win the premier Classic, but sometimes ignorance can be bliss. I had a plan for Derby day. The scheduled off-time was 3.20pm, about as inconvenient as it could be for me; in the normal course of events I would be on my bike, halfway home, when the race was run. That would not do, so I arranged to borrow a transistor radio from a boarder friend, stick around at school, and find a spot where I could listen to the broadcast. The spot I chose was on the slope down from the prefects’ lawn, just beyond the long-on boundary for a cricket match which I could pretend to be watching. Exactly what I did when Hard Ridden was declared the winner I’ve no idea, but I imagine I displayed a full measure of exuberance, jumping up and down while emitting shrieks of delight. But my celebrations were cut short when a voice behind me called out, “Boy!”, and I turned around to find the headmaster bearing down on me, evidently not best pleased. He demanded my name, my form and an explanation for my unseemly behaviour. I felt I had no option but to confess, and answered in three stages that I had been listening to a race, a horserace, the Derby, actually. He didn’t want to know who had won, which I recognised as a bad omen. He then proceeded to lecture me on my bad manners. From my position behind the bowler’s arm I had disturbed the play in a match in which our school second XI was hosting some other school’s second XI. My actions were discourteous and wholly reprehensible. What was to come? A twohour detention? Maybe a beating? Corporal punishment still featured occasionally. Would he confiscate the radio? That would be highly embarrassing. In fact there was no immediate retribution. But, as was par for the course where Fred Paul was concerned in such situations, he would remember. And he knew that I would always be aware of that. Of course, I wasn’t going to let that incident deflect me from my passion. I always made a book on Derby Day, had a skinner over Psidium in 1961 and did almost as well the following year, when Larkspur won and seven of his rivals, including the favourite, fell. Not long after my ticking-off from Fred he instructed everyone in my class to put in writing what our ambitions were for life after we left school. I dare say some of my pals professed a desire to become a Field Marshal or an Archbishop, but I wrote that I wanted to have my own column in a national daily newspaper. Remarkably, soon afterwards I would find myself seated at a desk on whose lid was scratched a significant name and date – “C R Toye 1948.” If Clive could progress from that desk to become the senior football writer on the Daily Express, why couldn’t I achieve something similar? One summer I was promised a new bike in the event

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The man you can’t ignore of a good report, but Fred put the kibosh on that with a totally negative comment that hit home with my father, who was inclined to believe that I was neglecting my formal studies while I gathered racing knowledge. The old bike sufficed. My academic progress was not smooth in every subject, and I never would grasp enough of maths to achieve a pass at O Level. If I’d been asked to work out the profit from a successful half-crown win double at 100-8 and 100-7, I might have coped, but I couldn’t see the point of trigonometry, log tables and such. Anyway, my passion for racing sometimes helped my scholastic endeavours. I was reckoned odds-on to fail in O Level history, but actually sailed through it. As luck would have it, the period we studied stretched from the loss of our American colonies to the great Reform Act of 1832. I had the Derby winners for recall of the dates – Trafalgar was Cardinal Beaufort, Waterloo was Whisker, and Wellington became prime minister in the year when Cadland and The Colonel dead-heated. French at A Level was a doddle with the essay paper stipulating “Mon Héros Favori.” I was well acquainted with the career of Fred Archer, and my library had lately become enhanced by volumes in French. “Le jockey” was handy, and I could even get away with “le starting-gate.” I was on the old bike en route to school with my mate Phil Jones when he chanced to remark that someone was coming to Exeter to conduct auditions for the TV quiz show Double Your Money. He suggested that I should go along and subject myself to a grilling on racing. I did just that, had 50 questions fired at me, and answered 48 of

“For some reason I had convinced myself the 1958 Derby would be won by Hard Ridden” them correctly. Then I made the mistake of telling my mother, who rather liked the idea that her son might win £1,000. She took the call when the invitation to appear on the show arrived, urged me to accept it, and was baffled when I said I wouldn’t do it. It was never on, and Fred was the reason why. How could I ask him for time off from school to appear on a show, answering questions about racing? There might even be multiple appearances, if I made it through the first programme successfully. No, I wouldn’t dare ask the question. Fred cramped my style virtually to the end, finally humiliating me by over-ruling my housemaster’s recommendation that I should be made a prefect, and appointing some fellows a year or more younger than me. But there came a time when I had to ask a favour of Fred, as I needed a day off for an interview in Fleet Street, and for once he complied. In addition to the day away, I had to request a reference from him, which naturally caused me some anxiety, but I had sensibly omitted to mention that my interview was for a job in the Press Association’s racing department. As it happened, I was offered the job, and my new employers did not even bother to read Fred’s reference. The envelope was handed back to me, still unopened, so I got to learn what he’d said about me. “His interest in journalism is genuine and of long standing” is the remark I recall. It was good that he’d remembered that.

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The Howard Wright Column

Why Britain’s prizemoney must keep up W

hen the BHA snaffled £8 million from the housekeeping jar labelled ‘New Levy Money’ and scattered it into prize-money for grass-roots races – in other words, down among the dead wood – there was universal approval. More so because racecourses were encouraged to top up the additional funds from pockets lined with fresh media rights’ deals. That’s all well and good, provided the need to maintain levels at the top end of the scale is not overlooked. Putting on a million-pound Grand National, or sinking the equivalent sum into the Ebor Handicap, is unlikely to add one more horse to the full fields which half that amount would still deliver. Raising the bar for top-class conditions races is a different matter, though, and that means high fives all round for Sandown, Jockey Club Racecourses and long-time backer Coral, which have combined to boost the total pot for next month’s Eclipse Stakes by 50%. This season’s first important clash between the Classic generation and their elders will be worth £750,000, a particular tribute to the sponsor for sticking by an event that at first glance would not fit the traditional mould for bookmaker support. The Eclipse is a prestige event with a long history, but highend British racing cannot live by prestige and history alone. Cash counts for a lot, if not for everything, for international competition has never been hotter. Recent events in the UAE and Hong Kong provide useful examples. The Dubai World Cup Carnival, which offers vast riches over a ten-week spell, is fast approaching a crossroads, if it has not already got there. In 2017, 17 overseas trainers Ulysses (noseband) wins the won at least one race; 2017 Eclipse, which is worth this year the figure was £750,000 this year down to 12. For British stables, though, the situation was even more stark, with the total of individual winning trainers down from six to three – Charlie Fellowes, Denis Coakley and Richard Hannon – of whom none featured on World Cup night. Either the overall lack of numbers or the wrong choice of horses, or both, was at work. Growth of Britain’s allweather programme, both in terms of quantity and quality, is clearly having an impact, along with similar expansion in France and Ireland. More trainers are thinking twice about sending horses into the unknown of Dubai, when the counter-attraction of Britain’s six all-weather tracks, Dundalk in Ireland and Deauville in France means they can stay

closer to home for targets that offer a reasonable chance of reward. As for Hong Kong, three Group 1 races were bundled together for the first time in 15 years at the end of April for a fixture dubbed Champions Day. As with all such ambitious titles, reality proved rather different. Champions of Hong Kong, perhaps, but not much farther afield, for the sum total of overseas interest was four. Three second-division Japanese runners struggled to make an impression, while Godolphin’s Blue Point, re-routed after being withdrawn at the start of the Al Quoz Sprint, simply struggled. Two of the big races, the QEII Cup and Champions Mile, have regularly attracted multiple overseas runners, including from Britain, with several catching the onward flight from Dubai. Not

“Putting more money into grass-roots racing is fine, provided the need to maintain levels at the top end is not overlooked” this year. A quarantine wrangle between Australia and Hong Kong did not help, although it’s doubtful if that route would have been well trodden anyway, given the strong pull of the newly-promoted Championships in Sydney and the attraction of million-dollar prizes in Brisbane and Adelaide around the same time. The response of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which rarely sits back to let others take a lead, will be interesting, especially since Singapore is gearing up to re-enter the international stage in May 2019. Not that it is necessary for British administrators to look so far away for the impact of competition. On the same day as the Hong Kong bonanza, the Prix Ganay prize fund was raised to €600,000 to mark the reopening of Longchamp, with Cracksman picking up £303,398, compared to last year’s £146,512 first prize. That’s the measure by which Britain’s high-level prize-money standards should be judged. Shoring up the European Pattern is all very well, but home comforts must be satisfied first.

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View Fr m Ireland

Girls powerless to break through She added: “I went to England in November, thinking there’s way more racing and I should be able to get going again, but I think I probably aimed too high with Archie Watson. He’s absolutely flying and it was a bit ambitious.” Kenny had been based with Frank Costello in Limerick before that and had ridden her first winner since injury at Listowel last June, but had been struggling after the sudden loss of her father and downed tools. “I was completely down and just did nothing,” she said. “It was always me and my dad with the horseracing, and it all of a sudden doesn’t mean as much. I was at home from June to November, then went to England.”

“I’m not ready to give up riding – I don’t know what I would do” “I think there is less of a future for girls riding on the Flat in Ireland than there was ten years ago. It seems like it would be very hard to make it, and I don’t know if would I have ridden any winners if I started now.” Kenny’s setbacks aside, the County Kerry jockey faces two common obstacles to salvaging her career – a lack of Irish Flat racing, and her inability to ride in apprentice races owing to being over the age of 26 (a rule which extends to jump racing in Britain, and rules Rachael Blackmore out of the conditional jockeys’ race at the Cheltenham Festival, for example). “People look at me and say, ‘She can’t even get rides in apprentice races,’ but they don’t know I actually can’t ride in them. “I’m too old for them. It’s hard not being able to ride in them when there are so few other races that offer opportunities for apprentices. “Look at it like this, there’s one meeting a day, maybe 14 in a race – there are easily 14 professional jockeys that can take those rides, never mind the good apprentices.”

She has returned to trainer Tom McCourt, who supported her before her accident, but sees an end in sight. “I’m really only giving it the last ditch attempt,” she said. “I’m not ready to give it up – I don’t know what I would do. I was in England with Archie Watson and had spoken to Joseph O’Brien about workriding. But Tom just texted me and said, ‘There’s a job and rides for you here’.” McCourt has kept his promise, but has only 24 horses and is confined to putting Kenny up on horses he holds a share in. Trainer Ado McGuinness, who employs 21-year-old apprentice Zoe Boardman, feels similar constrictions when trying to support his rider. “Zoe is a local girl, which is a good

Karen Kenny: riding since 2005 but yet to fully establish herself

CAROLINE NORRIS

“T

here is less of a future for girls riding on the Flat in Ireland than there was ten years ago” – that was the view last month of claiming professional Karen Kenny as she weighed up her own narrowing options. Kenny, 32, has been riding since 2005 – spurred on to take the plunge by Cathy Gannon’s Irish apprentice championship victory a year earlier. She rode six winners in her first six seasons, but failed to progress and has since had her career all but wiped out by a severe head injury sustained in a fall in 2014. She said: “When I started out, what I achieved at the time was really quite hard, coming from a non-racing background. To get people to put you up was almost impossible. Now it’s slightly easier and women are quite equal in England, but things don’t seem to have changed much in Ireland.

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By Jessica Lamb

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Eddie Lynam: Sole Power and Slade Power are the past and hopefully Fas is the future

GEORGE SELWYN

thing because it means she’s in her own home environment every night, that’s a huge help for kids starting out,” he said. “She came from RACE and does light weights, which is a big advantage in Ireland, and she’s worked hard for me since she came in. But it is still extremely hard to sell female riders on the Flat. “People seem to think they are taking more of a chance. I try to put her up on horses I have a share in, or whose owners can be sympathetic. The last thing I want is her confidence half-shattered by coming back in to an unhappy owner.” McGuinness has supported a female apprentice before, giving Samantha Wynne her start, before the rider emigrated to New Zealand in 2013. Wynne has now ridden more than 100 winners, while in Australia Emily Finnegan, from Meath, last year took her tally to over 200 wins, claiming the Dux of South Australian Apprentice Academy title. In January 2015 she was among the eight female riders who went through the card at Mount Gambier. McGuinness said: “Samantha came to me from Taillight and has really hit the heights in New Zealand. She went there when she was a bit more mature. Zoe is also that little bit older and she has also talked about maybe going away in a couple of years.” Is the southern hemisphere an option for Kenny? “I spoke to Samantha about a year ago,” she said. “But I think Ireland has the best racing in the world and I’ve always wanted to do well in our country. I think you just get more respect for it, so if you’re going to put the effort in, that’s where to do it.” One woman stepping up to try for the first time this season is 21-year-old Nikita Kane. Based in Kildare with young trainer Adrian Keatley, Kane has an eventing and showjumping background. She is head travelling groom to Keatley and was prompted by the trainer to pursue a riding career after showing promise on the gallops. She said: “I did the course in RACE for a year and Adrian is now trying to get me going. I am waiting for my licence with a view to aiming for the Apprentice Derby at the Curragh on Derby weekend. “I did a lot of showjumping when I was younger but I was always drawn to the thrill and danger of racing.” Michelle Hamilton, a 10lb claimer based with Garvan Donnelly, is another female riding on the Flat in Ireland. Ana O’Brien, now retired after a life-threatening injury at Killarney last July, is the only woman to have come close to Gannon’s achievements.

Lynam still in the Fas lane Ireland’s most prolific sprinter of this era, Sole Power, has been retired just over a year, but his legacy is already impacting those closest to him, and the wider industry. The five-time Group 1 winner ran his last race in February 2017, his last win coming in the Group 2 Flying Five Stakes, which has since been upgraded to become Ireland’s first Group 1 sprint. That will be run on the Curragh’s Irish Champions Weekend card in September, when Sole Power’s former trainer Eddie Lynam could be among those out to land the historic prize. Lynam took delivery of French Group 3-winning speedster Fas in April, with his runaway two-year-old wins hinting at so much greatness that Ballylinch Stud bought a 60% share in the son of Fastnet Rock. “We have always had a horse or two for Ballylinch,” he said. “We trained Fort Del Oro most recently, who was another good sprinter, winning three Listed races at the Curragh and Naas. “So it was very kind of them to send us Fas, and ironically he is actually related to Sole Power as his dam Sotka is a half-sister to him, by Dutch Art.” The four-year-old’s form disintegrated in his three-year-old year, but Ballylinch Stud quickly pulled up stumps and brought him home to Ireland to freshen up. A winter at the County Kilkenny farm saw him arrive at Lynam’s yard showing no signs of last

year’s disappointment. “It’s early days with him,” he said. “But the early signs are very good. He won a Group 3 and a Listed race and is an entire horse, so Ballylinch are hoping to make a stallion out of him. “We have entered him at Royal Ascot in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes, and if he was up to that level that would be great. He’s rated 108, so if he performs 7-10lb better then we are up there.” He added: “They say the Irish don’t have sprinters, but look at Sole Power, Slade Power, Gordon Lord Byron, and now Caravaggio. It’s great to see the Flying Five upgraded and it would be the dream to be going there with Fas.” Meanwhile, Lynam’s other top sprinter Slade Power has made a successful start to his stud career, his first two-year-old winner Strings Of Life scoring at Newmarket in April, and his dam Girl Power foaling a colt by Dark Angel early last month. Lynam said: “The Power family’s good mare produced a half-brother to Slade Power by Dark Angel, who looks a really nice colt. You would miss him here and more so Sole Power. We miss having him around for the results – I never had to book a holiday when I had him because he took us to so many places – but also because he was such a nice character. “He’s at Horse Park Stud in Wicklow so I visit him whenever I can.”

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Continental Tales

Plumber’s son washes up on top FRANCE

GEORGE SELWYN

abrice Vermeulen has been a man making waves among the French training fraternity over the last few months, especially with his classy filly Barkaa. Now firmly ensconced as one of the nation’s most prolific handlers, he is well on target to overhaul last year’s personal best tally of exactly 100 winners and currently sits in third place in the title race, behind only the legendary Andre Fabre and JeanClaude Rouget. Vermeulen’s journey to the summit began in less than traditional circumstances – were it not for a chance first meeting with his long-time business partner, Jeremy Para, at the famous Le Queen nightclub on the Champs Elysees in Paris in 2006, he might never have taken up a career in horse sport or, at best, would have played just a minor role in his first love, trotting racing. The son of a plumber with no racing in his blood apart from his father’s hobby of breeding trotters, Vermeulen had holiday jobs riding out for a few trainers, including Jean de Roualle and Elie Lellouche, but was always going to be too heavy to make a jockey. Once his education was complete he had a great time working as a waiter in the VIP area at Le Queen, all the while promising himself that he would get a proper job once he turned 30. Then came that fateful rendezvous with passionate racing fan Para and the ball started rolling. With Vermeulen’s name on the licence, the pair started training at Ostend on the Belgian coast in 2007 and soon came to realise that to make ends meet they needed to plunder the rich prizes on offer across the border in France. Sometimes that meant venturing all the way down to the Cote d’Azur, where the duo enjoyed their breakthrough Listed triumph with Mixed Intention in the Prix de la Californie at Cagnes-Sur-Mer in February 2011. Emboldened by their first Pattern win 18 months later with Forces Of Darkness in the Group 3 Prix Minerve, they relocated their yard to Chantilly in September 2013, only to be struck down by the dreaded virus, rhinopneumonia, during the first full season. The lurgy affected all but two of their 45 charges. “I had to retire lots of horses and let go some of my staff while the debts mounted up, it was really tough,” Vermeulen recalls. Momentum did not really return until 2016, much thanks to the setting up of a

Trainer Fabrice Vermeulen is having a great year, boosted by classy sorts such as Barkaa

new satellite yard at Calas, near Marseille, which allowed their lesser charges better access to lower grade, but still well endowed, provincial races. Back to full health, Vermeulen trainees took advantage to plunder a record 52 handicaps in a calendar year. Of late, the yard has amended its previous modus operandi of acquiring lots of horses out of claiming races and then placing them carefully and running them regularly. Now there is a little more emphasis on quality, much down to the pair’s friendship with Rouget, who has been generous with advice and assistance and whose training set-up has been unashamedly copied by Vermeulen and Para.

“We met Jean-Claude through Christophe Soumillon’s agent, Pierre-Alain Chereau,” Vermeulen says. “He has taught me the importance of thoroughness, observation, detail and entering the right horse in the right race – he’s a master trainer and a great man.” His 2018 flagbearer is Barkaa, who gave him another success in the Californie prior to running out the easy four-length winner of a heavy ground renewal of the Group 3 Prix Vanteaux. Subsequently sold to American owners Peter Brant and Joseph Allen, the daughter of Siyouni finished a close fifth behind Teppal in the French 1,000 Guineas and will reportedly remain with Vermeulen until the end of the season.

Another Day Of Sun and Nube SPAIN Mick Channon has started the Flat turf season in such excellent form that I doubt that he will be losing much sleep at the news that one of the less able members of his 2017 string has been transformed into a Classic winner since being sold to continue his career in Spain. The horse in question is Another Day Of Sun, a Camacho half-brother to the 2009 Horris Hill Stakes runnerup Pleasant Day. Bought for €26,000 at the Goffs

Yearling Sale in Ireland in November 2016, he had plenty of racing in his juvenile season and did manage to win a novice auction race at Thirsk last June. Things went off the rails a little thereafter and, following a gelding operation, he was back in the sales ring at Tattersalls in Newmarket in October as the winner of one of his ten starts with a handicap mark of 73 and a career bankroll of just over £5,000. Sold for £9,450, he has been a revelation since joining the yard of the

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By James Crispe, IRB

Where it all began for a mercurial Star Pakistan Star, surely the world’s most enigmatic megastar racehorse, is both a good [ability-wise] and bad [temperament-wise] advertisement for German breeding. Let me fill you in on the tale of Pakistan Star, or Nina’s Shadow, as he was already called when he arrived at the yearling sales in Deauville in August 2014. He was knocked down for €180,000 to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s representative, former British jump jockey Mark Richards, and re-sold seven months later at the Breeze-Up Sale in the former colony. This is where his irascible temperament first surfaced, as he refused to breeze properly yet somehow still managed to attract a winning bid of more than three times his original sale price. He was bought by the self-made pest control magnate Kerm Din, a Hong Kong-born son of a Pakistani immigrant, hence the name change. His racing career has been one of great highs and lows, but right from the beginning, when he circled the field to come from last and win his debut in extraordinary fashion, the millions of local race fans have taken him to their hearts. Slow starts in his next three outings all led to narrow defeats but, despite his foibles, the mercurial gelding had such talent that he finished second in both the Hong Kong Derby and the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup before he utterly disgraced himself, coming to a halt altogether when the 4-1 on favourite for a Group 3 contest and then stopping at precisely the same spot during a disciplinary racecourse gallop. Remarkably, after serving a ban from racing, this spring has seen him finish a good fourth on three consecutive starts (albeit having at one point detached himself from the back of the field during a Group 2 event) prior to a marvellous triumph in the QEII, thus taking his career bankroll to £2.773 million. Nobody knows where he gets his petulance from, as

HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB

GERMANY

Pakistan Star, here with William Buick, is a firm fans’ favourite in Hong Kong thanks to a mix of talent and temperament

straightforwardness is one of the traits most associated with his sire, Shamardal. The source of his class is easier to work out – his mother, Nina Celebre, won two Listed races and both his grand-dam and great-grand-dam won the German Oaks. Bred at Gestut Wittekindshof, east of Dortmund, he is a member of probably the most successful German family of the 21st Century – relatives include the King George winner Novellist, the German Derby winner Next Desert, and the Group 1 scorers Nutan, Nymphea and Nightflower, not to mention the runner-up in the recent Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, Melon.

Negra show that success can work both ways Argentine-born Spanish handler Oscar Anaya. Immediately taking to his new surroundings, Another Day Of Sun scored at Dos Hermanas in Seville in mid-January and, when he ran out the clear-cut two-and-a-half-length winner of the Gran Premio Cimera (Spanish 2,000 Guineas) in Madrid on April 15, took his Spanish earnings to €62,800 (£55,575) from four victories and a fourth place. Historically, the thoroughbred traffic is not all one way from Britain to Spain, as the exploits of Iberian imports Equiano (winner of the King’s

Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in both 2008 and 2010) and – way back – the disqualified Ascot Gold Cup winner of 1988 and Champion Hurdler of 1992, Royal Gait, testify. However, for a horse to struggle in the quiet backwater of Spanish racing and then excel in our much more competitive climate is rare indeed. Yet that is the trick that has been pulled off by jumps trainer Dan Skelton with Nube Negra – which translates from Spanish to ‘Black Cloud’. A son of the little-known Spanish stallion Dink, Nube Negra has brought

with him a warm glow of success rather than a dark cloud since arriving at Skelton’s Alcester base last summer. His five hurdling starts to date have gleaned two victories and two Cheltenham placings, including at the Festival itself, and prize-money of £31,740. This is all the more remarkable given that Nube Negra failed to get his head in front in seven attempts when trained in his native land, albeit his best effort was a fair fourth place in one of the country’s top three-year-old races, the Gran Premio Nacional.

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Around The Globe

Smith in demand after big win NORTH AMERICA By Steve Andersen

he first request occurred about halfway through the 200-yard walk from the Santa Anita racetrack to the weighing room. “Mike, can I have a pair of your goggles for my nephew?” a woman asked. Hearing that, Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith tugged a set of goggles from his helmet and tossed them in the lady’s direction. A few strides later, a man asked Smith to pose for a photo with his children. As Smith walked the last 100 yards, there were five similar photos and a request for an autograph. This time, the customer had a copy of Daily Racing Form that featured a photo of Justify, the brilliant colt Smith rode to an impressive win in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs only 24 hours earlier. While he signed, Smith was three time zones and 2,085 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky but Justify was very much on the minds of Santa Anita’s audience, as was Smith, a day after the Kentucky Derby on May 5. Smith took a 6am flight the next day to return to his base in southern California for two mounts, which included a win. There was no day off following the Kentucky Derby. Smith, 52, won his second Kentucky Derby on Justify, 13 years after Giacomo pulled a surprise at 50-1. There was nothing surprising about Justify’s triumph. Trained by Bob Baffert, 5-2 favourite Justify extended his unbeaten streak to four races by beating 19 rivals in the ten-furlong race on a sloppy track. Smith had Justify near the front throughout, avoiding trouble that plagued several rivals behind him, and took the lead with three furlongs remaining before winning by two and a quarter lengths. Smith said he felt the pressure of riding such a highly-regarded favourite, who became the first horse to win the Kentucky Derby without starting as a two-year-old since Apollo in 1882. “I think I have more of a sense of relief,” he said a day after the race. “Now, it’s starting to feel good. I wanted to do my job. I knew if I did mine, he’d do his.” Good Magic, the champion juvenile male of 2017, finished a game second,

Mike Smith and Justify (blue noseband) cross the line clear of their Kentucky Derby rivals

holding off Audible, the talented winner of the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park in March. The race had a well-regarded European runner in Coolmore’s Mendelssohn, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore. Their hopes dissipated shortly after the start when Mendelssohn was severely bumped by a

“I wanted to do my job. I knew if I did mine, Justify would do his” rival. Mendelssohn finished last. Justify gave Baffert his fifth Kentucky Derby win, the previous one having been American Pharoah in 2015. Pharoah went on to win the Triple Crown. Baffert has warmly compared Justify to American Pharoah, further energising an American racing public desperate for a star horse. By Scat Daddy, Justify was purchased for $500,000 at the 2016 Keeneland

September Yearling Sale and races for the partnership of WinStar Farm, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing and China Horse Club. The conglomerate made for a crowded winner’s circle on a wet afternoon. Justify’s career was delayed by minor setbacks. The colt had his first three starts at Santa Anita, winning a seven-furlong maiden race by nine and a quarter lengths on February 18, a conditions race at a mile by six and a half lengths on March 11, and the $1 million Santa Anita Derby over nine furlongs by two and a half lengths, over the two-time Grade 1 winner Bolt D’Oro, on April 7. Smith has compared Justify to Holy Bull, the 1994 Horse of the Year who one of his first big mounts; the incredibly popular Zenyatta, who won 19 of 20 races from 2007-10; and Arrogate, the champion three-year-old colt of 2016 who earned $17.4m. “I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him,” Smith said. “I think he’s got every right to improve.” With that, Smith ducked into the Santa Anita jockeys’ room, the end of an historic weekend. He barely slept the night after the Derby before travelling to California, but still displayed plenty of energy. “I’m still floating,” Smith said.

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18/05/2018 14:01

The Worldwide Racing Scene

Redkirk Warrior: reinvented as a sprinter down under but could return to Britain this year

Plenty prepared to try to peak in The Everest AUSTRALIA By Danny Power

he world’s richest sprint race, The Everest, is having a long-reaching effect on Australia’s representation at Royal Ascot in June. Connections of crack filly Shoals have declared a trip to Royal Ascot “off” in preference to keeping the Fastnet Rock three-year-old for a tilt at the $AUD13 million The Everest, run over six furlongs at Randwick on October 13. Royal Ascot was seriously on the agenda for Shoals until she stormed home to beat older mares in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville on May 4 – it was the filly’s third Group 1 win in only ten starts. Trainer Anthony Freedman said after the race that Shoals’ programme would be left to her owners and joint-breeders, Arrowfield Stud’s John Messara and prominent businessman and leviathan owner-breeder Jonathan Munz. It took two days for the pair to declare Shoals would be kept in Australia for The Everest. Royal Ascot? Maybe next year. Australia’s highest-ranked sprinter Redzel, winner of last year’s inaugural $10m The Everest, would have been an ideal candidate for Royal Ascot and the July Cup at Newmarket, but his owners, a syndicate, quickly squashed the idea, preferring to keep “our powder dry” for another tilt at the big prize-money later in the year. Redzel’s recent conqueror in the Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes, the brilliant three-year-old

colt Trapeze Artist, was muted as a Royal Ascot prospect as the big studs circled to buy the three-time Group 1-winning son of star stallion Snitzel, but owner-breeder Bert Vieira rejected offers believed to be close to A$40m. No doubt international outfits such as Coolmore Stud, Darley and Newgate Farm would have jumped at the chance to make Trapeze Artist a dual-stallion ‘moneymaking’ citizen with a win at Royal Ascot in either the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes or the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes, had they had been able to buy the prized colt. However, Vieira wants to win The Everest. “I can take him to Royal Ascot next year,” he said. Soon after, a deal was struck between Vieira and Chinese-owned Aquis Farm for Trapeze Artist to take Aquis’ slot in this year’s race. Aquis is owned by the Hong Kong-based Fung family, with businessman and developer Tony Fung as its chairman and his son Justin running the Australian two-farm thoroughbred operation. Another high-profile Chinese outfit, Yuesheng Zhang’s burgeoning Yulong Investments, based in Victoria, has secured Redzel for its slot, while betting company Tabcorp has announced that brilliant mare In Her Time will represent it in The Everest. The Aquis-Trapeze Artist deal is an interesting one. I believe that Aquis Farm is not taking an equity in any financial windfall from The Everest. In a clever move, the Hunter Valley (NSW) and Queensland operation has ‘gifted’ Vieira the $600,000 entry fee in return for a final-offer position

to secure Trapeze Artist for breeding rights when he retires to stud at the end of 2019. It’s the perfect scenario for Vieira, as he owns a band of mares and would prefer to keep the stallion prospect and place him at a suitable stud on breeding terms. For Aquis Farm, it would secure up 15 nominations to the young stallion each year – and he is likely to stand for a fee of at least $60,000 when the time comes. If they get him, the $600,000 nomination ‘gift’ is goodwill and good business. While the nine remaining slot holders are jockeying for a position to secure a highclass sprinter, the overseas interest in the race at this stage has been minimal. Whereas the Victoria Racing Club sends its scouts far and wide to encourage European, Japanese, Hong Kong and sometimes North American horses to Australia for the Melbourne Cup and other races during the spring carnival, the Australian Turf Club in Sydney leaves a lot of the ‘scouting’ to the slot holders. That’s not to say there isn’t some sort of fishing for prospects north of the Equator by the club; there is, but when it gets down to dealing for a horse to take a slot, the club steps into the background, preferring to offer guidance and give the connections of horses that might be of interest a rundown of facilities and quarantine conditions. At this stage, the only real interest from ‘north’ is coming from the much-travelled American trainer Wesley Ward, who is very keen in bringing Bound For Nowhere to Sydney, if his form stacks up, while top UK sprinter Harry Angel is a possible contender. Ward, cleverly, said he’ll wait to see how Bound For Nowhere shapes up against the return of England’s ‘prodigal son’ at Royal Ascot – Redkirk Warrior. The big chestnut gelding will be campaigning in England for the training partnership of David Hayes, his son Ben and nephew Tom Dabernig. Redkirk Warrior started his career in England under the name Redkirk for William Haggas, for whom he won both his starts in 2014 as a three-year-old at Yarmouth and Ascot over a mile and a quarter before he was sold to Hong Kong. Unfortunately, nagging feet problems restricted his performance to one win from seven starts before he was sent to Australia, where he was transformed into a sensational, dynamic straight-track sprinter, winning the 2017 and 2018 Group 1 Newmarket Handicap and the 2018 Lightning Stakes at Flemington. Ward, who owns Bound For Nowhere, said how he measures up with Redkirk Warrior will sway his decision. He said: “The Everest is on my radar. However, I wouldn’t come unless I thought he could win… it’s a long way to go to lose.”

