Thoroughbred Owner Breeder

Ditcheat dreams

£4.95 MARCH 2019 ISSUE 175

Clan Des Obeaux bids to give Paul Nicholls more Gold Cup glory

PLUS

Barry Geraghty

‘I still get that same buzz at the Festival’

Marvellous mares

03

NH programme upgrades reap rewards

Phil Kirby

Ex-footballer banging in the winners

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Muhaarar Oasis Dream - Tahrir £30,000 (Jan 1st, SLF)

NEW FOR 2019

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NEW FOR 2019

Tasleet

Showcasing - Bird Key £6,000 (Jan 1st, SLF)

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Gulch - Height Of Fashion £5,000 (Jan 1st, SLF)

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Welcome

Nicholls still chasing gold after surviving tough times

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Ditcheat dreams

£4.95 MARCH 2019 ISSUE 175

Clan Des Obeaux bids to give Paul Nicholls more Gold Cup glory

PLUS

Barry Geraghty

‘I still get that same buzz at the Festival’

Marvellous mares

03

NH programme upgrades reap rewards

Phil Kirby

Ex-footballer banging in the winners

Mar_175_CoverV1.indd 1

9 771745 435006

www.ownerbreeder.co.uk

Cover: Cheltenham Gold Cup candidate Clan Des Obeaux, owned by Paul Barber, Ged Mason and Sir Alex Ferguson, wins the Denman Chase at Ascot on February 16 Photo: George Selwyn

Mar_175_Editors.indd 1

Edward Rosenthal Editor

22/02/2019 18:06

auto Star. Denman. Master Minded. Big Buck’s. At one point, not that long ago, it seemed as if every outstanding jumps horse in training shared the same postcode, that of Ditcheat handler Paul Nicholls. His set-up seemed simple enough. Find outstanding runners for wealthy owners, train them to the minute using top-class facilities, then win every Grade 1 and big race going. So where did it all go wrong?

That might seem a daft question, as Nicholls has continued to send out winners at a phenomenal rate – this season he will record his 18th consecutive century – and in this month’s cover star, Clan Des Obeaux, he has a genuine chance of winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the fifth time. Yet by his own admission, life has not been easy over the past decade.

On a professional level, sourcing prospective top-class runners has become much more difficult. At home, the resurgence of Nicky Henderson, in tandem with the huge investment of owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, means that youngsters that perhaps once would have found their way from France to Somerset are now bound for Seven Barrows in Lambourn instead.

In Ireland, the rise of Gordon Elliott, firepower of Willie Mullins and dominance of Gigginstown House Stud and JP McManus, not to mention Rich Ricci, provides significant competition when it comes to both buying the best bloodstock and winning the top races.

Nicholls knows he was lucky to hold as many aces as he did when Kauto et al were strutting their stuff. Trying to unearth such gems has become much harder in the current landscape. “[Once] you could wait until the horses had five or six runs in France before you bought them,” Nicholls tells Julian Muscat (The Big Interview, pages 38-42). “Yes, they were expensive, but it wasn’t a gamble because you knew they were good.

“Now you’re forced into buying a horse that finished second in a maiden hurdle at Auteuil for £300,000, because if you don’t you’ll be left behind. You might then find that the form of that race was worthless.

“I have some owners who will pay plenty of money but you have to find value too. So you have to find another way. We have gone back to basics a little bit over the last few years, buying stores for between £60,000 and £100,000. You absolutely have to give these horses time.

“We bought one at auction recently for £190,000 that had finished second in a maiden point. He’s a beautiful horse, and I’m happy with him, but that’s the market for you.”

Nicholls also opens up about his private struggles, including the end of a relationship at a time when he had lost his established stable stars.

“To be honest, I felt like chucking it all in,” Nicholls says. “I was struggling with the pressure, the divorce, all sorts of things as well as keeping the business going. So I bottled it up. I felt I had to

“Sourcing potential top-class runners has become much more difficult” bury it to keep moving forward.”

Now in a much better place and enjoying life again, the trainer heads to the Festival with his strongest team for years, aided by outstanding young jockeys Harry Cobden and Bryony Frost.

We wish him all the very best.

Good luck Emma Sadly, this is Emma Berry’s final issue as bloodstock editor. Emma has fulfilled that role with distinction over the past decade, having been a valued contributor since the magazine launched in September 2004. Emma’s outstanding knowledge and passion for her subject will be obvious to all those who have read and enjoyed her articles over the years. Emma will be missed by the TOB team and we wish her every success in the future.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

1

22/02/2019 18:53

Contents

March 2019

44

50

78

News & Views

International Scene

ROA Leader

View From Ireland

ARC's prize-money contribution cut

5 7 8

Changes News in a nutshell

10

Tony Morris Sad Times

18 20

26

Features The Big Picture Cyrname bolts up at Ascot

Anaglogs Daughter's Arkle romp

The resurgent Paul Nicholls

Travel and fashion

2

McCarthy on the up; Weir banned

14 16

The Big Interview

Racing Life So much to do in Dubai

24

From The Archives

Howard Wright Fingers crossed for the Festival

Cottin is a coming force

Around The Globe

News This year's European Pattern movements

22

Continental Tales

TBA Leader Plenty of reasons to smile

Deep-rooted connection to mares

38

Talking To 30

Top jockey Barry Geraghty

44

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

Mar_175_Contentsv2.indd 2

22/02/2019 18:15

38

60

120

Features

Forum

NH Mares Race programme upgrades

ROA Forum 50

TBA Forum

Jumps Stallions The thriving scene in Europe

60 68

Caulfield Files Contrasting Galileo and High Chaparral

78

Dr Statz Kodiac clicking into gear

112 120

Forum The Thoroughbred Club Exciting days out ahead

Mar_175_Contentsv2.indd 3

Sarcoids: a serious problem

92

80

108

Data Book Graded Races Top jumps action and winners assessed

The Finish Line With trainer Phil Kirby

Stallion parades enjoyed by all

Vet Forum

Sales Circuit Hard acts to follow

82

And the survey says...

114

Did you know?

Our monthly average readership is

20,000 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

3

22/02/2019 18:15

ROA Leader

Nicholas Cooper President

ARC risks alienating owners with purses cut B

y the time these words are in print one can reasonably hope that equine flu has become little more than a disconcerting memory, while the potential problems caused by Brexit are on the way to being solved, at least for racing and breeding.

One problem that is not going to go away, however, relates to the inevitable closure of betting shops as the new FOBTs legislation comes into effect, causing levy, racecourse media rights and prize-money to fall from an all-time high.

Ironically, it was not long ago that we were celebrating the government initiative to widen the scope of the horseracing levy by closing the overseas bookmaker loophole, this having led to an estimated £45 million annual boost for racing’s central funding.

But our elation was always going to be short-lived. Hot on the heels of the news that the new FOBTs legislation was to be implemented this spring – six months earlier than had first been anticipated – it was surprising to find ARC racecourses announce a reduction in their prize-money contributions by 16% from 2018 to 2019, especially given their wholehearted support of the industry-led Authorised Betting Partner policy.

The consequences of what now appears to be a precipitous act has further ramifications for prize-money, particularly at the lower levels. For when racing viewed the world as a happier place, a very sensible scheme was set up so that extra levy payments to racecourses for prize-money were linked to a racecourse contribution of £900 per applicable race.

Now, with those contributions seemingly under pressure, it remains to be seen what the outcome will be. Some racecourses have suggested the extra levy payments should be ‘unlocked’ anyway to mitigate the damage to prize-money, but where would that leave other racecourses who, despite the anticipated fall in their media rights payments, have commendably upheld their own contributions to prize-money?

The immediate effect of the ARC decision has not only seen prize-money decline, but also the suspension on their 16 racecourses of the much-vaulted appearance money scheme that has been paying prize-money down to eighth place.

It means that total prize-money for a Class 6 race on an ARC course now has £3,500 guaranteed (spread over the first four) against £6,569 (spread over the first eight) on most other racecourses. If nothing else, this wide prize-money disparity must surely have significant influence on the running plans of owners and trainers, especially now that ARC have also implemented a group-wide policy of no longer dividing races.

Although there is a general feeling that the levy is going

Mar_175_ROALeader.indd 5

to be hit by shop closures, we can see here the real impact will be felt by racecourses who have lived in a world of relative affluence in recent years, enjoying an abundance of money coming from betting shop pictures. The formula by which racecourses receive this media rights income may be complicated and shrouded in secrecy, though the simple truth is a decline in betting shop numbers means a fall in racecourse income.

The large betting companies have stated that 1,000 shops will close this year, though some suggest this figure has been exaggerated. ARC say the impact of shop closures on media rights income has already started to take effect and, facing a

“This precipitous act has further ramifications for prize-money, particularly at the lower levels” worsening situation, they simply could not continue to support their previous levels of executive contributions to prize-money.

It has, incidentally, long been their contention that they do not receive their fair share of levy funding compared with the amount of income from betting their fixtures generate.

If predictions of 4,000 betting shop closures are realised, it would, indeed, leave British racing facing a catastrophe. It is for this reason we must stay close to the government, constantly reminding officials of the undertaking they gave us to look once more at further widening the scope of the levy system if the new FOBTs legislation impacted badly on racing.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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22/02/2019 17:53

NE W

DYLAN MOUTH Dylan Thomas (IRE) / Cottonmouth (IRE)

FO R2 01 9

• Winner of Premio Roma GBI Racing (Gr. 1) • Gran Premio Del Jockey Club (Gr. 1) • Gran Premio di Milano (Gr. 2) • Premio Federico Tesio (Gr. 2) • John Smith’s Silver Cup Stakes (Gr. 3) • Won over 1m1/4f - 1m6f “Dylan Mouth has proved to be very tough horse throughout his career, he has always been sound and has had a great temperament throughout. He is versatile, handles any ground and has been an extremely professional horse to deal with.” Marco Botti

CANNOCK CHASE Lemon Drop Kid (USA) / Lynnwood Chase (USA) SA)

• Winner of the Pattison Canadian International Stakes (Gr. 1) • Tercentenary Stakes, Royal Ascot (Gr. 3) • Huxley Stakes (for the "He’s a very progressive horse that we have always Tradesman’s Cup) (Gr. 3) liked... he’s got a turn of foot and a bit of class."

• Won over 10-12f Sir Michael Stoute, Racing Post

PEACE ENVOY Power (GB) ex Hoh My Darling (GB)

“He was a very smart juvenile.”

Ryan Moore

“He reminds me very much of Rock of Gibraltar.”

Aidan O’Brien

• Winner of Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Anglesey Stakes (Gr.3) • Winner of Coolmore War Command Rochestown (C & G) Stakes (LR) • Placed 3rd in the Darley Prix Morny (Gr.1) (2yo Colts & Fillies) (Turf) to Lady Aurelia • 2nd in the GAIN Railway Stakes (Gr.2)

WORSALL GRANGE FARM

Low Worsall, North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom Tel: 01642 789800 www.worsallgrange.com NOMINATIONS LUCY HORNER Email: Lucy@worsallgrange.com

Grange|2019|Roster_X3_|Pocket Worsall Grange OB Mar 2019 f-p.indd 1 Post|210mm(w) x 297mm.indd 2

12/02/2019 13:12 10:47 14/02/2019

TBA Leader

Julian Richmond-Watson Chairman

Reasons to be cheerful despite our natural traits A

s thoughts turn to spring, there is so much in British racing to look forward to, notwithstanding the recent outbreak of equine influenza, which halted racing in Britain for six days.

While it might be invidious to characterise national traits, there is little doubt that the British psyche does not always lend itself to being positive or to laud all that is good. Our reserved nature makes it harder to promote and appear enthused about what lies ahead. Yet the reality of horseracing is that we do get excited and have so much to be excited about.

We love to regard British racing as the best in the world, and despite what our good friends down under might think and say, it is true. Not only does Great Britain hold the best and biggest racing festivals, it also breeds and plays host to many of the best thoroughbreds on the international scene.

There is nothing in National Hunt racing to rival this month’s Cheltenham Festival, and its success in drawing massive crowds of passionate racegoers and dedicated punters, as well as the best horses, is a remarkable annual achievement by the sport. This is not an event that brings out the fashion conscious. Instead, it is all about genuine racing people and horsemen coming together to enjoy the endeavours of man and horse and to be part of a great sporting spectacle, a success on all fronts.

Cheltenham is almost immediately followed by Aintree and the Grand National, a race that transcends global boundaries, and then it is on to Newmarket, Chester and York, as the turf Flat season gallops into the height of summer.

In the midst of this there is Royal Ascot, a unique five days that defines Flat racing and are in every breeder’s dreams. As with Cheltenham, just being involved with a horse good enough to compete at Royal Ascot is part of that dream, and the excitement that every breeder and owner enjoys in being part of such a festival should be promoted as widely as possible.

Britain breeds many of the best horses and, considering the foal crop numbers only 4,500 per year, it’s safe to say it punches way above its weight. Take the 2018 statistics as an example: 14 British-bred Royal Ascot winners; victories at the Breeders’ Cup for Expert Eye and Enable; a clean sweep of the first four places in the Melbourne Cup and the joint champion in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings in Cracksman. Not to mention the top colt Too Darn Hot, and leading filly, Pretty Pollyanna, in the European two-year-old classifications. That’s a remarkable record of success.

Then there is the fact that Britain stages the best racing.

Mar_175_TBA_Leader.indd 7

Among the world’s highest-rated three-year-olds in 2018, ten of the top 20 ran on British racecourses, as did nine of the leading 20 four-year-olds. An amazing statistic for a small, offshore island of Europe.

As for individual experience, breeding and owning racehorses should be fun. Only a very few of those involved are going to see anything remotely near a return on their investment, but the thrill of being involved at whatever level can be great and needs to be experienced to be appreciated.

The much-improved reception that breeders and owners receive from racecourses – and thanks must go to the Racehorse Owners Association and individual racecourses for this – is just part of the picture behind making the sport accessible and enjoyable for many more participants.

A quiet evening meeting in midwinter at an all-weather

“For individual experience, breeding and owning racehorses should be fun” racecourse might not equate to a festival, but if participants are well received and looked after, it can still be an exciting experience, one that is hard to find elsewhere.

Every breeder and owner can dream, harbouring the aspiration to be at the best meetings with their horse. It is possible, and it can happen to anyone involved in this wonderful sport.

Breeding, racing and simply being involved in the sport is exciting and fun. Britain has a lot to be proud of, and together we should look forward with anticipation to what the sport has to offer in 2019.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

7

22/02/2019 17:52

News

Regret as Italy loses last Group 1

Brilliant stayer Stradivarius wins the 2018 Long Distance Cup, which this year remains a Group 2

F

rance has gained an additional Group 1 race for 2019 with the news that the Prix Royallieu has been upgraded, but Italy lost its only remaining top-level race, the Premio Lydia Tesio, and its full member status after the annual meeting of the European Pattern Committee.

Other notable points to emerge were the upgrading of the City of York Stakes to Group 2 – so moving it into pole position to become the first sevenfurlong Group 1 in Britain – and the nonmovement of the Long Distance Cup on QIPCO British Champions Day. Ascot’s Director of Communications Nick Smith admitted he couldn’t quibble with the committee’s decision not to promote it to Group 1.

The Prix Royallieu’s upgrade means there will be 28 Group 1s in France in 2019, while the distance of the race for fillies and mares has also been changed, being moved up to a mile and six furlongs, having previously been run over an extended mile and a half.

EPC Chairman Brian Kavanagh said: “The committee was pleased to support France’s request to provide an end-ofseason opportunity at Group 1 level for fillies at longer distances as part of the Europe-wide initiative to improve the programme for staying horses.”

He added: “The committee continues to observe the highest standards of quality control and has downgraded races where necessary and put racing authorities on notice of races at risk

8

EUROPEAN PATTERN 2019 Country

G1 G2 G3 Total

Britain

36 49 74

159

France

28

26

61

115

Ireland

13

15

44

72

Germany

7

13

24

44

Italy

0

11

15

26

Sweden

0

0

2

2

Denmark

0

0

1

1

Norway

0

0

3

3

Turkey

0

2

1

3

Totals

84

116

225

425

of downgrade in 2020. Regrettably, the downgrades included Italy’s final remaining Group 1 race, the Lydia Tesio.

“The committee welcomed the attendance of representatives of the Italian Ministry for Agriculture and their commitment to address the difficulties which had shrouded Italian horseracing and thoroughbred breeding in recent years. Pending completion of a series of reforms to address these difficulties, Italy will have the status of an associate member of the European Pattern.

“The committee genuinely wishes to restore Italy to full membership as soon as possible and will work with the Italian authorities to further this objective.”

While there was British frustration that Champions Day at Ascot would

not include a Group 1 staying prize, given the meeting, created only in 2011, falls between the Prix du Cadran and Prix Royal-Oak, and it is after all the ‘European’ Pattern, there cannot be said to be a strong argument for a third toplevel race in October.

Speaking for Ascot, Smith said: “It’s not at all surprising. As part of the Pattern Committee I’m fully aware of the rules that govern it and there are races close to the Long Distance Cup that have similar conditions. We probably need to have a look in a more holistic sense at how the programme for stayers comes together in the autumn, rather than look at this race in isolation.”

For York, Chairman Lord Grimthorpe, also Racing Manager to Khalid Abdullah, who won the City of York Stakes last year, said: “York takes a real pride in the quality of racing it offers, so it is tremendous news that the Sky Bet City of York is to be upgraded and so become the fifth Group 2 at the Ebor festival.

“It was a special moment to win it with Expert Eye last season and I would be confident that the 2019 victor will need to be another good sort. The ongoing investment in prize-money demonstrates our commitment to the race.”

Bissett crowned Employee of the Year Catriona ‘Catch’ Bissett of Nick Alexander’s Kinneston Stables expressed her shock and delight at being crowned Employee of the Year at the 2019 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, held in London on February 18.

Bissett had earlier been named the winner of the Leadership Award during the ceremony in Knightsbridge and collected a cheque of £30,000 – £15,000 of which will be shared among the staff at Kinneston Stables for landing the event’s big prize.

Having completed the BHA Graduate Scheme in 2011, Bissett began working for Alexander in 2014 before being promoted to assistant trainer.

Bissett said: “It was a real shock and a real honour being named Employee of the Year. I spent Monday with my peers who I respect, and everyone here

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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22/02/2019 15:12

Stories from the racing world

Government guidelines over ‘no deal’ Brexit The government has issued a set of guidelines to horse owners in the event that Britain leaves the EU without a deal on March 29.

If the ‘no deal’ situation comes to pass, the following will apply: • Equines travelling from the UK to the EU may need to undergo additional blood tests, which will need to be carried out within 30 days or less of travelling to satisfy EU regulations; • Owners will need to consult with a vet at least six weeks before they are planning to travel; • All equines will need an Export Health Certificate in order to travel to EU states, instead of current documents, and will need to enter the EU via a Border Inspection Post (BIP); • Some equines will also need a government-issued travel ID document, as well as their existing equine passport The UK has committed to allowing continued movement on all equine animals from EU member states to support the industries that rely on these animals and ahead of major horseracing events, such as the Grand National festival at Aintree.

The government is continuing to negotiate with the European Commission on securing listed status for the UK, which would enable the

Catriona Bissett took the big prize at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards

deserves this; the industry is filled with so many people who work very hard.”

Brough Scott, Chairman of the judging panel, added: “The panel’s job was tougher than it has ever been this year with some extraordinary displays of stories of dedication, commitment and hard work amongst this year’s finalists.

“However, we had to reach a final

Mar_175_News.indd 9

continued movement of equines to EU member states.

Animal Welfare Minister, David Rutley, said: “Delivering a negotiated deal with the EU remains the government’s top priority, but it is our job to responsibly ensure we are prepared for all scenarios, including no deal.

“This guidance will help businesses and owners prepare for life after March 29 if we do leave without a deal.

However, it is in the interest of the EU to reciprocate our commitment on the movement of horses. This will ensure horseracing and competition events across the continent can continue to be attended by all of Europe’s top equine talent.”

Julian Richmond-Watson, Chairman of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, said: “The British thoroughbred racing and breeding industry welcomes publication of this important guidance and will be communicating it to our participants to help them prepare for all potential Brexit negotiation outcomes.

“We fully support the government’s welcome and pragmatic position to allow continued equine movement under current systems from EU member states to the UK in a no deal scenario.”

decision and Catch is a hugely deserving winner for all the work she has done in developing and mentoring other members of the team at Kinneston.”

Reflecting on also taking home the Leadership Award, Bissett added: “Winning the Leadership Award was fantastic but it’s a real reflection on the team and every day is a joy with them. I work with driven men and women who I respect and have fun with. It’s good to work with people who love horses and pull together in the same direction.”

Other awards presented on the night saw Sophy Scott from Mark Johnston’s yard win the David Nicholson Newcomer Award and Stewart Gossnell, from Richard Hughes’ stable, taking home the Rider/Groom Award. Cheveley Park Stud’s Andrew Snell was recognised with the Stud Staff Award, the Dedication to Racing Award went to Jon Bottomley from Ollie Pears’ Yard, and Andrea O’Keeffe was honoured with the Rory MacDonald Community Award.

Miles Napier tribute There have been some glowing and well deserved tributes paid to Miles Napier, a connoisseur of thoroughbred pedigrees and an eloquent writer on the subject, following his death just before Christmas aged 84, writes Alan Yuill Walker.

I first met Miles when we were colleagues working in the pedigree department of the British Bloodstock Agency in London. A tall, imposing figure, he always wore a blue pin-striped suit.

Educated at Wellington and Millfield, he would never have advertised his own pedigree, suffice to say that one of his many distinguished forebears has a statue in Trafalgar Square.

Following the BBA, Miles became a Jockey Club handicapper before joining Weatherbys’ Stud Book department, but his real forte was writing about breeding and racing. He contributed to various publications and for 40 years he wrote regularly for The Irish Field under the pseudonym Reynoldstown. The editor Valentine Lamb became a loyal friend.

Miles was much indebted to another leading figure in Irish bloodstock circles as in 1971 he married Jonathan Irwin’s lovely secretary, Mary Bourke, in Dublin. At first Miles and Mary lived in the shadow of Rockingham Castle in Northamptonshire, then owned by a cousin, and this was where Miles had been brought up as a boy after his father died.

Miles’ deep knowledge of pedigrees had been augmented by a spell at Haras du Mesnil in Normandy and he put his profound knowledge to good use with a handful of books on the subject. First and foremost was Thoroughbred Pedigrees Simplified, which became a standard work of reference. This was published by Joe Allen of the Horseman’s Bookshop, another great supporter.

Unlike so many people in racing, Miles had other interests and he was a great music lover (particularly the opera) and extremely well read – one of his last assignments was to write a foreword to a new edition of John Masefield’s narrative poem, Right Royal.

For some years now Miles and Mary, who have an only son Lennox, lived at Stamford in Lincolnshire, which was not too far for regular jaunts to Newmarket.

His parents loved their racing and were enthusiastic members of the Elite Racing Club, enjoying Marsha’s Group 1 wins.

I shall always remember Miles as a true gentleman. In a tribute to his father, Lennox described him as “measured, charming, self-effacing, unfailingly courteous, considerate and humble.”

What more can one say?

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

9

22/02/2019 15:12

Changes

Racing’s news in a nutshell

People and business Layezy Racing

The owners’ 23 horses are barred from running until further notice after the club’s founder, Mike Stanley, filed for bankruptcy.

FOBTs

Bookmakers to trial new £2 stake in Birmingham as planning continues for the official implementation in April.

Leger Legends

Popular race at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting to be sponsored for the first time

by Elwick Stud.

Roger Loughran

Jump jockey, 39, calls time on career to move into pre-training horses. He won two Grade 1s on Schindlers Hunt.

TRM

Announced as a partner of the Randox Health Grand National festival, sponsoring the leading owner and trainer prizes.

Paddy Power Betfair

Firm are to appeal against two separate tax demands totalling nearly £50 million in Germany and Greece.

Kempton

Josephine Gordon

Will ride as a freelance in 2019 after relinquishing her role as stable jockey to her long-time employer Hugo Palmer.

Charlie Bennett

Jockey wins appeal against 12-day careless riding ban at Kempton, a penalty the Professional Jockeys Association called “palpably wrong”.

Greenham Stakes

Newbury Classic trial to be sponsored next month by Watership Down Stud, whose Too Darn Hot is due to contest the race.

Fined £3,500 after trainer Jon Scargill found feed pellets from a previous fixture on the floor of the box his horse was given at a meeting in January.

Douglas Whyte

Champion jockey in Hong Kong for 13 consecutive seasons from 2001 hangs up his boots; he will start training in September.

Julie Williams

Pitches at Cheltenham belonging to her late father Freddie are sold for £165,000 and £85,000 in an online auction.

Sir Peter O’Sullevan

His charitable trust, launched in 1998, has now donated more than £9 million to good causes.

Cliff Lines

Retires from training aged 84; during his time as a work-rider for Sir Michael Stoute he partnered Shergar and Sonic Lady (pictured).

People obituaries Ralph Hoare 110

Natasha Galpin 22

Tim Cone 75

Countess of Lonsdale 75

Long-standing owner who jointly bred last year’s Group 1 Flying Five Stakes winner Havana Grey.

Jumps trainer for 26 years who sent out 403 winners, including the 1974 Arkle with Canasta Lad and 1976 Hennessy with Zeta’s Son.

Mary Elizabeth Curtis 97

Albert Finney 82

Miles Napier 84

British racing loses its oldest fan and punter, who last year was a guest on Gold Cup day at the Cheltenham Festival.

President of Fasig Tipton from 1988 to 1991 and legal counsel right up until his death.

Owned Gaye Chance, a leading hurdler and chaser of the early 1980s, and was a close friend of Fred and Mercy Rimell.

10

Work-rider for trainer Iain Jardine, and an accomplished event rider, who suffered a fatal injury in a gallops accident.

Actor who took much more interest in racing than most celebrity owners; he once had breeding rights to Seattle Slew.

Angus Crichton-Miller 79

Former Racecourse Association chairman and British Horseracing Board director.

Peter Bailey 81

Racing author, journalist and handicapper who was an authority on pedigrees and breeding.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Changes

Racehorse and stallion

Movements and retirements Big Orange

Bill Gredley’s homebred Gold Cup winner is retied aged eight. In all he won nine races and over £1.25 million.

Dynamite Dollars

Leading contender for the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham will miss the remainder of the campaign.

Marcel

Coneygree

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in 2015 for the Mark Bradstock stable and owner The Max Partnership is retired aged 12.

Sizing John

The 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner continues to be plagued by injury setbacks and will miss the rest of the season.

Easy To Imagine

Dam of two Group 1-winning sprinters, Tangerine Trees and Alpha Delphini, is retired from broodmare duties aged 19.

Moonlight Magic

Racing Post Trophy scorer in 2015 will stand the 2019 breeding season at Anngrove Stud in County Laois at a £3,000 fee.

Berlusca

Supremely well-bred multiple stakes winner by Cape Cross has been bought to stand at Equus Stud in India.

Ten-year-old who had 54 of his 107 starts at Wolverhampton, winning there eight times, is retired by owner Peter Ball – he won 12 times in total.

Beaumec de Houelle

Idol Deputy

Son of Martaline, a Grade 1 winner over hurdles in France at three, is retired to stand at Haras de la Reboursière et de Montaigu.

Horse obituaries

The 13-year-old is retired after his 70th run at Wolverhampton, where he won 12 times, on each occasion ridden by a female jockey.

Queenofthefairies 12

Dam of last year’s Lowther and Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Fairyland who resided at Tally-Ho Stud.

Enrica 25

Gestut Rottgen’s fine producer whose five black-type performers included German Oaks winner Enora.

Raven’s Corner 6

Good-class sprinter trained in the UAE, he holds the seven-furlong dirt track record at Meydan.

Special Tiara 12

Popular two-mile chaser who won the 2017 Champion Chase, as well as the Celebration Chase and Maghull Chase, for owner Sally Rowley-Williams.

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THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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The Big Picture

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Betfair Ascot Chase

Cyrname just sublime The Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase looked extremely competitive on paper but Cyrname blew his rivals away with a devastating display under Harry Cobden, beating Waiting Patiently by 17 lengths.

The performance delighted connections, pictured below, and earned Cyrname a season-topping rating of 178, 3lb higher than Altior. Johnny de la Hey’s seven-year-old prefers right-handed tracks and may run next at Sandown or Punchestown.

Photos George Selwyn

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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From The Archives

e

Daughter dots up You certainly associate the Arkle with top horses and stellar performances, but rarely is the Grade 1 two-mile novice chase at the Cheltenham Festival won by such a staggering margin and with such ease as Anaglogs Daughter managed in 1980. The front-runner, trained in Ireland by Bill Durkan and ridden for the first time in public by Tommy Carberry, had landed the Irish Arkle on her previous start and was 9-4 second favourite to follow up against eight rivals. Seen here jumping the open ditch in front of the stands, she was to string out her rivals all over Gloucestershire and score by 20 lengths, with her rider looking round for non-existent dangers, from Corrib Chieftain, and there was another 25 lengths back to Netherton and the same margin to Spello. Favourite Beacon Light was in third but had no chance when falling two out. None of them did.

or t

ri

Photo George Selwyn

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Anaglogs Daughter at Cheltenham on March 11, 1980

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Tony Morris

Appalling article on whip use a sign of The Times I

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over the abduction of Shergar, so I did get to make a contribution to both in a very minor way.

I have always been grateful to my old school for the fact that The Times arrived in the library every morning. Sixth form life meant a lot of free periods, and I tended to spend most of them studying the latest edition, generally starting with the sports pages. And it was then that I acquired what was to become a life-long addiction to its crossword.

The Times was a very different paper in those days, its front page filled entirely with small ads, while none of the editorial contributors was identified. We were just allowed to know that ‘from our own correspondent’ meant that the author of that article was on the paper’s staff, and that ‘from our correspondent’ referred to a stringer, some outsider whose story merited inclusion.

There was no pandering to egos at The Times then, but I didn’t find that strange, and it just seemed natural after I joined the Press Association, where nobody got a byline. Anonymity could often seem a blessing anyway.

It wasn’t until I started to go racing and actually met them that I learnt that Francis Byrne was the Times man in the south and Jimmy Snow was his counterpart in the north. I never did know the identities of the paper’s other sporting correspondents.

But I have always valued the sports coverage in The Times

GEORGE SELWYN

was supposedly promised an excellent secondary education when I so excelled in my 11-plus examination that I earned a free place at what was reputedly the best school within a 50-mile radius of my home.

It was certainly different from my village primary school where all the kids were products of working class or aspiring-tobe middle class parents, like my own. I’m sure that my mum and dad got a bigger kick than I did out of my elevation into a sphere where most kids were there because their parents were forking out fortunes to place them on the same level as me.

My parents were impressed when I told them that the morning roll-call started with Ashcroft-Hawley. I don’t suppose they’d ever known anyone with a double-barrelled name, but Barry was nothing special, not as bright as me, and I just regarded him as a good mate. His elongated surname was never going to impact what I thought of him, nor what he thought of me.

I was at that school from 1955 until 1963, and in subsequent years, right down to now, I have had to wonder what I learned there. I couldn’t cope with maths when they added trigonometry and other nonsense to arithmetic, which I felt sure – correctly – would always have sufficed in my post-school years, they gave me the dullest set books to study in English, and though they supplied me with a smattering of French and German, I was never going to test myself where it mattered, in France or Germany.

I loved Latin, but because I had chosen the modern languages route after ‘O’ Level, I wasn’t allowed to pursue it. I still love Latin, and I believe that anyone who needs to express himself or herself in English should be familiar with Latin.

What I learned at Exeter School that actually mattered to me later was not on the academic syllabus. It was during my time there that I memorised all the Derby winners from the inception of the race in 1780, knowledge gained off my own bat, and it has long served as an alternative to counting sheep for bouts of insomnia. On a good night I get no further than Emilius.

But there are some things that I have to thank my alma mater for. Every week sixth formers were treated to a lecture from some bloke – yes, always a male – who had distinguished himself in some way or another. The one I remember most vividly was the time when the eccentric Sir Richard Acland tried to convince us that he was the reincarnation of Pythagoras, but the one who made the most impression on me was the guy who came from The Times.

I was already intent on a career in journalism, and I had written one essay that had been the subject of so much praise that I was emboldened to think I could make a living through my use of words. I don’t remember much of that talk, but I do recall that he said his paper would endeavour to report on everything that promised to be of interest to any of its readers. That seemed a tall order to me, worth looking into.

I derived a lot of encouragement from that lecture. My dream job had always been a role at the BBC, but now The Times represented an equal alternative ambition.

Of course I never did join the staff of either organisation, but in my agency days I quite often read my words – uncredited, of course – in The Times, and the BBC used me on Breakfast TV

Lester Piggott: most horses capable of doing more than they want

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The man you can’t ignore and my faith in its reporting of racing even survived the occasion when a sub-editor, conscious of an instruction that familiarities were to be avoided, changed the name of the stallion Jimmy Reppin to James Reppin.

Bylines eventually became the norm in The Times. I am still an avid reader of its sports pages, but I can become cussed enough to find faults from time to time, particularly remembering the guy who discovered racing rather late in his journalistic career and soon began to give the impression that he’d invented it. He moved on, I’m pleased to say.

In recent years the paper has given plenty of prominence to the views of one-time table tennis star Matthew Syed, who often focuses on the psychological aspects of sport. He stated no more than the obvious in a long spiel over how Mourinho got things wrong at Old Trafford, but on other occasions he has contributed thoughts of real merit.

One piece that particularly impressed me last autumn focused on how high-ranking representatives of countries whose regimes have appalling human rights records throw money at British sporting institutions in an attempt to improve their image. I dare say he was thinking principally about football, but I have long been worried about the tainted injections of cash into racing from such nations.

Full marks, Matthew, for that, but it was such a shame that in December you ventured into an area where you had no expertise and no understanding of realities. All you did was to make a fool of yourself.

I’ve been in this game long enough to know that the writer

“Horse and jockey are a partnership, each needing the cooperation of the other” of an article doesn’t compose the headline that appears above it. But would Matthew have disapproved of some sub-editor prefacing his remarks with: ‘Whipping horses is ruining racing. It must be banned.’ I wonder.

The headline suggests that the use of the whip is something new. Everyone knows – or should know – that it has been part of a rider’s equipment since the year dot, and a necessary part, too.

The article, from start to finish, was rubbish, and The Times should be ashamed for providing space for it. I have no problem with a paper promoting its main feature writers. But it should have recognised that in this instance its man – never known to have commented on racing before, so far as I could recall – was way out of his depth.

The only whip permitted for use in racing now cannot hurt a horse, and the rules about its use are more stringent than ever. It is never used to chastise. It is always used to encourage. It is best described as a ‘persuader’.

Lester Piggott, a better judge than Matthew Syed or me on such matters, opined after 50 years as a jockey that most horses were capable of doing more than they wanted to. They required persuasion.

Horse and jockey are a partnership, each needing the co-operation of the other, and in the best relationships they share a common goal. The whip often helps the partnership to succeed.

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The Howard Wright Column

Here’s hoping for Festival without lurid headlines

A

ll eyes will be on the Cheltenham Festival in a couple of weeks’ time, and I mean all eyes. Professionals, regulars and casual fans will take up their customary positions, following their fancies from near and far. This year, though, added scrutiny will come from folk with less enthusiasm for the sport but whose opinions can be transmitted with the speed of light across social media and beyond.

Like the January sales and Easter eggs on supermarket shelves, the Festival build-up moves earlier by the year.

Mushrooming preview evenings become diary entries as British Champions Day looms; Lydia Hislop’s Road to Cheltenham on the Sporting Life website is longer than the A1; the Racing Post’s Countdown has been around the clock a dozen times by the time Jools Holland heralds in new year, and bookmakers set their non-runner, no bet concessions even before the Christmas decorations are down.

Betting firms are especially keen to set the pace. It makes business sense, as a news story in last month’s magazine demonstrated. The list of the top 40 turnover races in Ladbrokes and Coral shops in 2018 had 25 Festival entries, compared with 20 the year before. Yet the passage of time offers even starker comparisons. There were 11 Cheltenham races in the 1999 equivalent table, and just nine in 1994.

Set against this background of increased involvement by the faithful, interest in this month’s Festival will be heightened by the inevitable spotlight that animal rights’ activists will shine on the memory of last year’s six equine fatalities.

The BHA responded to the events of 2018 with a review that was conducted by a large group of people, only one of whom was not directly connected with the governing body and who took the best part of eight months to report.

Personnel changes might have been responsible for what from the outside seemed to be an unnecessarily drawn-out

There will be more focus on Cheltenham than ever this month

process. BHA lead executive Jamie Stier instigated the review but returned to Australia a month later, while Chairman Steve Harman was on the wrong end of a midsummer boardroom disturbance.

Neither event should have affected progress on the matter in hand, since each personality was replaced by his deputy, Brant Dunshea and Athol Duncan respectively.

So, the generous reflection has to be that thoroughness was paramount. Whatever, the result was a 67-page report containing 17 recommendations – not including some that Cheltenham had up its own sleeve – that went beyond the Festival fatalities by examining wider policy and welfare reforms for jump racing.

That there is an appetite for external examination of British racing’s equine welfare commitment has become painfully obvious since Cheltenham 2018 – painfully, because on the evidence of last November’s parliamentary debate much of the

“Interest in the Festival will be heightened by the spotlight animal rights’ activists will shine on the memory of last year” comment is based on woeful ignorance.

That in itself cannot be ignored, but it should not drive the BHA’s agenda. If anyone should dispute that assertion, they ought to read, and then re-read, the brilliantly reasoned argument advanced by the Racing Post’s Ireland editor Richard Forristal, who, in a nutshell, said: “The vocal minority will keep chiselling, bit by bit, until defending the sport becomes an impossible quest.”

The next test, and the topic of immediate concern, is the Festival, which brings with all its sense of anticipation for the competition ahead the need to be ready for any eventuality that may further discolour racing’s image. Doubtless Cheltenham and the Jockey Club will have primed their PR machine, ready to spring into action alongside the BHA. The BHA’s communications strategy made a stuttering start to 2019 but recovered some lost ground with a quick and decisive response to the influenza outbreak. Nevertheless, those in charge should heed a comment made by racehorse owner and canny businessman Sir John Timpson in a recent Daily Telegraph column: “Every crisis gives you an excuse to review your operation and weed out poor performers; you can’t afford to pay a full wage to colleagues who rate only five out of ten.”

Let’s hope a crisis does not descend on Cheltenham, and fingers crossed for a safe Festival. Whether the sport should have to resort to clutching at lucky omens is another matter.

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View Fr m Ireland

GEORGE SELWYN

Mare affinity has deep roots

Apple’s Jade (right) beats fellow Irish mare Vroum Vroum Mag in the Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham two years ago

S

ince 1970, 21 mares have won races against males that at today’s Cheltenham Festival are classed as Grade 1s – 14 were trained in Ireland, including the last five.

As Apple’s Jade bids to become the third Irish-trained mare to win the Champion Hurdle, Ireland houses last year’s highest-ranked mares on the Anglo-Irish Classifications (hurdling and chasing), with four females rated in excess of 150 over hurdles.

While Britain has La Bague Au Roi and Ms Parfois, throughout history Ireland’s jumps mares have reigned supreme, and the reason they do so now is down to that glittering past.

“The old stock – my father and Mrs Hill, Dawn Run’s owner – always had a lot of respect for good mares,” said Tom Mullins, son of Paddy Mullins, who trained the best mare of them all, Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup winner Dawn Run. “During the war, and after the war, there wasn’t a penny in the country,” he said. “Good geldings were just sold off and all we were left to train were mares.

“You couldn’t beat a good mare, and Irish people have always known that. I

can’t give you an excuse for England. But it could be down to big owners just buying success.

“Those guys, they don’t want to buy mares because, quite simply, they don’t want to come in and be told, ‘Your mare is in season’.”

He added: “Gigginstown House Stud

“If Irish clients wanted to race their mares they had to do so in Ireland” [owner of Apple’s Jade] is an exception, because Eddie O’Leary is a horseman. He can pick horses out, regardless, and wants to breed. That’s his game.

“Rich Ricci too [owner of Annie Power], but he bought mares through Willie, on his advice. If a big owner comes

down to me and wants a horse for the winter game, I’m not going to pick him a mare.”

Tom’s brother, Willie, has dominated Ireland’s female jumping scene for the past decade, with stars Quevega, Annie Power and now Laurina and Benie Des Dieux. In the same way the champion trainer has never seen gender as a problem for a jockey, so the Carlow master has also never turned away a racehorse because it was female.

“I look at a mare in context to mares,” Willie said. “But then, I look at every racehorse equally – I would rather have a good mare than a bad gelding.”

He too believes that the success of Irish jumps mares today grew out of necessity – and lack of appetite in Britain.

“I think, historically, there have always been more mares trained in Ireland,” he said.

“Traditionally, all the geldings were sold to England, and English clients never had any interest in mares, so if Irish clients wanted to race their mares they had to race them themselves, in Ireland.”

Both Ireland’s first Gold Cup winner and Willie Mullins’s first Cheltenham

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Festival winner were mares, Ballinode (‘The Sligo Mare’) and Tourist Attraction, who won the 1995 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with the 5lb allowance that Ballinode did not get in 1925.

Mullins allows his females to take on males 50% more than his closest rival Jessica Harrington, with Nicky Henderson leading the way for British trainers. But both are still well behind Mullins, who this year alone has run more than 70 mares; that’s 31% of all the horses he has run.

Moreover, the bulk of those feature amongst his top 70 earners this term, 44% in that range being female (that’s 31/70). There are several factors creating this statistic for Mullins, but the number one driver is the mares’ allowance.

