£4.95 NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 171
Leading man
Too Darn Hot fuels Classic dreams for Lloyd-Webbers
PLUS
First foals
Sires facing debut test
British-bred boon
11
Owners’ Premium Scheme hopes
Joseph O’Brien
‘I prefer to stay home than go racing’
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38380_SaxonWarrior_T'bredO&B_DPS_Oct18.qxp_34198_Shanghai&DOW_Keeneland_DPS_Aug16 23/10/2018 11:34 Page 1
Unbeaten Group 1 winner at 2 1st Racing Post Trophy-Gr.1, Doncaster, defeating ROARING LION 1st Beresford Stakes-Gr.2, Naas, by 2½ lengths 1st Maiden, Curragh, by 3¼ lengths
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in a season when the better 2YO’s have been like shooting stars, flashing temporarily….Saxon Warrior has increasingly marked himself out from the crowd…..potentially something special for next year. Timeform
New for
2019
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Brilliant Guineas winner at 3 1st 2,000 Guineas Stakes-Gr.1, Newmarket, defeating MASAR, ROARING LION etc. 2nd Eclipse Stakes-Gr.1, Sandown, beaten a neck by ROARING LION 2nd Irish Champion Stakes-Gr.1, Leopardstown, beaten a neck by ROARING LION
Saxon Warrior powers to Guineas glory Saxon Warrior gave Donnacha O’Brien a first Classic success with an imperious display in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Maintaining his unbeaten record, the Deep Impact colt had reportedly strengthened up over the winter and duly cruised to the front over a furlong out. THE IRISH TIMES, 07/05/18
By Japanese supersire DEEP IMPACT. Out of unbeaten European Champion 2YO Filly MAYBE (by GALILEO)
Contact: Coolmore Stud, Fethard, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Tel: 353-52-6131298. Fax: 353-52-6131382. Christy Grassick, David O’Loughlin, Eddie Fitzpatrick, Tim Corballis, Maurice Moloney, Gerry Aherne, Mathieu Legars, Jason Walsh, Tom Miller or Neil Magee. Tom Gaffney, David Magnier, Joe Hernon, John Kennedy or Cathal Murphy: 353-25-31966/31689. Kevin Buckley (UK Rep.) 44-7827-795156. E-mail: sales@coolmore.ie Web site: www.coolmore.com All stallions nominated to EBF.
Dams like these y year only at Tattersalls every inc.
STRADIVARIUS, Gold Cup Gr. 1, Goodwood Cup Gr. 1 JUMMANA purchased for 17,000 gns. Dam of TEPPAL, Poule d’Essai des Pouliches Gr. 1 LOMAPAMAR purchased for 48,000 gns. Dam of URBAN FOX, Pretty Polly Stakes Gr. 1 GREEN ROOM purchased for 20,000 gns. Dam of FOREVER TOGETHER, Oaks Stakes Gr. 1 SCARLETT ROSE purchased for 50,000 gns. Dam of BLUE POINT, King’s Stand Stakes Gr. 1 QUEENOFTHEFAIRIES purchased for 32,000 gns. Dam of FAIRYLAND, Cheveley Park Stakes Gr. 1 SCREEN STAR purchased for 52,000 gns. Dam of SHEIKHA REIKA, E.P. Taylor Stakes Gr. 1 SENTA’S DREAM purchased for 14,000 gns. Dam of IRIDESSA, Fillies’ Mile Gr. 1 VOLUME purchased for 700,000 gns. Dam of QUORTO, National Stakes Gr. 1 SEEKING SOLACE purchased for 65,000 gns. Dam of TEN SOVEREIGNS, Middle Park Stakes Gr. 1 PRIVATE LIFE purchased for 70,000 gns. Dam of
Dams of
TATTERSALLS DECEMBER SALE
45 Gr. 1s In 2018 to date
Yearlings November 26th Foals November 28th – 1st December Breeding Stock Broodmares, Fillies in Training, etc. December 3rd – 6th catalogue online at tattersalls.com Air fare assistance available subject to purchase
Tel: +44 1638 665931 Fax: +44 1638 660850 sales@tattersalls.com www.tattersalls.com
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Welcome
Hot run sees crack trainer Gosden roar to the top
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£4.95 NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 171
Leading man
Too Darn Hot fuels Classic dreams for Lloyd-Webbers
PLUS
First foals
Sires facing debut test
British-bred boon
11
Owners’ Premium Scheme hopes
Joseph O’Brien
‘I prefer to stay home than go racing’
9 771745 435006
www.ownerbreeder.co.uk
Cover: Frankie Dettori guides Too Darn Hot to a decisive success in the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket Photo: George Selwyn
Edward Rosenthal Editor
ou have to take your hat off to John Gosden. As our Big Picture pages show (pages 17-23), the Newmarket handler carried all before him this autumn, mopping up big races on both sides of the Channel, confirming his position as Britain’s leading trainer. Yet the results don’t tell the full stories. Much of the post-race conversation after the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe concerned runnerup Sea Of Class and the ride she was given by James Doyle. From a nightmare draw, Doyle decided to drop back and settle his filly at the rear of the field, in the hope of conserving energy for a late challenge. The plan almost worked to perfection, as they weaved their way through the traffic and surged home at the newly-styled ParisLongchamp, yet in Enable, they found an opponent that refused to yield, failing by the narrowest of margins to catch Khalid Abdullah’s daughter of Nathaniel. In taking Enable to the Arc with only one run under her belt – an easy victory on the all-weather at Kempton in September – after a difficult preparation, Gosden knew his filly was vulnerable in her bid for a repeat victory in the Paris showpiece. Yet, while perhaps some way short of her best, she was still good enough to take the spoils after a perfectly-executed ride from a good draw. A re-match with Sea Of Class cannot come soon enough. Roaring Lion has been one of the stars of the Flat season, his partnership with Oisin Murphy yielding victories in the Coral-Eclipse, Irish Champion Stakes and Juddmonte International, all over ten furlongs on quick ground. Not wanting to take on stablemate Cracksman on a testing surface in the Champion Stakes, Gosden switched Roaring Lion to the straight mile of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, an all together different challenge. Many observers – this one included – thought such a plan would fail against specialist milers. However, Gosden knew better and despite not enjoying the conditions, Roaring Lion proved how tough he is with a hard-fought neck victory, a superb result for
the trainer and jockey, owner Qatar Racing and also his sire, Kitten’s Joy, who stands at Ramsey Farm in Kentucky. Not to mention his breeder, Jan Vandebos, who was at Ascot to watch the foal she reared race for the first time. Moving on to Cracksman, Anthony Oppenheimer’s colt had looked out of sorts this season, but sporting blinkers for the first time back on soft going, the son of Frankel emulated his victory of the previous year in the Champion Stakes, galloping to a six-length triumph. Top horses produced in top condition for the top races; that’s Godsen’s job, in a nutshell, and he does it brilliantly. If Cracksman and Roaring Lion are the past – stud duties now beckon for both in 2019 –
“If Cracksman and Roaring Lion are the past, Too Darn Hot is the future” then Too Darn Hot is the future. Classics will be on the agenda for this exciting son of Dubawi next year, though perhaps it’s wise to heed the words of Tony Morris (pages 28-29), who recalls the list of brilliant juveniles that failed to progress in their three-year-old seasons. Too Darn Hot was born and raised at the Lloyd-Webbers’ Watership Down Stud, under the eye of Stud Manager Terry Doherty. Terry received the Stud Staff Award and was named Employee of the Year at the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards in 2017. In this issue (Talking To, pages 56-60), he explains what that recognition meant to him and his colleagues, who carry out their work away from the public gaze, but which ultimately produces horses like the aforementioned Too Darn Hot for us all to enjoy.
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Contents
November 2018
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18
136
News & Views
International Scene
ROA Leader
View From Ireland
Internal bickering is over
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TBA Leader British-breds flying
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News Luca Cumani announces retirement
10 12 28
Howard Wright New operators handed tote opportunity
30
Features
The Big Picture From The Archives Fifty Dollars More in 1982
The Scudamores New book on the famous family
British breeding in the spotlight
Country escapes & winter sun
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34
Around The Globe
Economic Impact Study
Racing Life Also including your fantastic gift guide
Say hello at Horse Hotel Holland
At Newmarket, Ascot and Longchamp
Tony Morris That difficult second season
Continental Tales
32
With Simon Callaghan and James McDonald 37
Changes News in a nutshell
Dr Adrian McGoldrick's legacy
40
Talking To... Terry Doherty of Watership Down Stud
17 26 48 50 56
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56
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Features First Foals Stallions out to make their mark
Breeders’ Digest Cumani name to continue
Sales Circuit Yearling sales round-up
Caulfield Files Best yet to come for Kodiac
Dr Statz Dubawi unstoppable
24 Hours With... Trainer Joseph O'Brien
Forum 63 75 76 95 128
Great day out in Malton
136
100
ROA Forum Gold Standard Award winners revealed
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Book your Stud Farming Course places
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112
Breeder of the Month Darley for Quorto
120
Vet Forum Atypical myopathy update
122
Data Book European Pattern Winners and analysis
Forum The Thoroughbred Club
TBA Forum
130
Did you know? Our monthly average readership is
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26/10/2018 11:08
CANNOCK CHASE Lemon Drop Kid (USA) / Lynnwood Chase hase e (USA) (USA)
• Winner of the Pattison Canadian International Stakes (Gr. 1) • Tercentenary Stakes, Royal Ascot (Gr. 3) • Huxley Stakes (for the Tradesman’s Cup) (Gr. 3) "He’s a very progressive horse that we have always 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.”
“He reminds me very much of Rock of Gibraltar.”
Ryan Moore
Aidan O’Brien
DYLAN MOUTH
• 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)
New for 2019
Dylan Thomas (IRE) / Cottonmouth (IRE)
• 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
WORSALL GRANGE FARM
Low Worsall, North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom Tel: 01642 789800 www.worsallgrange.com NOMINATIONS LUCY HORNER Email: Lucy@worsallgrange.com
Worsall Grange OB Nov 2018 f-p.indd 1 Grange|2018|Roster_X3_|OB|A4|210mm(w) x 297mm.indd 2
25/10/2018 09:15 16:28 14/09/2018
ROA Leader
Nicholas Cooper President
We’ve come a long way since 1990s bickering T
he celebrated politician Ken Clarke was not a fan of the horseracing industry. In his autobiography, he wrote of the time when he was Home Secretary in 1992: “Far too much of my time was occupied in trying to reconcile the competing interests of racecourses, racehorse owners, bookmakers and the Tote. All these interest groups hated one another with deep bitterness and were constantly bringing me proposals to gain an advantage over the others. It came to a head when I discovered that one of my duties as Home Secretary was to settle the annual negotiations about the size of the levy which the betting interests were obliged to pay to subsidise the sport upon which they so heavily depended.” It is a very graphic illustration of how times have changed in racing politics, although many would argue it has taken the industry far too long to learn the lesson of speaking with one voice when making approaches to government. We have, nonetheless, now learnt this lesson and we continue to reap the rewards. We have also learnt that governments listen when you speak in terms of jobs, the rural economy and selfhelp, and less so when your message is self-serving. Had we not learnt this in recent years we would surely not now be looking at a much-improved picture for racing. Without government help – and particularly that of Matt Hancock, who until recently was the culture secretary – we would not have been able to change legislation widening the scope of the levy and allowing racing to annex an increased income of around £50 million annually. Neither would we have been in a position to set up the Racing Authority, letting British racing, for the first time in nearly 60 years, take responsibility from the Levy Board for spending the money collected from the betting industry under the terms of a statutory levy system. Or, for that matter, seeing the collection function of the levy being carried out by the Gambling Commission, which will happen next year, and which will continue to exert the most exacting standards of audit. Of course, the importance of working with the government is going to be even more vital in the years ahead. Nobody needs reminding of the fallout from Brexit and the crucial importance for European bloodstock in maintaining the free movement of horses and the people who look after them. Then there are the impending financial consequences for racing stemming from mass betting shop closures when the impact of cutting stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) falls on bookmakers. Government is very much alive to these concerns and has already indicated it is willing to look at a further extension of the levy so it is charged on bets placed in
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Britain on global racing (which would include Ireland). Another step might be to look at how a future levy could be based on a hybrid system that also takes in an element of betting turnover as well as gross profits. If racing is to continue to have the ear of successive governments, whatever their political complexion, it must show both a determination to help itself and an understanding of the modern world that has no place for the old injustices of social and racial divisions.
“The drive for ongoing improvements in horse welfare sits comfortably with almost all politicians” It is true that racing has and always will have friends in high places, but even a left-wing Labour government would surely be more interested in increasing employment in rural areas than succumbing to prejudice against what they see as a rich person’s sport. The drive for ongoing improvements in horse welfare is another area that sits comfortably with almost all politicians. Our sport’s increasing relevance to this government has everything to do with the building up of excellent personal relationships, which have fostered a much better understanding between government officials and the sport’s representatives. Had this happened back in the nineties, perhaps even Ken Clarke would now have more kindly recollections of the racing world.
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25/10/2018 18:47
TBA Leader
Julian Richmond-Watson Chairman
EIS points to Britain’s big reach from small crops T
he high quality of horses bred and/or trained in Britain was highlighted during Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, with five Group 1 winners bred and all but one Group 1 winner trained in Britain. Standards were further emphasised in the latest Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, where three of the top seven and nine of the top 47, rated 120 or above, are trained in Britain. This in a year when 14 of the 30 winners at Royal Ascot carried the GB-bred tag. These outstanding results bear out a comment in the TBA-commissioned Economic Impact Study, produced by Pricewaterhouse Coopers for the breeding and wider horseracing industry, which summarised the situation: “Great Britain’s thoroughbred industry is recognised globally for its world-class breeding, training and racing. It has some of the highest quality bloodlines in the world and produces the highest proportion of thoroughbreds in the world’s top rankings of any breeding country. Great Britain is also home to the world’s most illustrious race meetings – hosting 24 of the top 100 rated races – which enables the breeding industry to benefit from some of the best competition in the world.” The report pointed out that, among other qualities, Britain’s favourable breeding environment and excellent infrastructure make it one of the best places in the world in which to establish a breeding operation. This then brings a valuable injection of substantial foreign investment, along with well-paid jobs, to the rural sector of the economy. The industry can be justifiably proud of the achievement of these breeders and, with a thoroughbred foal crop that is less than half of Ireland’s and has now fallen below the numbers produced in France, there is little doubt that Britain is punching well above its weight. Britain’s major breeding operations are vitally important to the sport and to all breeders. If they thrive and continue to improve their roster of stallions, all British breeders benefit. The increased success of British-bred and British-trained racehorses, not just in Europe but around the world, attracts buyers and, particularly now, breeding operations to this country, again providing more jobs and boosting the economy. The value of and investment made by overseas-based breeders in Britain, and the potential for more international owners and breeders to become involved here, should not be underestimated. Great British Racing International, in which the TBA is a partner, has organised and hosted a bespoke, concierge service for overseas visitors for a number of years. The investment is well worthwhile if just a few of these visitors buy horses in Britain and have them trained here, more so if just one or two then go on to
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become breeders. It is worth remembering that in the last two years nine of the top ten owners in British Flat racing were not British subjects. However, many of them have chosen to set up substantial breeding operations in this country. Clearly, the general quality of British bloodstock and racing is high and the picture is rosy at the top, but despite all breeders aspiring to reach the highest level, this is not always possible for many, so everyone has to work with the material they have and can afford, in the hope of upgrading their horses on the racecourse, always dreaming that the all-important Group winner is just around the corner. To fulfil this ambition the industry needs support, and I very much hope that this is recognised throughout the sport and that the proposed new Racehorse Owners’ Premium Scheme gains
“Despite all breeders aspiring to reach the highest level, that is not always possible for many” approval in the next few weeks. The health of the industry depends on breeders of all sizes, from the top to the bottom of the scale, and on rural staff who are so vital at every stage of the breeding process. One of the great strengths of the industry, to which the EIS referred, is the quality of staff, and any TBA member with a team player who deserves recognition should nominate them to the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, which close on November 20. Please don’t miss the opportunity to show how much you appreciate the work that staff do day in and day out. Economic Impact Study report, pages 50-54.
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News
Luca Cumani to end 43-year training career in December N ewmarket stalwart Luca Cumani is bringing an end to his illustrious training career to focus on running Fittocks Stud. The 69-year-old has been training at Bedford House Stables on Bury Road since 1976 and has been successful from the get-go. His first ever winner came in the then Group 3 Duke of York Stakes with Three Legs, ridden by Gianfranco Dettori, whose son, Frankie Dettori, started out with Cumani and was one of many jockeys past and present to speak in glowing terms about the trainer following the surprise news. Dettori, who enjoyed his first Group 1 winner on the Cumani-trained Markofdistinction in the 1990 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, said: “My initial reaction was ‘wow’, I was shocked and instantly sent my best wishes. “Luca had a massive impact on my career and taught me so much when I started out. I came to him when I was 14 with lots of ambitions, and as an adolescent you’re like a sponge – he helped shape me to the man I am now. “I have to thank him for a lot of my success in the saddle and we had some fabulous times together. I’m in debt to him as he’s been instrumental to my career.” Cumani, who was born in Milan, rode 85 winners as an amateur, including the 1972 Moet & Chandon Silver Magnum on Meissen. He was assistant trainer to his father Sergio, multiple champion trainer in Italy, and then to Henry Cecil, finishing runner-up to Cecil in the 1988 trainers’ championship. Kahyasi won the Derby and Irish Derby for Cumani that year, while the trainer went on to saddle another Derby winner a
Luca Cumani: master trainer for four decades
decade later with High-Rise. Commanche Run, winner of the 1984 St Leger, and Falbrav, who won five top-flight races for Cumani in 2003, were among the trainer’s best horses, while he was also notably successful overseas. In 1983 Tolomeo was something of a pathfinder winner of the Arlington Million, while in 2005 he plundered the notoriously tough-to-win Japan Cup with Alkaased. Barathea, owned by Sheikh Mohammed, won the 1994 Breeders’ Cup Mile, while other memorable horses to have represented Cumani included Presvis (his highest-earning horse with prize-money of £4,318,943) and top filly Gossamer, winner of the Fillies’ Mile and Irish 1,000 Guineas. His best haul came in 1990 with 109 winners, while his tally in Britain at the time of his announcement was 2,076 – all bar one on the Flat. Postponed was his last major winner, in the 2015 King George, but that year proved among the most difficult of Cumani’s training career after Postponed’s owner, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, took his horses away.
He had suffered such a blow before, splitting – though not acrimoniously, as he was keen to point out – with Sheikh Mohammed and the Aga Khan, but always managed to return to the top table. Cumani, who is married to Sara, with the couple having two children – daughter Francesca is an ITV Racing presenter and son Matt a trainer in Australia – told the Racing Post: “Time waits for nobody. I’ve decided this is a good moment to wind down, although I see it as more of a change of direction. From next year I will devote all my energies to running our Fittocks Stud. “We will be putting Bedford House on the market at the start of next year. I discussed it with Matt but he’s training in Australia, which is really the land of opportunity.” He added: “My heart is still in it. I still think I’m as capable as I have always been. I’d have loved to carry on, but my mind tells me I’m swimming against the tide. “It’s the time of year when I’d like to be thinking about travelling to Melbourne and Churchill Downs for the Breeders’ Cup instead of Wolverhampton and Chelmsford – and no disrespect intended to those venues. “I’m too competitive by nature. It’s frustrating for me not to be able to compete at that level. I went to Ascot on Champions Day to saddle a 20-1 shot, who was trying to get third place in a Group 1 race. I felt a bit sad. It’s not really enough to keep me excited.” Fittocks Stud, where Cumani will now devote his attention, has produced a host of top-class performers, including Fillies Mile heroine Shamshir, St Leger victor Milan and Middle Park Stakes winner Charming Thought.
Munnings exhibition this month A collection of paintings by renowned artist Alfred Munnings will go on display in London later this month, shown for the first time in this country since 1919. The exhibition, Alfred Munnings: War Artist, 1918, includes 41 original paintings covering the final year of the First World War, and was developed
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by the Canadian War Museum in partnership with The Munnings Art Museum and sponsored by The Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation. Munnings was commissioned by the Canadian War Memorials Fund as an official war artist to capture the fighting on the front and
logistical work behind the lines, and was embedded with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. The exhibition, which is supported by Juddmonte, runs from November 30 until March 3, 2019 at the National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HT.
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Stories from the racing world
World Racecourses by Cornelius Lysaght What do Cheltenham and Ooty racecourse in India have in common? The answer is to be found in World Racecourses, an engaging and colourful insight into 100 vastly contrasting racecourses round the globe, writes Tim Richards. Cornelius Lysaght, BBC Radio 5 Live’s racing correspondent, recounts how a local parson preached to such effect against the evils of racing and gambling that arsonists burnt down Cheltenham’s first viewing stand on Cleeve Hill some 200 years ago. More recently the state of Tamil Nadu, with its strict rules on betting, banned racing at Ooty. But sport has resumed at India’s prettiest course following the government’s ruling that “racing was a game of skill rather than gambling.” While Cheltenham survived to become the world’s greatest arena for winter racing, Ooty, India’s only high-altitude track with houses perched on the slopes above threatening to topple over onto it, is popular with tourists and locals from the surrounding tea plantations. Just goes to show you can’t keep a good sport down. Lysaght has searched far and wide to unearth the idiosyncrasies and attractions from Ascot to Birdsville in remotest Queensland. From the new ParisLongchamp to Canovanas in Puerto Rico. The world’s top money-earning jockey, US-based John Velasquez, is a product of the apprentice school at Canovanas, Puerto Rico’s only racecourse, where in the 1950s Camarero established a world record unbeaten winning streak of 56 in a row. How about that, Winx? It is well worth joining this fascinating journey, visiting racecourses big and small, far and wide on all five continents. World Racecourses by Cornelius Lysaght is published by Harper Collins. Price £25.
Rust backs sexuality study after criticism in TOB Nick Rust, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority and Chairman of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group (DiRSG), has defended a study being carried out into sexuality of jockeys and racing personnel after criticism from Howard Wright in September’s Thoroughbred Owner Breeder. The study is being carried out by David Letts, Operations Manager of the European Breeders’ Fund, as part of the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA programme, and is being supported by the Professional Jockeys’ Association. In his column, Wright said: “What useful purpose is going to be served by a study into the sexuality of jockeys riding in Britain, or stable staff, amateur jockeys and administrators, come to that? “The point of it is beyond me, while the risks of its likely findings being misinterpreted seem limitless.” Rust responded: “As Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority and Chair of the Diversity in Racing Steering Group, I would like to express my support for the important study undertaken by David Letts as part of the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA (THIMBA) programme. “LGBT participation and attitudes to homosexuality have been the subject of research in many other sports, but this will be the first study of its kind in British racing. David will use data collected from surveys and interviews to explore trends and attitudes towards sexuality and LGBT issues in British racing, particularly in relation to our professional jockeys. “The DiRSG published its action plan in July, with one of the priorities outlined being a better understanding of the British racing landscape. We want the people that work in our sport and our participants to be able to live their lives and undertake their jobs in an inclusive and supportive environment that will allow them to thrive and fulfil their potential. If there are currently barriers to this happening, if we have people working in our sport who feel they have to hide parts of themselves in order to be accepted and included, we need to know, and then we need to address it. “The research undertaken by past and present students of this
Nick Rust: keen to respond to Howard Wright
course will provide valuable insight for the industry and the DiRSG as it proceeds in its efforts to make British racing more diverse and inclusive. As your columnist Howard Wright acknowledged in the September edition, valuable work has been undertaken by Vanessa Cashmore into the performance of female and male jockeys, and we are delighted that Vanessa has received a bursary from Women in Racing to continue this project. “Furthermore, another THIMBA student, Sophie Candy, has undertaken a qualitative research project to support Vanessa’s findings to give us an even greater understanding of why there may or may not be a disparity between the opportunities given to female jockeys in comparison to their male counterparts. “I was pleased to see Howard’s support for exploration in one aspect of diversity, gender equality, and we believe that the same support and recognition should be given to other areas of the industry’s wide-ranging and diverse participants and workforce.” Rust added: “We await the results of David’s research with interest and the group looks forward to working with the soon to be appointed Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the BHA to make sure any issues or recommendations which arise are addressed and implemented. “David himself is spot on when he says, ‘I believe having a better understanding of diversity, in all its forms, is fundamental to the sport remaining relevant in today’s society.’ I hope that we can therefore rely on those who care about the future of our sport to support efforts in this area.”
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Changes
Racing’s news in a nutshell
People and business Paddy Power Betfair
Bookmaker fined £2.2 million by the Gambling Commission after investigation finds it failed to stop stolen money being gambled.
Down Royal
Racecourse’s future appeared in doubt but owners Merrion Property Group say it is committed to racing continuing.
Charlie Deutsch
Jockey finishes second on comeback ride at Huntingdon having spent two and a half months in prison for driving offences.
Richard Johnson
Partners his 3,500th winner in Britain and Ireland on He’s A Goer at Warwick on September 25.
Daniel Muscutt
Jockey suffers broken bone in his neck, a broken rib and several broken vertebrae after a fall at Chelmsford in October.
Yutaka Take
Legendary Japanese jockey rides his 4,000th winner on Meisho Kazuhime at Hanshin.
Henry Spiller
William Hill
Barry Gibson
Former board member at William Hill, Playtech and bwin succeeds Roger Devlin as Chairman of SIS.
Moves from Saville House to Sackville House Stables in Newmarket – his first runner from his new base, Kamra, is a winner.
Philip Hide
Betting tax
Trevor Whelan
Announces decision to sell its 82 racecourse betting pitches to focus on its on-course betting shops.
Former trainer and jockey begins new role as trainee Clerk of the Course at Fontwell and Brighton.
Chris Dwyer
Trainer calls time on 23-year career having sent out almost 400 winners, including talented Listed-winning miler Mia’s Boy.
Rate of betting tax in Ireland is doubled to 2%, which causes concern to independent betting shops, with the prospect of closures.
Sky Sports Racing
Will be the exclusive TV home of French racing for British and Irish racing fans from January 1.
Rider fractures left ankle after being unseated from his winner Rockesbury at Chester.
Breon Corcoran
Former Chief Executive of Paddy Power Betfair is appointed to the same position with WorldRemit, a money transfer company.
People obituaries Chris Hinson 71
Graham Shiel 76
Jean Heming 78
Sam Morshead 63
Sir Charles Lowther 72
Rick Violette 65
Former long-time head lad to Ed Dunlop whose career also took in spells with Paul Kelleway, Alex Scott and Godolphin.
Margaret Findlay 86
Official joint-owner of outstanding chaser Denman – son Harry was often seen at the races watching the Findlay horses.
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Champion trainer in South Africa four times, she said her best horse was Roland’s Song, dual winner of the Summer Cup.
Former Chairman of Bangor racecourse, he was a steward in the north-west for many years, also working at Haydock.
Racehorse owner who ran a printing business, he won the 1984 County Hurdle at Cheltenham with Hill’s Guard.
Successful jump jockey was later the driving force behind Perth racecourse, where he was General Manager for 21 years.
New York trainer who won this year’s Grade 1 Whitney Stakes with Diversify. In all he won 36 Grades races since 1977.
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Changes
Racehorse and stallion
Movements and retirements
Bateel
Group 1-winning daughter of Dubawi suffers career-ending injury and is retired to Al Asayl Racing’s broodmare band.
James Garfield
High-class son of Exceed And Excel, a Group 2-winning two-year-old, is retired and will start his stallion career at Rathbarry Stud.
Rajasinghe
Winner of the 2017 Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot in record time for a juvenile will stand at the National Stud next year.
Harry Angel
Top-class sprinting son of Dark Angel, winner of the July Cup and Sprint Cup, will stand at Darley’s Dalham Hall next year.
Chautauqua
Six-time Group 1 winner is retired aged eight after failing a stalls trial at Moonee Valley.
Poet’s Word
This year’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes and King George hero is retired – the son of Poet’s Voice will stand at Nunnery Stud in 2019.
Cockney Rebel
Washington DC
Unfortunately
Dylan Mouth
Batsford Stud recruits stallion, a dual Classic winner in 2007, for the 2019 breeding season.
Son of Society Rock, winner of the 2017 Group 1 Prix Morny, is retired to take up stallion duties at Cheveley Park Stud in 2019.
Fast son of Zoffany, winner of the 2015 Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, will stand at Bearstone Stud next year.
Three-time Group 1 winner will start stallion career at Worsall Grange Stud in North Yorkshire, aimed at the National Hunt market.
Lancaster Bomber
Group 1 winner by War Front is retired and will stand at the National Stud in 2019; his fee is £8,500.
Tasleet
Group 2-winning son of Showcasing is retired to join Shadwell’s roster at Nunnery Stud.
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Won the Queen Mother Champion Chase and King George VI Chase for owner Jim Lewis and trainer Henrietta Knight.
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Take Cover
Dual Group 2-winning sprinter whose Beverley Bullet triumph in September was his 15th career win is retired aged 11.
Horse obituaries Creevytennant 14
Stable stalwart for Fergal O’Brien who loved racing from the front on righthanded tracks, winning nine races under rules
Bentelimar 9
Talented chaser for Charlie Longsdon’s stable, winning the Red Rum Handicap Chase at April’s Grand National meeting.