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Racing Life

The Anantara Vilamoura overlooks the Algarve Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, home to the Portuguese Masters tournament

PORTUGUESE MASTERS The Anantara brand opened its first European resort on the Algarve – a wise choice, says Sarah Rodrigues

he Algarve’s low-key appeal – not to mention its much-touted 300 days of sun per year - has long been a drawcard for Britons, whether holiday makers, relocators or second home buyers. Surprisingly, however, pockets of overdevelopment though there are, its coastline remains relatively craggy and unspoilt, seemingly immune to high rises and gaudiness. That’s not to say it’s all beach shacks and scruffy charm, however. Where development exists, it tends to be rather well and sympathetically executed; certainly this is the case with Anantara Vilamoura. Although a global brand with a presence in twelve countries – primarily in Asia – one of the Anantara’s core concepts is “a sense of place”: each Anantara hotel, whilst unmistakably recognisable as such, must also incorporate features distinct to its location. The Vilamoura resort represents

the Anantara’s first foray into Europe and, as such, no opportunity to incorporate the best of the locale has been overlooked. Cork handicrafts are a feature of the area; correspondingly, various elements of the design incorporate this natural material. The patterns seen on azulejos, traditional ceramic tiles, are replicated on upholstery in the lounge and lobby areas, while pottery from the local village of Porches, which is famed for the craft, appears at the breakfast buffet and on the tables. Each Friday and Saturday night, the lobby trembles to the strains of Fado, the soulful and wonderfully emotive Portuguese form of song, accompanied by guitar. And then, of course, there’s the food, which trains its focus resolutely on local produce and typical flavours, with every meal a delight for the senses – and, for those interested in enhancing their gastronomic enjoyment, the

Spice Spoons experience is a popular element of the Anantara brand’s offering. Accompanied by chef Luis Cristina on a Saturday morning, we drive to Loulé, a traditional town around 15-20 minutes’ drive from the resort, where we tour the markets, sample taster-portions and choose provisions. If we weren’t intent on heading back to the resort to be instructed in the preparation of our purchases, it would be easy to while away an entire day here: the people watching opportunities are abundant, and it’s perhaps a measure of the market’s authenticity that we run into Bruno Viegas, Vilamoura Anantara’s executive chef, at the fish stall, buying seafood ahead of a weekend spent with his family. Golf is central to Anantara Vilamoura’s appeal – the resort sits directly above the championship Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course. Visible from a large number of the bedrooms, it’s not only the longest

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Resorts 18-hole layout in the country, but also the site of the annual Portuguese Masters tournament, which will be held this year from 19th - 23rd September. It will be only the second time that the tournament has taken place earlier than the October dates it was traditionally scheduled for; such is the Algarvian pride in their good weather that there seems little point in heightening the risk of one of those rare rain days coinciding with an international event. Nearby, the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre plays host to three tours throughout the course of the year; the Atlantic tour took place over the period between February 13 and April 1, with the summer event (July 6-15) and The Champions Tour (September 27 to November 7) yet to come. The facilities have around a 1200-horse capacity, with five sand arenas, plus one lunging and one grass arena, all of which were built by the acclaimed German company, Otto Sport International. With four generations of show jumpers, the local Moura family have had the centre since 2013; they have made several improvements since then, with more planned for the near future. Warm winter sunshine, with temperatures of around 17 degrees, provide the ideal setting for year-round activity; golfers have an on-site valet to take them directly to the fairway, while time in the heated outdoor pool is an alternative way to spend the morning. Inside, the spa’s indoor pool and range of treatments provide a lofty sanctuary – located on the hotel’s top floor and offering views across the golf course and out to the ocean beyond, sunbeds are set out on the terrace for the maximisation of your post-treatment relaxation. And if that tempting sliver of ocean has you craving some beach time, the hotel shuttle will speed you to sister resort Tivoli Marina, where, at its Puro beach bar, you can take in the broad sands and wild waves of the Algarve with a cocktail in hand. By night, the resort offers several dining options, but the experimental angle of the sleek EMO restaurant will prove irresistible to oenophiles. With António Lopes – winner of the ‘2014 Best Sommelier of Portugal’ – at the helm, there are about 350 wines in the cellar; a relatively small number compared to similarly upmarket restaurants, but chosen with meticulous care to complement the local flavours that the menu showcases. Interestingly, the selection process is sometimes turned on its head, with the chefs drawing their culinary inspiration from the wines that Lopes has chosen and creating dishes to complement his selection. It’s a quirk

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The Presidential Suite offers an unmatched view of the golf course and surrounding area

that fully allows the wine to take centre stage, even though the food is equally exquisite: for us, quail in vinaigrette, spicy corn soup and black pork tenderloin with lemon grass was followed by a citrusy confection of meringue and lemongrass. Much like the thinking behind the Spice Spoons culinary journey, if your interest in wine goes further than the mere drinking of it, Lopes can take you on a private tour to a local vineyard. Despite having 280 guest rooms and suites, all with balconies and huge outdoor sofas, the resort doesn’t feel vast or sprawling – and clever use of layout

swerves any sense of bustle even when at capacity. Those not travelling with children should bypass the central pool and head to the nearby and yet secluded adults-only version. Not only will you avoid unwanted splashing and shrieking, but you can also make use of a private Veuve Clicquot cabana, complete with touch-of-a-button butler service. Anantara Vilamoura nightly rates start at £223/€255 in a Deluxe Double room for two persons on a b&b basis with VAT included. vilamoura.anantara.com

The main pool is the place to kick back and relax in the Algarve sunshine

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21/05/2018 13:08

Racing Life

Music Festival

Classic Example Cheltenham yet again plays host to a prestigious event – this time, the 74th Cheltenham Music Festival, writes Sarah Rodrigues

ver a period of two weeks – June 30 to July 15 – this year’s Cheltenham Music Festival, under new Artistic Director Alison Balsom, promises to be nothing short of sensational, with the triple Classical Brit award winner saying: “I am thrilled to be taking over the helm of Cheltenham Music Festival as we announce a particularly fantastic line up for 2018 – bringing the very best of classical music to the broadest possible audience, and making it possible for… the wider community to experience this art form in all its glory.” With performances held in some of the Cotswolds loveliest spaces – including Gloucester Cathedral and Tewkesbury Abbey – this year’s performers include Grammy awardwinning Russian violinist Maxim Vengerov, who will be appearing on 5 July in a chamber music programme which includes Brahms violin sonatas and Mendelssohn’s Octet. From July 6-8, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Martyn Brabbins, will be in residency at Cheltenham Town Hall. As well as performing Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending and Elgar’s Cello

Alex Mendham and his Orchestra perform music from the 1920s and 30s and were a popular attraction at the 2017 Cheltenham Music Festival

Concerto, they’ll be providing an event first in the form of a family concert, in keeping with the Festival’s commitment to attracting new audiences to the experience and enjoyment of classical music.

Street performances are an important part of the Cheltenham Music Festival

Central also to the Festival’s work is promoting and providing a platform for new music and new artists: this year will see the return of the BBC New Generation Artists series, as well as more than twenty world premières, including a new work, Gursky Landscapes by Gavin Higgins, performed by the Carducci Quartet and David Cohen on July 6. The Parabola Arts Centre at Cheltenham Ladies College will, on July 15, play host to a new chamber opera Juliana by Joseph Phibbs, with Nova Music Opera conducted by George Vass, while readers of Robert McFarlane’s sublime book Landmarks won’t want to miss Colin Riley’s touring multi-media song cycle: inspired by the book, it appears at the festival on July 8. Those with a penchant for music before midday can head to the Pittville Pump Room, which provides the elegant setting for a series of 11am concerts beginning, on July 4, with Dame Sarah Conolly. Other highlights of these morning sessions include cellist Steven Isserlis and the Berkeley Ensemble. For full details and line up, visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music Box Office: 01242 850 270.

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Luxury Items

MOVING WITH THE TIMES Zenith continues to build on its remarkable history with a new CEO and innovations, says Sarah Rodrigues

ounded in 1865 by Georges FavreJacot, this Swiss watch brand has woven remarkable tales into its history. Its Calibre 135, launched in 1948, won no fewer than 235 prizes; with 1969’s El Primero, the brand introduced the world’s first ever integrated automatic chronograph movement. Demonstrating a commitment to the craft, 1975 saw watchmaker Charles Vermot hide the plans, tools and components necessary for the making of mechanical calibres to save them from destruction; it was a move in response to a decision from the company who owned Zenith at that time to limit production solely to quartz watches. Only in 1984, when mechanical watches were once again in demand, did he reveal their whereabouts. A rich relationship with aviation, from which the Pilot collection was born, resulted in the addition of three new models in 2012: the Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20, the Pilot

The Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipco CP-2 in bronze

Doublematic and the Pilot Big Date Special. This was also the year that Zenith made history of another airborne

type, serving as the timekeeper for Felix Baumgartner’s epic jump from the edge of the stratosphere, breaking the sound barrier in freefall and landing in the desert of New Mexico, a stomachlurching 38,969.4 metres below. The watch worn by Baumgartner for his feat was also a Zenith, a Stratos Flyback Striking 10th, containing the brand’s renowned El Primero movement. Following the appointment of new CEO Julien Tornare last year, Zenith is repositioning itself, highlighting its innovation whilst remaining true to its DNA. This year, it has re-introduced its iconic military timepiece, the Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2, known in collectors’ circles as the “Cairelli”, with the Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback. This new version features subtle modifications and contemporary updates, with cases of either aged steel or bronze, housing, of course, an El Primero movement - in this case the 405B. www.zenith-watches.com

BAGGAGE CLAIM Sarah Rodrigues looks at Briggs & Riley’s recent extension to its Simpatico collection

f the thought of forthcoming summer holidays already has you seeing red over baggage restrictions and airport queues, then you may as well embrace the colour stylishly, with Briggs & Riley’s new addition to their best-selling Sympatico collection. As of May, a new colour, dubbed ‘Fire’, has been added to the existing range of Bronze, Matte Black and glossy Onyx, all of which are available across the three pieces that comprise the collection – Carry-on, Medium and Large. Each piece in the range has been designed with the brand’s CM™ Compression-Expansion Technology, which results in 25% more packing space. Using the zipperless technology, the hard-sided suitcases can be expanded and then, once packed, compressed back down to original size.

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The additional benefit of the compression factor is, of course, the fact that clothes are ‘held’ in place, so transitcaused creasing is minimised. And when you reach your destination? Other design features include a built-in garment holder, which will hold up to two suits or dresses. Briggs & Riley are an independently owned brand and, with the motto “Engineered for Reality, Guaranteed for Life”, they are the only brand within the luggage industry to provide a lifetime guarantee, undertaking any functional repair on a bag – even if the damage was caused by an airline. The Briggs & Riley Sympatico Fire Collection is priced from £429 and available from John Lewis, Selfridges and Harrods. www.briggs-riley.com

Make a splash: the Sympatico in ‘fire’ has 25% more packing space

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Racing Life

Property

La Chartreuse de Bourgfontaine Centuries of history and years of successful stud farming combine in a property with heart, as Sarah Rodrigues discovers The beautiful drive to the house and stud at the Bourgfontaine estate

ocated within easy reach of Paris, the former Carthusian Monastery of Bourgfontaine was founded in 1325: legend has it that Philip VI’s heart was buried here, while his body and entrails were buried elsewhere. After falling into disrepair after the French Revolution and languishing under years of subsequent neglect, it’s been faithfully restored over the last quarter-century and is now on the market. In 1962, the estate was acquired by François Mathet, who was France’s leading flat racing trainer from 1957 until 1982. Bourgfontaine is located less than an hour from Chantilly and he had resolved to develop his own thoroughbred lines, believing that “the land in the Valois region is better for breeding thoroughbreds than those in Normandy.” Under his ownership, the historic buildings were restored, while new stables and a foaling unit were built and broad, gently sloping pastures were developed. His efforts paid off: within little

more than ten years, he was ranked among the top five breeders in France. Several Group 1 race winners, including Polar Falcon and Aljabr, have been produced by bloodlines bred in Bourgfontaine over the years; in recent times, Laurens, born and bred here, won the Fillies Mile in Newmarket in 2017 and ran a fine second in the 1,000 Guineas in May. She is also considered to be a serious contender for the Prix de Diane at Chantilly. The house is surrounded by landscaped gardens, paddocks and parkland, enclosed by original walls which provide safety and biosecurity for the horses; beyond these lies the vast Forêt de Retz, in which it is possible to obtain sporting rights. Despite its enviable privacy, the property is not at all remote – Paris is a little over an hour away and Charles de Gaulle Airport a little under. Chantilly is, of course, also easily reached, while closer by, the small town of Villers Cotterêts has all the basics covered, with supermarkets, banks, health

The stunning facade to Bourgfontaine, selling through Windsor Clive International

services and a railway station with a direct 50-minute access to Paris/Gare du Nord (Eurostar). That’s if you can ever be prevailed upon to leave, mind you – the elegantly restored main house features no fewer than seven bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a large country kitchen and informal eating area, plus family living room with monumental fireplace, formal dining and drawing room and billiards room. Most of the smaller buildings within the grounds have been converted into guest and staff accommodation, although there are additional buildings which could be restored if extra quarters were required. A sheltered and heated swimming pool is also within the grounds, as are the ruins of the nave of the abbey, and a restored windmill. For the horses, there’s 66ha (163 acres) of rolling paddocks, and 58 stables distributed between three yards. Windsor Clive International, the bloodstock property specialists, have been instructed on the property, along with Paris-based agency Inter Urbis. GeorgeWindsor Clive makes mention of the property’s unique combination of privacy, ease of access and class, saying: “It is a truly impressive establishment for a leading owner.” Bourgfontaine is being marketed at a guide price of €3.95m (approximately £3.48m) George Windsor Clive +44 1672 521155 or +44 7836 652228, gfwc@windsorclive.co.uk www.windsorclive.co.uk Elie de Robien • +33 1 45 63 17 77 elie.derobien@interurbis.com www.interurbis.com

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Royal Windsor Horse Show

A Majestic Event It was just weeks until The Wedding, says Sarah Rodrigues, but Windsor still pulled out all the stops for its 75th annual Royal Windsor Horse Show

Barbers Shop was bred and raced by the Queen before excelling in his second career

ith one grandson having just fathered another child, and another about send the country into a frenzy of celebration with a wedding, it’s no wonder that the Queen was all smiles at May’s Royal Windsor Horse Show. It’s known to be one of her favourite equestrian events of the year – she has attended every year since its 1943 inception – and the only one that permits the general public access to the grounds of Windsor Castle. Prince Philip was also seen on the last day of the show, driving a Land Rover and apparently in good health. This year also marked the retirement of the Queen’s horse, Barber’s Shop, who last year won the RoR Tattersalls Thoroughbred Ridden Show Series for the third consecutive year. Originally conceived as a means of raising funds for war efforts, Royal Windsor is, according to organisers, the only UK show that

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hosts international competitions in showjumping, dressage, driving and endurance. The 92-year old monarch was also on hand to present some of the prizes, including to the best turned out trooper of the Royal Cavalry. As

Top rider Steve Guerdat in action at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

quintessentially British as the event is, however, it’s well known as one of the highlights of the Bahraini calendar: the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is a longstanding partner and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attended the show on Friday. The Royal Windsor Endurance Race was also won by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representing Bahrain and riding Vipper De Luriecq, completing the 120 kilometre distance in 05:04:48 despite injury. Azerbaijan was also a key attraction at this year’s show, performing with some of their most accomplished riders from the Azerbaijan Equestrian Federation. Celebrating the traditional culture of the country, they performed with Karabakh horses, alongside the Sarhadchi’ dancers and fire-jugglers. Next year’s show will take place from May 8-12, 2019 with tickets will going on sale in the autumn. www.rwhs.co.uk

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Racing Life

Bespoke tailoring at

OLIVER BROWN By Christopher Modoo

Christopher Modoo is a men’s style expert and has conducted suit fittings in both Buckingham and Beckingham Palace. He is often quoted in the press on matters of etiquette and correct dress, and writes a regular feature for the online edition of The Rake magazine

ondon’s Savile Row is famous worldwide for creating individuallymade suits with an impressive amount of handwork. Each suit is handdrafted by a tailor to create an individual pattern that is then built around the client in a series of fittings or “try-ons”. Every physical imperfection and whim can be taken into account by the mater craftsman to create a suit as individual as the customer. Before Savile Row, the heart of London tailoring was Aldwych in the City of London but any town would have had tailors offering their services. With the growth of mechanisation, the ready-made suit replaced these local artisans and only a few exist. But there has been a recent resurgence with a growing interest in clothing that is made to last in timeless fashions. Some are offering factory-made clothing, which should strictly be referred to as made-to-measure. This can be very good, but should not be compared to the genuine craft.

The term “bespoke” should be reserved for the top level of service and derives from when a customer would reserve cloth that was said to have been “bespoken for”. Oliver Brown of Lower Sloane Street in Chelsea has a proper bespoke tailor in the talented Mr Juan Carlos. He is a third generation tailor and, after earning a diploma at the school of tailoring Madrid, served a six-year apprenticeship with Savile Row’s Kilgour before returning to his native Spain to complete his sartorial education. This training has given Carlos a unique perspective into his art. All tailors have a “house style” and this is sometimes criticised by those who misunderstand the concept. It is necessary to have a starting point and allow the customer to collaborate to create their piece and most customers would not wish to have every detail controlled by them. The house style of Juan Carlos at Oliver Brown is a fusion of the

Bespoke at Oliver Brown: the perfect combination of comfort, style and elegance for a gentleman

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Tailoring

The art of bespoke: Juan Carlos is a third generation tailor, available for commissions at Oliver Brown, Chelsea

meticulous training he acquired in Madrid with the shape and flair of Savile Row. But there is always a strong dialogue and all of the customers’ ideas and desires are discussed and incorporated. But, of course, the most important aspect is the fit and as well as numerous measurements, the client’s stature and stance are taken into consideration. Low shoulders, prominent shoulder blades and thick necks are all taken into consideration but it is not enough to fit the customer. Juan Carlos uses his tailor’s skill to hide the customer’s imperfections.

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As well as the classic English lounge suit, a full range of clothing is available to order bespoke. As one might expect from Oliver Brown, morning dress is a popular choice. Juan Carlos cuts an amazing coat and I am always impressed with how clean the finish is despite the amount of handwork that is involved. One of the most impressive pieces of tailoring I have witnessed at Oliver Brown (or indeed anywhere) was a three-piece grey sharkskin morning suit with a shawl collar. Such an idiosyncratic design looked so perfect when executed with precision and flair

that it made me wonder why it had not be done earlier. The curve of the lapel was perfectly complemented by the cutaway fronts of the coat and the sleeves were finished with elegant turnback cuffs. An absolute masterpiece. However my advice to anyone tempted to try his service would be to order a twobutton single-breasted suit in a dark blue fresco wool. And although you will be offered numerous options, I would leave the style up to “JC” as he is affectionately known in the trade and enjoy his signature style that is the perfect combination of comfort, style and elegance.

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Racing Life

Tailoring

Vintage top hats at Oliver Brown There is a wonderful apocryphal tale of how, on January 15, 1797, a certain Mr John Hetherington was arrested and charged with breach of the peace for causing a riot by wearing his new innovation in headwear: the top hat. According to reports, ladies fainted, dogs barked and an arm was broken in the resulting melee. Whilst this story

Silk top hats are no longer produced and therefore can command huge prices

Top jockey: James Doyle is ready for Royal Ascot

is untrue and was probably started in the late 19th century, it is only one of the myths and legends surrounding this legendary piece of headwear. To separate the fact from the fiction, I paid a visit to London’s Oliver Brown in fashionable Chelsea. As official outfitters to Royal Ascot, they are experts in the history and etiquette of gentleman’s formalwear. The top hat or “topper” was considered normal day dress until the early 20th century when it became reserved for formal wear and is, nowadays, only worn with morning dress at Royal Ascot, Derby day at Epsom, garden parties and smart weddings. They are available in both grey and black to complement your suit. Contrary to some advice, it is perfectly acceptable to wear a grey hat with a black coat and vice-versa. Oliver Brown stock both in a wide range of styles but what is most impressive is their collection of vintage top hats – the largest in London, and probably the world. You can easily recognise the antique variety compared to a modern top hat; they are lighter and have the most attractive sheen. I have heard various stories regarding why the older varieties are superior but the main reason is the silk required to make the traditional styles is no longer produced. The last loom to weave the silk yarn with the correct lustre and length ceased production in 1968! This scarcity has driven prices up and silk top hats in good condition can command prices

of up to £25,000… sometimes even more. We are all getting bigger and this includes our heads. There are even less vintage top hats in larger sizes, so if you require a larger size, be prepared to pay a premium. If you are lucky enough to be in possession of a perfectly fitting top hat, it is sensible to care for it correctly. Fortunately, Oliver Brown are experts in care and sell all the right kit to keep it in tip-top condition. They should be stored upright in a proper hat box to protect the crown. To remove dust, use a soft brush and always brush in an anti-clockwise direction. To bring out the lustre of the silk, first spray lightly with filtered water and then polish with a velvet pad, again in an anti-clockwise direction. When wearing your hat, avoid handling the crown as much as possible and always store upright when not worn. If you are lucky enough to inherit a fine specimen, Oliver Brown can re-fit and decrease the size but they cannot be made any larger. They also offer a comprehensive refurbishment service that includes re-blocking and re-binding the rim. If the edges have become damaged, they can blacken but rips to the silk are not repairable. You will probably think twice before throwing your hat in the air next time. Oliver Brown 75 Lower Sloane Street Chelsea London SW1W 8DA www.oliverbrown.org.uk

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The Big Interview

Doyle the real

DEAL

His future as a jockey looked uncertain at one point but James Doyle has put in the hard yards and managed to establish himself as one of his profession’s leading lights; as he approaches Royal Ascot, where last year he enjoyed a superb Group 1 double, his stock has never been higher, with plenty of demand for his stylish services Words: Julian Muscat Photos: George Selwyn

atching James Doyle at his best promotes the belief that life must always have been kind to the jockey who, at 5ft 9in, stands one inch taller than Lester Piggott. He may not have compiled as illustrious a career graph as Piggott – but then, who has? Doyle has been racking up big winners with the best of them. He is in demand over and above his Godolphin association. He has ridden more than 20 Group 1 winners since he gained the first of them six years ago, and he can look ahead to a flurry of attractive rides at Royal Ascot. As the front cover of this magazine demonstrates, Doyle is not averse to dressing up. He takes pride in his appearance in public, although he says he’s as prone as anyone to wearing scruff around the house. Will he be wearing his morning suit to Ascot? “Most jockeys have to shoot off straight afterwards to ride at an evening meeting,” he says, “and it’s not the most practical thing for dashing about in. I’d wear it on a day when I don’t have to go on after Ascot. It’s the dress code, after all, and Frankie usually wears one.” Life hasn’t always been lined like a

silk topper, however. Doyle rode less than 30 winners in both 2009 and 2010, after which he made fleeting reference to signing up on a plumber’s course at the height of his despair. But just as the imagination envisages him in dirty overalls rather than pristine silks, he insists on putting the record straight.

“Roger Charlton gave me the opportunity and the confidence I lacked” “That has become a bit overplayed over the last few years,” he says with a chuckle. “I never actually considered becoming a plumber; I just said it as a way of illustrating that I might have to think of something else to do for a living.”

Doyle rebounded from that drought in 2011, thanks largely to his alliance with Roger Charlton. “Roger gave me the opportunity and, more importantly, he gave me the confidence I lacked,” Doyle says. “I was starting to wonder whether I was good enough, but it was a massive boost when he let me ride Cityscape in the [2012] Dubai Duty Free [at Meydan].” Doyle remembers with affection how Charlton addressed him as he collected Cityscape’s saddle from the weighing room. “He said to me, ‘You’ve been riding at the Dubai carnival all winter and you know all the horses.’ He told me I must have a pretty good idea of how I wanted to ride the race, and that I should just get on with it.” Cityscape trotted up by four and a half lengths in the colours of Khalid Abdullah, who must have been suitably impressed. Abdullah put Doyle on retainer soon afterwards, until Godolphin came calling towards the end of 2014. Within a few months, Doyle had driven Godolphin’s African Story to victory in a Group 1 contest at Meydan. He seemed set for the duration – until his foundations

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James Doyle

Royal Ascot ready: James Doyle in quintessential morning dress from Oliver Brown

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The Big Interview Team Godolphin: from left William Buick, Doyle, Charlie Appleby and Saeed Bin Suroor, while right Doyle is all smiles after a Royal Ascot win on Barney Roy

rocked to the core for a second ›› were time. Doyle was attached mainly to the Godolphin stable of Saeed Bin Suroor, who surprised the racing community when he announced that he would not routinely use Doyle as his go-to jockey. It was a rough cut for a man who must have felt he’d earned his place in the major league. Once again, however, he rebounded with gusto. “It’s never nice when something like that happens even though Saeed and I got along fine,” Doyle reflects. “You go through a mental process that can hurt your confidence. I am basically running a business, like many other professionals out there, and that could have been damaged a bit. Luckily, it wasn’t.” Nor did it damage Godolphin’s faith. Doyle continued to ride for Sheikh Mohammed’s team, fitting in where he

could, eking out opportunities where none seemed available. Then he stood in for James McDonald, Godolphin’s retained

“Royal Ascot is the most important meeting. It can make your whole year” rider in Australia who was suspended for 18 months for betting-related activities. Although he had to overcome a natural

Aussie scepticism of British riders, Doyle made his mark. “It was a great experience,” Doyle recalls. “It’s a very different racing style to what I was used to, and it took me out of my comfort zone. To improve in any sport you need to test yourself. I feel I’m a much better jockey now.” So much so that Godolphin’s hierarchy asked him to stay in Australia on an openended ticket. But Doyle, 30, demurred. It was April 2017. He wanted to get back to the core Flat season and re-establish himself in Britain. There were other, more practical reasons for returning home. Doyle was required to ride in races only twice a week in Australia. There was too much downtime for a jockey who monitors his weight to the very last ounce, and who would have struggled to maintain a consistent weight 2lb lower than his British benchmark

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James Doyle without the daily discipline of race-riding. There was also the question of personal pride. “I’d worked hard in Britain to build up the contacts I have,” he says. “I would have been walking away from that for a few years and I’m very keen to finish my riding career at home. It’s where I’ve spent the whole of my professional life. I feel there’s quite a bit left to come.” It didn’t take Doyle long to add to his laurels. A Group 1 double at Royal Ascot last year reaffirmed Doyle’s virtues among British trainers. He has not looked back. “Royal Ascot is the most important meeting for jockeys,” he says. “After that double, I went on to have a fantastic season. If you have a good week it can make your whole year.” Barney Roy’s triumph on opening day, in the St James’s Palace Stakes, was a pivotal moment. The colt had stumbled badly in the Newmarket dip when challenging Churchill in the 2,000 Guineas, but for which he might have won. When the incident aroused faint rumblings of discontent, Doyle knew that the best antidote was to take Churchill’s scalp at Ascot. “It was an important victory and a fantastic performance from the horse to break the track record,” Doyle reflects.

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The Big Interview

James Doyle

Doyle on outstanding miler Kingman in the famous Khalid Abdullah silks – together they won four Group 1 races in 2014

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However, his Royal Ascot highlight was undoubtedly in guiding the universally popular stayer Big Orange – now, sadly, on the easy list – to victory in the Gold Cup. The outcome was in grave doubt when Order Of St George ranged upsides inside the final furlong, but Doyle had a more than willing accomplice, who dug in to prevail by a short-head. “I didn’t know I’d be riding the horse until a couple of days beforehand,” the jockey says. “Unfortunately for Frankie [Dettori] he got injured, and it was a great ride for me to pick up. It was an amazing feeling to walk back to the winner’s enclosure on the horse. The reception was something very different to anything I’d experienced before. It was sensational.” It was also quite a way for Doyle to re-announce himself. But then, Royal Ascot had been kind to him before. In 2013 he was still looking for his debut winner at the meeting when he promptly rode a treble on the Wednesday, courtesy of Al Kazeem (Prince of Wales’s Stakes), Belgian Bill (Royal Hunt Cup) and Rizeena (Queen Mary Stakes). Doyle puts in a deal of preparation ahead of the major races, which are the currency by which he is measured these

days. The biggest variable within those major races is the venue, since no two racecourses in Britain are alike. Ascot, he says, makes its own unique demands. “The straight track at Ascot is very straightforward, obviously, but it is quite testing,” he says. “It’s easy to get sucked into racing hard too early; it’s a very stiff finish and that aspect is often underestimated. “You often see Jamie Spencer riding the straight track so well. He likes to come from behind, he is very patient. He lets them all have a crack at it, they soften each other up, and then he comes late to pick them off. “The round course can be tricky,” he continues. “It’s quite a climb from Swinley Bottom to the home turn. Ideally you don’t want to use your horse running up the hill. It does make for traffic problems, so you need a lot of luck on the round course. “A lot depends on the pace. Over a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half, they run downhill into Swinley Bottom and they can rattle along. If the pace stays true to the home turn you can afford to be a bit patient and wait for the gaps. A strong pace also helps to spread them

out. Horses drop away and that creates room for you to pick your way through.” Doyle’s latest renaissance has been abetted by informal link-ups with William Haggas and Hugo Palmer. This allowed him to make a flying start to the turf season; there is irony in the fact that Bin Suroor’s stable, to which he was recently attached, has been laid up by slow horses. So the breaks seem to be going Doyle’s way at the moment, which is how racing’s pendulum of fortune tends to swing. Ryan Moore aside, all the leading jockeys experience highs and lows at given times in their careers. In Doyle’s case, his career was almost grounded before it started. That would have been a travesty, although its legacy has left Doyle well prepared for the game’s slings and arrows. “It was a disheartening time when winners were hard to come by,” he recalls. “I was trying as hard as I could but for some reason something just wasn’t clicking into place. “I have been lucky at different times, but I think I’m fully deserving of the support I am getting after the hard yards I have put in. It has been more than worth it.”

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Talking To...

It ’s fun to take the

MICK

Mick Channon feels the England football team – of which he was once part – should take a leaf out of his book and have some fun; it might lead to them enjoying the same success he experiences as a trainer

Interview: Tim Richards Photos: George Selwyn

ou played professional football until you were 38, scoring 21 goals in 46 games for England, and once said: “I know what an athlete feels like in the morning when he’s all stiff and doesn’t want to go training”. How do you relate your own fitness experiences to those of your equine athletes? I’ve always believed humans are similar to animals as far as fitness is concerned. The thoroughbred has muscles and blood in its veins the same as we have. Any athlete will tell you how stiff he or she will be after playing football, cricket, tennis or swimming, running a marathon or

even just walking ten miles. They’ll all be stiff the next day and even if they don’t feel like it they should continue exercising. When a horse pulls out a bit short after a race, it would be easy to put it back in its box. But then it would be even stiffer 24 hours later. At the end of the day it’s common sense and there should be no difference between the equines and humans. The longest spell I had out of football was with a pelvic injury while playing for Manchester City and you do find the older you get the more complicated the injuries can be. It’s the same with horses, particularly where arthritis and wear and tear is concerned.