“There was no point trying to race a mare off level weights against geldings, you were on the back-foot straight away,” he said. “Creating the allowance is National Hunt racing growing up – and keeping up with the times. It’s hard to fathom that the people who govern jump racing did not introduce an allowance sooner.”

The initial 5lb allowance was instigated ahead of the 1983/84 season, coinciding with the astronomical rise of Dawn Run. The Fulke Walwyn-trained Rose Ravine became the first mare to win the Stayers’ Hurdle in 1985.

Irish mares had already been successfully challenging males at the highest level – Great Eliza and Anaglogs Daughter winning Cheltenham novice chases, Glencaraig Lady the 1972 Gold Cup – so the effect of the allowance was actually felt more in Britain.

In the 1990s eight mares won today’s Grade 1s at the Festival, split 50/50 between Britain and Ireland, but that changed in the 2000s.

“Before [the allowance came in], they were just there,” said Mullins. “There was no market for mares so you could get a very well-bred mare to race for not very

GEORGE SELWYN

By Jessica Lamb

Legendary mare Dawn Run, winner of the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup

much. That’s definitely changed now.”

Reacting to declines in breeders registering filly foals, and selling jumps mares at public sales, British authorities increased the allowance from 5lb to 7lb in 2004, Ireland following suit in 2011.

Prices for unraced fillies have increased exponentially since then in Ireland, with the Goffs Land Rover Sale’s average moving from €10,000 to €38,900. At the Derby Sale, averages are on a similar trajectory, with prices for fillies creeping above €100,000. In 2017 the Shirocco filly Nonesuch was bought

by Robert Waley-Cohen for €155,000.

Ted Walsh junior, a stallion manager at Coolmore’s Castle Hyde Stud, said: “There is more of an owner-breeder mentality in the UK with National Hunt mares. Breeders keep their mares to race and send them to the trainer around the corner. It means that the top trainers don’t always have access to the top mares.

“In Ireland, because the prices are

good, trainers like Willie Mullins have the opportunity to buy them. They have access to the best mares.”

The National Hunt fillies leasing scheme, set up by the ITBA, is also significant, providing the tools for breeders to lease fillies to a racing owner, knowing they will get them back for a breeding career.

Grade 1-winning trainer Paul Nolan has another angle; he has saddled 14 horses that have won races this season, six of them being female. The reason he has so many is down to their size.

Nolan explained: “I prefer to buy smaller horses, types around 15.3hh-16hh, because the point-to-point lads want the bigger horses, which makes them more expensive.

“So I might end up with more mares, and it makes no difference to me what their gender is. You’re looking at the horse, and if you like them, it doesn’t matter what sex they are – it’s just a nice horse.”

Telmesomethinggirl shows geldings how it’s done in point-to-point Female dominance in jump racing is not confined to the racecourse, with Stowaway filly Telmesomethinggirl beating geldings in one of 2019’s first four-year-old point-to-points.

Winning by a comfortable three lengths under jockey Barry O’Neill, Telmesomethinggirl is the first fouryear-old filly trainer Colin Bowe has won an all-sexes maiden with.

“All my fillies run as four-year-olds, but they don’t beat geldings,” he said.

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“The last four-year-old filly I had that did was Askanna; she won a mares’ four-year-old maiden, then beat geldings in a winners race and went on to be a Graded mare on the track.

“She won what is now the Grade 1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival, though it was a Grade 2 when she won it.

“That’s a marker of how good this filly could be for someone.”

The Ballinaboola maiden

Telmesomethinggirl won was the same race Champion Bumper favourite Envoi Allen took in 2018.

Bowe added: “Everything came very naturally to her from day one.

She eats well, gallops well, she enjoys her work and finds things easy.”

Telmesomethinggirl is out of the Saddler’s Hall mare Wahiba Hall, who was trained near Bowe in Wexford by Paul Nolan. She was due to be sold at Cheltenham’s February Sale.

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Continental Tales

Cottin appears champion material FRANCE

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David Cottin and partner Amanda Zetterholm

perspective about his career, spending brief spells in England with Philip Hobbs, Paul Nicholls and Andrew Balding, and has rapidly begun to attract overseas owners, such as Simon Munir, Robert Waley-Cohen, Raymond Anderson Green and Stuart Parkin.

With Cottin’s own language skills somewhat limited, interaction with this English-speaking clientele is greatly enhanced by the input of his partner, the Swedish native Amanda Zetterholm, who gave birth to their first child, Winston, in May 2018.

Herself a winning amateur rider, Zetterholm is a key member of Team Cottin, riding out when motherhood allows and still somehow finding the time to fulfil a part-time role as Assistant Racing Manager at owner-breeder the Aga Khan’s Aiglemont base adjacent to Chantilly.

Zetterholm has a wealth of experience within the global racing industry. She was first bitten by the bug when going to university in Melbourne, Australia, just across the road from Flemington racecourse, where she ended up working for David Hayes.

She then had several years as assistant trainer to the South African Mike de Kock, spending lengthy stints in Newmarket overseeing his European operation, before being introduced to David in 2013.

Asked if their successes at Pau took the couple by surprise, Zetterholm replies:

PA IMAGES

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he recently concluded two-month meeting staged at Pau in the south-west of France heralded a breakthrough for a new force in French jump racing in the shape of trainer David Cottin.

Over the past two decades there has been a clear trend for France’s top jumps handlers to be based on the Atlantic coast, particularly around the enclave of Royan La Palmyre, home to Guillaume Macaire (13-time champion trainer), the reigning champion Francois Nicolle, and Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé, champion in 2007.

Now Cottin, who still uses the yard of his father, Philippe Cottin, at Le Lion d’Angers in west central France, as a pre-training and breaking facility but is largely based at the more familiar training stronghold of Chantilly, just north of Paris, has shaken up the established order with his outstanding achievements during the Pau festival.

He notched a remarkable 23 winners at a 27% strike-rate during the 25-date meeting, plundering the majority of the track’s most valuable prizes.

Stable star Forthing took his record at the Hippodrome du Pont-Long to 11 wins from 19 appearances in landing both the top chase and the top hurdle race, his prize-money haul of €146,850 (£129,956) contributing to Cottin shooting to the summit of the nascent 2019 trainers’ championship table, €190,000 clear of second-placed Nicolle.

As the son of one successful jump trainer and the nephew of two more (Francois Cottin and Philippe Peltier), Cottin was always destined for the top, but the speed of his ascent has been surprising – he won’t reach the age of 29 until April 2.

He has packed a lot in to his short working life thus far. He was champion amateur jump jockey twice, then won the senior title three times, most recently in 2012, prior to a serious neck injury, combined with a constant battle with the scales, prompting him to hang up his boots in June 2017.

He took out his training licence later that year and within six months was landing his first Listed race when Uroquois carried off the Grand Cross de Pau, a cross-country race that the Passing Sale gelding successfully defended this February.

Cottin has always had an international

“Yes, we couldn’t have imagined having such a great meeting, even though we specifically aimed a designated team at that fixture.”

She reveals that Cottin was under pressure to go with the flow and find an Atlantic coast base when he took the training plunge. However, while aware that the cost of living in Chantilly was more expensive, the pair were swayed by the superior facilities on offer at the traditional home of French racing.

“We know that you can train jumpers in Chantilly – Francois Doumen proved that – and our location is a big plus for international owners, as we are only 15 minutes from Charles De Gaulle airport or a 20-minute train ride into Paris,” she says.

Their links across the Channel have been strengthened by a recently-formed association with David Futter and Chris Edwards of Yorton Farm, home of the promising young French-bred National Hunt stallion Blue Bresil. Indeed, their 23rd and final Pau success came courtesy of Easysland, sporting Edwards’ black and beige silks.

While careful not to get ahead of themselves – “at the moment we simply haven’t got enough of the well-bred Auteuil-type of horses to compete all year round” – Zetterholm admits that a top-ten finish on the trainers’ ladder is in their sights for 2019. There can be little doubt that David Cottin is a champion trainer of the future.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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By James Crispe, IRB

I Kirk team proving captains of enterprise January was a fantastic month for top Scandinavian sprinter I Kirk. First he made a stunning Dubai debut on January 17 when running away with a £105,000 contest at Meydan, then, just ten days later, he was crowned Sweden’s Horse of the Year for 2018.

Now he is being targeted at the £273,438 Mahaab Al Shimaal back at Meydan on March 9. Should he win that, he will have to be regarded as one of the fastest dirt horses in the world.

His credentials for such a title are virtually non-existent. The progeny of a non-winning dam and the little-known Swedish stallion Eishin Dunkirk, who is currently standing at the cut-price fee of €3,000, he surely outran expectations when winning five of his eight starts during his first two campaigns, all on the dirt course at his home track at Jagersro, in Malmo.

However, he really blossomed in season three, making a successful step up to Listed company before amazing even his most ardent admirers with the ease of his five-length triumph in the Group 3 Zawawi Cup last July.

By now he was in the care of reluctant trainer Susanne Berneklint, who took over the licence when her ex-husband, Fredrik Reuterskiold, gave it up once offered the job as Chief Executive Officer of Svensk Galopp (the Swedish horseracing authority) in late 2017.

Berneklint was a top-class jockey – she beat her male colleagues to become Swedish champion in 1991 and landed the nation’s top prize, the Stockholm Cup, on Mr Eubanks three years later – before pregnancy led to

Sole Group 1 axed ITALY The continued plight of our sport in Italy was a major topic at the annual meeting of the European Pattern Committee in London in January. The EPC managed to be simultaneously punitive and encouraging towards Italian racing.

On the one hand it downgraded the country’s sole remaining Group 1, the Premio Lydia Tesio, to Group 2 and reduced Italy’s status to associate

DUBAI RACING CLUB/ERIKA RASMUSEN

SWEDEN

I Kirk: stunning Dubai debut in January

her retirement in 1998.

But a dislike of the limelight (she has a phobia to microphones and television cameras) meant that she had no ambition to go into training until Reuterskiold, who was still her business partner, virtually forced it upon her. And it hasn’t turned out too badly, mainly thanks to I Kirk.

Speaking by phone (which is apparently much easier than a face-toface interview!), Berneklint reports that I Kirk was lame as he came off the plane into Dubai, throwing her Middle Eastern plans into disarray.

“We brought him over in midDecember as he doesn’t travel well, even in a horse box, hence he’s raced almost exclusively at Jagersro,” she reveals. “Then he banged himself on the

membership of the committee.

On the other, it upgraded the Premio Dormello, a mile race for juvenile fillies in Milan, to Group 2, and promised “to try to progress matters as quickly as possible to restore Italy to full membership.”

Lengthy delays in paying prize-money do seem to be a thing of the past and the Italian Ministry Of Agriculture (which was represented at the EPC gathering) is confident that all 2018 prizes will have been paid in full by the end of March.

Yet Italian racing’s beleaguered administrators have more than just the EPC’s findings to worry about – the

flight and there was no way that we could get him ready in time to run in the Group 3 Dubawi Stakes on January 3 as we had intended.

“When he did race, two weeks later, I thought that it would be too early for him, but he won so well that it ruled him out of any future handicaps, so we will have to wait for the Group 3 on Super Saturday.

“If he runs well again then it will put us in a quandary about staying for [the Golden Shaheen on] World Cup night [March 30], as he’s meant to be out here for only three months. If he stays any longer he will have to do an extra month of quarantine, so we wouldn’t end up getting back to Sweden until the end of April or the beginning of May.”

nation’s premier racecourse, Capannelle, has been shut down since the turn of the year as a squabble between the course’s operators, Hippogroup, and its owners, the Municipality of Rome, drags on.

While the two parties prove unable to agree what is a fair rent for the property, the facilities continue to fall into disrepair as a once prestigious track crumbles and rots. Capannelle is set to host both versions of the Italian Guineas at the end of April and the Derby Italiano three weeks later, but unless the impasse is resolved another venue – most likely San Siro in Milan – may need to be sought.

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Around The Globe

The Worldwide Racing Scene

Light shines spotlight on McCarthy

GEORGE SELWYN

City Of Light swoops to win the Dirt Mile at the Breeders’ Cup

NORTH AMERICA

By Steve Andersen

M

ichael McCarthy’s meteoric rise in American racing over the winter has been more than 20 years in the making.

McCarthy, 48, achieved two personal milestones with the now-retired City Of Light – winning the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Churchill Downs in November and the $9 million Pegasus World Cup, the richest race in the United States, at Gulfstream Park on January 26.

“It’s been pretty wild,” McCarthy said on a recent morning from his base at Santa Anita in Southern California.

Well-known as a former assistant to trainer Todd Pletcher for 11 years until 2013, McCarthy has had his own stable in southern California since 2014, beginning with a small number of runners. By last autumn McCarthy had 25 horses in his care. He sent five of them, or 20% of the barn, to the Breeders’ Cup. At the start of 2018, McCarthy had a goal of having at least one Breeders’ Cup runner.

City Of Light was the McCarthy stable star long before the win in the Dirt Mile, having won the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap in Arkansas last May against Accelerate, who later won the Breeders’ Cup Classic the same afternoon as the Dirt Mile.

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McCarthy has spent most of this century around good horses. Pletcher won seven Breeders’ Cup races in the year McCarthy was part of the team.

The process of getting a runner of any age ready for a Breeders’ Cup race and seeing it through to the winners’ circle was a familiar routine for McCarthy.

When City Of Light won the Dirt Mile, the success was a measure of pride for McCarthy. The win in the Pegasus World Cup had a more poignant tone. A day after the race, City Of Light was whisked off to stud in Kentucky. McCarthy and his eight-year-old daughter Stella accompanied City Of Light on the horse van as a final send-off. Stella was in tears, while McCarthy himself was fighting emotion.

The arrangement was planned months in advance, but the business nature of the deal left McCarthy disappointed. He thought there was unfinished business on the track in 2019.

“It would have been nice to see what he could have done this year,” McCarthy said a few days later.

The Pegasus World Cup has been run three times and each year the winner has gone immediately to stud. Arrogate won the first running in 2017, followed

by Gun Runner in 2018.

City Of Light, a five-year-old by Quality Road who raced for Suzanne and William Warren Jr, won seven of 11

starts and earned $5,662,600 in a career that began in the summer of 2017. City Of Light won on his stakes debut in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes for three-yearolds at the end of that season and won four other stakes contests.

With City Of Light retired, McCarthy has the three-year-old filly Vibrance, who was third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Churchill Downs in November, as a stable leader.

Vibrance was rested in January and early February after a disappointing fifth in the Grade 1 Starlet Stakes at Los Alamitos in December. Her return to training this spring is designed to have her ready for a summer campaign, bypassing the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on May 3. McCarthy rates her as a contender for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita in November.

“I’m looking forward to seeing if she can run a mile and an eighth,” he said.

McCarthy thrives on activity, a result of his years with Pletcher, who has one of the largest stables in the United States. A 25-horse stable is far from McCarthy’s goal for coming seasons.

“I’d like double that,” he said. “You get used to the numbers at Todd’s.”

The success of City Of Light drew attention to the stable over the winter.

The team sheet could easily grow in 2019.

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Around The Globe

Weir juggernaut dramatically derailed

BRONWEN HEALY

Trainer Darren Weir, pictured with jockey Hugh Bowman, has left racing under a cloud with a fouryear disqualification

AUSTRALIA

By Danny Power

I

t’s impossible to believe that anyone who attended Darren Weir’s Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RAD) hearing wasn’t emotionally affected when judge John Bowman sentenced the champion trainer to a four-year disqualification.

Even the good judge, an experienced campaigner at any stretch, choked through his words as he read out his verdict. Sitting before him was a broken, wreck of a man.

Weir, who hadn’t spoken and was generally impassive throughout the hearing, bowed his head and tears rolled down his cheeks as judge Bowman read out the trainer’s incredible accomplishments that catapulted him from knockabout bush trainer to growing into a member of his profession the like of which we hadn’t seen before.

The reality of the predicament Weir, 48, had put himself in hit like a freight train when the four-year sentence followed, even though he stood on the tracks knowing it was coming.

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One seasoned journalist said later. “I know it’s not the popular thing to say as most people, especially rival trainers and most of social media, are baying for the gallows, but I genuinely feel sorry for him. It was a shock to see him like that, emotional and sad, broken.”

What we saw was a contrast to the usually shy, happy-go-lucky man who faced the cameras during a rise to fame that netted him 36 Group 1 winners, mostly in the past five years, highlighted by his memorable win with Prince Of Penzance in the 2015 Melbourne Cup, ridden by Michelle Payne.

Weir was disqualified by Racing Victoria (RV) after declaring “no contest” to charges resulting from a raid on his Ballarat and Warrnambool stables a week earlier, on January 29, by Victoria police and officials from RV’s integrity unit, during which they found four electrical devices, better known as cattle prods or, in racing terms, can be used as ‘jiggers’ to encourage a horse to perform at its maximum.

Jiggers have been outlawed in racing since Thomas Alva Edison invented the light bulb. They were once cruel tricks of the trade that were a common part of

training practice from years past, but their use in modern times is a rarity; there have been three minor instances in Victoria in the past ten years.

RV introduced a mandatory two-year disqualification for the use of a jigger, although at this stage Weir hasn’t, to date, been charged with use, but with possession, which has no mandatory sentence attached to it.

Weir, assistant trainer Jarrod McLean – who also is a registered trainer in his own right – and stable foreman Tyson Kermond were arrested and questioned by police. It is believed Weir was cooperative during questioning until he was shown photographs taken from surveillance cameras placed in his stables by the police late last year. It was then, on legal advice, he refused to talk to police, and since then, at the time this edition went to press, Weir has refused to comment to RV, the RAD board and the media as to why or how he had the electrical devices in his possession – in his case they were found in his possession in his home, hidden in his bedroom.

Weir knows he’s in a no-win position with racing authorities. The police investigation is broad and includes

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conspiracy to defraud the betting public.

There are races and associated betting transactions being looked at, although which ones we can only guess.

Weir’s failure to contest the charges – which in legal circles is not a guilty plea – is not only tactical because of further police inquiries, but also due to a personal desire for him to have the inevitable over with as well as saving him and the industry a fortune in legal fees.

The Weir case was heard and dealt with in seven days.

In keeping with the speed of the inquiry, Weir has sold his 150-box Forest Lodge stable complex at Ballarat. His Warrnambool stables, on Victoria’s southwest coast, where he has 50 boxes, is for sale, but his recently developed 400-acre training farm at Maldon, near Bendigo, in central Victoria, is likely to be kept by Weir, although he cannot run it in any way to earn an income out of racing.

The big sidebar of Weir’s demise is the knock-on effect to not only his staff, the broader racing community and racing’s image, but also what it will do to the communities and business that relied on this behemoth.

This is not simply removing one trainer and replacing him with another. Weir was an ‘industry’ like we haven’t seen before in racing.

He had between 700 and 800 horses on his books – last season alone he started 550 individual horses (and trained a record 490 winners). He employed around 150 staff, mainly in Ballarat. He ran his operation like a general and his troops loved and adored him.

Recently, the Ballarat Shire declared that racing brought in A$59 million annually to the local community with Weir a major portion of that. Local businesses, such as feed merchants and saddlery firms, may struggle to survive without Weir’s support.

One local horse transport company has quadrupled in size in the past couple of years to cater for Weir’s needs. It’s not

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BRONWEN HEALY

“Weir was an ‘industry’ like we have never seen before. He had between 700 and 800 horses” Prince Of Penzance and Michelle Payne captured the Melbourne Cup for Darren Weir uncommon for Weir to require 70-80 horses moved weekly from Ballarat and Warrnambool to compete in Weirorganised jump-out trials on central county tracks such as Terang, Casterton and Burrumbeet.

One morning in 2017, when Warrnambool’s track was too wet for fast work, Weir transported more than 80 horses to Ballarat and back to work – a four-hour round trip requiring a shuttle of ten eight-horse trucks. Trucks are now for sale and workers being laid off.

Such is the extent of his reach, apart from his 50-box stable at Warrnambool, he is also believed to lease around 70% of the boxes at the ‘Bool from rival trainers, most of whom have been battling to make ends meet but found a ‘white knight’ in the enterprising bush-boy from Berriwillock, a wheat town in central north Victoria.

Across the other side of Port Phillip Bay on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne, small-time trainers Monica Cid and David Noonan gave up personal success for a lucrative, guaranteed-to-bepaid position as full-time pre-trainers for Weir. Noonan and Cid, and their staff, in the space of a week, have been lurched back to life’s reality looking for a job, when there aren’t many on offer.

For the devastated Ballarat stable staff, there has been a glow at the end of a dark tunnel. Emerging trainer Ciaron Maher and his training partner, Englishman David Eustace, have agreed to buy Forest Lodge at Ballarat and have guaranteed employment for the staff, at least until they know how many of the 150 boxes they can fill.

Maher and Eustace have stables at Caulfield and Balnarring, on the Mornington Peninsula, about an hour out of Melbourne, and a small operation

in Sydney – on their books are 380 horses, which is big by any standards, and growing. They have picked up some of Weir’s topliners such as Humidor and Land Of Plenty, and their new position at Ballarat will see some of the lower-grade horses stay behind and join their team. At least that’s the hope.

“Our business is well structured to facilitate this addition, both practically and administratively, and our key priority is to ensure a swift takeover with minimal disruption to staff and horses there,” Maher said.

Weir has been the driving force behind the development of Ballarat, the former gold rush city about 75 minutes’ drive north-west of Melbourne, into one of Australia’s premier training centres, featuring a seven-furlong uphill synthetic track that was basically designed by Weir, who put some of his own money into the development – money he will never recoup.

Ex-pat Poms Archie Alexander and Matt Cumani have made Ballarat home and have, in the past, paid tribute to Weir’s enterprise and foresight.

Weir is expected to return to training in four years. Some of his close friends believe the four-year break will do the self-confessed workaholic the world of good. For 20 years he’s been building a juggernaut that, even by his admission, was out of his control.

Weir got his first break in racing in the mid-1980s when he accepted a job as a farrier with bush trainer Terry O’Sullivan at Stawell. His car broke down and he rode into O’Sullivan’s stables on his horse.

On January 29, he left racing with his head bowed; a forlorn figure in the back of a car surrounded by his legal team.

Hopefully one day he will answer the question...why?

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Racing Life

Destination: DUBAI

Thanks to the discovery of oil in Dubai in 1966, this UAE city has, with astonishing rapidity, emerged from being a sleepy desert backwater to a glittering metropolis.

Even more astonishing is the fact that the economy now scarcely relies on oil at all, but is powerfully driven by tourism. But what is there to do there?

Dubai’s glittering skyline boasts some of the world’s most towering architecture

F

ew destinations elicit such mixed reviews as Dubai, but there’s no denying that it does glitzy modernity extremely well, with its über-luxurious hotels, towering architecture and immense shopping malls, crammed with labels and brands. Its climate is, naturally enough, also a drawcard for sun-starved Brits, happy to tackle the seven-hour flight when warm desert temperatures await at the other end.

Yet for all of its rooftop bars and glittering retail spaces, Dubai remains a traditional Arab society with a strict code of laws - and punishments for breaking them. This shouldn’t deter people from visiting, however; a modicum of sense

and respect will see tourists welcomed warmly and without trouble.

These traditional roots manifest themselves in other, more pleasant, ways, as well - for all the complaints that there is no ‘authentic’ culture to be found in Dubai, it may simply be a case of having to look a little harder for it. After all, it’s easy to bypass tiny teahouses and bustling souks when one’s eyes are drawn skywards to the Burj Khalifa which, at 2,717 feet tall, is the world’s tallest building - and you could be forgiven for omitting to browse Dubai’s rich assortment of galleries, housing impressive collections of Arabic and Islamic art, when you’re fixated on

You may have to look a little harder for authentic experiences in Dubai, but their charm makes them worth the search

browsing the malls.

By the same token, when one is busily seeking out the best pools and beach clubs at which to enjoy the sunshine, they may neglect to notice the traditional wooden abra boats on Dubai Creek, which are used to shuttle people between the historic neighbourhoods of Deira and Bastakiya. Pearl diving and fishing, which used to be the primary components of Dubai’s economy, depended on the salt waters around the estuary where the Bani Yas tribe first settled, and the area still retains much of its historical charm: it is interlaced with the winding alleys of the souks, stuffed with textiles, gold and spices, which visitors can lose themselves in, eventually emerging to take to the waters of the creek in an abra for just AED1 (less than £1) per ticket.

Getting out of the city completely is also something that every traveller to Dubai should do: with the desert in such close proximity, there are magical Bedouin experiences to be enjoyed, such as overnighting in a luxury camp or riding on a camel’s back, while thrillseekers might feel compelled to take on the endlessly undulating dunes with a 4WD or quad bike.

Dubai plays host to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, predominantly during the balmy winter months before the searing summer temperatures spike, and these provide the ideal focal point to a stay. Yes, there’s the Dubai Shopping Festival, which runs

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Travel

Don’t miss a ride on a traditional wooden abra boat from late December to early February and offers huge discounts and promotions, but there’s also the ten-day long Jazz Festival in February, which is now in its 17th year and features performances by local and international jazz and blues artists at venues across the city, before Dubai Media City plays

At 2,717 feet tall, Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building

Meydan hosts the prestigious Dubai World Cup each March

host to the main event over the final three days. Food lovers will revel in the delights of the Dubai Food Festival, which runs from the end of February through to March, and showcases the wealth and diversity of places to eat in the city, from low-key budget eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants.

March also kicks off Dubai’s twomonth long art season, two of the highlights of which are the SIKKA Art Fair and Art Dubai, held in the historical Al Fahidi neighbourhood and Madinat Jumeirah respectively. In terms of street art, exciting things are afoot at Jumeirah Beach Road which, as well as as being touted as one of the hippest places in Dubai, is also having its blank beach walls transformed by a team of 30 Emirati, Arab and international artists. As part of the Jumeirah Project, this mural makeover forms the fourth phase of the Dubai Street Museum initiative, which aims to turn Dubai into an open-air museum.

March, of course, is also the month that

Meydan racecourse hosts the biggest sporting and social occasion of the year, the Dubai World Cup. Preceded by the Dubai World Cup Carnival, a series of ten race meetings running from January 3 to March 9, the racing season in Dubai provides a global world stage, drawing some of the biggest names in the industry.

This year the Dubai World Cup will be held on March 30 and is set to enhance its reputation as the world’s richest day in horseracing, with total purses for the card, featuring six Group 1 and three Group 2 races, increasing from US$30 million to $35m. The day ends in suitably celebratory style, with the closing spectacular of the Dubai World Cup show and entertainment - and, despite the lavishness of the event, it’s extremely accessible to all, with general admission tickets priced from £4. www.visitdubai.com www.dubaiworldcup.com Sarah Rodrigues

January 23 saw London’s Landmark Hotel play host to the Longines 2018 Best Racehorse Ceremony. Following a champagne reception and lavish three-course lunch, the winners of the prestigious award were together announced as Winx and Cracksman, with an equal rating of 130. Accelerate, with a rating of 128, was also honoured in third place.

Longines and its long-time partner the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) also awarded the World’s Best Horse Race to the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which previously won the award in 2017 and 2015. Winners were awarded with elegant Longines timepieces, while France Galop President Edouard de Rothschild was also presented with a replica trophy representing a proud horse head. www.longines.com

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BRADLEY PHOTOS

LONGINES BEST RACEHORSE AWARD

Winx wins the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April 2018

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Racing Life

Butler Stewart

Founded by Anna Butler in 2015, Butler Stewart is a clothing brand with a focus on closing the sartorial gap between town and country, and giving tweed, by way of exquisite tailoring, an urban edge

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design for the customer who loves country tweed but wants clothing that can move with ease from rural to urban life. So says Anna Butler. She adds: “I’ve always worn tweed for meetings in the city and love the way you can dress up or dress down this quintessentially British look if the tailoring is right.”

Precision in the execution of her designs is assured, with a former Savile Row tailor responsible for their cut and finish - and the pieces in each range are not only classics which transcend the fluctuations of fast fashion, but are also constructed with incredible care and detail, ensuring their longevity.

“Having worked with high-end brands before setting up Butler Stewart, I recognise the importance of delivering garments that make the customer look and feel great,” she says.

“Butler Stewart garments are designed to stand the test of time with their classic cut and beautiful finish.”

That this elegant and meticulous approach has been successful for the label is demonstrated by the vast age range of their loyal clientele, which spans from 25 to 70 years, but all with a love of the countryside in common.

Many of their customers, while holding on to their oft-worn and beloved pieces from previous ranges, have returned each year to update their wardrobes with Butler Stewart’s new additions. A focus on limited edition runs further

ensures these clients enjoy an element of exclusivity - something that’s so rarely seen in contemporary fashion.

A dedication to customer service is just one of the values that the brand holds dear; another is locally sourced materials - something that Anna’s own upbringing, on a farm, has undoubtedly

influenced. She is passionate about supporting local economies, traditions and British craftsmanship, using the finest British Mills, with all of Butler Stewart’s tweed made from 100% British wool. In addition, their caps are hand-tailored in Britain and all socks in the range are made and finished in Scotland.

“The finish, the feel of the garment has to be outstanding “ says Anna, “so we feel strongly about supporting the British wool trade - for us, nothing compares.”

Despite the relatively young age of the label, Butler Stewart has a history in textiles that extends back some 200 years; indeed, you might even say that textiles are in Anna’s DNA, as it was one of her ancestors who founded George Courtauld & Co, an 18th century manufacturer of fabric and clothing.

Keen to reduce their reliance on natural silks, the company acquired a patent for viscose in 1904 and this fabric now forms the distinctive and colourful linings found in many Butler Stewart garments today.

Youth hasn’t prevented Butler Stewart from receiving recognition of their achievements within the industry, either: in 2017, after just two years of trading, they were Highly Commended at the Rural Business Awards in the Best Rural Clothing & Accessories Business Category.

“We were over the moon to receive the highly commended award after just two years of trading,” says Anna - but she’s not about to rest on her laurels, adding: “I’m very excited about the future of Butler Stewart. I am gradually expanding the men’s and ladies’ fashion led garments and also growing our network of exclusive stockists both here in the UK and overseas. As well as selling online, cherry-picking our favoured stockists enables customers to not only discover our brand but also reaches those who prefer to shop in person than to browse online.” www.butlerstewart.co.uk Sarah Rodrigues

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Cheltenham Festival Shopping

Peachy Belts

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ith jeans such a core component of the modern wardrobe, the lines between casual and formal have never been more blurred. But banish thoughts of overly distressed and ‘fashion forward’ denim - a good pair of jeans in a classic and flattering cut will form the basis of a chic outfit, especially when paired with a statement belt. As a jeans wearer with no intention of compromising on style or elegance, Zoe Gibson came up with the idea of making beautiful belts with interchangeable buckles, allowing clients to ‘style up’ their jeans in a variety of ways.

Using only the finest Italian vegetable tanned leathers, the belts are nubuck lined and stitched to ensure that they do

not stretch. Quality control and craftsmanship are also of the greatest importance, with each Peachy Belt handmade in England; most of the buckles are also handcast on these shores.

Peachy Belts come in a variety of widths, spanning from 20mm to 60mm,

and in a range of colours. Changing the buckle is easy, with a popper-function facilitating removal before a new buckle is threaded on the belt. Buckle designs range from elegant metallic loops and squares, to dazzling Swarovski crystal showstoppers, with others featuring gemstones, shell and acrylic pearls, or taking the form of foxes and horse heads.

It’s not just on jeans that Peachy Belts look fantastic; their skinnier belts are equally ideal for adding definition to a dress. There is also a range of belts designed to be worn with jodhpurs and breeches, segueing effortlessly from riding to daywear. www.peachybelts.co.uk Sarah Rodrigues

moloh

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lthough it’s now known for its strong military aesthetic, moloh began, in fact, with the creation of a workman-style overall - but, despite moloh’s founder Caroline Smiley having nothing more glamorous than chores and gardening in mind, the overalls were unmistakably feminine, coming in an array of colours, with striped seams and nipped-in waists.

The success of this range was soon added to with leather belts and Spanish riding boots; next, they designed a skirt and jacket with the assistance of a couture-trained pattern cutter. These were launched at the Game Fair in 2006 and virtually sold out.

There’s definitely a fun and flamboyant element to the moloh identity, with frilled shirts and frock jackets layering with dresses, jumpers and wrap skirts. The military

influence comes in part from Caroline’s own father, as well as her husband Andrew, but it’s largely Caroline’s mother whose style has impacted upon the strong, sporty and feminine moloh aesthetic: although she died a year before the brand was born, her clever way with clothing and tailoring has left a lasting impression.

Even as the brand has expanded, Caroline has consciously chosen to support local industry and keep production based in Britain, with suppliers all around the country. moloh now has two collections per year, with spring/summer available from February, and autumn/winter from August. www.moloh.com

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Sarah Rodrigues

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Racing Life

Really Wild Clothing While many clothing labels, Whistles and Reiss to name but two, have benefitted from ‘the Kate effect’ – the surge in popularity that a brand or item experiences when Kate Middleton wears it – it’s not every clothing label that can lay claim to the Duchess of Cambridge modelling for them

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eally Wild Clothing is ‘that’ label, with Kate having posed for a shoot at the front of Blenheim Palace back in 2004, two years after the brand was launched by Natalie Lake in 2002. Although originally conceived of as a line of contemporary shooting wear for the Royal Berkshire Shooting School, Really Wild swiftly moved on from its sports collection to women’s country wear and, in 2012, a London collection was designed. Really Wild is now a standalone women’s brand, which recognises that the demands of a modern woman’s lifestyle will see her move between both rural and urban settings; with this in mind, the brand’s design ethos centres on combining comfort, practicality, timelessness and elegance. Indeed, the brand’s pop-up store last year in Chelsea was such a success that plans are now under way to expand from the Berkshire site with a long-term retail space in London.

A respect for British heritage shines through, not only in the designs themselves, but in the brand’s commitment to sourcing and making their pieces in Britain wherever possible - while items sourced from overseas are small-batch and artisanal, such as the exquisitely crafted Spanish boots, which are made in a small, family-run workshop.

Of course, any genuine celebration of all that is British will always have to factor in the unpredictability of the Great British weather and, to this end, Really Wild’s pieces make for effortless layering, allowing the wearer to add or remove textures and patterns according to the temperature: floating floral dresses work just as beautifully under a chunky knit and fur gilet and over leather boots as they do with bare arms and legs.

Distinctive finishing touches are one of the hallmarks of the range of tweeds, which come exclusively from Scottish mills, including the historic Linton Tweed Mill: look for leather edging, specialist buttons and contrasting felts beneath the collars. A large range of separates

perfectly complements the tweeds, with customers able to choose from gloriously tactile custom-made knitwear and print shirts in Liberty silks. Quality of fit and tailoring are also of great importance, with Really Wild celebrating the female form as it really is and encouraging their wearers to feel confident and feminine.

Each garment in the Really Wild creations has been designed by founder Natalie Lake, whose strong aesthetic sensibility originally saw her working in architecture. “I think of clothes as a form of art,” she says. “When I’m designing, I could almost be painting.” This artistic approach is mirrored in the palettes

used in each range, with Really Wild’s collections drawing on nature’s hues and celebrating colour across the spectrum, infusing dressing with a joy that’s simply not seen in a sea of blacks and greys.

Those wary of embracing bolder shades can venture cautiously, with the addition of a bright feather pin, made from real feathers collected from Scottish moors and English countryside; attached to the lapel of a tweed jacket; these make a playful but low-key statement. www.reallywildclothing.com Sarah Rodrigues

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Cheltenham Festival Shopping

GUINEA

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hat’s in a name? Once upon a time in Britain, the guinea, a solid gold coin, was more than just currency: it was synonymous with all that was desirable and luxurious, from art and jewels to, of course, racehorses, for whom prices are still often quoted in guineas. When Guinea’s brand owners happened across a 1775 guinea coin, languishing in a drawer, their inspiration was embodied: Guinea was to combine excellent quality with indisputable British luxury and tradition.

The British sporting calendar remains at the heart of the Guinea ethos, and the brand is very much a regular at the country’s premier equestrian events, where attendees can browse and buy from their collections of tailored and finely crafted tweed, as well as luxe outerwear and accessories, ranging from suede driving shoes to fur collars and hats, which add textural interest - not to mention warmth - to any outfit.

Outdoor clothing has always been at the core of the collections, incorporating a timeless elegance that is key to their brand identity, with coats and jackets crafted from 100% British wool tweed, woven in traditional British mills. For the discerning client, seeking something unique and exclusive, the limited edition ranges feature neverrepeated tweeds designed and woven in Yorkshire. But there’s more to Guinea than tweed: their coats come also in sumptuous velvet and chic linen, featuring classic and forever-stylish lines and details.

For a more dramatic effect, cashmere and wool fur trimmed wraps, available in black, fawn, navy and pale blue, are as deliciously tactile as they are striking and elegant. www.guinealondon.com Sarah Rodrigues

ALEXANDRA CHURCHILL B

orn in Vancouver, Alexandra Churchill moved to the UK in the 1980s and soon became enchanted by the horses she saw on her walks around her residence on the Overbury Estate, home to the Overbury Stud. Already an accomplished artist painting on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from flowers and landscapes to still life and dogs, horses quickly became a core focus of her work.

Having studied classical ballet in her youth, Alexandra sees similarities between the equine and dance worlds.

“From any angle, no matter what they are doing, horses are just the most beautiful creatures,” she says. “Every turn of their head or twist of their neck, whether they are standing still, grazing or galloping, every movement is so elegant. I see them in all different lights and I love to capture them looking almost ethereal and mythical in a way that echoes just how magical they are.”

This classical background has also informed Alexandra’s approach to

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painting, not only in her style, but also in her choice of medium: she paints almost exclusively in oils.

“I love the tradition of it,” she explains. “Acrylics undoubtedly have many benefits, but I love the fact that I’m painting with methods and materials that have been in existence

for ages, methods and materials used by painters throughout time, including George Stubbs, one of my very favourite artists.”

Alexandra has painted many commissions of horses, both living and deceased, and has an impressive client list, featuring many high profile names.

Working from photographs and, where possible, meeting and spending time with the horses, she liaises closely with the owner to glean how they’d like to see their animal and what they feel best represents them.

Alexandra’s Overbury studio, nine miles north of Cheltenham, will be hosting an Open House for art lovers from March 11-16, to coincide with the Cheltenham Festival. See website for details or to make an appointment for any other time throughout the year. www.alexandrachurchill.co.uk

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Sarah Rodrigues

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Racing Life

Huntsman of Savile Row

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 Rake magazine. Follow him on Instagram at @chrismodoo

S

ituated at 11 Savile Row, Huntsman is a renowned institution in a street of famous names, having clothed royalty and film stars, including Gregory Peck, The Duke of Windsor and Eric Clapton, in their immaculate tailoring.

All Savile Row tailors have a ‘house style’ but few are as distinctive as this one, which was developed and refined in the late 20th century by their Chief Cutter, Colin Hammick.

Hammick combined the elegance of the classic dinner jacket with the functionality of the hacking jacket to create the legendary Huntsman silhouette, which frames the wearer in the classic inverted ‘v’ shape with a natural taper to a single button. Unlike the modern High Street jacket, the jacket is cut long in the body, with vents at the back creating a flare that is both dashing and comfortable.

Like all good bespoke tailors, Huntsman cut the armhole high in the body, which allows the arms a greater range of movement and creates a longer silhouette, making the wearer appear taller and slimmer. The one button house style is the perfect model to combine with a waistcoat (or ‘vest’

as they are known in Savile Row) and is also the perfect model for a smart tweed sports jacket.

Huntsman are famous for designing their own house checks; these can be quite bold and have a cult following.

Woven in limited editions, they are

available for bespoke commissions but are also used in their ever-growing range of accessories, such as tweedcovered dartboards and tweed slippers for winter weekends, Ideal for wearing at the Cheltenham Festival, Huntsman tweed jackets are woven in strictly limited numbers, so the chances of someone wearing the same cloth as you are slim. If you want something ultra-exclusive, however, their design-your-own-tweed service is excellent, and can involve a trip to the Isle of Islay, where your cloth will be woven on an ancient loom, with guidance given on a choice of ground colours, decorations and designs. The resulting cloth will be exclusively yours to be utilised for whatever purpose you wish - and if you don’t use it all immediately, it can be stored in perfect conditions at 11 Savile Row, perhaps for future generations to be clothed in the family tweed.

Customers wishing to purchase a bespoke suit are invited to join a waiting list and can expect to wait at least 12 weeks for delivery of the garment - while for the time poor, Huntsman also boast a good range of ready-to-wear tailored clothing and accessories.

Based on the house model, the single-breasted coat is paired with slim flat-fronted trousers and available in classic cloths such as pick & pick or woollen flannel.

Complementary classic shirts, ties and pocket hankies, as well as umbrellas and cufflinks, are also stocked. A Huntsman velvet jacket is a sublime addition to any gentleman’s evening wardrobe, but is styled in a way that it can be worn less formally with knitwear and flannels. And, although not yet stocking shoes, Huntsman offer the classic Albert slipper in house cloths as well as the option to order a pair in a wide range of tweeds or cashmere. www.huntsmansavilerow.com

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Lifestyle

Brown and Double Blues On Wednesday, February 6, British menswear brand Oliver Brown and London-based racehorse ownership group Chelsea Thoroughbreds co-hosted a drinks party at The Chelsea Gardener to launch their sponsorship.

The event was the very first in the 2019 Chelsea Thoroughbreds events calendar and was a great success.