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The Big Picture
Too Darn Hot
Sizzling Hot Too Darn Hot preserved his unbeaten record with a decisive success in the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket under Frankie Dettori. The son of Dubawi, trained by John Gosden for owner-breeders Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber, is now antepost favourite for next year’s 2,000 Guineas and Derby. Photo George Selwyn
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The Big Picture
Brave as a Lion Having proved his brilliance at ten furlongs on quick ground this season, Roaring Lion was asked a very different question in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on QIPCO British Champions Day, over the straight Ascot mile on soft going. The Qatar Racing-owned son of Kitten’s Joy vindicated trainer John Gosden’s decision to drop back in distance with another outstanding performance under regular pilot Oisin Murphy, storming home to collar long-time leader Century Dream (partially obscured) then hold off the late challenge of I Can Fly. Photo George Selwyn
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QIPCO British Champions Day
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The Big Picture Clarehaven stars shine John Gosden enjoyed a wonderful treble on QIPCO British Champions Day as he celebrated his third trainers’ title. Gosden is pictured below with his trophy, flanked by brilliant Champion Stakes victor Cracksman (right) and outstanding stayer Stradivarius, winner of the Long Distance Cup. Aidan O’Brien was on the mark with Magical, who saw off the Gosden-trained Coronet in the Filly & Mare Stakes (right) while Sands Of Mali provided Richard Fahey with a Group 1 triumph in the Sprint under Paul Hanagan for the Cool Silk Partnership, defeating Harry Angel by a length. Photos George Selwyn
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QIPCO British Champions Day
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The Big Picture
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Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Fabulous fillies fight out Arc finish The fairer sex have a tremendous recent record in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and that trend continued this year, as the Paris showpiece returned to Longchamp after two years at Chantilly. Khalid Abdullah’s Enable, victorious in the 2017 Arc, had just one all-weather run leading into the race but showed her class with a determined display under Frankie Dettori, holding off the late challenge of Sea Of Class and James Doyle to gain the verdict by a short neck. Photo George Selwyn
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From The Archives
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Fifty Dollars More on November 13, 1982
Dollars finds more Some racing folk still call what is now the BetVictor Gold Cup the Mackeson, a point of reference that takes you straight to Cheltenham in mid-November. In 1982, 11 went to post for the famous twoand-a-half-mile handicap chase, the market headed by Wayward Lad at 9-4. Artifice and Observe were 9-2 joint-second favourites, but while Observe’s trainer Fred Winter was to win the race, it was not to be through him. Observe and John Francome fell three fences out, leaving Artifice and Peter Scudamore in a clear lead, and being pursued by Observe’s stablemate Fifty Dollars More, sent off an 11-1 chance. The favourite Artifice looked all over the winner jumping the last (below) but, despite flashing his tail, Fifty Dollars More came with a strong run under Richard Linley to snatch the prize by a head. Linley is pictured in the famous winner’s enclosure with Vince Brooks (centre), who had been Pendil’s lad in the 1970s, and Winter’s long-serving travelling head lad, Mick Cullen. Photos George Selwyn
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Tony Morris
Why it’s too darn risky to count your chickens M
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y life changed in several respects in 1963. I left school, I started to work as a trainee sub-editor at the Press Association in Fleet Street, and I quit Devon to make a new home in a sleepy Kent village called Longfield. Longfield did not have a lot to recommend it. It had a long Main Road, where I resided at No. 193, but the roads off it were nothing to write home about, and I suppose its main virtue was that its station, on the Gillingham line, offered commuters access to London in less than an hour. Times have changed, and it even has a Waitrose now. But for a teenage racing enthusiast in 1963 there was something that made Longfield special. The next village, to the west, was Southfleet, not a place renowned in racing lore, I grant, but it was where Fred Winter’s horses called home. And his gallops passed from Southfleet through Longfield, providing a stiff test against the collar, along the top of the hill behind my home. No, I don’t mean the Fred Winter who became a champion as a rider and trainer over jumps. I mean his father, who had ridden Cherimoya to victory in the Oaks on her racecourse debut in 1911, and who had trained at several different bases before he wound up at Southfleet in the 1940s. You could
Snow Knight: another reminder, in 1974, when he won the Derby at 50-1, that what happens at two does not always repeat at three
misdial Fred at any time after that and reach my aunt Elsie; she was at Longfield 2251 and Fred was at Longfield 2252. Fred was in his last season at Southfleet and would be operating from a yard in Newmarket’s Bury Road from 1964. But meanwhile he was training the best juvenile who ever passed through his hands. This raw kid dialled 2252 to beg an opportunity to see that colt at home, and I will never forget the moment when head lad Les Edmeades unlatched a box door and proudly introduced me to ‘the best two-year-old in England.’ That colt was Showdown, who was rated 1lb below Talahasse on official ratings, the assessment reflecting the outcome of their meeting at Ascot in May, but Showdown’s subsequent performances, which included an impressive victory in the Middle Park Stakes, gave Timeform licence to make him the champion, 3lb better than Talahassee. Racehorses of 1963 summed up: ‘We have no doubt at all that Showdown will stay a mile, and we think he is fully entitled to be the winter favourite for the 2,000 Guineas.’ Showdown failed to win in five efforts as a three-year-old. He did start favourite for the Guineas, but could manage only fourth place, and it was not until he was four years old that he was able to win races over a mile, one of them being the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. It was disappointing that I never got to see him in action when he was at his best, but I derived enormous pleasure from the Infatuation colt’s subsequent achievements as a sire in Australia, where he headed the list on two occasions and got accomplished stock over a wide range of distances. Showdown played a role in my education, teaching me to be sceptical about two-year-old form as a guide to what might occur when the crop turned three. Similar lessons followed over the next three years. Double Jump seemed a legitimate star as a juvenile, but the haemorrhage he suffered when suffering his first defeat in the Middle Park was sufficiently severe to ensure that he never ran again. Young Emperor, so brilliant at Ascot and York at two, ran only three times in his second season and failed to win again. Bold Lad, the most exciting two-year-old of 1966, retained his unbeaten record on his first start at three, but could not win again in four subsequent efforts. The crop foaled in 1965 were altogether different. There was general agreement that the best juvenile colts were Sir Ivor, Vaguely Noble and Petingo, and all three were among Europe’s stellar performers in their second season. That was how things were supposed to be. Ribofilio and Right Tack were the outstanding colts among the two-year-olds of 1968, and both featured prominently again at three. Right Tack did so by virtue of Guineas triumphs at Newmarket and the Curragh, Ribofilio by starting favourite for four Classics and winning none of them. Nijinsky was a monster at two, and nobody doubted that he would dominate again at three. He duly delivered on that promise with a Triple Crown, and we still await a replication of the feat. The 1970 Free Handicap for two-year-olds had My Swallow, Mill Reef and Brigadier Gerard in the top three places, and all
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The man you can’t ignore three contested the 2,000 Guineas, finishing respectively third, second and first. Mill Reef was never beaten again and the Brigadier suffered a single defeat as a four-year-old. One year when just about everyone misjudged matters was 1973. The immaculately-bred Apalachee won all three of his races at two, persuading all and sundry that he was far and away the best of his crop. He had looked good in two widemargin victories on the Curragh, but he topped those performances with an impressive display in the Observer Gold Cup, defeating France’s best youngster, Mississippian, by two lengths, with the rest ten or more lengths back. After that I was telling anyone who would listen that we were going to see another Triple Crown winner in 1974. The Racehorses annual rated him 137 – an outlandish figure for a juvenile. There was never a better example in racing of the adage about seeing something that looks too good to be true. Apalachee trotted up in the Gladness Stakes on his reappearance at three, allowing us to believe that his victory in the Guineas was more certain than ever. But what happened at Newmarket? Having started at 4-9, the son of Round Table found nothing when asked to quicken and finished a wellbeaten third. The race was won by Nonoalco, who had been defeated by Mississipian in the Grand Criterium. We never saw Apalachee on a racecourse again. The Derby was won by Snow Knight, who had been beaten more than 20 lengths when a labouring eighth of ten in the Observer Gold Cup, and was allowed to start at 50-1 at Epsom. Rarely did so many read racing’s runes so wrongly. I vowed then never to accept an apparently outstanding
“Showdown taught me to be sceptical about twoyear-old form as a guide to what might occur” display by any two-year-old as a guarantee that he or she would excel in the following season, but there have been occasions when I’ve failed to follow that rule. I seem to recall making a fool of myself over Tromos in 1978. I had seen him finish third, when not fully wound up, on his debut at Doncaster and made a note to follow his progress. Only 12 days later he won the Clarence House Stakes at Ascot by a long-looking ten lengths, and three weeks after that he made all the running in what seemed a competitive renewal of the Dewhurst; nothing got close enough to mount a challenge and he won as he liked. I rashly predicted great things for the colt, who was bred for greatness and had to be better at three. He was by Busted, an old favourite of mine and a successful sire, and he was the third foal and third gifted winner out of Stilvi, a very speedy filly in her day. What happened was a debacle even worse than Apalachee. Tromos finished second of three at long odds-on in the Craven Stakes, fell sick with a virus, and was never seen in public again. In 2018 we have seen a truly outstanding two-year-old in Too Darn Hot, clear leader of his generation and, to all appearances, sure to train on. I shall make no predictions in his case.
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The Howard Wright Column
New tote team face hard sell to punters G
olden goose, silver bullet or bronze medal: the shiny new era being predicted – by some – for British horseracing’s tote-betting operation has a myriad possible outcomes. It could yet be a place among the alsorans, which pool betting has occupied since the day Winston Churchill had his brainwave to break the fixed-odds monopoly exactly 90 years ago, but for the moment the mood among those dedicated to change is one of optimism. Crunch time has already been reached, since the last day of October marked the end of a four-month standstill agreement for Britbet, representing 55 racecourses, and Alizeti, which has taken a 25% stake in existing operator Betfred and wants more, to reach a deal on a post-exclusive licence arrangement. But are the new bedfellows entitled to be optimistic, or are they merely whistling in the wind, hoping for the right gust to blow them in an upward direction? Untold investment has already been made in a short time, with Britbet dipping into their racecourse partners’ back pockets to pay for fresh-as-paint branding, technology and machinery, and Alizeti assembling a management team of high-flyers on impressive salaries. More, much more, will be needed. The portents can be viewed in two ways. Followers of the glass-half-empty theory will point to a history of apathy among the mass of punters towards tote betting in Britain, where fixed odds have traditionally beaten pools by around 96-4 in percentage terms. Devotees of the glass-half-full premise will say the only way is up. To different degrees both are right, but heed the words of Paul Cross, General Manager for International Business Development at Tabcorp, Australia’s biggest operator. They run a mixed economy involving horses, greyhounds, sports and virtuals, where fixed-odds are taking over from the traditional staple of pool betting.
Can Britbet and Alizeti make pool betting more attractive to punters in Britain?
Speaking at the European Pari-Mutuel Association forum in Paris on the eve of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, he said: “Young people don’t get tote betting.” And that observation came at a meeting set up by a pool-betting body, in a country where tote punters hold the majority interest, and at an event, like many before it, whose focus was to unlock ways of attracting new followers. Clearly, delivering the brand message to fresh and reinvigorated audiences, whatever name Britbet and Alizeti conjure up for their tote operation, will not be easy. Still, whatever the future, and provided Fred Done has not thrown all his toys out of the pram in frustration before these observations appear, there are positives to be taken from the situation.
“Are the new bedfellows entitled to be optimistic, or are they merely whistling in the wind, hoping for the right gust?” For starters, it will end the acrimony and argument that has festered in the background since Betfred’s exclusive licence expired. Britbet versus Betfred; Racecourse Media Group versus At The Races over the future of their GBI arrangement; BHA directors and others against their Chairman: so many squabbles, so many bruises, and only a modicum of common sense and common purpose. Perhaps more importantly, responsibility for the future of pool betting – at least on track – will rest entirely with the racecourses, whichever flag of convenience they have decided to fly. No longer will they and their associates be able to blame anyone else for the supposed shortcomings of the Tote. The argument over inadequate returns for British racing owes much to a feeling held for many decades that the sport has been short-changed and could have done better with ‘its own people’ running the business. That is a false argument, based largely on wishful thinking. Take the last seven years, for example. Betfred paid £265m for the Tote, a large chunk of which the government handed to The Racing Foundation. The promise of delivering £65m in direct contributions has been exceeded by £23m, while more than £289m has been paid in media rights and over £80m in levy, with a grand total of £457m finding its way into racing directly or indirectly from the Tote. The facts should not be underestimated. However, that is the past. The future is in British racing’s hands. Let’s see what sort of fist it makes of the opportunity.
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View Fr m Ireland
McGoldrick era at an end Dr Adrian McGoldrick gets a deserved guard of honour from riders, many of whom he will have helped over the years, especially after the falls that are part and parcel of a jump jockey’s existence, highlighted below by David Mullins CAROLINE NORRIS
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oncussion awareness in Irish jockeys remains Dr Adrian McGoldrick’s top priority as the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Body’s Chief Medical Officer prepares to end his 11-year term in January. Last month Dr Jennifer Pugh was announced as Dr McGoldrick’s successor, described by the present chief as an “exceptional candidate”, having come through a rigorous vetting progress to better nine other applicants for the position McGoldrick has grown inexorably. What he has not achieved would be easier to list; from studies on jockeys’ bone density and dehydration, to improving racecourse nutrition, aiding helmet improvements, recognising mental health issues, and creating the invaluable Jockey Pathway initiative – McGoldrick’s influence on the Irish racing industry has reached every corner. However, with two months left on his term, more is to come. Top of his list when he began in 2008 was concussion. McGoldrick wanted to improve detection, reporting and awareness of concussion. He sees an average of 20-22 concussion patients per year from 1,600 falls, and progress has been made on educating jockeys, but a recent study shows more work is needed. He said: “More information needs to go out on concussion to the riders. We did a study on the riders earlier this year, and in spite of us sending them leaflets on concussion with their licences, and having posters up in the weighing rooms, the general consensus is that riders still don’t have a full understanding of what concussion is – and when they should report it, particularly when it occurs on a nonracing day when we’re not there to pick it up.” Research conducted by Siobhan O’Connor in conjunction with Dublin City University, University of Limerick, and Waterford Institute of Technology found that 32% of amateur and 20% of professional riders interviewed, who had never been medically diagnosed with concussion, suspected they had in fact sustained concussion. Despite displaying good knowledge of concussion signs, one in two of the jockeys questioned said they would
continue to ride out the same day, 86% because they thought concussion was not serious, 84% because they did not want to lose a ride, and 74% because they saw not riding as a sign of weakness. McGoldrick has also been working on a medical officers’ guidebook, due to be published this month, to be used as a template for all medical officers operating at Irish racecourses, and in light of the cardiac arrest suffered by French jockey Thomas Stromboni in September, he also intends to upgrade racecourse medical bags. He explained: “Another important thing that we’ve been working on for the last four or five years is the racecourse medical officers’ handbook, which pulls together all the rules of racing and the clinical practice guidelines. That will be a handbook for all doctors involved in racing both on general racecourses and at point-to-points. “We have cardiac drugs available on the racecourse, but we keep them for the public on the basis that you are more likely to need them there, but after that accident in Paris I am going to put them out on the track as well. “We’ve had one cardiac arrest in the 11 years I’ve been a senior medical officer and that was an older gentleman at Punchestown about eight years ago, so the chances are very slim, but you just have to cover all eventualities.” It will be a busy two months for McGoldrick, but after the rush will come
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By Jessica Lamb the calm. He will still act as racecourse doctor at the Curragh, Naas and Punchestown, and run his GP practice, but he won’t be using his annual holidays to go racing any more – and he might even turn off his mobile phone. “I’ve never turned my phone off in 11 years so to be able to turn it off will be unique,” he said. “It’ll be nice on the weekend and not to have to have it in my pocket in the garden, or doing bits around the house. It’s been part of the job. You have to have responsibility – it goes with the job – and you know what you’re letting yourself in for.” Dr Pugh knows this too, and has already begun shadowing McGoldrick to ensure a seamless handover in January, when her predecessor feels she will enjoy a smoother start than he did. McGoldrick said: “She has been working with racing for the last seven or
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eight years. She’s probably more au fait with racing than I was, because when I took up the role I had been working only on the Flat. She has been working with National Hunt, and is an ex-National Hunt rider herself, so her knowledge of racing is exceptional. I think she will slot very easily into the new job.” McGoldrick purposefully had no input in the final decision but he expressed his approval in no uncertain terms. “Jennifer is an exceptional candidate and I think she’ll do a superb job,” he said. “Anyone who has spoken to her can see how excited she is. There are lots of things I wouldn’t have thought of that she will think of, and I will certainly be there to support her whenever I can. “But she will be the boss. It has to be very clear where the line is when she takes over. She has to have total autonomy.”
“I’ve never turned my phone off in 11 years. It’s been part of the job” Pugh has acted as a point-to-point medical officer since 2003 and has been responsible for the provision of doctors at Punchestown since 2012, when she first joined the Turf Club, now the IHRB. In 2010 she began acting as a GP in Kildare, just like McGoldrick, and in the 2008-09 season she took the Lady Point-to-Point Champion title, having held a qualified riding licence from 1999-2012. Of her appointment, Pugh said: “It is a privilege to succeed Dr Adrian McGoldrick under whose tenure the IHRB has become an international leader for rider health and safety standards. “I’m thrilled. I don’t want to say it’s a dream job in case that comes back to bite me down the line, but having been involved in the sport for so long, being able to combine my hobby and my sport with my job is something very few people get to do in medicine.” Of McGoldrick, she added: “He’s an amazing man and he’s certainly leaving the position in very good health. He’s continuing to push right up until the end of this year and because he has worked so hard, it’s a nice time to take over the position.” The core of her role before was responsibility at point-to-points, and, due to McGoldrick’s work, that will continue. As of last year, the IHRB doctor is now appointed to the point-topoints, one doctor at each event provided by the IHRB and one by the managing hunt. “Point-to-points have been very good to me,” she said. “Both from a riding point of view and being able to get involved at some level as an amateur. I’ve worked in point-to-points since I qualified so I learnt a huge amount at grassroots level about this job.” She has been involved in point-topoints her whole life, her sister Jackie Kidd also riding, and her husband Richard Pugh, having digitalised entries among a host of revolutionary moves, through his website P2P.ie.
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Continental Tales
Checking in at Horse Hotel Holland HOLLAND
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n the track, Holland may not play much of a role in Europe’s racing industry – the one and only active Dutch racecourse at Duindigt is completely dominated by trotting and stages barely 30 Flat races a year. But The Netherlands does host many hundreds of thoroughbreds as they are transported via Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. If a racehorse does ship out of Schiphol, there’s every chance that it will make a visit to Horse Hotel Holland, a purpose-built equine transit station run by the husband and wife team of Bart and Jolanda Hulsebos. It is here, for instance, that Ed Walker’s Stormy Antarctic stayed for four days when the plane meant to be taking him to Toronto for the Woodbine Mile developed a fault. The extended visit seemed to do him no harm as, despite touching down in Canada only just in time to clear quarantine before race time, he ran a blinder to finish third, less than two lengths behind the four-time Grade 1 scorer Oscar Performance. Horse Hotel Holland is situated hard up against the Marketsmeer, a giant freshwater reservoir or inland lake that is used as a buffer against flooding and drought. From the front gates you could just cross the road and hop up the dyke and you would be in the water. Its rustic location belies the fact that it is just 15 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam, or 25 minutes from the airport. Facilities include plenty of isolation units, ensuring that different shipments don’t come into contact with each other, plus a solarium, indoor lunging ring and horsewalker, 11 sand paddocks and 20 hectares of grazing. Established in 2006, it has accommodation for 13 grooms, providing them with a hearty breakfast if required, though other food outlets are easily accessed via public transport or using HHH’s car or bicycles, which are provided free of charge. Most importantly of all, HHH is certified to export horses to more than 30 different countries and can guarantee that its guests leave with all their required paperwork in order. “We endeavour to give the horses the best care you could ask for – exclusive accommodation,” Jolanda explains. “We treat all the horses the same, be they Toast Of New York or a riding horse worth no
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There are plenty of facilities and all just 15 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam
more than €2,000. “We employ five full-time staff plus our daughter, Denise, and find that our modern facilities and quiet location help keep the horses calm, comfortable and relaxed. “Racehorses account for 40% of our business and on average we have around 50 horses on site but no two days are the same – some days we are totally empty and others we are totally full. At one point last winter, all 78 of our boxes were occupied – I even had to move my own horses out to stay with a neighbour to make sure we could fit everybody in! “It was during the snow and some of the grooms that had arrived from warmer climates were caught out by the cold – but I was happy to give them extra clothes and
help with their laundry. “The number of grooms travelling with horses varies enormously, too – we have been known to have one horse with four grooms, on other occasions 40 horses might turn up with just two grooms and lots of horses come without a groom at all. “If the grooms are staying here they can check up on their charges via closed circuit television. I am also very willing to send photos of horses to their owners while they are here – anything to make them happy and let them know that their horses are comfortable.” Like many people, I find the constant hustle and bustle makes airport terminals and hotels pretty stressful places. But I quite like the sound of a stay at Horse Hotel Holland. I’ll just have to find a four-legged friend to accompany me!
Schiphol airport is only 25 minutes from Horse Hotel Holland
Rivalry that will keep running FRANCE The Prix de Maisons-Laffitte, a Grade 3 hurdle at Auteuil on September 29, provided the latest episode in a remarkable ongoing duel between two geldings who see so much of each other, both on and off the track, they could become the equine equivalent of Ant and Dec. The horses in question are Tunis and Master Dino, compadres in the 200-strong string of France’s champion jumps trainer Guillaume Macaire. Since joining the Royanbased maestro, they have each raced on 15 occasions, going up against each other no less than 12 times. Now, Kauto Star and Denman were famed for their friendly rivalry while occupying neighbouring boxes at Paul
Nicholls’ yard, but they only crossed swords four times, including in consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups. What is more, though the warring stablemates are yet to be crowned genuine champions like the Nicholls duo, at the age of four they have the potential to do exactly that. Even now they are both seriously high-class performers, with career bankrolls each topping the half a million euro mark. Master Dino has come out on top in just four of their 12 meetings. But that includes their two most recent clashes and, as the only Grade 1 winner of the duo (in last November’s Prix Cambaceres), he has slightly superior earnings. Kauto Star and Denman kept taking each other on up until the age of 11 – should Macaire’s pair enjoy such
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By James Crispe, IRB
New ground but unsuitable ground
Gordon Lord Byron gave his all at Velka Chuchle but rain turned the going against him
has recently turned an old military base just outside Prague into one of the world’s biggest manufacturing units for the production of vaccines against the likes of rubella and ebola. “The course at Velka Chuchle was fine, and the hospitality was good – I would be happy to go back. It was just a pity that it rained the night before, leaving the ground good to soft and loose on top, which didn’t suit Gordon.” One aspect of the race that did leave a rather sour taste was the draw. The three foreign-trained contenders in a 16-strong line-up (Gordon Lord Byron plus the two
APRH
The magnificent veteran Gordon Lord Byron, still going strong approaching the age of 11, broke new ground on September 22 when becoming the first British- or Irish-trained horse to run at Velka Chuchle in Prague. The reason for his visit was the fourth running of the European Jockeys Cup (EJC) and in particular the EJC Leram Million, a seven-furlong contest worth almost £35,000 to the winner. Trained in County Tipperary by Tom Hogan, the Byron gelding gained another stamp in his passport to go alongside the UAE, Australia, Hong Kong and Qatar (where he is set to return next February) and looked the likely winner when hitting the front passing the quarter mile pole. But the energy he had been forced to expend coming around the outside of a big field from his high draw soon took its toll and he had to settle for the £6,000 cheque on offer for fifth place. Victory went to the home-trained Troizilet, owned by the race sponsors and a useful performer at this trip – he was only just touched off in a big handicap on Arc day in Paris a fortnight later. Giving his thoughts on the sortie, Hogan said: “We sent Gordon over there because one of his owners, Dr Poonawalla,
GEORGE SELWYN
CZECH REPUBLIC
Master Dino (left) and Tunis are stablemates and keep each other company on track too
longevity and continue to hook up at their current rate, they will meet 54 times before they retire! Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend at the revamped ParisLongchamp proved
to be an absolute bonanza for cross-Channel raiders. Each of the eight British triumphs over the course of 48 hours was worth at least £100,000 to its winner and total earnings for the two days
Germans, Julio and Shining Emerald) were allocated stalls 14, 15 and 16. The odds against that happening by accident are astronomical – the winner, by contrast, was ideally housed in stall six. As Hogan said, with a chuckle: “I wouldn’t mind letting the draw officials buy my lottery tickets.” The jockeys’ competition was an admirable venture, attracting contestants from 16 different jurisdictions including Greece, Cyprus, Qatar, Panama and Portugal. It was won for the second time by the Kazakh-born former Czech champion Bauyrzhan Murzabayev.
reached an incredible £4.98 million, mainly thanks to Enable and Sea Of Class fighting out the finish in the Arc itself. Add the third prize of £29,630 achieved by the Ed Walker-trained Indian Blessing in the First Lady Stakes at Keeneland in Kentucky, and October 6 and 7 will go down in the history of British racing as the first weekend when over £5 million of overseas prize-money was plundered. The poor quality of the current crop of Gallic juveniles gives a strong indication that Britain’s domination in France could continue into next season. No fewer than 11 of the first 15 two-year-old Pattern races run in France this year have fallen prey to British raiders and, running into the Arc meeting, five of the six most recent two-year-old Listed prizes had also been exported through the Eurotunnel.
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The first son of a 6-time US Champion Turf Sire at stud in Europe:
KITTEN’S JOY BOBBY’S KITTEN ONLY 3YO EVER to win Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint EXCEPTIONAL FIRST FOALS 2018
The first son of a great Champion at stud:
SEA THE STARS SEA THE MOON Sensational 11 length German Derby winner; Champion 3yo and Horse of the Year A leading European First Season sire in 2018 with 13 individual first crop winners including 2 Group 3 winners (to 24/10)
The last representative of his sire line at stud in the UK and Ireland:
MILL REEF SIR PERCY Unbeaten Champion 2YO & Derby Winner A Stakes sire again in 2018 2018 yearlings have so far made up to €210,000 info@lanwades.com • www.lanwades.com • Tel: +44 (0)1638 750222 • Fax: +44 (0)1638 751186
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The independent option TM
25/10/2018 17:45
Around The Globe
The Worldwide Racing Scene
Dirt direction proves success NORTH AMERICA By Steve Andersen
GEORGE SELWYN
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imon Callaghan moved from Newmarket to southern California in the winter of 2009 with a small stable consisting mostly of turf runners. For his first three years in the United States, Callaghan won 17 stakes races, all on turf, until Byrama won the Grade 1 Vanity Handicap on dirt at Hollywood Park in 2013. Fast forward five years and the picture has changed remarkably. Callaghan’s 39-horse stable is equally effective in stakes on turf and dirt, and has had its greatest success of late with two-year-old fillies racing on dirt. For the last two years, Callaghan has swept the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante and the Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita, with Moonshine Memories in 2017 and Bellafina this year. Moonshine Memories finished seventh as the favourite in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar last November. Bellafina will be faniced to win the same race at Churchill Downs on November 2. While the build-up to the Juvenile Fillies will be familiar, Callaghan is highly optimistic for a different outcome in the $2 million race this year with Bellafina, who has won three stakes events by a combined 15 lengths. The closest margin in those races was four and a quarter lengths. “The filly is getting better,” Callaghan said on a recent morning at Santa Anita. “Physically, we’ve seen a bit of a change. I do believe she’s a very good filly.” A win in the Juvenile Fillies would secure a first ever Eclipse championship for a Callaghan-trained runner. Callaghan trained Abel Tasman at the start of 2017, but the filly was transferred by her owners to Bob Baffert in the spring of that year. Abel Tasman was later named the champion three-year-old filly of 2017. The development of fillies such as Moonshine Memories, who has raced primarily in sprints this year, and Bellafina reflect the changes Callaghan’s stable needed to thrive in the United States. There are not enough racing opportunities in southern California to have a strictly turf-oriented stable. In addition, there is too much prize-money, and interest from clients, to not be fully involved in dirt races.
Simon Callaghan has adapted approach
“The key is to have a balanced stable. I’m still fond of a nice turf horse” Up to October 4, Callaghan had won seven stakes this year – four on dirt and three on turf. “The key is to have a balanced stable,” Callaghan said. “I’m still fond of getting the European horses and a nice turf horse.” Callaghan’s runners had earned $2.16 million through October 4, short of his 2017 personal best of $2,842,167. There is ample time in the coming months to surpass that milestone. Callaghan had won 26 races up to October 4, 16 of them on dirt. In this decade, Callaghan has had nine starters in Breeders’ Cup races, with his best finish a third with Taris in the 2015 Filly & Mare Sprint. Moonshine Memories and Bellafina are two of the three Grade 1 winners for the stable this year. American Gal won the Grade 1 Humana Distaff for female
sprinters at Churchill Downs in May. The four-year-old filly was retired in September and will be bred in 2019. American Gal and Bellafina are owned by Kaleem Shah, who has worked closely with Callaghan in recent years since parting with Baffert. Shah and Baffert won the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic with Bayern. For Shah, Callaghan has been active at breeze-up sales. Shah bought Bellafina for $800,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Sale in March. Bellafina, who is by Quality Road, was second in a maiden special weight race at Los Alamitos on July 4, and won for the first time in her career in the Grade 2 Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar on August 5. Bellafina won the Del Mar Debutante by four and a quarter lengths, and the Chandelier Stakes by six and a half lengths, stalking the pace before taking a commanding lead early in the stretch. “She’s answered every question,” Callaghan said immediately after the Chandelier. “That’s what the good ones do. They’ve got the speed but they can also get the extra distance.” Aside from Shah, Callaghan has won races this year for owners such as Bridlewood Farms, the Coolmore partnership, Qatar Racing, Paul and Zillah Reddam, RAP Racing, the partnership of Slam Dunk Racing and Medallion Racing, and Arnold Zetcher. Zetcher initially kept horses with Callaghan in 2013 when he owned the filly Fashion Plate in partnership with Michael Tabor, who has supported Callaghan since the start of his American career. Fashion Plate won two Grade 1s for three-yearold fillies in early 2013 – the Las Virgenes Stakes and Santa Anita Oaks. That led Zetcher to continue on his own with Callaghan. In 2015, Firing Line was second in the Kentucky Derby to American Pharoah, Callaghan’s first starter in the historic race. Asked recently why he supported Callaghan, Zetcher was quick with an answer. “I can think of a reason in two words – Firing Line,” Zetcher said. Callaghan’s 39-horse stable may grow to include imports from Europe in coming months as the Flat season on turf ends in the UK. Callaghan said he is content with current numbers and does not have plans for widespread growth. “We want to keep quality,” Callaghan said.
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Around The Globe
McDonald putting ban behind him By Danny Power
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or someone born into a racing family in which both parents were jockeys, you would have thought James McDonald’s destiny was defined. However, the young McDonald had no interest in horses at all, despite the fact there were paddocks full of them on the family farm in New Zealand. Riding them was even more foreign to him. “I much preferred motorbikes and looking after our black Angus cows than have anything to do with horses,” he said. A riding lesson with mother Diane – and encouragement from father Brett – aged 11 changed all that. Within ten years, McDonald was a ‘rock star’ jockey with a flash car, luxury waterfront apartment at hip seaside venue Coogee in Sydney, and all the friends in the world. A few years later, and he’d signed a lucrative contract to become Godolphin’s number one Australian jockey – his phonebook included Sheikh Mohammed. He was the next big thing in Australian racing, and the world was his oyster. Unfortunately, McDonald shucked one too many oysters, and copped a bad one. During an investigation into the betting activities of a Sydney punter, Racing NSW stewards uncovered a connection to McDonald and produced evidence that the punter had placed a bet for McDonald on one of his rides at Randwick in 2015, which netted the jockey ‘pocket money’ of A$4,000. McDonald’s world crumbled. He’d just finished a spectacular Melbourne Spring Carnival in November 2016 when he was disqualified for 18 months. His contract with Godolphin was torn up and he found himself back in New Zealand in the same place he was as a freckled-faced boy – riding motorbikes and having nothing to do with horses. After a couple of failed appeals over the severity of his sentence, McDonald took his medicine. He didn’t wallow in self-pity, and it wasn’t long until he was travelling the world with partner, jockey Katelyn Mallyon, and enjoying life away from the rigours of race-riding. The closest he got to a horse was jostling with the other thousands of spectators watching the Palio de Siena. He didn’t use the time away to hone
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his skills, nor did he take much interest in what was happening on the track. “I didn’t really think about riding,” he said. “I just took a good break away from it.” McDonald returned in May. He admitted to concerns about how he would be received on his return, but any nervousness was replaced by the anticipation of returning to do what he loves. He soon discovered that people in racing are a very forgiving bunch. “I was just keen to get back in to it, and I’ve settled back into it really well,” he said. McDonald is riding as a freelance, riding out of Randwick, which is a short gallop from Coogee. Last season’s top jockey Hugh Bowman took a sojourn to ride in Japan, so McDonald was soon in keen demand by the leading trainers Chris Waller and Godolphin’s James Cummings. He said: “I’ve had a pretty good start to the season, leading the premiership by a long way. I’m enjoying riding as a freelance.” However, the biggest kick-along McDonald received was the result of a phone call from England shortly after he returned to riding; Charlie Hills was on the line, offering him rides at Royal Ascot.
GEORGE SELWYN
AUSTRALIA
James McDonald struck at Royal Ascot on Expert Eye
Along the way, he picked up the winning ride on Expert Eye in the Group 3 Jersey Stakes. The colt produced a career-best performance and McDonald believes the colt has a bright future. “The offer to go to England came out of the blue, it wasn’t on my radar,” he said. “The win on Expert Eye was a special win. It was a big boost, and he’s a very good horse, a Group 1 horse for the future.” Mallyon, who retired from riding shortly after McDonald returned to the saddle, was able to share the victory with him. “This is so special for James, he has come close to winning here before but for this to happen now, it’s just wonderful,” Mallyon told racing.com at Ascot. “The past 18 months have been tough but for this to happen just a month after his return puts all the bad times aside.” McDonald is no stranger to riding in England. He’s had two successful stints in the past. His record before this year was 25 winners from 141 rides, at a healthy strike-rate of 18.4%, although the 26-yearold has no immediate thoughts to ride there on a more permanent basis. “At this stage I’ll keep doing the same, riding there in short stints, but you never know what might happen,” he said. McDonald really enjoys riding in Britain and Ireland, and he appreciates the history of riding on some of the world’s most famous tracks, such as Ascot, and he said there is nothing comparable to riding in a race and riding work at Newmarket. “It’s completely different,” he said. “The lack of traffic makes the racing very clean. The tracks are in great order, compared to here, where there is a lot of racing on them.” McDonald said his time away from racing may have been a bittersweet pill to swallow. On the positive side, it has allowed him to freshen and fine-tune his maturing body. Manager Mark Guest has noticed a marked difference in him since his return. “He’s a lot more mature,” he said. “Before he went out he was on the top of his game and probably a bit of a lad. He’s back fit and very focused and doesn’t take anything for granted.” At the time of writing, McDonald hadn’t been able to add to his total of 23 Australian Group 1 wins since his return, but is sure to soon, and in any case that is of little concern to the jockey, who is simply happy to be back in the saddle. His time will come.