Did football management ever appeal or were you always determined to forge a new career, training thoroughbreds? Breeding horses was always my hobby. Even these days whenever anyone asks me I tell them breeding the animals we race is my favourite pastime. I didn’t know what I’d do when I finished playing football. I suppose I staggered into training as I had been breeding and breaking horses and came in through the back door. I was born on Salisbury Plain in the village where Richmond Sturdy trained. When I was a young footballer with Southampton, I had £100 to £6 on his Ebor Handicap

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Adam MickBeschizza Channon

Breeding came first for Mick Channonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s introduction to the world of thoroughbreds

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Talking To... “Queen’s Logic was my best filly by a million miles but was also the one that got away” ›› winner Tintagel and the local bookie

couldn’t pay me out! Frank Morby, who was riding then, was a good friend and I bought my first horse through Frank and sent it to Bill Wightman, who trained my mare Cathy Jane to win the Brown Jack Stakes at Ascot before she produced some decent horses including Jamesmead, winner of the 1988 Tote Gold Trophy. In those early days David Elsworth, Richard Hannon snr and I lived within about seven miles of each other and we had some good times together trying to find a winner. All different characters and, to this day, still good friends I’m proud to say. Looking even further back you could say it started with my father, who was also into horses serving as an officer’s groom in the Horse Artillery.

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Having run a stud and bred Brown Jack Stakes winner Cathy Jane and Hennessy Gold Cup winner Ghofar, as well as working as assistant in two yards, your initial application for a training licence was refused. Did this make you even more determined to succeed? First of all, I had just finished as a footballer and the outlook of the powers that be was different in those days. When I went before the panel I was asked if I rode work. By then I weighed nearly 13st and I said, ‘Does Jeremy Tree?’ I don’t think it went down very well. I had gone before the panel with Dermot Browne, who got his licence straight away. After waiting nearly an hour I was told to go and get more experience. Six months later I was awarded my licence. Looking back, it is ironic to think that Dermot, who’d been given the go ahead no trouble, was eventually warned off.

Channon’s string working on the gallops, which the trainer feels are the best in the world; below, having a laugh with George Downing (left) and Zoltan Varga

You bought the West Ilsley training establishment from the Queen at the turn of the century. To what extent have you improved the stables and its huge acreage and what part does your family play in the operation? It’s a very old, traditional yard and needed a lot doing to it – a black hole requiring loads of money. The gallops are second

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Mick Channon

to none, the best in the world and I am very proud of them. We put in new allweathers and the grass gallops are top class. The location is great and within reach of racecourses all over the place. My two boys Jack and Michael play a big part and my daughter, India, helps out in the office. Jack and Michael are my assistants, with Michael doing a lot of work at our stud, Norman Court, where Sixties Icon stands. You have enjoyed plenty of big-race successes and have a tremendous record with fillies. Why is that? The fillies are more available – not as expensive as the colts so we can compete and buy them. Don’t forget we have had some good colts as well. Zafeen was the best three-year-old miler in Europe, second in the 2,000 Guineas before winning the 2003 St James’s Palace Stakes, also Youmzain was second in three Arcs. But, yes, we have been lucky to find some wonderful fillies, the unbeaten Queen’s Logic was exceptional. Champion twoyear-old filly of 2001 and should have won the 1,000 Guineas but had to be withdrawn at the last minute with puss in her foot. Bint Allayl was also top class, winner of the Queen Mary and Lowther before

injury put paid to her Guineas aspirations. Samitar won the Irish 1,000 Guineas for us and there was Flashy Wings and Music Show. I am lucky to have Gill Richardson and Jack working the sales for me and helping to find the nice fillies, which are not always as easy to spot as the colts. In your career, which victory stands out in your mind as the most memorable – and which is the one that got away? Queen’s Logic won the Cheveley Park at Newmarket by seven lengths in record time on soft ground and that is a day I’ll never forget. She was a fantastic filly and responsible for the one occasion when I hated myself for being patient. I should have taken the chance and run her in the Guineas instead of pulling her out. At the time I thought we could wait for the Irish Guineas and plenty of races later on. But after that she had a dirty scope and the owners decided to retire her on the spot. Queen’s Logic was my best filly by a million miles, but in the end was also the one that got away. I always thought Zafeen should have won the 2,000 Guineas. He got squeezed for room when another horse got in his way going into the dip and had to settle for second behind Refuse To

Bend. At least he was able to make up for that disappointment with some glory at Royal Ascot. What gives you most satisfaction in your job – and what is the most stressful part? I love every day I go to work because you don’t know what you’re going to get. There’s always something different, something unexpected round the corner. Don’t get me wrong, the winters can be long and cold, but when the sun’s shining it’s a great profession to be in for all of us, the staff, the horses. The expectation you put yourself under as well as the expectation of the owners can be stressful. It can be difficult to explain disappointing situations to owners, particularly if they don’t understand horses. A hundred years ago everyone would know something about the horse because most people used them, now they don’t because the horse is no longer part of everyday life. But we are lucky we have a rural culture, which does keep a solid amount of people occupied with horses. Many of those are the owners who are vital to the sport. Of course, we all have problems finding stable staff but I’m afraid that’s the nature of the beast. At the end

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Talking To... anyone but always have an opinion and I think you’ve always got to make your point and get on with life. I accept everyone has opinions and I am always open to debate. I don’t think I’ve changed much in the way I conduct myself and the more you get out there amongst people the more they are likely to accept your manner and characteristics. How much did the 2008 car crash – which tragically killed your good friend and bloodstock agent Tim Corby, left you in intensive care and seriously injured your son Jack – change your sunny outlook on life? When something like that happens to you it is life changing. Tim was driving and, according to the post-mortem, he had heart failure before the crash. We were on our way back from Doncaster sales, I was asleep and Jack was in the back of the car. Jack and I were lucky to survive and Michael was a brick keeping the show on the road while we were in hospital. The whole experience has left a massive scar and makes me realise how lucky I am to still be enjoying what I do.

Youmzain: Group 1 winner was runner-up in three Arcs and banked £3.4 million in earnings

›› of the day the rewards can be tremendous if you get it right. I always see the game as great fun.

What do you look for when you are purchasing a thoroughbred? I like to see one with a bit of quality, a good top line and excellent conformation. Everyone wants an athlete that can walk and move well. I’m big on quality, I don’t buy many ugly horses, though we all take a punt on one that might be a bit crooked, not quite perfect. Gill Richardson does all the hard work legging round the sales helped by Jack. They go through everything and then give me a short list. We sit down and see what we can afford. We do all the Irish sales, Doncaster and Newmarket and sometimes Deauville. Gill also occasionally goes to Baden-Baden in Germany. Why do you have such a strong association with Norman Court Stud, which produced your 2012 Irish Guineas winner Samitar? How involved are you in breeding these days? I owned Norman Court before selling it to

two of my best mates, Patrick Trant and Peter Taplin. They own the place; I run it and manage the resident stallion, Sixties Icon. Phil Bull, the founder of Timeform, used to keep all his mares at Norman Court. That used to make me laugh because they keep telling us they’ve got the best limestone in Yorkshire and yet the great Phil Bull would send his mares down to us! I sold Norman Court, which is between Salisbury and Stockbridge, to raise the money to buy a farm near the yard where we bring the yearlings before they go to the sales or into training. Sixties Icon is a terrific stallion and in our view is somewhat underrated. Norman Court Stud is a massive part of the business. Without it, we wouldn’t be as big an operation as we are. You move in the highest circles in racing, but are renowned for being untouched by political correctness. A spade is very much a spade with you. Does this ever backfire or prove a handicap? I suppose I’m a bit like Marmite. I do speak my mind and that suits some people and doesn’t suit others. I try not to offend

When Henrietta Knight retired from training you took over a number of her horses and won the novice handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival with Mister Whitaker. How do you enjoy the Natiuonal Hunt side and does Hen still have a role to play with your jumpers? I just enjoy good horses. That’s the buzz for me. We inherited Somersby, who was a blindingly talented steeplechaser who performed at the top level through numerous jumping seasons, most of them before he joined us. He was character building because he was a bit neurotic and I learnt a lot about the jumping game, thanks to him and Hen. Then Mister Whitaker found his way here and had the quality to win at Cheltenham. My job as a trainer is to maximise the ability of the horses sent here, on the Flat or over jumps. All the jumpers go back to Hen during the summer. She does all the schooling before and during the season and must take a lot of the credit. Hen has the patience of Job and is a great school master. What do you think racing does best – and what could it do better? Our racing is great because it is so competitive and it is this competitiveness that is the backbone of the industry. The bar keeps being raised, the standard never drops, with the result that they come from all over the world to buy our horses. For me as a trainer, there is no

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Mick Channon hiding place and that’s how it should be. Also racing introduces all people to everybody, bringing together a complete cross-section, from The Queen to the working man. On a slightly negative note, some of the top tracks are not as userfriendly for the public as they might be. I feel Newmarket lacks something for the average racegoer, whereas Doncaster and York have more of a stadia feel to them when putting on their big shows and are more conducive to racegoers enjoying their day out. This is your 29th season training. Are you still ambitious and is the buzz as great as ever? Very much so. Every day you are looking for one of those gems, a Queen’s Logic or a Youmzain. It can take a long time to unearth a superstar, there’s no quick fix and everyone is trying to do the same. That’s the buzz. The competing. And I love it. I am very hands on, with the hard work and support of the family behind me, and I’ve no plans to step down. If you have a Royal Ascot winner in your stable, which is it and why? And can you give us a dark horse to follow? I have a very nice

CLOSE UP AND… PERSONAL

I switch off by… going round the mares and foals at Norman Court Stud My weakness is… a beer, but I spill most of it nowadays! I am annoyed by… incompetence My favourite actor is… Robson Green Four dinner party guests… ‘Elsie’ [David Elsworth], ‘old man’ Hannon, Micky Quinn and Mick Easterby. There’d be some laughs!

three-year-old colt Billy Ray, who won at Salisbury in April, and could be anything, possibly one for the King George V Handicap over a mile and a half at Royal Ascot. Chairman Of The Board, an unraced two-year-old by Slade Power, is a dark horse. He’s been a bit hairy and slow coming to himself in his coat. We’ve been wanting to get a run into him to see if he’s good enough for Royal Ascot.

CLOSE UP AND… PROFESSIONAL

I dream of winning… the Derby Biggest disappointment of my career… Queen’s Logic being retired Best bet I’ve had… my £100 to £6 Tintagel and Lester Piggott in the 1970 Ebor Handicap. It meant a lot at the time My racing hero is… Frank Morby, a great influence on my early career Best players I played with/against… Pele, Maradona, Alan Ball and Terry Paine

Finally, the World Cup in Russia is on the horizon – what chance do you give England? If they turn up and put it all together they might have a chance. It’s a question of team spirit. We have the individual players but they rarely play as a team. If they get it together and have a go as a group they could surprise people. When we won the World Cup in 1966 we had the players plus that vital team spirit. This time if they go out there and have fun I’m sure they’ll prove themselves a lot better than everyone is expecting. The team is pretty predictable with the players they have got already and there aren’t many other options.

Queen’s Logic: unbeaten in five races but cruelly robbed of Classic immortality by injury

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Breeders’ Digest

Emma Berry Bloodstock Editor

Our bloodstock coverage this month includes: Sales Circuit: Breeze-ups wind down as store season begins with new sale – pages 60-64 Caulfield Files: Australia’s domestic stallions find favour over shuttlers – pages 66-67 Dr Statz: Assessing the significant legacy of the recently retired Dansili – page 94

Saxon on warpath for Epsom and Doncaster

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PRIMUS

ot long after this issue of the magazine hits the streets we’ll know whether a Triple Crown bid is on for Saxon Warrior. If he manages to bridge a 48-year gap between Triple Crown winners, so nearly achieved in 2012 by Camelot, whose stable at Ballydoyle Saxon Warrior now inhabits, the son of Deep Impact will not have been ridden in every leg by Ryan Moore. The number one jockey at Ballydoyle was at Churchill Downs on 2,000 Guineas day attempting to spark a transatlantic Triple Crown challenge aboard Mendelssohn, giving Donnacha O’Brien his chance for a first Classic win. While Newmarket basked in the sun, Louisville endured a day of ceaseless rain which made the Kentucky Derby an unedifying spectacle. Only those horses and riders who managed to grab a spot in the vanguard and remain there came home uncovered in slop from the dirt track. Mendelssohn, like the winner Justify, is of course a son of Scat Daddy, whose ability to sire top-class dirt and turf runners has ensured that his offspring have become highly sought after, not least because after this crop of two-year-olds there will be no more. The offspring of American-bred stallions are becoming increasingly prevalent in the European breeze-up sector. Scat Daddy dominated the Craven Breeze-up at Tattersalls, where he was responsible for the top three lots, while Street Sense and More Than Ready provided the next two on price. Those five juveniles alone brought 3.55 million gns, a little over 25% of the sale’s entire turnover. The story was a similar one at Europe’s other premier two-year-old sale, the Arqana Breeze-up, in mid-May. There, six of the top ten lots were by American sires — Scat Daddy once again ruling the roost with a colt selling for €825,000 to Coolmore — and that sextet also sold for more than €3 million. In the following day’s Poule d’Essai des Poulains, Olmedo became the first Classic winner for his young sire Declaration Of War. The son of War Front stood his first season in Ireland for €40,000 but has subsequently been relocated to his

Cardini grazing at Ballydoyle under the gaze of his breeder Chad Schumer, right

birthplace, where his fee is now $25,000. It hasn’t been all one-way traffic to Ashford Stud, however, as the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Magician has made an unusual late-season switch from Kentucky back to Ireland, where he joined Castlehyde Stud in time to start covering European mares from May 12. The reason for this move from Coolmore’s American base, where his fee had dropped from an opening $12,500 to $7,500, is apparently predominantly because of his first-crop son named Cardini, thought to be one of the shining stars of Ballydoyle’s two-year-old division. Bred in Kentucky by Chad Schumer, who bought his 90-rated dam Perfect Step at Keeneland’s November Sale for $31,000, Cardini was pinhooked from the same sale a year later for $95,000 by Michael Fitzpatrick, who then sold him on to Amanda Skiffington and MV Magnier for 210,000gns. If he lives up to expectation — which has been enhanced hugely by Coolmore taking the unprecedented step of featuring the (at the time) unraced juvenile in advertisements for Magician — then it will have been money well spent.

A prize-money mountain to climb

In columns earlier in this issue, both Howard Wright (page 28) and Danny Power (Around The Globe, page 35) make reference to British prize-money levels in comparison to other racing nations. Power highlights the fact that The Everest, run for the first time in October 2017 and which has had a A$3 million prize-money boost to A$13m this year,

is having an impact in ensuring that some Australian sprinters which might otherwise have come to Royal Ascot will stay at home. Shoals and last year’s Everest winner Redzel are at least two who will not be joining the Ascot shuttle. Similarly, Wright airs his concerns that the recent increase in prize-money at the grassroots level will have a detrimental effect on our crown-jewel contests, warning that “high-end British racing cannot live by prestige and history alone”. He’s right, of course, but it cannot be denied that the £8 million directed by the BHA into grassroots racing was much needed, while there remains an insistence that there can be no let-up in the number of fixtures each year. Horses are needed to fill these races and to try to coax greater support at the sales for those horses beneath the top tier is vital to prevent breeders at all levels becoming disillusioned with the business. This year’s breeze-up sales have further illustrated the fact that overproduction – or lack of demand, call it what you will – is once again a very real concern. If this theme continues at the yearling sales, as seems likely, then breeders will have to think hard about covering fewer mares next year, though a drop in foal crop numbers is not a statistic that will please the BHA. One sector of the sales which appears to be thriving is that of the boutique in-training auction tied to a major racing festival, and on the Flat this is helped by a demand from overseas. The latest addition to the calendar for this year is the Goffs UK sale on the Wednesday of Glorious Goodwood, which is very much tailored to appealing to international buyers. A more encouraging aspect of this season so far is the fact that the winners of both the 1,000 Guineas and Poule d’Essai des Pouliches — Billesdon Brook and Teppal — are by sires well within the financial reach of most breeders. Billesdon Brook’s sire Champs Elysees stood for just £5,000 in 2014 and is now €6,500 since his move to Ireland. Teppal’s sire Camacho, who in 2013 stood his sole season in Britain for £2,750, is now back in Ireland at €7,500, the fee at which Teppal was conceived.

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Sales Circuit • By Carl Evans Tattersalls’ Guineas Breeze-up and HIT Sale

The theme of too much breeze-up product, not enough buyers which has been prevalent throughout the season, continued at this one-day sale, which included a section of horses-in-training. A catalogue of record size for the event was trimmed back by withdrawals, and of the 266 lots offered, 204 sold. That was only one less than in 2017, confirming that buyers are still out there for breezers, but an additional 22 lots had walked the ring, with the result that the clearance rate fell back from 84% to 77%. The average declined 14% and the median by 15%, and some comsignors left saying that Arqana’s version to be held the following week held the key to a make-orbreak season. Long-established operators would weather the storm, but some newer vendors were looking vulnerable. Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony called on a unified approach to prevent further over-supply problems, saying, “The balance between supply and demand is a delicate one and it is apparent that, looking ahead, this is an area we must all concentrate on.” Part of the problem was created by a boom breeze-up season in 2017, which fuelled a desire to acquire yearlings and makes any decline in the figures this year more noticeable. Meanwhile, breezers continue to do well on the racecourse – it is the numbers which need watching, not the ability of the horses. Bloodstock agent Alastair Donald, who has become such a force at sales in the past couple of years, signed for the top lot, a Tamayuz filly who he said would go into training with Andrew

Andrew Balding will train the son of Tamayuz which topped the Guineas Breeze-up Sale

Balding. Donald could not name his client, but it may prove to be King Power Racing, headed by Thai businessman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who patronises Balding’s Kingsclere yard. Rabbah Bloodstock rarely buys at a sale’s top-end, but its worth to many auctions cannot be over-emphasised, and it proved the leading buyer, gaining 10 lots for 419,000gns, while Willie Browne’s

Mocklershill operation, which is invariably dealing in the upper echelons, topped consignors when trading nine breezers for 362,000gns. The in-training section was headed by three-year-old gelding Ventura Dragon, a three-time winner for Richard Fahey’s stable, and now back there having been bought by his trainer with a bid of 62,000gns for another patron at his yard.

TALKING POINTS • Kyllachy, who was retired from covering ahead of this season, topped the sires’ list with three sold at an average of 69,000gns, while Frankel’s half-brother Morpheus held bragging rights among first-crop stallions – four of his offspring changed hands at an average of 37,250gns, well up on his €6,000 fee in 2015. It will have done Morpheus’s image no harm that his first winner, James Watt, had scored on debut at Brighton for Michael Bell’s stable just a few days before this auction having been bought at Goffs UK’s Doncaster breeze-up in April. A subsequent victory for James Watt at Windsor has added to the sire’s appeal.

Tattersalls’ Guineas Breeze-up and HIT Sale Top lots Sex/Breeding

Vendor

Price (gns)

F Tamayuz-Ziria (Danehill Dancer)

Lynn Lodge Stud

F Shamardal-Mount Elbrus (Barathea)

Houghton Bloodstock

155,000

Stroud Coleman Bloodstock

C Lope De Vega-Spesialta (Indian Ridge)

Grove Stud

145,000

Hillen/Ryan

C Dutch Art-Lady Darshaan High Chaparral

Church Farm & Horse Park Stud

130,000

C Gordon-Watson Bloodstock

C Scat Daddy-M'Dearest (Macho Uno)

Church Farm & Horse Park Stud

120,000

BBA Ireland/Yulong Investments

200,000

Buyer SackvilleDonald

Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (gns)

Avg (gns)

Mdn (gns)

Top Price (gns)

2018

203

5,238,500

25,805

15,000

200,000

2017

204

6,147,300

30,134

18,500

240,000

2016

164

4,207,900

25,658,

15,000

300,000

2015

172

4,602,100

26,756

18,000

230,000

2014

145

3,955,328

27,278

16,000

270,000

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Overview and analysis of the latest events in the ring Arqana Breeze-up

Consignors based in Ireland held the aces at this one-day, seaside event held at Deauville, where breeze-up business was able to lift its head off its chest. It has been a challenging season for many who gallop their wares, and this event had to swallow an additional 31 lots at the catalogue stage, and put 26 more horses through the ring, but in contrast to some other sales of this type in 2018 it managed to increase the quantity of horses sold. The 94 sales achieved in 2017 became 113, enabling the clearance rate to retain parity at 75%. Turnover went up 13%, while falls of 4% in the average price and 3% in the median would almost certainly have been accepted by every regular consignor had they been offered it in advance. Bearing in mind the average had jumped by 20% and then 25% in the

previous two years, such a minor decline was not bad. That jump last year was helped by the sale of a €1,400,000 son of Street Sense – named Walk In The Sun, he had won twice on the all-weather this year for Jeremy Noseda’s stable, but has since been removed after owners Phoenix Thoroughbreds opted to pull out of the trainer’s Shalfleet Stables. Willie Browne’s Mocklershill operation had consigned Walk In The Sun, and it headed proceedings once again when gaining €825,000 for a Scat Daddy colt who was knocked down to Jamie McCalmont on behalf of the Coolmore partners. The colt’s sale was fortuitously timed – he was a member of the stallion’s final crop, Scat Daddy had sired the Kentucky Derby winner Justify one week earlier, and No Nay Never, a son of Scat Daddy, had gained his first

European winner as a stallion just a few hours before selling began thanks to Land Force’s success at the Curragh. Coolmore interests own Land Force, but it did not need that victory to make up its mind about buying this horse, who joins a 775,000gns Scat Daddy colt which was bought via McCalmont at the Craven Sale. Brendan Holland’s Grove Stud, with four sales on the top-ten board, was another Irish consigning operation to enjoy decent returns in Normandy, while the one exception to this sea-of-green domination came in the form of Ecurie La Frenee, headed by Jennifer Pardanaud, who runs a breaking and pre-training operation an hour from Deauville. Consigning at Osarus and Arqana for the first time this year, Pardanaud gained €770,000 for the sale’s only Frankel offering, a colt who was knocked down to Mark McStay of Avenue Bloodstock.

Arqana Breeze-up Top lots Sex/Breeding

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

C Scat Daddy-Missamerica Bertie (Quiet American)

Mocklershill

825,000

Jamie McCalmont

C Frankel-Kiss A Miss (Kissin Kris)

Ecurie La Frenee

770,000

Avenue Bloodstock

C Scat Daddy-Kaloura (Sinndar)

Grove Stud

700,000

Phoenix/D Farrington

C More Than Ready-Generosity (Unbridled's Song)

Grove Stud

525,000

Stroud Coleman

F Sea The Stars-Ninas Terz (Tertullian)

Grove Stud

400,000

Jamie McCalmont

F Exchange Rate-Dying To Dance (Street Cry)

Mocklershill

400,000

Kerri Radcliffe

Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

Top Price (€)

2018

113

15,069,000

129,905

80,000

825,000

2017

12,977,000

138,053

82,500

1,400,000

2016

10,367,000

110,287

66,000

800,000

2015

8,171,000

92,852

60,000

600,000

2014

6,885,000

77,360

55,000

750,000

Tattersalls Ireland Cheltenham April Sale

The graph of this sale’s figures over the past three years suggest it has high blood pressure one moment and hypotension the next. In 2016 it gained wide publicity when providing the platform for John Ferguson’s Bloomfields dispersal, but the staple fare of young pointers was light on quality and just one horse made a six-figure sum. Last year no fewer than 12 crossed that line, but at the 2018 edition only two were deemed worthy of such an investment, and there were falls in the clearance and average and median prices.

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As in 2016, a very wet spring, heavy ground and abandoned meetings were factors at play, while the sale’s position, sandwiched tightly between similar auctions at Aintree and Punchestown, did not help – the position of Easter in the calendar had caused this truncation, although in 2019 it will not be such a factor. For those who keep statistics, turnover fell 58%, the average by 41% and the median by 6%. While the sales company’s attempts to help vendors get horses sold – and bearing in mind its new May Store Sale at Fairyhouse was looming and it would want pinhookers to have cash to spend, not stock still on the shelves – was

successful, it was only up to a point, as the clearance rate fell back from 83% to 69%. On a positive note, the event has a habit of throwing up horses who go on to greater things. In 2016 the sale topper was Champion Bumper-placed Claimantakinforgan, while last year’s top lot, Global Citizen, scored at Grade 2 level over hurdles and both seem sure to climb higher still. This year’s top lot, four-year-old Thatsy, has big shoes to fill, and while he failed to find a buyer at Cheltenham’s Festival Sale the previous month, he seems set to join Gordon Elliott after making £130,000 on his return to the ring.

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Sales Circuit ››

Tattersalls Ireland Cheltenham April Sale Top lots Name/Breeding

Vendor

Price (£)

Buyer

Thatsy (Martaline-Rainallday)

Monbeg Stables (Donnchadh Doyle)

130,000

Aidan O’Ryan/Gordon Elliott

Cobbler’s Way (Oscar-Beeper’s Leader)

Milestone Stables (Colin Bowe)

120,000

Margaret O’Toole/Henry De Bromhead

Deja Vue (Fame And Glory-Westgrove Berry)

Cobajay Stables (Aidan Fitzgerald)

82,000

Anthony Honeyball

Redzor (Shantou-Knockara One)

Ballydaragh Stables (Liam Kenny)

80,000

Tom Malone/Bryan Drew

Jackson Hill (Jeremy-Definite Leader)

Coolmeen Stables (Ellmarie Holden)

80,000

Highflyer B/s/Warren Greatrex Racing

Modern Warfair (Well Chosen-Brooklyn Brook)

Lake Tour Stables (J P Flavin)

80,000

Select Racing Bloodstock/T Vaughan

Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (£)

Avg (£)

Mdn (£)

Top Price (£)

2018

1,265,500

50,620

47,000

130,000

2017

3,000,500

85,729

50,000

275,000

2016

2,726,800

33,664

28,000

110,000

2015

3,136,000

62,720

47,500

220,000

2014

3,362,000

86,205

65,000

300,000

Osarus Breeze-up Sale

In a season of bitten fingernails for breezeup consignors this event offered some light relief, with improvements in turnover and the average price. The beneficiaries were almost exclusively French, for the key traders found across the Channel opted not to offer stock, although Ireland’s Edmond Kent from Ballyhampshire Stud took colts by Lilbourne Lad and Orpen who found buyers. Joining them in crossing to France was a handful of British trainers, including Gay Kelleway, Paul Webber and George Baker, all of whom made purchases.

Baker gained a €20,000 Bungle Inthejungle filly, but he was also underbidder on a €75,000 Rajsaman colt who was knocked down to Mandore International and Sylvain Vidal. At the top of the pile with a valuation of €105,000 – a record for the event – was a filly by the Danehill Dancer stallion Planteur, who stands at Haras de Bouquetot and whose first crop are now three-year-olds. Buyer Paul Basquin knew the filly well, for it was his Haras du Saubouas which consigned her, but he said he was acting for a syndicate who would put her into

training with Christophe Ferland. Haras du Saubouas has now consigned the sale topper in each of the past three renditions of the event. Also claiming bragging rights at La Teste were fillies, for they claimed the top two places last year and again at the latest staging, which offered an additional 19 horses. The increase helped turnover, although a 61% increase was not solely down to those extra lots, and despite their presence the clearance rate gained three points. The average was up 30% but the median dipped 7%.

Osarus Breeze-up & HIT Sale Top lots Sex/Breeding

Vendor

F Planteur-Hijaziyah (Testa Rossa)

Haras du Saubouas

Price (€)

F Dark Angel-Shazana (Manduro)

Yann Creff

90,000

Frederic Rossi

C Rajsaman-Sorpresa (Pleasant Tap)

Ecurie Yann Creff

75,000

Mandore/Vidal

C Le Havre-Grenadia (Thunder Gulch)

Haras du Saubouas

70,000

Christophe Ferland

C Dabirsim-Sadira (Samum)

Haras du Saubouas

60,000

Thomas Fourcy

105,000

Buyer Saubouas Bloodstock

???????????????????

Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

Top Price (€)

2018

1,039,800

21,220

10,000

105,000

2017

677,500

14,415

9,000

77,000

2016

1,079,500

15,87

10,000

60,000

2015

909,000

22,725

15,000

65,000

2014

764,000

16,255

10,000

75,000

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Goffs Punchestown Sale

The first ‘boutique’ sale held at a jumps festival is now the last, coming after Cheltenham and Aintree, but, in a market where timing is everything, this one did not suffer. Victories in the days leading up to the event by horses who fulfilled all the usual top-end-buyer requirements meant things dropped nicely, the top lot, Lecale’s Article, being but one example. A four-year-old conceived at Yorton Farm Stud when Malinas was in residence there, he made a big impression when winning a point-to-point at Largy a few days earlier, and his family had enough

quality to suggest it would not be a oneoff. At €320,000 he was knocked down to David Minton on behalf of a client of Nicky Henderson’s, setting a new high price for the auction and garnering a lovely pinhook result for his owner/ trainer, Pat Turley, who bought him for €26,000 as a Derby Sale store 10 months earlier. Not that horses had to arrive via the point-to-point field to make a substantial sum. The three-year-old Elusive Pimpernel gelding Coeur Sublime made his debut a winning one in a Flat race for maidens over 10 furlongs at Navan just three days before this event, where he made

€260,000. His buyer, agent Kevin Ross, was acting for racehorse owner Chris Jones. Of the 18 horses offered, 13 found a buyer, and nine made six-figure sums, helping turnover to inch marginally ahead of the 2017 figure. There were also gains of 17% and 10% in the average and median marks, increases that followed sharp rises last year. Clearly the taste for lovely jumping prospects remains strong – the challenge for sales companies is getting the right horses into the catalogue, and at this type of auction that is largely down to the weather and the going at racecourses.

Goffs Punchestown Sale Top lots Name/Breeding

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

Lecale's Article (Malinas-Brookville)

Kingsfield Stud

320,000

Highflyer Bloodstock

Coeur Sublime (Elusive Pimpernel-Love Knot)

Roefield Stables

260,000

Kevin Ross Bloodstock

Quoi De Neuf (Anzillero-Qualite Controlee)

Suirview Stables (Pat Doyle)

180,000

Evan Williams

At The Acorn (Gold Well-Sister Trix)

Camas Park Stud

150,000

Tony Martin

Needhams Gap (Flemensfirth-Blue Maxi)

Monbeg Stables (Donnchadh Doyle)

120,000

Gary Moore Racing

››

Superb Grade II listed stud farm HildenborougH, Kent

Hildenborough station: 1.6 miles, Sevenoaks: 3.1 miles 3 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 bedroom converted Cart House, delightful gardens, tennis court, stabling, outbuildings, garaging, Norcroft redwood post and rail fenced paddocks with boarded corners.