The evening allowed the chance for Chelsea Thoroughbreds owners and trainers, Oliver Brown customers, friends and family to catch up ahead of the season all whilst celebrating the partnership.

The sponsorship will see the Oliver Brown logo grace the Chelsea Thoroughbreds’ double blue silks for the foreseeable future.

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Located in the picturesque village of Ripple, some 12 miles from Cheltenham, Station House was built as a railway station in the late 1800s and converted to a private home several years ago. Although now in need of some refurbishment, Station House is a Grade II listed property and boasts gorgeous period features throughout - and, with three acres of land surrounding the property, there’s plenty of scope for additional building, subject to the necessary permissions being obtained. There’s already a double garage/coach house, which offers potential for additional flexible accommodation, as well as an outbuilding containing an indoor heated swimming pool with electric cover.

Upstairs accommodation within the main property comprises three bedrooms, including a master with dressing room and ensuite, as well as a family bathroom. Downstairs, there’s a dining room with feature fireplace; from here, walk through to the

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stunning sitting room, with its large fireplace, vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and access to the grounds.

There’s also a study/home office which, in its previous incarnation, was the ladies’ waiting room. The kitchen and another bathroom are also to be found on this floor, as well as a separate ground floor annex with sitting room, kitchen and bedroom.

Accessed via a private driveway, entering the grounds of Station

House offers views of the lake and old railway bridge. To the front of the property stands a Monkey Puzzle tree, while the side view allows you to see where the original platforms and double tracks would have existed.

Station House is being marketed by Cook Residential at a guide price of £1,000,000.

W: cookresidential.co.uk T: 01242 500 259

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The Big Interview

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Positive outlook: Paul Nicholls is excited about the future after enduring a difficult time, both professionally and personally

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Paul Nicholls

Patience is

A VIRTUE In 2009 Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat stable housed the best jumpers in Britain or Ireland; the next decade proved more challenging yet the trainer heads to this year’s Cheltenham Festival with renewed vigour and hopes of big-race glory Words: Julian Muscat Photos: George Selwyn

T

o the hordes descending on Cheltenham, it won’t feel like a decade since Celestial Halo came within a neck of completing the greatest heist of all.

The five-year-old was touched off

by Punjabi, a 22-1 outsider, in a photofinish to the Champion Hurdle. Had the outcome gone the other way Paul Nicholls would have captured all four of the Festival’s feature races.

It was the year of Kauto Star and Denman, who had the Gold Cup to themselves on Friday. They were preceded by Master Minded, who strolled away with the Champion Chase on Wednesday, and Big Buck’s, an easy winner of the Stayers’ Hurdle on Thursday.

No trainer has ever come close to such plunder. “We were spoilt,” Nicholls recalls. “We were incredibly lucky to have all those horses in one go. Each of them was a horse of a lifetime really.”

It seemed back then as if the golden era would never end, yet it would not survive 12 months. On their returns to Cheltenham, Celestial Halo regressed into fourth place, while Kauto Star and Master Minded were beaten at oddson. Only Big Buck’s would successfully carry the torch.

It was inevitable that less hedonistic times would settle over Nicholls’ base at Ditcheat, on the edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. The man himself knew

it, prepared as best he could for it.

However, you don’t get to train equine luminaries unless you are driven. And the driven can’t accept second best.

For all that, Nicholls’ achievements remained robust. He has been champion trainer six times in the intervening decade. At the close of this season his prize-money haul will

“We were incredibly lucky, each of them was a horse of a lifetime really” have exceeded £2 million for the 17th consecutive year. He will also have posted his 18th successive century of winners. On February 19, he sent out the 3,000th winner of his career.

Nicholls is a master at getting the best from the horses he has. His record in valuable handicaps is second to none, yet what was apparent was that he hasn’t been well represented in the defining races. He was short of stars.

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The Big Interview

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That could be about to change. In December he won a tenth King George VI Chase with Clan Des Obeaux, who is now a front-line candidate for the Gold Cup. He has a second string to that bow in Frodon, recent winner of Cheltenham’s Cotswold Chase under Bryony Frost. And he has a herd of young horses for the novice races. As he puts it: “Cheltenham is exciting for us but it will be even more exciting next year.”

During a time of rebuilding, it’s not just the horses that are new. Back in the golden era Dan Skelton was Nicholls’ assistant and Ruby Walsh the stable jockey. When Skelton graduated to training he was succeeded by Nicholls’ nephew, Harry Derham, while Walsh’s role has been reprised through Daryl Jacob and Sam Twiston-Davies to Harry Cobden, who shares a youthful zest

with the horses he rides.

Yet Nicholls believes he is as wellequipped as he has ever been. Clifford Baker has straddled the decade as head lad. The core facilities at Ditcheat have remained the same, as have the array of gallops, which have been constantly upgraded. And Nicholls still trains in much the same way.

In Nicholls’ estimation the ten-year itch for the next wave of top-class horses has been entirely down to his seed corn – and in particular, the source of it. “We always knew it would be a hell of a job to get anything like those horses again,” he says.

“It takes a long time; they don’t come along just like that. I’d even prepared myself for the possibility that we’d never have those times again, but I feel like we’re getting back to where we were.”

The quest has been complicated by shifting sands. In tandem with bloodstock agents, Nicholls sourced Kauto Star, Master Minded, Big Buck’s and Neptune Collonges, with whom he won the 2012 Grand National, as young horses from France. But the process no longer bears comparison.

“At that time you could wait until the horses had five or six runs in France before you bought them,” Nicholls explains. “Yes, they were expensive, but it wasn’t a gamble because you knew they were good. They were the best value for money when you consider how much prize-money they won.

“But that has completely changed,” he continues. “Now you’re forced into buying a horse that finished second in a maiden hurdle at Auteuil for £300,000, because if you don’t you’ll be left behind. You might then find that the

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Paul Nicholls ››

Clan Des Obeaux and Harry Cobden, left, galloping out with Getaway Trump and Natalie Parker, will be joined in the Cheltenham Gold Cup by Frodon and Bryony Frost, seen below winning the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase in January

form of that race was worthless. We’ve had a few of those here but it has become so competitive that you can’t afford to wait.

“I have some owners who will pay plenty of money but you have to find value too. So you have to find another way. We have gone back to basics a little bit over the last few years, buying stores for between £60,000 and £100,000. You absolutely have to give these horses time.

“We bought one at auction recently for £190,000 that had finished second in a maiden point. He’s a beautiful horse, and I’m happy with him, but that’s the market for you. If you want a winning pointer it will cost you

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£400,000 – and there’s a lot of them about.”

A series of more subtle changes from ten years ago have also taken root. A legacy of his restless mind, Nicholls forever contemplates little things that can make the difference.

He spends handsomely on his allweather training strips to achieve the consistency of surface he cherishes: he recently spent £148,000 on resurfacing his five-furlong flat gallop.

“That was just the top layer alone,” he reflects with a grimace. “But that’s what you have to do, and it makes a massive difference. We have kept improving the gallop over the years and I’d say we now have it exactly where we want it. Facility-wise, I don’t think we could do any better than what we have.”

Although that has helped to keep the winners churning, Nicholls has always had one eye on the future.

He wanted to be prepared for the time when the next wave of quality horseflesh breaks over Manor Farm Stables.

“It can be frustrating,” he says.

“You’re putting in as much as you ever have but suddenly you’re not getting as much out. But the key is putting things in place to make it happen, to make the magic come back. People see you doing well and have faith in you. That’s important.”

In that ongoing quest Nicholls has come to think of horses as akin to human athletes, tailoring feeding routines to suit. And while he has always espoused the virtues of patience, he is even more wedded to

“A few owners here have lasted only a year; they are in too much of a hurry” the concept now.

“It did Clan Des Obeaux good to get a little injury [in December 2017],” Nicholls relates. “He had some time off, just like Kauto Star when he had ten months off after he fell at Exeter [in 2005].

“Owners want you to run, but I have realised more and more that patience is the big thing.

“A few owners have come here and lasted only one year. They are in too much of a hurry; they will never be successful because they won’t give anyone a chance. That doesn’t suit me.

I want owners who understand you and stick with you.”

Nicholls won three Gold Cups in successive years from 2007 to add to See More Business’ blue riband triumph in 1999. He has accrued 43 Festival successes and would dearly love to win a fifth Gold Cup, which would see him match Tom Dreaper’s record haul.

He describes Clan Des Obeaux’s prospects as first rate. “Having had Kauto Star, Denman and Neptune Collonges, it felt odd not to have a runner in the Gold Cup these last few years,” he says. “We’ve still had good times but the Gold Cup is the pinnacle, so it’s great to be involved again. I like to think we will be for a few years to come.”

He concedes that Frodon is probably running for place money but fully warrants his chance. He will be a debut Gold Cup ride for Frost, who owes Nicholls plenty for her rise to prominence.

“Sam Twiston-Davies and Harry Cobden have both won on Frodon but Bryony is very well suited to him,” the trainer says.

“I think it’s great to see women jockeys coming to the fore. It brings something different, but as for being champion jockey, I think if you ask Bryony she’d say she is happy as she is, riding big winners on Saturdays.

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The Big Interview

Paul Nicholls

‘I was struggling and felt like chucking it all in’ Paul Nicholls comes across as a man with everything under control. He is self-assured in public, direct in conversation. Black and white never seem to merge into grey.

So it was poignant to hear him relate a dark chapter that tormented him after the glory days of Kauto Star, Denman and Master Minded had drawn to a close. Finding replacements was proving difficult, and when his marriage to Georgie broke down, he was consumed by a mental anguish he felt unable to share with anyone else.

“Nobody knew what I was going through in those three or four years because I couldn’t talk about it,” he relates. “I tried, but I’m probably quite hard to talk to. Then Georgie and I went our separate ways [towards the end of 2016] and it hit me very hard.”

It was the age-old conflict between personal and professional lives, with Nicholls trapped in the vacuum. “I felt very bad about it – and still do,” he says. “Over the years I’ve probably been guilty of putting too much into racing, being too blinkered. Your private life pays when you prioritise the wrong things, which is sad in so many ways.

“To be honest, I actually felt like chucking it all in. The feeling stayed with me for about a week. I was struggling with the pressure, the divorce, all sorts of things as well as keeping the business going. So I bottled it up. I felt I had to bury it to keep going forward. Every morning when you come into the yard you have to be right on it. You can’t afford to let it show.”

Nicholls knows that his singleminded career pursuit is what has delivered ten trainers’ titles and every big race in the book. There could be no other way for a man who detests losing as much as one of his owners, Sir Alex Ferguson. Yet that fierce commitment to winning could not assuage a guilt born of too little time for family life.

It’s not a subject Nicholls has spoken about publicly before. It didn’t come easily, either, but once out of the bottle, he allowed the

Nicholls is enjoying life again after a difficult time following his divorce

genie its head. “I don’t know how much differently I’d do things if it happened again,” he concedes. “I’d definitely prioritise things; I’d give a bit more time to being a dad.

“But Georgie and I are best mates now. We have two lovely girls and we see each other quite a lot, while Megan [Nicholls’ daughter from his second marriage] works here in the yard, which is great.

“I have come through all of that now. I am in a really good place and enjoying it again. It made me learn and think more. I am a bit more relaxed but I am as competitive as ever. The thrill of training a winner makes you feel like a million dollars.”

It’s a cruel dichotomy that fatherhood promotes the very same feeling. Nicholls is not the first to confront it. Nor will he be the last.

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“It would be hard if she was travelling everywhere for six rides a day, taking those falls, which you have to do if you want to be champion. I’m not sure a woman will do it in my lifetime.

“But people like Bryony’s enthusiasm. She gets a lot of media time, certainly compared to Harry [Cobden], but she keeps winning and keeps yapping. Sometimes she goes over the top, and I tell her that. But everybody loves it.”

They would love it even more if Frodon won the Gold Cup. Frost would corner the headlines but Nicholls would be in heaven. “Irrespective of what happens, and I would dearly love to win it, I’m actually quite proud that we’ve got it all going again,” he says.

“I have had to keep fighting, to be determined, but at the same time be very patient and look to the future. That isn’t an easy thing to do.”

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Talking To...

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Barry Geraghty

Still on

Barry Geraghty was the first jockey to win the four championship races at the Cheltenham Festival

TOP

Barry Geraghty has been one of the stars of the weighing room for years – with the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National looming he remains as ambitious, excited and determined as ever Interview: Tim Richards Photos: George Selwyn

I

t is 17 years since Moscow Flyer provided your first Cheltenham Festival winner in the 2002 Arkle Trophy. What do you remember about that day – and do you still get as big a buzz from riding at the meeting?

As I was walking out on to the track a friend from home appeared out of the crowd to wish me luck and I remember saying to him we thought Moscow Flyer should win. We had great belief in the horse and, provided he didn’t throw in one of his little blips, we were confident. With the exception of the fourth last, he was foot-perfect.

Winning your first race at the Festival is like sinking a putt to win the Masters or scoring the winning goal in the Cup Final. Relating to any sport, it is absolutely massive; you feel right at the very top. On the walk back to the winner’s enclosure the cheers were amazing and every so often I saw a familiar face, which adds to the thrill. I still get that same buzz riding there, wanting to win them all.

You were the first jockey to ride all four big Festival winners – Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase, Stayers’ Hurdle and Gold Cup. Which of those victories gave you the most pleasure?

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It’s impossible to split them. Winning the Champion Chase on Moscow Flyer in 2003 was brilliant because it was the first of the big ones. Then the next year taking the Stayers’ Hurdle for Jonjo O’Neill on Iris’s Gift was great because it was the feature that day. The Gold Cup on Kicking King was next. I was 30 when I won the 2009 Champion Hurdle, but for some reason I’d got it into my head I was never going to win the race because other big ones had come my way much earlier in my career. Then I popped up on a 33-1 shot, Punjabi, by a head in a three-way finish. Quite surreal. I knew Punjabi had a chance, but only a chance. He jumped at that flash of opportunity and, bang, he made it in a thrilling finish.

On a personal level, Bobs Worth winning the Gold Cup was huge because I’d been involved in buying and selling him early in his career and had won on him at three Festivals. But Bobs Worth’s Gold Cup was overshadowed by the terrible injuries suffered by John Thomas McNamara the day before. I remember meeting John Francome before racing on the Friday, wondering what would win the Gold Cup and we both agreed it didn’t matter. What happened to JT put everything in perspective.

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Talking To...

The JP McManus-owned duo Buveur D’Air and Defi Du Seuil (inset) are two of Barry Geraghty’s big chances at the Cheltenham Festival this month

›› Which horses are you looking forward to most at this year’s Festival?

Buveur D’Air is a dual Champion Hurdle winner and of course I’m hoping he can do it again. He is where you would like him to be at that stage of his Cheltenham preparation, so fingers crossed. I’m also looking forward to Defi Du Seuil in the JLT Novices’ Chase. Nicky Henderson has a good bunch of novices with Champ, Birchdale, Champagne Platinum and we’ll have to see which races he aims for.

Anibale Fly is likely to have another go in the Gold Cup and Gardens Of Babylon could go for the Fred Winter.

How important is it for jockeys to promote the sport?

Massively important. We owe it to the sport to do what we can. It’s vital the sport is seen in its best light; hats off to Frankie Dettori in particular. He is the ultimate showman, the household name, he draws people’s attention to racing and it all comes naturally to him. Any sport needs its Frankie Dettori and we’re lucky to have him. If another jockey had won

all seven of Frankie’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ on that day at Ascot in 1996 it would not have been the same.

Racing fans need instant involvement, they want it there and then and personally I think having a

“My hardest opponent?

Charlie Swan.

He was always a step ahead of the rest” microphone stuck under my nose, pulling up after winning, is a good thing. It gives the public breathless news and views from the saddle, so

they can get a feel for the euphoria surrounding the winners.

Are jockeys better looked after now compared with when you started raceriding in the 1990s?

For sure, and the back-up we receive in so many departments is reflected in the longevity of riders. When I started, jockeys reaching 35 were considered old men. Now we’re riding beyond 40. That’s thanks to the progress made in the way we are looked after. On-course physios are available everywhere and make a big difference when we are travelling from meeting to meeting. The Injured Jockeys Fund in England and the Irish Injured Jockeys provide help and care with diet, weight and any other problems including re-education after serious injuries.

I had a great run for ten years and then in 2016-17 I broke my right and left arms, eight ribs, punctured a lung and broke a shoulder. I have to say I was well looked after. I am very fortunate that my wife, Paula, is a nutritionist and I have given up wheat and a lot of gluten. My weight – I

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Barry Geraghty As a youngster, watching television, you idolised Richard Dunwoody. What did it mean to you when you recently passed his record of 1,874 winners to become the fourth winningmost National Hunt jockey in Britain and Ireland?

I wasn’t aware of the situation after winning on Birchdale at Cheltenham until one of the press lads came up to me to break the news. Richard was probably the most stylish rider there has been; he was pretty cool, very correct over a fence and driven to the end of the earth for success.

I rode against him late in his career and out there in the action he came across as steely with unbelievable determination.

The lighter side of Richard was evident later on when he was riding good horses for Edward O’Grady, and not chasing those championships with Adrian Maguire.

He was relaxed and probably enjoying his racing even more.

can do 10st 5lb – is more stable as a result of knowing what to eat and what to avoid.

If you could turn the clock back and do one thing differently what would it be, and why?

I am lucky because I have very few regrets. One event I have missed was the annual Irish Jockeys’ Challenge to Australia. I was due to go in 1999 but the day before I broke a vertebrae in my back which kept me at home. The team of four was originally Jason Maguire, Paul Hourigan and the late Kieran Kelly, plus myself. We were all about the same age, roughly the same ability, doing well and we got on like a house on fire. I’d say that trip was the one that got away.

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Having ridden against so many top jockeys, who would you say is/was your hardest opponent in the saddle?

Ruby is brilliant, as was AP. But I always found nine times out of ten Charlie Swan would be a step ahead of the rest of us.

You never stop learning in your early 20s, as I was then, and you soon realised Charlie had this knack of being in the right place at the right time. I learned a lot tactically from watching him. He was always tough to beat.

We saw a number of Cheltenham contenders at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown. Has this new fixture been a success and how can it be improved?

For sure a success. It was just unfortunate the going, being as quick as it was, meant many of the horses did not get to run.

But the racing we had was brilliant; it was great to see La Bague Au Roi come over and claim a big prize for Warren Greatrex.

There were some great performances, Bellshill and Road To Respect fighting out the Gold Cup, also Sir Erec in the juvenile hurdle. It is also a big stage for young Irish-based talent to show their wares: Paddy Kennedy rode a nice winner on Whisperinthebreeze for Jessie Harrington, while Donagh Meyler won the first race on Sunday aboard Sassy Diva for Shane Crawley, who trains near me in County Meath. The meeting is on a par with any of the Irish festivals and, of course, we’d like to see more runners from England.

You were first jockey at Nicky Henderson’s before becoming JP McManus’s retained rider, two of the highest profile jobs in racing. Who has played a vital role in helping you reach your potential?

I started with Noel Meade when I was 17. Noel has a great understanding and overview of racing, but is also an outstanding race-reader. He would go through a race with you and point out where you had gone wrong, so you wouldn’t be second guessing yourself. You would always learn a lot from him and he would instil confidence in you. Not only is he a good trainer but a good teacher as well. It was a great starting point for me.

My first ride, Market Lass for Jessie Harrington, was a winner and she provided my first winner in England, Miss Orchestra in the 1998 Midlands National at Uttoxeter. Eighteen months later I had my first win on Moscow Flyer for her.

Like Noel, she has a great understanding of how races can pan out. She has great belief in what she does and that rubs off on her riders. Noel and Jessie gave me solid foundations which took me further.

I also rode winners for JP as a conditional and have ridden many more over the years in his colours. My second Festival winner, Youlneverwalkalone, was for him and he is also very understanding in his outlook. All of these are great people to ride for. And then there’s Nicky Henderson, who put me on some wonderful horses like Sprinter Sacre and, of course, Buveur D’Air. Are you your harshest critic? How do you cope with criticism from outside, especially on social media?

I would be. You remember the one that gets away more than the winner. But you can’t carry that forward during racing.

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Talking To...

Barry Geraghty But I have no plans, just to concentrate on what I’m doing now. For 23 years I’ve been racing most days of the week, so I’d imagine I’d take a break from the road. I hope that’s not in the near future.

Moscow Flyer: provided Barry Geraghty with his first winner at the Cheltenham Festival

›› You just have to park it in your mind

until you get home and then try to figure out where you went wrong and analyse what you should have done differently.

Educated criticism is the only thing that counts and that I pay attention to. Things posted on social media don’t affect me or trouble me.

You are in a high-pressure job. How do you switch off after a hard day at the races?

I wake early but I sleep well. A lot of energy goes into a day’s racing, particularly at the Festival, where your mind is in overdrive all the time. I’m in bed by 10pm and gone. I’ll sleep right through til about six, have something to eat and go to the racecourse. Otherwise at home I switch off with the family, my wife Paula and our three kids, Siofra, 13, Orla, 7, and Rian, 3.

Paula has been a big influence when I’ve been trying to digest one that got away and it’s good to have her to talk it through with. Her support is needed in every aspect when I am backwards and forwards to England two or three times a week. She runs the show here and everything is sorted for me. It’s not easy but nothing weighs on my mind because she has everything under control. I follow the Gaelic football and enjoy farming, the cattle and bringing on young horses like Bobs Worth and Brain Power, who is another to have passed through our hands.

The call to ban the whip in racing is getting louder and louder. What would you say to those who want to see it removed completely from the sport?

Lizzie Kelly’s article on the whip debate in

the Racing Post was absolutely brilliant.

As she said, without the whip you are going to end up with highly strung, unmanageable horses who are of no benefit to anyone when their racing career is over. That is the spin-off people aren’t taking into account. Horses are going to have to be trained, sharper, sharper, sharper and then they become a different character. The people who are calling for a whip ban are generally uneducated as far as the racehorse is concerned. I am not a whip-happy jockey, but the whip is essential, especially over jumps to keep your mount concentrating.

Some horses are so switched off they need a little tap to make them sharpen up and have a look. You might be five lengths clear going to the last and hit the horse one or two times and ‘Joe Public’ might be looking and thinking there’s no need to hit him. But we are making sure the horse is concentrating rather than looking at the 50,000 people in the Cheltenham stands.

Our understanding of the use of the whip together with the whip rules are at a very good level right now. You are never going to please the people who want it banned.

After that they’ll want the Grand National banned. Then before you know it the whole thoroughbred/racing industry will be shrinking.

As mentioned, you won a Cheltenham Gold Cup on Bobs Worth, a horse you bought as a yearling before selling on. Is this something you will do more of when you finish riding?

I pursue this business with Paula and in partnership with Warren Ewing and Aidan Fitzgerald. We’ve been fortunate it’s gone well – I enjoy the whole operation, hoping it might progress when I finish riding.

Of all the races you have won in your career, which sticks out most in your mind, and why?

The Grand National on Monty’s Pass in 2003. It’s the once-a-year race you grow up dreaming about winning. My earliest memory was as a three-year-old in 1983, sitting on the floor of my grandmother’s sitting room in front of the television with everyone screaming for Ireland’s Greasepaint as he just failed against Corbiere. Colin Magnier was riding Greasepaint for a local trainer, Michael Cunningham.

When you travel the world and people ask what you do, they immediately mention the Grand National. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Asia or America, they know about the Grand National. When you see AP and Davy Russell having to wait so long to win the National and great riders like Dicky Johnson and John Francome never making it, you realise how special it is. If you’re allowed only one more winner, that’s the one you want.

CLOSE UP AND… PERSONAL

What frightens you… I once hired a scooter on holiday and turned it over a few times. I’m not a man for motorbikes any more!

Four dinner party guests… Tommy Tiernan, Jeremy Clarkson, Jack Whitehall and my wife, Paula Favourite meal… a good curry Perfect holiday… Sandy Lane, Barbados Actor to play me on screen…

Rowan Atkinson

CLOSE UP AND… PROFESSIONAL

Best horse I’ve ridden… photofinish between Moscow Flyer and Sprinter Sacre My racing hero… Mick Kinane Favourite racecourse… Cheltenham and Ascot If I could win one more race it would be… the Grand National Best advice I’ve been given… take your job seriously, but never yourself

48 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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22/02/2019 11:35

National Hunt Mares

Put to the

TEST

“The trainers I speak to are no longer averse to buying fillies”

Over the last decade the gradual enhancement of the National Hunt mares’ racing programme, along with an enticing bonus scheme, has not only led to a greater number of mares in training but a steady improvement in demand at the sales Words: Emma Berry

I

n 2016, Annie Power became only the fourth mare to win the Champion Hurdle in the 90-year history of the race. Heading into this year’s Cheltenham Festival, three of the top horses in the betting for the highlight of the opening day of the meeting are mares: Apple’s Jade, Laurina and Verdana Blue.

Is it just by chance that we are currently enjoying a plethora of classy mares in the National Hunt field? Or is it that the combined efforts of the BHA and TBA in Britain, as well as Horse Racing Ireland and the ITBA, are gradually encouraging more owners to race mares over the jumps, thus leading to more and better females coming to the fore on the track?

Statistically, as well as anecdotally, there is good reason to believe that the latter is very much the case. Since the 2005-2006 season, the number of opportunities for mares has grown steadily with the percentage of mares’ races having almost doubled, from 4.6% to 9.5% of the National Hunt programme. Knowing that any comparable growth in the number of mares in training would only ever be a trickle rather than a flood, the BHA, and in particular Ruth Quinn, Director of International Racing and Racing Development, who has been

driving the project for the last decade, can take some pride in the fact that with those extra races has come an increase of 274 mares in training during that same period. Traditionally, mares represented around 20% of the entire National Hunt population in training, but a breakthrough year came in 2018 when that figure was nudged upwards to 23%.

“Annie Power’s Champion Hurdle was one of the best moments in my life,” says Quinn. “Talented jumping mares, including chasers, are no longer viewed as a phenomenon and their exploits are witnessed quite regularly now on ITV as a Saturday horse. That kind of considerable change, and it is a considerable change, is being achieved, without doubt, as a result of the development of this long-term project.

It’s a result, therefore, of the enhanced programme and a re-education about the prospective merits of mares who can actually run and jump successfully.”

The introduction of the OLBG David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, which was upgraded to Grade 1 status in 2015, was followed by the Grade 2 Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. It’s fair to say that these races have not been met with universal approval, with those against the idea of mares’ races

››

50 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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GEORGE SELWYN

Annie Power at the scene of her greatest triumph, looking towards the famous Cheltenham hill

Mar_175_NHMaresProgramme.indd 51

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

51

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National Hunt Mares Volume of mares’ races by type Season

Chase

Hurdle NH Flat

2005/2006 16 115 31 2006/2007 14 115 35 2007/2008 16 130 38 2008/2009 18 132 37 2009/2010 19 137 42 2010/2011

18 144 44

2011/2012

17 136 49

2012/2013 26 181 55

GEORGE SELWYN

2013/2014 21 194 61

The top-class chasing mare La Bague Au Roi (left) is unbeaten in four starts this season

from championship events – witness the hysteria on social media in the brief spell between Apple’s Jade winning the Irish Champion Hurdle by 16 lengths and her trainer confirming that the Champion Hurdle, rather than the Mares’ Hurdle, would be her Cheltenham target. Nevertheless, these two mares’ races featured as numbers 25 and 29 in the top 40 betting races in Britain in 2018, the latter just one place behind the Ascot Gold Cup and one ahead of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes

Mares’ black-type races Season Listed G3 G2 G1 2005/2006 5

-

-

-

2006/2007 5

-

-

-

2007/2008 8

-

3

-

2008/2009 7

-

3

-

2009/2010 7

-

3

-

2010/2011 8 -

2

-

2011/2012 9 -

3 -

2012/2013 15

-

2

-

2013/2014 18

-

3

-

2014/2015 19

-

2

1

2015/2016 19

-

5

1

2016/2017 22

-

6

1

2017/2018 25

-

6

1

2018/2019 27

1

6

1

Abs∆ %∆

at Royal Ascot, while both had another ten Festival races behind them from a punting perspective.

More importantly, however, these races have combined to dangle a significant carrot for the top owners, and thus the bigger National Hunt stables, to ensure that they have a mare or more in training. After all, when it comes to Cheltenham, a win is a win.

Of course it isn’t just the expansion of the race programme and some Festival incentives which have had an effect. In order to combat the dire lack of interest in fillies at the National Hunt foal and store sales, the TBA launched the NH Mare Owners’ Prize Scheme (NHMOPS) through which eligible mares can be awarded bonuses of

2015/2016

18 242 62

2016/2017 33 264 60 2017/2018

44 250 63

2018/2019 57 254 63 Abs ∆ % ∆

+41 +139 +32 +256% +121% +103%

£5,000 for a bumper win and £10,000 for victories over hurdles and fences, with 196 races being included in the programme last year. Since its inception from the foal crop of 2012, the scheme has had 1,861 fillies signed up by their breeders, and from when the first bonuses started to be paid out in 2016, has delivered just shy of £500,000 to owners.

Slowly, prices have started to rise for fillies at the sales, though a great disparity still exists, not just between the prices for fillies and colts/geldings

+22 +1 +6 +1 +440% +100% +600% +100%

››

GEORGE SELWYN

›› citing the fact that they can detract

2014/2015 19 211 57

Verdana Blue, left, charges home at Kempton on Boxing Day to beat Buveur D’Air

52 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Al Kazeem TOB-March 2019:Oakgrove Stud

6/2/19

11:06

Page 1

Al Kazeem 50% winners to runners No other British or Irish second crop stallion of 2018 can beat that

bay 2008, 16.1hh by Dubawi - Kazeem (Darshaan) Ë Four-time Gr.1 winner by DUBAWI

Ë Joint Champion Older Horse in Europe in 2013 (9.5f-10.5f) Ë Timeform rated 128 in three consecutive seasons

Ë 9 individual winners and 2 black-type performers from just 18 runners, including Listed winner ASPETAR and black-type sprinter GOLDEN SPELL

Ë His second crop are 2yos in 2019 Ë 80% mares in foal in 2018

STANDING AT OAKGROVE STUD

Fee: £12,000 Oct 1st SLF (Limited Book)

Oakgrove Estate, St Arvans, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 6EH Tel: 01291 622876 G Fax: 01291 622070 G Email: oakgrovestud@btinternet.com G www.oakgrovestud.com For Nominations Contact: David Hilton: 07595 951248 G Email: david@oakgrovestud.com G Vannessa Swift: 01291 622876

National Hunt Mares ›› but in catalogue spaces awarded to

THE GLANVILLES STUD

them, particularly for the select sales.

Doug Procter, who runs The Glanvilles Stud, where Geoffrey Guy bred the unbeaten hurdling mare Honeysuckle, says this is one of the reasons why colt foals are still prayed for by National Hunt breeders.

“When I plan my matings I’m still hoping for a colt,” he admits. “I’m not aiming to have fillies to sell but the prices are getting better for the fillies with the better pedigrees and if you have a nice model they should do okay.

Last year I had three fillies by popular sires and they were out of their boxes showing as much as the colts.

“With stores you’re on the back foot a bit because you want to get into the select sales but there’s huge demand for places. It is much harder to get a filly into a select sale because, of course, the sales companies know that the geldings sell better.”

He adds: “Honeysuckle is a case in point. There was no bid for her at the Doncaster foal sale and then we sold her for €9,500 as a three-year-old, which, being by Sulamani, probably was a fair market value. She’s now the most expensive Sulamani ever sold and we’ve

DAN ABRAHAM

Honeysuckle as a three-year-old at The Glanvilles Stud; she is now unbeaten in four starts

Ruth Quinn: much has been achieved

all seen what she can do.”

Indeed, it is the niche horses-intraining market in which figures have soared in recent years. Timing is everything when it comes to selling, and the fact that Honeysuckle was offered at the Goffs Punchestown Sale within a week of winning a maiden point-to-point in Ireland saw her price elevated from €9,500 at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale in June 2017 to €110,000 just ten months later.

Peter Molony, who wears many hats in the bloodstock world, including

being a representative for Goffs and a foal-to-store pinhooker, bought Honeysuckle at Punchestown for his client Kenneth Alexander, who is one of a growing number of owners prepared to race decent mares with an eye on a future career as a broodmare. Among Molony’s other purchases for Alexander is the recent Listed hurdles winner Sinoria, a £130,000 signing at last year’s Cheltenham Festival Sale six days after she too had won a point-to-point on debut.

“I’m going round looking at horses at the moment for the Goffs Land Rover Sale and we’re deliberately looking to attract some nice fillies, but they have to have the pedigrees to get into the select sales,” says Molony.

“It’s fantastic to see so many mares high in the betting for the Champion Hurdle. People derided the mares’ races at the Festival but it was so important that they were introduced and there are going to be some top-class mares competing this year.

“I’m delighted with the way it’s gone.

I was involved in the ITBA fillies’ bonus scheme and that’s helped a lot. In the last couple of years I’ve bought filly foals to pinhook, which I wouldn’t have dreamed of doing in the past. With foals you buy what you think you can sell, and I bought a couple of fillies this year and a couple last year.”

Another graduate of the Cheltenham Festival Sale, albeit a year earlier, is Highclere Thoroughbred Racing’s Posh Trish, bought by Tom Malone for £135,000 having realised just €1,200

National Hunt horses in training Year

Female Male O +%

2005

1,798 6,710 21%

2006

1,810 6,852 21%

2007

1,812 6,907 21%

2008

2,000 7,622 21%

2009

2,128 8,174 21%

2010

2,055 7,961 21%

2011

2,003 7,803 20%

2012

1,858 7,539 20%

2013

1,818 7,357 20%

2014

1,764 7,045 20%

2015

1,824 7,227 20%

2016

1,879 7,364 20%

2017

1,878 7,050 21%

2018

2,072 7,064 23%

Abs∆

+274 +354

-

%∆

+15% +5%

-

as a foal. Encouragingly, she is one of a growing battalion of mares in training in the Somerset stable of Paul Nicholls, who is among the major trainers to have warmed to the idea of racing mares.

“The programme has come on so much for them now that you have to have mares in your stable – Posh Trish is the highest-rated novice hurdler in our yard at the moment,” says Nicholls, who is also represented by the likes of recent winners Miranda and Silver Forever, as well as the Grade 2-placed If You Say Run.

››

54 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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National Hunt Mares Percentage of catalogue spaces for fillies at the select store sales GOFFS LAND ROVER SALE

2014 14.3% 2015 14.5% 2016 16.5% 2017 13.3% 2018 15.6% * Figures include Parts I and II since 2016 TATTERSALLS IRELAND DERBY SALE

2014 18.3% 2015 20.6% 2016 20.7% GEORGE SELWYNN

2017 20.3% 2018 16.7% *Figures include Parts I and II between 2015-17

“Our aim is to ensure that a healthy, competitive market exists for fillies” ››

Naturally, such strong support from a major jumps trainer is a great boost to those hardiest of souls, the National Hunt breeders.

David Futter, a breeder himself with a solid client list at Yorton Farm as well as being a member of the TBA’s National Hunt Committee, says: “I’m no longer as gloomy as I used to be when a mare foals a filly. It’s fantastic to see the support from the TBA and the trainers. In this country there’s still not a great market for filly foals but it’s getting better at the store sales and there is good trade for a nice, correct filly, especially one with the MOPS scheme behind her.”

He continues: “The trainers I speak to are no longer averse to buying fillies and when they come to the farm to see the stock they will now look at the fillies’ field – the French trainers go to the fillies’ field first.

Laurina, one of three mares in the top four in the betting for this year’s Champion Hurdle

“I’ve had three sales reps to the farm in the last ten days and they have all been as interested in the fillies as the geldings, though the sales companies are being more selective with both geldings and fillies at the store sales.

At the end of the day we need to be breeding correct, sound stock.”

This, indeed, is the key point. With such intense scrutiny on horse welfare, both on the racecourse and behind the scenes, breeders under both codes can help their young charges even before conception by ensuring that they are breeding from stock that has been tested and not just found to be talented but also to be physically sound. A robust racing programme for National Hunt mares can only help this aim, and Ruth Quinn believes there is still room for expansion in some areas.

She says: “We have to embrace growth in a responsible fashion. This project has been in place for ten years and we’ve really stepped it up in the last five years. But it’s been graduated growth, which has been exactly the right thing to do. I think there are some aspects of the wider race programme now which have probably got enough mares’ races. We’ve obviously concentrated on creating a skeletal mares’ chasing programme in the last two years. And there’s certainly room for more growth there. But you want to do it gradually and proportionately and responsibly.”

Quinn adds: “Our aim remains to incorporate further enhancements in the coming years with the intention of further incentivising and encouraging behavioural change relating to a more positive approach to the breeding, buying, owning and training of jump mares. Our aim is not only ultimately to produce the optimum mares’ jumps programme, but within that to improve the value of the filly to jump racing and to ensure that a healthy, competitive market exists for fillies. And, yes, much progress has been achieved in very recent years, but more can be done.”

With National Hunt mares in training currently representing 23% of the jumping population – compared to around 42% on the Flat – Quinn now believes it’s feasible to aim for an increase to 25% over the next five years.

“It would be unrealistic, despite the fact that nature does this marvellous thing of producing 50% colt foals and 50% filly foals, to have any aspiration for half the foals within training to be female, because we know it’s just not going to happen,” she admits. “We’ve seen substantial growth. So to get to 25% in five years feels absolutely achievable now, suddenly. And I’ve also said that we’d like to get to 30% in another ten years. That feels pretty reasonable to me – why can’t we have 30%?”

Why not indeed, and another female winner of this year’s Champion Hurdle would certainly be grist to the mill.

56 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Breeders’ Digest

Emma Berry Bloodstock Editor

Our bloodstock coverage this month includes: National Hunt Stallions: A look at the scene in Britain, Ireland and France – pages 60-66 Sales Circuit: Arqana led the winter sales with a record February edition – pages 68-76 Caulfield Files: High Chaparral’s impressive record down under – pages 78-79 Dr Statz: How will Kodiac fare as the quality of his books has increased? – page 112

Jumping up and down with delight

W

hether you’re a fan of Flat or National Hunt racing, there’s plenty to whet the appetite in March, be it the Cheltenham Festival or the start of the turf season on the level.

In this issue we have a strong focus on a subject which has long been close to my heart: jumping mares.

Sadly, it’s not a subject on which all racing fans agree – what is? – but it would be short-sighted to overlook the potentially significant welfare issue of not providing a proper racing outlet for National Hunt fillies and mares, not to mention the impact it would have on breeders.

And by welfare, I don’t just mean wondering what could happen to the unwanted filly foals born each year, but the longer-term issue of racing sound stock. This surely starts with breeding from sound stock, and the only way to ascertain that is to put horses to the test before retiring them to the breeding sheds and paddocks.

The BHA and TBA have taken this issue very seriously and over the course of the last decade the mares’ racing programme has been dramatically enhanced, as you can see in our feature on pages 50 to 56. This in turn has led to an encouraging increase of National Hunt mares in training – which last year stood at 23% of the total jump racing population. It’s still a long way off the figure on the Flat – a code in which there are no dark mutters of opportunities for fillies and mares diluting the championship races – but it’s a marked and most welcome improvement.

Over one weekend in early February we were treated to the sight of two outstanding mares beating the boys at Leopardstown’s Dublin Festival – Apple’s Jade in the Grade 1 Irish Champion Hurdle and La Bague Au Roi in the Grade 1 Flogas Novice Chase. Of course it’s perfectly understandable to desire that mares of this superior quality should take on the geldings in

Mar_175_BloodstockIntro.indd 59

Unearthing more mares of the calibre of Annie Power depends on a solid race programme

open company rather than be restricted to racing against their own sex, and indeed that is what we are likely to see in the case of these two at Cheltenham and Aintree in the coming weeks. But in order to ensure that what has now become a reasonable stream of good mares continues to flow, we need to see more of them on the racecourse in the first place. The racing programme is now in place to accommodate this – not to mention the extremely worthwhile TBA NHMOPS bonus scheme – so let’s hope that these incentives mean that the warmer reception for fillies at the sales in recent years really starts to heat up.

AND IT’S GOODBYE FROM ME

I’m sad to say that this is my final issue as bloodstock editor of the magazine.

It’s been a pleasure to have met so

many people from within the industry during ten years in the role. The magazine is blessed to be able to call on bloodstock columnists of the calibre and knowledge of Tony Morris, Andrew Caulfield, Carl Evans and John Boyce, and it has been a privilege to work alongside them, as well as our editor, Edward Rosenthal. I would also like to record special thanks to founding publisher Michael Harris, whose combined knowledge of racing politics and journalism is second to none.

Having been a contributor since the first issue back in 2004, I will miss having a regular involvement with these pages but I will continue to be an avid reader and to see many of you at the sales and races. I wish you all every success in your continued breeding endeavours.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER 59

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National Hunt stallion round-up

National

PRIDE

Running the rule over the thriving jumps stallion scene in Europe and which in Britain and Ireland in particular is dominated by former classy Flat performers Words: Amy Lynam

A

roster at Shade Oak Stud, where he is joined by Fair Mix, best known as the sire of Simonsig. The son of Linamix counts Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle third Southfield Stone amongst this season’s better performers. Hoping to emulate their success in Shropshire are Dartmouth, whose first foals arrive this spring, and Telescope, whose oldest crop are now two and have sold for up to £40,000.

their heels, as Overbury Stud stalwart Kayf Tara continues to justify his doubled fee, with racing fans as well as breeders overjoyed to see his son Thistlecrack return to form this winter. The Overbury roster also includes Schiaparelli, a beautifully bred son of Monsun, who counts Grade 3 performer Whatmore among his eldest runners, while the progressive mare Indefatigable is an eye-catcher from his second crop. Irish Derby hero Jack Hobbs joined them in 2018, during which he covered 168 mares, making him the most popular young National Hunt stallion in Britain that year.