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Racing Life
Escape to the country After centuries of private ownership, Lucknam Park became a hotel only about 30 years ago. Perhaps that’s why it still feels so much like a home from home, writes Sarah Rodrigues
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eclusion is the first thing that springs to mind when we enter the gates of Lucknam Park: the driveway extends so far into the distance that the house is not even visible at its end, and the canopy of leaves, arching overhead and formed by the sentinel trees on either side of us, is so dense that Spitfires and Hurricanes were concealed beneath it during WWII. The fact that the house is surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens is another tick in the box of respite; even taking into account the other guests, that’s a lot of space - and, since the hotel comprises only 42 rooms, I think it’s perfectly reasonable that I should claim at least six acres for myself. To our right, the equestrian centre’s horses are grazing placidly on the autumn grass while ahead, the house itself - a symmetrical Palladian building of local Cotswold stone - is washed to a light gold in the afternoon sun. Here and there, the reddening leaves of creeper climb its walls and adorn its tower, while at ground level, a variety of well-tended shrubs and herbs add a more cautious dab of colour. Even without venturing out into the estate’s broader expanses, it’s easy to pass the time wandering through the gardens immediately surrounding the hotel, where manicured lawns are bordered by wildflowers and long grasses, and one passes through narrow gateways in stone walls to sit reading on benches in the sunshine, watched over by the unseeing eyes of a statue. Misshapen pears grow in a tangle up the brickwork, and tiny, hard apples gleam among twisted boughs. With our pockets full of fallen finds (who can resist such foraging?) it’s not surprising that inquisitive horses amble over to the fence when we go to observe them, although the fact that one sneezes wetly while we’re stroking its nose makes us relieved to have not shared our haul. The horses - there are 35 of them - are available for all levels, from child to adult and from absolute beginner to accomplished rider. As well as an allweather arena for jumping and dressage practice, there’s also a lunge arena plus, of course, all of the surrounding
The long driveway sets the scene for Lucknam Park’s grandeur Cotswold and Wiltshire countryside to explore, whether on horseback or on foot. Bicycles are also available to guests, with a network of trails throughout the estate, as well as nearby villages - such as picturesque Castle Combe, just a 20-minute ride away - in which to enjoy a wander and a pub lunch. Assuming, that is, that you can tear yourself away from the dining offerings
The estate’s equestrian centre is available to all levels of rider
at the hotel. Restaurant Hywel Jones has held a Michelin star since 2006; in this elegant setting, diners are able to choose from the à la carte or tasting menu, both of which place an emphasis on high quality and, where possible, locally sourced ingredients - including many from the as-local-as-it-gets kitchen garden. Long drapes and elaborate wallpaper contribute to a somewhat formal atmosphere which is ideal for special occasions; for a more relaxed ambience, guests can make for the Brasserie, where staff temper their seamless service with a touch of jocularity that’s as refreshing as it is welcoming. The menu features a range of ‘boat to plate’, ‘field to plate’ and ‘garden to plate’ choices, as well as pizzas and pastas; wines are reasonably priced and a request for beer, rather than an aperitif, is met readily and with knowledgeable recommendations. Perhaps it’s not surprising that a hotel with such gastronomic credentials would have a Cookery School within its grounds, but the range of courses it offers is, despite this, quite staggering. From ‘Glorious Game’ and ‘Best of British’ to ‘Handmade Chocolates’ and ‘Simple Bread’, there really is, to employ a hackneyed phrase, something for everyone. Adults with children are not
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Lucknam Park excluded, either, with classes aimed at family experience also on the calendar. In fact, there are several family-friendly aspects to Lucknam Park, ranging from the three-bedroom cottage with private garden, to the family play facility and, of course, the equestrian centre. The spa even offers ‘Little Miss’ treatments for those aged 8-16. The autumn temperatures in which our visit occurs make time in our suite - which features a luxurious marble bathroom, huge sofas, recliners and extravagant yet tasteful decor - something of a temptation, especially as we have wonderful views of the grounds from our first-floor windows. Nevertheless, the appeal of the downstairs areas is strong, with a stately yet welcoming library in which to lose oneself in a book, or in the drawing room, which leads directly out onto the gardens. Characterised by a low murmur of conversation, this room features chandeliers, floor to ceiling windows draped with brocade curtains, low lamps, huge sofas covered in rich upholstery and high-backed chairs clustered around low tables, plus an open fire, framed by an impressive marble fireplace. Several people around us are indulging in afternoon tea, but the warmth imbued by an excellently prepared cocktail better suits our purposes, and after two Old Fashioneds we are as relaxed as it’s possible to be. Or are we? We hadn’t, at this point, visited the ESPA spa which, set at the back of the hotel near The Brasserie, is open to both day visitors and hotel guests. The extensive treatment menu offers the usual suspects, including a range of facials and massages, but also several lesser-known options, like sunlight therapy and dry flotation, as well as Reiki, for guests who shy away from the disrobing usually required by a spa treatment. There’s also the 20-metre indoor swimming pool, along the edge of which loungers offer ample opportunity to read and snooze between lengths, as well as the hydrotherapy pool, which opens up to allow a swim-through to an outdoor infinity section, surrounded by a walled garden. In the cool afternoon temperatures, a fine gauze of steam rises from the warm water; the contrast between the warmth enveloping us and the chill on our faces is delicious. Lucknam Park is a member of both Relais & Chateaux and Pride of Britain. Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa Colerne, Chippenham SN14 8AZ W: lucknampark.co.uk T: 01225 742777
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Restaurant Hywel Jones has held a Michelin star since 2006
Cosy up with a book in the warmth of the library
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Lucknam’s Spa features a range of pools and treatment areas
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Racing Life
Wine
RAISE A GLASS
With its creamy, nutty flavour, Franciacorta could topple Prosecco from its perch, writes Sarah Rodrigues
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s winter approaches, many of us will be thinking of stocking up on bubbly whether Champagne or Prosecco - for the endless “cheers-ing” and celebrating that the festive season demands. Existing somewhere between the two forms of fizz, yet in a category uniquely its own, Franciacorta is, like Prosecco, Italian - yet, like Champagne, it has its second fermentation in the bottle, rather than the tank, involving the precise and costly hand-turning method called riddling. Like Champagne, too, is the fact that its name is both the region and the wine. And what a region - located in the heart of Lombardy - it is. In the Ice Age, glaciers descended and split, creating mineral-rich soils and forming a natural amphitheatre of small mountains around Lake Iseo, which blocks cold winds from the north and cools the warmer temperatures from the south. The resulting landscape is not only glorious to explore, but also inherently necessary for the production
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of the grapes - primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco - which are used to make this distinctive sparkler. The name Franciacorta derives from “francae curtes” - free courts - as it was declared to be exempt from duties after the arrival of the Cluniac monks in the 11th century. The suitability of the area for grape growing seems to have been noted early in the piece, with the Brescian doctor Geralamo Conforti writing in his 1570 book, ‘Libellus de vino mordaci’, of the region’s excellence in producing ‘mordacious’ - biting, nipping, effervescent - wines. Even so far back, people enjoyed quaffing a sparkler, yet the first bottle of the wine was corked only in 1961 by the Guido Berlucchi winery. This combination of rich history and relative newcomer status is a heady mix, not least because of the fact that tours of the wineries are often conducted by the owners and growers themselves, with deliciously informal - and just plain delicious - tasting sessions. Notably, there’s a thoroughly modern willingness to integrate sustainable practices, too. Recent initiatives have significantly reduced CO2 emissions, and systems for
natural cooling, wastewater recycling and natural energy derivation have also been employed. A consortium for the production and promotion of Franciacorta was created in 1990; five years later, in 1995, the wine obtained the status of Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), with around 5,400 acres of vineyards. Hand harvesting and soft pressing, to reduce contact with seed and stem, are two of the guiding principles. So too is slow ageing and maturation on the flavour-enhancing lees (the sediment of dried yeast and grape particles that has developed during fermentation) - 18 months is the minimum, but vintages and reserves age for 30 and 60 months, respectively. The result? A dizzying profusion of creamy bubbles, with lower acidity than Champagne and a toasty finish with hints of peach, apple and almond. Incredibly easy to drink, it’s ideal for daily celebrating. The largest range of Franciacorta wines is to be found on tannico.co.uk, but Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols, Ocado and Tesco also stock some varieties. www.franciacorta.net
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Italy
THREE THINGS With Franciacorta our fizz of choice this month, Sarah Rodrigues samples la dolce vita with a selection of Italian highlights
HEAVEN SCENT
Luxury fragrance house The Merchant of Venice have launched a new scent based on the exotic aromas of the Far East. Blue Tea, harnessing the delicate blue petals of the butterfly pea flower, commonly found in southeast Asia and used for the brewing of blue tea, represents the first time that this raw material has been used in a fragrance and traces its roots back to Marco Polo’s 13th century travels. “Our quest ... is to identify the aromas and fragrances which capture the spirit of distant travels and stories,” says Marco Vidal, founder of The Merchant of Venice, which has ten stand-alone boutiques in Italy. The brand launched in the UK in 2013, and can be found in Harrods, Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser. Blue Tea is bottled in white glass with a blue Chinoiserie design and retails for £180. themerchantofvenice.com
RICH FLAVOURS
Another beguiling fusion between Italy and the Orient comes by way of Cadello, a new premium spirit which claims to occupy a category all of its own. Created by Gruppo Cadoro GmbH, the drink combines eight ingredients from Italy and the old Chinese SIlk Route, which are infused, distilled and blended by master blenders Distilleria Pisoni, before
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being aged in French oak. The result? A drink of wonderful complexity and depth, with luxurious notes of star anise, chocolate and coffee, plus hints of hazelnut, mint and toffee. Available in 500ml bottles and coming in at 33% abv, the packaging nods to the product’s heritage, combining elements of a Venetian gondola with the number 88, which in Chinese culture symbolises fortune and joy. Best enjoyed over ice or in cocktails, Cadello is priced at £30. honestgrapes.co.uk
PIANO FORTE
Often controversial, but always visionary, architect Renzo Piano is celebrated at the Royal Academy of the Arts in a new exhibition called ‘Renzo Piano: The Art of Making Buildings’. Piano’s works can be seen across the globe, from Paris’ Pompidou Centre and The Shard in London, to the Whitney Museum in New York. He also designed much of the waterfront in his hometown of Genoa, Italy. Recently thrust into the spotlight by the tragic collapse of its Ponte Morandi Bridge in August, which killed 43 and left over 600 homeless, the architect has said he will design a new bridge which will honour the disaster. “When a bridge falls, it falls at least twice – it falls physically and it falls symbolically. So the reconstruction of the bridge is fundamental,” he said at the preview of the show, which features drawings and models of some of the architect’s most significant projects, and will run until January 20. royalacademy.org.uk
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Racing Life
Winter Sun
Warm, Welcome The nights are officially drawing in, causing more than a few of us to start thinking in terms of winter sun and where to find it, writes Sarah Rodrigues
choosing between tan-lines and treelines, the development is situated in a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve and offers views of both forest and sea. Large terraces from which to drink these in come as standard - drinking anything else is optional, but highly enjoyable. Taylorwimpeyspain.com
ANTIGUA
Antigua’s Curtain Bluff reopened on October 27 having undergone extensive refurbishment last year, which saw the resort entrance, restaurants, bar, lounge and reception area upgraded in a £10 million project. All Signature Suites had the addition of a private infinity-edge plunge pool, and there was a complete redesign of the Terrace Suite, which included new furnishings and a decadent spa bathroom. Wellness Concierge and Beach Concierge services were also introduced. With two beaches and dense tropical gardens, Curtain Bluff is consistently regarded as one of the best resorts and tennis centres in the world. and this year the resort is launching the new season with the Annabel Croft Perfect Match Tennis Week. Running from November 24 to December 1, it will give guests the opportunity to train daily with the tennis champion, whose professional successes
include representing Great Britain in the Fed Cup and the Wightman Cup. All rooms at Curtain Bluff have full ocean views and are priced from US$700 per night, based on two adults sharing on an all-inclusive basis, under which all meals, bar drinks and a range of watersports are covered. curtainbluff.com
SPAIN
When it comes to owning a place in the sun to which we can escape once the temperatures start dropping in the UK, the south of Spain has always been a strong choice. Taylor Wimpey’s La Floresta Sur development is conveniently located just 40 km from Malaga Airport and comprises a selection of two and three bedroom apartments near the village of Elviria and its lovely beach; it’s also only a short drive from two of the area’s best golf courses, La Cala and Santa Maria. Removing the difficulty of
MAURITIUS
Located along the golden sands of Belle Mare on the east coast of Mauritius, Long Beach Mauritius lays claim to 1.3 kilometres of its own pristine beach along a stretch of protected coral reef lagoon. It would be easy to sink into the temptation to completely relax, but there’s more than enough to keep guests off their sun lounger, with four swimming pools, nature trails through the vast tropical gardens and the only climbing wall in Mauritius. In addition, complimentary activities include windsurfing and water skiing on those glorious waters - or, for a different perspective, parasailing above them or snorkelling and scuba diving beneath. Golfers won’t want to miss the chance to play on the Bernhard Langer-designed golf course on Île aux Cerfs’, a leisure island which is just a day trip away. Prices at Long Beach Mauritius start from £224 per room per night, based on two sharing on a half-board basis. longbeachmauritius.com/en
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Grooming
TRUEFITT & HILL Men’s style expert Christopher Modoo has a close shave
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ruefitt & Hill is the oldest barber in the world and has been proudly offering its grooming services for well over two centuries - so come now, let’s not have any talk about men taking care of their appearance being a “modern” phenomenon or, worse still, “metrosexual”. Granted, the services and products it has offered to its customers since 1805 have been refined and improved and are anything but old fashioned. A trip to Truefitt & Hill is a most relaxing experience; as soon as you enter its fine establishment in St James’s Street, you are welcomed by a heady rush of all the fine fragrances it offers. Incidentally, its West Indian Limes scent is the best version of this famous fragrance; although others are available (and some are quite good), the T&H version is zesty and refreshing without being too sweet. The ultimate grooming experience is an absolute treat and a wonderful Christmas gift. As well as a top drawer haircut, you can experience either a proper wet shave or a beard trim, depending on your facial requirements. For the bearded gentleman, having an expert trim and shape of your beard is highly recommended. A full consultation will discover how you like your beard to look and how often you are prepared to maintain it. They will create a style that enhances your features and will also advise on how to keep it looking good between trips to the barbers. A traditional wet shave with a
cut throat razor is a treat, which will leave your skin feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. With both services, you will enjoy the numerous hot and cold towels that open and close pores and leave you thoroughly relaxed. Wet shaves are, of course, widely available
on the High Street - and some can be quite good - but Truefitt & Hill are the best and well worth the premium, with benefits that continue after the experience itself. Indeed, one of the nicest parts of having a professional shave is how you will find your beard grows better; you will find shaving a much more pleasant experience in the following weeks. As an exercise in time management, whilst you are having you hair, cheeks and neck taken care of, your hands will experience a manicure. Good clean hands were always and still are a sign of a gentleman and Truefitt & Hill will make your nails and hands clean and tidy. And - fear not! - although your nails will be slightly buffed, they do not advocate applying polish! Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Grooming Experience £175. 71 St James’s St London W1 www.truefittandhill.co.uk
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Racing Life
Gift Guide
The unwanted novelty sock is as traditional as arguing over board games and the Queen’s speech. Reinvent the tradition with this stunning box from The London Sock Company. £159 www.londonsockcompany.com
Men rarely wear ties these days so, when it is worn, make sure it’s a good one, like this Mogador from Gieves & Hawkes. £105 www.gievesandhawkes.com
This luxurious pure wool dressing gown is made from fox flannel. Available to order in a wide range of colours and designs. £750 www.gownsmith.com
A candle can seem like an unimaginative gift - unless, that is, it’s from cult Italian perfume house Acqua di Parma. £60 www.acquadiparma.com
This fine umbrella from Royal tailors Anderson & Sheppard has a wooden shaft for extra strength. £195 www.anderson-sheppard.co.uk
This man’s woollen scarf from Seaward & Stern will brighten up the dullest day £135 www.seawardandstern.com
These brass cufflinks from Alice Made This are contemporary but will still appeal to the classic gentleman. £245 www.alicemadethis.com
These men’s tweed leather gloves are ideal for bitter winter days £59.95 www.schoffelcountry.com
Fears watches is one of Britain’s oldest watch brands. Its iconic Brunswick model is elegant and sophisticated. £2,300 www.fearswatches.com
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Footwear
Boots To Suit F
inding the right boots can be tricky; the fit has to be just right. Too baggy in the calf and they resemble Wellington boots, but too slim and they will cut off circulation! Then, of course, you need the perfect colour, one that’s smart enough to be dressed up, but versatile enough to be dressed down. So, for a very special Christmas present that will earn you serious brownie points, consider a gift voucher from Stivaleria Cavallin, who specialise in handmade leather boots, which will allow the special lady in your life to create her own individually perfect pair. The brand’s workshop in Venice’s Brenta Riviera is famous for being the epicentre of the best in luxury shoe production, and it’s here that they’ve been producing their boots since 1961. They offer only the best calfskins, suedes and exotic leathers in a range of colours and textures, all carefully and responsibly sourced with an emphasis on materials that will only improve with age.
The Stivaleria Cavallin House in London’s Belgravia is fresh, friendly and inviting and it is an absolute pleasure to spend time there. Hours can easily slip away while you leisurely peruse sample, design books and styles in the creation of your perfect pair of boots. Of course, you can be assured that you will receive a beautifully crafted pair of boots which will fit beautifully - they take their measurements very seriously, so be prepared for a lot of them! - but what really sets Stivaleria Cavallin apart from other bespoke artisans is how they are just as keen to ensure that your new purchase fits your wardrobe and your lifestyle as perfectly it does your feet. Feel free to discuss your personal style and they will enthusiastically make great suggestions. The process of creating your boots is just as pleasurable. Entering into the design studio of the House, you will work one-to-one with their senior creative team, rather than the usual salesperson. The selections
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are presented in an uncluttered and elegant environment, allowing the quality and colour to be the focus of your decision. While they are keen to allow the customer to choose the style to which they are most drawn, they are pleased to offer advice and recommendations, including the fact that the most popular boot with which to start your collection is the ‘Intero’ style, which translates well into most colours and finishes. Also, since a pair of made-tomeasure boots should be seen as an investment, it is pleasing to know that once you have ordered your first pair, subsequent pairs can be ordered at the equivalent ready-made price. And, trust me, there will be subsequent pairs. Made-to-measure Experience Gift Voucher from £1,700. www.stivaleriacavallin.com 47 Elizabeth Street London SW1W 9PP
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Book in focus
Three of a kind:
The Scudamores Chris Cook’s new book chronicles three generations of one of jump racing’s most famous families
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ound a family-sized table with a panoramic view of the south Devon coast, the Scudamores are stretching summer into early autumn. One of racing’s most durable clans has gathered at a smart hotel in Thurlestone for a kind of farewell, to the last of the warm weather and also to each other, because the imminent jumps season will prevent further socialising before the spring. Geographically, the Scudamores are about as stretched as it is possible for a group of people to be on this island. Tom pursues his jockey’s career from a base in Devon, handy for the stables of his main employer, David Pipe. Peter, meanwhile, is 450 miles north at the Kinross yard of his partner, Lucinda Russell. For the past 15 months, the two men have been collaborating on a book whilst hardly ever managing to get into the same room for any length of time. This lunch provides a precious moment of peace. The book has been sent to the printers, there is no jump racing today and phones have been turned off; they wouldn’t be heard, anyway, over barking dogs and irrepressible grandchildren. But when the sun dips toward yonder horizon, the dozen or so present will divide into their cars. Tomorrow, some will be at Worcester, others at Hexham. Separated by 24 years as well as all those miles, Peter and Tom are nevertheless in the same position at the start of this season, both hoping that the star horses in their lives can make remarkable comebacks. Thistlecrack is much on Tom’s mind, having seemingly recovered from a tendon injury that was big news in early 2017 as well as the stress fracture he suffered ten months later. Peter broods over One For Arthur, who gave him and Lucinda the high of a lifetime in last year’s Grand National
but has not run since; tendons have a lot to answer for. “I sat on him the other day,” Tom says of Thistlecrack, “for the first time since the King George. He was in really good order, he looked fabulous. The Tizzards brought him back into training at the end of last season, just to give him a bit of pre-training, then he had his holiday and he’s come in sooner this time. “You get excited at this time of year because they’re all back in and they’re unbeaten. In my mind, Thistlecrack is the best ever and nothing’s going to beat him. You’re thinking, One For Arthur’s back. I’m thinking, if Un Temps Pour Tout turns up in the National, he’ll give him a real race.”
“After 71 years this family is still part of the fabric of jump racing in Britain” What does Tom hope Thistlecrack can do this winter? “Take his seat back at the top table,” he answers. “That’ll be hard, with his age. But he hasn’t had a lot of racing, for all that he’s won five Grade 1s.” The year-younger One For Arthur is said to be stronger than ever and showing no negative signs as his work is gradually upped. But Tom’s daughters, the merciless Margo and Myrtle, call out to Peter from their seats next to Russell that in fact One
For Arthur has gone lame. They are delighted to be teasing grandad and scream with laughter when he fakes a heart attack in response. Margo and Myrtle also get a mention in Three Of A Kind: The Scudamores, in which Tom relates how they fall about laughing at the sight of Peter and Strands Of Gold parting company at Becher’s Brook in 1988. They especially like the bit where grandad hurls his whip back at the fence in frustration as his erstwhile partner gallops away. You or I might be impressed by Peter’s eight champion jockey titles but evidently his descendents are not. That theme, of how family members respond to the success of those who went before, comes up quite a bit in Three Of A Kind, which amounts to a conversation between three generations of jockeys about their sport, how it has changed and the extraordinary bravery of the men, women and horses who have competed alongside them. The third man, of course, is Peter’s father, Michael, whose first ride was all the way back in 1947. Aged 15, he was called down from the Hereford grandstand by his father, Geoffrey, and told he was now booked for one in the hunter chase. It was the era of cork helmets with no chinstraps, unwatered ground, concrete posts lining the track, wooden wings and up to 40 runners in a novice chase. But Geoffrey had been shot down over Belgium a few years earlier and probably felt his son would be a lucky man if these were the greatest dangers he would ever have to face. Michael enjoyed the fullest of lives and died four years ago. Alas, he never much fancied writing a memoir of his time in the great game. It is only thanks to the persistence of Chris Haslam
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The Scudamores
The Scudamores: Michael snr, who passed away in 2014, with grandsons Tom, Michael jnr and son Peter
that Michael’s reflections have been saved. Haslam, who taught English at Tom’s school, persuaded Michael to sit down with him for a series of hourlong discussions in 2012. They talked about Gold Cups, Grand Nationals and many another topic, including Terry Biddlecombe’s first drink and whether you should carry on riding if you pee blood after a fall. It was the starting point for Three Of A Kind, which is described by Peter as a kind of tribute to jump racing and the many, many folk who have helped it to thrive, and a way of showing thanks for all the good times it has given various Scudamores. “Everybody seems to write an autobiography,” he says, “but this is not quite that. I don’t want this book to be saying how clever we are.” Peter and Tom sat down with me a number of times over the last 18 months, replicating the conversations that Michael had with Chris Haslam years before. Peter is pleased and quite moved to see so many of his father’s thoughts on the page and only wishes there were more of them. At points in the book, friends of the Scudamores have chipped in with their own memories. Particular thanks are due to Lesley Gillies, who speaks bravely of her late son, Campbell, and the joy he found in horseracing. Campbell famously
provided Peter and Lucinda with their stable’s first Cheltenham Festival success aboard Brindisi Breeze, but, heartbreakingly, both horse and jockey had died within months. Elsewhere, a chapter explores the changes in riding style adopted by jump jockeys since the War and features contributions from John Francome, Sir Anthony McCoy, David Mould, Eddie Harty and several others who found their own way of doing the job. Tom is still honing his own formula and hopes he has a few more years left to work on it. Aged 36, he is already older than Peter or Michael were when they stopped riding, but he has no intention of stopping any time soon. He says: “You make a pact with the devil, basically. The chances are, that decision won’t be made by me. You’ve got to be very lucky to decide, this is it, I’ve had enough. Eight out of ten have that decision made for them, either through injury or, ‘You’re sacked, we’re using somebody younger’. “Romantically, I’d love to do an Alastair Cook and pick my moment to stop. But I haven’t done a quarter of the things I
want to do yet. As soon as you do one thing, you want to drive on. I want to be at least challenging for a championship. I want to ride a Grand National winner, a Gold Cup winner, the list is endless.” Will it be easier for Peter when he no longer has to worry about Tom getting on a novice chaser later that day? “There are two things: the worry of watching him but the pride of watching him at the same time,” he says. “I think my father felt the same. He was sorry I gave up, in the end, because you are living it again. We don’t support football teams or cricket teams, so watching Tom is a little bit like that for me.” It’s time to go. There are horses to be cared for, races to be won. After 71 years, the Scudamores are still part of the fabric of jump racing and couldn’t be happier about it.
Three Of A Kind: The Scudamores is published by Racing Post Books and costs £20.
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The Big Issue
Foals game: the economics of breeding have made it unviable for many to continue, with two thirds of breeders trading unprofitably in Britain
Warning
SIGNS The Economic Impact Study on the British
breeding industry laid bare the hardships and difficulties many are facing; is the new Owners’ Premium Scheme a first step towards salvation? Words: Julian Muscat
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necdotal evidence has been abundant but the weight of factually-derived numbers must have many breeders sitting bolt upright. Around 2,190 among 3,318 breeders in Britain traded unprofitably in 2017. In the last five years, 353 breeders have left the industry. And while the most successful continued to thrive, those beneath the glass ceiling found the going increasingly tough. Those were the headlines generated by an Economic Impact Study on the British breeding industry undertaken by the analysts PricewaterhouseCoopers, and funded by the Levy Board, The Racing Foundation and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. The study painted a bleak picture of breeders swimming against a rising tide of high stud fees, spiralling costs and a shortage of owners for the 4,778 foals (2017) born in the UK. Without direct financial intervention, the study concluded, the current level of supply will not be maintained and the finances
of all racing industry participants will be severely impacted. “I think the study is the single most important document that British racing is going to see for quite some time,” says the scheme’s architect, TBA board member Philip Newton. The impact study, which follows on from its predecessor four years ago, illustrates that the fortunes of British breeders have declined significantly in the interim. The number trading unprofitably has increased from 45% to 66%. Newton warns that unless this “seismic crack” is addressed by long-term, joined-up thinking, the consequences will be catastrophic. “There is no quick fix,” he says. “We must plan strategically to ensure we have a robust and sustainable industry by promoting British products in front of anything else.” The bulwark of recovery is the proposed Owners’ Premium Scheme (see following pages) that will pay handsome bonuses to British-bred
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Economic Impact Study
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The Big Issue ››
winners of races in Britain. It is envisaged that bonuses rising to £20,000, paid on top of prize-money, will encourage owners to buy British, in the process easing the financial plight of the nation’s breeders. Reaction to the study has come in myriad ways. There is also the sense of shared pain among breeders who were all too aware of their own plight, but less aware of the financial predicament of others. There is solace in the fact they have been paddling the same canoe. There is divergence in the way the study has been interpreted. For example, the premium scheme is seen by Colin Bryce, proprietor of Laundry Cottage Stud with his wife Melba, as an opportunity to realign his business plan. “We breed horses because we love it,” he says. “Let’s not be too downbeat about it, but being a loser all the time is not fun.” An alumni of the investment bank Morgan Stanley, Bryce had direct dialogue with PricewaterhouseCoopers as the study was compiled. Data was
assimilated from the answers of TBA members to a survey, which generated an above-average response rate of 10%. Bryce described the study as a potential game-changer. “It’s the first time that anybody has got the cost-
“The study suggests we should retain the offspring of our mares and race them” base of the breeding business pretty much bang on,” he says. “In other reports I have seen, the cost-base has been well below the reality. And what the impact study
suggests to me, given the potential return from these bonuses, is that we may retain the offspring of our mares and race them ourselves.” To do that, Bryce will have to streamline his 18-strong broodmare band quite significantly in lieu of training costs. He says: “That may not be entirely what the TBA wants, because the report is allied to an ambition to fill the existing racing programme in Britain, but the incentive is there. It could change the direction of ownership; there could be more ownerbreeders.” Most pertinently, the study accurately reflects the state of play on the ground. Those bailing out are not being replaced by a generation of younger breeders, while the traditional British owner-breeder is a virtually extinct species. This concerns Llety Stud’s David Hodge, the thirdgeneration member of a family that has made a living from breeding commercially. Hodge has 25 mares. He also stands the odd stallion in a bid to
The Racehorse Owners’ Premium Scheme Publication of the British Thoroughbred Breeding Economic Impact Study in September came hand in hand with the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s blueprint for reversing the bleak financial fortunes of Britain’s breeders. An alarming detail within the report highlighted that 66% of British breeders operated at a loss last year, as against 45% when a similar study was published four years earlier. The TBA’s response is to propose the creation of a Racehorse Owners’ Premium Scheme, for which it seeks funding of an additional £3 million from the Levy Board. The scheme is the brainchild of TBA board member Brian Mayoh, who was the driving force behind the NH Mare Owners’ Prize Scheme (MOPS). It will reward the winners of 1,000 Flat races with prizes of up to £20,000, and some 1,900 jumps races with payments rising to £15,000. In each case the winning owner will receive 80%, with the balance paid to the winning breeder. These payments come on top of prize-money.
Brian Mayoh: we must take action now
Despite the late hour, Mayoh still believes the new incentive can be introduced next year, even though it has yet to win official backing from two of the sport’s stakeholders, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Racecourse Association (RCA). “We have spoken to [BHA Chief
Executive] Nick Rust and [BHA Chief Operating Officer] Richard Wayman, who have been very supportive,” Mayoh says. “We have also presented the scheme to the RCA board. Our suggestion is that the RCA should be concerned about the long-term number of owners and horses in Britain.” The inference from the high proportion of British breeders who traded unprofitably last year is that their numbers will dwindle further. The report highlighted that 353 breeders – or 8% – have given up in the last five years. Any commensurate drop in foal production would have ramifications further down the line for field sizes in races, which is the basis for media rights payments – a key source of prize-money – made by bookmakers to racecourses. A small National Hunt breeder – he was joint-breeder of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John – Mayoh highlighted the success of MOPS, introduced in January 2016, as a barometer of the new scheme’s potential.