About 41.3 acres I Guide £2.75 million

Richard Smith Savills Sevenoaks

01732 789700

rsmith@savills.com Will Peppitt Savills London Country Department

020 7409 5945

wpeppitt@savills.com

savills.co.uk

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Sales Circuit ››

Goffs Punchestown Sale Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

Top Price (€)

2018

1,752,000

125,143

110,000

320,000

2017

1,691,000

112,733

100,000

270,000

2016

1,049,000

74,929

63,500

200,000

2015

1,483,000

96,867

80,000

280,000

2014

1,537,000

90,412

90,000

160,000

Tattersalls Ireland May Store Sale This new event, a replacement for Part II of late June’s Derby Sale, became the first store auction of the year. Held at Fairyhouse, it made a solid start, clearing 76% of the horses offered and drawing familiar faces, many of them pinhookers hoping to train and then trade their purchases following a spin or two on the point-to-point circuit. Was this an attempt by Tattersalls Ireland to nip in ahead of Goffs UK’s Spring Store Sale – due to be held later that month – or, as MD Roger Casey put it, a chance to peel lesser horses

away from the five-star specimens who grace the Derby Sale, give vendors “the opportunity for their horse to stand out at a one-day select sale where the focus was placed on the individual”, and enable buyers to secure early stock to break in and prepare for spring 2019 campaigns? Judged on a simple survey of comparative figures with last year’s Part II of the Derby Sale the new format worked well enough and could improve in time. An additional 48 horses were offered, helping turnover rise €200,000, but knocking the clearance rate which had achieved a mark of 84% in 2017. The

average price dipped 7%, but the median rose 8%. On another positive note a €65,000 top price, given for a three-year-old son of the late Fame And Glory, was better than anything achieved at Part II, although that may have been down to the sire’s appeal and the specimen in the ring rather than calendar changes. The horse in question had been bought by point-to-point rider Rob James for €8,500 as a foal, and was reoffered via Peter Nolan. Agent Mouse O’Ryan brought the hammer down and said his buy would be staying in Ireland.

Tattersalls Ireland May Store Sale Top lots Sex/Breeding

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

G Fame And Glory-Flying Flame

Peter Nolan Bloodstock

65,000

Aidan O'Ryan

G Fame And Glory-Rematch

Gaynestown Stud

42,000

Monbeg Stables

G Shirocco-Gli Gli

Castledillon Stud

42,000

Kevin Ross/Nick Gifford

G Blue Bresil-Cream Veloutee

Liss House

40,000

Monbeg Stables

G Fame And Glory-Winter Shadows

Ballybrennan Stables

40,000

Aiden Murphy

Figures Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

Top Price (€)

2018

148

2,246,000

15,180

13,000

65,000

Please contact Andrew Mead (+44 7940 597573 mead@castlebridge.eu) or Bill Dwan (+353 87 648 5587 dwan@castlebridge.eu) to discuss all your 2018 sale requirements

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Caulfield Files

Local heroes

failed to hold off the American gelding Undrafted in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee in 2015. In his homeland Brazen Beau has a much higher profile. His fee in his first three seasons has been AUS$44,000 (around £24,000). For his fourth season later this year his fee has been reduced to $38,500. It is going to be fascinating to see whether he can replicate the phenomenal success of his sire I Am Invincible. Having started out at $11,000, his fee had risen tenfold by 2017 and is a whacking $192,500 for 2018. Coolmore’s Irish equivalent is Street Cry’s son Pride Of Dubai, who also has links to Invincible Spirit in that his dam Al Anood is a half-sister to Rafha. Pride Of Dubai managed only five starts but he was good enough – and precocious enough – to win the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes and Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes. His fee

The ups and downs of cross-hemisphere stallion careers

differences in the fees charged for a particular stallion in the southern and northern hemispheres. When Exceed And Excel started to shuttle, he stood for €10,000 at Kildangan and then at £7,500 at Dalham Hall. Contrast that to his first two seasons in his homeland, in which his first four years were at AUS$55,000, before his fee doubled to $110,000 in 2008 and 2009. Clearly there was some excellent value to be had by European breeders, as has been proven by the steady escalation in Exceed And Excel’s fee, which has reached €50,000 over the last two years. Judging by the fees being charged in the two hemispheres, there may well be more good value being offered to northern hemisphere breeders. Dalham Hall has now been home to Brazen Beau for three seasons, with this grandson of Invincible Spirit being priced at £10,000 in 2016 and 2017 and £7,000 this year. A champion in Australia, Brazen Beau also performed with credit in England (unlike Exceed And Excel). It was by only half a length that he

A Giant legacy

EMMA BERRY

ne generality which holds good whatever the continent is that most breeders prefer to use stallions who were tested under local conditions. This was noticeable when the Australian Stud Book published a list of the country’s busiest stallions in 2017. Of the 25 who covered between 156 and 229 mares, as many as 24 carried the AUS suffix after their names, the only interloper being American Pharoah, the American Triple Crown winner who covered 158 mares. Of course, some of the shuttle stallions may have had a limited number of covers imposed on them for their own wellbeing, but the message is still pretty clear: the Australians prefer to use the local product. The same happened in Britain and Ireland after American-based stallions regularly dominated the sires’ table. After a while breeders preferred to use home-tried stallions with American bloodlines, such as Sadler’s Wells, Caerleon, Rainbow Quest, Green Desert, Danehill and Machiavellian. This preference for the familiar means that there are sometimes marked

Novelists and filmmakers are very fond of taking a “what if” approach to a story, a favourite theme being what if Hitler had won WWII. I too had a “what if” moment when the news came through that the magnificent Giant’s Causeway had died in Kentucky at the age of 21 in April. I wondered how differently the obituaries would have read had Giant’s Causeway remained at Coolmore in Ireland instead of being transferred to Ashford Stud after just one season. Not that there was much wrong with Giant’s Causeway’s achievements after his transfer to the US. The BloodHorse credits him with three sires’ championships, gained in 2009, 2010 and 2012, and his total of Group/ Graded winners in the northern hemisphere stands at 88, with 26 of them scoring at the top level. Another indication of his prowess is that he now has sons at several of Kentucky’s leading stallion farms, including First Samurai at Claiborne, Carpe Diem and Fed Biz at WinStar, Brody’s Cause at Spendthrift, Creative Cause at Airdrie and Not This Time at Taylor Made. There are also successful sons in New York and Ontario. However, there is no escaping the fact that Giant’s Causeway’s most spectacular crop was the one he sired in Ireland at a fee of IR100,000gns (his fee had been announced as IR75,000gns but then he failed by only a neck to add the Breeders’ Cup Classic on dirt to his six Group 1 victories on turf).

Brazen Beau raced with credit in England, finishing second in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes

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Bloodstock world views

Numbering 149 named foals, this Irish crop promptly secured Giant’s Causeway the title of champion first-crop sire and produced his first champion in the form of the unbeaten Dewhurst Stakes winner Shamardal. This crop included three Group-winning two-year-olds and all three went on to Group 1 success at three. Indeed, they quickly provided Giant’s Causeway with his first Classic successes, with Footstepsinthesand taking the 2,000 Guineas a day before the future Coronation Stakes winner Maids Causeway finished second of 20 in the 1,000 Guineas. Shamardal bounced back from a poor performance in Dubai to take the Poule d’Essai des Poulains before defeating the future Arc winner Hurricane Run in the Prix du JockeyClub. A smooth success in the St James’s Palace Stakes meant that Shamardal won all six of his European starts before injury forced his premature retirement. This 2002 crop went on to become Giant’s Causeway’s most productive crop in terms of top-level winners, with a total of five. Although Aragorn had a May 26 birthday he began to overcome this towards the end of his three-year-old season, when he won the Grade 2 Oak Tree Derby. By the end of his four-yearold campaign he had become a dual Grade 1 winner and finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Grade 1 winner number five was Galileo’s half-sister My Typhoon, who had set record figures of 1,800,000gns as a foal. In a consistent career My Typhoon landed her biggest win at five in the Diana

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in 2017 and 2018. His current Australian fee equates to more than US$37,000, so US$15,000 looks a bargain. Vancouver covered 200 mares and 161 in his first two Australian seasons. The Americans also appear to like him, as he covered 166 mares in his first season at Ashford. While I am expecting Pride Of Dubai and Vancouver to prove very good value to their northern hemisphere supporters, it is a potentially sobering thought that these lightly-raced colts, who managed only ten starts between them, are being entrusted with more than 300 mares a year. Another possible addition to Coolmore’s Irish stallion team could be Merchant Navy, who is billed in Australia as “probably the fastest son of Fastnet Rock.” Perhaps his fate depends on how this AUS$30 million purchase performs for Aidan O’Brien in the Diamond Jubilee,

GEORGE SELWYN

at Coolmore has been €15,000 in 2017 and 2018, yet he was priced at AUS$55,000 in his first season in Australia in 2016. Although he attracted 177 mares that year (and shares the same sire as Australia’s phenomenal racemare Winx), his fee was reduced to $44,000 in his second season, when he again covered more than 170 mares. His 2018 fee remains at $44,000, which at the time of writing equated to roughly €27,500 – nearly double his Irish fee. He covered around 158 mares in his first Irish season. There is also an equivalent at Coolmore’s American branch. This is Vancouver, the son of Megadlia d’Oro whose Golden Slipper victory made him the champion two-year-old colt. His fee at Ashord Stud has been US$15,000, whereas his services have been priced at AUS$55,000 in 2016 and $49,500

Giant’s Causeway died at Ashford in April

Stakes at Saratoga. Incidentally, it was unimaginable that My Typhoon would fail as a broodmare but she has produced just one winner from three runners. Although she raced almost exclusively on turf, she has invariably been mated to dirt horses. Perhaps her 2016 filly by Tapit and 2017 colt by Medaglia d’Oro will redeem her. Shamardal now stands head and shoulders above Giant’s Causeway’s other stallion sons and, in Lope De Vega, Shamardal also has a son capable

but I suspect he will shuttle even if he runs below expectations. Fastnet Rock will be 18 in 2019, so a deputy would be very useful and Merchant Navy is well qualified. An unbeaten two-year-old, he has become a Group 1 six-furlong winner at three. His fee has been set at AUS$55,000 for his first season, later this year, which partially reflects the fact that Hinchinbrooke, another son of Fastnet Rock, has been enjoying plenty of success.. It is interesting to see which stallions are heading to Darley and Coolmore’s Australian business – and which are not. Both parties seem to have accepted that Australian breeders are interested only in stallions who either shone at distances of a mile and under, or who shone at two miles. The main exceptions to the stamina rule are American Pharoah and Frosted, who were both dirt performers.

of adding to this sire line’s honours in Europe. The most successful of Giant’s Causeway’s American-based sons has been First Samurai, a member of Giant’s Causeway’s first American crop. This crop, numbering 157 named foals, could be said to have outperformed its Irish predecessor, as it produced 13 Graded/ Group winners, as opposed to the Irish crop’s nine. However, it contained one fewer Grade 1 winner and only First Samurai won more than one Grade 1. As I said earlier, there is little fault to be found with Giant’s Causeway’s American crops, but the emergence of such as Ghanaati (1,000 Guineas), Intense Focus (Dewhurst Stakes), Dalkala (Prix de l’Opera), Rite Of Passage (Gold Cup) and Penelopa (Preis der Diana) from these crops leaves me wishing that he had stayed in Ireland. Perhaps he would have done so had he not run so well in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which opened the door for him as a potentially high-class sire of dirt horses. Also, there are only so many high-quality mares in Europe, and Coolmore’s Irish stallion roster for 2002 featured Sadler’s Wells, Danehill, Galileo and Montjeu. In next to no time Giant’s Causeway’s fee in Kentucky was as high as $200,000, on the back of his first-crop sires’ championship, and it was to rise to $300,000 following the Classic successes of Shamardal and Footstepsinthesand. I’m guessing that Coolmore doesn’t share my reservations about the transfer.

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Member benefits – educational courses

s part of subscription to The Thoroughbred Club, members have access to a number of educational and training courses to help them explore the large range of routes available within the industry. Throughout the summer, members will have access to a number of the TBA’s Regional Training Courses. The one-day courses, which are run by the TBA and The National Stud, give members the opportunity to learn and update themselves on a range of stud management topics from industry experts. The courses, which take place across the country, are free for TTC members and cover a range of topics, including nutrition, farriery, worm control and preparations for covering. The first of the courses will be held at Lackham Hall, Wiltshire on Tuesday, July 24 followed by Exeter racecourse on Thursday, September 6 and Haydock Park racecourse on Thursday, September 13. This year, members of The Thoroughbred Club also have access to the TBA’s Annual Breeders’ Seminar. The one-day seminar, which will take place at Tattersalls on Saturday, July 28 discusses all aspects of modern broodmare and stallion management, with talks from a range of international experts, including Dixon Varner and Sue McDonnell. The

There are several helpful and informative courses that can be attended by TTC members

day is sponsored by the TBA and will be free to TTC members. A full programme and online booking forms can be found on the events section of the TTC website. Come the autumn, The Thoroughbred Club will be hosting its bi-annual Careers Course, which will take place at Tattersalls on November 13-14. The popular two-day course, which is free for members, gives attendees an insight into the bloodstock industry and the employment opportunities within it

through a series of workshops delivered by industry experts. The Thoroughbred Club website is also a hive of educational activity. Our regular careers advice blogs explore a range of topics, including interview techniques and tips for writing a successful CV and cover letter. Other online content exclusively available to members includes the ‘Roles in the Horseracing Industry’ blogs, veterinary articles, careers presentations and much more.

Dates for your diary Wednesday, June 6 Regional Day to Floors Castle Stud, Scotland. Saturday, June 9 TTC Event to Dalham Hall and Banstead Manor. Depart from Tattersalls, Newmarket. Tuesday, June 19 - Wednesday, June 20 Royal Ascot at Ascot Members can enjoy half-price tickets to the Tuesday/Wednesday of Royal Ascot. Please see the TTC website for more information. Thursday, June 28 Regional Day to Ralph Beckett’s Kimpton Down Stables, Hampshire.

Thursday, July 5 Regional Day to The Royal Studs Sandringham, Norfolk. Tuesday, July 24 National Stud/TBA Regional Training Course Lackham Hall, Wiltshire. Saturday, July 28 Breeders Seminar (ISER) Tattersalls, Newmarket. Thursday, September 6 National Stud/TBA Regional Training Course Exeter. Thursday, September 13 National Stud/Regional Course Haydock Park.

Tuesday, November 13 Wednesday, November 14 TTC Careers Course 2018 Tattersalls, Newmarket.

New Members The TTC would like to warmly welcome the following new members and look forward to seeing them at our events throughout the year: Owen Hayhurst Holly Needham Anna Dunford Madeline Smith Nick Barnett Camilla Dutton

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www.thethoroughbredclub.co.uk •

@TTC_GB

Have you booked your half-price ticket for Royal Ascot? As part of our range of race badge offers, members have access to halfprice entry to either the Queen Anne or Windsor enclosures on the Tuesday and Wednesday of Royal Ascot, giving members the chance to enjoy races such as the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, St James’s Palace Stakes and the King’s Stand Stakes.

Pomp and pageantry are yours for half price this month

Event reminder: Banstead Manor and Dalham Hall tour The Thoroughbred Club’s highlight event of the summer, a visit to two of the biggest stud farms in Newmarket, is approaching on Saturday, June 9. The tour will commence in Newmarket, where a coach will collect members and depart for Dalham Hall Stud, where we will get the chance to view their impressive roster of stallions which include leading British-based sire Dubawi. After the tour members will be dropped back in Newmarket, allowing time to explore the ‘home of horseracing’ and visit facilities such as the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art. In the early afternoon members will be collected for their second tour of the day to Juddmonte’s Banstead Manor Stud, where they will get to see ten-time Group 1 winner Frankel.

Ten-time Group 1 winner Frankel is the star attraction at Banstead Manor Stud

Upcoming Regional Days There are a number of TBA Regional Days approaching in June and July. The first of which will take place at Floors Castle Stud in Scotland on Wednesday, June 6 and includes a tour of the stud followed by lunch and a tour of Floors Castle. Floors Castle was established in 1947 by the 9th Duke of Roxburghe and its famously produced stay filly, Attraction, who returned to Floors to commence her broodmare career. Members will also have the chance to visit Ralph Beckett’s Kimpton Down Stables as part of the South East Regional Day on Thursday, June 28. The day will include a tour of the stables followed by lunch and a tour of Liphook Equine Hospital.

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Another exciting upcoming event for members is the chance to view The Queen’s private breeding operation at The Royal Studs, Sandringham on Thursday, July 5. The day will include a tour of the famous stud, followed by lunch at the Sandringham Restaurant and an optional tour of Sandringham House, museum and grounds. A limited number of tickets are available for members at a reduced rate of 50%. If you are interested in attending any of these popular events, please complete the online bookings forms on the events pages of our website or email melissa. parris@thetba.co.uk

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ROA Forum

The special section for ROA members

ROA AGM and lunch T

he ROA AGM will be held on the morning of Tuesday, July 3 at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, Knightsbridge, London. After the formal business, which will include the results of the ROA Board election, members have an opportunity to hear and engage in informative industry debate. Key speeches will be delivered by ROA President Nicholas Cooper and Nick Rust, Chief Executive of the BHA. There is an opportunity to pose questions to the ROA Board in an owners’ forum session. Attendance is free and members may bring a guest. Members who would like to submit a question for the owners’ forum but are unable to attend are invited to submit questions in advance of the day via the ROA office. Places are on sale for the popular members and guests’ lunch following the AGM. Those who book a place will be welcomed with a champagne reception, sponsored by SIS, and will enjoy a threecourse lunch with wine. Tickets are priced at £115 per person. Tables of ten are available at £1,150.

Rory Bremner will again be entertaining guests after the lunch which follows the AGM

After lunch, guests will be entertained by renowned impressionist and comedian Rory Bremner, back by popular demand after his appearance at the 2017 AGM. As in previous years, proceedings will be streamed live via the ROA website at www.roa.co.uk

Annual Report online

The ROA Annual Report will be published online this year. The report updates members on the association’s strategy, mission and progress, and can be viewed through the website at roa.co.uk.

INDUSTRY MATTERS DEBATED AT BEVERLEY The latest ROA regional meeting took place at Beverley before racing on April 26. The event was well attended, with around 40 members gathered in the newly refurbished Hurn Room on what proved to be the opening day of the season, following the abandonment of the April 18 fixture due to waterlogging.

Guests were updated on industry matters and invited to debate and pose questions on ownership issues. The following are a few of the topics raised by members on the day. Free racecourse admission days: Members were keen to see the number of fixtures included in the Racecourse Badge

The Hurn Room at Beverley was the venue for the latest ROA regional meeting

Scheme for Owners expanded to include more fixtures in Yorkshire. Also, for the number of local courses who offer a guest badge to be increased. Appearance Money Scheme: The payment of appearance money down to eighth place received support from members in attendance. It was noted that an extension of the AMS payments to further places in maiden/novice weightfor-age races would be welcomed. Chester’s appearance money scheme was applauded. Balloting out: Owners who had suffered frustration being balloted out of 0-55 races queried the elimination process. Some 0-55 classified races this season give protection to horses which have run fewer than seven times in the elimination sequence. Reference to this is made in the race conditions of these races. Raceday experience: Members gave feedback on recent experiences with runners.

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Newmarket studs visit upcoming Following last year’s very successful Newmarket studs trip, the ROA is delighted to announce that a similar visit will be available to book this autumn. Taking place on Friday, September 21, the member visit will begin at Cheveley Park Stud, which has proved a hit with members in recent years owing to their very personable stallions. Top of the bill will be Pivotal, who has the enviable record of more wins as a broodmare sire than any other in 2017. In 2018, Cheveley Park’s roster includes new stallion Ulysses, whose notable wins included last year’s Juddmonte International Stakes. As well as viewing the stallions, members will also be taken on a tour around some of the stud’s extensive 1,000acre grounds. From there members will be taken to Palace House, the home of the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art in the centre of Newmarket. Here guests will be given a talk about the work the museum does, before settling down to a buffet lunch and a glass of wine. Following lunch will be a visit to the beautiful Banstead Manor Stud, home to the wonderful Frankel, whose temperament has won over every ROA

Cheveley Park’s long-standing stallion Pivotal is still going strong and producing results

visitor to the stud. The other stallions to parade will include champion miler Kingsman and Oasis Dream, who has sired over 170 stakes horses. This trip is sure to be a sell-out so members are limited to bringing one

guest each, and priority will be given to members who did not attend last year’s visit. The cost is £30 per person (inc VAT). To book please call the office on 020 7152 0200 or visit roa. co.uk/events

Racing Staﬀ Week Next month will see the role of racing staff celebrated through Racing Staff Week, which will take place from June 30-July 8. This initiative brings the racing industry together in a drive to inform and engage horseracing followers and supporters about the passion, skill and dedication required to work in racing. It also increases awareness about the support and services that Racing Welfare provides to the sport’s workforce. This year’s Racing Staff Week builds on the success of the first two years and will deliver another week of activities that will put racing staff in the spotlight. Following a successful collaboration last year, the ROA will be involved, supporting social events taking place at a number of trainer yards around the country. Trainers

were invited to apply for a grant by the ROA and 30 will be granted a payment of £100 to help towards the costs of staging a barbeque for their staff during the week. We hope members involved in these yards will be able to participate in these events. An established fundraising lunch at Doncaster on Friday, July 6 will coincide with the Betfair Clock Tower Cup charity race over seven furlongs. Now in its fourth year, the race at Doncaster will be complemented by the Betfair Racing Staff Week Cup, a new charity event to be run over one and a half miles at Newton Abbot. In both these races, riders will come

Racing Staﬀ Week kicks oﬀ on June 30

from staff working in yards that have been nominated by their trainers.

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ROA Forum

MY DAY AT THE RACES With Bryan Hirst at Newmarket on April 18

It was in 2005 that Bryan Hirst met trainer Jane ChappleHyam and embarked on his ownership journey. He’s been lucky enough to enjoy Group success since, including with dual Earl of Sefton Stakes winner Mull Of Killough, and did something that not many owners achieve, when winning a race last year with 100-1 shot Bullington Bear. He has four horses racing in partnerships this year, including recent purchase Circus Couture, who was placed at Group 1 level in Italy, and reviews Newmarket after watching juvenile filly Sung Choi Bao make her debut. Did you receive any welcome information as an owner in advance of the raceday? Yes, we always receive welcome information. How was the experience of arrival at the racecourse, and collecting your owners’ badges? At this meeting it was a great arrival because we flew in by helicopter and were chauffeured round to the owners’ & trainers’ reception to collect our badges. What were your thoughts on the location, comfort and provision in the owners’ and trainers’ facility? We went to the owners’ & trainers’ restaurant and feel that there should be a little more choice of food during a big raceday at the Craven meeting. The owners’ & trainers’ bar was slightly disappointing in that you cannot take a drink outside on a hot day, so we

Bryan Hirst at Newmarket to watch Sung Choi Bao make her debut under Danny Brock

went to the Frankel Lounge, where you can sit outside and have a drink. How was the pre-parade ring/paddock experience? This was very good, with a great viewing screen if you choose to watch the race from the parade ring. How did you find the facilities for owners’ viewing? The viewing facilities are fine if you choose to use them. Were you able to review a replay of your race easily on course? Yes, I watched it on the big screen. How were you treated as an owner on the day? Unfortunately, I wasn’t a winner this time, but I have been fortunate to have winners at the July course with

my great trainer, Jane Chapple-Hyam. We have won the Darley Stakes twice and the Earl of Sefton and a few other races. What was your overall lasting feeling of the day, based on your racecourse experience? We had a fantastic day. You cannot always win!

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

★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ 23

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UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS Qatar Goodwood Festival: Richmond Enclosure badge service

Racing at Goodwood is a hugely pleasurable experience and you have a chance to do it in style with Richmond Enclosure badges

Planning to go to the Qatar Goodwood Festival? ROA members can order badges for the Richmond Enclosure through the ROA for the popular summer racing festival (July 31-August 4). This special service allows members to purchase badges for the Richmond Enclosure on each of the five days of the meeting. This enclosure is otherwise reserved for annual members and owners with a runner during Glorious Goodwood. Richmond Enclosure badges are £89 per person. Members can book a maximum of four badges per day at www.roa.co.uk/events. Junior badges (18-24 years) are £44.50. Please call the ROA office if you require any junior badges. Under 18s are free of charge, ages are required to order the correct wristband. The ROA car park label will not work over the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Members can purchase a label for car park 8 for £12.

admission to Racehorse Owners Association members visiting the Curragh on July 1 on the third day of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival, featuring the Group 1 Juddmonte Pretty Polly Stakes. Members can also enjoy access to the AIRO Marquee.

Complimentary refreshments will be available as well as a cash bar. ROA members will need to email or call the ROA Office (on 020 7152 0200) to register their interest of going racing. Badges for the day will then be left for collecting at the racecourse reception.

Curragh admission

The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners are kindly offering free

News in Brief Prize-money distribution

The distribution of prize-money is being looked at by the industry. To gauge owners’ views, ROA members are invited to give their opinions on the owners’ proportion of prize-money and whether the percentage payments to

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ROA members have access to their Irish counterpart’s marquee at the Curragh

first and placed horses are appropriate. Members on the ROA email distribution service can expect to receive an email inviting them to participate in a short survey in early June. Members who don’t receive ROA ebulletins will be able to login to the Members Area of the ROA website at roa.co.uk and complete the survey online, or join the ebulletin

service by emailing info@roa.co.uk

Novice races

The ongoing trial of confining threeyear-old-plus novice contests to horses that have run two, three or four times will from May 28 be extended to around 70% of such races, following feedback from trainers.

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ROA Forum

MAGICAL MOMENTS with ROA members Barbara & Alick Richmond

o say that owners Barbara and Alick Richmond did not have far to travel to see No Lippy contest the Lily Agnes Stakes, the opening race of Chester’s May meeting, would be putting it mildly. Their apartment overlooks the picturesque track – “we’re between the one-furlong and two-furlong pole,” says Barbara Richmond, “I’m looking out over it now as we’re speaking” – and so things like taking note of this year’s new traffic policies in the town did not need to register. A case of No Trippy, if you like. The tale of their involvement in ownership dates to 2010 and Chester, and its flagship fixture, is an integral part. After buying their home adjacent to the racecourse – Barbara Richmond is Group Finance Director of Redrow, one of Britain’s largest housebuilders and based just over the Cheshire border in Wales – friends told the couple they “must go” to the May meeting. “We didn’t know what it was at first but by the time it came around we’d made plans to go with different groups of friends on the Wednesday and Thursday, and family on the Friday, says Barbara Richmond. “Out of the friends we went with on the Wednesday was born The Passionate Partnership, the syndicate we are still a part of.” October 2010 came the Richmonds’ first involvement with a syndicate, that one based in the south – Alick Richmond having lived in Hampshire – but it wasn’t long before they thought, why not up north?

Alick and Barbara Richmond with No Lippy after her debut victory at York

Why not indeed, so they became involved with Middleham Park, specifically the partnership which owned Yorkshire Icon, who won a couple of times and was placed several more before being sold to the United States. That, in turn, led to the Richmonds and their friends going it alone. Passionate Affair was the name they chose for their horse, and Tom Dascombe – who the Richmonds were local to and of course was well known for having the backing of Michael Owen - the trainer.

“He eventually won a seller at Lingfield, after which we thought about then having a horse in Yorkshire,” says Barbara Richmond. “We liked the look of Mark Johnston’s set-up, we saw his website, the facilities, so arranged to visit and met with Charlie Johnston, his son. The facilities were indeed fantastic, the staff were very friendly and in the autumn of 2016 Mark bought a Dream Ahead yearling – Mark likes the sire and thinks the progeny are good value – whom our partnership bought and we called Book Of Dreams. “Three weeks later Mark went to Tattersalls and bought another Dream Ahead, a fullbrother to Al Wukair, who had won in No Lippy and PJ McDonald scorch to victory in the Lily Agnes Stakes at Chester

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France on his debut less than a fortnight before. “A week or so after Mark had bought the horse I got home after working late – and I vividly still remember this evening – and downloaded the Racing Post ipad app. I flicked through the results and saw that Al Wukair had won again, this time a Listed race. “After chatting with Alick for five minutes we rang Mark to say we’d take the Dream Ahead, who was still for sale on his website. We asked the partnership if they would be interested but they were happy for us to go it alone, so myself and Alick had our very own horse! We called him Dream Today.” In the autumn of 2017 it was time for Book Of Dreams and Dream Today to make their debut - Book Of Dreams won first time up at Nottingham, and then came a somewhat stiffer test for Dream Today. The most valuable juvenile maiden in the calendar, no less. “We went to York for the Convivial Maiden,” says Richmond, “and we were understandably ignored, starting at 14-1. But he won by a length and a half – it was a fantastic, unbelievable day. Suddenly we had a special horse, and not long before that Al Wukair had won a Group 1. “Dream Today then finished fifth in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes and runner-up in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket, which we were over the moon with. All the while Book Of Dreams had been running well too, finishing second a couple of times.” The Richmonds were also busy off the track last autumn, buying a full-sister to a Listed winner. “That, of course, was No Lippy,” continues Barbara Richmond. “Before her debut at Doncaster a couple of weeks ago we said we would love to run in the Lily Agnes if all went smoothly, and she won and we went on to Chester, our home track. She won again and we were absolutely thrilled to bits.” The Richmonds also have a twoyear-old by Camelot yet to see the track, making it four in total and more magical moments hopefully to come. It will take something pretty special to better No Lippy’s Lily Agnes victory, but Royal Ascot could be on the cards this month. Not many women would be seen with no lippy there. Barbara Richmond may be one of them.

Diary dates and reminders JUNE 4 ROA regional meeting at Newton Abbot. Places all filled JUNE 5 Ownership Matters event at Harrogate JUNE 19-23 Discounted ROA hospitality package for Royal Ascot Over the Royal meeting, across three restaurants. See roa.co.uk/events for availability JULY 1 Free admission to The Curragh and access to the AIRO facility when prebooked JULY 3 ROA AGM and Members & Guests Lunch, London JULY 5 ROA regional meeting at Perth

AUGUST Deauville Festival – selected dates. Access to exclusive owners’ garden lounge facility AUGUST 22 Juddmonte International Stakes at York – private box and hospitality package SEPTEMBER 19 ROA regional meeting at Sandown SEPTEMBER 21 Member visit to Cheveley Park and Banstead Manor Studs, Newmarket, with lunch at Palace House OCTOBER 20 Private box at Ascot for British Champions Day OCTOBER 24 Owners Jackpot+ at Fontwell OCTOBER 30 ROA regional meeting at Chepstow

JULY 13 Chester Owners Jackpot+ JULY 30-AUGUST 1 Galway Festival – access to AIRO marquee JULY 31-AUGUST 4 Glorious Goodwood package and service for selling Richmond Enclosure badges

NOVEMBER 1 Ownership Matters event at Edinburgh NOVEMBER 20 ROA regional meeting at Southwell DECEMBER 6 ROA Horseracing Awards See roa.co.uk/events for further details on all the above and to book

Owners Jackpot races We hope to give away £8,000 to members in June, with four weekly Owners Jackpot races each offering a bonus of £2,000 on top of win prize-money. Owners of these races need to be owned by members. Horses owned by partnerships need to be registered at least 51% in the ownership of ROA members. In the case of clubs and syndicates, the majority of the club/syndicate managers will need to be members of the ROA to qualify.