British National Hunt breeders are now without Midnight Legend and Black Sam Bellamy, but gained the services of Scorpion, sire of Might Bite, in 2017.

The top-class son of Montjeu heads the

French friends

SARAH FARNSWORTH

s this issue went to print, the evergreen Flemensfirth was preparing for an incredible 20th covering season at the Beeches Stud in County Waterford. Remaining at a careerhigh fee of €15,000, the son of Alleged is the most expensive National Hunt stallion in Ireland, and with good reason, having topped last season’s stallion tables by both prize-money and number of winners.

He is, however, in danger of losing his mantle to a younger member of the Coolmore National Hunt roster in the shape of Milan, who stands at Grange Stud. The sire of Jezki is the highestranked active stallion on this season’s leaderboard, currently headed by the much-missed Presenting, King’s Theatre, Oscar and Beneficial.

Britain’s top representative is hot on

Blue Bresil is a welcome addition to the British ranks and stands at Yorton Farm

Meanwhile, across the Channel, the recently retired Martaline leads the French jumps sires’ table, helped in part

by November’s Grade 1 Prix Cambaceres victor Beaumec de Houelle. Close behind him is Saint Des Saints of Haras d’Etreham, who is awaiting the seasonal return of his daughter Whetstone, whose nine successive victories least season included a wide-margin win in the Grade 1 Prix Ferdinand Dufaure.

Fakir D’Oudairies was another who made racing fans stand up and pay attention, when romping home in the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial, with the son of Kapgarde since purchased privately by JP McManus. His sire also has Cheltenham Gold Cup glory within his sights, as his King George VI Chase hero Clan Des Obeaux currently sits second in the betting for the prestigious contest.

Another Gold Cup contender bred in France is Al Boum Photo, son of Haras d’Enki resident Buck’s Boum, a full-brother to a Cheltenham conquerer in Big Buck’s.

Like many National Hunt sires in France, Buck’s Boum raced over timber himself,

››

60 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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EMMA BERRY

Britain’s leading National Hunt sire Kayf Tara

Mar_175_NHStallions.indd 61

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

61

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National Hunt stallion round-up 1 Prix Cambaceres, in which he finished second to Long Run, completing a 1-2 for their sire Cadoudal.

Another French stallion making his mark away from home is Haras du Mesnil resident Doctor Dino, whose offspring La Bague Au Roi and Sharjah have both won two Grade 1 contests on the trot this season. Not just a one-trick pony, the talented globetrotter is also responsible for a Group 1 performer on the Flat, his daughter Physiocrate having claimed runner-up honours in the Prix de Diane in 2015.

Advertising the promise of Al Namix this season is Colin Tizzard’s Elixir De Nutz, a game winner of the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle in January. The son of Linamix previously enjoyed top-level success in Britain with Mildmay Chase victor Saphir Du Rheu and twice in Ireland with Petit Mouchoir.

Crillon, meanwhile, is enjoying success later in his stallion career, much like he did on the track, the one-time handicapper having progressed to finish second to Montjeu in the Group 2 Prix Foy. Now 23 years of age, his best progeny to date, Buveur D’Air, landed 11 wins in succession, seven of which came at Grade 1 level.

Moon on the rise

Laurina is another recent sensation, with the Willie Mullins-trained mare remaining unbeaten since transferring from the stable of Guillaume Macaire. Much the best progeny of Spanish Moon, she was never in danger when winning her Grade 1 last season and scored by an incredible 48 lengths on her return this January. Her success saw Spanish Moon’s fee rise to €5,000 in 2018, during which he covered 111 mares.

Haras du Lion resident Balko enjoyed Grade 1 Cheltenham glory last season courtesy of Balko Des Flos, an impressive winner of the Ryanair Chase. His dam’s half-sister was sent to Balko, producing Vision Des Flos, twice runner-up in Grade 1 company in 2018.

One of those seconds came behind Lalor at Aintree, the winner just one of a handful of runners over jumps by It’s Gino, resident of Haras de Rosieres aux Salines.

It’s Gino also produced his best race performance in placings, having deadheated for third with Soldier Of Fortune in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe won by Zarkava, and in which Youmzain finished second.

The success of French imports in Britain and Ireland has unsurprisingly seen stallion farms clamour for their sires.

Perhaps one of the most high-profile

AMY LYNAM

›› his greatest hour coming in the Grade

Diamond Boy relocated from France to stand at Kilbarry Lodge Stud in Ireland

transfers in recent years was Walk In The Park, following the outstanding success of his sons Douvan and Min. He has since covered bumper books of mares at his new base of Grange Stud, most notably 228 mares in 2017 – quite the increase from six registered foals in France in 2014.

Soldier Of Fortune was also repatriated from France to Ireland and has been the busiest stallion in Britain and Ireland for the past three years, covering 304 mares in 2016, 352 in 2017 and 290 mares in

“Yorton Farm brought a French flavour to Wales with the acquisition of Blue Bresil” 2018. The Beeches Stud stallion is now unfortunately without his Grade 1-winning son Mega Fortune, but has the likes of Christmas Hurdle second Early Doors to race for him this season.

Yorton singing the Blues

Yorton Farm brought a French flavour to Wales with the acquisition of Blue Bresil in 2016. The son of Smadoun has since rewarded them with Grade 1 glory in the Ryanair Hurdle, won by his son Mick Jazz, who went on to finish third on two occasions in other Grade 1 contests. Standing alongside Blue Bresil is Norse Dancer, the sire of Yanworth, and Coronation Cup winner Pether’s Moon,

whose first crop are now two-year-olds.

German bloodlines are also in demand, well demonstrated by the popularity of young sire Getaway, a son of Monsun standing at Grange Stud. He sired his first Grade 1 winner this season, when the tough and talented mare Verdana Blue lowered the colours of Buveur D’Air in the Christmas Hurdle. Getaway will continue to have plenty of soldiers on the ground in future, having covered 284 mares in 2017 and another 249 last year.

Another son of Monsun achieving early success, though with significantly lower numbers, is Arctic Tack Stud’s Aizavoski.

His first crop boasted an impressive strike-rate between the flags last season, including the Belharbour maiden winner Envious Editor, who subsequently sold for £195,000. Arctic Tack is also home to another son of Monsun in Arcadio, sire of recent Grade 1 winner Hardline and Mildmay Novices’ Chase victor Flying Angel. Joining them in 2017 was Beresford Stakes winner Ol’ Man River, a son of Montjeu bred out of the brilliant miler Finsceal Beo. One of the most recent additions to the Irish stallion ranks is German Group 2 winner Axxos, a son of Monsun sourced

by Coolagown Stud following the promising exploits of Calett Mad, amongst others. Axxos was also placed at Group 1 level, including in the Grand Prix de Paris behind Zambezi Sun, who he now stands alongside. The latter’s first Irish crop are now yearlings, whilst his older crops include Listed winner Spirit Sun and Grade 2 performer Bulkov.

German families to the fore

Various German influences can be found at the Cashman family’s Glenview Stud, home to Shirocco, who over the last few months has sired Melbourne Cup third

››

62 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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22/02/2019 16:51

YOUNG GUNS HIT THE TARGET WITH THE

B A L LY L I N C H ST U D

Fascinating Rock

Make Believe

New Bay

€7,500

€12,000

€15,000

Dual Gr.1 winner and TFR 127 Won the Gr.1 Champion Stakes in a time faster than Frankel & Cracksman.

Impressive first foals in 2018 made up to €185,000.

Won the Gr.1 Prix de la Forêt in record time and the Gr.1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains.

First yearlings in 2018 made up to 210,000gns and were bought by Shadwell Estates, Mark Johnston, SackvilleDonald, etc.

A Classic winning son of Dubawi and TFR 128 Winner of the Gr.1 Prix du Jockey Club in a time faster than Shamardal, Le Havre & Lope De Vega.

2018 first foals topped 2 individual foal sales.

GREAT REPORTS ON HIS FIRST CROP 2YO’S IN 2019

BALLYLINCH STUD

Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. Tel: +353 (0)56 7724217 • info@ballylinchstud.ie • joc@ballylinchstud.ie

Ballylinch_Owner_Full_March_2019.indd 1

22/02/2019 11:25

Shade Oak Stud OB Mar 2019 f-p_Shade Oak Stud OB Mar 2019 f-p 22/02/2019 09:06 Page 1

DARTMOUTH 16.1 h.h

By DUBAWI – GALATEE by GALILEO “A quality, clean-limbed, good-looking colt who showed great tenacity in many tough finishes” SIR MICHAEL STOUTE, TRAINER “A really good-looking horse with a great pedigree; exceptionally brave, tough and genuine” JOHN WARREN, H M THE QUEEN’S RACING MANAGER A high-class racehorse who won every year from two to five, from 1 mile to 1¾ miles, including the Hardwicke S (beating HIGHLAND REEL), the Yorkshire Cup (beating SIMPLE VERSE), the Ormonde S (beating WICKLOW BRAVE) and the John Porter S; also 2nd in Canadian Championship (G1) and 3rd in King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S (G1).

Fee:

SCORPION

£3,000 (1st Oct terms)

By MONTJEU – ARDMELODY by LAW SOCIETY

16.11⁄2 h.h

A proven top-class NH stallion standing at a great price. A high-class racehorse who won 3 Group1 races, combining the great jumps sirelines of Montjeu and Alleged. Already sire of 3 Gr.1 winners over Jumps, including King George VI and RSA Chase winner MIGHT BITE in his very first crop. Youngsters include Cheltenham entries in all three Gr.1 Novice Hurdles: DERRINROSS, THE BIG BITE, ANYTIME WILL DO & DANNY KIRWAN, plus Novice Chase entrants RIDERS ONTHE STORM & JUST A STING. A safe bet to breed high-class jumpers!

Fee:

TELESCOPE 16.11 h.h

£4,000 (1st Oct terms)

By GALILEO – VELOUETTE by DARSHAAN A truly outstanding prospect as a NH / DP sire.

A brilliant racehorse with a fabulous pedigree, great looks and a wonderful walk. Over 120 TBA Elite mares booked in his first four seasons, with dams or siblings of SIZING JOHN, MIGHTY MAN, CARLINGFORD LOUGH, AUGUSTA KATE, CENTRAL HOUSE, BLAZING BAILEY etc., giving a great chance of success for his early runners. 2018 foals realised prices of £40,000, €34,000, €32,000, €30,000, €30,000, €25,000 etc. His stud career is off to a great start – but the best is yet to come!

Fee:

£3,000 (1st Oct terms)

Contact: PETER HOCKENHULL • Tel: (01939) 270235 • Mobile: 07740 257547 E-mail: info@shadeoakstud.co.uk • Website: www.shadeoakstud.co.uk

National Hunt stallion round-up Prince Of Arran and two six-figure pointto-pointers, Silver Hallmark and Minella Royale. He stands alongside former Gestut Etzean sire Sholokhov, another enjoying substantial success in the sales ring, with Muckamore sharing top-price honours at £190,000 at the Cheltenham November Sale.

Glenview Stud also stands German Derby runner-up Malinas, who began his stallion career in France, then the UK, before moving to Ireland, with his first Irish crop now three-year-olds. A number of Graded performers and young pointto-point winners has seen his success grow in the sales ring, with progeny selling for up to €320,000 in 2018. Completing the Glenview roster is 2018 addition Youmzain, who initially stood as a Flat stallion in France. A top-class racehorse himself, he has sired high-level performers under both codes, including Punchestown Champion Hurdle third Saglawy, who has also won at Grade 2 level.

GEORGE SELWYN

››

Sir Percy, sire of Presenting Percy, beats Nunstainton Stud’s Dragon Dancer in the Derby

Montjeu much missed

AMY LYNAM

It is no surprise that sons of Montjeu are beginning to make their mark as jumps stallions, as he is, after all, the sire of the great Hurricane Fly. We are, however, now without the services of his son Fame And Glory, who sired his first Grade 1 winner in February, in the shape of Commander Of Fleet. His old home of Grange Stud will be hoping lightning strikes twice with top-class stayer Leading Light, whose first crop are now three-year-olds. Grange stands another son of Montjeu, Pour Moi, whose Flat progeny is topped by Epsom Derby victor Wings Of Eagles. He made the switch to jump mares in 2017.

Over at Burgage Stud, Jukebox Jury sired a Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival winner just months after making his move to County Carlow from Gestut Etzean.

Montjeu’s son Leading Light

Mar_175_NHStallions.indd 65

The 13-year-old has a long way to go to reach the heights of fellow Burgage resident Shantou, who continues to sire top-class jumpers such as The Storyteller, Death Duty and Airlie Beach. The first crop of Burgage’s young gun Sea Moon, meanwhile, recently turned two. The three-time Group 2 winner boasts an excellent pedigree, with the son of Beat Hollow being closely related to dual Group 1-winning stayer Brian Boru, out of the Park Hill Stakes winner Eva Luna, herself a daughter of Alleged.

As well as top-class racehorses on the Flat, Aga Khan pedigrees continue to produce exciting National Hunt performers, something which has stood Boardsmill Stud stallion Kalanisi in good stead. The Breeders’ Cup Turf hero continues to deliver the goods towards the top of the National Hunt sires’ table and has been represented in recent seasons by Brain Power, Kalashnikov and the unbeaten Malone Road. In 2017, he was joined at Boardsmill Stud by former Newsells Park resident Mount Nelson, who can boast the unique accolade of having sired top-level winners over sprint distances and over hurdles. His popularity with breeders saw the dual Group 1 winner cover 267 mares last year.

The Flood family’s French import Califet was busy in his first Irish season, covering 154 mares, the product of which turned four in January of this year. They bid to repeat the success of star progeny Clarcam, a dual Grade 1 winner over fences, and Cilaos Emery, winner of last year’s Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.

Completing the roster at Boardsmill is Court Cave, an unraced brother to Beat Hollow, who has repaid his initially risky purchase with Cheltenham Festival winners over the past two years. Those include Grade 1 Neptune Hurdle victor Willoughby Court, partly responsible for

Court Cave’s career-high fee of €4,000 in 2019.

In the blood

Pedigree, rather than race performance, has earned many horses a stallion career and another looking to measure up to his successful siblings is Kilbarry Lodge Stud resident Pillar Coral, an unraced half-brother to Reefscape and Martaline.

He stands alongside Diamond Boy, who made the move from France to Waterford after achieving an impressive strike-rate with limited numbers. His army will soon grow, though, having covered 235 mares in 2018, while he has the likes of Kingwell Hurdle winner Grand Sancy to race for him in the meantime.

The 2018 Return Of Mares also highlighted the popularity of newlyturned dual-purpose sire Champs Elysees, who covered 228 mares at Castle Hyde Stud, before his untimely death in December. Nearby at the Beeches Stud, Mahler covered 227 mares, his popularity undoubtedly aided by the gallant chestnut mare Ms Parfois, a dual Listed winner last season, as well as a fine second in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase.

Not many stallions experience such a dramatic surge in demand as Sandmason did last year, with Lacken Stud’s sole resident covering 217 mares at the grand age of 21. It is in stark contrast to the single mare he covered in 2017, while he was friendless (or mateless) in 2016. The turnabout was brought by the Grade 1 victories of his sons Summerville Boy and Black Op. Black Corton’s success in last season’s Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase surely revived the stallion career of his sire Laverock, who stands for €2,000 at Clongiffen Stud in 2019. He is joined this season by Prince of Wales’s Stakes hero My Dream Boat, who stands under the

››

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER 65

22/02/2019 18:46

EMMA BERRY

National Hunt stallion round-up

Milan, sire of Champion Hurdle winner Jezki and Grand National hero One For Arthur

›› Compas Stallions banner, and covered 61

mares in 2018.

Proven Grade 1 sire Westerner remains popular at 20 years of age at Castle Hyde Stud, where the multiple Group 1 winner covered 201 mares last season. His progeny share his youthful durability, with ten-year-old Wakanda a Grade 2 winner this season, and the now nine-year-old West Approach a fine second in the Long Walk and Cleeve Hurdles.

Fellow Castle Hyde resident Yeats won many hearts during his exceptional race career and his daughter Shattered Love certainly gained the support of many a racing fan with her two Grade 1 victories against the opposite sex last season.

His sire, Sadler’s Wells, has shaped the thoroughbred, his legacy not restricted to the Flat but also upheld by numerous successful jumps sires.

Sadler’s Wells represented

Many have already been mentioned in this piece, but a rising star is Sunnyhill Stud’s Doyen, who began his stallion career on the Flat. His eldest jumpers are now six. Among them is the Gordon Elliotttrained Battleoverdoyen, who repaid his £235,000 price tag when winning the Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle, remaining unbeaten in four starts.

Other sons of Sadler’s Wells at stud include Nunstainton Stud’s Dragon Dancer, who was beaten just a short head in the Derby by Sir Percy (sire, of course, of Gold Cup favourite Presenting Percy).

The beautifully-bred Dragon Dancer returned to Britain last year from France and is being supported by a decent number of mares at his new home.

Bullet Train, a three-parts brother to Frankel, has returned from America to

stand at Ireland’s Woodfield Farm Stud, while the talented stayer Ask stands at Dunraven Stud in Wales. Ask moved to Dunraven in order to replace the late Dr Massini and stands alongside Mountain High, a half-brother to Islington, whose progeny include Graded performer Air Horse One. The Irish National Stud has embraced the National Hunt success of the progeny of Elusive Pimpernel, and Cristina Patino’s relation of Big Bad Bob can look forward to being represented by larger crops.

Notnowcato’s son Redkirk Warrior blossomed over sprint distances last year, landing back-to-back Group 1 contests in Australia before returning to his old home of Britain for a Royal Ascot tilt. The Knockhouse Stud resident won three Group 1 races over ten furlongs himself, his beaten rivals including Authorized and Dylan Thomas, and his progeny also embrace longer distances.

They include the ill-fated dual Grade 1 winner Long Dog and the Paul Nichollstrained Old Guard.

Knockhouse Stud stands another top-class racehorse in Workforce, who won the Derby in record time and arrived from Japan in 2017. He covered 120 mares in his first Irish season, with ten of those being Flat mares. The same year Knockhouse gained the services of September Storm, a full-brother to Shirocco, whose progeny include Alan King’s talented mare Mia’s Storm.

GEORGE SELWYN

Telescope

Blue Bresil had an Irish Champion Hurdle winner last year and I hope he’s one who could take off. With Black Sam Bellamy recently passing away, it’s important for Britain to have another commercial stallion. Jack Hobbs is another exciting prospect.

Aiden Murphy, bloodstock agent and breeder In England, I’m a big fan of Blue Bresil, and in terms of younger stallions Telescope is producing some nice foals, while Jack Hobbs is a gorgeous individual.

In Ireland, I think Diamond Boy has a good chance of making it and I saw some lovely individuals by Mount Nelson in his new role.

One stallion I think could be one for the National Hunt boys is Vadamos. I’ve really liked some of his foals – they have great strength and scope, and with him being by Monsun he could take off over jumps.

Richard Johnson

Aiden Murphy

GEORGE SELWYN

Richard Johnson, champion jockey and breeder at Twyford Stud I think Kayf Tara is the best we have in Britain.

I’ve ridden many horses by him and bred quite a few by him, too; he’s a fantastic stallion. His progeny always have a very good attitude, which for me is the most important part in jump racing.

GEORGE SELWYN

THE EXPERT VIEW

66 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

Mar_175_NHStallions.indd 66

22/02/2019 16:52

FOREVER NOW Bay 2011, 16.1 (1.64m) GALILEO ex ALL’S FORGOTTEN (DARSHAAN)

A STAKES WINNER IN THE NORTH BY

GALILEO

Won 2 races, £62,102, and was placed 5 times Won LR

FIRST FOALS 2019 2019 Fee: £1,000 (1st Oct) Standing at: NORTON

March Stakes, 14f, Goodwood, beating Alex My Boy (Gr.2), King’s Fete (Gr.3), Miss Marjurie (Gr.3) and three other Stakes winners.

3rd

Gr.3 Bahrain Trophy, 13f, Newmarket, beating The Corsican (Gr.3), Vent Du Force (Gr.3), etc.

3rd

Gr.3 Sagaro Stakes, 16f, Ascot, beating Pallasator (Gr.2), Seismos (Gr.3), etc.

3rd

LR

4th

Gr.3 Henry II Stakes, Sandown Park, beating two Stakes winners.

Further Flight Stakes, 14f, Nottingham, beating a Stakes winner.

GROVE STUD

, Norton, Malton, N. Yorkshire, YO17 8EF Contact: RICHARD LINGWOOD • Tel/Fax: 01653 693887 • Mobile: 074 83 992151 E-mail: nortongrovestud@btinternet.com • Website: www.nortongrovestud.co.uk

RELOCATED FROM FRANCE FOR 2018 Nunstainton Stud New to Nunstainton Stud

DRAGON DANCER 

Consistent Group level performer over 12F

• Consistent Group level head performer over in 12F inc. beaten a short

by Sir Percy the inc. beaten a short head by Sir Percy in the 2006 Derby.

2006 Derby.

• • • • • Saddler’sWells Wellsex. ex.Alakananda Alakananda ByBy Saddler’s



Sire of winners under both codes including Sire of winnersDancer under(OR133), both codes in France.

Goodbye and recent Juvenille hurdlelooks winner, and now listed Top class pedigree, and confirmation. hurdle placed Dylidancer Superb Temperament.  Top class pedigree, looks and confirmation.

Highest OR 119.  Highest OR 119  on 2018 Fee: £1500 Fee Application.

• First British foals 2019.

“IF YOU WANT TO CONQUER THE WORLD YOU BEST HAVE DRAGONS” For further details contact; ChrisGeorge Dawson, RR MartinNunstainton Stud, Co. Durham.

07796 530084 / nunstainton@yahoo.com For further details contact; Chris Dawson, Nunstainton Stud, Co. Durham.

07796530084/ nunstainton@yahoo.com

Fractional ad pages March 2019.indd 67

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER 67

22/02/2019 09:28

Sales Circuit • By Carl Evans This two-day sale of jumping stock had a hard act to follow after the highs of 2018, when a dispersal from Trull House Stud and a couple of high-end Irish pointers gave the figures a blue-sky aura.

There had also been a smaller dispersal in 2017, when stock owned by the late Graham Roach helped focus attention on the event. Shorn of such jewels for the 2019 edition the figures were bound to fall and duly did, but there was good trade in places, particularly on the first day when embryonic jumpers who had just become yearlings held court.

Heading this section were colts by British stallions Kayf Tara (£58,000) and Blue Bresil (£50,000), offered respectively from Robert Chugg’s Little Lodge Stud and James Read’s Selwood Bloodstock. Chugg also gained £46,000 for a Shirocco colt.

The mares offered during this first session did not include any high achievers, as a top price of £25,000 bears witness. This was given by County Wexford’s Thistletown Stud for the winning eight-year-old mare Lady Karina, a daughter of high-class racemare Lady Rebecca, and carrying a first foal by Jack Hobbs.

The sale’s highest prices were always likely to come on day two and

SARAH FARNSWORTH

Goffs UK January Mixed Sale

Presentandcounting, a point-to-point winner ten days before the sale, led proceedings

for horses who had shown their mettle on the Irish point-to-point circuit.

Presentandcounting, a five-year-old son of Presenting and most impressive when winning at Aghabullogue ten days earlier, headed the session and the sale when making £105,000 to a bid from Derek O’Connor. The buyer needed no information on the horse’s merits, having been in the saddle when he won.

O’Connor, who was acting for trainer Donald McCain, seemed surprised by the price, claiming it was “great value”, and

that may prove true. On the same day 12 months’ earlier two Irish pointers made £270,000 and £210,000, although both have made promising starts under rules in the colours of JP McManus for trainers Harry Fry and Nicky Henderson.

A fall of 66 in the number of lots offered did not help turnover, which was down 40%, although the clearance rate also took a knock, dipping five points to a mark of 70%. There were falls of 20% and 31% in the average and median figures.

Goffs UK January Mixed Sale Top lots Name/Breeding

Vendor

Price (£)

Buyer

Presentandcounting (Presenting - Count On Me)

Kilkeaskin House Stables (Philip Dempsey)

105,000

Derek O'Connor

Dolphin Square (Shantou - Carrig Eden Lass)

Nicholastown Stud (Tom Keating)

80,000

David Christie Bloodstock

Avoid De Master (Getaway – Tanit)

O'Connor Racing

75,000

David Dennis Racing

Word Has It (Jeremy – Rathfeigh)

Carrigeen Stables (Joe Casey)

70,000

Derek O'Connor/Donald McCain

The Second Coming (Yeats - Decent Dime)

Justin Landy

70,000

Colm Sharkey/Denis Hogan

Eclair Des Sablons (Noroit - Jolie Fabi)

Milestone Stables (Colin Bowe)

64,000

Katy Price

Sopat (Gold Well - Silver Prayer)

Rathsilla Stables (Kieran Roche)

62,000

Phil Middleton

Lucky Flight (Linda's Lad - Lili Flight)

Baltimore House Stables (James Doyle)

60,000

Lucinda Russell

C Kayf Tara - Supreme Present (Presenting)

Little Lodge Farm

58,000

Brendan Bashford Bloodstock

Levasseur (Black Sam Bellamy - Tiger Line)

Poplar Cottage Stables (Philip Rowley)

58,000

Kevin Ross/Ben Case

Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (£)

Avg (£)

Mdn (£)

Top Price (£)

2019

195

2,459,250

12,612

5,500

105,000

2018

262

4,108,200

15,680

8,000

270,000

2017

230

2,710,600

11,785

6,350

100,000

2016

173

1,427,350

8,251

5,000

38,000

2015

142

1,162,500

8,187

5,000

50,000

68 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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22/02/2019 15:00

Overview and analysis of the latest events in the ring

• Levasseur proved the pick of a small batch of British pointers, making £58,000 to a nod from agent Kevin Ross, who was working for trainer Ben Case. The horse’s former trainer, Phil Rowley, expressed satisfaction with the price, but it has not been an easy season for UK point-to-point trainers. Rowley trained 38 winners between the flags last season to become national champion, but three blank weekends (due to a fixtures’ hiatus, frost and then equine flu) meant he had saddled just four point-to-point winners to the middle of February. The flu scare broke just ahead of the busiest weekend of the season to that point, and scuppered various trainers’ plans to run four- and five-year-olds, many that would be for sale if performing creditably. The sport restarted a week later, but any horse that had not been vaccinated within six months could not run.

That was another blow for some trainers, who would have harboured hopes of winning with an unexposed young horse and then taking it to Tattersalls Ireland’s Cheltenham February Sale the following week. Trainers will now be hoping such disappointments are in the past, and that it rains long and late into the season.

Tattersalls Ire February NH Sale

Without pretending the market is anything but fussy over the quality of horses it is prepared to bid on, this sale produced some commendable trade.

The figures for turnover, average and median were on a par with last year, although an eight-point fall in the clearance rate to 56% was indicative of the selection policy by pinhookers. There was a 2% rise in the aggregate figure, helped by an additional 41 lots.

Ostensibly a sale of jumping mares and yearlings, it featured a top price of €80,000 for a potential breeder whose

progeny will be attempting to make their mark on the Flat. Pakora, a sixyear-old daughter of Gentlewave, scored at Chantilly and Vichy as a three-yearold and was placed in Listed company before joining Willie Mullins and gaining two victories over hurdles, including one at Listed level.

Sent to this sale, she was knocked down to Ross Doyle, who was acting for a breeder of Flat racehorses, and who said Pakora would be mated with an established sire. Being a sister to a stakes winner in Pagera helped her profile, and the boost in money and opportunities for

SARAH FARNSWORTH

TALKING POINTS

Richard Collins signs for a Shirocco colt foal from Little Lodge Farm at £46,000

Flat stayers could make her purchase a shrewd move in time.

Harry and Lorna Fowler’s Rahinston Stud sold the top-priced yearling, a Kayf Tara colt who made €62,000 to a bid from Bushertown’s Katie Rudd. She headed noted pinhooker Joey Logan for this youngster, but he struck twice to gain colts by Walk In The Park and Shantou, who both made the top-ten board. Logan spent €163,000 on three foals/yearlings at this auction and Tattersalls Ireland’s November Sale, in addition to €350,000 on six lots at the Derby Sale.

Tattersalls Ireland February National Hunt Sale Top lots Name/Sex/Breeding

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

Pakora (Gentlewave – Panthesilea)

Closutton Stables

80,000

Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock

C Kayf Tara – Molo (Kalanisi)

Rahinston Stud

62,000

Busherstown

C Shantou - Ned's Joy (Oscar)

Burgage Stud

60,000

Joey Logan Bloodstock

C Walk In The Park - Stephanie Frances (King's Theatre)

Sheridan House Stables

48,000

Joey Logan Bloodstock

C Shantou - Erins Stage (King's Theatre)

Kenilworth House Stud

44,000

Park Farm

F Flemensfirth - Morning Run (King's Theatre)

Ballincurrig House Stud

42,000

JT Bloodstock

C Doyen - Pomme Tiepy (Apple Tree)

Cleaboy Stud & Coppice Farm

40,000

Knockbally Stables

C Ol' Man River – Carthanoora (Topanoora)

Peter Nolan B/s

35,000

Aiden Murphy

C Shantou – Shedan (Perpendicular)

Burgage Stud

34,000

Richard Rohan

C Mount Nelson - Galant Ferns (Bob Back)

Graiguebeg Stud

34,000

Kevin Ross Bloodstock

C Walk In The Park – Myztique (High Chaparral)

Ardrums House Stud

34,000

Moanmore Stables

Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

Top Price (€)

2019

167

1,940,600

11,620

7,500

80,000

2018

161

1,880,194

11,678

7,500

62,000

2017

170

1,666,900

9,805

7,200

46,000

2016

159

1,472,350

9,260

5,800

67,000

2015

173

1,493,900

8,635

6,200

65,000

Mar_175_SaleCircuit.indd 69

››

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER 69

22/02/2019 15:00

Sales Circuit This was another sale whose rollicking results one year were deflated 12 months later for the want of a good dispersal or partnership break-up.

In 2018 that had focused around horses owned by troubled Mayfair Speculators’ chief Markus Jooste, plus one last gem from the disbanded Ballymacoll Stud broodmare band. The sale of three-year-old colt Willie John – offered to dissolve a partnership between Jooste and China Horse Club – put a record 1,900,000gns onto the two-day sale’s aggregate figure, while three mares made 500,000gns-plus and one was sold at just under that figure. Little wonder turnover rose 40% and the average gained 58%.

One year later and normal February Sale business resumed, with a top lot of 105,000gns, although strong support from overseas buyers shopping in the lower tiers generated a clearance rate of 85%, two points above the 2018 figure. So voracious were these welcome bottom feeders that on day two – a session of horses in training – 95% of lots offered found a new home.

Once the catalogue was published it was clear the other key figures would

LAURA GREEN/TATTERSALLS

›› Tattersalls February Sale

Magic Illusion left Godolphin and Charlie Appleby to be trained by Satish Seemar

fall and did. Turnover dropped 61%, the average by 60% and the median by 29%, but it was hard to pin such declines on Brexit given the difference in the catalogue’s content from one year to the next.

In fact, the figures fell back to 2016 levels, for the 2017 sale had also contained some higher-value lots, headed by the 500,000gns filly Easton Angel.

The retirement of a leading jockey

Tattersalls February Sale Top lots Name/Breeding

Vendor

Price (gns)

Magic Illusion (Dubawi – Pimpernel)

Godolphin

Runnymede (Dansili – Indication)

Juddmonte Farms

75,000

RTC GmbH

Originaire (Zoffany - Polly Perkins)

Somerville Lodge

70,000

Meah Lloyd Bloodstock

Recordman (Dubawi – Reunite)

Godolphin

65,000

Durcan Bloodstock/S Seemar

War No More (War Front – Moto)

Ed Walker Racing

60,000

MB Spence

All I Need (Peintre Celebre – Angelita)

Voute Sales

55,000

Oakgrove Stud

Swiss Knight (Oasis Dream - Swiss Diva)

Godolphin

55,000

One Agency/Thomas Morley

Snazzy (Kodiac - Tilthe End Of Time)

Highclere Stud

52,000

Mick Flanagan

Graffiti Master (Dubawi – Independence)

Godolphin

52,000

Federico Barberini

Art Of Dance (Medicean – Danceabout)

Baroda & Colbinstown Studs

50,000

BBA Ireland

Cloudlam (Arch – Sharnberry)

Somerville Lodge

50,000

BBA Ireland

105,000

Buyer Durcan Bloodstock/S Seemar

Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (gns)

Avg (gns)

Mdn (gns)

Top Price (gns)

2019

294

3,139,100

10,677

5,000

105,000

2018

299

8,037,150

26,880

7,000

1,900,000

2017

338

5,735,200

16,968

8,000

500,000

2016

251

2,718,800

10,832

5,000

145,000

2015

211

2,586,100

12,256

7,000

80,000

70 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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is always tinged with some sadness, especially when they have grafted their way to the upper reaches of the sport and yet retained a sense of humility. Ted Durcan, who quit raceriding just over a year ago, achieved admiration during his career, one that was highlighted by an Oaks triumph on the Sir Henry Cecil-trained Light Shift. Durcan may have been lost to racing but not to the racing industry, for he has set himself up as a bloodstock agent and bought top lot Magic Illusion at this sale. A three-

LAURA GREEN/TATTERSALLS

Sales Circuit

Ted Durcan was buying horses for Dubai

TALKING POINTS • Swarms of overseas visitors from no fewer than 20 countries made the journey to Newmarket, including buyers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

They set an example to those worried about possible hard borders after Brexit by going through the hoops of entering Britain, buying relatively low-priced product and taking it back to Asia. The most conspicuous of these visitors from ‘The Stans’ was Avaz Ismoilov, a racehorse owner who is campaigning the useful mare Furia Cruzada in Dubai from Erwan Charpy’s stable. Ismoilov is helping

Goffs February Sale

A significant cut in the number of lots for the second year running saw this sale reduce from three to two days, and 122 fewer horses entering the ring.

The key downsize came in the yearling section, where a reduction of 78 lots was probably no bad thing in a market which is only too ready to dismiss a horse which is not top spec.

As a result there was busy trade and competition between pinhookers for the horses that were on offer.

Philipp Stauffenberg was among

year-old gelded maiden who had been competitive in three starts for Charlie Appleby, Magic Illusion will race on in Dubai for Satish Seemar, who had been an ally to Durcan when he won seven champion jockey titles in the UAE. Heading trade for mares was sevenyear-old All I Need, a daughter of Peintre Celebre with a Pedro The Great cover and consigned by Voute Sales.

Oakgrove Stud’s David Hilton secured her with a bid of 55,000gns, just 10% of the high achieved for a broodmare 12 months earlier.

to stimulate racing in Uzbekistan by investing in large quantities of cheap horses from northern Europe. At this sale he bid in person, but put his purchases through BBA Ireland – that agency was listed as buying 36 horses, many of which would have been for Ismoilov at under 5,000gns. However, the following week at the Goffs February Sale he ramped up his spending, and put his own name down. There he bought 25 lots at an average of €8,604, including a Sea The Stars yearling colt who made €100,000.

buyers hoping to reoffer their purchases at mainstream yearling sales in the autumn, and he duly signed for the €120,000 top lot, a Trickledown Stud-consigned Showcasing colt who had been due to appear at Tattersalls’ December Sale, but missed that appointment following a minor injury.

The colt’s dam, Porthilly, was a Listed winner in Germany, which would have added to her appeal for Stauffenberg, whose operation is based near Dortmund.

First-crop sires who gained a plaudit

or two during the first session included Derrinstown Stud’s Awtaad, responsible for a €65,000 colt, Kildangan Stud’s Belardo (€52,000 colt) and Tally-Ho Stud’s Vadamos (€37,000 colt).

Stauffenberg was paying his first visit to this event, but a couple of other buyers who had made an impact 12 months earlier were absent or more cautious. Daniel Creighton, who bought a €140,000 Dark Angel colt which headed yearlings in 2018, did not invest, while Jamie Railton, who spent €275,000 on three lots last year, cut his

››

Goffs February Sale Top lots Name/Sex/Breeding

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

C Showcasing – Porthilly (Pivotal)

Trickledown Stud

F Lawman - La Divina (Sadler's Wells)

Baroda & Colbinstown Studs

C Sea The Stars - Fly On The Night (Equiano)

Ballintry Stud

100,000

Avaz Ismoilov

F Lope De Vega – Maramba (Hussonet)

Tara Stud

100,000

Brian Grassick Bloodstock

Myopic (Teofilo – Blinking)

Baroda & Colbinstown Studs

120,000

Stauffenberg Bloodstock

110,000

Moran Stud Farm

95,000

Moran Stud Farm

87,000

M D Investments

F Kodiac – Acclimatisation (Acclamation)

Castlebridge Consignment

C Dark Angel – Staceymac (Elnadim)

Drumachon Stud

80,000

Yeomanstown Stud

First Spirit (First Defence - Choice Spirit)

Grenane House Stud

80,000

Filip Zwicky

Vrai (Dark Angel - Sogno Verde (Green Desert)

Baroda & Colbinstown Studs

75,000

Mick Flanagan

Stellar Mass (Sea The Stars - Juno Marlowe)

Glebe House Stables

75,000

BBA Ireland

72 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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The Exciting Emerging Jump Sire

LINDA’S LAD Bay. 2003 16.1 h.h., (1.65m) SADLER’S WELLS – COLZA (ALLEGED)

Two-year-old GR.1 winner by SADLER’S WELLS who trained on to win a Derby Trial.

Dam: COLZA by ALLEGED, making him the product of National Hunt’s two most dominant sire lines.

Already a GR.1 sire with a strong ratio of winners, National Hunt and Flat in France.

Stock realising up to £130,000 at the Cheltenham Sales Nov. 2018, £60,000 at Doncaster Jan. Sale 2019.

Excellent value at £1,000 1st Oct. High Bickington, Umberleigh, Devon, EX37 9BT • Contact: Graham Heal Tel: 01769 560414 Vauterhill Stud e-mail: vauterhill@hotmail.co.uk • website: www.vauterhillstud.co.uk

Fractional ad pages March 2019.indd 73

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER 73

22/02/2019 09:31

Sales Circuit Five-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (£)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

Top Price (€)

2019

263

3,972,650

15,105

8,000

120,000

2018

333

4,806,000

14,432

6,800

280,000

2017

387

5,131,300

13,259

5,500

210,000

2016

289

4,333,250

14,994

8,000

165,000

2015

322

5,238,900

16,270

10,000

220,000

to €18,000 on one horse. ›› outlay However, a newcomer in the shape of Moran Stud Farm was to make an impact in the second day’s mares’ section. In 2018 this part of the catalogue threw up a €280,000 top lot, while in 2017 there had been offerings from Ballymacoll Stud’s dismantlement and Wildenstein to give the event some publicity and top-end sparkle.

Shorn of such jewels the figures took a dip, although a two-year-old filly by Lawman and six-year-old broodmare Myopic sold for €110,000 and €95,000 to herald Moran Stud’s entry to the bloodstock sales world.

The Cork-based farm is owned by Florida’s Robert Moran and managed

by Kieran Sheehy, who said the current broodmare band numbered six – but

still counting. Both Sheehy’s buys were offered by Baroda & Colbinstown Studs.

With 122 fewer lots on offer and a top price that was the lowest since 2013, a 17% fall in the aggregate figure was not too disappointing, and the clearance rate gained two points to reach 68%. The average dipped 5% and the median by 23%.

Some astonishing gains in the figures at this two-day sale could be laid squarely at the feet of two notable dispersals – how sales companies based in the UK and Ireland would have loved such riches for their year-opening auctions.

To disperse the stock of one wellknown owner-breeder would have been a result, but two was ecstasy for the Arqana team, helping to swell the number of visitors, and leading to an auction record price of €500,000, the sum given for eight-year-old mare Graciously.

A half-sister to Group 1 winner Giofra and with an Invincible Spirit cover, she was offered by the Channel Consignment on behalf of the executors of the late Marquesa de Moratalla. Best known in Britain as the owner of top chaser The Fellow and then First Gold – the lastnamed later ran in J P McManus’s colours – the Marquesa, who died in November 2017, also enjoyed success on the Flat, notably with French Classic winners Hours After and Tin Horse.

Graciously was knocked down to Larissa Kneip, who saw off several UK and Irish agents to secure the prize for billionaire entrepreneur Horst Pudwill, who was keen to cover her with his new stallion Dschingis Secret. A winner of seven races, including the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin, Dschingis Secret has taken up residency at Haras de Saint Arnoult.

Another member of the Moratalla/ Channel Consignment draft, the winning Fastnet Rock filly Recover Me, sold for €210,000 to Michel Zerolo’s Oceanic Bloodstock and will continue racing, exiting Alain de Royer Dupre’s yard to

ZUZANNA LUPA

Arqana February Mixed Sale

Larissa Kneip set a new February Sale record when bidding €500,000 for Graciously

join Jean-Claude Rouget.

The other major dispersal came courtesy of Lebanese owner-breeder Issam Fares, who could rival, some would say surpass, the Marquesa in terms of association with equine stars. He bred stallion Curlin and Breeders’ Cup winners Da Hoss and Miss Alleged among a number of top-class horses.

Fares’s Haras de Manneville – which he had owned since 1982 – began the dispersal of his bloodstock wares at Arqana’s December Sale and followed up with 43 more horses involving yearlings, mares and fillies out of training at this auction. They added €1,651,000 to the sale’s turnover, headed by a two-year-old Oasis Dream filly called Bainoland, a first foal of the mare Baino Hope, who won at up to Group 2 level for Fares. Baino Hope was bought by the Tsui family for €280,000 in December.