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Economic Impact Study raise revenues from more than one source, but, to him, the study’s gloomy findings, while no surprise, are allied to the dearth of young British horsemen coming into the business. The contrast with Ireland is particularly stark. “We’re just not attracting them,” he laments. “The old school died away a while ago. Now we have a situation where almost every breeder wants to sell all their young stock. Each to their own, of course, but if I won the lottery I would race my own. It’s very important for young stock to be tested. “If you have a nice filly who isn’t bred in the purple you’ll be very lucky to sell her,” Hodge continues, “but these fillies sometimes produce others that go on to big things. That’s why I would like to see races for fillies get a big boost in value. I think that would make a big difference. Even if you take a nice yearling filly to [Tattersalls] Book 3, you pretty much know you’ll be looking at a loss.” Indeed, the study found that yearling fillies sold at the Tattersalls Book 3 Yearling Sale last year made an average
David Hodge of Llety Stud is worried about attracting the next generation of breeders and the trend towards the selling of young stock
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“MOPS has changed everything,” he says. “Suddenly you can win significant prizes in Britain, you can attract potential partners in the horse, you can potentially get training costs back. This owners’ scheme has far bigger prizes than MOPS.” Like MOPS, the Plus 10 bonus scheme currently in operation will be phased out if the new scheme is introduced. There is provision within the Plus 10 scheme, which pays out £10,000 in designated races, for Irishbred horses to win qualifying races in Ireland. This will remain in place until 2020, when the registration process expires. Beyond that, only British-bred horses will qualify for bonus payments. Maximum bonus payments will be made to British-bred horses which were conceived by a stallion standing in Britain. The exclusion of Irish-bred horses is likely to ruffle feathers across the Irish Sea, but Mayoh insists: “There is nothing to stop Ireland setting up its own Plus 10 scheme if they wish. Horse Racing Ireland already
contributes to that, and even if the new owners’ scheme is introduced next year, Irish-breds will still win the Plus 10 bonus for the next two years. But you’ll win more in Britain if you’re British-bred.” Mayoh continues: “The major point of the scheme is to try and incentivise people to buy British and feel more confident in the future of the industry by breeding to British stallions. “It [the bonus payment] is also an opportunity to address known weaknesses in the racing and breeding programme. At the moment 69% of all races in Britain are run over less than ten furlongs; only 8% are run over more than 12 furlongs. “This new scheme has extra incentives for middle-distance horses to try to redress that balance. In Plus 10, 80% of the bonuses are won by two-year-olds and the vast majority of those – 80% again – are over five and six furlongs. There’s a serious bias towards speed and precocity in Plus 10.” The new owners’ scheme will fly only if the Levy Board sanctions the
additional £3m required to finance the proposals over and above its existing commitments to Plus 10 and MOPS. However, income from the betting industry seems certain to fall following the government’s pledge in May to reduce the maximum stakes on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals from £100 to £2 in 2020. This is expected to usher in significant betting-shop closures, which would in turn impact on the volumes currently bet on British racing, and thus the levy yield. But Mayoh is undeterred. “It is the major issue,” he argues. “In any given year there will always be issues and concerns. But if we don’t do anything now, the situation will simply get worse. “The Levy Board has the funding to do this right now [from the capture of levy on remote betting, which is expected to generate upwards of £40m this year]. Will we have the necessary funds in three of four years’ time? That’s an issue we should face then. I believe we must take action now.”
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Economic Impact Study
loss of £23,500. ›› estimated Hodge has pared his costs right down over the last decade in tandem with a business that is evolving fast. He echoes Bryce’s philosophy in sacrificing numbers for increased quality, but, even then, all it takes to unbalance the books is a preponderance of fillies. “Last year I had a wonderful batch of sales horses but this year will be hard,” he forecasts. “I have 15 fillies and five colts. If, in one year, a small breeder with three or four mares gets only fillies, that could be them gone. One breeder asked me the other day whether she should nominate her foals to Plus 10 or pay the vets’ bill. That’s how dire it can become.” The plight of the small breeder also concerns Newton. “More than 30% of the foal crop in Britain is produced by people with one or two mares,” he says. “If we think outside influences won’t affect these small breeders, then we’re in cloud cuckoo land. “Their parents may have left them a few quid but now they are grandparents themselves. They have a 30-acre farm, they’ve funded their pensions and they are comfortable, but they also have four grandchildren at school or wanting to get on the property ladder. Do they buy another mare, or sell the farm and split the
“If there are two like-forlike animals, we hope that people will buy British” proceeds among the kids?” Like all breeders, Louise Parry, who bred Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Saoire at her Pantycoed Stud, would welcome any additional financial inducement from the Levy Board. Yet she feels the problem blighting breeders is the shortage of owners below the top tier in Britain. She is mindful of the benefits of incentive schemes, particularly when the partial cost of funding that scheme increases breeding overheads, and when it can often feel as though small breeders are funding schemes to the
The market’s top end is strong but breeders in the middle and lower tiers are struggling
greater benefit of larger breeders and owners, who win the lion’s share. “That is an overriding concern, but more than that, I feel we need to be more pro-active in attracting owners,” Parry says. “It has become much tougher to sell horses in the last few years and the business has become completely polarised. Thank goodness for the very wealthy buyers at the top end, which is thriving, but the middle and bottom end is a struggle. It’s been a few years since we made a profit.” Like many others of her ilk, Parry has significantly scaled down her broodmare band to reduce outgoings. “I know others who are in a similar situation,” she says. “It’s partly because I’m getting older, but also because production and labour costs have gone up so much. And stud fees are crippling now.” The question of stud fees was also raised by Bryce. “Many of the costs are fixed, such as vets’ fees, but stallion fees are one aspect of the overhead that should be addressed,” he says. “If you look at the median sales price for stallions other than the very best, most of these medians are below the stud fee. That tells me fees are far too
high. The TBA would not necessarily be the vehicle to address that, but if we’re talking about making this industry more sustainable, that cost has to be addressed. Having said that, the proposed bonuses are very significant. For sure we’ll be encouraged to look to UK stallions rather than Ireland or France.” That, in essence, is the sort of thinking the proposed scheme is designed to promote in the drive to reverse the downward spiral. “How else are we going to encourage people into the industry if it is loss-making, and the return on capital so pitiful?” Newton asks. “That’s what we have to address in the long term. “I don’t argue for any protectionist industry that serves up closed racing or excludes anybody,” Newton continues, “but I do think we should encourage British-breds. If there are two like-forlike animals, we hope people will buy British because they will have greater opportunity.” The case has been made in no uncertain terms. What remains to be seen is whether the Owners’ Premium Scheme attracts the financial support required to make it fly.
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MUHAARAR SMASHED IT
The #1first-crop sire 232,478gns Tattersalls Book 1 average - more than any other first-crop sire €178,571 Goffs Orby average - higher than any other first-crop sire €256,667 Arqana August average - leading European-based first-crop sire All achieved from a £30,000 fee Discover more about the Shadwell Stallions at www.shadwellstud.com Or call Richard Lancaster, James O’Donnell or Tom Pennington on 01842 755913 Email us at: nominations@shadwellstud.co.uk
Talking To...
Too darn
GOOD
Terry Doherty has nurtured a host of future stars at Watership Down Stud, the latest of which is Too Darn Hot, the colt that could fulfil a lifelong dream for a man whose 40-year career was recognised at the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards Interview: Edward Rosenthal Photos: George Selwyn
H
ow did you feel about the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards in 2017, first to be nominated, then to actually win the Stud Staff category and Employee of the Year title? It’s lovely to be nominated. I think it’s important that people appreciate their staff – and that’s the same across every industry. When you see the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards mentioned in the press, it seems very distant, until someone is nominated, then it comes into your world. Once I was into the final four, I started to look at the opposition – like checking the race entries! When it comes down to three very good candidates you start to get excited. In truth, I would have been disappointed not to win the stud category – I’m very competitive. It’s how you have to be in this job; my yearlings have to look outstanding. I would not accept criticism of my yearlings because, in my view, they are the best. On the evening, when you held the trophy and heard the applause, what was your overriding emotion and had you ever felt like that before? I was delighted to win the stud category. As much as anything I was pleased for the stud – you are putting the entire farm into the public domain. Everybody
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here on the estate was aware of what was going on. Andrew and Madeleine were on the phone to Simon [Marsh, General Manager] during the awards wanting to know what was happening. It’s difficult to put it into perspective. It’s a shock to the system. There’s elation at winning – then you can sit back and have a glass of wine! The night is wonderful; you’re in a lovely hotel and you’ve got this wonderful meal but, to be honest, you don’t even notice what you’re eating. Everyone on the shortlists was capable of winning the big prize. You’re up against some proper horsemen and women who have spent decades and lifetimes doing what they love doing. In a way, the Employee of the Year wasn’t as important as the Stable Staff Award. Though the former is for you and that makes you intensely proud that you’ve gained something for yourself. I’m equally proud of both trophies. In your view, what can a nomination do for an employee’s morale, and his place of work? I think it lifts the entire farm/stud. Everyone is part of the nomination and there’s a knock-on effect. All the staff at Watership Down Stud felt the uplift – they all knew about the nomination – and of course they benefited financially from the success.
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Adam Terry Beschizza Doherty
Terry Doherty dreams of winning the Derby with a colt bred at Watership Down Stud
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Talking To... “Dar Re Mi is stunning; the kind of horse Gainsborough painted under every tree” ›› What has life been like since the
Awards – has it changed your outlook in any way? I think I’m more aware of the outside world now. You live in your own little bubble and people come inside it for only a few weeks a year when you go to the sales. That’s the only time you meet everybody. It’s a very isolated existence. You spend your life working, you love what you do and you don’t care to go out into the wider world. The award widened my appreciation of the industry in general – it’s a wider circle than you imagine. When you joined Watership Down Stud in 1992 there was no infrastructure and no broodmares. How did you go about getting the operation up and running? Basically, all we had was a view! In 1992 we had eventers here – Mark Todd was practising on the farm ahead of the Barcelona Olympics. The yard was here but the rest of it was a country park. At first, Madeleine and Andrew had more National Hunt horses. That was Madeleine’s passion, but it wasn’t mine. I’m a Flat man. So that was the question in the first few years and I wouldn’t have stayed if we had continued on that path. It wasn’t until Simon went to America and bought a mare called Silver Lane for a lot of money that I thought the focus was seriously changing to the Flat. Andrew was getting more involved and asked what the end game was, because National Hunt horses were simply retired after racing. So they decided they would go out and buy a select group of mares, with the idea of racing the fillies and selling the colts. That’s what I wanted to do. There’s a lot of pleasure in building the farm, laying out paddocks, etc. That’s what we did in the first couple of years. It’s all been done gently and that continues to this day – some years we bought one mare or none at all. The stud has been self-funding for the past
Doherty with star broodmare Dar Re Mi, while right, So Mi Dar nuzzles with a grey companion
25 years because of the quality of the broodmares. Credit to Michael Youngs, a fantastic pedigree man who has been behind the majority of the pedigrees that we have bought, including Darara, who was the real game-changer. The Lloyd-Webbers are passionate about their horses. How involved are
they at Watership Down Stud? Andrew and Madeleine are behind the whole thing. Madeleine is a businesswoman, very driven and so astute. Andrew doesn’t just sign the cheques; there has to be a plan in place. We have only a few horses in training and the key thing with Andrew is that you do not want his
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Terry Doherty racing colours trailing home in last – it’s not what he is about. You would never send Andrew racing to watch his horse come home six lengths off the pace. Racing is a bug and Andrew loves it. His horses have taken him around the world and his colours are now famous. Andrew and Madeleine love producing top-class horses. However, the stud has to pay for itself and the horses sent to the sales help pay the bills. You are known to have been present for every foaling at the stud over the past 25 years. Is that the part of the job you enjoy the most – or do you get more satisfaction from watching the progeny race? I’m always around, yes. We foal our own and of course have some outside clients, such as Bjorn Nielsen, who shares his mares between here and Kiltinan. Stradivarius was foaled at Kiltinan and came here for his sales prep. The majority of Watership horses are here, but if they go to an Irish stallion they will stay at Kiltinan. It’s our sister stud. The dream when it’s born is that you have bred a racehorse. You love them all – it’s something special being present when a new life comes into the world and there’s great pleasure in that. But there’s also great pleasure in racing and watching your homebred beat the best on the racecourse.
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Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards: how to nominate Anyone who works at a stud is eligible not only for the Stud Staff category but also for the Leadership, Dedication and Newcomer categories. They also don’t have to be in a horse-handling role – office and administration staff are eligible. Nominations are accepted from owners, trainers, breeders, colleagues, yard and stud managers. To complete a nomination form, visit studandstablestaffawards.co.uk – the nomination period is open until November 20.
Current stars Too Darn Hot and Lah Ti Dar follow the likes of Crystal Music, Dar Re Mi, Rewilding, The Fugue and So Mi Dar as Watership Down Stud graduates. Is there one horse that stands out for you, either as a youngster or on the racecourse? Yes, I would say two moments stand out on the track. Dar Re Mi and Rewilding winning back-to-back Sheema Classics. For the dam that is phenomenal. That made Darara very special, and with her last two foals. Also, The Fugue beating Magician and Treve at Royal Ascot – she owed him one after the Breeders’ Cup. The Fugue was special as a foal, a little timebomb! She would run around our acre wood for hours. That’s just what she wanted to do – she wanted to run from just a few days old. With breeding horses,
one dream gets shattered but the next one is on the way. That’s how it works. Dar Re Mi is a stunning mare. You can walk into a paddock with 20 mares and find her instantly. She’s just beautiful – the kind of horse Gainsborough painted under every tree. Watership Down Stud had 35 yearlings catalogued in Books 1 and 2 at Tattersalls’ October Sale. Can you truly enjoy the sales when there must be a high degree of pressure at this very busy time? It’s the culmination of a lot of work but the pressures are not there from the horses, only from other people and the process of selling. I do enjoy the finished product, taking them to the sales and seeing what they can achieve.
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Talking To...
Terry Doherty
›› Too Darn Hot’s full brother realised
3,500,000gns at Tattersalls’ Book 1 Sale. How did you feel, before and after he went under the hammer? The yearling was always a very nice horse with a big reputation as a stand-out colt for the October Sale and we knew it was possible to break the million-pound barrier. What we didn’t know was how the market would value him. My role is to nurture these young horses as if they were my own and try to keep them in one piece. We give all the horses at Watership Down the same care and attention. We were over the moon at the colt’s achievement and just hope he can repay his new owners by helping them achieve their own dreams. Of course, the week was capped by Too Darn Hot winning the Dewhurst. Dar Re Mi has always held a special place in the hearts of all who have met her. I knew she would produce a top-class horse and now she has, a champion two-year-old. This mare has followed her dam and grandam into the blue-blood elite – she was born and raised under my care and the care and dedication of the Watership team. We are proud to be part of her life and delighted she is part of our lives. How did your career start? My career began in 1979 at Garrowby Stud – as a tractor driver rather than a horseman. I could ride horses but not very well. John Johnson, the stud groom, was the driving force behind my ambition, in a way. In his cottage, he had a silverplated horse shoe on the mantelpiece belonging to Shirley Heights, from when he won the Derby. That’s where my ambition comes from; I’ve always wanted a shoe from a Derby winner. In my life, that’s all I’ve ever wanted. I’m 60 now and I hope I’m getting closer! Then I went to Theakston Stud, with John McIntyre. I was 25 and he thought I was too young to run a three-stallion stud. He taught me a lot, although it was hard work. If you wanted a day off you fed before you went out and clocked in on your return. I was handling stallions, foaling mares, 360 days a year. It wasn’t until I saw an advert for Meon Valley that I thought about leaving. At the time they had Bella Colora, the dam of Stagecraft. I was at Meon Valley for four years. I remember taking Stagecraft to the sales and it was the first time Sheikh Mohammed spoke to me, asking about the horse’s temperament. He bought him for a lot of money. What would you say to someone thinking about embarking on a career in
Too Darn Hot’s brother packed the ring out at Tattersalls when selling for 3,500,000gns
the breeding industry? You have to be passionate – and patient. The industry is the long game and this job’s the long game. It takes a long time to learn this role and it’s tough work but the rewards are phenomenal. Aim high and try to be the best.
Close up and Personal
I can’t get through the day without… a cup of tea Favourite book… The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien Trait I most deplore in others… lack of commitment Actor to play me on screen… Liam Neeson Four dinner party guests… Aidan O’Brien, Edmond Mahony, Sheikh Mohammed and Barack Obama
Close up and Professional
My racing hero is… John Gosden I deal with disappointment by… going to look at the horses Favourite day’s racing… Royal Ascot I’d love to win… the Derby with Too Darn Hot Best advice received… find something you’re good at, stick with it and you’ll only get better
Why would you encourage people to nominate a staff member for the Awards? Every stud has at least one potential staff member that could be nominated for the Stud & Stable Staff Awards. Put them in the mix and give them a chance. Even if you’ve nominated someone before and they didn’t make it through, nominate them again. Be brave. It will lift everybody where they work. Every stud should have a member of staff they think the world of. The TBA’s Economic Impact Study, covered in this issue, tells the plight of small breeders in Britain. What observation would you make on this subject? The number of coverings per stallion has become ridiculous. When I first started it was 42 mares as a maximum for each stallion. Now you’ve got one stallion covering 220 mares; you’re shortening your gene pool. As a small breeder, if your lesser-bred mare’s progeny is one of 70 by a stallion at auction, you’re pushed to the bottom. More horses but less choice is no good for anyone. Finally, how do you switch off and what would be the ideal day spent away from the horses? I love walking. I’m a country boy from Yorkshire. So I’d spend the day outside walking, and I love to do that here when I can.
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ROCK’S STAR Introducing the best son of the late SOCIETY ROCK
UNFORTUNATELY Winner of the Gr.1 Prix Morny in the second fastest time for over half a century, faster than NO NAY NEVER, SHALAA, LADY AURELIA, DABIRSIM, MACHIAVELLIAN, ZAFONIC, etc. Also won the Gr.2 Prix Robert Papin and the Gr.3 Renaissance Stakes at 3 years.
UNFORTUNATELY quickens clear to win the Gr.1 Prix Morny from fellow Gr.1 winner Havana Grey.
“Always travelling well, he was asked for an effort 2f out and the response was immediate as he quickened clear for a facile success.” – Racing Post He defeated 17 individual Group race winners, including: Gr.1 winners SANDS OF MALI, HAVANA GREY and GORDON LORD BYRON.
By the Champion European First Crop Sire SOCIETY ROCK. Half brother to the multiple Group winning sprinter LOOK BUSY.
Retiring to Cheveley Park Stud in 2019
Cheveley Park Stud Enquiries to Chris Richardson, John Marsh or Matthew Sigsworth. Tel: (01638) 730316. Email: enquiries@cheveleypark.co.uk • www.cheveleypark.co.uk • L@CPStudOfficial
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First Foals in 2018
Ready for
THE FIRST TEST
Recent years have seen a notable increase in the list of new sires at stud – meaning that there will be plenty of new names at this year’s foal sales Words: Amy Lynam
T
he 2017 foal trade was particularly strong, with the primary sales at Goffs and Tattersalls posting increases in aggregate. It’s been a different story for this season’s yearling sales, however, with a much patchier feel to many of the sales, particularly earlier in the season. An increasing foal crop has been a cause for concern for vendors and it is interesting to note that, at the time of writing, Goffs predicted that there would be 50 extra lots in its November Foal Sale catalogue, while Tattersalls has catalogued just 28 more this year. Commenting on the increase, Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby says: “We are limiting Part 1 to 775, and the big
difference is that this year there will be no double standings for those foals as we have built 96 new stables to take our capacity to 756 stables. Part 2 will number around 400.” Goffs UK, however, will cater for growing numbers with a new one-day December Sale immediately after the end of the Tattersalls December Sale. This will be dedicated to Flat mares and foals, as well as horses in training. Beeby explains: “We have introduced a one-day sale in Doncaster as several UK breeders have asked for an alternative for the category. We hope a concise one-day sale will be an easy option for buyers looking for commercial mares and foals.”
Goffs UK follows the trend set by Tattersalls Ireland, which also has a single-session Flat Foal and Breeding Stock Sale, now in its third year. Matt Mitchell, CEO of Tattersalls Ireland, says: “Generally, the foal trade follows the trends set by the yearling trade, which this year saw quality individuals with good pedigrees well supported, but the middle to lower levels of the market were very selective. The unknown in the foal market will be how the foals on the ground from first-season sires are accepted.” Stallion farms and vendors, no doubt, will be curious and perhaps concerned to see how those new stallions fare in the
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EMMA BERRY
Buyers will have plenty of choice at this year’s foal sales
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First Foals in 2018
New names to note
SARAH FANRSWORTH
A guide to the stallions in Britain, Ireland, France, Germany and the US who will have their first foals offered in 2018. Fees listed are those advertised for 2017
Eddie O’Leary notes six sires of interest
current selective market and Eddie O’Leary, whose Lynn Lodge Stud offered almost 60 yearlings in 2018, noted six sires whose first crop he will be looking out for at the foal sales. He says: “I like the two new stallions at Tally-Ho Stud. Vadamos is an extremely good-looking individual, while Mehmas was a very good two-year-old. I’d also be very keen on Adaay. I remember him at the breeze-up sales; he was a lovely type and did an impressive breeze. Awtaad is another one who is a beautiful specimen himself, and was a very good Guineas winner. I’ve seen very good foals by Shalaa, who was a fantastic racehorse, and I’ve also seen some cracking foals by The Gurkha.” Another noted foal vendor, Derek Veitch, whose Ringfort Stud returned an average price of 92,286gns for 14 weanlings offered at the 2017 December Foal Sale at Tattersalls, says: “I bought a mare last December in foal to Flintshire and she’s produced what I call a ‘Friday morning foal’, in that the page would get into the Friday of the foal sale, while she would be a nice enough individual to sell that morning. As a yearling, she would get into a choice of the Orby, Book 1 or
Book 2. Marcel is another I supported and his colt is a lovely Book 2 type, with a page good enough for the Orby.” On the subject of ‘sire power’, Veitch adds: “It’s always been important, but it has become a greater factor in recent years, particularly with those stallions who stand between £5,000 and £20,000. It’s now more difficult to sell their stock, because overproduction is happening at this level of the market and the demand for them isn’t adequate.” But Veitch won’t just be looking at first-crop foals, saying: “Three years ago, I noticed the yearling market cooling towards first-season sires. When planning matings two years ago I tried to preempt which first-season sires would be successful on the racetrack and hedged my bets by taking a risk with them. “I looked at their yearlings and made a plan from there – it was high risk but the fees were inexpensive that season. This year’s horse was No Nay Never – they’re making a premium in the ring, but if you also took a gamble on a less successful stallion, you’re only breaking even. Unfortunately, in the current market, people are just glad to get their money back.”
EMMA BERRY
EMMA BERRY
Henry Beeby hopes new sale will help
Adaay was a dual Group 2 winner
ADAAY
Kodiac - Lady Lucia (Royal Applause) Whitsbury Manor Stud, £7,000 The first son of Kodiac to stand in Britain, Adaay won his first two juvenile starts and proved he was more than a talented two-year-old when winning two Group 2 contests at three. He was fully subscribed at a limited book, covering 127 mares, three of which were black-type winners.
EMMA BERRY
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BRITAIN
Bobby’s Kitten at Lanwades
BOBBY’S KITTEN
Derek Veitch looks beyond freshman sires
TATTERSALLS
TATTERSALLS
Kitten’s Joy - Celestial Woods (Forestry) Lanwades Stud, £12,500
Matt Mitchell, CEO of Tattersalls Ireland
Kirsten Rausing was ahead of the game when buying Ken and Sarah Ramsey’s homebred Bobby’s Kitten to stand in the UK. His sire’s profile continues to rise in Europe and the US. Notably, Bobby’s Kitten had 2018 leading first-season sire No Nay Never behind him when winning the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint and showed great range to also win over a mile, with all his victories coming on turf.
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THE AGA KHAN STUDS Success Breeds Success
HARZAND A dual Derby winning son of the brilliant SEA THE STARS Won four consecutive races in four months including the Gr.1 Derby, Gr.1 Irish Derby and the Gr.3 Ballysax Stakes. A brother to four Stakes performers, his dam HAZARIYA is a Gr.3 winner over 7f.
First foals selling this Autumn
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First Foals in 2018 ›› CANNOCK CHASE
AWTAAD
Lemon Drop Kid - Lynnwood Chase (Horse Chestnut) Worsall Grange, private fee
Cape Cross - Asheerah (Shamardal) Derrinstown Stud, €15,000
Frankel’s full-brother Proconsul
Irish 2,000 Guineas victor Awtaad was fully-booked for his first season at stud and covered quality, as well as quantity, with 60% of those mares being stakes winners or producers, including the dam of King George and Arc heroine Taghrooda. He is in the elite group of sons of Cape Cross to retire to stud, headed by Sea The Stars and Golden Horn.
Oasis Dream - Annabelle’s Charm (Indian Ridge) Dalham Hall Stud, £8,000
TERRITORIES
BELARDO
Charming Thought wasted little time in repaying his 625,000gns yearling price tag, winning three of his starts at two, culminating in success in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes, beating Ivawood and Muhaarar. The son of Oasis Dream comes from the top-class family of Starborough, Ballingarry and Aristotle.
Group 1 Prix Jean Prat winner Territories was the busiest new boy in Britain in 2017, covering 148 mares, 16 of which won at stakes level. Group 1-placed as a juvenile, his other notable performaces include chasing home Gleneagles in the 2,000 Guineas.
By exciting young sire Lope De Vega and out of Lowther Stakes second Danaskaya, Belardo’s two Group 1 victories should have come as no surprise, while he also finished second twice at the highest level, behind Tepin and Solow. He covered a first book of 122 mares, seven of which were black-type winners.
A Group winner at three, four and five, Cannock Chase’s finest hour came at Woodbine, the scene of his Grade 1 International Stakes success. A fullbrother to Group 2 winner Pisco Sour, he was clearly a beautiful specimen, fetching 310,000gns as a yearling.
CHARMING THOUGHT
Invincible Spirit - Taranto (Machiavellian) Dalham Hall Stud, £12,000
Lope De Vega - Danaskaya (Danehill) Kildangan Stud, €15,000
MARCEL
BURATINO
Group 1 Racing Post Trophy victor Marcel was retired after disappointing in the Guineas the following season. His owner, Paul Makin, was vocal in limiting his book and standing his star at a lower fee, in a bid to attract mares from overseas. The son of Lawman covered 23 mares, four of whom were black-type winners.
PEARL SECRET
Compton Place - Our Little Secret (Rossini) Bucklands Farm & Stud, £4,000 Pearl Secret made a winning debut at two and went on to show remarkable consistency in all the top sprints, perfectly demonstrated by his Group 2 Temple Stakes victory as a six-year-old. From the family of Dutch Art, the son of Compton Place attracted a book of 58 mares in his first season.
Exceed And Excel - Bergamask (Kingmambo) Kildangan Stud, €5,000 EMMA BERRY
Lawman - Mauresmo (Marju) National Stud, £5,000
Twilight Son, winner of two Group 1s
TWILIGHT SON
Kyllachy - Twilight Mistress (Bin Ajwaad) Cheveley Park Stud, £10,000 Dual Group 1-winning sprinter Twilight Son aims to emulate the success of his ancestors, Kyllachy, Pivotal and Polar Falcon, at their shared base of Cheveley Park Stud. Unbeaten until bumping into Muhaarar in the Champions Sprint, his talent and consistency attracted a book of 142 mares in his first year at stud.
IRELAND
A high-class pedigree, coming from the family of Danehill Dancer, Buratino covered 121 mares in his first book, including siblings to Goldikova and Kyllachy. Precocious, as is typical of his sire, he won the Coventry Stakes as a juvenile, before claiming runner-up honours in two Group 1 contests behind Air Force Blue and Shalaa.
COULSTY
Kodiac - Hazium (In The Wings) Rathasker Stud, €5,000 Off the back of increased success on the track, Kodiac has a growing number of sons joining the stallion ranks, including the Group 3 and dual Listed winner Coulsty. Second to Adaay in the Hungerford Stakes, he covered 66 mares in his first season, including two black-type winners.
PROCONSUL
AJAYA
ESTIDHKAAR
A full-brother to Frankel and Noble Mission, Proconsul is bred to be successful at stud, though the son of Galileo failed to fire in his two starts on the track. The now five-year-old covered 48 mares in his first season at Richard Kent and Clare Lloyd’s Mickley Stud.
One of a growing number of sons of Invincible Spirit retiring to stud, Ajaya shares his page with proven sires Bated Breath, Cityscape and Redoute’s Choice. Second to Gutaifan in the Prix Robert Papin, he found redemption in the Gimcrack Stakes, beating Ribchester.
Estidhkaar covered 143 in the same year in which his half-brother, Toormore, was withdrawn from stud duty owing to lack of demand. A £200,000 yearling, he followed up with two Group 2 wins in his first season and finished his career, at the age of four, with a Listed victory.
Galileo - Kind (Danehill) Mickley Stud, £3,500
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Invincible Spirit - Nessina (Hennessy) Rathbarry Stud, €10,000
Dark Angel - Danetime Out (Danetime) Tara Stud, €5,000
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First Foals in 2018 ›› FASCINATING ROCK
Fastnet Rock - Miss Polaris (Polar Falcon) Ballylinch Stud, €10,000 An impressive 11 of the 91 mares Fascinating Rock covered in his first season won at black-type level. He was himself a seven-time stakes winner, including two Group 1s over ten furlongs. In fact, the Dermot Weld-trainee was admirably consistent, winning eight of his 15 starts and placing in another three.
HARZAND
Dual Derby hero Harzand joined his sire at the Aga Khan’s Irish base, where he covered 96 mares, 11 of which were stakes winners. By a champion racehorse and a sibling to four black-type horses, he is out of the Group 3 winner Hazariya.
KODI BEAR
Kodiac - Hawattef (Mujtahid) Rathbarry Stud, €10,000 One of four sons of Kodiac retiring to stud in 2017, Kodi Bear was popular and covered 105 mares in his first season. Second to Belardo in the Dewhurst Stakes at two, he went on to win four stakes races in total, his finest victory coming in the Group 2 Celebration Mile, which he won by three and a quarter lengths.
MARKAZ
Dark Angel - Folga (Atraf) Derrinstown Stud, €6,000
Mehmas, standing at Tally-Ho Stud, was a dual Group 2 winner at two
NEW BAY
his highest-rated filly, Mecca’s Angel, and this had a hand in bringing his book to 108 mares. He was talented in his own right, winning two Group contests and being placed in another three, ranging in distance from six to seven furlongs.
Dubawi - Cinnamon Bay (Zamindar) Ballylinch Stud, €20,000 Classic success, a top-class sire and a family that includes Oasis Dream and Kingman saw new boy New Bay cover a bumper book of 118 mares, with a significant 15 of those having won at stakes level. Adding to the esteem of his Prix du Jockey Club success is runner-up Highland Reel and a faster time than those posted by Shamardal, Le Havre and Almanzor.
MEHMAS
Acclamation - Lucina (Machiavellian) Tally-Ho Stud, €12,500 Mehmas aims to follow in the leading freshman footsteps of Tally-Ho’s previous resident Sir Prancealot and will have plenty of ammunition, having been the busiest first-season sire of 2017, covering 187 mares in his first year. Bred on the same cross as Dark Angel, he finished second to Caravaggio in the Coventry Stakes before notching two Group 2 wins and the same number of placings at Group 1 level.
GEORGE SELWYN
Not only is Markaz by sire-in-demand Dark Angel, but he is also a full-brother to
GEORGE SELWYN
Sea The Stars - Hazariya (Xaar) Gilltown Stud, €15,000
New Bay, a son of Dubawi
PRIDE OF DUBAI
GEORGE SELWYN
Street Cry - Al Anood (Danehill) Coolmore Stud, €15,000
Derby victor Harzand stands alongside his sire Sea The Stars at Gilltown Stud
Sharing a page with Kodiac and Invincible Spirit saw Pride Of Dubai cover a predictably large book of 158 mares at Coolmore Stud, where he competed for attention alongside The Gurkha. Lightly raced in Australia by Peter and Paul Snowden, he won twice at Group 1 level as a two-year-old, those successes coming over six and seven furlongs.
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First Foals in 2018 ›› PRINCE OF LIR
Kodiac - Esuvia (Whipper) Ballyhane Stud, €5,000 Prince Of Lir covered 122 mares in his first season, with his master, Joe Foley, having announced he was restricting all of his stallions to a maximum of 125 mares. After sharing top-price honours at the Goffs UK Breeze-up, he fulfilled his early promise when winning the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.
STRATH BURN
Joining Cappella Sansevero at his Westmeath base, Strath Burn covered 23 mares, the same figure as Marcel. A Group 3 winner and beaten a short head by Twilight Son in the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup, he became the first son of Equiano to stand at stud.
THE GURKHA
Galileo - Chintz (Danehill Dancer) Coolmore Stud, €25,000 The Gurkha’s book of 175 mares included 21 black-type winners, four of whom had won at the highest level, as well as the dams of Mastercraftsman, Halfbridled and Sea Of Grace. The dual Group 1 winner boasts a formidable pedigree himself, being out of a Group 3 winner and related to Arc hero Solemia.
THE LAST LION
Choisir - Mala Mala (Brief Truce) Kildangan Stud, €12,000 The Last Lion demonstrated toughness, as well as talent, in his sole season on the track, finishing no worse than third in any of his ten starts. His four victories were headed by Group 1 success in the Middle Park Stakes, where his game frontrunning effort was enough to beat Blue Point and Mehmas.