This month’s Jackpot races June 4, Newton Abbot 2m2 1/2f Class 4 4yo+ Mares’ Maiden Hurdle June 12, Salisbury 1m4f Class 5 4yo+ 0-70 Handicap June 19, Thirsk 1m Class 5 3yo+ Fillies’ Novice Stakes June 28, Nottingham 6f Class 4 3yo+ 0-80 Handicap To qualify for an Owners Jackpot, races must offer a prize-fund of at least £6,500. Full details, including qualification, can be found at www.roa.co.uk/jackpot

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ROA Forum

TRACK TALK

Sponsored by

Manufacturers of

Legend (by Midnight Legend), who was placed twice in the Grade 2 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, a race sponsored by her breeder since its inception in 2016. Tinagoodnight was offered for sale as part of the Trull House Stud dispersal at Goffs UK in January and was bought by Matt Coleman of Stroud Coleman Bloodstock for £32,000. She was covered last year by Pour Moi and by Flemensfirth and is believed to be in foal. Michael Hyde bought her three-year-old High Chaparral filly for £62,000 and her Walk In The Park yearling filly went for £22,000 to Philip Kirby. Kelvin Hughes has enjoyed a number of notable successes as an owner and a breeder, namely with the likes of Vaniteux, Hadrian’s Approach and Chomba Womba. The last-named was among those sold at Goffs UK, fetching £80,000 to a bid by Anthony Bromley of Highflyer Bloodstock. “We will continue to race the colts and geldings that we have in training as well as on the ground and we look forward, with mixed emotions, to purchasing future winners from these bloodlines at the sales, as part of our ongoing support to National Hunt breeding and racing,” said Kelvin Hughes. FLAT BREEDER OF THE MONTH – APRIL

HASCOMBE & VALIANT STUDS The Prix Ganay, the opening European Group 1 race of the season, served notice that Anthony Oppenheimer’s homebred Cracksman is set for another stellar season. It also clinched the first Breeder of the Month award of the new season for

Richard Kelvin Hughes, breeder of Santini

Hascombe & Valiant Studs, the recipient of the final award last season courtesy of the same horse. His dam Rhadegunda, a daughter of that outstanding broodmare sire Pivotal, has produced an own-sister to Cracksman this spring and, not surprisingly, has visited Frankel again. Cracksman and Oppenheimer’s 2015 Horse of the Year Golden Horn share the same fourth dam in the Lorenazaccio mare Lora. Her daughter On The House (by Be My Guest) won the 1,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes in the Oppenheimer colours. The family that has brought so much success to Hascombe & Valiant traces to Mumtaz Mahal. Bred by Lady Sykes at Sledmere, she was known as ‘the Flying Filly’ and was one of the fastest two-yearolds ever seen on a racecourse. She won the Queen Mary Stakes in 1923 by ten lengths, and the following season was a valiant second in the 1,000 Guineas, after her stamina gave out having been six lengths clear at the Bushes. Her daughter Mumtaz Begum (the eighth dam of Cracksman) produced Nasrullah, who became one of the most influential sires of the 20th century.

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Vet Forum: The Expert View

Why racehorses can go weak at the knees

MANDY DAVIS/SPORTING CHANCE RACING

f you were to design a supporting strut, to bear the equivalent of half a ton at speed of around 35mph, and you were limited to a structure less than 30cm in diameter, you probably wouldn’t include in it a bag of marble-sized small oddshaped bones, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, but that’s exactly what the evolution of the horse has done. The horse has a problem, in that it needs to support its huge body weight at speed on a stiff rigid structure, often using only one leg at a time (see fig 1) and yet also has to fold this structure up in order to bring it forward for the next step. The structure has to be rigid and stable when supporting weight, but equally extremely flexible in order to be moved forward, and it is these conflicting demands that make the knee the shape and size it is. The equine knee (the carpus) is the equivalent of our wrist. Unlike our wrist, however, it does not flex in every direction but is limited to movements in the sagittal plane only. When one picks up a horse’s leg, the normal knee flexes with almost no resistance, so that the cannon bone lies almost parallel to the forearm. When the leg is weight bearing, however, it’s essential that both medial and lateral movement of the limb are eliminated and that the limb assumes a completely stable, strut-like position. Bending the knee in the opposite direction, as we would do when raising our hand to wave, is simply not acceptable. To enable this limited movement and extreme stability under loading, the knee has evolved to a complex interlocking arrangement of small bones. There are six major bones which comprise the loadbearing component of the knee, and in injury terms the most important of these are the radial carpal bone and the third carpal bone (fig 2, arrows). Approximately two-thirds of the body weight of the horse is taken through the front legs during galloping, and the majority of this is down the medial aspect of the limb. This combination illustrates why the radial carpal bone and the third carpal bone are so important in the athletic horse. When the knee takes full load the small bones interdigitate with each other to fit snugly together and ‘close-pack’. These tiny bones are wrapped in incredibly dense connective tissue, forming

Figure 1: A horse galloping at speed, with its entire weight being borne on the right fore leg. Notice how the extreme forces push the knee slightly backwards (white arrow). The leg is prevented from collapsing completely by support from the palmar carpal ligament, a thick ‘strap’ running from the back of the forearm to the top of the cannon bone

ligaments both between the bones, and between the whole of the knee and the upper and lower portion of the limb. The small inter-carpal ligaments allow the flexion of the knee as the limb is brought forward, but once the knee is in the ‘close-packed’ weight-bearing position they prevent the bones moving beyond a certain range. In doing so, the stretching of these ligaments absorbs some of the shock otherwise taken by the bones alone. While knee trouble is one of the most common problems we see in the racehorse, many go through their careers without having any trouble at all, and what has come under increasing scrutiny is just why the horses which suffer knee problems do so. Are they inherently weak, are we doing something wrong with them, or do they simply have such poor conformation that the strength of the bone is overwhelmed by abnormal loading forces? The answer to these questions is probably a bit of all three, as we will now go on to consider under the individual problems.

Carpitis

This term is used as a bit of a ‘bucket’ group to contain any horse which is

showing lameness in association with inflammatory changes in the knee such as heat, pain or swelling but shows nothing on radiography. Carpitis simply means inflammation of the knee and doesn’t really tell us anything about the causation, it is more a description of the symptoms. The causation can be that we have trained the horse too rapidly for it to have had time to adapt the ligaments which hold the knee bones together. These have therefore stretched beyond their normal range, causing inflammatory changes. We may simply have gone too fast too soon, without allowing the animal adequate time to accommodate to the increasing loads upon its knees. Similarly, cartilage may be inadequately developed in some horses and this will wear, producing signs of inflammation within the knee. These early changes if not taken seriously can lead to lifelong degenerative joint disease (arthritis), and we therefore have to pay attention when the horse is telling us that the knee is having trouble. In horses with very poor carpal conformation (fig 3) even normal training loads and a very slow progression in training speeds can produce carpitis simply because the conformation

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By Rob Pilsworth MRCVS

Figure 4: An example of a displaced small chip fracture of the distal radial carpal bone. This is the commonest site for chip fragmentation in the knee as a result of the force-concentration peaking in this site

Figure 2: Dorsopalmar view of the right knee of a racehorse. The most important weight-bearing structures, and therefore the seat of most of our problems, are the radial carpal bone (red arrow) and the third carpal bone (yellow arrow). Because most of the weight is borne down through the medial aspect of the limb, the ‘cup’ in which the radial carpal bone sits (the radial facet) bears enormous loads (green arrow)

exaggerates the loading some parts of the knee have to undergo. These horses present more of a problem because once they have been rested and rehabilitated, the knee conformation will still be the same and will probably lead to overload a second time around. These can be some of the more diﬃcult horses to keep sound, and many trainers will have a favourite ‘bête noire’ knee conformation which they will remember having struggled with in the past, and will avoid like the plague when looking at yearlings in the future.

Chip fragmentation

While in theory chip fragments can occur off any of the knee bones, by far the most common is the distal edge of the radial carpal bone (fig 4). This is the force concentration site when the knee is close packed and the weight is being borne down through the medial aspect of the limb. We used to think that these chip fractures occurred as a simple result of one-off physical overload of the bone as a structural entity. We now know that, as with almost all other racehorse injuries, these injuries are often ‘fatigue’ fractures. This doesn’t imply that the horse is fatigued, rather that the material properties of the structure (in this case bone) have become fatigued after repeated submaximal loading. Metal fatigue in aircraft

Figure 3: An example of poor knee conformation, enough to challenge the ligaments and bones comprising the knee. Here the knee is ‘oﬀset’, in that the middle of the cannon bone is situated to the side of the middle of the forearm (white lines). This places exaggerated loading on some of the small bones within the carpus

parts is a very similar phenomena. Some years ago a very experienced track clinician and surgeon working on the Californian race tracks, Greg Ferraro, collected all of the chip fractures he removed from racehorses and sent them to one of his colleagues, Roy Poole, a pathologist then working at the University of California in Davis. Ferraro wanted to know just how many of these chip fractures were normal bone that had just cleaved away, and how many were actually pathological fractures of already diseased bone. The surprising answer came back that 100% of the fragments showed prefracture fatigue changes. In other words, these chip fractures give us plenty of notice that they are about to occur, if only we could pick up the signs. Treatment is usually by surgical removal of the fragment itself and smoothing off of the fracture fragment ‘bed’. Once this has been carried out the joint cartilage will

never be the same again, but the fracture ‘bed’ will be covered with a relatively weak form of fibro-cartilage, and this will at least form a seal. Chip fractures are not always removed, and some horses will tolerate the presence of a small chip reasonably well. However, we know that the presence of osteochondral fragments within a joint will almost invariably lead to the development of arthritis, and therefore be limiting to the long-term future of that horse. In conjunction with this, arthroscopic removal using tiny skin portals, in combination with microsurgical instruments, has made the removal of chip fractures a much less risky and traumatic procedure than it used to be.

Third carpal bone densiﬁcation and fractures

The third carpal bone sits between the radial and intermediate carpal bone and the top of the cannon bone. Unlike the row of bones at the top of the knee, which have dense elastic ligaments between them allowing them to ‘flex’ on weight bearing, the third carpal bone is fixed as the ‘meat in the sandwich’, and cannot move. For this reason in horses that are trained too rapidly or in horses where the conformation of the limb produces abnormal forces in the knee, damage to the third carpal bone, particularly in the ‘cup’ which holds the radial carpal bone (fig 2), is relatively common. This damage manifests itself in a way which we can often see on radiographs. When the spongy flexible bone within the third carpal bone is damaged, the body goes in to repair it, often by laying down more bone mass. This bone mass is visible as whiteness on a radiograph known by radiologists as

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Vet Forum: The Expert View

›› sclerosis. Although the aim of the repair

Figure 5b: The same bone seen in figure 5a following surgical fixation of the slab fracture with a carefully placed screw

Intercarpal ligament injury

slab fracture, where a segment, usually immediately through the sclerotic radial fore set, explodes outwards (fig 5). Our problem with third carpal bone fractures is that we cannot really remove the fractured part of the bone as it is so big and bears such a lot of load. We therefore have two alternatives: one is to rest the horse and try to allow the fracture fragments to heal. Healing is usually relatively poor though, because with every step the horse takes the fracture fragments move - there is simply nothing there to hold them together. The other alternative is to fix the fracture by insertion of a screw. The prognosis following screw fixation has in the past been relatively poor,

IAN WRIGHT, NEH

of the damaged bone is to increase its strength, increased bone mass also increases the brittleness of the bone, so that rather than being like a flexible piece of plastic, it becomes like a piece of stone. As the presence of so many ancient buildings shows us, stone is very good at bearing weight but is less good at dealing with sudden or repeated impact. In fact this is just the way that stones are carved to produce the building blocks. When the third carpal bone becomes sclerotic, it withstands repeated cyclical loading over a period of time, but eventually may begin to crack, and these cracks often propagate to become a full fracture of the bone. These fractures can run in two or three different directions but the most common are the sagittal fracture, where the bone simply splits in two, or the

IAN WRIGHT, NEH

Figure 5a: A ﬂexed view looking down on the left knee of a racehorse. Note the area of third carpal bone that has become increased in density (sclerotic, black arrows) causing it to become ‘stiﬀ’. This bone has eventually fractured through the centre of this area of sclerosis (white arrows)

Figure 6a and b: An arthroscopic intra operative view of the fracture shown in figure 5A prior to the placement of the screw (6a). Note the large irregular fracture gap in the joint surface (between the white arrows). Following reduction with the screw (6b), the gap is closed and the joint surface now looks far more normal, with only some small fragments of cartilage missing. These too will eventually heal by development of fibro cartilage. This degree of joint congruity could never be achieved with non-surgical management

because placement of the screw to ensure complete joint congruity was very diﬃcult. With the advent of arthroscopic ‘keyhole’ surgery, allowing the surgeon to evaluate the surface of the joint at the same time as inserting the screw, fracture fixation is much more accurate, and the congruity of the joint surface following surgery can be extremely good (fig 6). The advent of intra-operative CT scanning, allowing three-dimensional reconstruction of the bone, has also greatly facilitated accurate screw placement. Not all horses with sclerosis of the third carpal bone go on to fracture, but many of them show lameness, often only transient, after full-speed exercise or racing for the remainder of their careers. As this condition is reversible in the young horse with rest, but becomes less so with age, early diagnosis is the key.

As we have said in the preceding part of the article, the bones are by far the most obvious components of the knee, but they would be completely useless as load weight-bearing structures were it not for the dense connective ligaments which hold them together. The biggest of these is the palmar carpal ligament, a thick strap-like ‘belt’ which runs down the back of the knee from the end of the radius to the top of the cannon bone. In addition there are various small intercarpal ligaments joining the carpal bones together and all of these can undergo tearing. Horses affected by carpal ligament tears will show lameness, swelling of the knee and will ‘block out’ to installation of local anaesthetic into the knee, but will show nothing on x-ray. This is where Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has allowed massive steps forward in accurate diagnosis, as these ligaments can now be clearly visualised. Once the diagnosis is made then it may be judicious for the torn part of the ligament to be tidied up or removed, again using keyhole surgery, so that the inflammatory ‘drive’ within the joint is lessened. As yet, we have no structure strong enough to use as a replacement ligament, something which is done surgically in dogs and cats. There are many other injuries which crop up sporadically associated with the knee, but the four syndromes described above will encompass around 90% or more of the conditions seen in racehorse practice. Advances in imaging and surgical technique in the last 20 years have greatly improved the management of these conditions, though they still account for a good proportion of the causes of retirement.

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Dr Statz

John Boyce cracks the code

Statistics that leave Dansili rivals with tears in their eyes

ansili has been one of Europe’s premier sires and his retirement due to failing fertility in old age leaves a sizeable hole in Britain’s stallion ranks. The first of a remarkable seven stakes winners for his outstanding dam Hasili, Dansili didn’t quite crack Group 1 company, although he finished second or third six times at the highest level. But his Timeform rating of 127 tells us just how good the son of Danehill was at the races, especially as it was combined with a very powerful pedigree. Remarkably, even at 127, Dansili wasn’t the highest rated out of his dam. Two years after foaling Dansili, Hasili produced his brilliant own-brother Banks Hill, winner of three Group/Grade 1 races, including the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Then a year later came the Green Desert filly Heat Haze, a two-time Grade 1 winner, followed by Intercontinental, Cacique and Champs Elysees – all by Danehill and all winners at the highest level. Dansili retired late to stud at just £8,000. In fact there’s good reason to believe that many breeders had already committed their mares elsewhere when his retirement was announced. Statistically, his second book of mares was classier than his first, a fact that was borne out on the racecourse, with 11 second-crop stakes winners compared to six in his first. Ever since second-crop star Rail Link won the Arc as a three-year-old in 2006, Dansili hasn’t looked back, siring Group 1 winners in each of his next nine crops. Nor is the 132-rated Rail Link to be his best offspring. That honour goes to the outstanding 140-rated Harbinger, who crowned a glorious four-year-old season in 2010 with a brilliant victory in the King

Harbinger: brilliant King George winner

WHERE DANSILI SITS AMONG HIS PEERS – Sires with 10%+ BTW-Rnrs Stallion

Sire

Galileo Dubawi Frankel Sea The Stars Dansili Pivotal

Sadler's Wells Dubai Millennium Galileo Cape Cross Danehill Polar Falcon

Rnrs

AWD

BTW

%BTW

AvTFR

Best10

T10 Benchmark

1,466 799 140 340 1,041 1,231

10.9 9.2 9.0 10.4 9.5 7.9

239 126 21 45 126 139

16.3 15.8 15.0 13.2 12.1 11.3

115.1 114.2 113.4 114.2 113.9 112.2

132.3 127.5 119.6 124.8 127.4 126.5

7.8 4.1 0.6 2.5 2.9 2.0

DANSILI’S TOP-RATED HORSES TFR

Form

Horse

YOB

Sex

Dam

Broodmare Sire

Starts

1st

2nd

3rd

MaxWD

140 132 128 128 126 125 125

G1w G1w G1w G1w G2wG1p G2wG1p G2wG1p

HARBINGER RAIL LINK FLINTSHIRE THE FUGUE ZACINTO BATED BREATH DELEGATOR

2006 2003 2010 2009 2006 2007 2006

C C C F C C C

Penang Pearl Docklands Dance Routine Twyla Tharp Ithaca Tantina Indian Love Bird

Bering Theatrical Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Distant View Distant View Efisio

9 7 24 17 11 18 19

6 5 8 6 3 6 5

1 1 12 4 2 4 3

1 0 1 3 0 2 1

13.5 12 12 12 8 6 8

KEY TO STATS • Rnrs – Runners • AWD – Average winning distance • BTW – Black-type winners • %BTW – Percentage of black-type winners • AvTFR – Average Timeform Rating • Best10 – average Timeform Rating of best 10 runners • T10 Benchmark – points above top 10 sires of last 30 years • TFR – Timeform Rating • Form – Best Form • YOB – Year of Birth • MaxWD – Maximum Winning Distance

George at Ascot. It’s clear that the typical Dansili is a late bloomer. His stock were not typically to be found winning Classics. In fact, Miss France, winner of the 1,000 Guineas, is his only Classic winner, a feat also achieved this year by his brother Champs Elysees with Billesdon Brook. But where does Dansili sit among his peers? To gauge his success, I have used two metrics that a sire must record good scores in if he is to be considered a top-class sire. In terms of ratio of stakes winners to runners, he currently stands on 12.1%, a figure that puts him firmly among the elite stallions of the day. Only Galileo, Dubawi, Frankel and Sea The Stars are ahead of him on that score. He’s got an identical number of individual stakes winners (126) as Dubawi and is behind only Galileo and Pivotal. Moreover, the sheer quality of his stakes winners is impressive. They’re rated on average 113.9 by Timeform behind only Galileo, Dubawi and Sea The Stars. Another clear sign of a noteworthy sire is his ability to get more from his mares than all other sires combined. Dansili does exactly that. His stock have posted higher percentages of stakes winners and Group winners than their siblings by all other sires, no mean feat when you consider

that his mates would have visited most of the best sires around. As well as a healthy ratio of stakes winner to runners, a top-class sire must also be able to sire tip-top racehorses. That may seem obvious, but there are plenty of examples where sires succeed in getting a good percentage of stakes winners, but you’d struggle to name their best horses. Dansili’s best ten runners have an average Timeform rating of 127.4, which compares well with Dubawi’s 127.5 and is behind Galileo’s 132.3. Even when we factor in how long he’s been at stud, Dansili’s score is 2.9 points clear of a benchmark recorded by the top ten sires in the past 30 years. So, in terms of elite racehorses, Dansili is behind only Galileo (+7.8) and Dubawi (+4.1) among contemporary sires. The average winning distance for the Dansilis aged three and above is 9.4 furlongs, marginally longer than the 9.3 recorded by their siblings. It’s the profile of a sire that tends to throw to his mares, so there’s no surprise to see sprinters, milers and middle-distance horses among his major winners. A major contributor to the commercial stallion success of Juddmonte, who also raced six of his top ten rated offspring, Dansili will be a hard act to follow.

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Data Book • Analysis by Andrew Caulfield Grade 1 Winners 242 BETWAY AINTREE HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 12. 4yo+. 20f.

1. L’AMI SERGE (IRE) 8 11-7 £140,525 b g by King’s Theatre - La Zingarella (Phardante) O-Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B-P. Ryan TR-Nicky Henderson 2. Supasundae (GB) 8 11-7 £52,975 b g by Galileo - Distinctive Look (Danehill) O-Ann & Alan Potts Limited B-Newsells Park Stud Limited TR-Mrs J. Harrington 3. Clyne (GB) 8 11-7 £26,575 b g by Hernando - Lauderdale (Nebos) O-Mr David M. Williams B-The Kathryn Stud Limited TR-Evan Williams Margins 3, 3.75. Time 5:05.20. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-8 29 8 18 £630,819 Sire: KING’S THEATRE. Sire of 103 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - BELLSHILL Be My Native G1, L’AMI SERGE Phardante G1, LOGICAL SONG Cadoudal G2, SHANESHILL Doyoun G2, THE DUTCHMAN Arctic Lord G2, THE NEW ONE Turgeon G2, JUST JANICE Presenting G3, MASTER DEE Montelimar G3, DAWN SHADOW Beneficial LR, DUHALLOW GESTURE Shalford LR, MYSTIC THEATRE Alderbrook LR, REGAL ENCORE Bob Back LR, WILLIAM HENRY Bob Back LR. 1st Dam: LA ZINGARELLA by Phardante. 3 wins over jumps in France, Prix Wild Monarch Hurdle (fillies) LR, 3rd Prix Congress Chase G2. Dam of 3 winners:

2005: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2009:

2010:

2011: 2012: 2014: 2015: 2016: 2017:

Radio Eireann (g Milan) Milanella (f Milan) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race. Broodmare. Zingarella’s Joy (f Oscar) unraced. Broodmare. (g Milan) SIZING CODELCO (g Flemensfirth) 4 wins, 3rd Farmhouse Foods Glasscarn H. Hurdle G2, Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe H. Chase G2. L’AMI SERGE (g King’s Theatre) 8 wins, 32Red Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle G1, Betway Aintree Hurdle G1, Bet365 Select Hurdle G2, Sky Supreme Trial Kennel Gate Nov.Hurdle G2, bet365 Gerry Feilden H. Hurdle LR, 2nd JLT Reve de Sivola Long Walk Hurdle G1, Coral Ascot Hurdle G2, Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle G2, Randox Health County H. Hurdle G3, 3rd stanjames.com Champion Trial Hurdle G2, Totepool National Spirit Hurdle G2, 2nd Merseyrail Manifesto Novices’ Chase G1, 7bets4free.com Kingmaker Novices’ Chase G2, 3rd JLT Golden Miller Novices’ Chase G1, Sky Bet H. Chase LR, Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil Hurdle G1, 2nd Prix Gueules du Sport La Barka Hurdle G2, Prix General de Rougemont H. Hurdle LR, Prix Univers II H. Hurdle LR, 3rd Prix Finot Hurdle (c&g) LR. Viens Chercher (g Milan) 3 wins, 2nd Betfair Newton Novices’ Hurdle LR. Petit Oscar (f Oscar) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race. La Mistinguett (f Fame And Glory) unraced. (c Oscar) (c Yeats) (c Kayf Tara)

Broodmare Sire: PHARDANTE. Sire of the dams of 53 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - L’AMI SERGE King’s Theatre G1, JEZKI Milan G3, ROBINSFIRTH Flemensfirth G3, THOMAS PATRICK Winged Love G3. The King’s Theatre/Phardante cross has produced: L’AMI SERGE G1, SLIEVEARDAGH G2, Baby Shine G2, Lily Waugh G2, SHUIL ROYALE LR, Tintern Theatre LR.

L’AMI SERGE b g 2010 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Princely Native

Raise A Native Charlo

Dennis Belle

Crafty Admiral Evasion

Pharly

Lyphard Comely

Pallante

Taj Dewan Cavadonga

Buckskin

Yelapa Bete A Bon Dieu

Superdora

Super Slip Solnora

Sadler’s Wells KING’S THEATRE b 91 Regal Beauty

Phardante LA ZINGARELLA b 98 In Memoriam

Unlike in 2017, Buveur d’Air wasn’t asked to follow up his Champion Hurdle success in the Aintree Hurdle. Nicky Henderson instead relied on two of his other accomplished hurdlers, including L’Ami Serge, a gelding whose record bears some similarities to Buveur d’Air’s. Whereas Buveur d’Air won both his starts over fences before reverting so successfully to hurdling, L’Ami Serge won his first two starts over fences and was placed twice at Gr1 level, including in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase at Aintree. Even so, the decision was taken to return him to the smaller obstacles and the son of King’s Theatre has justified this re-think with a pair of Gr1 victories. The first, in the 2017 Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil, was worth £142,000 and the second, in the 2018 Aintree Hurdle, was nearly as valuable. Altogether the eight-year-old has earned in excess of £630,000. Although L’Ami Serge began his career in France, he is an Irish-bred with a traditional Irish jumping pedigree, with a son of Sadler’s Wells as his sire and daughters of Phardante and Buckskin as his first two dams. Sending Phardante mares to sons of Sadler’s Wells has yielded rich dividends. For example Oscar has sired Oscar Whisky, Oscar Dan Dan, God’s Own and Jetson, while Milan has sired Jezski and Double Seven. Then there are Cloudings (sire of Cloudy Too), Brian Boru (Fox Appeal) and Old Vic (Snoopy Loopy, Killultagh Vic and Chelsea Harbour). L’Ami Serge’s dam La Zingarella raced successfully in France after being bred in Ireland. She became a stakes winner on her debut over hurdles, taking the Prix Wild Monarch in the May of her three-year-old season. She also won over fences and was third in the Gr2 Prix Congress Chase. She has also done well with a non-Sadler’s Wells line stallion, with a visit to Flemensfirth resulting in Sizing Codelco, a winner of valuable chases at Aintree and Punchestown. La Zingarella’s half-brother The Wicketkeeper was a useful chaser at around two miles. Their dam In Memoriam was an unraced half-sister to Niffy Nora, who did very well over jumps in France before becoming the dam of the Triumph Hurdle winner Snow Drop. Snow Drop in turn produced the smart French hurdler Lina Drop. Niffy Nora’s half-sister Rubydora produced the Phardante gelding Rubissimo, a winner of two good chases at Auteuil. 243 BETWAY BOWL CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 12. 5yo+. 25f.

1. MIGHT BITE (IRE) 9 11-7 £106,745 b g by Scorpion - Knotted Midge (Presenting) O-The Knot Again Partnership B-Mr J. O’Brien TR-Nicky Henderson 2. Bristol de Mai (FR) 7 11-7 £40,207 gr g by Saddler Maker - La Bole Night (April Night) O-Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B-Mr J. Touzaint TR-Nigel Twiston-Davies

3. Clan des Obeaux (FR) 6 11-7 £20,143 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 Margins 7, 3.25. Time 6:38.20. Going Good to Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 6-9 16 10 3 £593,725 Sire: SCORPION. Sire of 8 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - MIGHT BITE Presenting G1, SCORPIANCER Silver Patriarch LR. 1st Dam: Knotted Midge by Presenting. winner of a pointto-point. Dam of 2 winners:

2008: 2009:

2014: 2016: 2017:

BEAT THAT (g Milan) 3 wins over hurdles, Doom Bar Sefton Novices’ Hurdle G1, Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle G1. MIGHT BITE (g Scorpion) 10 wins, 32Red King George VI Chase G1, RSA Novices’ Chase G1, Betway Bowl Chase G1, Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase G1, Future Stars Intrmediate Chase LR, 2nd Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase G1. (c Milan) (c Milan) (f Walk In The Park)

Broodmare Sire: PRESENTING. Sire of the dams of 20 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - DEATH DUTY Shantou G1, MIGHT BITE Scorpion G1, MONBEG NOTORIOUS Milan G1, PRESENTING PERCY Sir Percy G1, RATHVINDEN Heron Island G2. The Scorpion/Presenting cross has produced: MIGHT BITE G1, In The Rough LR.

MIGHT BITE b g 2009 Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Floripedes

Top Ville Toute Cy

Law Society

Alleged Bold Bikini

Thistlewood

Kalamoun Le Melody

Mtoto

Busted Amazer

D’Azy

Persian Bold Belle Viking

Brush Aside

Alleged Top Twig

Bulabos

Proverb Clonmel

Montjeu SCORPION b/br 02 Ardmelody

Presenting KNOTTED MIDGE b 00 Bula Beag

See race 82 in the February issue 244 BIG BUCK’S CELEB.MANIFESTO NOV. CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 12. 5yo+. 20f.

1. FINIAN’S OSCAR (IRE) 6 11-4 £56,394 b g by Oscar - Trinity Alley (Taipan) O-Ann & Alan Potts Limited B-R. O’Keeffe TR-Colin Tizzard £21,374 2. Rene’s Girl (IRE) 8 10-11 b m by Presenting - Brogella (King’s Theatre) O-Andy & Sharon Measham B-M. Hanrahan TR-Dan Skelton 3. Calino d’Airy (FR) 6 11-4 £10,814 ch g by Anzillero - Monita d’Airy (Oblat) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Claude Yves Pelsy TR-Henry de Bromhead Margins 2, 3.25. Time 5:16.00. Going Good to Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-6 14 8 3 £220,397 Sire: OSCAR. Sire of 71 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - FINIAN’S OSCAR Taipan G1, KILBRICKEN STORM Supreme Leader G1, BALLYEGAN HERO Strong Gale G2, BEER GOGGLES Good Thyne G2, ENNISCOFFEY OSCAR Old Vic G2, OSCAR KNIGHT Supreme Leader G2, OUR DUKE Good Thyne G2, TRUE SELF Mukaddamah G2, LACKANEEN LEADER Supreme Leader G3, SPLASH OF GINGE Supreme Leader G3. 1st Dam: Trinity Alley by Taipan. ran a few times in pointto-points. Dam of 1 winner:

2011: 2012:

(f Scorpion) FINIAN’S OSCAR (g Oscar) 7 wins, 32Red Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle G1, Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle G1, 188Bet Exeter Novices’ Hurdle LR, 2nd Tattersalls Ireland Champion Nov. Hurdle G1, Big Buck’s Celeb.Manifesto Nov. Chase G1, totequadpot Roger Mottram Mem Nov. Chase LR, 2nd Mitie Noel

2013: 2015: 2017:

Novices’ Chase G2, 3rd randoxhealth.com Henry VIII Nov. Chase G1. School Boy Hours (g Presenting) (f Jeremy) (f Sageburg)

Broodmare Sire: TAIPAN. Sire of the dams of 6 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - FINIAN’S OSCAR Oscar G1, POETIC RHYTHM Flemensfirth G1, VINNDICATION Vinnie Roe LR.