Bolstered by gems, the figures on day one went into orbit, with gains of 310%

in turnover and 230% in the average price. The median rose 69%, and while an additional 19 horses walked the ring during this session, the buyers were hungry for the prizes and the clearance rate leapt up ten points to 87%.

Trade on day two returned to more commonly-known levels, but pleasingly for Arqana the clearance rate maintained parity at 83% despite an additional 49 lots during the session. The 13-year-old stakes-producing mare Mark Of An Angel, covered by Le Havre and bought

by Cathy Grassick for British breeder Yvonne Jacques, headed trade at €72,000, but there were falls in turnover and the average price.

So it was not all fairyland in France, but when the figures for both days were combined turnover had risen by 89%, the average by 50% and the median by 38%. No fewer than 72 more horses had turned the ring, yet the clearance rate had risen four points to 84%.

74 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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Bearstone TOB March 2019:Layout 2

13/2/19

11:51

Page 1

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By Zoffany x How’s She Cuttin’ ted career, he defea In a star-studded ers p/Grade 1 winn u ro G al u id iv d 20 in de 1 races: of 35 Group/Gra

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view our 2019 Brochure at www.bearstonestud.co.uk

Sales Circuit Arqana February Mixed Sale Top lots Name/Sex/Breeding

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

Graciously (Shamardal – Gracefully)

The Channel Consignment

500,000

Artemis Bloodstock

Recover Me (Fastnet Rock - Marie Rossa)

The Channel Consignment

210,000

Oceanic Bloodstock

Bainoland (Oasis Dream - Baino Hope)

Haras de Manneville

190,000

Jean-Claude Rouget

F Camelot - Baino Hope (Jeremy)

Haras de Manneville

160,000

Eric Puerari

F Siyouni - Baino Rock (Rock Of Gibraltar)

Haras de Manneville

160,000

High Valley Equine

Out Of Town (Kentucky Dynamite – Beynotown)

Haras de Manneville

95,000

I.E.C.A.

Wilside (Verglas – Sigonella)

The Channel Consignment

95,000

Broadhurst Agency

Three-year tale Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

Top Price (€)

2019

354

5,282,500

14,922

5,500

500,000

2018

284

2,841,500

10,005

4,000

300,000

2017

135

1,567,000

11,607

5,000

210,000

76 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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scan to watch video

AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE RACING IN THE FAST LANE CHARLIE HILLS excels with sprinters, turning BATTAASH and MUHAARAR into champions.

MAGICAL MEMORY and COTAI GLORY also performed at G1 level.

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Now he has shares available in a speedy two-year-old for the 2019 Flat season.

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Only 5 (10%) shares remain at £8,000 each Price includes purchase price and costs to the end of October 2019 All fees included (registration costs, training, veterinary, entries, jockeys).

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Julia and George Strawbridge, Jr.

“OSCAR PERFORMANCE appeals to me as a stallion prospect and shareholder because he was a brilliant racehorse winning a G1 as a 2yo, 3yo and 4yo. Also, I commend Mill Ridge and the Amermans for building a solid foundation of support with a strong syndicate.

He is limited to 140 mares which I think is a healthy number, and he will not shuttle. Finally, that he did not race on Lasix is a huge advantage for me. I look forward to supporting the horse and racing his offspring.”

— George Strawbridge, Jr.

TDN Rising Star in his 2nd start at Saratoga

winning by over 10 lengths …

At 2: Won G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf At 3: Won G1 Belmont Derby (11/4 mile) Won G1 Secretariat (11/4 mile)

OSCAR

At 4: Broke Elusive Quality’s Belmont 20-year track record (1 mile) Won G1 Woodbine Mile

Earned: $2,345,696 NO LASIX

Fractional ad pages March 2019.indd 77

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THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER 77

22/02/2019 09:37

Caulfield Files

Galileo and High Chaparral: compare and contrast

COOLMORE

The two sons of Sadler’s Wells won the Derby in consecutive years and while Galileo is the undisputed European champion his former stablemate has outgunned him in Australasia

High Chaparral left a significant legacy, particularly in the southern hemisphere

T

hanks to the more relaxed attitude of the French to gelding (or not gelding) colts bred for the jumping sector, the influence of France’s manytimes champion sire Cadoudal is still very much in evidence 40 years after his birth.

When two horses share the same sire, were successful in the same two Classics and were retired to the same stud, it is inevitable that they should become the subjects of a compare and contrast article such as this.

The two horses, Galileo and High Chaparral, were born a year apart but the fact that High Chaparral was kept in training as a four-year-old, when he landed the Irish Champion Stakes and a second success in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, meant that Galileo enjoyed a two-year head start as a stallion.

For the record, Timeform rated High Chaparral 115p at two, following his victory in the Racing Post Trophy, compared to the 107p allotted to the once-raced juvenile Galileo. After following in Galileo’s footsteps in winning the Derby and Irish Derby, High Chaparral was rated 130, 4lb below his predecessor, but his rating rose to 132 at four, so there was little difference between these sons of Sadler’s Wells.

It is hard to believe now that neither of these young stallions was immune to the

growing wariness with which breeders treat unproven stallions, part of the problem being that Sadler’s Wells had yet to establish himself as a really successful sire of sires. Also, both were in direct competition with Montjeu, another of Sadler’s Wells’s most accomplished sons.

The consequence was that Galileo’s fee in his first five years went from €60,000 to €37,500, while High Chaparral’s dwindled from an initial €35,000 to only €10,000 in his sixth season in 2009.

The situation became so bad for High Chaparral that National Hunt mares began to be accepted to him and he was visited in 2009 by Monte Solaro, a winner of a mares’ bumper at Sligo and a valuable handicap hurdle at Tralee. The outcome, of course, was Altior, who extended his wonderful winning sequence over jumps to 17 when he landed the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January.

The statistics show that High Chaparral wasn’t as outstanding a stallion as Galileo, but then who is? Fortunately, he rebounded from his slowish start to establish a highly creditable Average Earnings Index of 1.79 and equineline credits him with 125 black-type winners.

At the time of his untimely death at the age of 15 in December 2014 he was standing at €30,000, so he was nearly

back where he started. His northern hemisphere crops produced nine Group/ Grade 1 winners – every one of them male – and there may be a few more to come, as his final crop, foaled in 2015, includes the progressive Raymond Tusk, winner of the Group 2 Gran Premio del Jockey Club Italiano.

One area in which High Chaparral managed to outshine Galileo was with his southern hemisphere crops. In five visits to Australia between 2002 and 2006, Galileo was credited with 565 live foals.

Only three of them were to become Group 1 winners in Australia and two of them took their time in doing so, with Linton finally hitting the target as a six-year-old and Niwot at seven in the 2012 Sydney Cup. Another two – the fillies Igugu and Mahbooba – became Group 1 winners in the quieter waters of South Africa.

Linton and Niwot were gelded and Galileo’s third Group 1-winning Australasian son, Souza, was sent to the UAE, so Galileo will be heavily dependent on his Australian broodmare daughters and his imported sons, such as Adelaide and the shuttlers Churchill and Highland Reel, if he is to extend his influence in Australia. The occasional shuttler Teofilo has two Group 1-winning Australasian-bred stallion sons, in Kermadec and Palentino.

High Chaparral, on the other hand, did so well during his visits to New Zealand and Australia that his fee rose as high as AUS$99,000 in 2011, having attracted no fewer than 235 mares during his 2010 visit.

In addition to enjoying Group 1 Australian success with his Europeanbred sons Contributer and Rekindling (2017 Melbourne Cup), High Chaparral sired more than 40 Group winners from his Australasian crops, including an impressive total of 13 Group 1 winners (six of them fillies).

Flourishing in the south

So why did High Chaparral prove to be more at home in the southern hemisphere than Galileo? It could be

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Bloodstock world views argued that High Chaparral was the more precocious of the two, as he went very close to winning all three of his juvenile starts and made his debut a month earlier than Galileo. High Chaparral’s progeny also have a slightly lower average winning distance – 10.6 furlongs as opposed to Galileo’s 11.2. I wondered whether High Chaparral and his stock were more at home on fast ground, as Timeform records that the ground was firm for each of High Chaparral’s three victories as a four-year-old, but they also have the ground as firm for Galileo’s Derby victory and good to firm for his King George success.

Several of High Chaparral’s Australian Group 1 winners were outstanding, with So You Think, Dundeel and Shoot Out all securing at least five victories at the highest level. Shoot Out and Dundeel both numbered the AJC Australian Derby among their wins, while So You Think developed into an international star, good enough to win the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, the Eclipse Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes.

Shoot Out was a gelding, but High Chaparral still has enough ammunition to establish a flourishing male line in Australia, even if most of his sons will be battling against Australia’s obsession with speed. So You Think has been welcomed very differently in the southern hemisphere, compared to his time in Ireland, and he covered a sizeable number of elite mares in a book of 217 in 2018. He

“It could be argued that High Chaparral was the more precocious of the two” has already been ably represented by Sopressa (Schweppes Oaks), D’Argento (Rosehill Guineas), La Belle Diosa (New Zealand 1,000 Guineas) and Inference (Randwick Guineas) Dundeel (who raced as It’s A Dundeel in Australia) has been covering substantial books of mares at a comparatively modest fee of AUS$27,500 at Arrowfield Stud. His eldest progeny are three year olds of the 2018-19 season and they include Atyaab, winner of the Grade 1 Cape Derby in South Africa, and Irukandji, a Group 3 winner.

So You Think and Dundeel will also receive back-up from some of High Chaparral’s northern-hemisphere sons.

Toronado, winner of the Sussex Stakes and Queen Anne Stakes, has covered 580 mares in four seasons at Swettenham Stud, where his fee has been AUS$22,000.

Then there’s Contributer, who put up a smart performance to win the Listed Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot in 2014 on his final appearance in Europe.

Less than a year later he had become a Group 1 winner over a mile and a mile and a quarter for Godolphin in Australia. He is plying his trade at Mapperley Stud in New Zealand, a country where High Chaparral did very well. The good-looking Tivaci, winner of the Group 1 All Aged Stakes in Australia, and the former British-trained Redwood are other New Zealand-based sons.

The Irish National Stud’s Free Eagle, winner of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes in 2015, has made three visits to Australia, but Australian breeders seem not to have warmed to him, despite the cheapness of his fee (AUS$16,500 in 2018), as his book has gone from 83 mares to 54 and then to 34.

Free Eagle’s first Irish crop, comprising 87 two-year-olds of 2019, enjoyed some memorable moments at the 2018 yearling sales, with such prices as €400,000, 250,000gns, €200,000 and 150,000gns. The €400,000 colt has been named Al Qaasim by Shadwell. I hope he does well, as High Chaparral – unlike Galileo - isn’t strongly represented as a sire of sires in Europe. It is going to be interesting to see whether the former National Stud resident Toronado builds on an encouraging start which saw him represented by 24 two-year-old winners in 2018.

Doubling up on Galileo As one of the elder statesmen of the French breeding industry, it is easy to think of the 24-year-old Muhtathir as a light of other days. After all, he is available to breeders at a fee of €5,500, roughly the same level at which he began his career in 2001.

There was a time though, around 2009 and 2010, when this grandson of Diesis ranked among France’s highest-priced stallions.

Unlikely though it seems, we may have seen a bit of history at Newcastle on January 17, when victory in the Betway Novice Stakes went to Dawn Delight by more than three lengths. As this four-year-old filly was to finish a modest third at Wolverhampton on her next start, there was nothing special about the Newcastle form. However, with Dawn Approach as her sire and a Teofilo

Mar_175_CaulfieldFiles.indd 79

mare as her dam, Dawn Delight has the distinction of being the first British winner inbred to the great Galileo (the inbreeding being 3 x 3).

According to statistics from the New Zealand-based Arion Pedigrees, there are only 25 foals of racing age inbred within five generations to Galileo. At this very early stage, nine of the 25 have raced and three have won, another being the minor American winner Cape Laa Di Da, a filly by the Irish Derby winner Cape Blanco. She has a Galileo mare as her second dam, so is inbred 2 x 3. Then there’s the Indian-foaled Bradfield College, who was second in the Hyderabad Golconda Derby. A son of Teofilo, Bradfield College is out of a Galileo mare, so is inbred 2 x 2 to the ten-time champion sire.

Of course none of these winners

represents motivation for other breeders to experiment with close inbreeding to Galileo, but you can be sure it is going to become more widespread in the coming years.

Galileo, after all, is a phenomenal stallion by another phenomenal stallion in Sadler’s Wells and his dam, the Arc-winning Urban Sea, has been one of the most influential broodmares of recent decades, with Sea The Stars among her many notable winners. We have already seen the Derby fall to Masar, a colt inbred 3 x 4 to Urban Sea. Add in the fact that the brilliant Enable is inbred 3 x 2 to Sadler’s Wells, with one leg coming via Galileo, and there are sure to be breeders prepared to try doubling up to Galileo, the main deterrent for commercial breeders being the chances of producing a stayer.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER 79

22/02/2019 17:44

Exciting regional days announced The Thoroughbred Club is excited to announce that once again members will be able to attend the popular TBA Regional Days.

The events will take place throughout the summer and offer the chance get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most successful racing and breeding operations in the country, and an opportunity to socialise with like-minded people.

Dan Skelton Racing and Warwick racecourse Wednesday, April 10 The first event will take place on Wednesday, April 10 and include a tour of Dan Skelton’s Lodge Hill Stales in Warwickshire, followed by an afternoon’s racing at Warwick.

Dan Skelton is one of Britain’s leading jumps trainers and has trained nearly 600 winners so far in his career, including Cheltenham Festival winners Superb Story and Mohaayed. The yard boasts state-of-the-art facilities including a pioneering EquaFlow gallop, all-weather schooling grounds and an equine spa.

Following the tour members will be treated to a day at Warwick racecourse for the St Mary’s Land Cup Day, where they will enjoy a buffet lunch in a private box with balcony overlooking the parade ring and course.

Weatherbys Tuesday, May 14 Weatherbys have kindly offered members the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the organisation on Tuesday, May 14.

The tour will provide members with an insight into the role that

There will be plenty of opportunities to go behind the scenes for members this spring and summer

Weatherbys plays within the industry, highlighting the different areas of service and giving an opportunity to meet some of the team.

Whitsbury Manor Stud Tuesday, June 4 Members will be able to get a behindthe-scenes look at Whitsbury Manor Stud on Tuesday, June 4 as part of the TBA Regional Day. Established in 1948, the stud combines boarding facilities for mares and youngstock, as well as standing four commercial stallions Showcasing, Adaay, Due Diligence and new recruit Havana Grey.

The visit will include a tour of the stud to see broodmares and yearlings and a talk by resident vet Charlie Pinkham, followed by lunch at a

nearby pub.

George Scott Racing & Cheveley Park Stud Wednesday, July 24 Members will be able to attend the East Regional Day on Wednesday, July 24. The day will start with a tour of George Scott’s Saffron House Stables followed by lunch and a tour of the Jockey Club Rooms.

George Scott’s career at Saffron House Stables has gone from strength to strength since he started training in 2015 and last year he landed the Group 3 Greenham Stakes with James Garfield.

Following lunch, members will get the chance to have a behindthe-scenes look at one of the most

Learn more about youngstock and development at TBA courses Members will have the chance to learn more about the management of youngstock and their development at two regional courses run by the National Stud and the TBA. The courses will be held at York racecourse on Thursday, July 4 and Harper Adams University on Tuesday,

July 30. A course will also be run at The National Stud in Newmarket on Wednesday, May 29 on ‘The Mating Game’.

For further information on all the courses please visit the TTC website or contact Melissa on info@ thethoroughbredclub.co.uk

Equine courses are free to attend for TTC members – see the website for details

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www.thethoroughbredclub.co.uk •

@TTC_GB

Diary Dates and Reminders Wednesday, April 10 TBA Regional Day Dan Skelton Racing Tuesday, May 14 TBA Regional Day Weatherbys, Wellingborough Wednesday, May 29 ‘The Mating Game’ TBA/National Stud Seminar The National Stud, Newmarket Tuesday, June 4 TBA Regional Day Whitsbury Manor Stud Thursday, July 4 ‘Youngstock and Development’ TBA/National Stud Regional Course York racecourse

successful studs in Britain, Cheveley Park. The historic stud extends to over 1,000 acres and is home to a group of outstanding stallions including Pivotal, Dutch Art and Intello.

Johnston Racing Date TBC The North Regional Day will this year include a visit to Johnston Racing in Middleham. Mark Johnston is one of Britain’s leading racehorse trainers and

last year made history by becoming the winningmost trainer in Britain when he saddled his 4,194th winner.

The day will include a tour of Kingsley Park Yard followed by lunch at a nearby pub.

Members will be able to attend the events for a reduced price, which includes lunch. To book your place visit our website or email info@ thethoroughbredclub.co.uk for further information.

Wednesday, July 24 TBA Regional Day George Scott Racing & Cheveley Park Stud Tuesday, July 30 ‘Youngstock and Development’ TBA/National Stud Regional Course Harper Adams University For further details on all events, please monitor the TTC website.

Half-price tickets for members at Ascot Members of The Thoroughbred Club will receive half-price admission to the Spring Family Raceday at Ascot on Sunday, March 31. As well as a number of high-class races, Ascot’s final fixture of the jumps season will also offer free countryside activities including ferret racing, pony rides and a retrained racehorses falconry display.

Half-price tickets can be purchased on the day from Ticket Office East following presentation of a valid TTC membership card.

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ROA Forum

The special section for ROA members

Insight from syndicate survey

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ata collated in the National Racehorse Owners survey of 2016 has been a key driver for future Ownership Strategy. In order to gain a greater understanding of syndicate members and managers, the ROA circulated an online survey of syndicate members and syndicate managers in September 2018.

The syndicate survey was completed by 490 syndicate members, and 22 syndicate managers. Almost 200 syndicate members provided their details for follow up contact and over half of syndicate managers.

Half of respondents have been involved in racehorse ownership for over ten years. The majority of syndicate members who responded have never been sole owners, although 30% are sole owners or have been at some point, while 70% of respondents were ROA members.

The average percentage of ownership per code was roughly equal between jumps (23%) and Flat (20%), with dual-purpose (2%) lagging behind.

Syndicate members at the start of their ownership journey (<2 years) have a greater involvement in Flat racing (13%) compared to jumps (8%).

Interestingly, more experienced syndicate members who have been involved in ownership for longer (5+ years) have a greater involvement in jumps racing (26%) compared to Flat (21%).

Owners rated the ability to watch their horse run, owners’ and trainers’ facilities, parade ring access and access to trainers and jockeys as most important to them.

Being able to watch their horse run for free ranked as the most important of 11 benefits, showing they become owners for the love of the sport.

Owners’ and trainers’ facilities ranked second in terms of importance, with access making them feel ‘part of the inside’. Interestingly, the facilities had the lowest satisfaction score out of 11 benefits among respondents.

The findings showed syndicate owners have been involved in racing for longer than commonly perceived, dispelling a notion that people are involved in syndicates for only a couple of years before moving up the ‘ownership pyramid.’ This was supported by interviews with syndicate managers who indicated that lots of

Quiet Reflection provided the Ontoawinner syndicate with Royal Ascot glory in 2016

their members were previous or current sole owners who wanted to spread their risk and share their experience.

Interview evidence also indicated that sole owners are becoming syndicate members because there is limited differentiation between their experience as a sole owner against that of an owner with smaller ownership shares.

The majority of syndicate owners expected to maintain their level of involvement. However, a significant proportion (28%) are likely to increase their ownership involvement. Those looking to increase would mostly use syndicates (54%) or partnerships (62%); 23% of owners indicated that they would want to increase their involvement through sole ownership.

The findings of the survey will be helpful in shaping the Industry Ownership Strategy and we are grateful to all who took part.

Industry Ownership Project

The project is now moving into Phase Two and continues to make good progress, and the ROA is working with stakeholders across the industry.

The Ownership Quality Mark assessments will be rolling out oncourse shortly, in parallel with the inspections undertaken by the ROA Raceday Committee in relation to the Gold Standard awards. These schemes are focused on the improvement of the on-course experience for all owners.

Another element of the project, the Industry Ownership Racedays, will be relaunched in April at Pontefract racecourse, with the start of the Flat season. Racedays will be staged monthly, promoting ownership, and will

feature the now monthly ROA Jackpot races. Invitations will be issued to ROA members in the area well ahead of each event, as the racedays include the popular ROA Regional Roadshows, providing raceday hospitality for 40 guests and a valuable update on industry matters.

In addition, syndicate members and managers have been surveyed to better understand their ownership experience, and an initial meeting has been held with syndicate managers and racecourses to build on these findings.

The principle of a Syndicate Quality Mark is being developed. Many thanks to those who have responded to this survey, which has provided extremely valuable insights into the syndicate owner experience.

As owners’ views are at the heart of the Industry Ownership Strategy, we are looking to continue to gather your input on a range of topics to ensure the project delivers an enhanced ownership experience.

In order to do this we will be sending a few more surveys than usual over the coming months, following on from the syndicate and breeder members’ surveys.

We apologise for the increased mailbox activity but would ask members if they could try to complete the surveys where possible. We want the outcomes of the project to directly reflect our owners’ views and these surveys are the most efficient tool to achieve this.

Thank you for your patience and collaboration, which we hope will lead to an exciting next chapter in racehorse ownership.

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Fakenham meeting updates members The first ROA Industry Ownership Day scheduled to take place at Fakenham on January 24 had to be put on hold as racing was cancelled due to frozen ground. In spite of this the ROA regional meeting and lunch arranged on that day went ahead for 20 people who were able to attend.

The Chief Executive provided an update on the following topics: • The future surrounding levy collection.

• Future structure of the BHA Board.

ROA President Nicholas Cooper will be one of two Horsemen Group-nominated representatives on the board.

• Equine welfare and the wider industry. Analysis and data collection was being carried out and the BHA had engaged an external communications agency to support the industry’s approach and messaging.

• The impact of the reduction in stake of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, due to the link to media rights and shift of business from shop to mobile. A future pinch point was expected to occur in 2021.

• Update on Ownership Strategy project.

It was agreed that the revenue stream from media rights that reached the sport’s participants via prize-money should be more transparent and underpinned by the regulator.

One member who was unable to join us on the day provided the following feedback.

“We have been very fortunate to experience racing as winning owners at Fakenham (which is excellent – they really make it enjoyable) and elsewhere. I think it is what we all aspire to.

“However, most of the time owners are also-rans and if lucky, placed. At the larger courses they are able to invite the second and third places in for a post-race drink and to re-watch the race.

“This is excellent as it makes the day special and one gets a chance to meet the competition! We run a small

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Visitors to Fakenham on January 24

partnership for our homebred horse and the partners have been really thrilled when this happens as it makes us all feel like winners.

“With regard to prize-money generally, I think the disparity between the winner and the placed horses can sometimes seem huge!

Whilst prize-money levels will always be an issue, and conscious that the total pot may not be very large in the first place, isn’t there a way – whilst still giving the winner a major share – that a little more could come to the second- and third-placed horses?”

The ROA circulated a survey on the split of prize-money distribution last autumn and there was an even split in members views. The findings didn’t give a clear mandate for change, but it showed that some owners felt improvements could be made. We are listening to members’ feedback on this topic and it is something we are keeping a watching brief on.

This month will see the ROA team return to Chepstow for a regional meeting on the 21st.

Industry Ownership Day at Pontefract The ROA will now host the first Industry Ownership Day this Flat

season at Pontefract on April 9. This will be a notable day to visit the course as this coincides with the official opening of the new owners’ and trainers’ facility.

The day will see existing owners recognised and the ROA will be on hand to help promote the thrill and accessibility of ownership to potential racehorse owners.

The ROA will partner with Pontefract to support the entire day’s racing. The card will feature an Owners Jackpot race offering a bonus of £2,000 if the winning horse is qualified. There are extra perks attached to this year’s Owners Jackpot races: • £250 travel expenses for each qualified runner • Yard bonus • Breeder’s bonus To qualify, horses must be owned by an ROA member. In the case of a partnership, 51% or more of the owners must be members. Horses owned by syndicates and clubs qualify where the majority of club/ syndicate managers are members.

Full details and upcoming races can be found on the ROA website in the Jackpot section.

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ROA Forum

MAGICAL MOMENTS with ROA member Andrew Gemmell

Paisley Park takes the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January

GEORGE SELWYN

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ndrew Gemmell likes his sport.

Cricket was his first love but he has enjoyed racing since the 1960s, brought up on commentaries of the Peters, Bromley and O’Sullivan, and liking a bet.

Words, rather than pictures, used to be the chief means of knowing where your money was going, with only terrestrial television pictures available.

Commentaries in betting shops were what a generation of punters was brought up on.

That is no longer the case for the vast majority but, for Gemmell, words are still king. He has been blind since birth. Talking to him, you wouldn’t have the foggiest. He was looking forward to going to his beloved West Ham later that day and, like any owner with a Cheltenham Festival hope at this time of year, spoke of nerves and excitement as jump racing’s biggest days counted down.

Indeed, Gemmell literally counts them down.

“When Paisley Park won the Long Walk Hurdle, I said to Emma [Lavelle] there were 80-odd days to go,” he relays. “Today there are 38. I’m very nervous thinking about it, very tense.

I just hope he gets there and comes back safe and sound.”

Paisley Park is ante-post favourite for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival, off the back of his Long Walk victory and subsequent triumph in the Cleeve Hurdle.

Gemmell has been going to

Aidan Coleman, Laura Scrivener, Andrew Gemmell and Emma Lavelle with Paisley Park

Cheltenham since the early 1970s, but it was not until the late 1990s that his involvement in racehorse ownership began.

That was through Million in Mind, with Anthony Bromley a key player, and Gemmell continues to this day to be involved in syndicates, as well as having horses in his own right.

Highclere and OTI Racing in Australia are two of his syndicates, and Gemmell last year attended his tenth Melbourne Cup, the first coming in 1995. He enjoys cricket and tennis down under as well, and has been to a couple of Dubai World Cups, the Kentucky Derby and in 1990 he met Scobie Breasley at the Garrison Savannah in Barbados.

“I first met Emma in about 200607 as Favourites Racing had been suggested to me as a good one to join – she was one of their trainers,” explains Gemmell. “It was through her brother Alex, a journalist, who I met in Australia.

“In 2007, I bought a horse on my own for the first time, Seymar Lad, who was an ex-Peter Beaumont, and he won four times for me. I’ve had about seven now on my own, and have got three at the moment.

“There’s Dagueneau with Ed Dunlop, Angel Islington with Andrew Balding – she’s had an injury but will hopefully be back on the turf – and of course Paisley Park with Emma. He’s been a dream horse.

“I live in north London but enjoy going behind the scenes at Emma’s and being on the gallops and hearing the horses thunder past, and I’m an owner with Alan King and so can combine a visit to both trainers as they’re not far apart.”

Gemmell adds: “Racecoursewise, I’d say York is my favourite – I particularly love the Ebor meeting – and I like Ascot, Sandown, which is very accessible from London, and the July Course at Newmarket, and Plumpton of the smaller tracks.

“Ryan Moore and Kerrin McEvoy are among my favourite jockeys on the Flat. Over jumps, Aidan Coleman is a very nice person and he gives really good feedback, and Adam Wedge and Noel Fehily are among others I admire.”

Unsurprisingly, it is Paisley Park who has been the backbone of his owner’s magical moments in racing to date, though he has certainly not been the only source.

He says: “Paisley Park has provided

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three magical days so far this season, at Ascot, Cheltenham and Haydock, when winning the valuable stayers’ handicap hurdle on Betfair Chase day.

“The Long Walk was a first Grade 1 winner for Emma, Aidan and myself, so that was particularly special.

“I also loved being the representative of the syndicate when Trip To Paris was runner-up in the Caulfield Cup in 2015.

I’d bought into him after he’d won the Gold Cup that summer, and while the other La Grange Partnership members came to see him run in the Melbourne Cup, I was on my own with him at Caulfield the month before. I was on TV quite a lot!

“I have shares in horses in Australia and the prize-money there is much better than here – that’s certainly one frustration as an owner; the prize-money for some races, such as bumpers, is derisory.

“There have been plenty of good

days though, and another was when Discorama was second in the Martin Pipe at the Festival last year. I own him

“The Long Walk was a first Grade 1 for Emma, Aidan and myself, so it was special” with a very good friend [Tom Friel], and hopefully he’ll be running at the Festival again this year in a novice chase.”

Gemmell is retired, having worked in local government for Westminster

Council, so able to indulge in his varied sporting passions – he is an MCC member, among other pursuits – albeit they can sometimes conflict.

“I had tickets for the Australian Open tennis final but when Paisley Park became an intended runner on trials day at Cheltenham, I gave my tickets to a mate’s son for his birthday,” he says.

“I was lucky to come into some inheritance and I have enjoyed being an owner very much. I’m off to West Ham v Liverpool tonight, and as a season-ticket holder there will be other games coming up of course, but there’s nothing else major in my diary for the next month or so. My mind is focused on Cheltenham.”

Gemmell is far from alone in that, but in other ways is a rare breed, one for whom the sensations of the Cheltenham Festival are heightened beyond even those experienced by the overwhelming majority of his fellow owners. The very best of luck.

Levy Board abolition kicked into touch The Levy Board is set to continue for the foreseeable future after the Government confirmed it had withdrawn the legislation which would have led to the body’s abolition on April 1.

Following the news, ministers were told to leave the Levy Board alone and avoid further “tinkering” by one politician.

The government introduced the first stage of reforms of British racing’s central funding system in 2017, when it extended the levy to include betting operators based overseas.

Last autumn the government began the second stage of its planned reforms which would have led to the abolition of the Levy Board, with its collection duties taken on by the Gambling Commission and responsibility for spending decisions given to a new Racing Authority, largely made up of representatives of the sport.

However, the secondary legislation it introduced – known as a legislative reform order (LRO) – was halted by objections on procedural reasons from a jointcommittee of MPs and peers.

Following that rejection, the government has said it has withdrawn the LRO and evidently chosen not to pursue primary legislation to make the changes at this stage, although the levy will remain under government review.

A DCMS spokesperson said: “Our

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reforms to the Horserace Betting Levy have already resulted in an extra £45 million to support the racing industry.

“We’ll continue to work with the Levy Board and the racing industry to explore ways to maximise the benefits of the reformed levy to ensure it continues to deliver for the sector.”

Lord Lipsey, who had opposed the government’s plans, welcomed the news. He said: “The government has bowed to the inevitable by dropping this misconceived proposal.

‘The Levy Board must now be allowed to get on with the job without further tinkering from ministers.”

Levy Board chairman Paul Lee said the body would continue to work closely with government.

He said: “We’re thinking carefully about the implications for the HBLB following the government’s decision not to pursue its LRO. “Revenues have been very significantly enhanced by the changes made to the system and we’ll now work closely with government to ensure the industry as a whole benefits from the stability which the decision not to pursue further reforms brings.

“In short, we’ll keep calm and carry on, as we’ve always done. I’m enormously grateful to all our staff for having kept the show on the road in very difficult times

Paul Lee: “we’ll keep calm and carry on”

and great uncertainty for them.”

Reacting to the news, a BHA spokesman added: “We had a positive meeting with DCMS ministers in January, at which we explained that we’re willing to be pragmatic as to the next stages of levy reform and understand the reasons behind the withdrawal of the legislative reform order.

“We continue our discussions with DCMS and colleagues at the Levy Board.”

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ROA Forum

MY DAY AT THE RACES with Ailsa Russell at Market Rasen on February 5

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ilsa became involved in racing after training and riding her winning point-to-pointer, also holding a permit for a couple of years.

She and her husband Drew bred their first winner, Stravaigin, trained by Jim Goldie, in 2007. Their Lucia Bay, trained

by Lucinda Russell, won twice and was third in a Listed hurdle at Punchestown.

They now breed from her in France: she has produced four foals and two of her offspring are now in training. They have horses spread between John Quinn, Ruth Jefferson and Iain Jardine, plus a pointto-pointer with Tim Reed. At Market Rasen they watched six-year-old gelding Bally Conor contest a novices’ hurdle.

Did you receive any welcome information as an owner in advance of the raceday?

We received an email confirming the entry and directing us to the racecourse’s email address if we had any queries.

However, we had been to Market Rasen previously, so we knew the form.

How was the experience of arrival at the racecourse, and collecting your owners’ badges?

The car park is just across from the racecourse entrance, which is very useful. We had a warm welcome from the staff at the owners’ entrance facility and were offered a drink, a packet of crisps and told to help ourselves from a dish of sweets. We received our badges, entrance tickets and lunch vouchers.

Did you use the owners’ facility on the day?

The owners’ facility is a decent size and as well as the sitting/dining area has a lounge area with lots of sofas and low tables. It could have been a bit warmer, but it was a cold day. We managed to get a seat both times we were inside. There is a self-service coffee machine with a hot water tap, plus a box of speciality tea bags which I really appreciate as so often it’s a vacuum of strong/stewed tea.

There was also a selection of tasty cakes, which I noticed proved very popular all day!

Drew and Ailsa Russell with Brian Hughes and Ruth Jefferson (right) at Market Rasen

What were your thoughts on the location, comfort and provision in the facility?

The food offering was pie and mash, sausage and mash, or soup and a large sandwich. Decent enough, although not very hot and heaven knows what the soup was! We would have been able to take guests, but I don’t know if that would have been two or four guests.

How was the pre-parade ring/paddock experience?

The parade ring is at the top of the racecourse and then you have to walk about 100 yards down to the paddock, which is very close to the track.

How did you find the facilities for owners’ viewing?

I’m not sure where the dedicated owners’ stand is, but with the big TV screen so near the paddock we always just watch from there; and it means we are close to the horses when they finish.

Were you able to review a replay of your race easily on course?

I’m sure we could have, I’m pretty sure I saw the previous races being replayed.

Unfortunately, we seldom see replays – unless lucky enough to have a winner, as we are too busy having the post-race discussion with the jockey and trainer.

the day?

Sadly we didn’t win, however we have had a winner here before and they treat you very well in a room beside the winners’ enclosure. There’s a glass of champagne for winning (and placed) connections while watching the replay, a framed photograph, copy of the race video and unusually some local cheese.

They also give Lincolnshire sausages to winning trainers and crisps to their yards, which is a nice touch.

What was your overall lasting feeling of the day, based on your experience?

We had a very positive experience – the staff are particularly helpful and pleasant – as it had been on our previous visit. As most of our horses are based in Malton we’re happy to have runners there, despite it being nearly a six-hour drive from our home near Greenock, Scotland.

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

★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ 23

How were you treated as an owner on

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Board elections

You can walk the course before racing to get up close to the famous fences

Aintree hospitality offers Places have been selling well for the ROA facility at Aintree on the opening day of the Randox Health Grand National meeting on Thursday, April 4.

Members have the exclusive use of the Cloister facility, located above the weighing room. Cloister offers a private rooftop balcony with excellent views overlooking the parade ring and winners’ enclosure.

The discounted package for members on the day includes admission, reserved seating in the Lord Sefton grandstand, two-course carvery lunch and afternoon tea, racecard and parking label. The facility offers a cash bar, Tote betting.

Places for ROA members will be £120 and for guests will be £150. There will be a hosted course walk before racing covering the full two miles of the track.

Places will be limited and available on a first come, first served basis. To book,

see www.roa.co.uk/events, or call 020 7152 0200.

Admission and parking

Aintree is generously repeating its offer to allow ROA members free admission to the Festival Zone on the first and second days of the three-day Randox Health Grand National Festival, April 4 and 5.

Members can enjoy admission on production of their Horse Privilege Card or PASScard. Members will be able to purchase a ticket at face value for accompanying guests on the day, subject to availability.

Please note this offer is only redeemable with access through the O&T Entrance Reception.

Members can also reserve a car parking label for the owners’ and trainers’ car park. Email info@roa.co.uk

by March 20 to request one.

It’s the time of year when members interested in helping to shape racing’s future policy have an opportunity to do so, as we invite members to stand for election to the ROA board.

The board comprises elected and appointed directors, according to the ROA’s Articles of Association.

The number of vacancies among the elected directors to be filled at the next Annual General Meeting is three.

Each year, if the number of applications to be an elected director exceeds the number of vacancies, a ballot takes place among members.

Interested candidates must be passionate about improving the experience for racehorse owners and be willing to draw on their area of knowledge or expertise to help shape the racing industry. They would be expected to attend board meetings which are held eight times a year, normally in central London. Board members serve a three-year term, after which they can stand for re-election.

Members were sent a letter in early February with details of the qualifying ownership criteria.

The results of the election will be announced at our AGM in London on July 2.

Members interested in finding out more or wishing to apply to stand for election should contact Charlie Liverton, ROA Chief Executive, at cliverton@roa.co.uk.

The closing date for applications is Monday, April 1.

Diary dates and reminders MARCH 12-15 ROA marquee at Cheltenham Festival MARCH 21 Regional meeting at Chepstow APRIL 4-5 Free admission for ROA members to Aintree (see above) APRIL 4 Hospitality package at the opening day of the Randox Grand National Festival

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APRIL 9 Industry Ownership Day and regional meeting at Pontefract

JUNE 6 Industry Ownership Day and regional meeting at Haydock

APRIL 30 - MAY 3 Access to the AIRO marquee at the Punchestown Festival

JUNE 18-22 Discounted hospitality packages for members at Royal Ascot

MAY 15 Industry Ownership Day and regional meeting at Newton Abbot

JULY 2 ROA AGM and lunch

MAY 21 Breakfast with the Stars at Epsom

For more details or to book see roa. co.uk/events for further details and bookings.

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ROA Forum

News in brief Balloting out

Holly Braggins has joined the ROA

ARC racecourses opted out of dividing races in Programme Book 1, from January-April inclusive.

This impacted on Class 6 races run at Lingfield and Wolverhampton at the start of the year, and as a consequence there was an increase in the number of horses balloted out, as well as at popular jumps courses such as Chepstow.

The ROA is monitoring this situation and will feed back owners’ views to the BHA’s Racing Department.

Members are able to log their experiences with us of being balloted out via an online form at roa.co.uk/ballot

Holly joins membership team

Pontefract O&T facilities

We are delighted to report that Holly Braggins joined the ROA membership team in November as administrative assistant. She has quickly settled into working with the membership team, dealing with member queries relating to ownership, subscriptions, ROA events and related processes.

Holly will be known to some members as she had previously worked for Weatherbys for nine years, latterly as registrations supervisor. She holds a Weatherbys Academy qualification and has a wealth of experience in the delivery of ownership services and registration processes. She is a graduate of the Royal Agricultural College and holds a degree in Business Management.

Testing costs

Following the shutdown of racing between February 7-12 after the outbreak of equine influenza, the BHA and Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) agreed to pay a contribution to owners or trainers for the costs incurred where samples were required to be submitted by the BHA. Trainers have been invited to complete a claim form. Claims will be audited and the level of contribution in percentage terms will be determined by the HBLB and paid by the HBLB to trainers.

The costs associated with analysing the samples at AHT will be covered by the HBLB direct.

The contribution will be paid only to trainers in the 168 yards placed on lockdown and not to any trainer who submitted tests voluntarily, or who used any laboratory other than the AHT.

Pontefract racecourse is enhancing its raceday experience by providing a complimentary light meal for all owners with a runner. This is in addition to complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits served in the owners’ and trainers’ bar.

The owners’ and trainers’ bar has been renovated and the bar/restaurant will be tripled in size to mirror the Park Suite Restaurant, providing views of the parade ring and horsewalk. An improved patio area outside the bar, and reserved viewing area on the main stand in the Premier Enclosure, have been retained.

Any formal proposal will require due consideration and an update will be provided by either the BHA or Towcester’s owners as soon as is appropriate.

Carlisle admission

Carlisle is the latest course to offer ROA members who have a PASScard activated for this year’s Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners an additional badge for a guest to all participating fixtures.

This brings the total number of courses offering two badges to qualifying members to 17. These are: Ascot, Bangor, Brighton, Carlisle, Cheltenham, Epsom, Fontwell, Hamilton, Kempton, Musselburgh, Newbury, Newmarket, Newton Abbot, Pontefract, Sandown, Taunton and Warwick.

Members greatly value this benefit and we are grateful to all courses involved in the scheme for recognising the contribution made by racehorse owners in this way.

Raceday Curtailment Scheme

The ROA raceday curtailment scheme was triggered when racing at Newcastle was abandoned after the fifth race on February 1 due to heavy snow.

Owners of the 17 qualifying horses received a payment of £100 from Weatherbys Hamilton, who provide this benefit to members. To qualify, horses must be owned 51% or more by ROA members. Full terms can be found at roa. co.uk.

Towcester’s fixture moved to Market Rasen

Towcester’s March 14 fixture has been moved to Market Rasen. The afternoon fixture will be a six-race card, with race programme details and further fixture information available via the Racing Admin website www2. racingadmin.co.uk in due course. Entry and declaration deadlines will remain as previously.

The BHA is continuing to work with Towcester’s new owners regarding the longer-term status of the course.

Lizzie Kelly sports the sponsorship logo

Sponsorship reminder

Owners are reminded that where they have sponsorship in place enabling them to use the VAT Scheme for Racehorse Owners, they must receive a payment for that sponsorship in order to satisfy HMRC requirements, even where the sponsorship is set up through a yard arrangement.

The ROA offers sponsorship for horses owned by members. It’s easy to join and over 2,000 horses are sponsored each year.