EMMA BERRY
Equiano - Irish Light (Irish River) Bridge House Stud, €5,500
Dariyan, a Group 1 winner by Shamardal
VADAMOS
DARIYAN
Monsun - Celebre Vadala (Peintre Celebre) Tally-Ho Stud, €10,000
Shamardal - Daryakana (Selkirk) Haras de Bonneval, €8,000 By a champion sire and out of a Hong Kong Vase winner, it was no surprise to see Dariyan excel on the track, winning the Group 1 Prix Ganay and finishing second in the Prix d’Ispahan on unsuitably soft ground. Among the top-class mares sent to him by his breeder the Aga Khan are the dam of Vazirabad, and he also covered a sister to Arctic Cosmos.
Though different in every way to his stablemate Mehmas, Group 1-winning five-year-old Vadamos was just as popular, covering 183 mares. An impressive 18 of those were black-type winners, including Group 1 winner Chinese White and Tally-Ho’s own dam of Unfortunately.
FRANCE
EXOSPHERE
BOW CREEK
Lonhro - Altitude (Danzero) Haras Du Logis, €6,000
Shamardal - Beneventa (Most Welcome) Haras du Logis, €4,000
A three-time Group 2 winner over sprint distances and Group 1 victor over seven furlongs in Australia, Exosphere, a son of Australia’s former champion sire Lonhro, was rated higher than Exceed And Excel, Redoute’s Choice and Fastnet Rock but spent just one season shuttling to Normandy.
Offered as part of the Darley Club, Bow Creek boasts the unusual achievement of having won a Group 2 in Australia and another two in Europe. By an exciting young sire of sires, he is out of a threetime stakes winner, whose defeated rivals included Soviet Song.
GOKEN
GEORGE SELWYN
Kendargent - Gooseley Chope (Indian Rocket) Haras de La Huderie, €5,000
Vadamos, a son of Monsun, was a top-class miler and won up to a mile and a half
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Dual Group winner Goken became the first son of Kendargent to stand at stud and retired just five minutes from where his own successful sire is based in Normandy. A fine third to Profitable in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, he was popular with breeders, covering 93 mares in his first year.
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First Foals in 2018 Deep Impact - Halwa Song (Nureyev) Haras de Grandcamp, €4,000 Martinborough is the first representative of Deep Impact to stand in France and aims to follow the path of success that his new home has enjoyed with the Sunday Silence line in the form of Dabirsim. The dual Grade 3 winner covered 71 mares last season, his appeal aided by his dam’s half-sister, Mezzo Soprano, having won the Prix Vermeille.
MORANDI
Holy Roman Emperor - Vezina (Bering) Haras du Mont Goubert, €3,000 The product of the successful DanehillBering cross, Morandi never finished
outside the first two as a juvenile, his finest victory coming in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, which he won by seven lengths. Second to Intello in the Prix du Jockey Club the following year, he then moved to the US for a short period.
SCISSOR KICK
Redoute’s Choice - Back Pass (Quest For Fame) Haras d’Etreham, €10,000 Closely related to Dansili and with his father having proven a popular shuttler, Scissor Kick boasted plenty of European appeal to allow him to reverse-shuttle from Arrowfield Stud. The dual Group 3 winner missed out on Group 1 glory by a whisker in the Golden Rose Stakes as a three-year-old.
ZUZANNA LUPA
›› MARTINBOROUGH
Shalaa was a brilliant two-year-old
SHALAA
Invincible Spirit - Ghurra (War Chant) Haras du Bouquetot, €27,500
Just as in Europe, there was a large number of additions to the American stallion ranks last year and few can boast the international repertoire of Shadwell’s latest addition TAMARKUZ (Speightstown). He won three races in the UK, before notching a trio of Group victories in Dubai and captured his elusive Grade 1 success in the US at the age of six, when beating Gun Runner in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. The most famous chestnut to join the stallion ranks, though, is CALIFORNIA CHROME (Lucky Pulpit), who covered 145 mares at an advertised fee of $40,000, before shuttling down to Chile. The seventime Group 1 winner was joined at Taylor Made Farm by MSHAWISH (Medaglia d’Oro), a stakes winner in France and Dubai, before winning twice at Grade 1 level in the States. Bred on similar lines to leading first-season sire Violence, he comes from the immediate family of Halfbridled. The Darley roster grew by two in 2017, with FROSTED commanding the highest fee of any new sire in Kentucky at $50,000. Of his three Grade 1 victories, his 14 length-win in the Metropolitan Handicap was the definite highlight, and he retired as the highest earning son of Tapit. NYQUIST joined him at Jonabell. He is a son of another top-class sire in Uncle Mo, whom he emulated in winning an Eclipse award for an unbeaten
GEORGE SELWYN
America’s class of 2017
Flintshire, a five-time winner at the top level
two-year-old career. Hill’n’Dale Farms, meanwhile, gained the services of Eclipse champion FLINTSHIRE (Dansili), who notched five Group/Grade 1 victories across three continents, with earnings totalling over $9.5 million. He began his career at $20,000, while $25,000
was commanded by Ashford Stud’s 2017 addition AIR FORCE BLUE (War Front). A three-time Group 1 winner as a juvenile, he comes from the family of US champion fillies Surfside and Flanders. ANCHOR DOWN joined the roster at Gainesway as Tapizar began to
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TRIPLE THREAT
Monsun - Drei (Lyphard) Haras du Mont Goubert, €3,000
Five stallions joined the German ranks in 2017, the most expensive of which was Melbourne Cup winner PROTECTIONIST (Gestut Rottgen) at €6,500. The son of Monsun claimed two Group 1 races and three Group 2 contests in total, and also boasts a pedigree that includes Peintre Celebre. Gestut Ammerland recruit ITO (Adlerflug) is another who has a race record to match his pedigree. The Group 1 winner and German Guineas victor is a son of the German Oaks heroine Iota and stood his first season at €5,000. Another German Classic hero to retire to stud in 2017 was ISFAHAN (Lord Of England). Andreas Wohler’s
EMMA BERRY
One of two new additions to a stud farm originally known for trotters, Triple Threat is a half-brother to the dam of Canford Cliffs, himself now the sire of seven Group winners. The winner of three Group races in two continents, Triple Threat also finished third at Grade 1 level at Woodbine over a mile and a half.
GERMANY
Tamarkuz was a winner at the Breeders’ Cup
advertise Tapit as a promising sire of sires. The Grade 2 winner boasts a proven pedigree, being a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Sweet Lulu, out of a Grade 3-winning mare. UPSTART (Flatter), like Anchor Down, began his stallion career at a $10,000 fee, standing at Airdrie Stud. Twice a graded stakes winner, he was placed at Grade 1 level on five occasions. Other new additions to the US stallion ranks in 2017 were BAL A
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BALI (Calumet Farm), BIG BLUE KITTEN (Calumet Farm), BRODY’S CAUSE (Spendthrift Farm), DOWSING (Holden Farm), EXAGGERATOR (WinStar Farm), LORD NELSON (Spendthrift Farm), OUTWORK (WinStar Farm), RUNHAPPY (Claiborne Farm), SPEIGHSTER (WinStar Farm) and TOURIST (WinStar Farm). One of the four Irish natives that owns the Kentucky-based Hunter Valley Farm, Fergus Galvin is a noted
EMMA BERRY
The winner of five of his six juvenile starts, dual Group 1 winner Shalaa received a bumper book of 158 mares in his first season at stud, including such top-class racemares as Treve and Le Cressonniere, as well as the dams of National Defense and The Fugue.
Melbourne Cup victor Protectionist
Derby winner stands at Gestut Ohlerweiherhof at €5,000. Fees remained private for GUILIANI (Tertullian), a Group 1 winner from the family of Getaway, who stands at Gestut Erftmuhle, and German 2,000 Guineas winner LUCKY LION (High Chaparral), who beat Noble Mission to win the Group 1 Grosser Dallmayr-Preis and is at Gestut Graditz.
pinhooker and leading consignor, whose major claim to fame is buying Scat Daddy privately as a weanling and reselling him for $250,000 as part of the farm’s first consignment at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in 2005. Reflecting on the 2018 yearling trade in America, Galvin says: “The US yearling market was very strong this year, though maybe not quite as strong as 2017. I felt that the $200,000-$400,000 bracket was slightly weaker this year, though most pinhookers fared well overall.” Quizzed on first-crop sires, he is quick to highlight his favourites, saying: “Outwork would be one of my top picks. He was a good horse and is by a very fashionable sire in Uncle Mo. One of his foals topped the recent sale at Saratoga and we bought one ourselves there, too. “We also have a particularly nice colt foal by Vancouver, who is of great interest, having been a talented racehorse in Australia and, being by Medaglia d’Oro out of a Kingmambo mare, he’s also very appealing on pedigree. “There are very good reviews for the Nyquist foals and with him being a top-class racehorse and good looking himself, I would be keen to pinhook his stock. Speighster is another throwing nice foals, while we already have a very good colt by Frosted and another lovely one by Brody’s Cause.”
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OVER17023 OB page Cityscape NOV18.qxp 23/10/2018 12:15 Page 1
Still at the fee he retired to stud at...
CITYSCAPE Right up among the big names and leading sires with his amazing first crop EUROPE’S LEADING SIRES OF THREE-YEAR-OLDS, BY STAKES WINNERS TO RUNNERS
1 2 3 4
Dubawi Galileo Frankel Siyouni
6 7 8 9 10
Dansili Intello Farhh Shamardal Lope de Vega Nathaniel Oasis Dream
5 Cityscape
15.9% 15.7% 12.0% 11.5%
9.4% 8.8% 8.3% 7.8% 7.1% 7.0% 7.0% 7.0%
CITYSCAPE £5,000 OCT 1, SLF
TO 10-10-18
HIS BEST SO FAR
Give And Take, G3 Musidora winner, placed at G2 level and ran in the Oaks. Dan’s Dream, G3 Fred Darling winner and 1,000 Guineas contender: stays in training in 2019. Urban Aspect, rated 110p after winning three on the bounce; sold for huge money to race in Hong Kong. The Broghie Man, classy sprinter who beat G1 opposition to win a Listed race. Hugely impressive undefeated juvenile Urban Icon, who has G1 entries for the Hannon team. MORE INFO WWW.OVSTUD.CO.UK
OVERBURY Stud SIMON SWEETING 07796 174926 (01386) 725552 simon@ovstud.co.uk JO BROWN (01386) 725552 jo@ovstud.co.uk
Breeders’ Digest
Emma Berry Bloodstock Editor
Our bloodstock coverage this month includes: Sales Circuit: Rounding up the yearling action from Britain and Ireland – pages 76-92 Caulfield Files: Comparing Rafha’s stallion sons – pages 95-96 Dr Statz: Dubawi continues to push the bar higher – page 128
A
s this issue of the magazine was going to press, news came of the impending retirement from training of Luca Cumani. Of the many wonderful sights on Newmarket Heath each morning, it remains a thrill to see the coffee-andcream livery of Cumani’s string snaking its way down Warren Hill, or standing, statue-like, as if in a military parade along the Bury Hill walking ground. Times change, of course, but it is presently unthinkable that at some stage next year we will no longer be able to consider Cumani the master of Bedford House. And make no mistake, he has been a master of his profession for decades. I’ve been fortunate over the years to interview many trainers, owners and breeders for this publication and others. Cumani of course fits all three of those categories and he is a gift as an interview subject. Like his fellow long-serving Newmarket trainer Sir Mark Prescott, he reaches easily for humorous quips with which to pepper his opinions on horseracing. Funny he may be, but his considered opinions are always worth noting. One senses that his keen eye and brain are constantly working overtime to absorb the world around him, and for most of his life, including his 43 years as a trainer, that world has largely involved thoroughbreds. In Julian Muscat’s excellent appreciation of his career in the Racing Post, Cumani emphasised a shift in focus rather than a retirement as such. “I’m not the retiring type or the type who gives up,” he said. Quite. Ten years ago when interviewed for this magazine ahead of his attempt at winning the Derby for the third time with Curtain Call, he admitted: “It’s still the race I want to win. I’ve won it twice but it’s never enough. Racing is like a drug – the more races you win the more you want to win.” My hopes had been pinned on either Cumani or Jim Bolger to emulate my racing hero Arthur Budgett by winning
Nov_171_BloodstockIntro.indd 75
the Derby with a homebred, and indeed it is of course a Cumani aim, though no longer with the training element attached. “I’ve been lucky enough to win the Derby as a trainer and it would be lovely to win it as a breeder as well,” he said. “If you look around the world, the best races are around a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half and they are the ones I want to win. I’d love to win a Coronation Cup with a four-yearold. I’d much prefer to win the Arc than the Abbaye.” And so Cumani and his wife Sara will focus on life at Fittocks Stud rather than in the heart of the Newmarket training community. His departure from the list of trainers, sad though that may be for those of us who have admired his career, can be viewed, if not as a new chapter, then as the embellishment of a work already in progress. The Cumanis bought Fittocks Stud back in 1984 initially to be home to mares inherited upon the death of Cumani’s father Sergio. Since that time extra land has been acquired to increase the farm to 360 acres, with Darley, Juddmonte and Hascombe & Valiant Studs as neighbours. Fittocks has already produced a Classic winner, Coolmore’s St Leger hero Milan, the grandson of Kalata, an early broodmare purchase when her half-brother, Cumani’s future Derby winner Kahyasi, was in training at Bedford House as a two-year-old. Touchingly, Milan was named in honour of the birthplace of his breeder. The family’s sole Derby runner in their own colours has thus far been Pukka, a grandson of another important Fittocks matriarch Souk, and thus related to Classic winners Alexandrova and Chicquita. Cumani will doubtless continue to draw on his many years of experience in nurturing the young minds and physiques of the many thoroughbreds to have come under his care as he and Sara attempt to strike the delicate balance all breeders must find between commercial desirability
EMMA BERRY
Cumani turns keen mind to breeding
Cumani will stop training in December
and breeding with one’s heart and mind. “Breeding and training compliment each other – from the trainer’s perspective you get to know a bit about soundness and temperament and therefore you can use that when you get to the breeding side. On the training front, knowing the horse from the very beginning and having seen it from when it was born, all the way through, is a bonus,” said Cumani in a separate interview for Thoroughbred Owner Breeder four years ago. His focus is now undivided by these twin pursuits but it is unlikely ever to be one-sided.
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Sales Circuit • By Carl Evans Tattersalls October Book 1
Record turnover for the seventh year running confirmed the racing and breeding world’s hunger to buy the best European bloodstock which comes on the market. More than 100 million guineas was turned over for the second successive year, while an 86% clearance rate was further evidence of buyers’ desires. Those horses who failed to sell had been given too high a reserve, were in the wrong sale or had a physical blemish, which in such exalted company was going to stand out, for there were long lines of choice yearlings, expertly prepared. Newsells Park Stud enjoyed a stellar sale and emerged as the leading consignor by trading 18 lots for just over 11 million guineas, which was more than 10% of the entire sale’s turnover. A quartet of its yearlings broke the sevenfigure barrier, headed by Shastye’s Galileo colt, who made 3,400,000gns to a bid from M V Magnier. The Coolmore Stud man was again a front-line buyer, gaining 13 yearlings for 10,650,000gns, but that was half the outlay of the Stroud Coleman
All eyes on Too Darn Hot’s yearling brother as he sells for a sale-leading 3.5 million gns
agency which signed for horses that were clearly knocked down to various members of Sheikh Mohammed’s team of advisors. These included six of the 14 horses that made a million guineas or more, among them three of the four
Newsells Park millionaires — a colt by Galileo, and two by Dubawi. Sheikh Mohammed’s support of Dubawi’s stock has not been surprising given that he is the best stallion to stand under the Sheikh’s Darley banner,
Tattersalls October Book 1 Top Ten Sex/Breeding
Vendor
Price (gns)
Buyer
C Dubawi - Dar Re Mi (Singspiel)
Watership Down Stud
3,500,000
David Redvers Bloodstock
C Galileo – Shastye (Danehill)
Newsells Park Stud Ltd.
3,400,000
M V Magnier
C Galileo - Alluring Park (Green Desert)
Lodge Park Stud
1,300,000
M V Magnier
F Galileo – Penchant (Kyllachy)
Glenvale Stud
1,200,000
Narvick International
F Galileo - Wannabe Better (Duke Of Marmalade)
Churchtown House Stud
1,200,000
Cheveley Park Stud
C Dubawi - Yummy Mummy (Montjeu)
Newsells Park Stud
1,200,000
Stroud Coleman Bloodstock
F Galileo - Chelsea Rose (Desert King)
Barronstown Stud
1,200,000
M V Magnier
F Dubawi - Giants Play (Giant’s Causeway)
Newsells Park Stud
1,200,000
Stroud Coleman Bloodstock
F Galileo - Keenes Royale (Red Ransom)
Barronstown Stud
1,200,000
Stroud Coleman Bloodstock
C Galileo – Posset (Oasis Dream)
Newsells Park Stud
1,100,000
Stroud Coleman Bloodstock
C Dubawi - Shirocco Star (Shirocco)
Meon Valley Stud
1,100,000
Stroud Coleman Bloodstock
Five-year tale Year
Sold
Agg (gns)
Avg (gns)
Mdn (gns)
Top Price (gns)
2018
392
106,503,000
271,691
167,500
3,500,000
2017
349
102,290,000
293,095
165,000
4,000,000
2016
386
88,038,000
228,078
130,000
2,600,000
2015
372
82,744,500
222,431
150,000
2,100,000
2014
336
79,274,000
235,935
150,000
2,600,000
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Overview and analysis of the latest events in the ring
Roger Varian and Sheikh Mohammed Obaid in discussion
Sheikh Mohammed and Charlie Appleby assess a Book 1 yearling
but he took a back seat when the most eagerly-anticipated colt of the week – another son of Dubawi – walked into the ring from Lord and Lady LloydWebber’s Watership Down Stud. Majorleague mares or poignant dispersals fill Tattersalls’ auditorium during the December Sale, but it takes a special yearling to create standing-room only. The horse in question was out of Dar Re Mi, making him a full-brother to the St Leger runner-up Lah Ti Dar, and also to the unbeaten two-year-old Too Darn Hot. Given that the last-named was edging towards an odds-on price for the following Saturday’s Dewhurst Stakes, the yearling’s buyer looked good to gain an important update. David Redvers of Qatar Racing made a 3,500,000gns bid that secured the colt, who became Sheikh Fahad’s most expensive buy at public auction, and Too Darn Hot did his bit a few days later. Redvers hinted that the yearling could well join his older brother at John Gosden’s yard next year. Despite this significant sum being added to Dubawi’s aggregate of sales for the week he had to accept second place on the leading sires’ table
behind Galileo. Between them these giants among stallions accounted for more than 30 million guineas’ worth
Ed and Catherine Player of Whatton Manor
Paul Shanahan, Richard Henry, MV Magnier
Nov_171_SaleCircuit.indd 77
TALKING POINTS • Number one has to be why no horses were bought in the name of Godolphin? Sheikh Mohammed was present throughout, and his team of advisors were clearly active, yet the horses in which they were interested were invariably bid on by trainer Simon Crisford, before Stroud Coleman’s Anthony Stroud signed the buyers’ list. It was the same story at Book 2. • Japanese racehorse trainer Mitsu Nakauchida was underbidder on Shastye’s 3.4 million guineas colt, and bid on a couple of other choice lots, yet left with nothing. His decision to stick to his plans, pursue a select few horses, and not veer off that line, should serve him well in time. Clients at Nakauchida’s stable include Sheikh Fahad’s Qatar Racing, but he was not acting for the Sheikh at Book 1. • Even hardened traders and very optimistic ones were shaking their heads as another tremendous Book 1 sale headed towards 100 million gns in turnover. This led to the rhetorical question of when Tattersalls would be printing its own currency. • Consignors and studs whose prized yearling is backward need not despair. Haras du Mezeray’s Sea The Stars colt was not ready for Arqana in August, but by the time Book 1 took place he had matured, and duly made 900,000gns. That was a fine result for the de Moussac family’s French stud, which announced just ahead of Book 1 that it would stand the Oasis Dream stallion De Treville next year, following his initial season at Haras du Thenney. The timing of this announcement could not have been better for a sire whose only win on the track came in a conditions race – first his yearling half-brother made 3.5m gns at this sale, then another half-sibling, Too Darn Hot, won the Dewhurst to become a first Group 1 winner for their dam.
of sales, or 29% of the catalogue. Tattersalls’ Chairman, Edmond Mahony, commented on “the truly exceptional roster of stallions currently standing in Europe”, in his close-of-sale statement. The big two cannot go on forever, however, and fresh blood of their calibre will be needed if Book 1 and similar European auctions are to remain must-visit locations for international buyers. With that in mind, some excellent sales results for Kingman and No Nay Never, backing up this year’s racecourse results from their first crops, were welcome. Turnover rose by 4% to reach a sum in excess of 106 million guineas, while the median picked up 2%, but the average was pegged back 7%.
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Sales Circuit ››
Tattersalls October Book 2
Another excellent clearance rate and record turnover were the pick of the figures at this three-day sale of yearlings. It does not have the outstanding bluebloods of Book 1, but that makes it more representative of the yearling market. Vendors with a good-looking horse, a bit of pedigree and by the right sire were well rewarded, yet consignors were as one in saying they had to work hard to sell some, if not all, members of their drafts. That situation became more acute later the same week at Book 3. European yearling sales at Book 2 level and above are generating some terrific trade, but it is a fool who thinks they can be into jackpot territory when they first start – the market is too fickle, and consignors need years of experience and to be part of the network before they are working at optimum levels. That comment may seem obtuse given that an operation which only began trading in 2016 should sell the sale’s 750,000gns top lot – and a 500,000gns colt at Book 1 – but Hazelwood Bloodstock, which is based not far from Newmarket, was not founded on whim. Adrian O’Brien created it off the back of 25 years
TALKING POINTS • It has been a while since Benny Andersson of ABBA bought yearlings at the October Sale, but there were a couple of names from the world of football and cricket to lift Book 2. • The football link came via Kia Joorabchian, a football agent who earlier this year masterminded Brazilian player Coutinho’s move from Liverpool to Barcelona for more than £100 million. Joorabchian also acts for Riyad Mahrez, who joined Manchester City from Leicester for £60 million. Just a few per cent of such sums would keep most of us in racehorses, and Joorabchian’s Amo Racing gained several yearlings at Books 1 and 2. At Book 2, the football agent’s bloodstock agent, Alex Elliott, gained a 450,000gns No Nay Never colt who topped the final session. • The cricket link came via Kim Waugh, a Group 1-winning trainer in Australia, but whose surname is synonymous with leather and willow down under. Her husband, Mark, and his twin Steve, have now retired from the game, but Mark was one of the most elegant batsmen, and Steve one of the most pugnacious. Kim made her first appearance at Book 2 in company with former Australian jockey Paul King, who recently created Kingcraft Bloodstock, and which left with six purchases worth 1,040,000gns – that was some way to make your auction ring debut. working in the industry, while his wife, Philippa, holds post-graduate qualifications in equine and stud medicine, and looks after the business’s routine veterinary care. In a global marketplace it helps to have overseas clients, and the O’Briens’ headline act was a Kingman colt bred by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, or rather by his Essafinaat Ltd. John Gosden headed a posse of big-time buyers to secure the colt, whose price places him second on
Book 2’s all-time list behind a Sea The Stars colt who made 850,000gns last year. Heading the list of fillies this year was a daughter of Siyouni offered by the Egan family’s Corduff Stud, and knocked down to Angus Gold of Sheih Hamdan’s Shadwell Estates for 450,000gns. Sheikh Hamdan covets yearlings at this sale, a policy which has rewarded him well on the racecourse, and he held his place as the leading buyer, securing 40 yearlings and
Tattersalls October Book 2 Top lots Sex/Breeding
Vendor
Price (gn)
Buyer
C Kingman – Reem (Galileo)
Hazelwood B/s
750,000
Stroud Coleman Bloodstock
F Siyouni – Brynica (Desert Style)
Corduff Stud
450,000
Shadwell Estate
C No Nay Never - Jacquelin Jag (Fayruz)
Ballyphilip Stud
450,000
Alex Elliott
F Pivotal – Suelita (Dutch Art)
Whitsbury Manor Stud
425,000
Cheveley Park Stud
C Dark Angel – Minwah (Oasis Dream)
Whatton Manor Stud
420,000
SackvilleDonald
C Kingman - Legende Bleue (Galileo)
Stauffenberg B/s
400,000
Hillen/Devin
F Cassandra (Dansili – Capichera (Shirocco)
Stauffenberg B/s
360,000
Stroud Coleman Bloodstock
C Lope De Vega - Lamps Of Heaven (Invincible Spirit)
Ballyvolane Stud
325,000
Shadwell Estate
C No Nay Never - Whitefall (Street Cry)
Kilminfoyle House Stud
320,000
Peter & Ross Doyle Bloodstock
C Siyouni - Pelerin (Shamardal)
Kenilworth House Stud
300,000
SackvilleDonald
Five-year tale Year
Sold
Agg (gns)
Avg (gns)
Mdn (gns)
Top Price (gns)
2018
631
48,458,500
76,796
55,000
750,000
2017
613
48,022,000
78,339
55,000
850,000
2016
593
38,758,500
65,360
50,000
380,000
2015
681
42,414,000
62,282
47,000
725,000
2014
660
42,555,500
64,478
50,000
525,000
››
78 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
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MUKHADRAM
2018 yearlings have made 80,000gns, 70,000gns, 58,000gns... from his ÂŁ7,000 cover fee.
His first-crop two-year-olds include stakes winner A BIT SPECIAL Discover more about the Shadwell Stallions at www.shadwellstud.com Or call Richard Lancaster, James O’Donnell or Tom Pennington on 01842 755913 Email us at: nominations@shadwellstud.co.uk
Sales Circuit ›› increasing his 2017 spend by nearly 1
million gns to a figure of 6,870,000gns (14% of the sale’s total). Stroud Coleman, whose purchases included those bound for Godolphin, signed for 27 horses worth 4,440,000gns, while Alastair Donald’s King Power Racing client remains committed to buying racehorses after a good year on the track. SackvilleDonald gained 33 horses for 3,826,000gns. Newsells Park Stud added to its position as leading consignor at Book 1 by netting the double at this sale, and while Kingman’s prowess as one of racing most exciting young sires gained
Tattersalls October Book 3
Tattersalls kept the number of lots offered at this two-day sale on a par with last year, and the overall figures came out fairly well, with just minor falls. The clearance rate even gained a percentage point to achieve 80%, as another 472 yearlings found a buyer. However, the market’s taste for good stock could be seen in the figures from each session, for the sale is graded, with better stock on the first day. It threw up two six-figure lots – both from James Hanly’s Ballyhimikin Stud – and a worthy 84% clearance rate while achieving slight increases in turnover and the average price. The median dipped 6%. The biggest downside to this session
more credit here – his nine yearlings averaged just over 256,000gns – the leading sire by aggregate was Lope De Vega, whose 33 lots turned over 3,141,000gns. Precocity and two-year-old power are a huge draw in a yearling, and the racy-looking progeny of Hot Streak, who was a very quick juvenile, achieved some outstanding returns for breeders and pinhookers. The pick was a colt who sold to Australia’s Kingcraft Bloodstock for 220,000gns. Hot Streak’s seven sold lots averaged 126,000gns, which was impressive off a £7,000 2016 stud fee.
Blue skies over Tattersalls’ October Sale
was the time it took to complete, with the first lot into the ring at 9.30am and the last of 297 yearlings exiting it just before 9.45pm. Day two was a couple of hours speedier, but in this lower grade trade was tough for consignors, and backward horses were easily shunned. There are more than enough yearlings to go around in the basement, and falls of 13% in turnover, 12% in average and 22% in median pulled the sale’s overall figures down, too. The aggregate and average for both sessions was down 3% and the median was cut by 9%. Plenty of winners will come out of the catalogue, and the horse who lands the Tattersalls October Auction
Stakes next year could make a profit on their sales price. This year’s winner, the Julie Camacho-trained Lorton, cost 18,000gns and won £81,000. The race came up in several conversations with buyers as a reason for their investment, and shrewd James Hanly was very happy to target Book 3 with a couple of colts who could be in next year’s line-up. He sold the catalogue-topping son of Kodiac for 135,000gns to Norman Williamson and Mags O’Toole, and then a colt by Society Rock who made 100,000gns to a bid from agent Alex Elliott. The Kodiac will breeze next spring, the Society Rock goes into training with Jeremy Noseda.
Tattersalls October Book 3 Top Ten Sex/Breeding
Vendor
Price (gn)
Buyer
C Kodiac – Lucky (Sadler’s Wells)
Ballyhimikin Stud
135,000
Margaret O’Toole
C Society Rock - Chantaleen (Falco)
Ballyhimikin Stud
100,000
Alex Elliott
C Champs Elysees - Elpida (Giant’s Causeway)
Whatton Manor Stud
90,000
Kevin Ross Bloodstock
F Poet’s Voice - Ashford Belle (Arakan)
Glebe Farm Stud
80,000
Richard Frisby Bloodstock
F No Nay Never - Flavia Tatiana (Holy Roman Emperor)
Jamie Railton
80,000
Greenhills Farm
F Tamayuz - Dutch Rose (Dutch Art)
Lodge Park Stud
70,000
Ed Walker Racing
F Dutch Art - Gossamer Seed (Choisir)
Newsells Park Stud
70,000
Highfield Farm/M Dods
C Hot Streak - Atheera (Shamardal)
New England Stud
62,000
R O’Ryan/R Fahey
F Footstepsinthesand – Cordial (Oasis Dream)
Avalon Bloodstock
62,000
Stroud Coleman Bloodstock
C Lethal Force - Scarlet Royal (Red Ransom)
Cheveley Park Stud
60,000
Norris/Huntingdon
C Zoffany – Cosmodrome (Bahri)
Voute Sales
60,000
BBA Ireland
Five-year tale Year
Sold
Agg (gns)
Avg (gns)
Mdn (gns)
Top Price (gns)
2018
472
7,590,800
16,082
10,000
135,000
2017
473
7,839,450
16,574
11,000
110,000
2016
326
5,844,300
17,927
13,000
200,000
2015
483
6,335,900
13,118
9,000
115,000
2014
436
7,164,350
16,432
11,500
100,000
››
80 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
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FEE £6000
FIRST FOALS IN 2019
MONDIALISTE GALILEO - OCCUPANDISTE (KALDOUN) STANDING AT ELWICK STUD Elwick Stud, Sheraton Farm, Hartlepool TS27 4RB t: +44 (0) 1429 856 530 e: info@elwickstud.co.uk w: www.elwickstud.co.uk
Sales Circuit ›› Tattersalls October Book 4
Even in the cellar there are gems to be found and happy results for consignors, though few would choose Book 4 as a market place for their yearlings. Damian Flynn and Emma Foley of Redgate Bloodstock were not too dejected when a Mayson colt bred by Johnny Weatherby’s Preston Lodge Stud was given a Book 4 ticket, reasoning he might stand out among the 123 catalogued lots, and they were proved right when he topped the sale. A Tattersalls sale-topper is always a
feather for the cap of a consignor, even if, at 16,000gns, there was little if any profit for the breeder from the sire’s £5,000 stud fee. That is the reality of the current market at the bottom, where there is plenty of choice and not enough demand. A change in the racing calendar meant this sale took place on its own, separated from either the Horses-inTraining Sale or Book 3, and held on the Saturday of British Champions Day at Ascot. A neat irony there.
Last year 38 horses were offered, this time it was 103, so it was no surprise that the aggregate leapt, gaining 85% to reach 179,100gns. The average and median prices fell 16% and 38%, but those who wanted to move a horse on for rock-bottom or no money may have found a buyer or someone to lease yearlings. Other vendors were happy to turn up, qualify their horses for the October Auction Stakes, and then take their horse home, which will not have helped the clearance rate of 55%.