FINIAN’S OSCAR b g 2012 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Reliance II

Tantieme Relance III

Vindaria

Roi Dagobert Heavenly Body

Last Tycoon

Try My Best Mill Princess

Alidiva

Chief Singer Alligatrix

Strong Gale

Lord Gayle Sterntau

Trinity Air

Menelek Beauair

Sadler’s Wells OSCAR b 94 Snow Day

Taipan TRINITY ALLEY b 01 Trinity Gale

When Finian’s Oscar won a novices’ chase at Cheltenham in November 2017, he improved his record to seven wins from eight starts (including a point-to-point)) and his solitary defeat had been by a mere short head in the Gr1 Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown. He had won Gr1 novices’ hurdles at Sandown and Aintree, and his victories on his first two starts over fences suggested that further Gr1 wins were just around the corner. However, he finished a poor third when favourite for the Gr1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase, suffered a narrow defeat when favourite for a Gr2 at Ascot and was then pulled up after weakening quickly when favourite again at Cheltenham. Wind surgery followed soon after. Although he suffered a fourth successive defeat at the Cheltenham Festival, Finian’s Oscar returned to something like his best form when he won the Manifesto Chase despite some sloppy jumping. Still only six years old, he has already earned over £220,000, so is close to repaying all of the £250,000 he cost when he appeared as a four-year-old point-to-point winner at Tattersalls Ireland’s Cheltenham sale in November 2016. The gelding’s dam Trinity Alley produced a Jeremy filly in 2015 and a Sageburg filly in 2017, when she visited Soldier Of Fortune. Trinity Alley failed to win in point-to-points. Her sire Taipan, a smart and tough international performer over middle distances, is also the broodmare sire of Gr1 Challow Hurdle winner Poetic Rhythm and the top bumper winner Fayonagh. Trinity Alley has a distinguished half-brother in Finian’s Rainbow, winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Melling Chase. Finian’s Oscar’s second and third dams, the point-to-point winner Trinity Gale and the winning chaser Trinity Air, were respectively daughters of the champion sires Strong Gale and Menelek. The fourth dam Beauair also won over hurdles and fences.

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CAULFIELD ON SANTINI: “His broodmare sire Sleeping Car is a rather unfamiliar name but he was a smart Flat performer who landed the Prix du Conseil de Paris and has sired some good jumpers” 245 DOOM BAR ANNIVERSARY JUVENILE HURDLE G1

2004: 2005:

AINTREE. Apr 12. 4yo. 17f.

1. WE HAVE A DREAM (FR) 11-0 £56,141 b g by Martaline - Sweet Dance (Kingsalsa) O-Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B-I. Catsaras, V. Dubois & S. Dubois TR-Nicky Henderson 2. Gumball (FR) 11-0 £21,121 gr g by No Risk At All - Good Time Girl (Slickly) O-Mr Terry Warner B-J. Gallorini, M. Bilesimo & C. Gallorini-Berger TR-Philip Hobbs 3. Apple’s Shakira (FR) 10-7 £10,561 b f by Saddler Maker - Apple’s For Ever (Nikos) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Mr P. Coveliers TR-Nicky Henderson Margins 7, 10. Time 4:15.80. Going Good to Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-4 8 5 2 £139,562 Sire: MARTALINE. Sire of 52 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - SRELIGHONN Turgeon G1, STYLINE Trempolino G1, TERREFORT Mansonnien G1, WE HAVE A DREAM Kingsalsa G1, AGRAPART Darshaan G2, DISKO Nikos G2, ECHIQUIER ROYAL Garde Royale G2, EDWARD D’ARGENT Roi de Rome G3, GOLD FILLY Gold and Steel G3, CANDALINE Video Rock LR, KAMI KAZE Subotica LR, KING GOUBERT Cadoudal LR, MALAYA Kendor LR. 1st Dam: SWEET DANCE by Kingsalsa. 2 wins at 3 in France. Dam of 1 winner:

2011: 2014:

Mystic Dancer (g Namid) ran over jumps in France. WE HAVE A DREAM (g Martaline) 5 wins over hurdles at 3 and 4, Doom Bar Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle G1, Coral Future Champions Finale Juv Hurdle G1, bet365 Summit Juvenile Hurdle G2, bet365 Scottish Triumph Trial Hurdle LR.

Broodmare Sire: KINGSALSA. Sire of the dams of 2 Stakes winners.

WE HAVE A DREAM b g 2014 Mendez Linamix Lunadix MARTALINE gr 99

Sadler’s Wells

Coraline Bahamian

SWEET DANCE bl 05

Bellypha Miss Carina

2008: 2009: 2010: 2011: 2012: 2013:

2015: 2016:

Broodmare Sire: MANSONNIEN. Sire of the dams of 29 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - ON THE GO Kamsin G1, SO FRENCH Poliglote G1, TERREFORT Martaline G1, VODKA WELLS Irish Wells G1, WHETSTONE Saint des Saints G2. The Martaline/Mansonnien cross has produced: TERREFORT G1, Squouateur G2, TARUMA LR.

TERREFORT gr g 2013

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Mill Reef Sorbus

Caretta

Caro Klainia

Kadalko

Cadoudal Koln

Made To Win

Dictus Valinda

See race 122 in the March issue

Mendez

Bellypha Miss Carina

Lunadix

Breton Lutine

Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Bahamian

Mill Reef Sorbus

Tip Moss

Luthier Top Twig

Association

Margouillat La Soupe

Synefos

Irish River Salpinx

Cartune

Carvin II Good Fortune

Linamix

Coraline

Breton Lutine

Mr Prospector Miesque

Madeka

2007:

MARTALINE gr 99

Kingmambo Kingsalsa

2006:

Vidahermosa (f Kahyasi) ran over jumps in France. Broodmare. VINO GRIEGO (g Kahyasi) 6 wins, 3rd betinternet.com Winter Novices Hurdle G2, Future Stars Chase LR, Weatherbys Hamilton Ins. H. Chase LR, 2nd Byrne Group Plate H. Chase G3. Vuelta Al Ruedo (f Ballingarry) unraced. Broodmare. Dam of Chic Name (g Nickname: 2 wins, 2nd Coral Future Champins Finale Juv Hurdle G1) Las Ventas (f Poliglote) Winner over jumps in France, 2nd Prix Sagan Hurdle LR, Prix d’Iena Hurdle LR. Broodmare. Dam of Polimix (g Martaline: 2 wins, 2nd Prix Le Guales de Mezaubran H. Hurdle LR, Prix Gaston Branere H. Hurdle LR) TARUMA (g Martaline) 2 wins, Prix Wild Monarch Hurdle (c&g) LR. Leprechaun Lady (f Irish Wells). Broodmare. Grandissime (c Saint des Saints) 3 wins over jumps in France, 3rd Prix Le Parisien Stanley Hurdle LR. The Barber (g Martaline) unraced. Braco Valley (g Vision d’Etat) ran over jumps in France. TERREFORT (g Martaline) 5 wins, Betfred Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase G1, Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase G1, 2nd JLT Golden Miller Novices’ Chase G1, 3rd Prix Triquerville Chase LR. Mont Segur (g French Fifteen) unraced to date. Reinator (c Motivator) unraced to date.

Mansonnien VIE DE REINE b 98 Synecure

See race 129 in the March issue 247 BETWAY TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 13. 4yo+. 16f 110yds.

246 BETWAY MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 13. 5yo+. 25f.

1. TERREFORT (FR) 5 11-4 £56,337 gr g by Martaline - Vie de Reine (Mansonnien) O-Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B-Mr F. Montauban TR-Nicky Henderson £21,317 2. Ms Parfois (IRE) 7 10-11 ch m by Mahler - Dolly Lewis (Sir Harry Lewis) O-Mr M. R. Chapman B-Messrs W. & D. Deacon TR-Anthony Honeyball 3. Elegant Escape (IRE) 6 11-4 £10,757 b g by Dubai Destination - Graineuaile (Orchestra) O-Mr J. P. Romans B-J. Leahy TR-Colin Tizzard Margins 3.75, 9. Time 6:49.90. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-5 14 5 6 £192,534 Sire: MARTALINE. Sire of 52 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - SRELIGHONN Turgeon G1, STYLINE Trempolino G1, TERREFORT Mansonnien G1, WE HAVE A DREAM Kingsalsa G1, AGRAPART Darshaan G2, DISKO Nikos G2, ECHIQUIER ROYAL Garde Royale G2, EDWARD D’ARGENT Roi de Rome G3, GOLD FILLY Gold and Steel G3, CANDALINE Video Rock LR, KAMI KAZE Subotica LR, KING GOUBERT Cadoudal LR, MALAYA Kendor LR. 1st Dam: VIE DE REINE by Mansonnien. 6 wins over jumps in France, Prix Edmond Barrachin Chase G3, 2nd Prix Jean Stern Steeplechase G2, 3rd Prix Gras Savoye Ferdinand Dufaure Chase G1. Dam of 5 winners:

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1. LALOR (GER) 6 11-4 £56,130 b g by It’s Gino - Laviola (Waky Nao) O-Mr D. G. Staddon B-Stall 5-Stars TR-Kayley Woollacott £21,110 2. Vision des Flos (FR) 5 11-4 b g by Balko - Marie Royale (Turgeon) O-Ann & Alan Potts Limited B-C. Bardin & F. Bardin TR-Colin Tizzard 3. Bedrock (GB) 5 11-4 £10,550 b g by Fastnet Rock - Gemstone (Galileo) O-The Risk Takers Partnership B-Highclere Stud & ORS Bloodstock TR-Iain Jardine Margins 2.5, 0.75. Time 4:15.80. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-6 9 4 4 £90,178 Sire: IT’S GINO. Sire of 5 Stakes winners. 1st Dam: LAVIOLA by Waky Nao. Winner at 4 in Germany. Dam of 3 winners:

2011: 2012:

2014: 2015: 2017:

LILYDALE (f It’s Gino) 2 wins at 3 in Germany. LALOR (g It’s Gino) Sold 5,807gns yearling at BBAGO. 4 wins, Weatherbys Standard Open NH. Flat Race G2, Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle G1. LEYAN (f It’s Gino) Winner at 2 in Sweden. (f It’s Gino) (c It’s Gino)

2nd Dam: Limaga by Lagunas. Dam of LE ROI (c Areion: Queen Elizabeth S G3, Schweppes Summer Cup G3, 2nd racing.com Moonee Valley Gold Cup G2), LIMARIO

(g Areion: Grosser Preis des Audi Zentrums Hannover G3, Preis des Winterfavoriten G3), LIMATUS (c Law Society: Prix La Moskowa LR, Hamburg-Dresden Pokal - Langer Hamburger LR). Grandam of TESEY. Broodmare Sire: WAKY NAO. Sire of the dams of 2 Stakes winners.

LALOR b g 2012 Danzig

Northern Dancer Pas de Nom

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Lomitas

Niniski La Colorada

Ibidem

Local Suitor Idrissa

Alzao

Lyphard Lady Rebecca

Waky Na

Ahonoora Myra’s Best

Lagunas

Ile de Bourbon Liranga

Lima

Surumu Limas

Perugino IT’S GINO b 03 Imelda

Waky Nao LAVIOLA b 04 Limaga

A year after his victory in the Gr2 National Hunt Flat Race at Aintree, Lalor returned to Liverpool for the Top Novices’ Hurdle. In between these two visits Lalor had suffered four defeats in his new role as a hurdler and had undergone wind surgery before his previous start. Maybe the wind surgery helped him turn in a career-best performance in the Top Novices’ Hurdle. Lalor was bred in Germany, where his sire It’s Gino had an unusual career. Sidelined for 22 months after winning his only juvenile start, It’s Gino had his line cast in quiet waters as a four-year-old, when he extended his unbeaten run to five, including in handicaps and an amateur riders’ event. It was only as a five-year-old that he was tried at stakes level and he coped well, winning a Listed race and a Gr2 prior to finishing third in a trio of Gr1 races. The last of them was Zarkava’s Arc, in which he defied his odds of 150-1. It’s Gino was clearly well suited by a mile and a half, even though his sire, the Danzig horse Perugino, made his only appearance - a winning one - over six furlongs as a two-year-old. With a son of Northern Dancer as his sire and Fairy Bridge as his dam, Perugino was closely related to Sadler’s Wells, Fairy King and Tate Gallery. It’s Gino hasn’t been widely used as a stallion and Lalor is his best effort. Lalor’s sister Lilydale was a winning miler in Germany, where their dam Laviola won as a four-year-old. Laviola has the distinction of being a half-sister to three stakes winners, notably Areion’s sons Le Roi (a Gr3 winner over 12 furlongs and 14 furlongs in Australia) and Limario (who was named Germany’s champion juvenile of 2012). This German family also produced the Deutsches Derby winners Lando and Laroche. 248 DOOM BAR SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 13. 4yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. SANTINI (GB) 6 11-4 £56,224 b g by Milan - Tinagoodnight (Sleeping Car) O-Mr & Mrs R. Kelvin-Hughes B-Mr & Mrs R. G. Kelvin-Hughes TR-Nicky Henderson

2. Roksana (IRE) 6 10-11 £21,204 b m by Dubai Destination - Talktothetail (Flemensfirth) O-Mrs Sarah Faulks B-John O’Leary TR-Dan Skelton 3. Tower Bridge (IRE) 5 11-4 £10,644 b g by High Chaparral - Walkamia (Linamix) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Ballygallon Stud Limited TR-Joseph Patrick O’Brien Margins 1.5, 6. Time 6:40.80. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 5-6 5 4 1 £95,526 Sire: MILAN. Sire of 35 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - DAVIDS CHARM Haafhd G1, MONALEE Glacial Storm G1, MONBEG NOTORIOUS Presenting G1, SANTINI Sleeping Car G1, JEZKI Phardante G3, MILANSBAR Ardross G3, ACEY MILAN Strong Gale LR. 1st Dam: TINAGOODNIGHT by Sleeping Car. 2 wins. Dam of 2 winners:

2010: 2011: 2012:

2013: 2014: 2015: 2017:

Dusky Legend (f Midnight Legend) 3 wins, 2nd Trull House Dawn Run Mares Nov. Hurdle G2. Early Dawne (f Kayf Tara) unraced. Broodmare. SANTINI (g Milan) 3 wins over hurdles at 5 and 6, Doom Bar Sefton Novices’ Hurdle G1, Ballymore Classic Novices’ Hurdle G2, 3rd Albert Bartlett Spa Novices’ Hurdle G1. Rockpoint (g Shirocco) (c Yeats) (f High Chaparral) (f Walk In The Park)

Broodmare Sire: SLEEPING CAR. Sire of the dams of 4 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - SANTINI Milan G1, ALCALA Turgeon LR.

SANTINI b g 2012 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Darshaan

Shirley Heights Delsy

Kalata

Assert Kalkeen

Dunphy

Riverman Dourdan

Lorelta

Rose Laurel Becky

Arctic Tern

Sea Bird II Bubbling Beauty

Tinopasa

No Pass No Sale Tinorosa

Sadler’s Wells MILAN b 98 Kithanga

Sleeping Car TINAGOODNIGHT b 04 Tinarctica

Although Sadler’s Wells’s last Gr1-winning sons were born as long ago as 2003, the time lag which is part and parcel of National Hunt breeding means that his stallion sons continue to dominate the jumping sires’ table. By the end of the Grand National meeting they occupied four of the top seven places, with his 2001 St Leger winner Milan occupying fourth place. Milan enjoyed his second Gr1 success of the season, following Monalee’s win over fences, when the former point-to-point winner Santini landed the Sefton Novices’, a race won by Thistlecrack, Saint Are, Wayward Prince, Black Jack Ketchum and Asian Maze. Santini is a half-brother to the very useful hurdler Dusky Legend, a Midnight Legend mare who was very consistent at up to two and a half miles over hurdles and fences. Their dam Tinagoodnight won over a mile and a half on the Flat in France before being switched to England, where she won over two miles over hurdles. She then refused to race on her third appearance and her racing career was over. Santini’s broodmare sire Sleeping Car is a rather unfamiliar name but he was a smart Flat performer who landed the Gr2 Prix du Conseil de Paris over a mile

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Data Book Grade 1 Winners and a half in the autumn of 1991. Sleeping Car wasn’t seen again until October 1993, when he fell in a hurdle race at Auteuil. This change of direction may have been prompted by the fact that his dam Lorelta had won at Auteuil. Sleeping Car sired some good jumpers, including the Foxhunter Chase winner Sleeping Night. Santini’s third dam Tinopasa was a prolific winner over jumps in France, scoring eight times at up to two and a quarter miles, with six of her wins coming at Auteuil. She still had time for a fruitful broodmare career, notably producing the useful Irish winners Que Pasa and Gem Daly. 249 JLT MELLING CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 13. 5yo+. 20f.

1. POLITOLOGUE (FR) 7 11-7 £140,985 gr g by Poliglote - Scarlet Row (Turgeon) O-Mr J. Hales B-Mme H. Devin TR-Paul Nicholls 2. Min (FR) 7 11-7 £53,435 b g by Walk In The Park - Phemyka (Saint Estephe) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Madame M. Mimouni TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Sizing Granite (IRE) 10 11-7 £27,035 br g by Milan - Hazel’s Tisrara (Mandalus) O-Ann & Alan Potts Limited B-T. Kelly TR-Colin Tizzard Margins Neck, 20. Time 5:18.50. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-7 18 9 6 £454,456 Sire: POLIGLOTE. Sire of 86 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - POLITOLOGUE Turgeon G1, SO FRENCH Mansonnien G1, PERFECT IMPULSE Cadoudal G2, ROI MAGE Nikos G2, TOP NOTCH Pistolet Bleu G2, DEVICE Mansonnien G3, LET’S DANCE Bonnet Rouge G3, POP ART DU BERLAIS Polish Precedent LR. 1st Dam: SCARLET ROW by Turgeon. 10 wins over jumps in France, Prix Gerald de Rochefort Hurdle LR, 2nd P.Maurice Gillois 4yo Grand Steeplechase G1. Dam of 2 winners:

2008: 2009: 2011:

2013:

SCARLETT DU MESNIL (f Muhtathir) Winner over jumps in France. Broodmare. Lady Scarlet (f King’s Theatre). Broodmare. POLITOLOGUE (g Poliglote) 9 wins, Bathwick Tyres Exeter Novices’ Hurdle LR, 2nd Betfred Challow Novices’ Hurdle G1, Betfair Tingle Creek Chase G1, JLT Melling Chase G1, 188Bet Haldon Gold Cup H. Chase G2, Mitie Noel Novices’ Chase G2, Unibet Desert Orchid Chase G2, 2nd Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase G2, Star Sports Altcar Novices’ Chase G2. Scarlet Ribbons (f Sholokhov)

Broodmare Sire: TURGEON. Sire of the dams of 29 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - CHAMP DE BATAILLE Dream Well G1, POLITOLOGUE Poliglote G1, SRELIGHONN Martaline G1, LA BAGUE AU ROI Doctor Dino G2, THE NEW ONE King’s Theatre G2. The Poliglote/Turgeon cross has produced: POLITOLOGUE G1, STILL LOVING YOU G1, Reine Angevine G1, TOI ET LE SOLEIL LR, Fayas LR, Franche Alliance LR.

POLITOLOGUE gr g 2011 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Val de L’Orne

Val de Loir Aglae

Apachee

Sir Gaylord Americaine

Sadler’s Wells POLIGLOTE b 92 Alexandrie Caro Turgeon Reiko SCARLET ROW gr 02

Le Glorieux

Nile Glorieuse Nile Palace

Fortino II Chambord Targowice Beronaire Cure The Blues La Mirande Crystal Palace Neomenie

See race 77 in the February issue

250 BETWAY MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 14. 4yo+. 20f.

1. BLACK OP (IRE) 7 11-4 £56,141 br g by Sandmason - Afar Story (Desert Story) O-Mr R. S. Brookhouse B-P. Rothwell TR-Tom George 2. Lostintranslation (IRE) 6 11-4 £21,121 b g by Flemensfirth - Falika (Hero’s Honor) O-Taylor & O’Dwyer B-Mr A. R. M. M. Kavanagh TR-Colin Tizzard £10,561 3. Momella (IRE) 6 10-11 ch m by Sholokhov - Missing Link (Elusive Quality) O-Holt, Clark, Macnabb, Nugent & Robinson B-Dr K. Schulte TR-Dan Skelton Margins 0.5, 3. Time 5:04.70. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 5-7 8 4 3 £95,237 Sire: SANDMASON. Sire of 2 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - BLACK OP Desert Story G1, SUMMERVILLE BOY Carroll House G1. 1st Dam: Afar Story by Desert Story. ran a few times in point-to-points. Dam of 1 winner:

2005: 2008: 2009: 2011:

2016:

(f Hubbly Bubbly) Bloodandsand (g Sandmason) unraced. (f Sandmason) BLACK OP (g Sandmason) 3 wins, Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle G1, 2nd Ballymore Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle G1, Ballymore Classic Novices’ Hurdle G2. (f Morozov)

Broodmare Sire: DESERT STORY. Sire of the dams of 2 Stakes winners.

BLACK OP br g 2011 Chief’s Crown

Danzig Six Crowns

La Papagena

Habitat Magic Flute

Mill Reef

Never Bend Milan Mill

Sayonara

Birkhahn Suleika

Green Desert

Danzig Foreign Courier

Aliysa

Darshaan Alannya

Kahyasi

Ile de Bourbon Kadissya

Afasara

Shardari Afeefa

Grand Lodge SANDMASON ch 97 Sandy Island

Desert Story AFAR STORY b 01 Afarka

One of the stories of the 2017/18 season has been the success enjoyed by the previously little-known stallion Sandmason. One of his sons, Summerville Boy, has landed Gr1 successes in the Tolworth Hurdle and the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Another son, Black Op, also performed very well at the Festival, finishing a clear second to the unbeaten Samcro in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, and now Black Op has also become a Gr1 winner, with a game display in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle Sandmason covered 16 mares in 2010, when Black Op was conceived, and 30 in 2011, the year of Summerville Boy’s conception. Altogether Sandmason is credited with only 137 thoroughbred foals of racing age. Sandmason looked very promising when he won his only start at two but raced only twice at three. He then made up for lost time at four, when he won the Gr2 Hardwicke Stakes before being sent to Australia. The move to Australia didn’t work out and he started his stallion career in New Zealand, before quickly being returned to Europe, to stand at Ballintry Stud and then Lacken Stud. Coincidentally, both these sons of Sandmason sold for big prices after they had made a winning debut. Summerville Boy made £130,000

after winning a bumper for women riders, whereas Black Op realised £210,000 after a 25-length victory in a point to point. Black Op’s dam Afar Story, who ran in point-to-points, is a half-sister to the useful hurdlers Younevercall and Afasheen. Their dam, the Kahyasi mare Afarka, was a dual mile-anda-half winner on the Flat who went on to score four times at up to three miles over hurdles. Afarka in turn was a half-sister to the dams of those smart jumpers Afsoun (third in the Champion Hurdle), Agrapart and Balthazar King (runner-up in the 2014 Grand National). 251 DOOM BAR MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 14. 5yo+. 16f.

1. DIEGO DU CHARMIL (FR) 6 11-4 £56,130 b g by Ballingarry - Daramour (Anabaa Blue) O-Mrs Johnny de la Hey B-Mme Guilhaine Le Borgne TR-Paul Nicholls 2. Petit Mouchoir (FR) 7 11-4 £21,110 gr g by Al Namix - Arnette (Denham Red) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Mr P. Gueret TR-Henry de Bromhead £10,550 3. Shantou Rock (IRE) 6 11-4 b g by Shantou - Cool Cool (Anabaa) O-Mr & Mrs Gordon Pink B-Ballyduff Stud & Corrin Stud TR-Dan Skelton Margins 2.5, 6. Time 4:08.20. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-6 16 5 6 £181,473 Sire: BALLINGARRY. Sire of 15 Stakes winners. 1st Dam: Daramour by Anabaa Blue. Dam of 2 winners:

2010: 2012:

2014:

DAYS OF HEAVEN (g Saint des Saints) 7 wins, Sky Bet Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle G2. DIEGO DU CHARMIL (g Ballingarry) 5 wins, Fred Winter Juvenile H. Hurdle G3, bet355 Scottish County H. Hurdle LR, Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase G1, 2nd Betway Kingmaker Novices’ Chase G2. Dalanaya (f Hurricane Cat) ran on the flat in France.

Broodmare Sire: ANABAA BLUE. Sire of the dams of 5 Stakes winners.

AINTREE. Apr 14. 4yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. IDENTITY THIEF (IRE) 8 11-7 £101,204 b g by Kayf Tara - Miss Arteea (Flemensfirth) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-C. Ennis TR-Henry de Bromhead 2. Wholestone (IRE) 7 11-7 £38,168 br g by Craigsteel - Last Theatre (King’s Theatre) O-Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B-Michael O’Donovan TR-Nigel Twiston-Davies 3. Sam Spinner (GB) 6 11-7 £19,160 b g by Black Sam Bellamy - Dawn Spinner (Arctic Lord) O-Caron & Paul Chapman B-Wriggle Valley Thoroughbreds & Prof R. Eccleshall TR-Jedd O’Keeffe Margins 5, 10. Time 6:20.70. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-8 22 7 8 £326,750 Sire: KAYF TARA. Sire of 45 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - EDWULF Zaffaran G1, IDENTITY THIEF Flemensfirth G1, A GREAT VIEW Exit To Nowhere G2, NORTH HILL HARVEY Robellino G2, BLAKLION Legend of France G3, BALLYBOLLEY Beau Sher LR, POPPY KAY Thatching LR, RONS DREAM Emperor Jones LR, VALUE AT RISK Orchestra LR.

2008:

Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Desert Wine

Damascus Anne Campbell

Armada Way

Sadair Hurry Call

Anabaa

Danzig Balbonella

Allez Les Trois

Riverman Allegretta

Quest For Fame

Rainbow Quest Aryenne

2011:

Nobile Decretum

Noble Decree Mid Evening

2012:

Sadler’s Wells

Flamenco Wave

Anabaa Blue DARAMOUR b 05

252 RYANAIR LIVERPOOL STAYERS’ HURDLE G1

1st Dam: Miss Arteea by Flemensfirth. unraced. Dam of 3 winners:

DIEGO DU CHARMIL b g 2012

BALLINGARRY b 99

Diego du Charmil follows Days Of Heaven as the second good British winner produced by Daramour. Days Of Heaven, a son of Saint des Saints, won the Gr2 Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle and has since won four of his eight starts over fences. Diego du Charmil also became a Graded winner over hurdles, at the Cheltenham Festival, He promises to be even more effective over fences, judging by his Aintree success. He races mainly around two miles but should stay further. Both his dam, the non-winning Daramour, and second dam, Negligente, were by Classic winners over a mile and a half, namely Anabaa Blue and Quest For Fame. Negligente, dam of the useful French chaser Klassical Way, was a half-sister to the smart mile-and-aquarter performer Triarius.

Negligente

Poliglote and Saddler Maker are not the only French-based sons of Sadler’s Wells to have made an impact on the National Hunt world. Ballingarry has sired smart winners in France, Italy and Britain, with Diego du Charmil emerging as potentially the best of them with his defeat of Petit Mouchoir in the Maghull Novices’ Chase. A brother to the Racing Post Trophy winner Aristotle, Ballingarry won the Gr1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud at two and the Gr1 Canadian International at three before being sold for a reported seven-figure sum. He spent the next two years in the USA, winning a pair of Gr3s.

2009: 2010:

2013: 2014: 2015:

Presenteea (f Presenting) unraced. Broodmare. Oscarteea (g Oscar) 3 wins, 2nd Bettfair Newton Novices’ Hurdle LR. IDENTITY THIEF (g Kayf Tara) 7 wins, stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle G1, Ryanair Liverpool Stayers’ Hurdle G1, WKD Hurdle G2, 2nd Ryanair December Hurdle G1, Betdaq Punchestown Champion Hurdle G1, Rathbarry Hardy Eustace Novice Hurdle G2, Red Mills Trial Hurdle G3, Ryans Cleaning Craddockstown Nov. Chase G2. Drama King (g King’s Theatre) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and ran twice over hurdles. QUEEN DEIRDRE (f King’s Theatre) Winner of a N.H. Flat Race. Milanteea (f Milan) unraced. (f Oscar) (g Milan)

Broodmare Sire: FLEMENSFIRTH. Sire of the dams of 4 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - IDENTITY THIEF Kayf Tara G1, NEXT DESTINATION Dubai Destination G1, ROKSANA Dubai Destination G2.

IDENTITY THIEF b g 2010 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

High Top

Derring-Do Camenae

Reprocolor

Jimmy Reppin Blue Queen

Alleged

Hoist The Flag Princess Pout

Etheldreda

Diesis Royal Bund

Electric

Blakeney Christiana

Merry Proverb

Proverb Merry Memories

Sadler’s Wells KAYF TARA b 94 Colorspin

Flemensfirth MISS ARTEEA b 02 Merric

98 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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CAULFIELD ON DIEGO DU CHARMIL: “The Maghull Chase winner races mainly at around two miles but should stay further. Both his dam and second dam were by Classic winners over a mile and a half” Not for the first time, the Grand National meeting proved very rewarding for Sadler’s Wells’s stallion sons, with King’s Theatre, Oscar, Poliglote, Milan, Ballingarry and Kayf Tara all siring a Gr1 winner. Kayf Tara’s contribution was the Liverpool Hurdle winner Identity Thief, whose last win had come in November 2016. That 2016 victory was his second from two starts over fences but he failed to finish in two of his next three starts. This prompted a return to hurdles, over which he had won the 2015 Fighting Fifth Hurdle. Rather surprisingly, the son of dual Gold Cup winner Kayf Tara had been racing primarily at around two miles and had never tried more than two and a half miles, a distance he won over early in his career. The step up to three miles clearly suited him at Aintree. 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, they are outnumbered by the stayers, such as Thistlecrack, Planet Of Sound, Tea For Two, Edwulf, Blaklion and Carruthers. Identity Thief is a three-partsbrother to the useful Oscar gelding Oscarteea, who won at up to two miles seven furlongs. Their dam Miss Arteea never raced but shares the same sire, Flemensfirth, as such excellent stayers as the Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander and the bet365 Gold Cup Chase winner Tidal Bay. Miss Arteea is also a half-sister to a useful Oscar gelding but this one - Arteea - contested the Grand National. It must not be forgotten that Identity Thief was also a Gr1 winner over two miles, perhaps helped by the fact that Flemensfirth was best at around a mile and a quarter. 253 BOYLESPORTS DROGHEDA CHAMPION CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 24. 5yo+. 16f.

1. UN DE SCEAUX (FR) 10 11-12 £143,584 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 £46,239 2. Douvan (FR) 8 11-12 b g by Walk In The Park - Star Face (Saint des Saints) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-S.A.R.L. Haras de La Faisanderie TR-W. P. Mullins £21,903 3. A Toi Phil (FR) 8 11-12 b g by Day Flight - Lucidrile (Beyssac) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Dr P. R. Legault TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 3.75, 7. Time 4:16.00. Going Yielding to Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-10 29 22 4 £1,318,699 Sire: DENHAM RED. Sire of 7 Stakes winners. 1st Dam: Hotesse de Sceaux by April Night. ran on the flat in France at 5 and over jumps in France. Dam of 2 winners:

2002: 2003:

OLYMPE DE SCEAUX (f Diableneyev) Winner at 4 in France. Perle de Sceaux (f Diableneyev) unraced.