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Southwell under lights

Southwell is set to stage its first meeting under lights on March 14, with its official grand opening on March 30 – when there will be a light show to accompany racing.

ROA members can enjoy free admission if they have an ARC card or are on the Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners. General racegoers can gain free grandstand admission tickets by entering promo code ‘LIGHTS19’ on Southwell’s online ticketing page.

Entries and decs

Owners who log in to Racing Admin can share racecard views of entry and declaration information with their coowners at entry and declaration stage.

Log into Racing Admin using Google Chrome as browser, go to Racecards & Entries. Select the racecourse, then race, click on the Racecard View, click on the printer icon on the top right hand corner (or right click and print). To save, you may need to change the print destination to PDF.

Parade ring safety

The ROA is working closely with the Racecourse Association, National Trainers Federation and other stakeholders to promote safety in the parade ring, pre-parade ring, winners’ enclosure and unsaddling area. Details of a new Code of Good Practice are expected to be unveiled in due course.

Omeprazole detection time

The BHA announced a reduction in the detection time for omeprazole, from 72 hours to 48 hours, from February 1. The BHA-published detection times have been updated to reflect this change.

Website links

To make it easy for members to find resources on the ROA website, we have a number of shortened links to popular pages: Racing replays: www.roa.co.uk/replays Cheltenham preview events: www.roa.co.uk/cheltprev Music nights at racecourses: www.roa.co.uk/music Ladies’ days: www.roa.co.uk/ladies Family racedays: www.roa.co.uk/ffd Trainers’ open days: www.roa.co.uk/opendays

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Appearance Money Scheme analysed after ARC decision

Some races at ARC tracks, like Lingfield, are offering less prize-money

The ROA undertook an analysis of the Appearance Money Scheme following ARC’s decision in January not to unlock AMS payments from February 12.

The scheme was introduced on January 1, 2018 to support grassroots racing and enhance prize-money at the lower and middle tiers of the sport.

The following classes of race are eligible for the scheme: • All Class 3, 4 and 5 National Hunt races, but not National Hunt Flat races, hunter chase races, or weight-for-age maiden or novice hurdle races.

• All Class 4, 5 and 6 Flat races, but not weight-for-age novice, novice auction, or median auction novice races, or weight-for-age maiden, maiden auction, or median auction maiden races.

Races that fall into the correct

VAT news

Owners whose racing interests are VAT-registered and whose vatable turnover (principally prize-money and sponsorship income) is greater than the VAT registration threshold (currently £85,000) will be required to comply with the new MTD legislation from April 2019 in relation to their VAT returns.

Once turnover in any 12-month period exceeds the VAT threshold, then the requirement to comply with the legislation will be triggered and not fall away if turnover subsequently reduces.

The calculation of the vatable turnover threshold is the same as that for VAT registration, i.e. if vatable turnover goes over the current registration threshold (£85,000) in a rolling 12-month period.

bracket must adhere to the following conditions: • Prize-money paid to at least fourth place.

• Prize-money for an eligible race to be at least £900 above the minimum value.

Where these conditions are fulfilled, additional payments of up to £1,600 per race are payable via prize-money and additional HBLB funding. A total of 1,776 races were eligible to be ‘unlocked’ for the purpose of the AMS/RIF in Programme Book 1 (January 1 – April 30). As of February 4, 416 of these had not been unlocked in the remainder of Programme Book 1. The full list of Flat and jump races in the remainder of Programme Book 1 which have not been unlocked for AMS/ RIF can be found on the ROA website.

This is not a fixed period like the tax year or the calendar year – it could be any period, for example the start of June to the end of May. There are no exemptions or delays to the April 2019 deadline for those registered under the racehorse owners VAT scheme.

In simple terms this means that owners will either be required to use a VAT service such as that provided

by Weatherbys (who will comply with the legislation on their behalf) or use a third-party software provider to store data and communicate with HMRC electronically.

For further information and examples of software options on the market, see the Resources section at roa.co.uk.

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ROA Forum Figures for period February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019

Flat Racecourse League Table Ptn Racecourse

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

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

Ownership

Avg racecourse spend per fixture (£)

Avg HBLB spend per fixture (£)

Avg owner spend per fixture (£)

Avg prizemoney per fixture (£)

Total no. of fixtures 2018-19

Total prize-money 2018-19 (£)

Avg racecourse spend per fixture 2017-18 (£)

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

471,381 247,392 214,225 203,471 134,401 91,391 86,605 83,457 81,269 74,349 54,128 50,308 47,207 46,724 46,673 44,862 42,709 42,386 39,635 38,812 38,367 37,979 37,004 36,487 36,334 35,130 35,129 34,790 34,248 29,700 28,140 27,855 24,906 24,053 23,712 23,675 63,973

125,496 94,341 83,996 74,923 72,023 51,440 55,637 46,831 46,399 41,548 20,919 31,928 21,884 28,166 30,494 13,600 22,335 21,521 22,113 22,078 19,225 24,778 21,419 24,198 20,621 22,364 20,478 20,156 22,942 19,002 13,511 19,429 20,243 16,243 19,600 12,480 31,902

282,771 114,751 77,551 94,921 77,257 41,041 37,183 14,067 38,409 19,453 6,473 12,203 5,834 5,954 3,824 7,438 4,454 4,832 6,074 5,826 6,291 4,814 7,215 16,199 5,476 6,818 5,892 2,942 4,215 4,934 4,411 4,228 3,920 3,297 2,949 3,521 21,242

883,814 460,373 380,772 373,315 286,117 186,006 184,425 145,655 167,598 140,132 82,937 94,439 74,925 81,778 82,758 65,900 69,498 68,739 68,252 67,011 63,883 67,570 66,093 76,884 62,905 64,968 61,499 57,888 61,405 54,398 46,063 51,679 49,086 43,593 46,260 39,676 118,053

18 18 19 10 39 15 18 15 24 24 66 19 15 15 15 4 18 17 65 51 12 75 22 16 19 16 26 17 18 23 8 18 89 22 32 15 913

15,908,659 8,286,706 7,234,660 3,733,153 11,158,581 2,790,090 3,319,656 2,184,832 4,022,340 3,293,106 5,473,868 1,794,339 1,123,872 1,226,671 1,241,363 263,600 1,250,968 1,168,570 4,436,398 3,417,550 766,600 5,067,787 1,454,045 1,230,150 1,195,194 1,039,487 1,598,967 984,100 1,105,291 1,251,149 368,500 930,228 4,368,626 959,036 1,480,321 595,146 107,723,608

439,135 229,497 191,742 155,972 117,576 67,769 81,645 85,085 75,817 66,025 44,712 34,085 53,609 40,004 38,082 32,248 39,024 38,886 29,910 37,158 30,373 35,250 30,086 26,370 32,722 31,417 27,072 23,738 31,160 25,440 28,053 30,958 21,270 19,596 16,762 22,492 56,883

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

Up/ down

Jumps Racecourse League Table Ptn Racecourse

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

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

Ownership

Avg racecourse spend per fixture (£)

Avg HBLB spend per fixture (£)

Avg owner spend per fixture (£)

Avg prizemoney per fixture (£)

Total no. of fixtures 2018-19

Total prize-money 2018-19 (£)

Avg racecourse spend per fixture 2017-18 (£)

Up/ down

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

288,649 271,643 155,804 110,405 102,467 87,156 56,863 47,955 45,646 38,393 38,088 37,206 36,102 35,418 34,434 34,420 34,202 34,047 34,020 33,819 32,913 32,579 32,029 31,843 31,494 31,435 31,175 29,266 27,579 27,130 26,933 26,759 26,753 25,953 23,429 22,838 22,378 22,025 21,985 20,656 19,309 46,909

145,488 122,648 92,538 92,738 88,348 64,553 57,655 24,397 37,822 42,163 35,556 27,385 33,747 35,128 21,155 29,111 34,944 33,206 22,812 31,898 29,291 35,066 29,853 24,324 31,431 33,147 26,734 27,455 27,901 28,752 25,750 24,889 20,540 17,247 22,806 19,890 24,904 23,815 20,443 20,312 20,255 36,270

80,823 70,688 20,052 19,089 18,112 22,138 9,717 5,548 12,187 6,765 6,263 0 4,340 9,355 4,756 5,802 7,112 6,155 0 5,555 5,177 6,801 5,769 5,998 4,357 6,988 6,185 6,139 6,818 4,503 5,680 2,727 3,341 3,774 4,587 3,711 4,525 4,478 4,054 3,485 3,980 9,201

514,959 465,603 272,144 228,343 220,104 175,208 124,569 80,208 99,227 90,220 79,907 64,590 74,455 79,901 60,345 69,333 76,258 73,766 56,832 71,688 67,715 82,342 67,877 62,166 67,782 71,695 67,034 62,860 62,298 60,385 58,363 54,374 50,633 46,975 50,822 46,439 51,807 50,318 46,633 44,798 43,543 93,275

8 16 8 9 9 9 15 13 14 10 16 18 15 15 16 9 14 14 11 12 15 12 21 10 10 18 17 12 25 8 12 8 15 9 7 23 14 20 15 18 20 560

4,119,675 7,449,653 2,177,151 2,055,091 1,870,883 1,576,874 1,868,529 1,042,704 1,389,178 902,205 1,278,515 1,162,621 1,116,830 1,198,512 965,519 624,000 1,067,605 1,032,723 625,149 860,261 1,015,719 988,101 1,425,423 621,656 677,821 1,290,505 1,139,586 754,320 1,557,442 483,081 700,355 434,994 759,495 422,775 355,757 1,068,103 725,301 1,006,361 699,498 806,361 870,868 52,187,201

275,542 253,460 154,674 103,370 105,071 29,210 58,307 30,674 40,877 37,502 32,284 27,716 65,694 32,921 30,826 30,773 27,044 28,523 26,850 27,676 58,307 27,139 23,472 29,554 19,965 28,743 25,169 27,526 23,819 25,169 24,153 20,532 21,693 16,961 30,674 19,046 19,400 22,394 20,875 17,416 17,043 41,794

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

EXPLANATION The tables set out the average prize-money at each fixture staged by a racecourse over the last 12 months. They show how this is made up of the three sources of prize-money: 1. Racecourses’ contribution 2. Levy Board (HBLB) 3. Owners The tables also confirm the number of fixtures staged and the total amount of prize-money paid out by each racecourse throughout this period.

The racecourses are ordered by the average amount of their own contribution to prizemoney at each fixture.

This contribution originates from various sources including media rights, admission revenues and racecourse sponsors.

If a racecourse has increased its average contribution at each fixture compared with the previous 12 months, it receives a green ‘up’ arrow. If its average contribution has fallen, however, it receives a red ‘down’ arrow.

As these tables are based on the prizemoney paid out by each racecourse, the abandonment of a major fixture could distort a racecourse’s performance.

OWNERSHIP KEY JCR Jockey Club Racecourses ARC Arena Racing Company I

Independently owned racecourse

Gold Standard

Award

90 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

91

22/02/2019 09:39

TBA Forum

The special section for TBA members

TBA National Hunt Stallion Showcase

A total of 18 stallions were available to view throughout the day

The NH Stallion Showcase, held at Goffs UK on January 22, gave breeders a chance to view a number of exciting jumps stallions and to discuss nominations with stud representatives.

The event, supported by Goffs UK, again proved popular, attracting a large crowd and 18 British-based stallions.

Among those on show were Irish Derby winner Jack Hobbs, who was joined by Overbury Stud’s new recruit Frontiersman. Yorton Stud was represented by exciting young sires Blue Bresil and Pether’s Moon. Shade Oak brought a trio of stallions: Dartmouth, Scorpion and Telescope. Dunraven Stud resident Mountain High was also on show,

alongside Ask, who will also be standing his first season at the stud in 2019.

Other new recruits on show included dual Guineas winner Cockney Rebel and St Leger hero Harbour Law, who will be standing at Batsford Stud from 2019. They were joined by stablemates Native Ruler and Passing Glance. Dragon

Dancer, a recent recruit from France for Nunstainston Stud, was on show, as well as Koropick, who will stand at Hedgeholme Stud, and Master Carpenter, who will be standing at GG Bloodstock and Racing.

Elusive Bloodstock’s new recruit Falco, the sire of Cheltenham Festival winner

Blue Bresil has produced 11 black-type winners from his first three crops, including Grade 1 winner Mick Jazz

Master Carpenter is standing his first season at GG Bloodstock & Racing in 2019

Batsford Stud brought with them four stallions including Passing Glance (pictured) Pether’s Moon, a winner of the Group 1 Coronation Cup, had his first foals last year

Ask (pictured), a recent addition to the GB stallion ranks, was joined by stable companion Mountain High

Popular sire Jack Hobbs (pictured) and new recruit Frontiersman were on show from Overbury Stud

Falco, sire of Cheltenham Festival winner Peace And Co, was on show alongside stable companion Sun Central

The event gave breeders the chance to view a number of exciting sires

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Shade Oak Stud was represented by three stallions including Telescope, above

Hot beverages and food were available in the TBA Hospitality Box, where breeders could also place their bids in the silent auction for stallion nominations

Equine Influenza update

Dragon Dancer will stand his second season in Britain at Nunstainton Stud

Peace And Co, was available to view alongside Sun Central, who will have his first three-year olds in 2019.

The TBA would like to extend its thanks to Goffs UK and the studs and stallion masters who helped to make the day such a success. The NH Stallion Showcase also brought to a close the TBA silent auction of stallion nominations, which gave breeders the chance to bid on their choice of exciting British-based stallions. The auction raised £17,000, to go towards funding the TBA’s National Hunt activities, which include the Celebration Dinner in May and the Mares’ Showcase at Cheltenham in April. The activities form part of our broader objectives to develop domestic NH breeding which includes; promoting British-bred success, increasing chances for fillies and mares, incentivising owners to retain mares for breeding careers and encouraging breeders to utilise British-based stallions.

We congratulate winning bidders and thank participating studs for generously donating nominations to the auction.

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TBA members will be aware of the recent outbreak of Equine Influenza (EI) which occurred in vaccinated horses in training in Cheshire and Newmarket and led to the suspension of racing for six days, during which time there was an intense period of investigation and testing.

At the time of writing, there has been no escalation of the disease in horses-in-training, and racing resumed on February 13. There have been no cases of EI on breeding premises to date, however, with reports of EI infection continuing in vaccinated and unvaccinated horses in our neighbouring countries in Europe and in the UK, breeders are urged to be vigilant and maintain high standards of biosecurity to avoid the risk of a UK EI epidemic developing.

Whilst infection is being seen in vaccinated horses, veterinary advice is clear that vaccination remains essential for disease mitigation as it reduces the severity of clinical signs and decreases the time to recovery, thereby reducing viral shedding and the risk for spread of infection.

On the advice of its veterinary advisors, Professor Sidney Ricketts and James Crowhurst MRCVS, the TBA continues to recommend that: *Breeders consult their veterinary surgeons regarding their risk and the preventive measures that they should

take, including quarantine facilities for incoming horses. *All horses should be fully vaccinated with a UK-licensed EI vaccine and any horse that has not had a booster vaccination within the last six months, should receive one now, unless showing signs of EI infection or being kept in contact with horses showing signs of EI infection (i.e. may be incubating EI). Maximum benefit is always gained by vaccinating pregnant mares in the last four to six weeks, as young foals are most at risk from this disease. *Breeders should not allow horses to enter their premises from stables that have horses with EI infection or horses that are being monitored for the signs of EI infection. *For those studs standing stallions, we recommend that mares should be accepted for covering only following receipt of evidence confirming a full EI vaccination history and confirmation that the mare has received a booster EI vaccination within the six months prior to covering.

The TBA will monitor the situation closely and issue updated veterinary guidance by email to members as required. If you have not received our previous emails on this subject and you would like to, please pass your email address on to Annette Bell at the TBA at annette.bell@thetba.co.uk.

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TBA Forum

ADAM SMYTH

TBA Flat Stallion Parade

A total of ten stallions paraded at Newmarket before the start of the Tattersalls February Sale

The popular TBA Flat Stallion Parade, which took place at Tattersalls on January 31, gave breeders a chance to see a number of exciting British-based stallions who will all be standing their first or second season at stud this year.

A total of ten stallions were paraded through a packed sales ring, with commentary from television and radio presenter Gina Harding and Tattersalls auctioneer Matt Prior.

Following the parade, breeders were invited to view the stallions in the Left

and Right Yards, where they were joined by four additional stallions; Cockney Rebel, Equiano, Gregorian and Pearl Secret. Stud representatives were on hand to discuss mating enquiries for the forthcoming season and the TBA provided complimentary food and drink in

the hospitality boxes in both yards.

The TBA would like to thank all who supported the parade, with special recognition to the stallion handlers and the stud farms, Tattersalls, Weatherbys, Gina Harding and Matt Prior.

Time Test, a dual Group 2 winner who will have his first foals this year

Massaat, winner of the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes, will stand at Mickley Stud

Rajasinghe, an impressive winner of the Group 2 Coventry Stakes

Lancaster Bomber, winner of the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup

Eight-year-old Master Carpenter will stand his first season at stud this year at GG Bloodstock

Havana Grey has retired to Whitsbury Manor Stud in Hampshire

Washington DC, a winner of the Windsor Castle Stakes and Group 1-placed in three countries.

Unfortunately, a Group-1 winning twoyear-old, will stand his first season at stud at Cheveley Park

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Harbour Law, a Classic-winning champion three-year-old stayer

Stallions were available for viewing at Tattersalls throughout the sale

Newsell Park Studâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Equiano, sire of multiple Group 1 winner The Tin Man

Cockney Rebel, a dual Guineas winner who will stand at Batsford Stud this year, having moved back to Britain from France

Pearl Secret, who stands at Chapel Stud, will have his first yearlings at the sales this year

Ardad, based at Overbury Stud, who has his first foals this year

Mar_175_TBAForum.indd 95

Gregorian, whose first runners included Group 2-placed Queen Jo Jo

A packed sales ring saw a number of first- and second-season sires on parade

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TBA Forum

Regional Days 2019 The TBA is excited to announce a number of its 2019 Regional Days.

The popular events will take place throughout the summer and offer members the chance to get a behindthe-scenes look at some of the most successful racing and breeding operations in the country, and an opportunity to socialise with likeminded people from the area.

Wales and West Midlands Region The first Regional Day of 2019 will be for the Wales and West Midlands Region and will take place on Wednesday, April 10. The day will include a tour of Dan Skelton’s Lodge Hill Stables in Warwickshire, followed by an afternoon’s racing and lunch at Warwick racecourse.

Skelton is one of Britain’s leading jumps trainers and has trained nearly 600 winners so far in his career, including Cheltenham Festival winners Superb Story and Mohaayed. The yard boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a pioneering EquaFlow gallop, all-weather schooling grounds and an equine spa.

Following the tour members will be treated to a day at Warwick racecourse for the St Mary’s Land Cup Day, where they will enjoy a buffet lunch in a private box with a balcony overlooking the parade ring and course.

West Region The West Regional Day will take place on Tuesday, June 4 and will include a tour of Whitsbury Manor Stud.

Established in 1948, the stud combines boarding facilities for mares and young stock, as well as standing four commercial stallions: Showcasing, Adaay, Due Diligence and new recruit Havana Grey.

The visit will include a tour of the stud to see broodmares and yearlings, and a talk by resident vet Charlie Pinkham, followed by lunch at a nearby pub.

All regions Weatherbys have kindly offered members the opportunity to have a behind-the-scenes tour of the organisation on Tuesday, May 14. The tour will provide members with an insight into the role that Weatherbys plays within the racing industry, highlighting the different areas of service and giving an opportunity to

Visits to trainers’ yards are a popular aspect of the regional days programme

meet some of the team.

The event is open to members from all regions and places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

East Region The East Regional Day will take place on Wednesday, June 26 and will include a tour of George Scott’s Saffron House Stables followed by lunch and a visit to Cheveley Park Stud.

Scott’s career at Saffron House Stables has gone from strength to strength since he started training in 2015 and last year he won or was placed in eight Pattern races, including the Group 3 Greenham Stakes with James Garfield.

Following lunch, members will have the chance to have a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most successful studs in Britain, Cheveley Park.

The historic stud extends to just under 1,000 acres and is home to nine top-class stallions including Pivotal,

the champion sprinter and one of the leading British-based sires.

North Region (date tbc) The North Regional Day will this year include a visit to Mark Johnston Racing in Middleham. Mark Johnston is one of Britain’s leading racehorse trainers and last year made history by becoming the winningmost trainer in Britain when he saddled his 4,194th winner.

The day will include a tour of Kingsley Park Stables followed by lunch at a nearby pub. Further details will be mailed to members in the upcoming months.

Please monitor the TBA website for further regional day announcements.

If you would like to receive an application form for any of the days please contact Annette Bell (annette. bell@thetba.co.uk). As usual, priority will be given to members residing within each region if the day is oversubscribed.

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TBA members’ badge offers Cheltenham racecourse – Thursday, April 18 TBA members have been offered free entry to the MaresOnly Race Day on Thursday, April 18. Members will be granted access on presentation of their TBA membership card on the day at the owners’ and trainers’ desk only.

Please ensure you have your membership card or you will not be granted entry.

Diary Dates & Reminders Wednesday, March 6 TBA Extraordinary General Meeting To seek approval of a change to the Articles of Association, Jockey Club Rooms, Newmarket, 12.30pm

Wednesday, June 26 East Regional Day George Scott Racing and Cheveley Park Stud

Monday, April 1 TBA Regional Forum Ludlow racecourse

Thursday, July 4 ‘Youngstock and Development’ TBA/National Stud Regional Course York racecourse

Wednesday, April 10 Wales & West Midlands Regional Day Dan Skelton Racing, Warwickshire

Tuesday, July 16 TBA Flat Breeders’ Awards Dinner Newmarket racecourse

Thursday, April 18 Mares’ Showcase Cheltenham racecourse

Wednesday, July 17 TBA AGM and Annual Seminar Tattersalls, Newmarket

Tuesday, May 14 Members’ day to Weatherbys Weatherbys, Wellingborough

Tuesday, July 30 ‘Youngstock and Development’ TBA/National Stud Regional Course Harper Adams University

Monday, May 20 TBA NH Breeders’ Celebration Dinner Mount Pleasant Hotel, Doncaster

Monday, August 5 TBA Regional Forum Ripon racecourse

Wednesday, May 29 ‘The Mating Game’ TBA/National Stud Seminar The National Stud, Newmarket

Thursday, September 26 TBA Regional Forum Newmarket racecourse

Tuesday, June 4 West Regional Day Whitsbury Manor Stud, Hampshire

Thursday, October 3 TBA Regional Forum Salisbury racecourse

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Thursday, October 31 TBA Regional Forum Newton Abbot racecourse Further information on all TBA events can be found on the TBA website.

New members Katherine Kempe, Herefordshire, Mr J P M Bowtell, East Sussex Mr J Howard Johnson, County Durham Mr Mike Smith, Hampshire Mr Julian James May, Essex Foxtrot NH Racing Partnership, Leicestershire Mrs Marilyn Bracher, Somerset Miss Kate Austin, London Mrs Zara Tindall, Gloucestershire Rectory Farm & Stud, Nottinghamshire Mrs Victoria Samantha Stuchfield, Wiltshire Mr J W Mullins, Wiltshire Ms S Moorby & Ms K West, Suffolk Mr C J S Fleming, Cupar, Scotland Mr David Hodson, Staffordshire Mr Joseph White, Staffordshire Mr & Mrs P Mason, Gloucestershire Mrs Susie Barton, Essex Mr Paul Hennessey, Shropshire Mr J R & Mrs E M Lloyd, Suffolk Dr R & Mrs L J Newland, Worcestershire Mr J C Haynes, Cumbria Mrs Jenny Hall, Powys

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TBA Forum

NH Celebration Dinner

This year’s TBA National Hunt Celebration Dinner will take place on Monday, May 20 at the Mount Pleasant Hotel, Doncaster.

The event, which is kindly supported by Goffs UK and takes place on the eve of the Spring Store Sale, will celebrate and reward British-bred successes on the racecourse from the 2018-2019 National Hunt season.

Owners, breeders, trainers and National Hunt enthusiasts are invited to attend the evening, which will commence with a drinks reception and dinner, followed by the presentation of the awards.

Tickets for the event can be purchased on the TBA website, along with further information on the event and awards.

EBF/TBA Mares’ Novices’ Chase Series On Thursday, January 17 the EBF/Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Mares’ Novices’ Chase took place at Ludlow racecourse.

The race was won impressively by the Philip Hobbs-trained Little Miss Poet.

The daughter of Yeats was bred in Britain by TBA member Mike Tuckey and has finished out of the placings in only four of her 17 starts under rules.

Recently bought as a broodmare prospect by Mr M W Pendarves, she also picked up a NH Mare Owners’ Prize Scheme (NHMOPS) bonus of £5,000, the third of her career so far.

TBA Mares’ Showcase This year the TBA will be hosting a Mares’ Showcase at Cheltenham racecourse during the Mares’ Raceday at the April Meeting.

In addition to the TBA’s two sponsored races, a full day of activity is planned to engage with owners, trainers and TBA members to raise awareness of the work that is being undertaken to encourage the racing of National Hunt mares, including promotion of the TBA’s National Hunt initiatives, such as NH Mare Owners’ Prize Scheme (NHMOPS) and the Elite NH Mares’ Scheme.

The day will consist of a series of talks from key industry figures, which will be followed by lunch in a private box overlooking the racecourse. Tickets can be purchased by members for a price of £35 per person, which includes free entry to the racecourse, via the event page on the tba website.

Please monitor the TBA website for further information on this event.

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2019 Regional Forums As announced in our last newsletter, the TBA will be holding a series of Regional Forums at racecourses across the UK in association with Weatherbys for members to come along to meet a member of the TBA Board and representative from Weatherbys. These are free of charge. Members are required to book in advance. The forums will be followed by a light lunch and the opportunity of staying on for an afternoon’s racing.

Date confirmed so far include: Ludlow Monday, April 1 Ripon Monday, August 5 Nemarket Thursday, September 26 Salisbury Thursday, October 3 Newton Abbot Thursday, October 31

Winners 02/01/19 Hereford THE MANSIONBET MARES’ NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Winner Liberty Bella Owned by Mr Brian Eckley Bonus Value £10,000 17/01/2019 LUDLOW THE EBF/THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION MARES’ NOVICES’ STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Winner: Little Miss Poet Owned by: Mr M W Pendarves Bonus Value £5,000

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30-day foal notification reminder TBA members are reminded that breeders are now required to notify the General Stud Book (GSB) of the birth of all foals within 30 days of their birthdate. Notifications can be managed through the Weatherbys GSB online system.

The 30-day notification is now in its second year of operation and the regulatory authorities will start to implement penalties for those who do not notify within the designated time period. Breeders are encouraged to complete the online notification as soon as possible within the 30-day period.

For more information on the new system and help on submitting a notification, please visit www.weatherbys. co.uk/30day.

There is also a new tool for checking a foal’s notification status. To check if your foal has been notified, please visit www. selim.britishhorseracing.com/potro/.

Register your foal within 30 days of birth

British-bred success on home soil Giving Glances returned to winning ways at Doncaster in the Listed Sky Bet Top Price Promise Fillies’ Juvenile Hurdle on Friday, January 25. The four-year-old mare, who is owned and was bred by David and Kathleen Holmes of Pitchall Stud, is a full-sister to multiple-winning Giveaway Glances and has now won two of her three starts over hurdles.

She is by British-based stallion Passing Glance, who was relocated to Batsford Stud from Pitchall Stud in 2016 and has produced Group/ Grade 1 winners on both the Flat and over jumps. Following the win, owner-breeder David Holmes commented: “The trainer thinks quite a lot of her and I’d like to think she could go to Cheltenham, though whether that would be for the Triumph Hurdle or the Fred Winter, I wouldn’t know.”

The following day at the same course, the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett River Don Novices’ Hurdle was won by the Ben Pauling-trained Nadaitak. The five-year-old gelding, who was bred

by Shadwell Estate and was a winner on the Flat for Sir Michael Stoute, was bought by Stroud Coleman at the Goffs UK Autumn sale in 2017 for £80,000. Following two wins over hurdles at Doncaster this season

he has now been entered for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

The next race on the card, the Grade 2 Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle, was won by the popular mare Lady Buttons.

Owned and bred by Jayne and Keith Sivills, the win was her fourth in a row and she will now be targeted at either the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase or the OLBG.com Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

There was more homebred success in January, this time for Fred and Jane May, when their homebred duo of Potters Midnight and Potters Hedger won within 24 hours of each other.

The first victory came with Potters Midnight in the Read Davy Russell’s Exclusive Blog starsportsbet.co.uk Handicap Hurdle at Lingfield on Tuesday, January 15. Ridden by Jack Quinlan for trainer Lucy Wadham, the the nine-year-old tracked leaders until taking over at the final fence and staying on well to win by two lengths.

The following day the jockeytrainer duo teamed up again, this time at Plumpton in the Free Alerts With My Timeform Tracker Handicap Hurdle, which Potters Hedger won by an impressive eight lengths.

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Breeder of the Month Words Hyperion Promotions Ltd

Sponsored by

Manufacturers of

NATIONAL HUNT BREEDER OF THE MONTH – JANUARY

The late Archie Smith-Maxwell has been given the Breeder of the Month award for January for Midnight Shadow’s win in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. The Sue Smith-trained gelding has contributed in no small measure to a marked resurgence in recent seasons

by National Hunt horses trained in the north of the country. Another British-bred horse, the popular mare Lady Buttons, who is trained in North Yorkshire by Philip Kirby, put her own breeder Keith Sivills in contention for the award by winning the Grade 2 Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle at Doncaster later in the month.

Midnight Shadow, victorious in last season’s Scottish Champion Hurdle over two miles, travelled strongly against some highly-rated rivals in the two-and-a-halfmile contest before surging clear after the final hurdle.

His victory prompted some debate about possible Cheltenham Festival targets for the progressive six-year-old.

Owners Cyril and Aafke Clarke favour a tilt at the Champion Hurdle but the trainer expressed a view that longer trips would bring out the best in their horse. In any event, a switch to fences next season appears to be on the cards.

The son of Midnight Legend and Holy Smoke was one of the last horses bred

by Smith-Maxwell and was sold by his executors for £8,500 at the Doncaster January Sale in 2014.

He is by some distance the best horse out of Holy Smoke, although his own-

PA IMAGES

THE LATE ARCHIE SMITH-MAXWELL

Midnight Shadow wins at Cheltenham

sister Unify was a useful handicap chaser, winning four races.

Smith-Maxwell acquired the daughter of Statoblest as an eight-year-old from her breeder Lady Jennifer Green of Stutton Mill Stud, paying 12,000gns at the Doncaster January Sale in 2003 for the winner of six races.

Her dam, Native Flair, is an own-sister to River Verdon, one of the best horses to race in Hong Kong. He won 16 races and achieved the rare distinction of being a champion four years in succession, the first two as a miler and the last two as a stayer.

Holy Smoke’s Robellino half-sister Ellina produced the high-class but ill-fated North Hill Harvey. The son of Kayf Tara won in consecutive years at Cheltenham’s November meeting, starting with the Grade 3 Greatwood Handicap Hurdle in 2016 and following up 12 months later in the Grade 2 November Novices’ Chase.

Smith-Maxwell, who was based at Welland Lodge Farm, Upton-on-Severn

in Worcestershire, enjoyed success under both codes. In 2010, he bred a Classic winner when Penny’s Gift won the Group 2 German 1,000 Guineas.

His first venture into thoroughbred breeding came about when he was given the Newbury Spring Cup winner Last Case as a present. She bred On Stage (by Comedy Star), who was trained by Bill O’Gorman to win the Palace House Stakes and be placed in the Prix Morny and July Cup, before his sale to South Africa, where he won the Grade 1 Natal Flying Championship.

Last Case is also the dam of the twoyear-old winner Final Call (by Town Crier), who became a prolific broodmare in her own right, producing 12 winners from 15 foals.

Smith-Maxwell and his wife Patricia were originally involved in breeding Irish draught horses, pedigree sheep and cattle.

He gained particular renown as the breeder of the Irish draught-thoroughbred stallion Jumbo, one of the highest-ranking event sires of all time.

His progeny include 2012 Burghley champion Avebury and triple 4-star winner Headley Britannia.

In 2010, Smith-Maxwell was presented with the British Equestrian Federation’s Meritoire award for a lifetime’s contribution to British sport horse breeding.

The Smith-Maxwell family has retained a link with Midnight Shadow through his half-sister Holy Veil, who Archie SmithMaxwell gave as a wedding present to his granddaughter, West Buckland-based trainer Alexandra Dunn.

The daughter of Kayf Tara was placed in one of her two bumpers before being retired. Her first living foal is a yearling filly by Haafhd.

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Tel: 01656 742 313 Mob: 07900 495 510 Web: www.dunravenstud.com Dunraven Stud, Llanmihangel Farm, Pyle, Bridgend, South Wales, CF33 6RL.

MOUNTAIN HIGH Danehill ex Hellenic by Darshaan 16.1hh

A proven winner at Group 1 level, Mountain High was bred to be a champion. One of the most coveted families in flat racing circles, by the hugely influential sire Danehill out of the outstanding racemare Hellenic, both parents were also Group 1 winners.

Siblings include Breeders Cup hero Islington and 4 other black type performers, Mountain High boasts a true stallions pedigree and is arguably one of the most promising National Hunt sires of his generation.

Fee for 2019 - £1250, October 1st Terms | Concessions for Black Type & Multiple Mares.

“Outstanding pedigree matched by his looks and ability”

ASK

Danehill ex Hellenic by Darshaan 16.1hh Having retired as the winner of 7 races and nearly £1M in prize money, Ask has already made a hugely promising start to his career at stud, producing numerous black type performers from his first few crops. With his eldest crop only 7 years of age, plus a large number of 4 and 5 year olds to race for him, he looks sure to become one of the leading National Hunt stallions on UK shores.

He had the toughness and soundness to race until he was 7 years of age, the quality to win 6 times in Group company including two Group 1’s, coupled with the looks to go with it, what more could you want in a stallion?

Fee for 2019 - £2000, October 1st Terms | Concessions for Black Type & Multiple Mares.

“High Class Pedigree, Group Class Performance, Top Class Progeny”

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www.phoenixreach.com

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Products For Foals

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

Looking after foals – the future champions, producers and stallions of the racing scene – is an important business and that vital care can begin during the conception stage. We look at three products designed to assist breeders with foal care to help ensure they grow into strong, healthy, happy thoroughbreds with an exciting and fulfilling career ahead of them, whether on the track or in the paddocks.

IMMUN-OCEAN RANGE KSB Equine believes that the development and prepping of foals starts from conception.

The Immun-Ocean range are 100% natural Irish feed supplements, comprising of Ascophyllum Nodosum and Lithothamnium Corrallioides macro algae. These products contain over 70 different minerals which when supplemented to mares and foals promote a healthy immune system and gut environment with strong bone growth.

Immun-Ocean Breeder’s blend is specifically formulated to support the overall wellbeing of the mare, alongside healthy foetal development. It has also been proven to improve a mare’s milk quality and give foals a healthy gut flora at birth.

Breeders Blend contains organic flax seed oil which provides an excellent source of Omega 3s ALA, EPA and DHA. These omega 3s are vital for supporting the healthy development of the foetal brain, eye and nervous system. In addition, they help ensure a healthy birth weight, gestational length and foetal immune system. For the mares they are an excellent fertility boost when returning to stud.

Start Right is designed for foals and youngstock to the age of 3. It’s macro algae blend provides a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals including correct levels of calcium and magnesium. These support; skeletal development and bone strength, a healthy metabolism, strong hooves, balanced gut flora, calm foals and young horses, robust joints and athletic mobility.

Helen Jones from Ballyhimikin Stud said, “We have been extremely happy with the Immun-Ocean Start Right for our yearlings. Our mares and foals are on Breeders Blend. The barren and dry mare’s cycles have been good and the foaling mares look fantastic. All our mares and young stock are really thriving”.

Immun-Ocean macro algae is slow dried at low temperatures in order to retain all the valuable nutrients naturally found in the fresh product.

Excess iodine is extracted to ensure that mares and foals are receiving their correct daily dietary levels.

For further information contact: Kim Smith-Bingham Office: +44 1327 860892 • Mob: +44 7437 896979 • Email: info@ksbequine.com • www.ksbequine.com

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Products For Foals

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

RINGFORT FOAL FEEDER The JFC Equine Ringfort Foal Feeder is an effective way of providing creep feed to foals in the presence of the mare. It allows you to feed up to four foals simultaneously and reduces the level of management and supervision required during feeding.

Rachael Kempster of Kinsale Stud, Shropshire has been using the JFC Ringfort foal feeder for a number of years and said, “I now have two foal feeders at my stud and I honestly couldn’t live without them. Allowing the foals to trickle feed little and often is key and the JFC Ringfort foal feed does just that perfectly.

Unlike others on the market it keeps the feed clean and dry and

they have stood the test of time against my mares and foals.”

This robust foal feeder has been design to develop with your foal, allowing the height of the adjustable plates to be increased as the foal grows. It is also fitted with a ballast system, allowing you to fill it with water or sand for additional stability.

For more information about the Ringfort foal feeder or the full JFC Equine range contact us today on 01691 659226 or email us at infouk@jfcequine.com and a member of our sales team will locate your nearest stockist.

MICRONUTRIENT SUPPORT FOR GROWING FOALS Breeding a foal is a costly exercise and, whether you are looking for a return in the sales ring or on the race track, you want to do all in your power to ensure a successful outcome.

Correct nutrition for the mare throughout pregnancy and lactation will help ensure that a foal has the best possible start in life and support optimum growth. But no matter how careful your management and feeding regimes, growth problems can still occur.

Nutrition-Related Growth Problems There are many possible causes of growth problems, or Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD), in the youngster, including genetics, conformation, trauma and nutrition. Research has shown that high protein diets are not directly related to DOD but suggests that high energy (calorie) diets, accompanied by insufficient minerals, are the main cause of nutritionrelated DOD. Such a diet stimulates the foal to grow quickly yet doesn’t supply the building blocks that are required to develop the tissue correctly. Foal Assist, from Baileys Horse Feeds, supplies the nutritional support the suckling foal needs but without the extra carbohydrate which would be provided by traditional creep feeds.

Foal Assist This unique vitamin and trace mineral supplement has been scientifically formulated for suckling foals, to supplement the micronutrient levels of the dam’s milk, particularly when she is producing large volumes of milk of poor nutritional quality or during the natural decline in milk quality as lactation progresses. It is also suitable for rapidly growing foals and supplies the additional micronutrients they need but without carbohydrate calories which could exacerbate the problem.

Baileys Foal Assist is available in an easy-to-use syringe, for direct administration to younger foals, and in a highly palatable liquid, Foal Assist Plus, to add to the feed, for older foals who are not consuming the recommended quantities of a creep feed. Foal Assist Plus liquid has the added bonus of containing additional macro minerals, making it suitable for adult horses, particularly picky eaters, for whom the B vitamin content should stimulate an improvement in appetite.

Foal Assist is trusted by breeders worldwide as one of the most useful tools available to help ensure the growing foal receives all the required nutrients for correct growth.

For more information and advice contact Baileys Horse Feeds on 01371 850247 or visit the Breeding section on their website at www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk/breeding.

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Budget Planning?

Thoroughbred Owner Breeder is the ONLY monthly magazine to reach ROA & TBA members as well as racing professionals across Europe and around the world.

Did you know? * • We have a monthly average readership of 20,000.

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• 96% of our readers either own or breed thoroughbred racehorses.

• Magazines are published in both print AND digital formats.

Call us now to secure the best package deal for your budget+ Giles Anderson | Anna Alcock +44 (0)1380 816777 (UK) | 041 971 2000 (IRE) | 1 888 659 2935 (US) info@anderson-co.com | anderson-co.com/tob

+ Terms and conditions apply. *Survey produced by Consumer Insight, August 2017.

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

Capital Allowances Stud owners could be missing out on valuable tax relief. Owners should also be aware of how they can take advantage of the changes to capital allowances announced in the 2018 Budget.

Many stud farm owners are missing the opportunity to take advantage of capital allowances when buying a new stud or when carrying out major works. At a time when businesses are spending large sums of money, an understanding by them and their advisers, of what tax relief opportunities are available is crucial for financial efficiency.

When a business acquires a stud farm there will usually be several categories of assets acquired – commercial buildings, agricultural land, moveable items of plant and machinery, fixtures and fittings and often some residential buildings.

As long as the business carries out a qualifying activity, for example bloodstock breeding, then capital allowances will be available on qualifying expenditure. This will mean that the purchase price will need to be apportioned between the various categories of assets acquired.

Moveable items of plant and machinery and fixtures should automatically qualify for capital allowances and, broadly, residential buildings will not generally qualify.

Any expenditure on items which are structural in nature i.e. buildings and fixed items such as walls and floors do not qualify for capital allowances. Therefore, once the purchase price of the stud is apportioned any structural element attributed to commercial buildings, residential buildings or land will usually be set aside and not looked at further.

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However, commercial buildings (including stable blocks) will often include Property Embedded Fixtures and Features (PEFFs) which are eligible for capital allowances.

Many fixtures and features will be relatively obvious, for example fire alarms, emergency lighting, and sanitary ware installations.

However, many will be less obvious, for example electrical systems including plug sockets, cold and hot water installations. Many of these less obvious items are often referred to as ‘integral features’.

Arriving at a value of the integral features is usually a specialist area and normally a survey will need to be done of the property to establish the relevant values. Third party specialist firms exist to carry out these surveys However, the likelihood is that the vendor has incurred expenditure on ‘integral features’ since April 2008.