Tattersalls October Book 4 Top six Sex/Breeding
Vendor
Price (gn)
Buyer
C Mayson – Epernay (Tiger Hill)
Redgate Bloodstock
16,000
Howson & Houldsworth B/s
F Cityscape – Beautifulwildthing (Mount Nelson)
Voute Sales
15,000
M J MacLeod
F Camacho - Certainly Brave (Indian Ridge)
AMT Bloodstock
13,000
Rabbah Bloodstock
C Bated Breath - Silent Decision (Mr Greeley)
Hever Stud Farm
12,000
Sherbourne Lodge
F Night Of Thunder – Neshla (Singspiel)
Elusive Bloodstock
8,000
Vereright
C Shooting To Win – Jillanar (Lawman)
Houghton Bloodstock
7,000
Rabbah Bloodstock
Five-year tale Year
Sold
Agg (gns)
Avg (gns)
Mdn (gns)
Top Price (gns)
2018
57
179,100
3,142
2,000
16,000
2017
26
96,900
3,727
3,250
20,000
2016
43
141,900
3,300
2,500
20,000
2015
27
100,200
3,711
2,500
10,000
2014
46
184,300
4,007
2,300
18,000
Goffs Orby
Some absorbing ring battles and a filly whose €3.2m price set a yearling record at a sale in Ireland made this two-day auction one to remember. It provided further evidence of demand for the very best bloodstock, with a 7% rise in turnover, gains of 22% and 23% in the average and median prices respectively, and an excellent 89% clearance rate. More than €43 million went through the Goffs till, as buyers with income gained in countries around the world arrived to shop at Ireland’s highest-grossing yearling sale. Phoenix Thoroughbreds, the brainchild of Bahrain’s Amer Abdulaziz, headed purchasers by accruing six horses for €5,990,000, including a €2 million Glenvale Stud-consigned daughter of Galileo who headed the first session, and the record-busting €3.2 million filly, another daughter of Galileo (who else?). She was foaled by the Theatrical mare Green Room, who is now 18,
The sister to this year’s Oaks winner Forever Together set a new yearling record for Goffs
owned by Vimal and Gillian Khosla, and a boarder at Ballylinch Stud, which consigned her yearling. She had the
looks, and being a sister to this year’s Oaks winner Forever Together and to Fillies’ Mile victress Together Forever,
››
82 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
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Al Kazeem TOB-Nov 2018:Oakgrove Stud
19/10/18
14:58
Page 1
Al Kazeem 50% winners to runners from his first crop
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 will be 2yos in 2019
Ë 80% mares in foal at close of the 2018 season
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
Remaining at
Cheveley Park Stud for 2019
Intello Intello
A PAT T E R N H A S E M E R G E D 13 Black Type horses from his first crop, including 2018 Group winners Intellogent, Young Rascal (x2) and Regal Reality
Leading 2nd Crop Sires in Europe in 2018 by percentage of Black Type winners to runners (50+ runners) Sire
1 INTELLO 2 3 4 5 6
Camelot Dawn Approach Havana Gold Declaration of War Society Rock
%BT w/r
6.45 5.66 5.05 3.57 3.41 2.42
Statistics courtesy of www.stallionguide.com. Results received to 24/10/18
INTELLOGENT provides his sire with another major success in the Gr.1 Prix Jean Prat.
Reserve your 2019 nomination now! Cheveley Park Stud Tel: +44 (0)1638 730316 • email: enquiries@cheveleypark.co.uk www.cheveleypark.co.uk • L@CPStudOfficial
Intello_Owner_Breeder_November_2018v2.indd 1
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Sales Circuit ›› in addition to being a half-sister to sire
Lord Shanakill, she had the pedigree, too – perfect ingredients for a bigmoney sale. M V Magnier was underbidder to Phoenix on both seven-figure yearlings, although his spend of €1,370,000 on four horses throughout the two-day sale – headed by a €700,000 No Nay Never filly – has to be considered cautious given that he was to invest 10,650,00gns at the following week’s Tattersalls Book 1 Sale. However, Goffs will have been delighted that Sheikh Mohammed made his first appearance at the Orby in more than a decade, and instructed his advisors to secure eight lots worth just over €3 million. Goffs’ decision to apply the brake to numbers resulted in a catalogue with 49 fewer lots, although, after withdrawals, 369 lots were offered, which was 64 down on 2017 – the 7% rise in turnover off the smaller turnout says something about less meaning more, but also reflects well on the company’s efforts to attract top-quality horses. Henry Beeby, Goffs CEO, said: “We took the conscious decision to tighten the catalogue numbers to really focus on quality this year, and it is clear that our huge array of buyers from home and abroad agreed with that move.”
John O’Connor, breeder Vimal Khosla and Mark Byrne watch their sale-topper in the ring
TALKING POINT • While Phoenix Thoroughbreds was making national news on Irish television with its purchase of the Orby’s pair of seven-figure lots, the sale of a Showcasing filly for €240,000 will have made little impact. The buyer was Kerri Radcliffe, who throughout 2017 was Phoenix’s frontwoman at major auctions – and, judging by subsequent racecourse results, she did a sound job. Why she left the organisation earlier this year has not been made public, but she clearly has an eye for a horse, and the ability to bring new buyers to the market, which is a talent that should be welcomed by all in the industry. No less appealing, they tend to shop for caviar, not cake. Her client for the Showcasing filly was Sheila Rosenblum, an American socialite whose Lady Sheila Stables is an all-female racehorse syndicate that has enjoyed some track success across the Atlantic. At Tattersalls Book 1 the following week Radcliffe, with Lady Sheila Stables and George Bolton, took a 650,000gns No Nay Never filly, and she was to prove an influential underbidder on a couple of occasions. Radcliffe is more phoenix-like than Phoenix.
Goffs Orby Top Ten Sex/Breeding
Vendor
Price (€)
Buyer
F Galileo – Green Room (Theatrical)
Ballylinch Stud
3,200,000
Phoenix Thoroughbreds
F Galileo – Aleagueoftheirown (Danehill Dancer)
Glenvale Stud
2,000,000
Phoenix Thoroughbreds
C Kingman – Alexander Queen (King’s Best)
Mountarmstrong Stud
850,000
David Redvers
F Showcasing – Bird Key (Cadeaux Genereux)
Baroda & Colbinstown Studs
850,000
Mark Player
F Sea The Stars – Valais Girl (Holy Roman Emperor)
Mount Coote Stud
750,000
Godolphin
F No Nay Never – Starlet (Sea The Stars)
Glenvale Stud
700,000
M V Magnier
F Galileo – Maureen (Holy Roman Emperor)
Newsells Park Stud from Baroda & Colbinstown Studs
525,000
David Redvers
F Frankel – Native Force (Indian Ridge)
Baroda & Colbinstown Studs
500,000
Shawn Dugan
F Muhaarar – Beach Bunny (High Chaparral)
Skymarc Farm/Hollyhill Stud
500,000
Shadwell Estates
F Camelot – Flawless Beauty (Excellent Art)
Glenvale Stud
500,000
Godolphin
Figures Year
Sold
Agg (€)
Avg (€)
Mdn (€)
Top Price (€)
2018
328
43,497,000
132,613
80,000
3,200,000
2017
373
40,702,500
109,122
65,000
1,600,000
2016
363
39,925,000
109,986
67,000
1,400,000
2015
371
38,901,500
104,856
65,000
2,000,000
Nov_171_SaleCircuit.indd 85
››
THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER INC PACEMAKER 85
25/10/2018 16:44
Great in 2017. Even greater in 2018.
10
Gr/Stks winners in 2018 6 Group winners
22
Gr/Stks horses from his first two crops
32
95+
Including 6-time Gr.1 winner & dual Arc winner ENABLE Plus Gr.2 winners PILASTER & GOD GIVEN, etc.
15 Group winners/performers
Top 10 sire in Europe in 2017 & 2018 The leading second-crop sire & the leading third-crop sire
rated RPR
(18 colts, 14 fillies & 14% of foals)
Julian Dollar or Gary Coffey +44 (0)1763 846000 London Thoroughbred Services + 44 (0)1725 517711
newsells-park.com
m18033 Newsells Nathaniel TOB ad aw.indd 1
22/10/2018 11:27
Sales Circuit ››
Goffs Sportsman’s Sale
Goffs cut the numbers at this sale last year, reducing it from two sessions to one, and the company managed to produce a catalogue of the same size for the latest edition. After withdrawals, six fewer yearlings were offered, and the clearance rate held steady at a commendable 85%, but in common with other auctions in the middle-to-lower tier the other key figures were slightly down, with an 11% fall in turnover, and reductions of 9% and 6% in the average and median marks.
Roger Marley, who pinhooks yearlings to sell as breezers from his Yorkshire-based Church Farm, opened a window on the current theme of supply outstripping demand when saying he would be careful on the number of breezers he consigns next year – although he still expects to prep a dozen for the role. He was speaking after signing for the sale-topper, a €90,000 colt by Bungleinthejungle, consigned by Rathasker Stud, which is home to the sire. Marley, and his business accomplice
John Cullinan of Horse Park Stud, also bought the top lot at this event last year, paying €130,000 for a Lope De Vega colt, although on paper he cost them money, for he was knocked down for 78,000gns at the Craven Breeze-up. Proven traders like Marley and Cullinan expect the occasional reverse, but are wise enough to be prudent if they suspect any weakness in the market – and next year’s breeze-up sales will come hot on the heels of Brexit. Not even the Prime Minister can be sure how that one is going to work out.
Goffs Sportsman’s Sale Top Ten Sex/Breeding
Vendor
Price (€)
Buyer
C Bungle Inthejungle – Nafa (Shamardal)
Rathasker Stud
90,000
Church Farm
C Society Rock – Something Magic (Proud Citizen)
Tally-Ho Stud
70,000
Kevin Ross Bloodstock
F Bungle Inthejungle – Ayr Missile (Cadeaux Genereux)
Newlands House Stud
65,000
Joe Foley
F Acclamation – Watsdaplan (Verglas)
Glacken View
60,000
Aidan O’Ryan
F New Approach – Khothry (Marju)
Lumville Farm
60,000
JC Bloodstock
F Starspangledbanner – Show Me Off (Showcasing)
Baroda & Colbinstown Studs
59,000
De Burgh Equine/F Stack
C Champs Elysees – Sojitzen (Great Journey)
Abbeville Stud
55,000
Kevin Ross Bloodstock
F Poet’s Voice – Zaaqya (Nayef)
Ballyogue Stud/Kilmoney Cottage Stud
55,000
BBA Ireland
F Kodiac – Duchess Of Foxland (Medecis)
Foxland Stud/River Downs Stud
54,000
Richard Knight/Sean Quinn
C Zebedee – Rejuvenation (Singspiel)
Lynn Lodge Stud
50,000
Bobby O’Ryan/Keith Dalgleish
C Dandy Man – Talitha Kum (Chineur)
S Berkeley/Castlebridge Consignment
50,000
BBA Ireland
F Dandy Man – Atishoo (Revoque)
Lynn Lodge Stud
50,000
Kevin Ross Bloodstock
F Dark Angel – Dreaming Of Rubies (Oasis Dream)
Newtown Stud
50,000
Javier Maldonado
Five-year tale Year
Sold
Agg (€)
Avg (€)
2018
228
4,325,500
18,971
15,000
90,000
2017
232
4,834,500
20,838
16,000
130,000
2016
335
5,536,400
16,527
12,000
90,000
2015
203
4,892,700
24,102
18,000
110,000
2014
228
4,408,550
19,336
15,000
90,000
Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale
After severely pruning the numbers at this sale and its Part II version in 2017, Tattersalls Ireland eased the tourniquet slightly, resulting in an additional 95 horses walking the ring throughout the combined three days of selling. Sadly, the number of yearling buyers is not rising in line with the steady increase in foal production, despite the number of foals who were born last year being well down on the pre-recession high of 18,472 in 2007. That is just over 4,000 more horses than the number who reached the ground last year and are being offered as yearlings this season. So while current foal crop sizes should, in theory, be manageable, that is not
Nov_171_SaleCircuit.indd 87
The brother to Adaay leaves the ring
Mdn (€)
Top Price (€)
proving to be the case. A 13% decline in the clearance rate at this sale, and a 23% fall at Part II, are figures that have to be set against some very good returns at both auctions in recent years, while some circumspection by breeze-up pinhookers will not have helped. They felt a chill at the latest round of breeze-up sales in the spring, with the result that horses with undistinguished pedigrees and/or conformation issues are off their menu. That is not helping limitedbudget breeders, unable to buy blueblooded mares and pay elite stallion fees. At the other end of the market there is demand and buyers are spending more, as witnessed by a record ten horses who sold for a six-figure sum at this sale – seven had reached or breached that mark
››
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Sales Circuit ›› last year – while the €275,000 top price
also set a new mark. It was given for a Kodiac full-brother to class-act Adaay, and resulted in a notable pinhooking profit for Grove Stud’s Brendan Holland, who paid €60,000 for the colt at Goffs in November. Adaay, who now stands at Whitsbury Manor Stud, was raced by Sheikh Hamdan, who took a shine to the yearling sibling and duly added him to his Shadwell string, although he was the only horse bought by the Sheikh at this event. Every sales yearling by leading firstcrop sire No Nay Never is going onto agents’ initial lists, and at this auction the young stallion headed the sires’ table,
his 12 lots averaging just over €63,000, well up on his 2016 stud fee of €17,500, and clear of such proven performers as Camacho, Kodiac, Dandy Man and Acclamation. One of No Nay Never’s daughters – consigned by Castledillon Stud – headed fillies when selling for €105,000 to Godolphin, becoming one of two yearlings bought by Sheikh Mohammed’s operation. The most active buying team was BBA Ireland, which signed for 17 lots worth €564,500 – this haul was headed by two €100,000 colts who were by Kodiac and No Nay Never. The average price during the first two days dipped 8% and there were falls of 11%
and 15% in the average and median prices respectively. At Part II, which 12 months ago had slimmed from a two-session event into one and achieved major gains (including a double-figure average price for the first time), the figures fell sharply. Just 17 extra yearlings were offered, but it is a buyers’ market, especially for lower-tier lots. Of the 259 horses offered 172 (66%) found a buyer, headed by a €32,000 Camacho filly. Turnover fell 41%, the average by 29% and the median by 37%. Matt Mitchell, the sales company’s CEO, said at the conclusion of Part II: “Today’s trade was not forgiving,” and he referred to “limited demand at the lower levels”.
Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale Part I - five-year tale Year
Sold
Agg (€)
Avg (€)
Mdn (€)
2018
411
2017
401
2016
407
2015
409
2014
397
Top Price (€)
10,488,000
25,518
20,000
275,000
11,451,000
28,556
23,000
230,000
10,190,700
25,039
19,000
150,000
9,853,000
24,090
18,000
130,000
7,427,000
18,708
15,000
115,000
Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale Top Ten Sex/Breeding
Vendor
Price (€)
Buyer
C Kodiac - Lady Lucia (Royal Applause)
Grove Stud
275,000
Shadwell Estates
C Night Of Thunder - North East Bay (Prospect Bay)
The Castlebridge Consignment
180,000
Godolphin
C No Nay Never - Dara’s Girl (Starspangledbanner)
Killourney Mor Farm
120,000
A C Elliott
C Excelebration – Kayak (Singspiel)
Loughmore Stables
120,000
Joe Foley
C New Approach - Flashing Green (Green Desert)
Lodge Park Stud
110,000
Kilbride Equine
F No Nay Never – Cabelo (Azamour)
Castledillon Stud
105,000
Godolphin
C Acclamation - Irish Cliff (Marju)
Rathbarry Stud
105,000
Kevin Ross Bloodstock
C Kodiac - Well Focused (Intense Focus)
Lynn Lodge Stud
100,000
BBA Ireland
C No Nay Never - Cool Cap (Captain Rio)
Peter Nolan B/s
100,000
BBA Ireland/Yulong Investments
C Tamayuz - London Plane(Danehill Dancer)
Riversfield Stud
100,000
Kevin Ross Bloodstock
Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale Part II - five-year tale Year
Sold
Agg (€)
Avg (€)
Mdn (€)
2018
172
1,241,300
7,217
5,000
Top Price (€) 32,000
2017
207
2,093,800
10,115
8,000
60,000
2016
265
1,860,400
7,020
5,000
46,000
2015
182
1,636,200
8,990
7,000
60,000
2014
171
1,265,200
7,399
5,000
56,000
Part II top six Sex/Breeding
Vendor
F Camacho – Pashmina (Barathea)
Nicola Kent
Price (€) 32,000
Buyer Kern Lillingston
F No Nay Never - Surrey Pink (Kyllachy)
Glenard Stables
30,000
Joe Foley
F Elzaam - La Cuvee (Mark Of Esteem)
Aughamore Stud
28,000
Johnny Murtagh
C Epaulette - Social Set (Key Of Luck)
Mocklershill Stables
25,000
Watree Stud
C Rock Of Gibraltar – Etesian (Shirocco)
The Castlebridge Consignment
24,000
Alduino Botti
F Night Of Thunder – Refusetolisten (Clodovil)
Baroda & Colbinstown Studs
22,000
Compas Equine/Loughnane/Hughes
››
88 THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
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The Coming Wave
AWTAAD Group 1 winning miler by CAPE CROSS out of a SHAMARDAL mare Being an Irish 2,000 Guineas winner by the sire of SEA THE STARS and GOLDEN HORN is not a bad opening gambit for a stallion hoping to achieve success at stud. Add the fact that over 60% of his first book of mares were Black Type winners or Black Type producers – including the dam of TAGHROODA
See his cracking first crop foals at the sales this year
DERRINSTOWN STUD Tel: +353 (0)1 6286228 • info@derrinstown.com • www.derrinstown.com Awtaad_OwnerBreeder_Nov18.indd 1
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Sales Circuit ›› Goffs UK September Sale
It was back to horses in training for Goffs UK at Doncaster following the company’s Premier Sale of yearlings a few weeks earlier. At this one-day event a top price of £65,000 summarised the talent on offer, but 192 of 217 horses found a buyer (88%) as Flat and jumps trainers took the opportunity to turn over stock. The sale topper, three-year-old colt Meagher’s Flag (Teofilo), had been bred by Jim Bolger and trained by him to win a handicap over ten furlongs in midsummer. From one top trainer to another, he was knocked down to agent Tom Malone, bound for Paul Nicholls’s yard and a career over jumps. Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud has made this sale one of its culling opportunities, and it put 35 horses through the ring, adding just north of £600,000 to the day’s aggregate (29% of the total). Among the cast were a number of class acts who had performed on big stages for their owner – for example Road To Riches, who made £35,000, and
Thunder And Roses who sold for £21,000 – but topping the draft on price was nine-year-old All Hell Let Loose, who had run well until falling in the Kerry National five days before his sales-ring appearance. Brendan Bashford, who signed for the gelding, said he had acted for Timmy Hyde who wanted a horse for one of his grandchildren. The chosen one might be Harry Swan, son of former ace jockey Charlie Swan, who had ridden his first winner 48 hours before the sale at Worcester. Swan’s mount on that occasion, the Hyde-trained Stacey Sue, stayed on in Britain, travelled to South Yorkshire, and duly became the third-highest priced horse at this sale. A bid of £52,000 by agent JD Moore ensured her next stop will be with trainer Alex Hales on the Northants/Oxfordshire border. At a time when many sales catalogues are proving top-heavy with horses, this one increased in size, yet coped with the load. An extra 47 lots were offered, but 52 more horses were
JD Moore was in action for Alex Hales
sold, boosting the clearance rate by 4% and helping turnover gain 30%. For record-keepers there were minor slides of 3% in average and 6% in median, and while the figures at horses-intraining auctions will fluctuate with the quality on offer, the signs were promising ahead of Goffs UK’s Autumn Sale, which was set to take place in late October, a couple of weeks earlier than in 2017.
Goffs UK September Sale Top Ten Name/Breeding
Vendor
Price (€)
Buyer
Meagher’s Flag (Teofilo – Gearanai (Toccet))
Glebe House Stables (Jim Bolger)
65,000
Tom Malone
All Hell Let Loose (Shantou - Gan Ainm (Mujadil))
Gigginstown House Stud
62,000
Brendan Bashford Bloodstock
Stacey Sue (Robin Des Champs-Antonia Hall (Saddlers’ Hall))
Camas Park Stud
52,000
JD Moore/Alex Hales
Townshend (Lord Of England – Trikolore (Konigsstuhl))
Closutton Stables (Willie Mullins)
50,000
Million In Mind Partnership
Wounded Warrior (Shantou - Sparkling Sword (Broadsword))
Gigginstown House Stud
43,000
DirectBS/LongHouseStables/DOC
Gangster (Green Tune - Dahlia’s Krissy (Kris S))
Gigginstown House Stud
42,000
Highflyer Bloodstock
Caltex (Network – Qomposita (Video Rock))
Gigginstown House Stud
41,000
Henry Oliver
Envol De La Cour (Maresca Sorrento-Reveuse De La Cour (Saint Cyrien))
Birch Farm Stud
40,000
Henry Oliver
Whoshotthesheriff (Dylan Thomas - Dame Foraine (Raintrap))
Cullentra House Stables (Gordon Elliott)
40,000
Aidan O’Ryan/Hambleton Racing
Voix D’Eau (Voix Du Nord - Eau De Chesne (R B Chesne))
Harry Fry Racing
40,000
Tom Malone
C Dandy Man – Talitha Kum (Chineur)
S Berkeley/Castlebridge Consignment
50,000
BBA Ireland
F Dandy Man – Atishoo (Revoque)
Lynn Lodge Stud
50,000
Kevin Ross Bloodstock
F Dark Angel – Dreaming Of Rubies (Oasis Dream)
Newtown Stud
50,000
Javier Maldonado
Five-year tale Year
Sold
Agg (€)
Avg (€)
Mdn (€)
Top Price (€)
2018
192
2,094,800
10,910
7,500
65,000
2017
144
1,617,400
11,232
8,000
66,000
2016
127
1,104,150
8,694
5,500
56,000
2015
283
2,771,900
9,795
6,000
78,000
2014
250
2,658,050
10,632
6,000
185,000
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Sales Circuit ›› Arqana Arc Sale
Two-year-olds dominated the top-ten board at this mixed sale, which was switched back to Saint-Cloud from Chantilly and held the evening before the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe’s return to Longchamp. The star of the weekend, but not the show, proved to be Lily’s Candle, who was knocked down for €390,000, placing her third on the top-ten board – to that point she was a Listed winner who had been only fourth in her first attempt at a Group 3 contest. However, the daughter of young sire Style Vendome was to outrun her form and valuation the following day when landing the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at 28/1 for trainer Fabrice Vermeulen, who consigned her the previous evening. She carried the colours of Martin Schwartz, having been bought for him by Oceanic Bloodstock’s Michel Zerolo. Performing a similar journey from sale to racecourse, but in reverse, was Alignement, who won the Prix Dollar on the Saturday of Longchamp’s Arc card, and was then boxed to the auction where he made €310,000 en route to Jassim Al Ghazali’s Qatar stables. Lily’s Candle’s win came too late to enhance her valuation at this sale, which lacked the high-achievers of recent years. The top price of €470,000 was given
for Insandi, a son of Goldikova’s brother Anodin, whose first crop reached the racecourse this year. Insandi had finished second, beaten two lengths in the Group 3 Prix des Chenes on his previous start – compare that to Toulifaut, a daughter of Frankel who was unbeaten in three starts and held a Group 1 entry for the following day when appearing at this auction in 2016. She made €1.9 million, but made no show in the Prix Marcel Boussac. Whether Insandi can become a topgrade performer is unknown, but his Prix des Chenes conqueror, Anodor, was a close third in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc
Lagardere, so there are grounds for hope. Insandi was knocked down to the agent Nicolas de Watrigant on behalf of the Tsui family’s Sunderland Holdings, which is gaining a superb association with the Arc, having won it with Urban Sea and her son Sea The Stars, then adding a runner-up spot with Sea Of Class the day after this sale. A smaller catalogue did not help turnover, but boosted the clearance rate, which achieved a mark of 65% from the sale of 24 of the 37 lots who walked the ring. The aggregate fell 28%, and the lack of talent at the top pulled down the average by 25% and median by 32%.
TALKING POINT • Horses-in-training sales which tie in with big race meetings are now a feature of such events at Longchamp, Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown, while Goffs’ London Sale performs a similar link to Royal Ascot. A marketing point of these auctions is the opportunity to buy horses who can then run at the featured meeting, or who have already done so, but there have been few cases of success. The latest staging of Arqana’s Arc Sale will not be remembered for its figures, but it did sell a Group 2 winner (Alignement) and a subsequent Group 1 winner (Lily’s Candle), who gained their victories at the same weekend’s Arc meeting. Goffs has sold bumper winners from the Punchestown Festival at the sale it holds during that meeting, but how it would love to sell a Royal Ascot winner at its London Sale. Similarly, there would be endless marketing opportunities should Tattersalls Ireland trade a subsequent Triumph Hurdle winner, let alone a Gold Cup first, at its Cheltenham Sale, or Goffs UK a Grand National hero at its Aintree version.
Arqana Arc Sale Top Ten Name/Breeding
Vendor
Price (€)
Buyer
Insandi (Anodin - Insan Mala (Bahhare))
C Laffon-Parias
470,000
Mandore/Sunderland
Night Of England (Lord Of England-Ninas Rainbow (Rainbow Quest))
H Grewe
400,000
Oceanic Bloodstock
Lily’s Candle (Style Vendome - Golden Lily (Dolphin Street))
F Vermeulen
390,000
Oceanic Bloodstock
Alignement (Pivotal - Soldata (Maria’s Mon))
Wertheimer & Frere
310,000
Chantilly B/s/AlGhazali
Tresorerie (Intello - Treasure (Anabaa))
C Ferland
300,000
Nexus/L’Ecurie Vivaldi
Happy Odyssey (Camacho - Casual Remark (Trans Island))
Jamie Railton
300,000
BBA Ireland/Yulong Investments
Spotify (Redoute’s Choice - Gwenseb (Green Tune))
Wertheimer & Frère
250,000
Stroud Coleman
Ardara Belle (Anodin - Sunrise Song (Invincible Spirit))
Tina Rarick
205,000
Bradley Thoroughbreds
Bopedro (Pedro The Great - Breizh Touch (Country Reel))
Boisnard
205,000
BBA Ireland/Yulong Investments
Golconda (Planteur – Hijaziyah (Testa Rossa))
C Ferland
200,000
Mandore International
Five-year tale Year
Sold
Agg (€)
Avg (€)
Mdn (€)
Top Price (€)
2018
24
4,318,000
179,917
122,500
470,000
2017
25
5,978,500
239,140
180,000
900,000
2016
29
8,474,000
292,207
135,000
1,900,000
2015
32
7,769,000
242,781
117,500
1,350,000
2014
25
6,877,000
275,080
200,000
800,000
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Caulfield Files
Bloodstock world views
Kodiac: is the best yet to come? The Tally-Ho Stud stallion is the sire of two individual Group 1 winners so far this year and as his stud fee has risen, so should the quality of broodmares he has covered
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GEORGE SELWYN
A
long, long time ago, before racing became so specialised, it wasn’t uncommon for the Cheveley Park Stakes to be won by a future Classic winner, the finest example being Pretty Polly, the 1903 winner who went on to take the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St Leger. The betting for the 2018 edition suggested that victory would go to the similarly-named Pretty Pollyanna but the Prix Morny heroine gave the impression that six furlongs was now on the sharp side for her. Instead victory went to the sprint-bred Kodiac filly Fairyland, who extended the terrific influence exerted on the race over the last nine years by the Prix de Diane winner Rafha. It was Rafha’s Green Desert colt, Invincible Spirit, who was responsible for Hooray and Rosdhu Queen, the Cheveley Park winners of 2010 and 2012. Now Kodiac, Rafha’s son by Danehill, has matched his older three-parts-brother, as he was also responsible for the 2014 winner Tiggy Wiggy. Kodiac has also been represented by Madeline, third behind Clemmie in the 2017 Cheveley Park Stakes; Besharah, third to Lumiere in 2015; and Terror, fourth behind Tiggy Wiggy a year earlier, when Invincible Spirit’s daughter High Celebrity was third. There’s a strong chance that Kodiac and Invincible Spirit will continue to make an impact on the Cheveley Park and it is possible that the Australian-raced Pride Of Dubai, whose dam is a half-sister to Rafha, will also get into the act with his Irish progeny. Kodiac’s first taste of Group 1 success came via Tiggy Wiggy, a winner of six of her eight starts as a two-year-old, including the Lowther Stakes. Although her second season proved far less successful, the bidding soared to 2,100,000gns when Tiggy Wiggy was offered at the end of the year. The buyer was M V Magnier and it will surprise no-one that Tiggy Wiggy’s first two foals are colts by the great Galileo, who has done so well with mares with Danehill blood. Magnier and the Coolmore team were also prepared to pay a very substantial price – 925,000gns – to secure Fairyland as a yearling and their gamble has paid
Rafha, nearside, the dam of Invincible Spirit and Kodiac, winning the 1990 Prix de Diane
off handsomely, with the Tally-Ho-bred filly becoming Kodiac’s third Group 1 winner. Another top-level winner to emerge in 2018 is Godolphin’s Best Solution. He captured a pair of German Group 1 races over a mile and a half before winning the Group 1 Caulfield Cup in Australia over the same distance on October 20. It could be argued that three Group 1 winners isn’t an especially impressive total for a stallion who will be 18 in 2019. However, it mustn’t be forgotten that Kodiac didn’t cover his first mares until he was six or that he was priced at between €4,000 and €7,500 during his first seven years as a stallion. It was only as a 13-year-old in 2014 that his fee reached five figures (€10,000) and only as a 14-year-old that his fee soared to a more substantial €25,000. Needless to say, the level of a stallion’s fee is usually reflected in the standard of the mares he receives and this is exemplified by Kodiac’s first two Group 1 winners. Tiggy Wiggy’s dam Kheleyf’s Silver was rated 86 after winning a maiden at Windsor and was sold by Darley for only 15,000gns, whereas Best Solution’s dam Al Andalyya was rated 65 by Timeform after she had failed to reach the first three in five appearances. Even the high-priced Fairyland is out of the unraced Queenofthefairies, who was a
32,000gns cull from Darley. Fairyland’s broodmare sire Pivotal has established a profitable partnership with Rafha’s stallion sons. His daughters’ statistics with Invincible Spirit stand at 19 winners from 28 starters, led by the July Cup winner Mayson and the Listed winners Requisition and Rivellino. Kodiac has four winners from eight starters, the best of them being Fairyland, the six-furlong Listed winner Never Back Down and Fairyland’s brother Atletico, who has a Racing Post rating of 107 on the all-weather. Even though Kodiac will soon be turning 18, there is good reason for hoping that the best is yet to come from this son of Danehill. His 2018 yearlings were sired at €45,000 and his fee then rose to €50,000 in 2017 and 2018. As his fee has risen, it is possible that the type of mare being sent to him is also changing. While the emphasis seems to still be very much on speed, the broodmare sires of the Kodiac yearlings in Book 1 of the October Sale include such as Authorized, Montjeu and Daylami. This means that there may be more middle-distance horses like Best Solution and Danehill Kodiac in Kodiac’s higher-priced crops, with Rafha’s Classic middle-distance ability also playing its part.