Jun_166_Databook.indd 99

2006: 2008:

Star de Sceaux (f Maresca Sorrento) ran on the flat in France and over jumps in France. UN DE SCEAUX (g Denham Red) 22 wins, Red Mills Trial Hurdle G2, Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase G1, Frank Ward Arkle Challenge Cup Nov.Chase G1, Boylesports Drogheda Champion Chase G1, Betfair Tingle Creek Chase G1, Ryanair Festival Trophy Chase G1, Sodexo Clarence House Chase G1 (3 times), Ryanair Colliers Novice Chase G1, Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase G2, Devenish Normans Grove Chase G2, 2nd Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase G1, Boylesports Drogheda Champion Chase G1, Ryanair Festival Trophy Chase G1, Bet365 Celebration Chase G1, Prix La Barka Hurdle G2, Prix Leon Rambaud Hurdle G2, Prix Hypothese Hurdle G3.

Broodmare Sire: APRIL NIGHT. Sire of the dams of 8 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - BRISTOL DE MAI Saddler Maker G1, UN DE SCEAUX Denham Red G1, CALETT MAD Axxos LR. The Denham Red/April Night cross has produced: UN DE SCEAUX G1, Vire A Gauche LR.

UN DE SCEAUX b g 2008 Pampapaul

Yellow God Pampalina

Wood Grouse

Celtic Ash French Bird

Giboulee

Northern Dancer Victory Chant

Native Berry

Ribero Noble Native

Kaldoun

Caro Katana

My Destiny

Chaparral Carmelite

Diarifos

Dionysos II Diana

Papakiteme

Klairon Gorda

Pampabird DENHAM RED b 92 Nativelee

April Night HOTESSE DE SCEAUX ch 95 Olympe Occitane

See race 125 in the March issue 254 GROWISE THE ELLIER CHAMPION NOVICE CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 24. 5yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. THE STORYTELLER (IRE) 7 11-10 £52,212 ch g by Shantou - Bally Bolshoi (Bob Back) O-Mrs Pat Sloan B-R. Cotton & Stephen Lannigan O’Keeffe TR-Gordon Elliott £16,814 2. Monbeg Notorious (IRE) 7 11-10 b g by Milan - Borleagh Princess (Presenting) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-M. C. McDaniel-Stone TR-Gordon Elliott 3. Jury Duty (IRE) 7 11-10 £7,965 b g by Well Chosen - Swan Heart (Broken Hearted) O-Sideways Syndicate B-T. Carroll TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 6, 1.25. Time 6:42.00. Going Yielding to Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-7 15 6 6 £153,447 Sire: SHANTOU. Sire of 23 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - DEATH DUTY Presenting G1, THE STORYTELLER Bob Back G1, PORTRUSH TED King’s Theatre G2, BEWARE THE BEAR Be My Native LR. 1st Dam: BALLY BOLSHOI by Bob Back. 2 wins over hurdles. Dam of 3 winners:

2008: 2009: 2011:

2012: 2014: 2015: 2017:

BOHERNA LADY (f Shantou) 3 wins over hurdles. Broodmare. MINELLA ON LINE (g King’s Theatre) 3 wins. THE STORYTELLER (g Shantou) 6 wins, Growise The Ellier Champion Novice Chase G1, Brown Advisory & Merriebelle H. Chase G3, 3rd Total Event Rental Kildare Novice Chase G3. Alfie’s Choice (g Shantou) (f Shantou) (f Beat Hollow) (c Shantou)

Broodmare Sire: BOB BACK. Sire of the dams of 36 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 THE STORYTELLER Shantou G1, MIDNIGHT TUNE Midnight Legend G2, FORGE MEADOW Beneficial G3, REGAL ENCORE King’s Theatre LR, WILLIAM HENRY King’s Theatre LR. The Shantou/Bob Back cross has produced: BRIAR HILL G1, SHANTOU FLYER G1, THE STORYTELLER G1, Futuramic G2, Shantou Bob G2.

THE STORYTELLER ch g 2011 Tom Rolfe Wavy Navy

Princess Pout

Prince John Determined Lady

Shareef Dancer

Northern Dancer Sweet Alliance

Oh So Sharp

Kris Oh So Fair

Roberto

Hail To Reason Bramalea

Toter Back

Carry Back Romantic Miss

Moscow Society

Nijinsky Afifa

Betty’s Girl

Menelek Betty’s Money

Alleged SHANTOU b 93 Shaima

Bob Back BALLY BOLSHOI b 00

2002:

Hoist The Flag

Moscow Money

With the favourite Monalee falling when disputing the lead at the second last, where another of the leaders, Invitation Only lost his rider, victory appeared to have been handed to Al Boum Photo. Then, in extraordinary fashion, Al Boum Photo ran out at the last, taking Finian’s Oscar with him. The beneficiary of all this chaos was The Storyteller. Although The Storyteller had disappointed the time before, he had previously won a Gr3 handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The Storyteller is another good performer by Alleged’s son Shantou. Shantou won the St Leger as long ago as 1996, but he has lived long enough to capitalise on his late-blooming career as a National Hunt stallion. The 2017 Return of Mares credits him with having covered 98 thoroughbred mares in 2016 and 99 at the age of 24 in 2017. Add in non-thoroughbred mares and he covered more than 100 mares in each of those years. In addition to The Storyteller, he has been ably represented by the likes of Death Duty, Ballynagour, Shantou Flyer, Wounded Warrior, De Valira, Morning Assembly, Polly Peachum and Briar Hill. A E67,000 purchase at the 2014 Land Rover Sale, The Storyteller is out of Bally Bolshoi, a winning hurdler by that good jumping sire Bob Back. Other Bob Back mares have produced the Gr2-winning Shantou Flyer and the Gr1-winning Briar Hill to Shantou. 255 HERALD CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 24. 5yo+. 16f.

1. DRACONIEN (FR) 5 11-12 £52,212 br g by Linda’s Lad - Holding (Useful) O-Clipper Logistics Group Ltd B-A. Baudrelle, Y. Gourraud & J. Baudrelle TR-W. P. Mullins £16,814 2. Vision des Flos (FR) 5 11-12 b g by Balko - Marie Royale (Turgeon) O-Ann & Alan Potts Limited B-C. Bardin & F. Bardin TR-Colin Tizzard 3. Mengli Khan (IRE) 5 11-12 £7,965 b g by Lope de Vega - Danielli (Danehill) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Ballylinch Stud TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 2.25, 7. Time 4:03.70. Going Yielding to Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-5 6 2 3 £72,621 Sire: LINDA’S LAD. Sire of 2 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - DRACONIEN Useful G1, DAMALISQUE Video Rock LR. 1st Dam: Holding by Useful. Dam of 6 winners:

2001:

NASTHAZYA (f Rochesson) 5 wins over

2003: 2005: 2006: 2008: 2009: 2011: 2012: 2013:

jumps in France. Broodmare. OSTROGOTH (g Ungaro) Winner at 3 in France. PEPS JARZEENE (f Ungaro) Winner over jumps in France. Broodmare. Renny (g Maresca Sorrento) Special Garde (c Kapgarde) unraced. Unite Speciale (f Sleeping Car) unraced. Broodmare. VROUM (g Passing Sale) 3 wins at 3 and 5 in France. BOL D’AIR (g Blue Bresil) 3 wins. Cash Back (g Linda’s Lad) DRACONIEN (g Linda’s Lad) 2 wins over hurdles at 4 and 5, Herald Champion Novice Hurdle G1, 2nd Rathbarry Hardy Eustace Novice Hurdle G2.

Broodmare Sire: USEFUL. Sire of the dams of 6 Stakes winners.

DRACONIEN br g 2013 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Alleged

Hoist The Flag Princess Pout

Dockage

Riverman Golden Alibi

Vorias

Cannonade Via Venise

Sadler’s Wells LINDA’S LAD b 03 Colza

Useful HOLDING b 95

Etoile du Berger III Lucky Dip Topaze Ben Trovato

Ruysdael II Amber Mist

Trypha

Phaeton Just Try

Bentry

The run of Gr1 winners by sons of Sadler’s Wells which was a feature of the Aintree festival continued when the action moved on to Punchestown. Draconien, winner of the Herald Champion Novice Hurdle, is a son of Linda’s Lad, who belonged to Sadler’s Wells’s last really good crop, sired when the perennial champion sire was 21 years old in 2002. In winning the Criterium de Saint-Cloud in 2005 he became the first of this crop’s five Gr1 winners, the others being Alexandrova, Ask, Septimus and Saddex. Linda’s Lad later won the Lingfield Derby Trial but ultimately didn’t fulfil the promise of his juvenile career. He is now based in Vauterhill Stud in Devon but Draconien - his best effort - is a product of his lengthy innings in France. Draconien’s lightly-raced dam Holding is a selle francaise, as was her sire 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. Holding now has five winners to her credit. Her half-sister Benefique was good enough to finish second in the Gr1 Prix Maurice Gillois Steeple-Chase as a four-year-old and she produced Bebe Star, a Gr2 steeplechase winner as a three-year-old. 256 CORAL PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 25. 5yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. BELLSHILL (IRE) 8 11-10 £143,584 b g by King’s Theatre - Fairy Native (Be My Native) O-Andrea & Graham Wylie B-F. Motherway TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Djakadam (FR) 9 11-10 £46,239

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Data Book Grade 1 Winners b g by Saint des Saints - Rainbow Crest (Baryshnikov) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Mr R. Corveller TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Road To Respect (IRE) 7 11-10 £21,903 ch g by Gamut - Lora Lady (Lord Americo) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Miss I. Rothwell TR-Noel Meade Margins 0.75, 8. Time 6:43.00. Going Yielding. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-8 20 10 6 £415,406 Sire: KING’S THEATRE. Sire of 103 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - BELLSHILL Be My Native G1, L’AMI SERGE Phardante G1, LOGICAL SONG Cadoudal G2, SHANESHILL Doyoun G2, THE DUTCHMAN Arctic Lord G2, THE NEW ONE Turgeon G2, JUST JANICE Presenting G3, MASTER DEE Montelimar G3, DAWN SHADOW Beneficial LR, DUHALLOW GESTURE Shalford LR, MYSTIC THEATRE Alderbrook LR, REGAL ENCORE Bob Back LR, WILLIAM HENRY Bob Back LR. 1st Dam: Fairy Native by Be My Native. ran twice in N.H. Flat Races and ran once over hurdles. Dam of 4 winners:

2003: 2004: 2005: 2006: 2007: 2009: 2010:

2011: 2013: 2014: 2015: 2017:

Havajar (g Supreme Leader) unraced. IN THE ZONE (g Bob Back) 3 wins. Up And Away (g Saddlers’ Hall) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and ran twice over hurdles. FOXBRIDGE (g King’s Theatre) 4 wins. Bella Venezia (f Milan) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and ran a few times over hurdles. Broodmare. CHIEFTAIN’S CHOICE (g King’s Theatre) 4 wins. BELLSHILL (g King’s Theatre) 10 wins, attheraces.com Champion INH Flat Race G1, 2nd Weatherbys Champion Open NH. Flat Race G2, Lawlor’s Hotel Slaney Novice Hurdle G1, Irish Mirror War of Attrition Nov. Hurdle G1, Navan Novice Hurdle G2, 2nd Doom Bar Sefton Novices’ Hurdle G1, 3rd Deloitte Brave Inca Novice Hurdle G1, Coral Punchestown Gold Cup Chase G1, Shannon Airport Greenmount Nov. Chase G2, At The Races Bobbyjo Chase G3, 3rd RSA Novices’ Chase G1. Fairy Theatre (f King’s Theatre) Presenting Leah (f Presenting) unraced. Fairy Hill (f Stowaway) unraced. Broodmare. (f Stowaway) (c Walk In The Park)

Broodmare Sire: BE MY NATIVE. Sire of the dams of 53 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - BELLSHILL King’s Theatre G1, GENERAL PRINCIPLE Gold Well G1, NATIVE RIVER Indian River G1, PAIROFBROWNEYES Luso G1, COLIN’S SISTER Central Park G2. The King’s Theatre/Be My Native cross has produced: BELLSHILL G1, MORNING RUN G2, Stephanie Kate G3, Dorabelle LR.

BELLSHILL b g 2010 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Princely Native

Raise A Native Charlo

Dennis Belle

Crafty Admiral Evasion

Our Native

Exclusive Native Our Jackie

Witchy Woman

Strate Stuff Witchy Norma

Sadler’s Wells KING’S THEATRE b 91 Regal Beauty

Be My Native FAIRY NATIVE b 98

The Parson

Aureole Bracey Bridge

Copp On

Menelek Stroll On

Amy Fairy

Virtually two years after his victory over Coney Island in the Gr1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle, Bellshill was back in the Punchestown winners’ enclosure following his game defeat of Djakadam in the Punchestown Gold Cup. He had earlier won the Champion INH Flat Race at the 2015 Punchestown Festival, so this King’s Theatre gelding has the remarkable record of having won at Gr1 level in three different sectors of the National Hunt game, all at the same highlycompetitive Festival. Bellshill’s valuable victory played an important role in helping King’s

Theatre overhaul Flemensfirth to record his fifth consecutive sires’ championship, this time by a very narrow margin. In an era of French dominance, Bellshill has a traditional Irish National Hunt pedigree, with his first four dams being daughters of the highly successful jumping stallions Be My Native, The Parson, Menelek and Vulgan. His dam Fairy Native never won during a brief career but Bellshill is her third winner by King’s Theatre, another being the staying chaser Foxbridge. Her 2017 colt by Walk In The Park sold for €70,000 as a foal. Bellshill’s second dam, Amy Fairy, was a fairly useful hurdler who went on to win twice at up to two and a half miles over fences. Amy Fairy’s half-sister Steal On had the distinction of being the dam of One Man. This outstanding chaser numbered the Queen Mother Champion Chase and two editions of the King George VI Chase among his 20 victories. Bellshill’s third dam Copp On was a sister to Persian Wanderer, a winner of the Power Gold Cup, and his fourth dam, Stroll On, was a half-sister to Royal Alliance, dam of the high-class chaser Royal Bond and the top hunter-chaser Matchboard. Matchboard, in turn, became the second dam of the Champion Hurdle winners Morley Street and Granville Again. 257 IRISH MIRROR WAR OF ATTRITION NOV.HURDLE G1

NEXT DESTINATION b g 2012

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-6 9 6 3 £152,440 Sire: DUBAI DESTINATION. Sire of 34 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - NEXT DESTINATION Flemensfirth G1, ELEGANT ESCAPE Orchestra G2, MINISTERFORSPORT Anshan G2, ROKSANA Flemensfirth G2. 1st Dam: Liss Alainn by Flemensfirth. unraced. Dam of 1 winner:

2010: 2012:

2013: 2014: 2015: 2016:

Little Trixie (f Kayf Tara) NEXT DESTINATION (g Dubai Destination) 5 wins, Lawlor’s Hotel Slaney Naas Novice Hurdle G1, Irish Mirror War of Attrition Nov.Hurdle G1, Navan Novice Hurdle G2, 3rd Ballymore Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle G1. Imperial Nemesis (g Stowaway) John Adams (g Presenting) unraced. (c Presenting) (c Sholokhov)

Broodmare Sire: FLEMENSFIRTH. Sire of the dams of 4 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - IDENTITY THIEF Kayf Tara G1, NEXT DESTINATION Dubai Destination G1, ROKSANA Dubai Destination G2. The Dubai Destination/Flemensfirth cross has produced: NEXT DESTINATION G1, ROKSANA G1.

Raise A Native Gold Digger

Miesque

Nureyev Pasadoble

Alleged

Hoist The Flag Princess Pout

Mysteries

Seattle Slew Phydilla

Alleged

Hoist The Flag Princess Pout

Etheldreda

Diesis Royal Bund

Supreme Leader

Bustino Princess Zena

Liss de Paor

Phardante Shuil Liss

Kingmambo DUBAI DESTINATION b 99 Mysterial

Flemensfirth LISS ALAINN b 06 Blazing Liss

See race 124 in the March issue 258 RACING POST CHAMPION INH FLAT RACE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 25. 4-7yof&g. 16f.

1. TORNADO FLYER (IRE) 5 12-0 £52,212 b g by Flemensfirth - Mucho Macabi (Exceed And Excel) O-T. F. P. B-Sweetmans Bloodstock TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Blackbow (IRE) 5 12-0 £16,814 b g by Stowaway - Rinnce Moll (Accordion) O-Roaringwater Syndicate B-Mr B. Hutchinson TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Carefully Selected (IRE) 6 12-0 £7,965 b g by Well Chosen - Knockamullen Girl (Alderbrook) O-Miss M. A. Masterson B-J. Lalor TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 1.25, 1.75. Time 4:02.80. Going Yielding. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 5 3 2 1 £65,688 Sire: FLEMENSFIRTH. Sire of 74 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - POETIC RHYTHM Taipan G1, RELEGATE Silver Patriarch G1, TORNADO FLYER Exceed And Excel G1, WAITING PATIENTLY Beneficial G1, ALLETRIX Old Vic G2, FITZHENRY Sri Pekan G2, GLENCAIRN VIEW Riot Helmet G2, MAGIC OF LIGHT Saumarez G2, COLREEVY Saddlers’ Hall G3, INVITATION ONLY Alamo Bay G3, MR BIG SHOT Un Desperado G3, ROBINSFIRTH Phardante G3, SUMOS NOVIOS Strong Gale G3, TOPOFTHEGAME Mister Lord G3. 1st Dam: Mucho Macabi by Exceed And Excel. Dam of 1 winner:

2013:

PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 25. 4yo+. 24f.

1. NEXT DESTINATION (IRE) 6 11-10 £52,212 b g by Dubai Destination - Liss Alainn (Flemensfirth) O-Mr Malcolm C. Denmark B-Mr N. Flynn TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Delta Work (FR) 5 11-9 £16,814 br g by Network - Robbe (Video Rock) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-C. Magnien & J. Magnien TR-Gordon Elliott 3. Kilbricken Storm (IRE) 7 11-10 £7,965 b g by Oscar - Kilbricken Leader (Supreme Leader) O-A Selway & P Wavish B-Mrs S. O’Keeffe TR-Colin Tizzard Margins Neck, Neck. Time 6:16.00. Going Yielding.

Mr Prospector

2014: 2015: 2016: 2017:

TORNADO FLYER (g Flemensfirth) 2 wins in N.H. Flat Races at 5, Racing Post Champion INH Flat Race G1, 3rd Weatherbys Champion Bumper NH Flat Race G1. Hurricane Junior (f Flemensfirth) unraced. (f Fame And Glory) (c Fame And Glory) (f Walk In The Park)

2nd Dam: SCANDISK by Kenmare. 1 win at 2 in Italy. Dam of HURRICANE FLY (g Montjeu: Prix Omnium II LR, Stan James Champion Chall.Trophy Hurdle G1 (twice), BHP Insurances Champion Hurdle G1 (5 times), Dobbins & Madigans Morgiana Hurdle G1 (3 times), paddypower. com Festival December Hurdle G1 (4 times), Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1, Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle G1, paddypower.com Future Chpn. Nov. Hurdle G1, Rabobank Punchestown Champion Hurdle G1 (4 times), 2nd Ladbroke World Series Tipperkevin Hurdle G1, Racing Post Punchestown Champion Hurdle G1, 3rd Stan James Champion Chall.Trophy Hurdle G1 (twice), Dobbins & Madigans Morgiana Hurdle G1, Gras Savoye Longchamp Hurdle G3, 2nd Prix Alain du Breil d’Ete 4yo Hurdle G1), Hunzy (f Desert King: 3rd Criterium Labronico LR) Broodmare Sire: EXCEED AND EXCEL. Sire of the dams of 25 Stakes winners.

TORNADO FLYER b g 2013 Hoist The Flag

Tom Rolfe Wavy Navy

Princess Pout

Prince John Determined Lady

Diesis

Sharpen Up Doubly Sure

Royal Bund

Royal Coinage Nato

Danehill

Danzig Razyana

Patrona

Lomond Gladiolus

Kenmare

Kalamoun Belle of Ireland

Yankee Lady

Lord Gayle Ceol An Oir

Alleged FLEMENSFIRTH b 92 Etheldreda

Exceed And Excel MUCHO MACABI b 08 Scandisk

The veteran Flemensfirth was responsible for four of the 23 runners in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, including the winner Relegate and the third-placed Tornado Flyer. This pair met again when they were part of a four-strong team from the Willie Mullins yard in the Champion INH Flat race at the Punchestown Festival but Tornado Flyer was the outsider of the four, at 12-1. However, he wore down his favoured stablemate Blackbow to win by a length and a half, with Relegate only seventh. Tornado Flyer cost €63,000 at the Land Rover Sale, even though his pedigree had one unusual aspect. His broodmare sire Exceed And Excel is a sprinter who has made very little impact on the jumping scene, his best winner being the fairly useful Irish hurdler/chaser Xsquared. Tornado Flyer’s dam Mucho Macabi was sold for €40,000 as a yearling and was sent to Italy, where she was placed at two and three. By the time she finished racing her half-brother Hurricane Fly was well established as one of the stars of the National Hunt world and the next few years saw him record a record number of Gr1 victories, including two in the Champion Hurdle and five at the Punchestown Festival. It was decided that Mucho Macabi’s broodmare career should be geared to the National Hunt sector and she has a 2014 sister to Tornado Flyer called Hurricane Junior, followed by a 2015 filly and a 2016 colt by Fame And Glory and a 2017 filly by Walk In The Park. It will be interesting to see how much stamina Tornado Flyer possesses. Flemensfirth has sired a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in Imperial Commander, but the speed in the bottom half of Tornado Flyer’s pedigree suggests that - like Hurricane Fly - he will race mainly at around two miles. 259 LADBROKES CH. TIPPERKEVIN STAYERS HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 26. 4yo+. 24f.

1. FAUGHEEN (IRE) 10 11-10 £143,584 b g by Germany - Miss Pickering (Accordion) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Dr J. Waldron TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Penhill (GB) 7 11-10 £46,239 b g by Mount Nelson - Serrenia (High Chaparral) O-Mr Tony Bloom B-Newsells Park Stud Limited & Equity Bloodstock TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Shaneshill (IRE) 9 11-10 £21,903 b g by King’s Theatre - Darabaka (Doyoun) O-Andrea & Graham Wylie B-Mr D. Johnson TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 13, 4.75. Time 6:04.10. Going Yielding to Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-10 19 15 2 £913,593 Sire: GERMANY. Sire of 9 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - FAUGHEEN Accordion G1, SAMCRO Saddlers’ Hall G1. 1st Dam: Miss Pickering by Accordion. unraced. Dam of 1 winner:

2006: 2007: 2008:

Molly’s Mate (f Goldmark) unraced. Broodmare. Shedaka (f Lahib) unraced. FAUGHEEN (g Germany) 14 wins, Stan James Champion Chall.Trophy Hurdle G1, BHP Insurances Champion Hurdle G1, Neptune Investment Bingham Nov Hurdle

100 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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CAULFIELD ON BELLSHILL: “In an era of French dominance he has a traditional Irish National Hunt pedigree, with his first four dams being daughters of Be My Native, The Parson, Menelek and Vulgan”

2009: 2010: 2013: 2015: 2016:

G1, williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle G1 (twice), Unibet Morgiana Hurdle G1, 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. (c Germany) Telmadela (g Definite Article) Osmotic (g Fracas) unraced. (f Shirocco) (f Califet)

Broodmare Sire: ACCORDION. Sire of the dams of 10 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - FAUGHEEN Germany G1, BLACKBOW Stowaway G2, HUNTERS CALL Medaaly G3.

Anysheba (f Alysheba: 3rd Prix Petite Etoile LR). Grandam of JEBEL MUSA, BAILADOR, BONDI ICEBERG. Third dam of LADYS FIRST, GOLDEN WOOD, Chantalle Rua, Primero. Broodmare Sire: SADLER’S WELLS. Sire of the dams of 413 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - FOOTPAD Creachadoir G1, WHISKEY SOUR Jeremy G1, BEAU GOSSE Falco LR, EBANOUR Indian Ridge LR, RENEW Dansili LR.

FOOTPAD b g 2012

FAUGHEEN b g 2008 Sharpen Up Trempolino GERMANY b 91

Trephine

Viceregal Quiriquina

Big Spruce

Herbager Silver Sari

Inca Queen

Hail To Reason Silver Spoon

Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Inca Princess

Accordion MISS PICKERING b 01

Atan Rocchetta

Sound of Success Successor Belle Musique Creative Plan

Sham Another Treat

Bali

Ballymoss Near The Line

Make Me An Island

See race 70 in the January issue 260 RYANAIR COLLIERS NOVICE CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 26. 5yo+. 16f.

1. FOOTPAD (FR) 6 11-10 £60,044 b g by Creachadoir - Willamina (Sadler’s Wells) O-Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede B-L. Collet & C. Collet TR-W. P. Mullins £19,336 2. Optimus Prime (FR) 6 11-10 b g by Deportivo - Diluvienne (Kaldoun) O-Masterson Holdings Limited B-Haras De Plasence TR-Dan Skelton 3. Asthuria (FR) 7 11-3 £9,159 b m by Sagacity - Baturia (Turgeon) O-Mr George Creighton B-A. Chaille-Chaille TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 12, 5. Time 4:14.20. Going Yielding to Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-6 20 10 8 £583,358 Sire: CREACHADOIR. Sire of 3 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - FOOTPAD Sadler’s Wells G1, MITCHOUKA Black Minnaloushe G3.

Sadler’s Wells WILLAMINA b 99

2005:

2006: 2008: 2009: 2010: 2012:

ANIMATEUR (g Highest Honor) 8 wins in France. Organisateur (g Highest Honor) 6 wins, 2nd Grand National Hurdle LR, Virginia Gold Cup Timber Chase LR, My Lady’s Manor Timber Chase LR. Motoriste (g Daylami) ran on the flat in France. Dilliwalla (c Green Tune) ran on the flat in France. WANABA (c Anabaa) 6 wins, Prix General de Rougemont H. Hurdle LR, 3rd Prix Amadou Hurdle G2. Wild Mania (f King’s Best) 2 wins over jumps in France, 3rd Prix Hopper Chase LR. FOOTPAD (g Creachadoir) 10 wins, GAIN Spring Juvenile Hurdle G1, 2nd BHP Insurances Champion Hurdle G1, 3rd JCB Triumph Hurdle G1, Ladbrokes Ch. Tipperkevin Stayers Hurdle G1, Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle G2, Racing Post Arkle Chall.Trophy Nov.Chase G1, Frank Ward Arkle Challenge Cup Nov.Chase G1, Racing Post Christmas Novice Chase G1, Ryanair Colliers Novice Chase G1, Prix Alain du Breil d’Ete 4yo Hurdle G1, Prix Questarabad Hurdle G3, 2nd Prix Renaud du Vivier 4yo Hurdle G1.

2nd Dam: ANIMATRICE by Alleged. 4 wins at 2 to 4 in France Prix de Malleret G2, 3rd Gold Seal Oaks S G1, 4th Prix Vermeille G1, Gran Premio di Milano G1. Dam of SADLER’S FLAG (f Sadler’s Wells: Prix de Royaumont G3, 2nd Prix de Malleret G2, Prix de Pomone G2),

Jun_166_Databook.indd 101

Allegretta

Lombard Anatevka

Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Anima

Ajdal Cocotte

Northern Dancer Nearctic Natalma Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Alleged

Hoist The Flag Princess Pout

Alexandrie

Val de L’Orne Apachee

Animatrice

See race 84 in the February issue 261 BETDAQ PUNCHESTOWN CHAMPION HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 27. 4yo+. 16f.

1. SUPASUNDAE (GB) 8 11-12 £143,584 b g by Galileo - Distinctive Look (Danehill) O-Ann & Alan Potts Limited B-Newsells Park Stud Limited TR-Mrs J. Harrington £46,239 2. Wicklow Brave (GB) 9 11-12 b g by Beat Hollow - Moraine (Rainbow Quest) O-Wicklow Bloodstock (Ireland) Ltd B-Millsec Limited TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Bleu Berry (FR) 7 11-12 £21,903 b g by Special Kaldoun - Somosierra (Blushing Flame) O-Luke McMahon B-Mrs M. Chachignon TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 3.25, 19. Time 4:00.90. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-8 19 7 9 £489,828 Sire: GALILEO. Sire of 278 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - SUPASUNDAE Danehill G1, WELLS Rodrigo de Triano LR. 1st Dam: DISTINCTIVE LOOK by Danehill. Winner at 3. Dam of 4 winners:

2008: 2010:

1st Dam: WILLAMINA by Sadler’s Wells. Winner at 4 in France. Own sister to SADLER’S FLAG. Dam of 5 winners:

2004:

Mr Prospector Miesque

Sadima

2011: 2012: 2013: 2015: 2017:

The Galileo/Danehill cross has produced: SUPASUNDAE G1, Beyond Conceit G1, Benkei G2, BALLYGLASHEEN G3, Pageboy G3, VIA GALILEI LR.

SUPASUNDAE b g 2010 Sadler’s Wells

Kingmambo King’s Best CREACHADOIR b 04

Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - MENGLI KHAN Lope de Vega G1, SUPASUNDAE Galileo G1, SAYAR Azamour G3, BARNACLE BILL Big Bad Bob LR.

ROYAL PECULIAR (g Galileo) 3 wins at 3 to 5. SUPASUNDAE (g Galileo) Sold 195,000gns yearling at TAOC1. 7 wins, Ascot Championship Open NH Flat Race LR, BHP Insurances Champion Hurdle G1, Betdaq Punchestown Champion Hurdle G1, Coral Cup H. Hurdle G3, 2nd Ryanair Liverpool Stayers’ Hurdle G1, Betway Aintree Hurdle G1, Sun Bets Stayers’ World Hurdle G1, Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle G1, Limestone Lad Hurdle G3, 3rd Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1. Elshaadin (f Dalakhani) ran twice. Broodmare. POSING (f Medicean) Winner at 4. DISTINGO (g Smart Strike) 4 wins. Twenty Twenty (c Henrythenavigator) in training. Night And Day (f Sea The Moon)

2nd Dam: MAGNIFICIENT STYLE by Silver Hawk. 2 wins at 3 Tattersalls Musidora S G3. Dam of PERCUSSIONIST (g Sadler’s Wells: Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup G2, Grand National Hurdle LR), NATHANIEL (c Galileo: Coral Eclipse S G1, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S G1, 2nd Red Mills Irish Champion S G1, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S G1, 3rd Qipco Champion S G1), PLAYFUL ACT (f Sadler’s Wells: Meon Valley Stud Fillies’ Mile S G1, 2nd Darley Irish Oaks G1), GREAT HEAVENS (f Galileo: Darley Irish Oaks G1), ECHOES IN ETERNITY (f Spinning World: National Stud Club Park Hill S G2, Peugeot Sun Chariot S G2), CHANGING SKIES (f Sadler’s Wells: La Prevoyante H G3, The Very One S G3, 2nd Flower Bowl Invitational S G1), STYLELISTICK (f Storm Cat: Appalachian S LR, Green River S LR, 3rd Regret S G3), PETARA BAY (g Peintre Celebre: Connaught Access Flooring Feilden S LR, 3rd Princess of Wales’s wbx.com S G2). Grandam of GIANTS PLAY, WHISPERING GALLERY, ANJAZ, RED EN CIEL, TEARLESS, Sound Reflection, Eavesdropper. Third dam of Ispolini, Playful Sound. Broodmare Sire: DANEHILL. Sire of the dams of 365

GALILEO b 98

Northern Dancer Nearctic Natalma Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Miswaki

Mr Prospector Hopespringseternal

Allegretta

Lombard Anatevka

Danzig

Northern Dancer Pas de Nom

Razyana

His Majesty Spring Adieu

Silver Hawk

Roberto Gris Vitesse

Mia Karina

Icecapade Basin

Urban Sea

Danehill DISTINCTIVE LOOK b 03 Magnificient Style

See race 126 in the March issue 262 PROFILE SYSTEMS CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 27. 4yo+. 20f.