This is where the CPSE and section 198 election come into play.

• Whether the vendor had ever ‘pooled’ their expenditure

If the vendor has pooled their expenditure for capital allowances then a written disposal value statement will be drawn up that shows the apportionment of the purchase price between all the various categories of assets acquired. This statement will usually go into detail showing expenditure in each tax pool of the vendor and whether they are integral features or not (with the exception of the April 2008 date noted previously).

The issue could be made significantly simpler if the vendor acquired the property before April 2008, or incurred expenditure on improvements to the commercial buildings before this date as integral features were not in force. As allowances have not been claimed it is therefore possible for the buyer to claim allowances on these costs on a ‘just and reasonable apportionment’ of the purchase price (this is where the apportionment of the original cost is so crucial).

The value of the PEFFs shown on the disposal value statement is known as the ‘disposal value’ and it is worth noting where a building is purchased after April 2008, there is a limit on the amount of qualifying expenditure that can be attributed to fixtures and fittings for capital allowances purposes, being the vendor’s cost. As such, the amount that the purchaser can claim capital allowances on will be restricted to the ‘disposal value’, which cannot exceed the vendor’s original capital allowance qualifying expenditure.

There are then several key issues to address: • When did the vendor incur the expenditure on the PEFFs originally • Has the vendor ever claimed capital allowances on the PEFFs before

05/02/2019 13:12

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

Lastly, there is the potential that the vendor may now wish to claim allowances on these costs, as they have to ‘pool’ them anyway.

If they do, then a disposal value statement will not be required, but instead a fixed value statement (commonly referred to as a ‘section 198 election’) will be issued which clearly states the values on which the purchaser will be able to claim capital allowances on.

Changes in 2018 Budget The Budget saw several changes to legislation that will affect stud farms and capital allowances: • The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) which provides 100% tax relief on qualifying expenditure on plant and machinery increased from £200k to £1m from 1 January 2019 (until 31 December 2020).

• Where a business has an accounting year end that is not 31 December an apportionment calculation must be undertaken.

• A new capital allowance called Structures and Buildings Allowance (SBA) will allow businesses to claim an allowance of 2% of the cost of new non-residential structures and buildings. This applies to contracts for the physical construction of the building that are entered into on or after 29 October 2018. The detail of the policy does indicate that relief will be limited to the costs of physically constructing the structure or building. However this does include the cost of demolition or land alterations necessary for construction and direct costs required to bring the new asset into existence.

Therefore, if there are any plans for barns/farm buildings this can be another tax relief option.

• From April 2019 the rate of capital allowances for the ‘special rate pool’ will reduce from 8% per annum to 6% per annum. This will only be relevant where a purchaser has acquired a stud farm where the vendor has pooled their allowances. The special rate pool would usually include expenditure on integral features within commercial buildings.

Lee Webster Partner t: 01722 431 098 e: lee.webster@smithandwilliamson.com

smithandwilliamson.com Offices: London, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cheltenham, Dublin (City and Sandyford), Glasgow, Guildford, Jersey, Salisbury and Southampton.

By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article.

No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Details correct at time of writing. The tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future.

Smith & Williamson LLP Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International. The word partner is used to refer to a member of Smith & Williamson LLP. Log no: 03919lw

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05/02/2019 13:12

Vet Forum: The Expert View

Dealing with sarcoids Some horses are genetically predisposed to developing tumorous lesions which, left untreated, can prove fatal for the individual and risk infection of other horses

I

magine what it would be like if human malignant skin cancers were contagious. Imagine that it was possible, just by touching or spending time in the vicinity of an affected patient, that you yourself could develop the disease. Our whole attitude and approach to these tumours would be radically different. But in the horse just such a condition already exists, and yet we hardly take it as seriously as we would take any form of cancer in man, despite it being the commonest nodular skin tumour in the horse.

It was Chaucer in the 14th Century who first coined the term “familiarity breeds contempt”, and my goodness isn’t that the case in the equine sarcoid?

Anyone who has been around horses for any length of time knows what a sarcoid is, don’t they? They are just a kind of large wart, aren’t they? Something that can be left alone to be dealt with further down the line. In the life of a racehorse, which is often passed from one ownership to another during its career, the ‘buck’ of treatment is often passed along. But these lesions should be taken far more seriously. They represent a potentially highly invasive skin cancer (see Fig 1), which can end in the demise of the horse, and being common and frequently ignored doesn’t lessen this.

So what are equine sarcoids, how do they occur and how can we get rid of them?

Causation

For many years it has been known that the DNA (the genetic blueprint which allows organisms to reproduce) of the cattle wart virus, bovine papillomavirus (BPV), is present in almost all sarcoids.

The theory that sarcoids were the result of direct infection of the horse with the bovine papillomavirus was contentious though, for two main reasons. First, nobody could isolate the virus itself from the sarcoid, even though its DNA appeared to be present, and second, when horses were injected experimentally with BPV they developed sarcoid-like lesions at the site of injection, but these rapidly regressed and disappeared spontaneously.

We were therefore left wondering what it is that makes the difference

Figure 1 A large invasive sarcoid, now very difficult to treat. This sarcoid would have almost certainly been the size of a small finger-nail at one stage, at which point treatment would have been relatively straightforward and probably effective (Courtesy Prof. Derek Knottenbelt)

for the horse to go on and develop full sarcoid tumours. We now probably have the answer.

It seems that certain individual horses carry genetic changes in their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) which predispose them to the development of true sarcoid tumours following infection.

The MHC is a similar concept to a blood group, we all have them, and we all have slight variations in them.

It’s the variation between MHC’s that, for instance, determines the success or failure of organ transplantation, and is the basis of tissue matching between donor and recipient. We have now identified several discreet genetic mutations within the MHC that predispose the horse to the development of sarcoid when infected with BPV, and these are to some extent heritable. In other words horses that have developed sarcoids may pass on that tendency to their offspring.

But how does the cattle wart virus get into the horse? For a long time the

Figure 2 A small sarcoid in a yearling (red arrow). Note the area of transformation where the skin has changed colour and lost its hair coat as a result of peripheral ‘seeding’ of infective particles from the central sarcoid. For effective treatment all this skin has to be removed (Courtesy Prof. Derek Knottenbelt)

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By Rob Pilsworth MRCVS

a

c

b

d

Figure 3 A horse with a large multi-locular sarcoid on the inner side of the thigh (red arrow, 3a). Note the small satellite sarcoids developing around the main lesion (white arrows). Following treatment with the topical cytotoxic drug AW4, the sarcoid has died, in association with the zone of infected skin around it, even though the cream was not applied to this region. Once the skin has sloughed, the wound heals without the need for sutures (figure 3c), leaving minimal scarring (figure 3d)

suspect was the common fly (Stomoxys calcitrans). Flies were implicated because of the predilection site for the development of sarcoids, usually in the thin-skinned hairless regions of the horse, where flies love to feed. Areas such as those around the eyes and mouth, the axilla (armpit) and the inside of the hind legs are predilection sites for the development of sarcoids, all regions that flies like to chew on. In the same way, sarcoids will often develop at the site of a wound. Anyone who has nursed a horse with wounds in a field in summer will know just how difficult it is to keep the wound margins free of chewing flies.

Experimental work has shown that flies raised in an environment containing both cattle warts and sarcoids can and do pick up and carry the virus and DNA with great ease. They then secrete these agents in their saliva for variable periods, and it is the biting flies that almost certainly introduce the BPV in the first place. In cattle, this just produces warts, which usually resolve spontaneously after natural immune challenge. In most horses, the same phenomenon occurs, but in some sarcoids develop.

Treatment

There have been many differing approaches to the treatment of

sarcoids, none of them 100% effective.

There are, however, now several treatment regimes available with success rates approaching 90% or above. One of the things we have to remember when evaluating any treatments for sarcoids is the fact that the horses so affected are predisposed to the development of these lesions, because of deficiencies in their immune system already described. So we can treat the sarcoids we can see with 100% effectiveness, but these horses could subsequently be re-infected by flies either with the wart virus or with material from another equine sarcoid and go on to develop further lesions. It is therefore probably simplistic to ever expect a 100% permanent cure.

One of the difficulties in treating sarcoids is the fact that they are a mixture between a tumour and an infection. Cutting them off simply doesn’t work. They just grow back, often in a more menacing form. Because of the area of infected and transformed skin around the sarcoid (see Fig 2) recurrence will be inevitable and often in a far more invasive and aggressive form than the original sarcoid, so whatever treatment regime we use we need to somehow address the fact that the area of tissue around the sarcoid is infected, and to deal with this at the same time.

Effective Treatment Methods 1. TOPICAL CYTOTOXIC DRUGS Certain chemicals, when applied to the surface of a sarcoid, will diffuse into the tumour and kill it. By doing so, they also often seem to expose the BPV DNA more fully to the host’s immune system, and the dead sarcoid, plus a wide margin of tissue around it, sloughs off (see Fig 3).

Professor Derek Knottenbelt OBE, recently retired from the Liverpool University School of Veterinary Medicine, researched an old ‘patent remedy’ cream that he first encountered when he worked with a veterinary practitioner, Jack Walker, in the Cotswolds. Jack was the last in a line of veterinary Walkers who had learned from their fathers, not by attending college, stretching back over 300 years. He was much in demand with the practice’s sarcoid cream, travelling far and wide to treat cases, for the simple reason that it worked. Derek continued to investigate and modify this cream, now in its fifth generation, and called AW5. This medication contains a mixture of potentially highly toxic chemicals, and so is only available on bespoke prescription tailored to the individual case, to veterinary surgeons, not directly to members of the public.

Details can be found on Professor Knottenbelt’s website http://www. equinesarcoid.co.uk.

One of the things clinicians notice when using this cream is that although the cream is only applied directly to the sarcoid itself, the eventual ‘slough’ includes a wide margin of previously ‘healthy’ skin (Fig 3), which almost certainly also contained the infective material of sarcoid.

The cream is not suitable in all situations. It results in a large ‘slough’ and this can be dangerous when the sarcoid occurs for instance near the eye or over a joint, so individual cases always have to be assessed on their merits.

2. LASER REMOVAL Whilst simply cutting off sarcoids appears to be pretty ineffective, the removal of the lesion and an area of surrounding skin with the use of a cutting laser has proven to be successful in a large number of cases. Richard Payne at Rossdales Veterinary Hospital in Newmarket was among the first to use this technique in a large number of horses in the UK, and published the results of treatment on almost 100 horses, showing a success rate at 18 months from treatment of 83%. The beauty of laser resection is that the horse

››

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Vet Forum: The Expert View ›› most often does not require a general

anaesthetic (see Fig 4), and has a very limited ‘down time’. This is normally a week of walking exercise, after which normal training can resume. Obviously sarcoids in the vicinity of tack, such as in the axilla or around the girth, will require a longer period removed from training to allow full healing, but this procedure results in very little loss of training days, minimal scarring, and, when correctly done, low recurrence rates. The bad news of laser resection is that as lasers have become increasingly available in equine practice, some clinicians are carrying out the procedure without adequate skill or training, or removal of a sufficient margin around the lesion. This has resulted in cases of recurrence of the tumour in a much more aggressive form, as is always the case with sarcoid, usually for someone else to have to deal with, and this has diminished the perceived success rate for the procedure.

3. ELECTRO-CHEMOTHERAPY For many years it was known that injection of sarcoids with cisplatin (an anti-cancer drug developed for humans) resulted in regression of the sarcoids, but success rate was not universally high.

Cisplatin is an oily mixture, it doesn’t like to mix with tissues and to be successful has to be injected in to every part of the sarcoid to produce its necrotizing effect.

More recently it has been shown that treating the sarcoid tumours with electric current pulses following injection of the Cisplatin massively increases the kill rate to the sarcoid cells, and rates of remission at four years of over 90% have been claimed for this technique. The downside is that the horses require several treatments under general anaesthetic, usually two to three treatments at twoweek intervals, and that the expense of the equipment necessary to carry out the procedure inevitably impacts on cost.

4. BRACHYTHERAPY WITH RADIATION In the past, sarcoids in positions that make them very difficult to treat with other methods, particularly around the eyelids, have been treated by radiotherapy. The most effective radiotherapy technique was the insertion of iridium wires directly into the tumour.

These were left ‘in situ’ for several days and then removed. Iridium is a radioactive metal, and during the period the wires were in place the radiation would exert its lethal effect on the rapidly dividing tumour cells.

The problem with the insertion of iridium wires is that someone has to

Figure 4 A horse undergoing laser resection of the small sarcoid gripped by the forceps at Rossdales Equine Hospital in Newmarket. Note the wide zone of surrounding skin that has also been removed (Courtesy Richard Payne, Rossdales Equine Hospital)

physically insert them, and in doing so inevitably exposes themselves to radiation. There is no safe level of radiation. Any radiation dose increases subsequent risk, so clinical workers’ dose limits are controlled by law. This means that once a person has treated only a small number of horses they will have received such a significant dose of radiation that they could not treat any further ones for some time.

a

This problem has been circumvented by the development of an extremely clever machine now in use at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, overseen by Anna Hollis (see Fig 5a). Here the iridium wire is welded on to the end of a long wire. This is retracted into a radiation proof lead-lined chamber, therefore presenting no radiation risk to attendant staff. To administer radiation it is passed in turn down treatment catheters (Fig 5a). The sarcoid is first mapped in detail using sophisticated imaging software, so that the placement of the catheters can be carried out under imaging guidance, ensuring that all portions receive an effective radiation dose. Because the iridium source is completely contained within a safe chamber, the radiation dose it is capable of emitting can be far higher than the iridium wires previously used.

Once the treatment catheters are in place, the staff retire from the room (Fig 5b), and the machine feeds the iridium source down each guide catheter, until it arrives within the sarcoid. Because the iridium source can now be safely highly radioactive, the dose can be given over a far shorter time – a few minutes instead of a few days.

The machine then subsequently retracts the wire, along with its iridium

b

Figure 5 A horse undergoing radiation brachytherapy (figure 5a) at the Animal Health Trust, in Newmarket. This ingenious machine allows the staff to be out of the room and therefore not exposed to radiation during treatment (figure 5b) (Courtesy Anna Hollis, Animal Health Trust)

a

b

Figure 6 (a) A group of nodular fibroblastic sarcoids around the eye. In this site, treatment with almost any other means would be very difficult. (b)Three months following treatment, a very acceptable cosmetic result (Courtesy Anna Hollis, Animal Health Trust)

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source, back into the safety of the lead chamber. The horse has no residual radioactivity and can be treated normally after treatment.

Hollis has published preliminary results for this technique on 77 cases, with a success rate of 88%.

The technique is not cheap, costing approximately £4,000 per horse, but is suitable for the treatment of periocular sarcoid for which really no other effective treatment is possible, with very dramatic results (see Fig 6).

The future

Sarcoid is the only known example of the same virus producing two different diseases in separate species of animal, warts in cattle, and sarcoids in the horse. Our main problem with equine sarcoid form of disease is almost certainly the result of imperfect immunity in certain horses. Most horses when infected with BPV just shrug it off. A similar situation occurs in women, where over 90% are exposed to the human wart (papilloma) virus during life, but only a very small percentage

Five important points about sarcoids 1.

Small sarcoids only ever become bigger sarcoids. The rate of spontaneous resolution is so low it has to be considered negligible. We wouldn’t dream of going to the local pharmacy for some herbal remedy or over-the-counter cream if we had aggressive skin cancer, so why do we do it for our horses?

2. The sarcoid itself is not the whole problem; there is always also an area of transformed ‘sarcoid infected’ skin around the obvious lesion, which must also be removed.

3. The most effective and clinical proven treatment should be used in the first instance. The prognosis for resolution decreases by almost half for any sarcoid which has undergone previous intervention. Use the best available treatment, and use it first.

4. A sarcoid on your horse is a fly magnet, and can act as a source of sarcoidproducing infective agent to other horses, or even to small wounds on the same horse. Speedy and effective removal sorts this.

5. The only truly predictable thing about the disease of sarcoid is its total unpredictability; these lesions are always potentially highly invasive and dangerous, and need to be taken seriously. go on to develop its linked disease, cervical cancer. This has led to the routine vaccination of all girls against the human papilloma virus, to boost natural immunity, and it’s a logical research aim to investigate whether it

would ever be possible to vaccinate the horse in the same way. In the meantime, it behoves us to take this damaging and potentially life-shortening disease very seriously indeed, and treat it hard whenever we see it.

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Dr Statz

John Boyce cracks the code

Has Kodiac passed watershed moment in terms of quality?

T

GEORGE SELWYN

he mare market in Britain and Ireland appears to be on the cusp of another correction. It has swung in favour of nomination buyers in the past two years. Whereas the top commercial sires will always survive and attract more than enough mares to establish their credentials, there is evidence of downward pressure on book sizes. In 2018, 60 stallions covered at least 100 mares. That number is down from 67 in 2017 and 73 in 2016. In fact, it is the lowest number since the 54 recorded five years earlier.

Even the number of first-season sires that covered 100-plus books has fallen to 13 from a high of 18 in four years – and this cohort tend to be most favoured by commercial breeders.

Coolmore and Darley continued their dominance of the nominations market, supplying 52 stallions between them that accounted for just about 40% of the total of all commercial mares covered.

Coolmore’s 23 stallions accounted for 2,871 mares, while Darley’s 29 stallions covered 2,701. Tally-Ho was third with 818 mares from only six stallions – 236 of them covered by the busiest sire of all, Kodiac. This son of Danehill has taken time to entice breeders to send really good mares. He’s always covered 100-plus books, except in his third year, but has not only attracted 200-plus in four of the past five years, he’s served 282 elite mares in the past three years alone.

To give an indication of how far Kodiac has come, he covered only 13 elite mares in his first three seasons at stud. Moreover, he seems to be delivering a better product these days at a comparatively late stage in his career. Fairyland’s victory in the Cheveley Park Stakes and Jash’s second in the Middle Park could quite easily be a watershed moment for their sire. These excellent juveniles – plus six

Fairyland delivers a Group 1 win for Kodiac

SIRES RANKED BY MARES COVERED IN 2018 Stallion

Stud

Location

Fee

Mares

Elite

Kodiac

Tally-Ho

IRE

€45,000

236

90

Dark Angel

Yeomanstown & Morristown Lattin

IRE

€85,000

218

149

Caravaggio

Coolmore

IRE

€35,000

208

87

Churchill

Coolmore

IRE

€35,000

205

97

Australia

Coolmore

IRE

€35,000

186

72

Frankel

Juddmonte

GB

£175,000

182

149

Havana Gold

Tweenhills

GB

£15,000

181

43

Profitable

Darley

IRE

€12,000

179

43

Lope de Vega

Ballylinch

IRE

€60,000

177

104

Highland Reel

Coolmore

IRE

€17,500

176

45

Mehmas

Tally-Ho

IRE

€12,500

176

18

Cotai Glory

Tally-Ho

IRE

€6,000

175

12

Dubawi

Darley

GB

£250,000

169

144

Mastercraftsman

Coolmore

IRE

€25,000

168

54

Galileo

Coolmore

IRE

Private

163

130

Fast Company

Darley

IRE

€9,000

162

22

Sea The Stars

Gilltown

IRE

€125,000

161

95

Zoffany

Coolmore

IRE

€25,000

156

44

Iffraaj

Darley

GB

£40,000

156

70

Ribchester

Darley

IRE

€30,000

154

46

Aclaim

National

GB

£12,500

152

23

Footstepsinthesand

Coolmore

IRE

€10,000

150

17

other Group performers, including Mill Reef winner Kessaar and Prix Eclipse hero Sporting Chance – are from his first crop produced from significantly better mares, his fee having risen from €10,000 in 2014 to €25,000 in 2015. And there are three sizeable further crops in the pipeline, all produced at a fee of €45,000.

Whereas Kodiac won the raw numbers race, the contest for the most elite mares – those in the top 15% of the population – went to Frankel, who attracted 161 mares, just ahead of Dark Angel (154), Dubawi (148), Galileo (133) and Lope de Vega (115). Among the proven sires, Kodiac (106) and Sea The Stars (101) were the only others to top 100 elite mares.

It will be interesting to see if Dark Angel and Kodiac – the only two among this select group not producing stakes winners at 10% or higher – can join the elite sires as their better crops start to race. History tells us that speed-bias sires find it difficult to surpass the 10% benchmark due to the sheer competition within their division. On pure quality, Dubawi and Galileo were predictably the standout sires of the 2018 returns.

The latest intake of new sires is headed by the Coolmore pair Caravaggio (208

mares) and Churchill (205 mares).

Profitable, Highland Reel, Cotai Glory, Ribchester and Acclaim also surpassed the 150-mark. Ranked by elite mares, Churchill was the only freshman to exceed 100 mares, with Caravaggio next best on 95, ahead of Ulysses on 57.

Among second-season sires, only six topped 100 mares, led by Mehmas, then came Territories and The Gurkha. Elite mares are harder to come by in year two, but New Bay did best with 36, followed by The Gurkha and Territories. The top year-three stallion was Outstrip with 144 mares, but it was Muhaarar, Golden Horn and Gleneagles that were best on quality.

Another interesting aspect of the latest returns was the distribution of speed and stamina among covering sires. Of the 108 sires that covered 50 or more mares, 48 had a maximum winning distance of less than a mile and they served 5,347 mares, against the 6,491 mares covered by sires with a maximum winning distance of a mile or more. Those that won at ten furlongs or beyond attracted 3,160 mares.

Perhaps most significantly, the average Timeform rating of the 48 speed sires was 120, versus 129 of the 30 ten-furlong-plus sires.

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Data Book Grade 1 Winners 125 UNIBET TOLWORTH NOVICES’ HURDLE G1 SANDOWN PARK. Jan 5. 4yo+. 16f.

1. ELIXIR DE NUTZ (FR) 5 11-7 £28,475 gr g by Al Namix - Nutz (Turgeon) O-Mr Terry Warner B-T. Saliou & J. Ventrou TR-Colin Tizzard 2. Grand Sancy (FR) 5 11-7 £10,685 b g by Diamond Boy - La Courtille (Risk Seeker) O-Martin Broughton Racing Partners B-Ms B. Poulve TR-Paul Nicholls 3. Southfield Stone (GB) 6 11-7 £5,350 gr g by Fair Mix - Laureldean Belle (Supreme Leader) O-Mrs Angela Hart & Mrs Angela Yeoman B-Mrs A. B. Yeoman TR-Paul Nicholls Margins 0.5, 3.25. Time 4:05.90. Going Soft.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-5 7 4 1 £65,790 Sire: AL NAMIX. Sire of 16 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - ELIXIR DE NUTZ Turgeon G1, ALSA MIX True Brave G2, EBENE DU BREUIL Cadoudal G3, PRAGELOR Platini LR. 1st Dam: Nutz by Turgeon. Dam of 5 winners:

2008: 2012: 2013: 2014: 2015:

UTZ (f Nononito) Winner over jumps in France. Broodmare.

CALNUTZ (g Balko) 6 wins over jumps at 4 to 6 in France, Grand Steeplechase de Loire Atlantique LR. DE NOUS QUATRE (g Great Pretender) 3 wins.

ELIXIR DE NUTZ (g Al Namix) 4 wins, Unibet Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle G1, Supreme Trial Sharp Novice Hurdle G2.

FRIANDISE GIRL (f Hurricane Cat) Winner at 3 in France.

Broodmare Sire: TURGEON. Sire of the dams of 34 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - CHAMP DE BATAILLE Dream Well G1, ELIXIR DE NUTZ Al Namix G1, LA BAGUE AU ROI Doctor Dino G1, A MI MANERA Great Pretender G2, ANGELS BREATH Shantou G2, POLITOLOGUE Poliglote G2, SRELIGHONN Martaline G2.

The Al Namix/Turgeon cross has produced: ELIXIR DE NUTZ G1, Mr Mix LR.

ELIXIR DE NUTZ gr g 2014 Mendez

Bellypha Miss Carina

Lunadix

Breton Lutine

Lead On Time

Nureyev Alathea

Daytona

Barbare Dourdan

Caro

Fortino II Chambord

Reiko

Targowice Beronaire

Mistigri

Misti IV Nyanga

Kaidora

Faldor Aigleville

Linamix AL NAMIX gr 97 Dirigeante

Turgeon NUTZ b 01 Friandise II

The Tolworth Hurdle’s roll of honour shows that it normally falls to a horse with a future. Its last four winners — L’Ami Serge, Yorkhill, Finian’s Oscar and Summerville Boy — all went on to further Gr1 success, and the latest winner, Elixir de Nutz, is well qualified to follow their example.

He has secured three of his four starts since his arrival from France, making all of the running on each occasion.

Elixir de Nutz has raced mainly at around two miles and his style of running suggests he may not stay as far as parts of his pedigree suggest.

His sire, Al Namix, raced a total of 49 times from two to seven but won nothing better than a trio of Listed races at around a mile, at the ages of four and five.

However, Al Namix quickly showed that he can sire good winners over jumps.

His first crop, born in 2006, produced Solix, a Gr3 winner over hurdles in France. His second

contained Grandouet, a Gr1 winner over hurdles. His third featured the Gr2 winners Baby Mix and Unmix.

The flow of good winners has continued, especially in Britain and Ireland, thanks to such as Petit Mouchoir (a Gr1 winner in the Ryanair Hurdle and Irish Champion Hurdle), Saphir du Rheu (Gr1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase), Alsa Mix (a Gr2 novices’ hurdle winner in 2018) and Ballyhill (a Gr3 winner over fences).

Despite this impressive list of good winners, Al Namix is priced at only €2,500 in 2019, at Haras de Mirande.

Elixir de Nutz shares the same broodmare sire, Turgeon, as La Bague Au Roi, another Gr1 winner of 2018-19. Turgeon was also the broodmare sire of Al Namix’s son Mr Mix, a very useful chaser who stayed three and a quarter miles. Turgeon also stayed well, winning both the Irish St Leger and Prix Royal-Oak. Turgeon passed on stamina to such good staying chasers as Exotic Dancer, Ma Filleule, Aerial, Shannon Rock, La Segnora and Formosa Joana Has. Elixir de Nutz’s dam Nutz wasn’t among these good winners. A selle francais, she failed to win but she is also the dam of Calnutz, a Listed winner over fences.

Most of Nutz’s numerous half-brothers and -sisters are winners, including the useful French chaser Lulumar.

Third dam Kaidora was a successful cross-country performer.

126 LAWLOR’S SLANEY NAAS NOVICE HURDLE G1 NAAS. Jan 6. 5yo+. 20f.

1. BATTLEOVERDOYEN (IRE) 6 11-10 £47,838 b g by Doyen - Battle Over (Sillery) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Berry Farms TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Sams Profile (GB) 5 11-7 £15,405 b g by Black Sam Bellamy - Lucylou (Bob Back) O-Michael O’Flynn & John F O’Flynn B-R. & J. Micklethwait TR-M F Morris 3. Getareason (IRE) 6 11-10 £7,297 ch g by Getaway - Simple Reason (Snurge) O-Sullivan Bloodstock Limited B-Mr R. G. English TR-W P Mullins Margins 2.75, 2. Time 4:43.00. Going Good.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-6 4 4 0 £61,465 Sire: DOYEN. Sire of 27 Stakes winners.

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

2004: 2005: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2011: 2012: 2013: 2014: 2017: 2018:

Take It Over (f Take Risks). Broodmare. (f Tikkanen) (f Generous) (f Generous) (g Winged Love) (f Winged Love) TREACKLE TART (f Winged Love) 4 wins.

BATTLEOVERDOYEN (g Doyen) 3 wins, Lawlor’s Slaney Naas Novice Hurdle G1.

SWORDSMAN (g Doyen) Winner over hurdles at 5. (f Doyen) (c Doyen)

2nd Dam: BATTLE QUEST by Noblequest. 3 wins at 2 and 4 in France, USA Estrapade S LR, 2nd Prix des Reservoirs G3. Grandam of HIPPY. Broodmare Sire: SILLERY. Sire of the dams of 26 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - BATTLEOVERDOYEN Doyen G1, ANAKING Astarabad LR.

BATTLEOVERDOYEN b g 2013 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Kris

Sharpen Up Doubly Sure

Lady Moon

Mill Reef Moonlight Night

Blushing Groom

Red God Runaway Bride

Silvermine

Bellypha Sevres

Noblequest

Gay Mecene Polyponder

Bathyale

Green Dancer Battle Field

Sadler’s Wells DOYEN b 00 Moon Cactus

Sillery BATTLE OVER b 98 Battle Quest

As a decisive winner of a point-topoint on his only appearance five days earlier, Battleoverdoyen was much in demand at Tattersalls Ireland’s 2017 April sale at Cheltenham, selling to Gordon Elliott for £235,000.

It was 592 days before the Doyen gelding saw action again, but he has quickly won his first three starts for Gigginstown — a bumper, a maiden hurdle and the Gr1 Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle.

Battleoverdoyen’s sire Doyen commenced duties as a National Hunt stallion at Sunnyhill Stud in 2012, having previously spent three years at Dalham Hall and three at Gestut Auenquelle.

As a 16.2-hands son of Sadler’s Wells, Doyen had obvious appeal to National Hunt breeders, especially as he was a top-class performer — good enough to win the King George — and a very well-bred one, too, being a brother to the Oaks winner Moonshell.

His best effort as a sire of Flat performers was Turfdonna, winner of the Gr1 Preis der Diana, and he was also ably represented by Wild Chief, Camborne and Sneak A Peak.

Battleoverdoyen is a member of Doyen’s first purpose-bred jumping crop, but Doyen had also enjoyed Gr2 success over fences with the Flat-bred geldings Valdez and Kumbeshwar and over hurdles with Golden Doyen.

Battleoverdoyen’s dam, Battle Over, gained four of her five wins in France over jumps, with her last win coming in a claiming race.

She won at up to two and a quarter miles, having won over a mile and a quarter on the level.

A daughter of the Prix Jean Prat and Prix Dollar winner Sillery, Battle Over comes from a useful French family. Her dam Battle Quest was Group-placed in France before becoming a stakes winner in the United States.

Battle Over’s other winner by Doyen is the novice hurdler Swordsman, and the mare also has a 2017 filly and a 2018 colt by Doyen.

127 MATCHBOOK CLARENCE HOUSE CHASE G1 ASCOT. Jan 19. 5yo+. 17f.

1. ALTIOR (IRE) 9 11-7 £85,425 b g by High Chaparral - Monte Solaro (Key of Luck) O-Mrs Patricia Pugh B-P. Behan TR-Nicky Henderson

2. Fox Norton (FR) 9 11-7 £32,055 b g by Lando - Natt Musik (Kendor) O-Ann & Alan Potts Limited B-S.A. Scuderia Del Bargelo TR-Colin Tizzard £16,050 3. Diego du Charmil (FR) 7 11-7 b g by Ballingarry - Daramour (Anabaa Blue) O-Mrs Johnny de la Hey B-Mme Guilhaine Le Borgne TR-Paul Nicholls Margins 7, 34. Time 4:06.30. Going Good to Soft.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-9 20 18 1 £924,248 Sire: HIGH CHAPARRAL. Sire of 137 Stakes winners.

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

2007: 2008: 2009: 2010:

2011: 2013: 2015: 2017:

KEY TO THE WEST (g Westerner) 5 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) 18 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, Betfair Tingle Creek Chase G1, Racing Post Henry VIII Novice Chase G1, Matchbook Clarence House Chase G1, Bet365 Celebration Chase G1 (twice), Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase G2 (twice), 32red.com Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase G2, Unibet Desert Orchid Chase G2.

SILVERHOW (g Yeats) 4 wins.

Melior (f Milan) (g Milan) (f Walk In The Park)

Broodmare Sire: KEY OF LUCK. Sire of the dams of 16 Stakes winners.

ALTIOR b g 2010 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 78 in the February issue 128 BHP INS.CHAMPION HURDLE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Feb 2. 4yo+. 16f.

1. APPLE’S JADE (FR) 7 11-3 £89,077 b m by Saddler Maker - Apple’s For Ever (Nikos) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Mr R. Coveliers TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Supasundae (GB) 9 11-10 £29,955 b g by Galileo - Distinctive Look (Danehill) O-Ann & Alan Potts Limited B-Newsells Park Stud Limited TR-Mrs J. Harrington 3. Petit Mouchoir (FR) b m by Al Namix (FR) - Arnette (Denham Red) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Philip Gueret TR-Henry De Bromhead Margins 16, 5. Time 3:44.60. Going Good to Yielding.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-7 20 14 6 £712,637 Sire: SADDLER MAKER. Sire of 11 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - APPLE’S JADE Nikos G1, BRISTOL DE MAI April Night G1, ELUDY Quart de Vin G3, ALPHA DES OBEAUX Saint Preuil LR, BURN OUT Linamix LR. 1st Dam: APPLE’S FOR EVER by Nikos. 5 wins over jumps in France. Dam of 4 winners:

2009: 2010: 2011: 2012:

APPLE’S MAELYS (f Saddler Maker) 7 wins over jumps in France.

MADAME APPLE’S (f Saddler Maker) Winner over jumps in France.

Le Sete For Ever (f Saddler Maker) ran over jumps in France.

APPLE’S JADE (f Saddler Maker) 13 wins,

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CAULFIELD ON COMMANDER OF FLEET: “The son of Fame And Glory clearly stays well, which is to be expected of a gelding who is inbred 3 x 3 to Sadler’s Wells, via Montjeu and St Leger second Saddlers’ Hall”

2014:

2015: 2016:

AES Champion 4yo Hurdle G1, Betfred Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1 (3 times), Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle G1 (twice), Irish Stall.Farms EBF Mares Chpn. Hurdle G1, OLBG David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle G1, Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle G2, Lismullen Hurdle G2 (twice), 2nd JCB Triumph Hurdle G1, stanjames. com Fighting Fifth Hurdle G1, WKD Hurdle G2, Quevega Mares Hurdle LR, 3rd ISF. EBF Annie Power Mares Chpn. Hurdle G1, OLBG David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle G1.

APPLE’S SHAKIRA (f Saddler Maker) 4 wins, JCB Triumph Trial Finesse Juv. Hurdle G2, JCB Triumph Trial Prestbury Juv. Hurdle G2, 3rd Doom Bar Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle G1.

Grisy Apple’s (c Montmartre) Apple’s du Pont (c Saddler Maker) unraced to date.

Broodmare Sire: NIKOS. Sire of the dams of 26 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - APPLE’S JADE Saddler Maker G1, ROI MAGE Poliglote LR. The Saddler Maker/Nikos cross has produced: APPLE’S JADE G1, APPLE’S SHAKIRA G1.

APPLE’S JADE b m 2012 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Alleged

Hoist The Flag Princess Pout

Alexandrie

Val de L’Orne Apachee

Nonoalco

Nearctic Seximee

No No Nanette

Sovereign Path Nuclea

Le Pontet

Succes Arielle

Silver Girl

Son of Silver Our Best

Sadler’s Wells SADDLER MAKER b 98 Animatrice

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

See race 43 in the January issue 129 FRANK WARD ARKLE CHALLENGE CUP NOV.CHASE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Feb 2. 5yo+. 17f.

1. LE RICHEBOURG (FR) 6 11-10 £66,441 br g by Network - Fee Magic (Phantom Breeze) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Mr J. M. Prost Alamartine TR-Joseph Patrick O’Brien 2. Us And Them (IRE) 6 11-10 £21,396 b g by Stowaway - Manorville (Flemensfirth) O-Burnham P & D Ltd B-Ms A. M. Ryan TR-Joseph Patrick O’Brien 3. Mengli Khan (IRE) 6 11-10 £10,135 b g by Lope de Vega - Danielli (Danehill) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Ballylinch Stud TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 7, 13. Time 4:00.90. Going Good.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-6 15 7 4 £205,117 Sire: NETWORK. Sire of 27 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - DELTA WORK Video Rock G1, LE RICHEBOURG Phantom Breeze G1, CELEBRE D’ALLEN Grand Seigneur LR, CRYSTAL BEACH Royal Charter LR, DIEU VIVANT Video Rock LR, THRILLING Poliglote LR. 1st Dam: Fee Magic by Phantom Breeze. unraced. Dam of 4 winners:

2005:

2007: 2008: 2009: 2012: 2013:

GRANDS CRUS (g Dom Alco) 7 wins, Rewards4Racing Cleeve Hurdle G2, 2nd BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle G1, Ladbrokes World Hurdle G1, williamhill.com Feltham Novices’ Chase G1, 3rd William Hill King George VI Chase G1.

Pinot Noir (g Truth Or Dare) unraced.

GEVREY CHAMBERTIN (g Dom Alco) 9 wins, Betfair Fixed Brush H. Hurdle G3.

La Romanee (f Robin des Champs) unraced. Broodmare.

NUITS PREMIER CRU (g Buck’s Boum) 5 wins over jumps at 3 to 6, 2018 in France.

LE RICHEBOURG (g Network) 6 wins, 2nd Paddy Power Future Champions Nov. Hurdle G1, Racing Post Christmas Novice Chase G1, Like a Butterfly Novice Chase G3, 2nd baroneracing.com Drinmore Novice Chase G1.

Mar_175_DataBook.indd 115

2014:

Le Musigny (g Anzillero) unraced.

Broodmare Sire: PHANTOM BREEZE. Sire of the dams of 11 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - LE RICHEBOURG Network G1, MARTINSTAR Martaline G1, ENJOY IT Jeremy LR.

LE RICHEBOURG br g 2013 Konigsstuhl

Dschingis Khan Konigskronung

Mosella

Surumu Monasia

Reliance II

Tantieme Relance III

Nicotiana

Naras Nina

Vision

Nijinsky Foreseer

Ask The Wind

Run The Gantlet Arburie

Tip Moss

Luthier Top Twig

Miss Jefferson

Jefferson Miss Cuyp

Monsun NETWORK br 97 Note

Phantom Breeze FEE MAGIC b 00 Carama

See race 85 in the February issue 130 LACY SOLICITORS GOLDEN CYGNET NOV.HURDLE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Feb 2. 5yo+. 22f.

1. COMMANDER OF FLEET (IRE) 5 11-8 £66,441 b g by Fame And Glory - Coonagh Cross (Saddlers’ Hall) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-P. Coghlan TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Rhinestone (IRE) 6 11-10 £21,396 b g by Montjeu - Apticanti (Aptitude) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Lynch Bages & Camas Park Stud TR-Joseph Patrick O’Brien 3. Gallant John Joe (IRE) 6 11-10 £10,135 b g by Presenting - Shuil A Hocht (Mohaajir) O-Keep The Faith Syndicate B-Kenilworth House Stud TR-Oliver McKiernan Margins 0.5, 6. Time 5:20.90. Going Good to Yielding.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-5 5 4 1 £129,198 Sire: FAME AND GLORY. Sire of 2 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - COMMANDER OF FLEET Saddlers’ Hall G1, GLORY AND FORTUNE St Jovite LR. Broodmare Sire: SADDLERS’ HALL. Sire of the dams of 19 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - COMMANDER OF FLEET Fame And Glory G1, SPIDER WEB Presenting G1, BALLYWARD Flemensfirth G3, WINTER ESCAPE Robin des Pres G3.

a sire when Commander Of Fleet defeated 15 opponents at Leopardstown, for his third win from four starts under rules.

Commander Of Fleet’s Gr1 success came on the first occasion he ventured beyond two and a half miles (apart from when he won a point-to-point as a four-year-old).

He clearly stays well, which is to be expected of a gelding who is inbred 3 x 3 to Sadler’s Wells, via Montjeu and the St Leger second Saddlers’ Hall.

Commander Of Fleet’s first two dams, Coonagh Cross and Collopy’s Cross, were both successful in bumpers and both had at least one talented half-brother.

Coonagh Cross is a half-sister to the extremely useful chaser Sunset Lodge, while Collopy’s Cross’ half-sister Shannon Spray was a prolific Listed winner on the Flat and over hurdles.

Commander Of Fleet’s third dam Midnight Oil was a three-parts-sister to Champion Chase winner Lough Inagh.

Several of Midnight Oil’s daughters enjoyed successful broodmare careers, including Shannon Spray (dam of the smart chaser Eirespray) and Spanish Flame (dam of very useful three-mile chaser Direct Access).

Another daughter, Midnight Pond, is the second dam of Death Duty. a Gr1 winner as a novice over hurdles and fences.

Other recent winners out of Saddlers’ Hall mares include the Gr3 novice chase winners Ballyward and Winter Escape.

131 LADBROKES DUBLIN CHASE G1

COMMANDER OF FLEET b g 2014 Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Floripedes

Top Ville Toute Cy

Shirley Heights

Mill Reef Hardiemma

Grimpola

Windwurf Gondel

Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Sunny Valley

Val de Loir Sunland

Pragmatic

Relko Paracelle

Midnight Oil

Menelek Ballinacree

Montjeu FAME AND GLORY b/br 06 Gryada

Saddlers’ Hall COONAGH CROSS b 03 Collopy’s Cross

Fame And Glory’s death at the age of 11 in early 2017 meant that this admirably tough and talented horse, who raced from two to six years, had time for only four seasons at stud.

However, this 14-time winner, whose Gr1 victories included the Irish Derby at the Curragh, Coronation Cup at Epsom and Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, was kept very busy during those four years, covering a total of 965 thoroughbred mares.

With his eldest progeny five years old in 2019, Fame And Glory is beginning to make a real impact and he achieved his first Gr1 success as

LEOPARDSTOWN. Feb 2. 5yo+. 17f.