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Caulfield Files
Call me old fashioned, but I have yet to be persuaded of the necessity for some of the services based on genetic testing. It has always been my view that if the trainers and jockeys know what they are doing – and most of them do – their feedback should be enough to establish a young horse’s optimum distance. Of course, some pedigrees represent more of a challenge, when the parents come from different ends of the distance spectrum, but there is a wealth of statistics and video footage out there which can help establish a horse’s requirements. For example, there was always a good chance that Fastnet Rock’s son out of Magnolia Lane would never exhibit the speed that had made Fastnet Rock a champion sprinter. Magnolia Lane is a sister to that great stayer Yeats, a four-time winner of the Gold Cup, so was anyone surprised that her Fastnet Rock gelding, Torcedor, became a middle-distance winner at three before becoming a Group 3 winner over a mile and three quarters? The latest season has illustrated how much Magnolia Lane’s stamina has dominated Fastnet Rock’s speed, with Torcedor finishing an admirable third in the Gold Cup and a fine second in the Goodwood Cup. One which might have foxed everybody – but clearly hasn’t – is Shadwell’s homebred filly Tantheem, who has Teofilo as her sire and Dubawi as her broodmare sire. Teofilo has an average winning distance of 10.5f, having sired winners of such races as the Irish St Leger, Irish Derby, Yorkshire Oaks, the Lonsdale Cup and the King Edward VII Stakes, as well as the Prix du Cadran in France. Dubawi has also sired plenty of middle-distance horses, in the process of establishing an average winning distance of 9.6f. When other Dubawi mares were mated to Teofilo, they produced Mildenburger, runner-up to Roaring Lion in the Dante Stakes, Key Victory, a Listed winner over a mile and a quarter, and Festive
EMMA BERRY
Hands-on feedback better than gene testing
Torcedor, a son of the sprinter Fastnet Rock out of a sister to the great stayer Yeats
Fare, a very useful performer at around a mile and a quarter. Delve a little deeper into Tantheem’s pedigree and you will find that her dam Riqa raced 11 times at up to nine furlongs in France, where she won twice and was second three times in Listed races over a mile. The breeding purists will also have noted that Tantheem is inbred 4 x 5 to Allegretta, the celebrated broodmare whose juvenile career comprised victories over eight and nine furlongs followed by a good second in the Zetland Stakes over a mile and a quarter. So how come Tantheem has proved fast enough to win the Group 3 Prix de Meautry over six furlongs and then the Group 3 Prix du Petit Couvert over five? The answer appears to lie in the third generation of Tantheem’s pedigree, as it contains Danzig’s fast sons Danehill and Anabaa. Danehill was at most effective over six furlongs, as he showed with his victories in the Group 3 Cork & Orrery Stakes (now the Diamond Jubilee) and the Group 1 Sprint Cup. Anabaa, for his part, reeled off six consecutive sprint victories as a four-year-old, with the July Cup and Prix Maurice de Gheest among them. It is worth adding that Danehill and Anabaa crop up together in the pedigrees of several other Group winners, most notably the top Australian colt Dissident, whose five Group 1 successes included two over seven furlongs and two over a mile. We had another example of the latent speed in Teofilo’s pedigree when his grandson Havana Grey became the first winner of the Flying Five Stakes as a Group 1 event. Havana Grey’s sire, Havana Gold, ended his career over a mile and a quarter, having raced mainly
over seven furlongs and a mile. He needed every inch of the mile when he gained his most important success, in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat. Bearing in mind that Havana Gold was never asked to race over five furlongs and only once over six, I didn’t envisage him siring a colt as fast as Havana Grey, who has now won five black-type races, all over the minimum distance. Havana Gold was no doubt helped by the fact that Havana Grey’s dam Blanc de Chine was a five-furlong specialist by the fast and precocious Dark Angel, Also, don’t forget that Havana Gold is inbred 4 x 4 to that great speed influence Danzig, via Danehill and Green Desert. More Danzig blood has been added to the mix to produce Havana Grey, as his second dam is also by Green Desert, creating 4 x3 to the former longserving Shadwell stallion. Havana Grey is arguably the best representative so far of Green Desert inbreeding, but there are several other examples. Hellbent, a six-furlong Group 1 winner in Australia, is inbred 3 x 3, through Invincible Spirit and the champion New Zealand stallion Volksraad, and Fairyland’s very useful half-sister Now Or Never is inbred 4 x 4 to Green Desert and 4 x 5 x 5 to Danzig. We have also seen Monitor Closely win the Group 2 Great Voltigeur but his 2 x 4 inbreeding to Green Desert clearly didn’t inject speed. The same can’t be said of Barraquero, who is inbred 3 x 3 via Invincible Spirit and Oasis Dream. He looked to have the makings of a smart sprinter when he won the 2017 Richmond Stakes but has managed only one subsequent start.
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Interested in learning more about stud management?
M
embers of The Thoroughbred Club have the opportunity to attend the TBA’s Stud Farming Course, which will take place at the British Racing School in Newmarket on December 11-13. The course will gather industry experts from across the country to present on a variety of topics that have been selected to provide a comprehensive overview of stud management. Subjects will start from the very beginning, in the selection of mating plans and understanding genetics, to care of the broodmare and foal from conception to the yearling stage, the management of barren and maiden mares, and the managing of stallions and teasers. As well as gaining an extensive knowledge through the sessions, members will also enjoy behind-the-scenes visits to leading industry establishments and a course dinner held at the Bedford Lodge Hotel, giving the chance to socialise with fellow delegates, speakers and industry professionals. The course fee is £200 for TTC members (£495 for non-members). The fee will include all lunches, refreshments, dinner on the first night and a handbook which can be used as a future reference guide. For further information and to book onto the course, please visit the website or contact melissa.parris@thetba.co.uk
A comprehensive overview of stud management is available to TTC members next month
Members enjoy trip to Richard Fahey Racing On Tuesday, September 11 members enjoyed a morning tour of Richard Fahey’s Musley Bank Stables followed by an afternoon at Mark and Jane Dwyer’s Oaks Farm Stables. On arrival at Musley Bank, members were treated to hot drinks and refreshments, kindly provided by the yard, before heading to the gallops to view some of the morning lots in action, with Richard on hand to explain more about the training regime and some of the yard’s previous and current occupants. After heading back to the yard to view some of the facilities, members were offered a demonstration of the treadmill and then were able to view the unique covered ride and stables, housing some of the yard’s upcoming stars. After viewing the facilities on offer at the yard, members headed to the Old Lodge in Malton for a delicious
Richard Fahey’s string at Musley Bank Stables is among the most powerful in the land
two-course lunch, which provided a relaxed setting for members to share their experiences with members of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. After lunch, members headed to Oaks Farm Stables, the home of Mark and Jane Dwyer; successful consigners at the
sales who can boast St Nicholas Abbey, Society Rock and Bushranger amongst their roll of honour. Members were given a behind-thescenes tour of the yard with the chance to view some of their most recent recruits purchased at the yearling sales
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www.thethoroughbredclub.co.uk •
Exciting line-up of speakers at this year’s Careers Course With just a few weeks to go until the TTC Careers Course, members have a host of exciting workshops and visits to look forward to. The two-day course, which will take place at Tattersalls on November 13-14, will aim to give those with a passion for racing an insight into the large range of career and training opportunities available in the thoroughbred breeding industry. Those attending the course, which is supported by Weatherbys, the TBA and the Racing Foundation, will learn more about the industry in a number of plenary sessions and also get the choice of a host of workshop-style talks to provide a more in-depth insight into specific roles in racing and breeding. The course programme will also feature a choice of behind-the-scenes visits to leading industry establishments including: • Cheveley Park Stud • Newmarket Equine Hospital our of Tattersalls, followed by a visit • T to Amy Murphy’s Southgate Stables • Godolphin’s Hamilton Hill Stables
Upcoming Events Tuesday, November 13 Wednesday, November 14 The Thoroughbred Club Careers Course Tattersalls, Newmarket Tuesday, December 11 Thursday, December 13 TBA Annual Stud Farming Course The British Racing School, Newmarket The two-day Careers Course in Newmarket is free to attend for TTC members
In the evening, delegates will be invited to the historic Jockey Club Rooms for a drinks reception, where they will get the chance to socialise with fellow delegates, speakers and industry professionals. There are a limited number of spaces still available. The course is free of charge for all TTC members and will be open to non-members at a cost of £50 for both days, or alternatively at £30 for one day. For further information, including a full programme and online booking form, please visit thethoroughbredclub. co.uk or email Melissa Parris on info@ thethoroughbredclub.co.uk
Oaks Farm Stables is home to Mark and Jane Dwyer’s very successful consigning operation
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New Members The Thoroughbred Club would like to warmly welcome the following new members and look forward to seeing them at our events throughout the year: Charlie Roberts, Suffolk Linas Balciunas, Suffolk Michelle Fogarty, County Tipperary Poppy Clements, Kent Pippa Greenwood, Devon Rebecca Smith, Derbyshire Mitchell Jones, Cardiff Kimberley Priori, London Hannah Welch, Devon Callum Boocock, Staffordshire Caroline Herbert, Devon Stephen Power, London
Half-price tickets to Ascot
and Oaks Farm Stables
and those who were destined to be sold at the forthcoming October yearling sales. Having viewed the facilities at the stud, including the built-in equine spa which was a hit with members, the day came to a close after greeting the yard’s field of National Hunt stores who
@TTC_GB
were happy to oblige for a great photo opportunity. The TTC would like to thank Richard Fahey and his team, the Old Lodge at Malton, and Jane and Catherine Dwyer for providing a memorable day for our members.
Members of The Thoroughbred Club will receive half-price admission to the Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday at Ascot on Saturday, November 3, which will feature the £100,000 Sodexo Gold Cup Chase and a host of other activities including fairground rides and a firework display after racing. Members will also receive half-price admission to the Prince’s Countryside Fund Raceday on Friday and Saturday, November 23 and 24. The racedays were set up to raise money for The Prince’s Countryside Fund, and will feature the Grade 2 Coral Ascot Hurdle, a race which has been won by seven different Champion Hurdle winners, including Faugheen and Annie Power. Half-price tickets for both racedays 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
GEORGE SELWYN
Fakenham received the ROA Gold Standard Award in the small racecourse category
Gold Standard Award winners revealed
T
he results are in: following visits to all 60 of Britain’s racecourses, combined with extensive levels of feedback from ROA members, the ROA Raceday Committee is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2018 Gold Standard Award as follows:
Large • • • • • • •
Ascot Ayr Cheltenham Chester Haydock York Most improved: Newbury
Small • • • • • • • • • •
Bangor Carlisle Fakenham Hamilton Market Rasen Musselburgh Perth Sedgefield Uttoxeter Most improved: Wetherby
The 2018 Gold Standard Award holders will now be in contention for their respective category’s ‘Racecourse of the Year’ at the annual ROA Horseracing Awards, held in London on Thursday, December 6. Alan Pickering, Chairman of the ROA Raceday Committee, said: “Chairing the Raceday Committee is a wonderful opportunity to supplement my own ad hoc racecourse experience with the more systematic input received
from ROA members and committee members who visit all 60 tracks. It is a real eye-opener to see how the efforts of racecourse management and staff respond to the needs of owners. While capital investment is an important part of this response, it is only money well spent if it is leveraged by staff training and the right customer care spirit. “There are a wide variety of ways in which courses and owners interact. Variety is the spice of life but variety of quality is no longer acceptable if minimum standards are not being fulfilled. Good courses use multimedia to keep owners informed on both a timely and timeless basis. Examples of the latter are easyto-navigate websites containing basic information, while the former is again typified by innovative variety. Some courses write to owners early in the year highlighting raceday features and particular meetings. This helps us calibrate horse fitness, our own work commitments, and opportunities to run our favourite horses on our favourite courses. In other instances the communication starts at the entry stage and can continue after the raceday with a ‘how was it for you?’ email. “Interaction around the raceday experience is what makes ownership worthwhile. Knowing that we will – win or lose – have a good day makes a real difference. Help with getting to the station after the race meeting is just as important as getting us there on time. Bad journeys home can either take the icing off the cake or add insult to injury. Every day at the races as an owner is a special day for
friends and family alike. “When deciding upon the Gold Standard Award winners we almost needed the photo-finish equipment. Decisions were difficult as there has been a wonderful enhancement to owners’ experiences at so many of our courses. “At the heart of the gold standard scheme is continuous improvement. It is heartening, therefore, to see that Newbury and Wetherby have both been identified as those courses who have made most improvement in their respective categories during 2018. Let’s hope that it will be onwards and upward in the years to come.” Charlie Liverton, Chief Executive of the ROA, said: “The 2016 Racehorse Owners Survey highlighted the raceday experience as one of the most important aspects affecting the enjoyment of racehorse ownership and, in order to retain owners, it is more important than ever that racecourses continue to understand the role they play. “Whilst the unveiling of new or improved owners’ facilities is always something to applaud, it is often the little things, the personal touches, that make the difference between a good and a great raceday experience. Racecourses that offer a welcome drink, who provide race recordings to owners other than the winners, who use social media to highlight and engage with owners, as well as those that look after the horses and stable staff, are often to be found out-performing those with bigger
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Autumn stud visits popular
HOYCUBED.COM
budgets. Of course, we can never forget the importance of prize-money, and we are delighted that all of our award recipients have unlocked all of their Appearance Money Scheme races. “The number of racecourses – particularly in the small category – rising to the challenge of the competitive Gold Standard Award process has continued to impress the committee, although more work is still to be done in ensuring a minimum standard across all courses. This is something we will be looking to address into 2019 and look forward to announcing some exciting developments in due course.”
Feedback winners
The ROA Gold Standard Award recipients could not have been chosen without your help – so a massive thank you to all members who left feedback over the last 12 months. Their opinion of the experience of going racing with a runner was fundamentally important in the Raceday Committee’s decisionmaking process. As a thank you, we randomly select one member each month to receive a £50 giftcard and the last two lucky winners have been Paul Brocklehurst (owner of two horses in training with Hughie Morrison) and Kathy Carter (part-owner of four-time winner Gold Club). The hunt is now on for the 2019 Gold Standard Award winners so please have your say!
Cheveley Park Stud stalwart Pivotal was on hand to greet ROA members
On a windy September day, 50 lucky ROA members and their guests got to enjoy a fabulous day seeing some of the top studs in Newmarket. The morning was spent at Cheveley Park Stud, who were as engaging as ever – even if some of the stallions found the weather rather exciting! A stallion parade preceded a tour around the stud, and a view of some of the yearlings that would be going into training next season (all of which the members were wishing they had in their ownership, although the Exceed And Excel out
of Peeress was the number one choice). The group then moved on to lunch at the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art, with a quick pitstop to see Old Vic and friends at the Retraining of Racehorses touchpoint. The afternoon was spent at Banstead Manor Stud, viewing Bated Breath, Kingman, Oasis Dream and Frankel, who was as serene as ever despite the weather. We extend our thanks to all of the venues involved in providing the members with such a wonderful experience.
Sandown regional meeting report Fifty members gathered at Sandown Park on September 19 for the sixth of eight ROA regional meeting this year. This followed events staged at Ayr, Wolverhampton, Beverley, Newton Abbot and Perth. Members were updated on industry issues, including the levy replacement, equine welfare and progress of the Ownership Strategy project. Guests were able to ask questions on ownership and racing issues. Subjects discussed on the day included difficulties posed by limits on the allocation of owners’ and trainers’ badges for syndicate members and, linked to this, access to facilities and dining when owners have a runner. ROA Chief Executive Charlie Liverton defined the main objective of the Ownership Strategy project as being
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the industry response to the findings of data collected in the National Racehorse Owners Survey of Spring 2016. That survey had given all owners, and lapsed owners, a chance to provide feedback on their experience. It provided clear direction to shape the aim of the project and had universal industry support. He explained the objectives had been honed into a series of workstreams during the current year one, with the guidance of a sports consultancy and work was now progressing in clarifying and executing these over the three-year project. Welfare was another topic discussed, and the structure of the charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). Charlie Liverton explained welfare was a high priority for the industry to continue the good work of The Horse
Comes First campaign. He confirmed RoR was the charity of the British racing industry. The board of trustees comprised representatives of the British Horseracing Authority, National Trainers Federation, Racecourse Association, Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Racehorse Owners Association, with an independent chairman. He added that, as well as online resources, the ROA had recently updated guidance for owners looking for retirement options for horses when their racing careers were over, and that information could be found on the ROA website. Members enjoyed the afternoon’s racing and got involved with judging the best turned out runners and making presentations. The next regional meeting will be held at Southwell on November 20.
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BHA update on handicapping review
• To consider whether the current aims of handicapping were consistent with the sport’s wider objectives for growth • To assess whether the methodology adopted by the BHA handicappers was the optimal approach to producing handicap ratings • To review how the BHA handicapping department works day to day, particularly when dealing with participants, with a view to considering how well practices serve the sport • To consider the internal workings of the handicapping department, including structural issues and day-today working practices. Implementation of the review is being led by Head of Handicapping Dominic Gardiner-Hill. Amongst the recommendations – which are divided into the aims of BHA handicapping, its methodology, operational matters and team structure – a number have now been completed. An executive summary of the review and its recommendations can be found at britishhorseracing.com. More detail on some of the completed recommendations follows.
New Guide to Handicapping
Amongst the recommendations to be implemented is a revamped ‘Guide to Handicapping’ to sit on a newly designed handicapping section of the BHA website. The guide has been written with both participants and the general public in mind, and aims to be easier to understand, more accessible and to explain any potentially contentious areas of handicapping policy. The guide is intended to be an evolving resource which will be updated and changed as other projects are completed. It also sets out the aims of handicapping, which have been revamped as part of the review. The new section of the website and guide can be found at britishhorseracing.com/ regulation/guide-to-handicapping.
GEORGE SELWYN
The British Horseracing Authority has announced further details regarding the ongoing implementation of its handicapping review. The review was carried out in 2017, led by broadcaster and journalist Lydia Hislop, with the following objectives:
The BHA’s handicapping practices must be optimal for the needs of the sport
Independent appeals process and panel
Another change resulting from the review is a new online handicapping appeals process. From October 8, appeals are being carried out by an independent external panel of experts ensuring all appeals are heard fairly, independently and following due process. Licensed trainers are required to submit an official appeal, and so owners are advised to liaise with their trainer in the first instance. An outline of the handicapping appeals process can be found at britishhorseracing.com.
Flat penalty structure
The handicapping review recommended that a system of giving penalties for handicap winners on a discretionary basis should be introduced to ensure that neither horses carrying penalties nor their opponents were disadvantaged in the short term. However, following consideration of the practical implications of such an approach as well as feedback from stakeholders, it was decided that a more nuanced penalty structure for winners based on age should be employed instead. As such, penalties for handicap winners aged two and three will be 6lb, those aged four to six will be 5lb and those aged seven and above will be 4lb. This approach was developed following detailed data analysis including the average ratings rise of horses winning handicaps and was approved by the industry’s Racing Group.
This structure will apply to Flat handicap races from a date to be determined in 2019, with further details to be announced in due course.
Data analysis to be provided by James Willoughby One of the recommendations of the original review was to employ a data analyst to promote a more rigorous, data-driven approach to handicapping practices. The BHA has enlisted experienced racing analyst, journalist and data expert James Willoughby to provide these services. The role will provide data, research and analysis to inform handicapping policy as well as ensure more objective and scientific data-interrogation form part of working practices within the handicapping team. Much of this work will be published on the handicapping section of the BHA website as part of the commitment to deliver a more open and transparent approach to handicapping.
Further recommendations
A number of recommendations have been implemented, including performance figures being published on the BHA website for all races except maiden and novice events. Also, increased diversity has been introduced in the race programme courtesy of the ten-race optional claiming handicap trial which is currently taking place. These races will be reviewed at the end of the current trial. The BHA handicapping team has undergone an internal restructure to
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• The improved use of data analysis to better understand how handicapping affects a horse’s career development and the owner/trainer experience • Agreeing consistent team methodologies, policies and processes • Devising a new pounds-per-length scale based on accurate individual race times • Designing a model which could be used to help underpin a possible trial of minimum rateable form on the Flat • Further increasing transparency via the publication of data analytics, which in turn will help better inform, educate and engage stakeholders Longer term projects include: • Commissioning further research into modern automation • Prioritising efforts to harmonise British and Irish jump handicapping Richard Wayman, Chief Operating Officer of the BHA, said: “Although this was an internal review, albeit conducted independently, the size, depth and scope of this review and its implementation should not be underestimated and I am grateful to Dominic Gardiner-Hill and his team, along with Lydia Hislop and all those who assisted in the original review, for their efforts so far. “We are making good progress implementing the recommendations but there is still some way to go, and not all changes will be felt immediately. It is our aim to ensure that the BHA’s handicapping practices, which are so fundamental to a whole range of aspects of British racing, are optimal for the needs of the sport, its participants and those who follow and bet on it.” He added: “A key consideration, and an area that arguably has not been looked at closely enough in the past, is the impact of handicapping on the sport’s wider objectives for growth, particularly in relation to racehorse ownership. Although there is only usually going to be one victorious owner after each handicap race, we need to better understand if there are any elements of handicapping that particularly frustrate owners and, in some cases, results in them turning away from the sport.”
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Vote for your top horses Members will be invited to cast their votes this month to select the winners of each of the coveted ROA Horseracing Awards. The annual Awards honour the outstanding performers of the Flat and jumps seasons, and their owners, trainers and racing yards. The Awards will be presented at a glittering black-tie evening on Thursday, December 6 at the InterContinental Park Lane, London. The evening is firmly established as one of the most popular events in racing’s social calendar and is always a sell-out. Each award winner announced on the night is decided through members’ votes, so please take some time to vote for the horses that you think deserve to win. The only exception to this is the racecourse category. This is decided by the ROA Raceday Committee, having taken account of feedback from members who have completed the ROA’s online raceday feedback form throughout the year. Tickets for the evening include a champagne reception, a three-course dinner, which includes half a bottle of wine per person, and the Awards ceremony itself. A silent auction of
desirable items will help raise funds for Racing Welfare. The evening finishes with dancing to the everpopular Chance band. Tickets are priced at £195 per person (inc VAT). Tables of ten are available for £1,800. Up to two extra table tickets may be purchased at £195 to make a maximum table of 12. To book, contact Tessa at JSC Communications on 020 7736 2494 or email tessa@jsccomms.co.uk. Bookings can also be made online at ROA.co.uk/events. Owners who are unable to attend are able to support fundraising efforts for the benefit of Racing Welfare by including their colours in the evening’s Awards brochure. This is always very well supported. The donation is £100 per set of colours plus VAT.
GEORGE SELWYN
increase accountability. The details of the new structure were announced earlier this year. Further recommendations which are currently being worked on, following the appointment of Willoughby, include:
Altior: brilliant chaser was a winner at the 2017 ROA Horseracing Awards
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MAGICAL MOMENTS with ROA members Ann Plummer and Tony Wechsler
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Ann Plummer and Tony Wechsler after Phoenix Of Spain’s York win
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aving a quality two-year-old to dream about over the winter must be one of the biggest thrills and privileges of racehorse ownership. Ann Plummer and Tony Wechsler have just such a colt in Phoenix Of Spain, but he is not the only string to their bow, as they also won the Portland Handicap at Doncaster recently with A Momentofmadness. The duo, both in their late 80s and long since retired, are having something of a ‘moment’ themselves, as 2018 has been their busiest and best year yet, with five victories from seven horses to have run at the time of writing. Explaining their background, Ann says: “My late husband Richard and I ran a British Horse Society one-day event over our farm for ten years and our youngest daughter evented. She moved on to point-to-points. “When she married and we thought we were losing our jockey, we started breeding racehorses in a small way. My husband, being a prudent chartered accountant, would not let me breed jump horses because of the length of time before they produced any return so we launched ourselves into the Flat. “I was lucky enough to breed two black-type horses, Merlin’s Ring, who won a Group 3 at Saint-Cloud, and Rada’s Daughter, who was second in the Group 3 Park Hill Stakes. We used to put together a syndicate of seven friends plus ourselves for one yearling each year, and for these Tony – who was a partner with Richard in a major accountancy firm in London – put his wife Enid in as one of the partners.
“Because of my husband’s ill health we retired to Odiham in 2001 and he sadly died in 2010. Meanwhile Tony’s wife had also died four years previously, and in 2011 we decided we’d like to get together and buy the odd horse. “We were helped in this by a very dear friend, Geoffrey Howson. Now as Howson & [Matthew] Houldsworth, they produce a shortlist of about 20 at each sale which we then look at and make our selection.” Charlie Hills trains Acomb Stakes winner Phoenix Of Spain, who was then second to Too Darn Hot in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, and A Momentofmadness. In addition to his strike in the Portland, the sprinter scored at Chester’s May meeting this year, after which he was third in a Group 2 at Chantilly, and gave his owners a memorable day out at Epsom on Derby day last year when a close fourth in the Dash. Hills also handles three of the owners’ other horses to have run this year, while Jonny Portman trains a couple. Ann explains: “Tony’s wife had been a speech therapist and had been down to the Hills yard with a colleague who had previously treated Barry Hills and loved it, so when we bought A Momentofmadness we went down to have a look. We were made to feel so welcome by Charlie and Philippa, and Barry and Penny, that we have been there ever since.” She adds: “Jonny Portman had done an amazing job with two pretty useless homebreds so we wanted to give him something better. Jonny and Charlie are very different but both have had amazing years.” The owners are stockpiling magical moments, and asked for
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a summary to date, Ann replies: “My two good homebreds, along with the big wins at Chester, York and Doncaster, and fourth in the Dash at Epsom.” The owners have yet to miss a big date on the racecourse, happy to break up a longer journey with overnight stops en route, while they live about an hour from Lambourn, and so are handy enough for their yards. They are happy to watch their runners on their own but equally pleased if family or friends are able to join them. Hopefully there are more magical moments in the offing, with Phoenix Of Spain looking every inch a colt who will be even better at three, when he grows into his frame. “What Phoenix Of Spain has achieved this year has been beyond expectation,” admits Ann. “I don’t think he’d mind me saying but I’m not sure Charlie liked the look of him to start with! He’s a very big boy and has surprised us with how forward he’s been, and the pace he’s shown.” Tony adds: “He’s certainly something to dream about. It looks like he might be a miler next year, or mile-and-a-quarter horse, while being a gelding A Momentofmadness, who is a five-year-old, will keep going of course.” The duo have also just bought A Momentofmadness’ yearling half-sister, whom they have called Spurofthemoment and who is with Hills. Talking of names, Tony explains their star juvenile’s, saying: “His sire Lope De Vega was a 16th/17th century Spanish playwright who had a fair few wives and mistresses, and he was known as the Phoenix Of Spain!” And A Momentofmadness…? “We’d reached our limit bidding for him at Doncaster but Ann didn’t allow me to stop!” recalls Tony. “We went higher and then when the hammer came down, I said, ‘Well, that was a moment of madness.” Asked what they look for when buying, Tony says: “Geoffrey, our bloodstock agent, is very good; ideally black type on the page, along with conformation, athleticism and temperament.” Jockey-wise, the pair like to use William Buick for A Momentofmadness, the two having struck up a really good partnership, while Jamie Spencer and James Doyle have been aboard Phoenix Of Spain for his last two starts. As for tracks, Ann says: “The best thing about being an owner is free entry to racecourses and the care the best courses take of owners with runners. Sadly this does not apply to all courses, some of whom expect owners to be able to fork out vast sums for lunch.” Chester, York, Newbury, Ascot and Goodwood are among the tracks given the thumbs-up by the owners. Ann’s aforementioned daughter Mouse Hamilton-Fairley, who trained under rules from 2004 to 2011, says: “They complement each other perfectly, with mum’s extensive knowledge of horses and breeding, and Tony’s astute accountant’s mind coupled with his ‘let’s go for it’ attitude. “They are a great example of why it’s never too late to throw your hat in the ring and have fun! Racing should applaud them!” As for interests outside racing, Tony played a bit of rugby and follows Northampton Saints, and enjoys cricket, while the pair love opera, going six times this summer. There is perhaps some crossover between opera and racing – drama, dressing up, inspiring backdrops – and their two big interests will hopefully continue to provide Ann and Tony with plenty of excitement for many years to come.
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News in Brief Selling race commission
Following a proposal by the Racecourse Association the BHA has adjusted conditions of selling races. From October 1, the commission retained by racecourses on the sale of any winning horse sold through the post-race auction, including those horses which are bought back by the existing trainer or owner, will be capped at 10% of the sale price, although racecourses do have the option to charge less than this should they wish. Previously, the rate of commission charged varied from racecourse to racecourse and could be up to 50% above the minimum bid. This had impacted on the popularity of these races, resulting in fewer runners and had made them less attractive to stage. The other changes are that the minimum bid at post-race auctions will be set at £3,200, or higher at the option of the racecourse. Also, the post-race auction of the winning horse will be conducted in pounds rather than Guineas. The proposals will be implemented on an initial 12-month trial basis. It is hoped that these changes will help invigorate selling races and make them more attractive to owners and trainers considering running horses, or bidding for the winners of these races in the post-race auction. Commission to be charged is detailed in the race conditions on the Racing Admin website and can be found in the usual race conditions page in the racecard.
Jump race series 2018/19
There are plenty of race series to look forward to this season, and owners can check details by clicking on the Race Series option on the Fixtures & Races on the Racing Admin website. These include qualifying races and finals for the Northern Lights and Challenger Series, Hereford Mares Handicap Chase series, Veterans Steeple Chase Series, Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle series, Northern Staying Series and a wide range of EBF race series.
Epsom Racehorse Owners Awards evening
Epsom Downs racecourse will play host to the 19th Epsom Owners’ and Trainers’ Awards Dinner on Saturday, November 24. The evening will honour the success during this season of locally trained horses, their owners, trainers and staff. After being welcomed with a champagne and canapes reception, guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, the awards ceremony, charity auction and raffle, dancing and entertainment. Tickets are £90 each. Places for stable staff are subsidised at £55 each, ID is required. The event is being organised by Racing Welfare, the charity that supports racing’s workforce, who will benefit from fundraising on the evening. To book, contact Mark Loades at Racing Welfare on 01638 560763 or email mloades@ racingwelfare.co.uk. Locally trained horses in Epsom can be followed on Twitter @Epsomgallops
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GEORGE SELWYN
The ROA’s travel partner Racing Breaks has tailored packages to the 2019 Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan
Dubai World Cup package The ROA’s travel partner Racing Breaks is offering ROA members and the Injured Jockeys Fund a specially tailored package for next year’s Dubai World Cup (March 28 - April 2). This is a chance to enjoy everything Dubai has to offer and to experience the world’s richest raceday with full hospitality in Meydan’s Grandstand. Option 1: Vida Downtown Hotel from £1,795 per person Option 2: Jumeirah Beach Resort from £3,145 per person including half board • 4 nights’ bed & breakfast at your chosen hotel • Return flights from your chosen UK
airport (overnight flight) • Return airport transfers • Exclusive drinks evening with Frankie Dettori and Jim Crowley on Friday night • Gallery hospitality at the Dubai World Cup. Includes food and drink and seats throughout the evening. Marcus Armytage will be hosting the day • Return racecourse transfers • Exclusive stable tour of Meydan Extra night at the Vida Hotel: £100pp Extra night at Jumeirah: £415pp For further information and to book see ijf.tripsmiths.com/tours/dubai-world-cupexperience#itinerary
Diary dates and reminders NOVEMBER 1 Ownership Matters event at Edinburgh NOVEMBER 20 – FULLY BOOKED ROA regional meeting at Southwell DECEMBER 6 ROA Horseracing Awards at the InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane, London See roa.co.uk/events for further details on all the above
Ownership Project update The ROA-led Industry Ownership Project continues to make good progress. The project team is currently focusing on the racecourse and syndicate elements of the ownership experience and has held constructive and supportive meetings with representatives from these areas of the industry. As well as focusing on the racing industry, the project is also looking outwards and a benchmarking exercise has been conducted. This looks at equine
and non-equine organisations, both national and international. The aim is to achieve a better understanding of how these organisations serve their customers and deliver excellence, and how racing can learn from this. Continuing the theme of information gathering, we have also undertaken a survey of a sample of both syndicate managers and syndicate members to gain further insights into the changing pattern of ownership. In terms of delivery, the team is defining and developing the scope
of enhancements to the ownership experience and how/when these can be implemented. The project will be phased over three years and in turn each year will be delivered on a three-phase basis. The project team is led by the ROA, with support provided by Portas Consulting, who have extensive experience of delivering change within sport. We would encourage owners to continue to assist the development of the project by providing feedback about their raceday experience.
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This month’s ROA Owners Jackpot races At the time of writing, almost £70,000 has been distributed to ROA members this year alone through ROA/Racing Post Owners Jackpot bonuses. Each bonus of £2,000 is attached to at least one race each week, typically a Class 4 or 5 race, staged at courses which have signed up to the racing industry’s prize-money agreement. As a further incentive to boost owners’ prize-money the bonus is only offered to races at courses offering a guaranteed minimum prize fund of £6,500 per contest. To qualify, horses must be owned by ROA members. In the case of racing partnerships, the horse needs to be registered at least 51% in the ownership of ROA members. For horses owned by clubs or syndicates, the majority of the club/syndicate managers need to be members of the ROA to qualify. For more details and future races see roa.co.uk/jackpot
This month’s Owners Jackpot races
Delaware Dancer at his Yorkshire home
New Beginnings
Race No.