1. DORTMUND PARK (FR) 5 11-10 £52,212 b g by Great Pretender - Qena (Le Balafre) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Mr P. Roulois & P. Roulois TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Whiskey Sour (IRE) 5 11-10 £16,814 b g by Jeremy - Swizzle Stick (Sadler’s Wells) O-Luke McMahon B-Airlie Stud TR-W. P. Mullins £7,965 3. Burrows Saint (FR) 5 11-10 b g by Saint des Saints - La Bombonera (Mansonnien) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Mme J. Morgan TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 10, 2. Time 5:09.80. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-5 8 5 1 £86,555 Sire: GREAT PRETENDER. Sire of 14 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - BENIE DES DIEUX Robin des Champs G1, DORTMUND PARK Le Balafre G1, CLAIMANTAKINFORGAN Take Risks G2, GREAT FIELD Definite Article G2, A MI MANERA Turgeon G3, CRACKING SMART Le Pommier d’Or LR. 1st Dam: QENA by Le Balafre. Winner at 3 in France. Dam of 1 winner:

2011: 2013: 2015: 2016:

Borussia Park (g Smadoun) unraced. DORTMUND PARK (g Great Pretender) 5 wins, Profile Systems Champion Novice Hurdle G1. (f Martaline) (c Martaline)

Broodmare Sire: LE BALAFRE. Sire of the dams of 4 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - DORTMUND PARK Great Pretender G1, BIGMARTRE Montmartre G2. The Great Pretender/Le Balafre cross has produced: DORTMUND PARK G1, Usual Time G3.

DORTMUND PARK b g 2013

PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 28. 4yo. 16f.

1. SALDIER (FR) 11-0 £52,212 b g by Soldier Hollow - Salve Evita (Monsun) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Soc Agricola Ss Le Ginestre TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Mr Adjudicator (GB) 11-0 £16,814 b g by Camacho - Attlongglast (Groom Dancer) O-Mr David Bobbett B-Mrs L. N. Harmes TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Saglawy (FR) 11-0 £7,965 b g by Youmzain - Spasha (Shamardal) O-Sullivan Bloodstock Limited B-Rabbah Bloodstock Limited TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 3, 3.5. Time 3:57.10. Going Yielding to Soft.

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Regal Beauty

Princely Native Dennis Belle

Darshaan

Shirley Heights Delsy

Aborigine

Riverman Prima

Groom Dancer

Blushing Groom Featherhill

Tuneria

Tanerko Torrefranca

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2-4 13 4 2 £93,497

Cadoudal

Green Dancer Come To Sea Mbaiki Fievre Sauvage

Sire: SOLDIER HOLLOW. Sire of 27 Stakes winners.

Ulysse Moriniere

Settler

Le Balafre QENA b 04

263 AES CHAMPION 4YO HURDLE G1

Sadler’s Wells King’s Theatre GREAT PRETENDER b 99

is priced at €7,000 in 2018. The French stallion first enjoyed Gr1 success outside France when Great Field won the Gr1 Ryanair Novice Chase at the 2017 Punchestown Festival. The 2017-18 season reinforced Great Pretender’s potential, with Benie des Dieux building a winning sequence which featured the Gr1 mares’ hurdle races at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals. Great Field returned from a lengthy layoff to take a Gr2 chase, while Claimantakinforgan also enjoyed Gr2 success in an Ascot novices’ hurdle and Cracking Smart became a Gr1-placed Listed winner over hurdles. And now Dortmund Park has rather unexpectedly become another Gr1 winner for the French stallion, winning the Champion Novice Hurdle at 16-1. Dortmund Park had cost €230,000 at Arqana’s 2017 summer sale, with his price reflecting the fact that he had won both his starts on the Flat, including an impressive success in the Grand Prix des AQPS over a mile and a half. His dam Qena, who won over middle distances on the Flat, also has a 2015 filly and a 2016 gelding, both by Martaline. Her sire Le Balafre won the Gr1 Prix Jean Prat over nine furlongs. Dortmund Park’s family also produced Hulysse Royal, winner of a valuable handicap hurdle at Cheltenham. The versatile Great Pretender won both his starts over hurdles at Auteuil, having previously finished second in the Gr2 Prix Noailles and fourth in the Gr1 Prix du Jockey-Club. His earlier winners include Ptit Zig, winner of the Gr1 Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil in 2016, and the smart chaser Mr Mole.

Goldoulyssa

Haras de la Hetraie went to the trouble of advertising Great Pretender in Weatherbys’ 2018 National Hunt Stallion Book. Arguably they could have saved themselves the cost because the progeny of Great Pretender are proving the best possible advertisement for the 19-year-old son of champion sire King’s Theatre who

1st Dam: Salve Evita by Monsun. ran on the flat in Germany at 3. Dam of 1 winner:

2009: 2011: 2012: 2014: 2016:

Salve Caesar (c Martillo) unraced. San Salvo (c Rock of Gibraltar) unraced. Sahib (c Cape Cross) unraced. SALDIER (g Soldier Hollow) 4 wins, AES Champion 4yo Hurdle G1, 3rd BoyleSports Juvenile Hurdle G2. (c Air Chief Marshal)

2nd Dam: Wendylina by In The Wings. unraced. Dam of SRI PUTRA (c Oasis Dream: Sky Bet York S G2, Prix Guillaume d’Ornano G2, 2nd Coral Eclipse S G1, 3rd Coral Eclipse S G1, Prince of Wales’s S G1), DUTY (g Rainbow Quest: Aramark Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle G2)

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Data Book Grade 1 Winners Broodmare Sire: MONSUN. Sire of the dams of 67 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - AL BUSTAN Medecis G1, SALDIER Soldier Hollow G1, LYONELL Montjeu LR.

SALDIER b g 2014 Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

High Hawk

Shirley Heights Sunbittern

In The Wings SOLDIER HOLLOW b 00 Island Race

Common Grounds Kris Sweetly Lake Isle Konigsstuhl

Monsun SALVE EVITA b 04

Caerleon Inisfree Dschingis Khan Konigskronung

Mosella

Surumu Monasia

In The Wings

Sadler’s Wells High Hawk

Dinalina

Top Ville Shahinaaz

Wendylina

Saldier’s starting price of 10-1 in the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle reflected the fact that he had won only once from five starts as a two-year-old, only once from four starts on the Flat as a three-year-old and only once from three previous starts over hurdles. On his previous appearance in a Gr1 he had been beaten nearly 30 lengths into fifth place in the Triumph Hurdle. This time, though, he ran on strongly to win from the none-too-lucky Mr Adjudicator. Saldier is by the excellent German Flat stallion Soldier Hollow, whose sire In The Wings was responsible for such good winners over jumps as Inglis Drever, Landing Light, Westender and Sadlers Wings. Soldier Hollow is following In The Wings’s example, siring the Gr1 Hatton’s Grace Hurdle winner Arctic Fire, as well as Silsol, who defeated Native River to take the

Gr.2 West Yorkshire Hurdle in 2016. Saldier comes from the same family as Al Wukair, one of 2017’s top milers. Al Wukair’s second dam, the Prix de Diane winner Caerlina, is a half-sister to Saldier’s second dam Wendylina. Although Wendylina is best known as the dam of that very smart middledistance colt Sri Putra, she also produced Duty, a Rainbow Quest gelding who was a Listed winner over hurdles in Ireland. Saldier’s dam Salve Evita ran only once but she is a daughter of the influential Monsun. 264 ISF. EBF ANNIE POWER MARES CHPN. HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 28. 4yo+f. 20f.

1. BENIE DES DIEUX (FR) 7 11-7 £52,212 b m by Great Pretender - Cana (Robin des Champs) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Mr G. Doyen TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Augusta Kate (GB) 7 11-7 £16,814 b m by Yeats - Feathard Lady (Accordion) O-The Masters Syndicate B-Chesters Stud TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Apple’s Jade (FR) 6 11-7 £7,965 b m by Saddler Maker - Apple’s For Ever (Nikos) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Mr R. Coveliers TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 3, 2.5. Time 4:54.70. Going Yielding to Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-7 14 8 4 £240,908 Sire: GREAT PRETENDER. Sire of 14 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - BENIE DES DIEUX Robin des Champs G1, DORTMUND PARK Le Balafre G1, CLAIMANTAKINFORGAN Take Risks G2, GREAT FIELD Definite Article G2, A MI MANERA Turgeon G3, CRACKING SMART Le Pommier d’Or LR. 1st Dam: Cana by Robin des Champs. Dam of 1 winner:

2011:

BENIE DES DIEUX (f Great Pretender) 8 wins, ISF. EBF Annie Power Mares Chpn. Hurdle G1, OLBG David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle G1, BBA Ireland Ltd Opera Hat

Mares Chase LR, Houghton Mares’ Chase LR, 3rd Prix Andre Michel Hurdle G3.

Sire: HIGH CHAPARRAL. Sire of 123 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - ALTIOR Key of Luck G1, TOWER BRIDGE Linamix G1, LANDOFHOPEANDGLORY Acatenango G3, CARTWRIGHT Nashwan LR, HORNETS’ NEST Dansili LR.

Broodmare Sire: ROBIN DES CHAMPS. Sire of the dams of 7 Stakes winners.

1st Dam: MONTE SOLARO by Key of Luck. 2 wins, Brandon Hotel H. Hurdle G3. Dam of 4 winners:

The Great Pretender/Robin des Champs cross has produced: BENIE DES DIEUX G1, Great Alana LR.

2007: 2008: 2009:

BENIE DES DIEUX b m 2011 Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Regal Beauty

Princely Native Dennis Belle

Darshaan

Shirley Heights Delsy

Aborigine

Riverman Prima

Garde Royale

Mill Reef Royal Way

Relayeuse

Iron Duke Reliorneuse

Cadoudal

Green Dancer Come To Sea

Easy Horse

Carmarthen La Horse

King’s Theatre GREAT PRETENDER b 99 Settler

Robin des Champs CANA b 03 Cardoudalle

2010:

2011: 2013: 2015: 2017:

See race 203 in the May issue

KEY TO THE WEST (g Westerner) 4 wins. Cestus (g High Chaparral) PRINCESS LEYA (f Old Vic) 3 wins, R E./B G.Golf Classic New Stand H.Hurdle G2. Broodmare. ALTIOR (g High Chaparral) 15 wins, 3rd Betfair Bumper Standard Open NH Race LR, Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle G1, Sky Bet Supreme Trial Sharp Nov.Hurdle G2, Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase G1, Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase G1, Racing Post Henry VIII Novice Chase G1, Bet365 Celebration Chase G1 (twice), Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase G2 (twice), 32red.com Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase G2. SILVERHOW (g Yeats) 4 wins. Melior (f Milan) ran twice in N.H. Flat Races. (g Milan) (f Walk In The Park)

Broodmare Sire: KEY OF LUCK. Sire of the dams of 14 Stakes winners. NH in 2017/18 - ALTIOR High Chaparral G1, CANDIDE Turtle Bowl G2.

265 BET365 CELEBRATION CHASE G1

ALTIOR b g 2010

SANDOWN PARK. Apr 28. 5yo+. 15f 110yds.

1. ALTIOR (IRE) 8 11-7 £74,383 b g by High Chaparral - Monte Solaro (Key of Luck) O-Mrs Patricia Pugh B-P. Behan TR-Nicky Henderson £28,129 2. San Benedeto (FR) 7 11-7 ch g by Layman - Cinco Baidy (Lure) O-Mr P. J. Vogt B-E.A.R.L. Ecurie Haras Du Cadran & J. C. Seroul TR-Paul Nicholls £14,258 3. God’s Own (IRE) 10 11-7 b g by Oscar - Dantes Term (Phardante) O-Crossed Fingers Partnership B-Mrs C. O’Driscoll TR-Tom George Margins 3.25, 3.75. Time 3:56.90. Going Good to Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-8 17 15 1 £697,468

Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Darshaan

Shirley Heights Delsy

Kozana

Kris Koblenza

Chief’s Crown

Danzig Six Crowns

Balbonella

Gay Mecene Bamieres

Broken Hearted

Dara Monarch Smash

Remoosh

Glint of Gold Rivers Maid

Sadler’s Wells HIGH CHAPARRAL b 99 Kasora

Key of Luck MONTE SOLARO br 00 Footsteps

See race 208 in the May issue

Grade 2 & 3 Winners Date 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/04 12/04 12/04 12/04 13/04 13/04 13/04 14/04 14/04 14/04 17/04 17/04 17/04 17/04 18/04 21/04 21/04 21/04 23/04 24/04 25/04 26/04 26/04 27/04 27/04 28/04 28/04 28/04 28/04 28/04

Grade G2 G2 G2 GrA G2 G3 G3 G2 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G2 G3 GrA GrB G2 G2 G2 G3 GrA GrB G3 GrB GrB GrA GrB G2 G2 G3 GrB GrB

Race (course) Devenish Normans Grove Chase (Fairyhouse) Keelings Ire. Strawberry Ballybin Hurdle (Fairyhouse) Rathbarry Hardy Eustace Novice Hurdle (Fairyhouse) Boylesports Irish Grand National H Chase (Fairyhouse) Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares NHF Race (Aintree) Zut Media Red Rum Handicap Chase (Aintree) Hugh McMahon Mem. Novice Chase (Limerick) Weatherbys Standard Open NH. Flat Race (Aintree) Alder Hey Children’s Charity Hcp Hurdle (Aintree) Randox Health Topham Handicap Chase (Aintree) Betway Handicap Chase (Aintree) Gaskells Handicap Hurdle (Aintree) Randox Health Grand National Hcp. Chase (Aintree) BoyleSports Juvenile Hurdle (Fairyhouse) John & Chich Fowler Mem. EBF Mares Chase (Fairyhouse) RYBO Glasscarn Handicap Hurdle (Fairyhouse) INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hp Hurdle (Fairyhouse) Barchester Silver Trophy Handicap Chase (Cheltenham) Jordan Electrics Future Chpn Nov. Chase (Ayr) QTS Scottish Champion Handicap Hurdle (Ayr) Coral Scottish Grand National Hcp Chase (Ayr) Guinness Handicap Chase (Punchestown) Killashee Handicap Hurdle (Punchestown) Weatherbys.Liss a Paoraigh EBF Mare Race (Punchestown) Alanna Homes Ballymore Eustace Hp Hurdle (Punchestown) pigsback.com Black Hills Handicap Chase (Punchestown) Punchestown EMS Copiers Novice Hcp Chase (Punchestown) HanlonEBF Glencarraig Lady Mares H Chase (Punchestown) Bet365 Oaksey Chase (Sandown Park) Bet365 Select Hurdle (Sandown Park) Bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Sandown Park) Ballymore Setanta Sports Handicap Hurdle (Punchestown) Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe Hcp Chase (Punchestown)

Dist 20f 20f 16f 29f 17f 16f 24f 17f 20f 21f 25f 24.5f 34f 16f 20f 16f 24f 21f 20.5f 16f 32f 20f 16f 16f 24f 16f 21f 21f 22f 21.5f 29f 20f 24.5f

Horse Un de Sceaux (FR) Coquin Mans (FR) Getabird (IRE) General Principle (IRE) Getaway Katie Mai (IRE) Bentelimar (IRE) Kemboy (FR) Portrush Ted (IRE) Jester Jet (GB) Ultragold (FR) Thomas Patrick (IRE) Mr Big Shot (IRE) Tiger Roll (IRE) Saglawy (FR) Youcantcallherthat (IRE) Low Sun (GB) Agent Boru (IRE) Traffic Fluide (FR) Bigmartre (FR) Midnight Shadow (GB) Joe Farrell (IRE) Patricks Park (IRE) True Self (IRE) Colreevy (IRE) A Great View (IRE) Cadmium (FR) Kemboy (FR) Magic Of Light (IRE) Top Notch (FR) Call Me Lord (FR) Step Back (IRE) Meri Devie (FR) Heron Heights (IRE)

Age 10 6 6 9 5 9 6 6 8 10 6 7 8 4 7 5 7 8 7 5 9 7 5 5 7 6 6 7 7 5 8 5 9

Sex G G G G M G G G M G G G G G M G G G G G G G M M G G G M G G G M G

Sire Denham Red Fragrant Mix Getaway Gold Well Getaway Beneficial Voix du Nord Shantou Overbury Kapgarde Winged Love Flemensfirth Authorized Youmzain Brian Boru Champs Elysees Brian Boru Astarabad Montmartre Midnight Legend Presenting Insatiable Oscar Flemensfirth Kayf Tara Early March Voix du Nord Flemensfirth Poliglote Slickly Indian River Spirit One Heron Island

Dam Hotesse de Sceaux Quissisia Mans Fern Bird How Provincial Carrigmoorna Style Montel Girl Vitora Village Queen Hendre Hotshot Hot d’Or Huncheon Siss Une Etoile Swiss Roll Spasha Fruitful Venture Winter Solstice Agent Scully Petale Rouge Oh La Miss Holy Smoke Luck Of The Deise Rose Gallery Good Thought Poetics Girl Liss A Chroi Mirquille Vitora Quest Of Passion Topira Sosa Stepitoutmary Folle Biche Inter Alia

Broodmare Sire April Night Video Rock Revoque Be My Native Dr Massini Montelimar Victory Note King’s Theatre Exit To Nowhere Shafoun Phardante Un Desperado Entrepreneur Shamardal Fruits Of Love Unfuwain Simply Great Bonnet Rouge Le Balafre Statoblest Old Vic Gallery Of Zurich Mukaddamah Saddlers’ Hall Exit To Nowhere Passing Sale Victory Note Saumarez Pistolet Bleu Cape Cross Roselier Take Risks Dr Massini

Index 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298

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CAULFIELD ON CRACKSMAN: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Prix Ganayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roll of honour features some outstanding performers and Cracksman belongs in their companyâ&#x20AC;?

European Pattern 4 P.GANAY Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;INAUGURATION DE PARISLONGCHAMP G1 PARISLONGCHAMP. Apr 29. 4yo+. 2100m.

1. CRACKSMAN (GB) 4 9-2 ÂŁ303,398 b c by Frankel - Rhadegunda (Pivotal) O-Mr A. E. Oppenheimer B-Hascombe & Valiant Stud Ltd TR-John Gosden 2. Wrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day (USA) 4 9-2 ÂŁ121,381 b/br c by Medaglia dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Oro - Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings (Ezzoud) O-Godolphin SNC B-Darley TR-A Fabre 3. Cloth of Stars (IRE) 5 9-2 ÂŁ60,690 b h by Sea The Stars - Strawberry Fledge (Kingmambo) O-Godolphin S.N.C. B-Mr P. Anastasiou TR-A. Fabre Margins 4, 0.75. Time 2:09.44. Going Good. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2-4 8 6 2 ÂŁ1,656,401 Sire: FRANKEL. Sire of 21 Stakes winners. In 2018 CRACKSMAN Pivotal G1, LIGHTENING QUICK Marju G3, NELSON Dalakhani G3. 1st Dam: RHADEGUNDA by Pivotal. 3 wins at 3 at home, France, Prix Solitude LR. Dam of 3 winners:

FANTASTIC MOON (c Dalakhani) 2 wins at 2, Candy Kittens Solario S G3. Saxon Princess (f Dalakhani) ran a few times. Broodmare. (c Montjeu) STRONG FORCE (g Sea The Stars) Winner at 3. CRACKSMAN (c Frankel) Champion 3yr old colt in Europe in 2017. 6 wins at 2 to 4 at home, France, Qipco Champion S G1,

2010: 2011: 2012: 2013: 2014:

2015:

P.Ganay Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Inauguration de Parislongchamp G1, Betway Great Voltigeur S G2, Qatar Prix Niel G2, 2nd Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby G1, 3rd Investec Derby S G1. Military Band (c New Approach) in training.

2nd Dam: ST RADEGUND by Green Desert. 1 win at 3. Dam of RHADEGUNDA (f Pivotal, see above), Halla San (g Halling: 3rd Totepool Further Flight S LR, Stowe Family Law LLP Grand Cup LR) Broodmare Sire: PIVOTAL. Sire of the dams of 73 Stakes winners. In 2018 - CRACKSMAN Frankel G1, DEFOE Dalakhani G2, MABS CROSS Dutch Art G3, DOWNFORCE Fast Company LR, TRICOLORE BLEU Stay Gold LR. The Frankel/Pivotal cross has produced: CRACKSMAN G1, Seven Heavens LR.

CRACKSMAN b c 2014 Sadlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Urban Sea

Miswaki Allegretta

Danehill

Danzig Razyana

Rainbow Lake

Rainbow Quest Rockfest

Polar Falcon

Nureyev Marie dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Argonne

Fearless Revival

Cozzene Stufida

Green Desert

Danzig Foreign Courier

On The House

Be My Guest Lora

Galileo FRANKEL b 08 Kind

Pivotal RHADEGUNDA b 05 St Radegund

Group 2 & 3 Winners Date 02/04 08/04 08/04 08/04 08/04 09/04 09/04 13/04 13/04 13/04 14/04 14/04 15/04 15/04 15/04 15/04 18/04 18/04 19/04 19/04 21/04 21/04 21/04 22/04 22/04

Grade G3 G2 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3

Race (course) Prix Edmond Blanc (Saint-Cloud) Prix dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Harcourt (Parislongchamp) P. Wettannahme Kalkmann Fruhjahrsmeile (Dusseldorf) Prix La Force (Parislongchamp) Prix Vanteaux (Parislongchamp) Prix Djebel (Deauville) Prix Imprudence (Deauville) Prix Sigy (Chantilly) Gladness Stakes (Naas) toals.com Bookmakers Alleged Stakes (Naas) Ballylinch 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes (Leopardstown) P W McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes (Leopardstown) K.Baronin von Ullmann Schwarzgold Rennen (Cologne) Prix Noailles (Parislongchamp) Prix de Fontainebleau (Parislongchamp) Prix de la Grotte (Parislongchamp) Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes (Newmarket) bet365 Earl of Sefton Stakes (Newmarket) Connaught Flooring Abernant Stakes (Newmarket) bet365 Craven Stakes (Newmarket) Al Basti World Greatwood Greenham Stakes (Newbury) Dubai Duty Free Fred Darling Stakes (Newbury) Dubai Duty Free John Porter Stakes (Newbury) P. der SWK Stadtwerke Dr Busch Memorial (Krefeld) Vintage Crop Stakes (Navan)

Dist 8f 10f 8f 9f 9f 7f 7f 6f 7f 10f 7f 10f 8f 10.5f 8f 8f 7f 9f 6f 8f 7f 7f 12f 8.5f 14f

The Prix Ganayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roll of honour features some outstanding performers, such as the triple winner Cirrus des Aigles, the champion older horses Duke Of Marmalade and Dylan Thomas and the brilliant Mill Reef. There can be little doubt that the latest winner, Cracksman, belongs in their company, as he has won the Champion Stakes by seven lengths and now the Ganay by four, with the 2017 Ganay winner Cloth Of Stars only third. Frankel has nine foals out of Pivotal mares in his first three crops. In addition to Cracksman they include the useful Seven Heavens and the promising Veracious. Frankelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sire Galileo has achieved outstanding results with daughters of the Cheveley Park veteran, siring 19 winners from 23 starters, for eight black-type winners - a magnificent 26 per cent. Cracksmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dam Rhadegunda numbered the nine-furlong Prix Solitude among her three wins as a three-year-old. Rhadegundaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best previous effort as a broodmare was

Horse Stormy Antarctic (GB) Air Pilot (GB) Wonnemond (GER) Chilean (GB) Barkaa (FR) Dice Roll (FR) Coeur De Beaute (FR) Sands of Mali (FR) Psychedelic Funk (GB) Capri (IRE) Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steph (IRE) Nelson (IRE) Butzje (GER) Pharrell (FR) Wootton (FR) Musis Amica (IRE) Soliloquy (GB) Forest Ranger (IRE) Brando (GB) Masar (IRE) James Garfield (IRE) Danâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream (GB) Defoe (IRE) Kronprinz (GER) Order Of St George (IRE)

Age 5 9 5 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 6 3 3 3 4 3 6

Sex G G H C F C F C C C F C F C C F F G G C C F C C H

Sire Stormy Atlantic Zamindar Areion Iffraaj Siyouni Showcasing Dabirsim Panis Choisir Galileo Zoffany Frankel Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gino Manduro Wootton Bassett Dawn Approach Dubawi Lawman Pivotal New Approach Exceed And Excel Cityscape Dalakhani Lord Of England Galileo

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Dam Bea Remembered Countess Sybil Windaja Childa Dentelle Schlague Twilight Tear Kadiania Parabola Dialafara Llew Law Moonstone Beltana Censure American Nizzy White Star Dysphonia Alava Argent du Bois Khawlah Whazzat Royal Ffanci Dulkashe Kaiserwiese Another Storm

Broodmare Sire Doyen Dr Devious Surako Duke Of Marmalade Apeldoorn Pulpit Rock Of Gibraltar Indian Rocket Galileo Anabaa Verglas Dalakhani Areion Kendor American Post Darshaan Lonhro Anabaa Silver Hawk Cape Cross Daylami Royal Applause Pivotal Sholokhov Gone West

Index 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

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

J h J h t John Johnstone MRICS

Chartered Surveyor

Fantastic Moon, whose win in the Gr3 Solario Stakes made him the only Dalakhani to win a Group race at two. Cracksman was bred by Anthony Oppenheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hascombe and Valiant Studs, as was Oppenheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 Horse of the Year Golden Horn. Cracksmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rating of 130 on the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Racehorse Rankings equalled Golden Hornâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 figure. Remarkably these two top-class colts stem from the same female line, as both have the Lorenzaccio mare Lora as their fourth dam. Loraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first foal Loralane, a winning daughter of Habitat, is the third dam of Golden Horn, while her second foal, the 1,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes winner On The House, is the third dam of Cracksman. Cracksman is the best winner produced by the On The House branch of the family, but this female line had been producing top-notch winners for a very long time, his ninth dam being the legendary Mumtaz Mahal.

Tel: 01638 667 118 Mob: 07802 501 548 Email: john@keylocks.com Web: www.keylocks.com

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24 hours with... ALAIN DE ROYER-DUPRÉ

GEORGE SELWYN

The top French trainer is at his happiest when his team are enjoying their job, which he feels transmits to his string’s wellbeing in a stable that contains several Group 1 stars Interview: Tim Richards

uring the Flat season I am up around 6am and always eat an apple before going out on to the gallops at Chantilly. I like to ride my hack, Hill Billy, a five-yearold thoroughbred ex-steeplechaser, because it is much easier to keep in contact and talk with the riders of the 40 or so horses during each lot. I am at my happiest when I can see the horses moving well and my staff enjoying the job. It is very important for me to have a close connection with the people involved as well as their horses. When we are all happy the horses are happy. It is the most satisfying part of my job; the races are the result of the training in the morning and I prefer to be with the horses. Once they are at the races it is the job of the jockey. I come in for breakfast after first lot and the breakfast table is always open to owners who have been watching their horses. It is a good opportunity to discuss plans. I cook porridge or fry some eggs. My wife Gizelle, who is English and a successful writer, sometimes helps me with the translation if Australian or American owners are visiting. After second lot I am in the office sorting out entries, talking to vets and dealing with other matters. Once a week I like to sit down with my two assistants – one for the Aga Khan’s yard and one for my other owners. It is important we talk about future races for each horse and the work required. Lunch is very light, perhaps a salad. We are well placed for the Paris tracks: Chantilly is five minutes in the car; Maisons-Laffitte an hour and Saint-Cloud and Longchamp an hour

and a quarter. The new Longchamp is very picturesque, very modern and with more restaurants. But I am disappointed that the parade ring is much narrower, reduced in size to such an extent that on big days it will not be as easy for the large crowds to see the horses. Looking ahead to Royal Ascot, this is the year to run Vazirabad in the Gold Cup because he is very mature, in good form and is a champion. But if the temperature is too hot he will not run. Two and a half miles and climbing most of the way at Ascot is very demanding and I don’t want to kill him in very hot weather. He is an extremely generous

“Vazirabad has been with us a long time and is almost part of the family” horse with a turn of foot and always gives you everything. I know it was 35 degrees when he won his third Gold Cup in Dubai, but that was only two miles. Vazirabad, at six, has been with us a long time and is like a pet, almost part of the family. When you visit him in his box he will always come to you and is pleased to see you. When we walk the Group-class horses by hand in the afternoons he enjoys the outing and likes being among people. He has a

very good rider in Eric Alloix – you can see Vazirabad is so happy when Eric feeds him carrots. Zarkamiya, by Frankel out of our unbeaten 2008 Arc winner Zarkava, may not be ready for Royal Ascot but could run in England later in the year. She showed a good turn of foot in her first race at Longchamp in April and is exciting with such a wonderful pedigree, but she is not very mature and it is early days for her. Without a doubt, Zarkava is the best horse I have trained and it will be difficult to find another as good. Her five Group 1s helped towards our total of 91 and it would be nice if we could eventually reach 100. My most memorable was my first with Darshaan, beating those outstanding colts Sadler’s Wells and Rainbow Quest in the 1984 French Derby. It came at an important time for me, shortly after I began training for the Aga Khan. Away from racing, I am very keen on showjumping, which was how I started with horses when my father was Director of the French National Stud. I also like to play ping pong. But I don’t like to be away from the stables for more than a week when we go on holiday to the sun in Portugal, Italy, Dubai or Mauritius. For dinner, Gizelle cooks healthy and imaginative food, sometimes hachis parmentier (cottage pie) and brandade de poisson (fish pie), which I like a lot. I have stopped drinking alcohol. In the evenings I read and also enjoy the company of friends. Bedtime is between 10-11pm and I read before going to sleep. But I am not a good sleeper, so I usually have a siesta in the afternoon.

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DAR14686 OwnerBreeder OBC CharmingThoughtFoals 23MAY18 .qxp 16/05/2018 16:08 Page 1

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