1. MIN (FR) 8 11-10 £66,441 b g by Walk In The Park - Phemyka (Saint Estephe) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Madame M. Mimouni TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Ordinary World (IRE) 9 11-10 £21,396 br g by Milan - Saucy Present (Presenting) O-C. Jones B-Dillon Family TR-Henry de Bromhead 3. Saint Calvados (FR) 6 11-10 £10,135 b g by Saint des Saints - Lamorrese (Pistolet Bleu) O-Kate & Andrew Brooks B-Mr J. Buez TR-Harry Whittington Margins 6, 6. Time 4:00.80. Going Good.

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

MIN b g 2011

WALK IN THE PARK b 02

1st Dam: PHEMYKA by Saint Estephe. Winner at 3 in France. Dam of 4 winners:

2003: 2004: 2005: 2009: 2011:

Sipiderman (c Spadoun) unraced.

SATWA PRINCESS (f Daliapour) 4 wins at 3, 5 and 7 in France.

BELAMAGE (c Daliapour) 6 wins at 3, 4 and 6 in France.

GAONE (g Sagacity) 3 wins.

MIN (g Walk In The Park) 7 wins, Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle G2, 2nd Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle G1, Racing Post Christmas Novice Chase G1, John Durkan Mem. Punchestown Chase G1, Coral Dublin Chase G2, 2nd Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase G1, JLT Melling Chase G1, Paddy Power Rewards Club Chase G1.

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Floripedes

Top Ville Toute Cy

Robellino

Roberto Isobelline

Wanton

Kris Brazen Faced

Top Ville

High Top Sega Ville

Une Tornade

Traffic Rough Sea

Akarad

Labus Licata

Stormy Scene

Storm Bird Drama

Classic Park

Saint Estephe PHEMYKA b 96 Stormyka

See race 80 in the February issue 132 888SPORT SCILLY ISLES NOVICES’ CHASE G1 SANDOWN PARK. Feb 2. 5yo+. 20f.

1. DEFI DU SEUIL (FR) 6 11-4 £31,691 b g by Voix du Nord - Quarvine du Seuil (Lavirco) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Mme C. Boudot TR-Philip Hobbs 2. Lostintranslation (IRE) 7 11-4 £12,122 b g by Flemensfirth - Falika (Hero’s Honor) O-Taylor & O’Dwyer B-Mr A. R. M. M. Kavanagh TR-Colin Tizzard 3. Vinndication (IRE) 6 11-4 £6,254 b g by Vinnie Roe - Pawnee Trail (Taipan) O-Moremoneythan B-T. Mulhern TR-Kim Bailey Margins 0.75, 2.5. Time 5:12.90. Going Soft.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-6 15 10 3 £274,985 Sire: VOIX DU NORD. Sire of 21 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - DEFI DU SEUIL Lavirco G1, DUCA DE THAIX Subotica G1, KEMBOY Victory Note G1, VOIX DU REVE Apple Tree G2, ESPOIR D’ALLEN Maille Pistol G3.

1st Dam: QUARVINE DU SEUIL by Lavirco. 2 wins at 3 and 5 in France. Dam of 1 winner:

2011: 2013:

Brume du Seuil (f Equerry) ran on the flat in France.

DEFI DU SEUIL (g Voix du Nord) 8 wins, JCB Triumph Hurdle G1, coral.co.uk Future Chn.Finale Juv.Hurdle G1, Doom Bar Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle G1, JCB Triumph Trial Finesse Juv. Hurdle G2, JCB Triumph Trial Prestbury Juv. Hurdle G2.

Broodmare Sire: LAVIRCO. Sire of the dams of 7 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - DEFI DU SEUIL Voix du Nord G1, EASY GAME Barastraight G2.

The Voix du Nord/Lavirco cross has produced: DEFI DU SEUIL G1, DICA DE THAIX G3.

DEFI DU SEUIL b g 2013 Lomond

Northern Dancer My Charmer

Vearia

Mill Reef Val Divine

Top Ville

High Top Sega Ville

Girl of France

Legend of France Water Girl

Konigsstuhl

Dschingis Khan Konigskronung

La Virginia

Surumu La Dorada

Video Rock

No Lute Pauvresse

Via Tennise

Brezzo Favorite

Valanour VOIX DU NORD b 01 Dame Edith

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-8 15 8 7 £446,889 Sire: WALK IN THE PARK. Sire of 7 Stakes winners.

NH in 2018/19 - MIN Saint Estephe G1, WALK IN THE MILL Lost World G3, ANDI’AMU Septieme Ciel LR.

Sadler’s Wells Montjeu

Lavirco QUARVINE DU SEUIL b 04 Fleur du Tennis

After enjoying an unbeaten seven-race campaign as a juvenile hurdler, including Gr1 victories at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals, Defi du Seuil was seriously out of form in two starts over hurdles in the 2017-18 season.

Fortunately, a lengthy rest and a switch to novice chases has seen him return to form. He was recording his second win from four starts when he turned the tables on

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Data Book Grade 1 Winners Lostintranslation in the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase. Still only six years old, the son of Voix du Nord has now won ten of his 15 starts.

Voix du Nord died in March 2013, aged only 12, and rarely a month goes by without a reminder that his death represented a serious loss to the French industry. His string of smart performers in Ireland or Britain include not only Defi du Seuil but also Kemboy (winner of the Gr1 Leopardstown Christmas Chase), Voix du Reve (Gr2 Craddockstown Novice Chase), Espoir d’Allen (a multiple winner over hurdles at Gr2 and Gr3 levels) and Duca de Thaix (a Gr3 winner over hurdles).

Their predecessors included Vaniteux (Gr2 Lightning Novices’ Chase), Voix d’Eau (Gr2 Silver Trophy Chase), Vibrato Valtat (Gr1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase, etc), Bachasson (a Gr3 novice hurdle winner who is now shining over fences), Val de Ferbet (a Gr2 novice chase winner) and Taquin du Seuil (Gr3 BetVictor Gold Cup Chase, etc).

Defi du Seuil is the second foal of Quarvine du Seuil, a winner of ten- and 12-furlong races for non-thoroughbreds. Quarvine du Seuil’s half-brother Catamaran du Seuil is a useful chaser. Their dam Fleur du Tennis, a prolific winner at up to 15 furlongs, was a sister to Jimmy Tennis, a Video Rock gelding who won the Gr2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase over an extended three miles.

Defi du Seuil’s broodmare sire, the Deutsches Derby victor Lavirco, is best known in Britain and Ireland as the sire of Royal Boy (Gr1 Tolworth Hurdle), Mikael d’Haguenet (Gr1 Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle) and Roi du Mee (Down Royal’s Gr1 Champion Chase).

He died in 2009 and the subsequent years made his death look regrettable, as his French representatives included Bel La Vie (Gr1 Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris).

In the role of broodmare sire, Lavirco is also responsible for the Irish Graded winners Listen Dear and Easy Game.

133 C. PHARMA BRAVE INCA NOVICE HURDLE G1

Broodmare Sire: SEPTIEME CIEL. Sire of the dams of 25 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - KLASSICAL DREAM Dream Well G1, ANDI’AMU Walk In The Park LR.

KLASSICAL DREAM b g 2014 Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Fairy Bridge

Bold Reason Special

Alleged

Hoist The Flag Princess Pout

Normia

Northfields Mia Pola

2010:

Seattle Slew

Bold Reasoning My Charmer

2011:

Maximova

Green Dancer Baracala

Quest For Fame

Rainbow Quest Aryenne

Nobile Decretum

Noble Decree Mid Evening

Sadler’s Wells DREAM WELL b 95 Soul Dream

Septieme Ciel KLASSICAL WAY b 03 Negligente

In a tight finish to the Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle, Klassical Dream narrowly got the better of his Gr1-winning stablemate Aramon. It seems a little odd to describe Klassical Dream as a novice hurdler, as he had made his debut over hurdles in October 2017, and a month later he had finished a good fourth to Master Dino in the Gr1 Grande Course de Haies des 3 Ans at Auteuil. Out of action for most of 2018, Klassical Dream has returned to win his first two starts for Willie Mullins.

Klassical Dream’s sire Dream Well won the Prix du Jockey-Club and the Irish Derby in 1998 but was sold to Japan after a less successful four-year-old campaign. By 2004, though, Dream Well was back in France, at Haras de Fresnay-leBuffard. The Niarchos homebred was responsible for several talented jumpers in France, notably the dual Gr1 winner Hippomene and the smart hurdler Le Grand Luce, and another son, Ainsi Fideles, won the Gr2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase.

Klassical Dream’s dam Klassical Way shares the same sire, Septieme Ciel, as that remarkable gelding Cirrus des Aigles. Klassical Way won a Listed race over fences at Enghien before producing four winners from five foals. Klassical Dream’s second dam Negligent, a daughter of Derby winner Quest For Fame, was moderate, but her half-brothers Sharp Noble and Triarius were Listed winners in Britain.

134 FLOGAS NOVICE CHASE G1

LEOPARDSTOWN. Feb 3. 5yo+. 16f.

1. KLASSICAL DREAM (FR) 5 11-9 £66,441 b g by Dream Well - Klassical Way (Septieme Ciel) O-Mrs J Coleman B-Mr. Hubert Honore & Mrs Laure Guillaume TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Aramon (GER) 6 11-10 £21,396 b g by Monsun - Aramina (In The Wings) O-Supreme Horse Racing Club/Michael Songer B-Gestut Rottgen TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Vision d’Honneur (FR) 5 11-9 £10,135 b g by Vision d’Etat - Hembra (Croco Rouge) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Gaetan Gilles TR-Gordon Elliott Margins Head, 6. Time 3:48.30. Going Good.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-5 9 3 4 £115,934 Sire: DREAM WELL. Sire of 11 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - CHAMP DE BATAILLE Turgeon G1, KLASSICAL DREAM Septieme Ciel G1.

Sire: DOCTOR DINO. Sire of 10 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - LA BAGUE AU ROI Turgeon G1, MASTER DINO Mizzen Mast G1, SHARJAH Royal Academy G1, SCEAU ROYAL Marchand de Sable G2, DOTTORE Turgeon LR. 1st Dam: Alliance Royale by Turgeon. unraced. Dam of 4 winners:

LEOPARDSTOWN. Feb 3. 5yo+. 21f.

1. LA BAGUE AU ROI (FR) 8 11-3 £66,441 b m by Doctor Dino - Alliance Royale (Turgeon) O-Mrs Julien Turner & Mr Andrew Merriam B-Comtesse Bertrand De Tarragon TR-Warren Greatrex 2. Kaiser Black (IRE) 8 11-10 £21,396 b g by Germany - Strong Red (Strong Gale) O-Michael O’Driscoll & Gobnait O’Callaghan B-L. O’Shaughnessy TR-P M J Doyle 3. Hardline (IRE) 7 11-10 £10,135 b g by Arcadio - Hidden Reserve (Heron Island) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Ms N. Humphreys TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 1.25, 4.25. Time 5:26.00. Going Good.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-8 19 14 0 £252,733

2007: 2008: 2009:

KAYSERSBERG (g Khalkevi) 7 wins.

Reine Angevine (f Poliglote) 3 wins, 3rd Navan Novice Hurdle G1. Broodmare.

Franche Alliance (f Poliglote) 5 wins over jumps in France, 2nd Prix Beugnot H. Hurdle LR. Reine Cenomane (f Saint des Saints) unraced. Broodmare.

LA BAGUE AU ROI (f Doctor Dino) 13 wins, Betfred H. Knight Open NH Flat Race LR, olgb.com Warfield Mares’ Hurdle G2, OLBG Mares’ Hurdle LR, olbg.com Mares Hurdle LR, TBA Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle LR, 32Red Kauto Star Novices’ Chase G1, Ladbrokes Berkshire Novices’ Chase G2.

Broodmare Sire: TURGEON. Sire of the dams of 34 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - CHAMP DE BATAILLE Dream Well G1, ELIXIR DE NUTZ Al Namix G1, LA BAGUE AU ROI Doctor Dino G1, A MI MANERA Great Pretender G2, ANGELS BREATH Shantou G2, POLITOLOGUE Poliglote G2, SRELIGHONN Martaline G2.

The Doctor Dino/Turgeon cross has produced: LA BAGUE AU ROI G1, DOTTORE LR.

LA BAGUE AU ROI b m 2011 Elmaamul

Diesis Modena

Majmu

Al Nasr Affirmative Fable

Priolo

Sovereign Dancer Primevere

Salagangai

Sallust Malagangai

Caro

Fortino II Chambord

Reiko

Targowice Beronaire

Pampabird

Pampapaul Wood Grouse

Allee Du Roy

Rex Magna Alliance III

Muhtathir DOCTOR DINO ch 02 Logica

Turgeon ALLIANCE ROYALE gr 02 Allee Sarthoise

See race 82 in the February issue 135 TATTS IRE.SPRING JUVENILE HURDLE G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Feb 3. 4yo. 16f.

1. SIR EREC (IRE) 11-0 £66,441 b c by Camelot - Quiritis (Galileo) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Gce Farm Ltd TR-Joseph Patrick O’Brien 2. Gardens of Babylon (IRE) 11-0 £21,396 b g by Camelot - Condition (Deploy) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Lynch Bages & Camas Park Stud TR-Joseph Patrick O’Brien 3. Surin (FR) 10-7 £10,135 b f by Authorized - Sinopsy (Sinndar) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Mr M. Motschmann TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 6, 0.5. Time 3:52.60. Going Good.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2-4 7 4 3 £165,004 Sire: CAMELOT. Sire of 13 Stakes winners.

Broodmare Sire: GALILEO. Sire of the dams of 131 Stakes winners. NH in 2018/19 - SIR EREC Camelot G1, BEDROCK Fastnet Rock G2.

SIR EREC b c 2015 Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Floripedes

Top Ville Toute Cy

Kingmambo

Mr Prospector Miesque

Fickle

Danehill Fade

Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge

Urban Sea

Miswaki Allegretta

Rainbow Quest

Blushing Groom I Will Follow

Dancing Rocks

Green Dancer Croda Rossa

Montjeu CAMELOT b 09 Tarfah

Galileo QUIRITIS b 07 Rainbow Goddess

We possibly had a glimpse of the future as the runners crossed the line in the Gr1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle.

The first four home were all sired by sons of Montjeu, with the first two being members of the highly successful first crop by the 2,000 Guineas and Derby winner Camelot.

Montjeu, of course, was responsible for the record-breaking Hurricane Fly, who numbered two editions of the Champion Hurdle among his 22 Gr1 successes.

The betting was dominated by Camelot’s son Sir Erec and Jukebox Jury’s son Tiger Tap Tap, who had been separated by only a neck when they met on the same Leopardstown track in December, but this time Sir Erec proved easily the best, scoring by six lengths from his stablemate Gardens Of Babylon.

Sir Erec has to be considered an exciting recruit to hurdling, as he had proved well above average on the Flat, winning twice before finishing a fine third to Stradivarius in the Gr2 British Champions Long Distance Cup over two miles.

As might be guessed from Sir Erec’s foal price of 170,000gns, he has an impressive pedigree, which includes 3 x 3 inbreeding to Sadler’s Wells. His dam, the Galileo mare Quiritis, is an unraced sister to Mahler, a smart stayer who won the Gr3 Queen’s Vase over two miles before being second in the St Leger and third in the Melbourne Cup. Mahler is now a promising National Hunt sire, with the likes of Sutton Place and OK Corral among his best winners.

Sir Erec’s second dam, Rainbow Goddess, was a winning sister to Glatisant, a Gr3 two-year-old winner who became the dam of Footstepsinthesand (2,000 Guineas) and Pedro The Great (Phoenix Stakes), as well as being the second dam of Power (Irish 2,000 Guineas).

Power’s dam, Frappe, also produced the Gr1 EP Taylor Stakes winner Curvy to Galileo.

136 UNIBET IRISH GOLD CUP G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Feb 3. 5yo+. 24f.

1. BELLSHILL (IRE) 9 11-10 £114,527 b g by King’s Theatre - Fairy Native (Be My Native) O-Andrea & Graham Wylie B-F. Motherway TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Road To Respect (IRE) 8 11-10 £38,514 ch g by Gamut - Lora Lady (Lord Americo) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Miss I. Rothwell TR-Noel Meade 3. The Storyteller (IRE) 8 11-10 £18,243 ch g by Shantou - Bally Bolshoi (Bob Back) O-Mrs Pat Sloan B-R. Cotton & Stephen Lannigan O’Keeffe TR-Gordon Elliott Margins Short Head, 7.5. Time 6:06.70. Going Good.

Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-9 22 11 7 £536,128 Sire: KING’S THEATRE. Sire of 110 Stakes winners.

NH in 2018/19 - BELLSHILL Be My Native G1, CHAMP Definite Article G1, PENNY JANE Topanoora G2, PEREGRINE RUN Definite Article G2, COGRY Supreme Leader G3, BORN SURVIVOR Bob Back LR, CAIUS MARCIUS Trempolino LR, HAPPY DIVA Supreme Leader LR, KINGS APOLLO Magic Ring LR.

116 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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CAULFIELD ON BELLSHILL: “He has a traditional Irish jumps pedigree; in addition to being by King’s Theatre, his first four dams are daughters of Be My Native, The Parson, Menelek and Vulgan” 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.

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

The Parson

Aureole Bracey Bridge

Copp On

Menelek Stroll On

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

Be My Native FAIRY NATIVE b 98 Amy Fairy

The Irish Gold Cup was badly hit by non-runners, with unsuitable ground being cited for the withdrawal of six of

the ten declared runners, even though the going was described as good!

Fortunately, the contest still produced a rousing finish, with Bellshill fighting back to defeat Road To Respect by a short head. Bellshill is now a five-time Gr1 winner, with his wins in the Punchestown Gold Cup, Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle and Champion INH Flat Race all coming at the Punchestown Festival. The other Gr1 success for this versatile son of King’s Theatre was as a novice hurdler.

Bellshill has a traditional Irish National Hunt pedigree. In addition to being by a multiple champion sire in King’s Theatre, his first four dams are respectively 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,

Leading NH Sires by earnings Name

YOF

Sire

Rnrs

Wnrs

Wnrs/Rnrs (%)

Wins

AvgDist

Presenting King's Theatre Oscar Beneficial Milan Flemensfirth Westerner Kayf Tara Stowaway Midnight Legend Getaway Court Cave Gold Well Yeats Mahler Scorpion Kapgarde Robin des Champs Voix du Nord Shantou Network Galileo Kalanisi Saddler Maker Arcadio Dubai Destination Martaline Doctor Dino High Chaparral Brian Boru Vinnie Roe Robin des Pres Jeremy Nickname Doyen Poliglote Authorized Winged Love Definite Article Shirocco Craigsteel Walk in the Park Gamut Al Namix Della Francesca Dark Angel Indian River Califet Black Sam Bellamy Champs Elysees Sulamani Fame and Glory Saint des Saints Halling Fruits of Love Multiplex Arakan

1992 1991 1994 1990 1998 1992 1999 1994 1994 1991 2003 2001 2001 2001 2004 2002 1999 1997 2001 1993 1997 1998 1996 1998 2002 1999 1999 2002 1999 2000 1998 1994 2003 1999 2000 1992 2004 1992 1992 2001 1995 2002 1999 1997 1999 2005 1994 1998 1999 2003 1999 2006 1998 1991 1995 2003 2000

Mtoto Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Top Ville Sadler's Wells Alleged Danehill Sadler's Wells Slip Anchor Night Shift Monsun Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Galileo Montjeu Garde Royale Garde Royale Valanour Alleged Monsun Sadler's Wells Doyoun Sadler's Wells Monsun Kingmambo Linamix Muhtathir Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Definite Article Cadoudal Danehill Dancer Lost World Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Montjeu In the Wings Indian Ridge Monsun Suave Dancer Montjeu Spectrum Linamix Danzig Acclamation Cadoudal Freedom Cry Sadler's Wells Danehill Hernando Montjeu Cadoudal Diesis Hansel Danehill Nureyev

293 151 270 265 277 248 195 200 214 148 191 143 159 153 147 195 56 92 31 125 52 76 131 24 97 82 81 6 56 70 65 70 99 10 68 26 54 64 64 86 67 23 41 41 13 19 32 18 106 56 71 56 39 18 37 56 63

77 62 69 70 63 60 55 45 58 60 55 47 50 51 45 40 24 25 15 39 18 22 27 7 22 20 20 4 14 22 17 21 25 7 21 14 23 14 14 19 21 9 9 11 6 4 11 7 15 17 18 14 12 7 9 14 9

26.28% 41.06% 25.56% 26.42% 22.74% 24.19% 28.21% 22.50% 27.10% 40.54% 28.80% 32.87% 31.45% 33.33% 30.61% 20.51% 42.86% 27.17% 48.39% 31.20% 34.62% 28.95% 20.61% 29.17% 22.68% 24.39% 24.69% 66.67% 25.00% 31.43% 26.15% 30.00% 25.25% 70.00% 30.88% 53.85% 42.59% 21.88% 21.88% 22.09% 31.34% 39.13% 21.95% 26.83% 46.15% 21.05% 34.38% 38.89% 14.15% 30.36% 25.35% 25.00% 30.77% 38.89% 24.32% 25.00% 14.29%

110 98 98 108 91 78 77 56 92 90 72 74 70 74 69 54 36 40 25 48 26 30 38 10 30 26 29 9 19 31 27 33 33 11 31 21 35 25 21 26 27 12 13 18 8 9 12 7 20 22 26 18 15 14 13 20 15

20.3 20.6 20.1 19.8 21.1 20 20.1 20.7 19 21.1 18.7 20 19.8 19.9 20.6 19.4 19.8 20 18.9 18.9 18.8 18.5 19.1 19.2 18.1 20.1 19.1 19 17.5 21.6 21.8 19.8 17.5 22.6 19 19.8 17.6 20 21.4 19.2 20.3 19.2 20.9 18 18.7 16.8 23.3 19.1 20.5 17.1 19.3 17 19.3 18.1 20.1 20.2 17.3

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Earnings (£) Top Horse £1,605,968 £1,474,014 £1,440,788 £1,376,110 £1,221,359 £1,095,431 £1,092,002 £1,079,436 £1,043,544 £936,041 £841,988 £727,779 £720,486 £718,037 £715,261 £680,806 £653,535 £641,261 £562,354 £538,018 £535,880 £531,506 £508,063 £492,620 £474,734 £473,430 £451,211 £449,625 £437,397 £436,922 £417,646 £392,275 £379,068 £370,406 £315,000 £313,877 £311,714 £311,455 £307,033 £303,873 £301,629 £295,458 £252,092 £247,213 £246,463 £245,410 £243,065 £241,887 £240,542 £236,882 £223,697 £218,501 £210,329 £205,824 £201,862 £201,077 £195,605

Snow Falcon Bellshill Paisley Park Lady Buttons If the Cap Fits Magic of Light Rocky's Treasure Thistlecrack Leapaway Warriors Tale Verdana Blue Desirable Court Agusta Gold Brave Eagle Ornua Royal Village Clan des Obeaux Sizing Tennessee Kemboy Bun Doran Le Richebourg Supasundae Brain Power Apple's Jade Hardline Elegant Escape Ramses de Teillee Sharjah Altior Sub Lieutenant De Name Escapes Me Winter Escape Santa Rossa Frodon Battleoverdoyen Capeland Babbling Stream Joey Sasa Definitly Red Rock the Kasbah Wholestone Min Road to Respect Elixir de Nutz Auvergnat Silver Streak Native River Clarcam Black Mischief Low Sun Honeysuckle Commander of Fleet Saint Calvados Cubomania Simply Ned Lofgren Vosne Romanee

Earned (£) £140,441 £117,557 £164,866 £108,231 £83,682 £68,126 £56,148 £74,645 £56,706 £53,184 £136,285 £44,289 £45,360 £28,673 £64,896 £47,546 £152,975 £154,396 £118,625 £33,369 £163,950 £71,540 £82,753 £226,904 £90,031 £177,135 £46,323 £232,656 £226,780 £48,912 £60,550 £56,744 £51,824 £209,241 £61,284 £54,284 £26,232 £32,642 £90,712 £34,560 £40,092 £109,385 £124,042 £58,523 £102,101 £152,010 £69,150 £131,073 £32,135 £52,563 £42,483 £67,740 £43,223 £66,583 £84,056 £32,014 £66,604

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 was 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, who won the Power Gold Cup, and his fourth dam, Stroll On, was a half-sister to Royal Alliance, dam of high-class chaser Royal Bond and top hunterchaser Matchboard. Matchboard in turn became second dam of the Champion Hurdle winners Morley Street and Granville Again.

Off You Go helps Presenting keep his nose in front of chasing pack In a month when there was less prize-money available than in December, and considerably less than will be on offer in March and April, most of the top ten stallions added around £200,000 to their totals.

Thanks to his success in the Ladbrokes Hurdle, worth £66,441, Off You Go was the biggest contributor to leader Presenting’s figure. That sire is still clear in number of wins but Beneficial cut the gap to two with 13 added to his tally. Benny’s Bridge, Classic Ben and Lady Buttons all contributed good win pots for Beneficial.

Bellshill’s last-gasp victory in the Irish Gold Cup, worth £114,527, helped move King’s Theatre into second, along with more than £70,000 picked up by Happy Diva and Royal Vacation with wins at Huntingdon and Taunton. With so few runners, though, he will need massive input from Cheltenham and Aintree to stand any chance of taking the title.

Paisley Park has been a revelation this season and has been the standard bearer for Oscar, who had 16 wins in the period. Paisley Park’s runaway success in the Cleeve Hurdle added £33,762 to the total, while Not Many Left and Sharp Response added almost £30,000 with a win apiece.

Milan experienced a much quieter month than usual but Flemensfirth did well thanks to Invitation Only landing the Thyestes Chase worth £53,153, plus victories by Ballyward and – on the same day at Ascot – by Magic Of Light (in a Grade 2 hurdle) and Ballymoy.

These three netted £80,000.

Westerner relied chiefly on Wakanda’s success in the Peter Marsh Chase and Kayf Tara left it late with Whisperinthebreeze’s triumph in the Leopardstown Handicap Chase worth £66,441 on February 3. Stowaway had another 14 wins, notably Beakstown in a Grade 2 hurdle at Warwick.

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Data Book Grade 2 & 3 Winners Date 07/12 08/12 08/12 08/12 08/12 09/12 09/12 09/12 09/12 14/12 15/12 15/12 15/12 15/12 15/12 16/12 16/12 21/12 21/12 22/12 26/12 26/12 27/12 27/12 27/12 27/12 27/12 28/12 29/12 29/12 01/01 01/01 01/01 12/01 12/01 12/01 13/01 13/01 19/01 19/01 19/01 19/01 19/01 19/01 19/01 20/01 20/01 24/01 24/01 26/01 26/01 26/01 26/01 26/01 26/01 26/01 26/01 26/01 27/01 27/01 02/02 02/02 02/02 02/02 03/02 03/02 03/02 03/02

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

Race (course) Ballymore Winter Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hurdle (Sandown Park) Betway Many Clouds Chase (Aintree) Becher Handicap Chase (Aintree) ISF EBF Klairon Davis Nov.Chase (Navan) Foxrock Handicap Chase (Navan) Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase (Cork) Tatts Peterborough Chase (Huntingdon) Kerry Group Cork Stayers Novice Hurdle (Cork) Kerry Lombardstown EBF Mares Nov. Chase (Cork) CF Roberts Handicap Chase (Cheltenham) Albert Bartlett Bristol Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hurdle (Cheltenham) Unibet International Hurdle (Cheltenham) bet365 December Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chase (Doncaster) bet365 Summit Juvenile Hurdle (Doncaster) Caspian Caviar Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Cheltenham) Navan Novice Hurdle (Navan) Tara Handicap Hurdle (Navan) Noel Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chase (Ascot) Sky Supreme Trial Kennel Gate Nov.Hurdle (Ascot) Betfair Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle (Ascot) Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle (Leopardstown) racingtv Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Wetherby) 32red.com Wayward Lad Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chase (Kempton Park) Unibet Desert Orchid Chase (Kempton Park) Coral Welsh National Handicap Chase (Chepstow) Paddy Power Handicap Chase (Leopardstown) Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase (Limerick) Irish Independent Limerick Hurdle (Limerick) Sky Dorans Pride Novice Hurdle (Limerick) Advent EBF Mares Hurdle (Leopardstown) BetBright Dipper Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chase (Cheltenham) Dornan Relkeel Hurdle (Cheltenham) BetBright Handicap Chase (Cheltenham) Ballymore Leamington Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hurdle (Warwick) Mc Coy Classic Handicap Chase (Warwick) BetVictor Dan Moore Handicap Chase (Fairyhouse) Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle (Punchestown) Total Event Killiney Novice Chase (Punchestown) olgb.com Warfield Maresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hurdle (Ascot) New One Unibet Champion Trial Hurdle (Haydock Park) P. Coyne Altcar Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chase (Haydock Park) Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (Haydock Park) Supreme Trial Rossington Main Nov Hurdle (Haydock Park) Matchbook Hollowayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Handicap Hurdle (Ascot) Navan Handicap Hurdle (Navan) Coolmore NH Sires Mares Novice Chase (Thurles) Horse & Jockey Hotel Kinloch Brae Chase (Thurles) John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle (Gowran Park) Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase (Gowran Park) Ballymore Classic Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hurdle (Cheltenham) Betbright Trial Cotswold Chase (Cheltenham) JCB Triumph Trial Finesse Juv. Hurdle (Cheltenham) galliardshomes.com Cleeve Hurdle (Cheltenham) A. Bartlett River Don Novice Hurdle (Doncaster) Napoleons Lightning Novicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chase (Doncaster) olbg.com Yorkshire Rose Maresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hurdle (Doncaster) Spectra Betvictor Handicap Chase (Cheltenham) BetVictor Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle (Fairyhouse) Limestone Lad Hurdle (Naas) Naas Racecourse Naas Novice Chase (Naas) Matheson INH Flat Race (c&g) (Leopardstown) 888Sport Heroes Handicap Hurdle (Sandown Park) Goffs Sandyford Handicap Chase (Leopardstown) Ladbrokes Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle (Leopardstown) Coolmore EBF Mare INH Flat Race (Leopardstown) Abbey Int. Leopardstown Handicap Chase (Leopardstown) ISF EBF P. Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle (Leopardstown) William Fry Handicap Hurdle (Leopardstown)

Dist 20f 25f 26f 17f 20f 16.5f 20f 24f 16.5f 26f 24f 17f 24f 16.5f 20.5f 20f 20f 21f 15.5f 15.5f 16f 24f 16f 16f 29.5f 24f 19.5f 16f 24f 20f 20.5f 20f 20.5f 21f 29f 17f 16f 20f 23.5f 15.5f 20f 25.5f 15.5f 19f 20f 20.5f 20.5f 24f 25f 20f 25f 17f 24f 24f 16f 16.5f 20.5f 18f 16f 24f 16f 23f 17f 16f 16f 21f 18f 24f

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY

124 High Street, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8JP

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

Age 6 9 8 6 8 7 7 7 6 9 5 7 7 3 6 4 5 5 4 6 3 8 5 8 6 8 9 4 7 8 7 6 9 6 9 6 6 8 8 7 6 10 5 6 6 7 6 8 8 5 7 4 7 5 6 9 6 5 5 7 5 6 6 6 5 6 8 6

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

Sire Al Namix Definite Article Walk In The Park Arcadio Vinnie Roe Flemensfirth Iffraaj Scorpion Laveron Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre Shirocco Kalanisi Westerner Muhtathir Nickname Barastraight Stowaway Vinnie Roe Shantou Intikhab Society Rock Oscar Buckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boum High Chaparral Dubai Destination Della Francesca Westerner Voix du Nord Scorpion Kayf Tara Flemensfirth Midnight Legend Goldneyev Stowaway Busy Flight Voix du Nord Maresca Sorrento Robin des Pres Flemensfirth Alkaadhem Street Cry Westerner Jeremy Flemensfirth Gold Well Laveron Lindaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lad Sir Percy Flemensfirth Jeremy Nickname Kapgarde Oscar Teofilo Buckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boum Beneficial Turgeon Sulamani Voix du Nord Flemensfirth Muhtathir Galileo Lord of England Presenting Jeremy Kayf Tara Kalanisi Spanish Moon

Dam Lady Tsana The Red Wench Libre Amour Hidden Reserve Heartlight Thunder Road Eoz Cybele Eria Traviata Valtat Wyldello Tinagoodnight Blonde Ambition Fiddlers Bar High Destiny Miss Country Rule of The Game Ballons Oscar Pawnee Trail Mystic Masie Reyaada Plumbago Blue Missy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Macadoun Monte Solaro Graineuaile Hesmeralda Its Only Gossip Quadanse Cybele Eria Good Thyne Mary Falika Holy Smoke Odyssee du Cellier Midnight Reel Impulsive Ita Nouca de Thaix Lamadoun Saddleeruppat Quest of Passion Lady Willmurt Showlady Chanson Indienne Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amazing Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eliza Chloes Choice Traviata Valtat Kadalbleue Hunca Munca Norabelle Onewayortheother Miss Country Niagaria du Bois Presenting Shares Tanfidh Macadoun Lady Chapp Margerie First Royal Quadanse Ifyoucouldseemenow Reaction Jacqueline Quintana Ozzy Oscar Panther Moon Silver Spinner Regal Spirit Nadia des Pictons

Broodmare Sire True Brave Aahsaylad Lost World Heron Island Accordion Mtoto Sadlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wells Johann Quatz Jimble Supreme Leader Sleeping Car Old Vic Un Desperado High Yield Country Reel Lavirco Oscar Taipan Turgeon Daylami Manduro Supreme Leader Cardoun Key of Luck Orchestra Royal Charter Lear Fan Maille Pistol Johann Quatz Good Thyne Heroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Honor Statoblest Dear Doctor Accordion Supreme Leader Subotica Smadoun Saddlersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hall Saumarez Mandalus Theatrical Indian River Marignan Dr Massini Presenting Jimble Kadalko Presenting Alamo Bay Presenting Country Reel Grand Tresor Presenting Marju Cardoun High Chaparral Le Balafre Lando Maille Pistol Saddlersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hall Saint des Saints King Charlemagne Fantastic Light Oscar Almutawakel Silver Patriarch Alflora Video Rock

Index 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174

RACING EQUIPMENT

J h J h t John Johnstone MRICS

Chartered Surveyor

Horse Alsa Mix (FR) Definitly Red (IRE) Walk In The Mill (FR) Hardline (IRE) De Name Escapes Me (IRE) Castlegrace Paddy (IRE) Charbel (IRE) Derrinross (IRE) Camelia de Cotte (FR) Cogry (GB) Rockpoint (GB) Brain Power (IRE) Rockyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treasure (IRE) Quel Destin (FR) Frodon (FR) Easy Game (FR) Salty Boy (IRE) Vinndication (IRE) Angels Breath (IRE) Mohaayed (GB) Rocky Blue (IRE) Lake View Lad (IRE) Dynamite Dollars (FR) Altior (IRE) Elegant Escape (IRE) Auvergnat (FR) Westerner Point (IRE) Espoir dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Allen (FR) Derrinross (IRE) Good Thyne Tara (GB) Lostintranslation (IRE) Midnight Shadow (GB) Aso (FR) Beakstown (IRE) Impulsive Star (IRE) Duca de Thaix (FR) Felix Desjy (FR) Winter Escape (IRE) Magic of Light (IRE) Global Citizen (IRE) Castafiore (USA) Wakanda (IRE) Mister Fisher (IRE) Ballymoy (IRE) Agusta Gold (IRE) Camelia de Cotte (FR) Tout Est Permis (FR) Presenting Percy (GB) Invitation Only (IRE) Birchdale (IRE) Frodon (FR) Fakir dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Oudairies (FR) Paisley Park (IRE) Nadaitak (GB) Dynamite Dollars (FR) Lady Buttons (GB) Siruh du Lac (FR) Honeysuckle (GB) Espoir dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Allen (FR) Ballyward (IRE) Envoi Allen (FR) Lord Napier (IRE) Quamino (GER) Off You Go (IRE) Santa Rossa (IRE) Whisperinthebreeze (GB) Sassy Diva (IRE) Dallas des Pictons (FR)

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118 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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The Finish Line with Phil Kirby Phil Kirby is most definitely a trainer on the up, having sailed past his best previous seasonal tally and with an increase in quality to match the rise in quantity. Northern jumps racing has been the poor relation over recent years, but there is a resurgent feel and Kirby is certainly doing his bit to improve the region’s profile and reputation, and with his stable stars primed for Cheltenham he and his burgeoning team have much to look forward to over coming months and years.

Interview: Tim Richards

I

went from training greyhounds with my dad in Lancashire to playing for the under-18s at Preston North End hoping to become a professional footballer.

I was good when I was younger but gradually got worse – everyone just caught me up. David Beckham was on loan at Preston and we trained together; I don’t need to tell you he was always a class above everyone else. My fitness these days is running up and down the gallops.

We had ponies and I was able to ride, so I went for a job at Ferdy Murphy’s in Middleham when I was 19. I had three seasons there and my first ride was a winner over fences at Sedgefield, but I quickly went downhill and didn’t have another. Being a jockey wasn’t a longterm proposition, so I left and did a fouryear apprenticeship to become a farrier. I still do a bit of shoeing today.

While I was a full-time farrier I kept point-to-pointers at Castleton, near Whitby at the bottom of the Yorkshire Moors. I had learnt the principles of training greyhounds and realised that training racehorses is very similar. Feed them the best you can, get them as fit as everybody else’s, if not fitter, keep them healthy and concentrate on putting them in the right races. In my second year we ended up leading hunter chase trainer.

We used to exercise on the Moors and Keith Reveley leased us some boxes at his Saltburn stables and lent us his gallops for the fast work.

As numbers increased we moved to Middleham but also kept on the yard at Castleton. I did an hourly commute each way every day, which was a nightmare, very hard work but worth it as we had more winners and things generally took off. Amazing King was a help when

he won at Yarmouth in 2009 because the owners who backed him went and bought more horses as a result.

We are now at Green Oaks stables near Catterick and well situated a mile from the A1, but in the countryside. In our fourth year here we have 62 boxes, a rough barn that takes 25 youngsters and we plan to build another ten boxes.

A major plus is that we are on our own, and after the recent flu epidemic I realise how important that could be.

We can use the gallops whenever and however we want. We aim to continue as a dual-purpose yard and, of course, keep improving the quality.

Without my wife, Pippa, who was secretary to Ferdy, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She does a lot with our website, communicating with the owners and organising syndicates. The website is updated almost daily, often by the girls in the office; if we miss a day, owners get on to us so we have to be on the ball. Pippa also sends video clips of horses to their owners and they love it.

With all her experience at Ferdy’s, Pippa likes to have her say when I am doing the entries. She has her own ideas and sometimes we might even argue over where we think different horses should be running. For me, it’s healthy and helpful to have another point of view. We are also lucky because some of the staff we started with at Castleton are still with us, which is nice considering all the moving they’ve had to put up with.

At Cheltenham we are hoping to have at least three runners: Top Ville Ben in the RSA Chase, Nautical Nitwit in the Stayers’ Hurdle and Lady Buttons in the Champion Chase or Mares’ Hurdle.

‘Buttons’, unbeaten in four this season, manages to get herself into a race with the minimum of effort thanks to her high cruising speed. She has plenty of class and is very good over a fence. Her owner, Jayne Sivills, bred her and I have bought the mare, Lady Chapp, because we are doing some breeding as well.

Despite his disappointing Ascot run, Top Ville Ben is still likely to go for the RSA Chase if there’s cut in the ground. He will prefer going left-handed.

I buy everything myself and haven’t used agents, just my own judgement and the help of owners. We come up with a budget and try to buy the best we can within our price range. I like a bit of quality, a nice front and a good mover, almost floating over the ground. It is tough competing at the sales with the trainers in the south because we haven’t the same big-spending owners in the north. It’s a different world, but let’s hope our time comes because there are so many good owners in the north. We just want to compete with the southern lads.

I suppose you’d call me a workaholic because I don’t like being quiet and am happiest when I’m busy. I am up at 5.45am, out by 6am to do the early feed and usually heading for bed by about 11pm. But I did enjoy our week in Les Arcs recently, even though I am not a good skier. The kids, Izzy, 13, and Indy, 10, kept rushing past me on the slopes.

They also love flying up the gallops on their ponies. They’re both keen on racing and when Indy comes in after school the first thing she does is switch on the racing replays, rather than the cartoons and kids’ programmes. Pippa is a wellknown equine artist and is booked up for individual commissions even though she doesn’t get much time. We enjoy the busy life.

120 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER

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DAR17332 OwnerBreeder full page Postponed 1MAR19.qxp 14/02/2019 16:20 Page 1

The point of pedigree A

re very well-bred stallions more likely to excel at stud? Emphatically yes! Those stallions whose dam or grandam won a G1 race go on to sire Stakes winners at a massive 10% higher rate than stallions from lesser families. Think Galileo, Dubawi, Deep Impact, Shamardal, Invincible Spirit...

And if that G1 win came as a juvenile, the rate of success is even more pronounced.

Kingmambo, Cape Cross and Showcasing — all with a juvenile G1-winning dam or grandam — are in this elite club, and so is Postponed, whose second dam was a G1-winning Champion at two. In fact, Postponed is the only young stallion in Britain or Ireland with a Timeform rating of 130 or higher and the tip-top pedigree of the super sires.

Page AND performance. It doesn’t just hint at his stallion potential — it’s an inescapable fact.

POSTPONED Don’t delay!

Go online to hear more on Postponed from Roger Varian and Luca Cumani

£15,000 Oct 1, SLF Dubawi – Ever Rigg (Dubai Destination) Stands at Dalham Hall Stud, Newmarket +44 (0)1638 730070 +353 (0)45 527600 darleystallions.com

Darley