November 9 Hexham, 3m Class 5 4yo+ 0-100 Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase
51392
November 14 Exeter, 2m7f Class 4 4yo+ 0-110 Handicap Hurdle
51537
November 20 Southwell, 2m 4 1/2f Class 4 4yo+ 0-105 Handicap Chase
51662
November 29 Taunton, 2m3f Class 5 3yo+ 0-100 Handicap Hurdle
51886
The sun shone on the 28 ROA members and guests who descended on one of the newest racehorse retraining centres, New Beginnings in Yorkshire. Home to Mister McGoldrick amongst others, Pam Hollingworth and her team gave a fascinating talk into the trials and tribulations behind retraining, as well as showing the stages of retraining as modelled by previous toplevel handicapper Chil The Kite (twice placed in the Royal Hunt Cup). Following the visit, members could then go racing to Pontefract, with complimentary admission provided for all in attendance.
Anti-doping requirements for imported horses The Equine Anti-Doping (EAD) rules which came into effect in March 2015 contained specific protocols for the ‘permanent import testing’ of horses coming into Great Britain. Import testing helps to keep British racing at the forefront of preventing, deterring and detecting doping in racing, ensuring a level playing field for participants in the sport. Under the rules of racing, the ‘responsible person’ is required to notify the BHA when any such horse comes into the country and for that horse to be import tested prior to being eligible to race in Britain. The legal owner is normally the ‘responsible person’ at the point the horse is imported into the country, and remains responsible until the horse passes into the hands of a licensed trainer. Any horse that is permanently imported into Great Britain must have a sample collected, and have that
sample reported as negative, before it is permitted to race in Britain. The only exceptions are horses imported from an exempt country and which meet the relevant criteria. Exempt countries are currently France, Ireland, Germany, Hong Kong, Sweden and Norway. A horse does not require a ‘permanent Import test’ where it has spent at least 12 consecutive months in an exempt country immediately prior to the date of importation. Owners are reminded that if an imported non-exempt horse has not been registered and tested in line with the rules, it will not be eligible to race until the testing process has been satisfactorily completed. It may also result in a ‘filing failure’ or ‘missed test’ report, which has further consequences under the rules. Please help trainers by ensuring they are aware if your horse has come from a non-exempt country and will require testing.
Fast-tracking of testing is not always possible and the BHA is unable to guarantee prioritisation. However, where information is provided in line with the rule requirements in a timely manner upon (or prior to) a horse’s arrival into the country, the BHA will endeavour to assist with testing where the timeline allows. The regulator is investigating improvements to systems to ensure that unregistered/untested horses are flagged and to help trainers to identify any untested horses, but these changes will take time. If you are unsure whether a horse has been tested, or requires testing, please contact anti-doping@ britishhorseracing.com with the details as soon as possible. For further information, including a list of FAQs relating to ‘permanent import testing’, please see the Anti-doping section at britishhorseracing.com.
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ROA Forum Figures for period October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018
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 Pontefract Musselburgh Salisbury Wetherby Hamilton Park Ripon Newcastle Carlisle Lingfield Park Kempton Park Leicester Redcar Thirsk Nottingham Beverley Windsor Catterick Bridge Yarmouth Ffos Las Bath Brighton Chepstow Wolverhampton Southwell Total
Ownership
Avg racecourse spend per fixture (£)
I I I JCR JCR JCR I I ARC JCR I I I I I I I I ARC JCR ARC JCR I I I JCR I ARC I ARC ARC ARC ARC ARC ARC ARC
472,612 246,465 213,163 189,899 132,966 91,391 85,842 83,457 81,654 75,736 52,061 50,359 46,643 46,093 45,394 44,862 42,709 42,386 38,518 38,367 36,921 36,372 36,021 35,733 35,130 34,299 34,248 34,152 33,120 30,602 28,140 27,037 23,861 23,675 23,597 21,812 63,308
Avg HBLB spend per fixture (£)
Avg owner spend per fixture (£)
Avg prizemoney per fixture (£)
Total no. of fixtures
Total prize-money (£)
Avg racecourse spend per fixture 2016-17 (£)
Up/ down
127,224 273,062 94,469 114,472 84,184 77,372 70,789 86,947 71,593 72,944 51,440 41,041 55,018 36,786 46,831 14,067 46,490 37,080 42,439 19,776 20,285 6,187 31,506 12,021 30,384 3,784 20,947 5,608 26,478 5,758 13,600 7,438 22,335 4,454 21,521 4,832 22,054 5,913 19,225 6,291 25,432 4,848 21,850 5,723 22,888 5,628 20,528 15,577 22,364 6,818 21,431 6,595 22,942 4,215 20,117 5,730 20,169 2,909 19,057 4,965 13,511 4,411 18,602 3,834 15,735 3,194 12,480 3,521 20,233 3,766 16,033 2,623 31,722 20,796
875,397 459,850 379,719 347,634 279,426 186,006 182,258 145,655 166,329 142,707 79,525 93,886 82,578 72,648 78,504 65,900 69,498 68,739 66,485 63,883 67,201 64,225 65,011 71,838 64,968 62,325 61,405 59,999 56,197 55,385 46,063 49,649 42,790 39,676 47,614 40,468 116,631
18 18 19 11 39 15 18 15 24 23 69 19 15 17 16 4 18 17 47 12 75 59 19 16 16 22 18 27 16 23 8 17 22 15 83 37 907
15,757,147 8,277,306 7,214,660 3,823,978 10,897,603 2,790,090 3,280,642 2,184,832 3,991,890 3,210,906 5,487,230 1,783,839 1,238,669 1,235,023 1,256,071 263,600 1,250,968 1,168,570 3,124,790 766,600 5,040,069 3,789,298 1,235,208 1,149,400 1,039,487 1,371,145 1,105,291 1,619,967 899,160 1,273,849 368,500 844,028 941,389 595,146 3,951,987 1,497,300 105,725,636
453,069 227,895 192,211 166,152 120,303 67,769 80,804 85,085 81,196 64,342 45,167 34,191 37,953 55,444 40,655 32,248 39,024 38,886 34,963 30,373 33,520 27,461 31,948 25,105 31,417 26,955 31,160 27,132 23,273 24,280 28,053 32,571 19,555 22,492 20,798 12,867 56,424
s s s s s s s t s s s s s t s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s t s s s s s
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 Ayr Kelso Doncaster Newcastle Newton Abbot Perth Cartmel Stratford-On-Avon Fakenham Carlisle Wincanton Warwick Exeter Ludlow Chepstow Hereford Wetherby Market Rasen Taunton Leicester Musselburgh Uttoxeter Hexham Ffos Las Huntingdon Catterick Bridge Worcester Towcester Fontwell Park Bangor-On-Dee Plumpton Lingfield Park 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
Total prize-money (£)
Avg racecourse spend per fixture 2016-17 (£)
Up/ down
JCR JCR I JCR JCR I JCR I I ARC ARC I I I I I JCR JCR JCR JCR I ARC ARC I JCR I I I ARC I ARC JCR I ARC I ARC I I ARC ARC ARC
285,889 267,292 156,372 112,263 102,856 85,960 54,366 43,928 41,991 37,957 36,434 36,273 36,102 34,420 33,469 33,455 33,352 32,831 32,404 31,930 31,473 31,415 30,372 30,264 30,171 28,819 28,060 27,636 27,309 26,103 26,095 26,062 24,089 24,088 23,909 22,221 21,879 21,795 21,324 19,274 18,378 45,923
141,717 119,630 88,351 90,699 85,030 64,402 59,022 35,802 23,457 42,455 34,354 27,489 33,747 29,111 22,340 21,092 30,673 34,611 32,200 35,619 30,548 36,970 23,651 31,760 29,577 28,529 31,287 32,235 27,221 18,793 27,246 24,144 23,712 21,808 17,748 19,717 18,282 24,722 27,812 20,059 20,499 35,874
79,265 68,782 19,362 17,813 16,227 21,492 9,230 11,606 5,195 7,945 5,710 0 4,340 5,802 4,504 0 5,502 5,821 6,472 6,487 5,349 8,578 5,988 5,410 5,520 6,064 4,897 4,364 6,367 3,444 5,371 5,281 2,796 4,471 3,971 3,492 4,116 4,172 4,538 3,347 4,021 8,921
507,683 456,328 265,335 226,887 212,937 173,216 122,975 95,072 73,371 88,885 77,053 63,762 74,455 69,333 60,313 54,547 72,231 73,263 71,076 74,037 67,370 76,964 60,011 67,435 65,494 64,143 64,244 64,235 60,898 48,340 58,712 57,456 50,596 50,367 45,628 45,430 44,437 50,689 53,675 43,210 42,898 91,372
8 16 8 9 9 9 14 14 11 9 9 18 15 9 16 12 11 16 16 14 16 14 7 14 21 13 8 10 24 13 11 16 9 22 12 22 14 14 6 16 20 545
4,061,466 7,301,255 2,122,682 2,041,983 1,809,968 1,558,946 1,721,653 1,331,001 807,081 799,967 693,478 1,147,708 1,116,830 624,000 965,013 654,570 794,537 1,172,201 1,137,212 1,036,522 1,077,924 1,077,491 420,079 944,093 1,375,373 833,858 513,952 642,350 1,461,541 628,414 645,836 919,293 455,366 1,108,063 547,541 999,461 622,123 709,647 322,047 691,361 857,968 49,751,855
265,466 243,494 139,465 100,415 106,933 29,163 51,678 38,475 33,960 37,803 27,178 27,779 54,522 30,773 29,851 23,735 20,103 27,778 24,573 21,769 51,678 34,619 24,651 26,604 18,015 25,937 24,074 19,792 25,051 21,913 23,181 24,074 16,963 19,935 17,286 18,761 22,825 17,150 33,960 17,874 18,248 39,513
s s s s t s s s s s s s t s s s s s s s t t s s s s s s s s s s s s s s t s t 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
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TBA Forum
The special section for TBA members
Warm Yorkshire welcome for members on visit to Malton
TBA members view the facilities at Musley Bank Stables
Nestled on the edges of the Howardian Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty in the North Yorkshire countryside, lies Malton. This northern racing hub is home to a number of leading trainers and was the destination of the TBA’s North Regional visit for 2018. More than 40 members were in attendance for the visit, which included a morning tour of Richard Fahey’s Musley Bank Stables, lunch, then an afternoon at Mark and Jane Dwyer’s Oaks Farm Stables. On arrival at Musley Bank, TBA members were treated to hot drinks and refreshments, kindly provided by
Richard Fahey, before being transferred by minibus to the gallops to view some of the morning lots in action. Highclere Racing’s two-year-old colt named Camber was just one of the workers who completed a nice canter in front of the group, much to the delight of the TBA’s North Regional Representative Philip Bamford, who bred the Garswood colt. Richard was on hand to explain to members more about the training regime and some of the yard’s previous and current occupants. After heading back to the yard to view some of the facilities, members were offered a demonstration of the
treadmill and then were able to view the unique covered ride and stables, housing some of the yard’s upcoming stars. A particularly nice touch to the morning was the parade of Baronial Pride, much to the delight of his breeders George and Jennifer Pindar who were on the visit and very happy to be reunited. After viewing the facilities on offer at the yard, members bid farewell and headed to the Old Lodge in Malton for a delicious two-course lunch, which seemed to go down a treat. The lunch provided a relaxed setting for members to share their experiences of the year
Members gather at Oaks Farm Stables in Malton
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with others and discuss ideas ahead of the forthcoming breeding season. After lunch, members headed off to Oaks Farm Stables, a first visit for TBA members and home of Mark and Jane Dwyer. These successful sales consigners can boast St Nicholas Abbey, Society Rock and Bushranger on their roll of honour. With Mark busy purchasing young stock in Keeneland, Jane and daughter Catherine were on hand to lead the tour around the stud, putting on a very professional show and offering members the chance to view some of their most recent recruits purchased at the yearling sales and those who were destined to be sold at the Tattersalls October Sale. Having viewed the facilities at the stud, including the built-in equine spa which was a hit with members, the day came to a close after meeting the yard’s field of National Hunt stores who were happy to oblige for a great photo opportunity. The TBA would like to thank Richard Fahey and his team for fitting the group visit into an already hectic schedule, the Old Lodge at Malton, and Jane and Catherine Dwyer for providing a memorable day for members.
The TBA #thisfillycan Fillies’ Handicap, Goodwood racecourse The TBA #thisfillycan Fillies’ Handicap took place at Goodwood on Wednesday, September 26. The 1m6f contest, which was restricted to fillies rated under 105, was won by three-year-old Elasia (below). The filly, who had been second in the previous month’s TBA #thisfillycan Fillies’ Handicap at Newmarket, has now won three of her five starts for trainer Roger Varian and owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. Ridden by Andrea Atzeni, she tracked the leaders before rallying strongly in the last two furlongs to win by a neck. The daughter of Nathaniel was bred by Newsells Park Stud and is out of the Listed-placed Danehill Dancer mare, Elas Diamond.
Baronial Pride at Richard Fahey’s yard
PICTURES BY SAM STEPHENSON
Viewing yearlings at Mark and Jane Dwyer’s Oaks Farm Stables
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TBA Forum
Last chance to book your place on the TBA Stud Farming Course
Don’t miss out on the chance to broaden your learning on the TBA’s popular three-day stud farming course this December
A limited number of spaces are still available on this year’s TBA Stud Farming Course, which will take place on December 11-13 at the British Racing School in Newmarket. The course aims to give delegates a comprehensive knowledge of key stud management topics through a series of talks from industry experts including those from the Animal Health Trust,
Newmarket Equine Hospital, Rossdales & Partners and the Royal Veterinary College. The first day will focus on the management of broodmares and include talks on barren mare management, HBLB Codes of Practice, causes of abortion and practical paddock management. The second day will focus on a range of horse management topics, including upper respiratory tract disorders, nutrition,
Breeders’ Badge Offers The TBA is pleased to announce the following breeders’ badge offers: Ladbrokes Trophy Day – Saturday, December 1, Newbury Racecourse. TBA members who have bred a runner are invited to apply for badges to the Ladbrokes Trophy Day at Newbury on Saturday, December 1. Badges will be issued subject to the horse/s being declared. Betfair Chase Day - Haydock Park, Saturday November 24. Haydock Park Racecourse is
offering two badges to TBA members who have bred a runner on the Betfair Chase Day. Members can apply for two badges each and badges will be issued subject to the horse/s being declared. To register for badges at either of these meetings, please email Annette Bell at annette.bell@thetba.co.uk with the following information: • Breeders name • Horse’s name • Race entered
sales preparation and understanding pedigrees and genetics. The focus of the final day will be management of neonatal foals, including talks on foaling, common conditions of the newborn foal, management of growth defects and limb corrections. The three days will also be paired with behind-the-scenes visits to Newmarket Equine Hospital and Darley’s Dalham Hall Stud, which stands leading British sire Dubawi. Delegates are also invited to a dinner, held at the Bedford Lodge Hotel, on the first night of the course, giving the opportunity to socialise with fellow delegates, speakers and industry professionals. The course fee for 2018 is £395 for TBA members (£495 for non-members) with discounts available for employers sending three or more delegates. The fee will include all lunches, refreshments, dinner on the first night and a handbook which can be used as a handy reference guide in the future. For further information and to book a place on the course, please visit the event page on the TBA website or contact melissa.parris@thetba.co.uk.
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Diary Dates & Reminders Friday November 9 EBF/TBA Mares’ Novices’ Chase Series Qualifier Fontwell Racecourse Tuesday, November 13 and Wednesday, November 14 The Thoroughbred Club Careers Course Tattersalls, Newmarket Saturday November 17 EBF/TBA Mares’ Novices’ Chase Series Qualifier Uttoxeter Racecourse Saturday November 24 EBF/TBA Mares’ Novices’ Chase Series Qualifier Huntingdon Racecourse Tuesday, December 11 to Thursday, December 13 TBA Annual Stud Farming Course The British Racing School, Newmarket Wednesday, December 19 The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Mares’ Novices’ Chase Newbury Racecourse Thursday, December 20 EBF/TBA Mares’ Novices’ Chase Series Qualifier Exeter Racecourse Wednesday December 26 EBF/TBA Mares’ Novices’ Chase Series Qualifier Wincanton Racecourse
TBA Regional Training Courses In conjunction with the National Stud, the TBA supported three regional courses for its members this year in Wiltshire, Exeter and Haydock. The courses, funded by the Racing Foundation, were organised to update and refresh members’ knowledge on some core topics of stud management. The last of the two courses at Exeter and Haydock Park took place in September, both featuring a programme with talks on thoroughbred nutrition, practical preparations for covering, parasite control and care of the equine foot. The courses not only provided members with the opportunity to update and improve their knowledge of these important topics, but also to meet and catch-up with other members, to share their ideas and experiences and utilise the expertise on offer. The TBA would like to thank the speakers who generously gave their time to support all three courses, to the Racing Foundation for generously supporting the courses, and to the National Stud Training Department for organising the courses on behalf of our members. The TBA would like to thank the speakers who kindly gave their time, the Racing Foundation for its generous support, and the National Stud Training Department for organising the courses on behalf of our members. There will be at least two Regional Courses held in 2019, supported by the Racing Foundation. More details on the on these courses will be published next year
New health and safety guidance for studs now available online A new online health and safety training resource is now available for the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry to complement the industry guide to health and safety, known as ‘The Red Book’. Funded by the Racing Foundation and the BHA, and developed by industry stakeholders including the TBA and the BHA, the resource takes the form of a series of instructional videos presented by racing broadcaster Lydia Hislop which are based on each section of the ‘The Red Book’. Users will be able to take a short, multiplechoice test at the end of the videos which will result in a downloadable certificate of completion. The training resource is free of charge and is administered by the BHA. Further information will be sent to TBA members on how to access it during the next few weeks. Hard copies of the guide to Health and Safety in the Horseracing Industry (The Red Book) are still available and the health and safety seminars hosted by the British Racing School and Northern Racing College will also remain, although there will only be one per year and subject to demand.
New Members Mr Alex Hales, Oxfordshire Mrs Christina Dee, Gloucestershire Karen Hannigan, Berkshire Pearlasia Ltd, Cambridgeshire Susan Carsberg, Northampton
The TBA published the results of its Economic Impact Study on September 25 at the RAC Club, London. Read more about the report’s findings in the main section of this magazine
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TBA Forum
TBA’s 3-2-1 Point-to-Point Bonus Point-to-point mares will once again have the opportunity to win a full bonus of £3,000 in any of three endof-season bumpers run under Rules at licensed racecourses through the TBA’s 3-2-1 Point-to-Point Bonus. The initiative was introduced to encourage more owners to test their mares on the point-to-point circuit and provide those proven horses the opportunity to progress to the National Hunt racing programme. The bonus operates on a sliding scale with the highest placed mare in each of the bonus races receiving a £1,000 bonus, a further £1,000 if she is British bred and another £1,000 if she is owned by a TBA member. The first of this season’s races holding the bonus will be held at Exeter Racecourse on April 16, followed by Aintree on May 17 and Stratford on May 31.
Last year saw two £3,000 bonuses awarded to the owners of Rapaport and Lily The Pink, who were the highest-placed mares, GB-bred and owned by a TBA member in their respective races. When asked about winning the bonus, Paul Nicholas, owner of Lily The Pink, said: ‘We were all extremely pleased to win the bumper race at Stratford, with the 3-2-1 bonus always being her target for the season. She ran well at Aintree; some things were learnt and it all came right at Stratford. “Support for these races has been very encouraging and the TBA should be congratulated on the mares’ bonus scheme, with the number of mares and fillies contesting them speaking volumes.’ For further information on the bonus, please visit the TBA website or contact alice.thurtle@thetba.co.uk
New equine ID regulations Defra has announced new equine identification regulations which came into force in England on October 1. The regulations have made it a legal requirement for every horse, pony and donkey in England to be microchipped and possess a valid UK passport, which it hopes will offer a greater protection against theft, the spread of disease and neglect. Owners of horses born before June 30, 2009 will have two years in which to ensure they are microchipped, with horses born after this date already required to be chipped. Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Chief Executive Claire Sheppard said:
“A robust system of identification for all the UK’s horses and ponies will underpin traceability, equine welfare and protection from disease. Whether this is for the largest thoroughbred stud
or the owner of a single horse or pony, we will all benefit.” To find out more about the new equine ID regulations, please visit the TBA website.
Free entry for members at Newbury Newbury Racecourse has kindly offered TBA members free entry to the December Afternoon Raceday on Wednesday, December 19 upon presentation of a valid membership card. The raceday will feature the TBA-sponsored Listed Mares’ Novices’ Chase which last year was won by Ms Parfois, who went on to finish second in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree in April. This offer entitles members (including joint members) to one badge only. To purchase additional badges please contact the ticket office at the racecourse.
Register your filly for the NH Mare Owners’ Prize Scheme Owners of NH mares are reminded that registrations for the NH Mare Owners’ Prize Scheme are now open for filly foals born in 2018. The scheme, which is free for TBA members to register, pays bonuses of up to £10,000 to the connections of mares who win eligible races. Last year more than £240,000 was paid out in bonus prizes to
winning connections. The scheme is confined to filly foals that were bred either in Britain or produced by a British-based stallion and have been nominated as a potential NH racehorse by their breeders. Registration is free for members Non-TBA members can register for the scheme for a fee of £150 per filly.
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TBA Forum
Investing in breeding & racing – the TBA Buying Group Everybody loves a bargain, so look out Aldi and Lidl, there’s another discount force in town. It’s the TBA’s Buying Group, through which members can save money on daily essentials. The scheme, which was launched in July 2014 to add extra value to TBA membership, covers products from tractors to white goods and mobile phones, and services from energy to fuel, with savings that range from six to 40 per cent. In short, the organisers of the scheme, AF Affinity, offer a bespoke buying service for business and individuals. AF Affinity general manager Louis Clabburn explains: “We are the trading arm of the AF Group, which was originally known as Anglia Farmers, and as such we understand memberships and the rural economy. Importantly for TBA members, we are in a good place to understand the needs of people in the equine industry, whether they run big or small enterprises.” Coming from a farming background and living on a family cattle and arable farm in Norfolk, Clabburn has first-hand experience of rural business affairs, and took on his role with AF Affinity after serving as executive project manager at the parent company. Explaining the general principles of AF Affinity’s role, he says: “We work with a range of companies to help them find savings and free up their time in the procurement process. We source a wide range of products and services including electricity, mains gas, mobile phones, broadband, landlines, liquid fuel (kerosene and diesel), fuel cards, new vehicles, healthcare and insurance.” Clabburn adds: “With access to the considerable buying power of our parent company, which sources over £250 million per annum, we are able to attract extremely keen prices on behalf of our clients and customers. “Over 800 companies have an active account with us and we provide services for 6,000 customers across the UK, but we try to offer a great deal more in terms of customer service, benchmarking and product guidance.” On the specific products that appeal to TBA members, Clabburn says: “We do a large amount of business in the energy field, such as mains electricity
Louis Clabburn of AF Affinity
and gas, where savings range from six to 25 per cent. “Liquid fuel is also very popular, such as kerosene for heating and diesel, and that is aligned with fuel cards with the major players, where we arrange discounts of up to four per cent, which can amount to a lot of money over a period of time. “We also do a lot of business in new vehicles – cars, vans and 4x4s – and can source any vehicle from a Jaguar to a Ford Fiesta.” Registration for TBA members is quick and free, with no joining fee or annual subscription other than for full or associate AF Affinity membership, which generally suits larger studs. Clabburn says: “We do no direct marketing but rely largely on wordof-mouth recommendations or links to our website. Members of the TBA should contact us by phone or email with an inquiry and we will get back to them directly. It’s important for us to understand customers on the basis of their business or involvement, and once we start working with them, we will be in contact periodically. We definitely do
not bombard customers with emails.” AF Affinity does not have a catalogue of goods and services. “We can’t provide a list of what we offer,” Clabburn says, “simply because we can source a huge range of products through having access to 40 specialist buyers. From building supplies, aggregates, timber and fertilisers to fencing and veterinary products, we can find them.” Nor, despite its antecedents with Anglia Farmers, is AF Affinity restricted by the boundaries of Norfolk and Suffolk. “We operate throughout England, Scotland and Wales,” Clabburn adds. Typical clients range from Juddmonte to Tim Billington, who farms in Berkshire, has two broodmares and says: “I buy my electricity through AF Affinity and I’m very happy with their service and competitive rates. They’re very nice people to deal with, and since I belong to the declining group of one-third of all breeders who have one or two broodmares, as identified in the recent TBA Economic Impact Study, every penny counts.”
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DARLEY/GODOLPHIN In January 2016, Sheikh Mohammed’s racing and breeding operations were merged under the Godolphin banner with the Darley name retained as a brand to promote his stallions. The last crop of horses bred with the Darley moniker are now four-year-olds and so it is likely there will soon be a new name at the top of the breeders’ lists in Britain and Ireland. After a season that has witnessed a major resurgence in the sheikh’s domestic racing fortunes, that name will probably be Godolphin. The undoubted highlight of their season came in June when the homebred Masar carried Godolphin’s royal blue silks to victory in the Derby for the first time. Although injury curtailed his season, there has been no shortage of high-class runners in the same colours to fill the void. With next year’s Classics in mind, the most exciting is the two-year-old Quorto, who made it three wins from three starts when crossing the Irish Sea to win the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh in September. He is by Dubawi, Darley’s greatest stallion, who won the same contest 14 years earlier and returned the following spring to win the Irish 2,000 Guineas. Quorto’s dam, the Mount Nelson mare Volume, finished third in the Oaks and the Irish Oaks before being acquired by Darley for 700,000gns at the Tattersalls December Breeding Stock Sale in 2014. The global reach of the sheikh’s operation was further emphasised in September by a Group-race double in Australia for two Darley-bred horses foaled in Britain.
Havana Grey heads to Whitsbury Manor
Hartnell (by Authorized) recorded his fourth Group 1 win when carrying top weight and breaking the one mile course record in a thrilling last-stride win in the Epsom Handicap at Randwick. At the same course a few weeks earlier Avilius (by Pivotal) had won the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes. In early October, he followed up in another Group 3, The Bart Cummings at Flemington. SPECIAL MERIT AWARD – SEPTEMBER
MICKLEY STUD AND LADY LONSDALE Mickley Stud has rarely been out of the news in the last two months, in which time the Shropshire-based stud has played a pivotal role in the success of two Britishbred sprinters at the highest level. At York’s Ebor meeting, their stallion Captain Gerrard sired his first Group 1 winner when Alpha Delphini prevailed by the narrowest of margins in the Nunthorpe Stakes. A week later it was announced that Hungerford Stakes winner Massaat would
stand at Mickley Stud from next season. He will become the fifth stallion on their roster, which also includes Dark Angel’s promising first-season sire Heeraat. Massaat is by Teofilo, whose Tweenhills Stud-based son Havana Gold is the sire of Havana Grey. In mid-September, the three-year-old colt, who was bred in partnership by Mickley Stud and Lady Caroline Lonsdale, won the Flying Five Stakes, Ireland’s first Group 1 sprint for horses aged three years or older. Havana Grey is the first foal out of Blanc de Chine, a six-time winning daughter of Dark Angel. He was sold as a foal by his joint-breeders for 42,000gns at the Tattersalls December Sale. In his first season, he won the Molecomb Stakes and finished second in the Prix Morny and Flying Childers Stakes. Richard Kent and his partner Clare Lloyd established Mickley Stud at Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, in 2005. A native of County Cork, where his father John bred champion two-year-old filly Pass The Peace at his Ballyhampshire Stud, Kent had spells working for Robert Percival in Britain and Liam Cashman in Ireland before moving to Shropshire in 1991. He became a partner in Helshaw Grange Stud and oversaw its development into a leading National Hunt stud and the base for successful stallions such as Overbury and Karinga Bay. Kent’s move to Mickley Stud heralded a change towards a more dual-purpose operation. Partnerships, such as the one that produced Havana Grey, through either foal shares or trading nominations with other studs, have played an important role in the successful growth of the stud, which is set in over 380 acres.
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Did you Know? The first 50 2 year old maidens in Ireland were won by 35 different owners racehorseownership.ie
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Vet Forum: The Expert View
Atypical myopathy update Though rare in thoroughbreds thanks to the racing and breeding industry’s sophisticated approach to feeding stock, this disease is often fatal and can strike quickly, usually in autumn when sycamore samaras are on the ground
Early beginnings
The first recorded case series of this apparently new disease was published in the Veterinary Record, the ‘trade mag’ of the British Veterinary Association, in 1984 by the eminent Scottish veterinary scientist Karl Linklater. Going back over the years, however, it’s clear that this disease had previously been seen sporadically, where it was named Myoglobinuria, because of the classic, though not universally present symptom, of intense staining of the urine red/brown with myoglobin. Myoglobin is the pigment present in muscle tissue, the equivalent of haemoglobin in our blood, and is there to draw and store oxygen from the blood stream. When muscle cells burst, they release myoglobin into the bloodstream and this is then voided in the urine, leading to characteristic dark staining. Odd cases of this in horses at grass had been reported in the 1940s, in Canada in the 1960s, and in France in 1976, but numbers were small, and the emergence of a new disease syndrome wasn’t recognised.
MARK HILLYER, NEH
S
ome years ago a friend telephoned us one evening for advice on treatment of a pony, which she thought had laminitis. It had been a long dry summer, and the weather had suddenly changed, with storms and heavy rain, often the combination of events which trigger an autumn flush of grass, and late-season laminitis. The symptoms were typical of laminitis – the pony was unwilling to move, dull, and appeared stiff, but then the friend added, ‘Oh, and the other thing is, his urine is dark red’. My heart sank, as this immediately made the most likely diagnosis that of Atypical Myopathy, a disease which has a mortality rate of 75% or more. The pony was immediately hospitalised, underwent intensive treatment, and survived, but most don’t. So what is this disease and why has it suddenly become an emerging problem?
Figure 1 A horse affected with Atypical Myoglobinurea undergoing treatment at Newmarket Equine Hospital. Note the wide-based stance, and drooping head, reflecting weakness in the postural muscles, the result of ‘starvation’ of their cells by the toxin Hypoglycin A. Following intensive treatment this horse made a full recovery
Following Linklater’s report, increasing awareness and concern over the apparent increase in numbers of this disease made people sit up. Atypical Myoglobinuria became renamed as Atypical Myopathy, which more accurately reflects the nature of the illness, and the number of fatalities mounted. Finally, an outbreak occurred in the north of Germany in 1995 in which over 100 horses died. Since the turn of this century increasing numbers of cases have been reported all across northern Europe, including in the UK, but most particularly north Germany, Belgium and France. This was an emerging, new, often fatal, disease and nobody had any idea what was causing it.
The hunt for the cause
Often the first step taken in the face of an emerging new disease is for epidemiological data to be accumulated, to see if any distinct patterns emerge. A team at the University of Liège in Belgium,
associated with research worker Dominique Votion, established an informal liaison group with the acronym AMAG, the Atypical Myopathy Alert Group, that began to collate information from clinicians dealing with cases. Any reported case triggered completion of a detailed questionnaire about the type of horse involved, the type of premises, the events preceding the outbreak, and the nature of the husbandry in place. Since its inception over a thousand cases of the disease have been reported in detail through AMAG, and it was through this international collaboration that initial hints at causation began to immerge.
Why Atypical?
As long as people have written about horses there have been reports of myopathy associated with exercise. What we now refer to as Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (ERM – rupture of muscle cells as a result of exercise) has been a familiar part of living with the horse for centuries. Its nicknames over
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By Rob Pilsworth MRCVS
the years included ‘set fast’, ‘tying up’ or ‘Monday morning disease’. As the latter name suggests, this disease was most often seen in working horses after they’d had Sunday off, and resumed their labours on Monday morning. It was a disease characterised by muscle stiffness, sweating, raised heart rate and, in severe cases, rupture of muscle cells leading to the passage of myoglobin in the urine. It’s a disease of well- or over-fed horses, often seen following a short reduction in work. The big difference with Atypical Myopathy is that almost all of the epidemalogical features of the disease are exactly the opposite of those encountered in ERM. The classic case of Atypical Myopathy occurs in a horse which is permanently at relatively poor overgrazed pasture, in normal or light bodily condition, has very little additional feed, and almost invariably has had no exercise. These horses are simply found profoundly ill, often unable to move, unable even to keep their heads up, and in many cases collapsed, or worse still dead.
People looked at moulds and fungi initially, because these are well known to occur in cold and wet weather in the autumn, and also to be able to produce powerful mycotoxins, but no obvious culprit came to light. One of the big problems with the investigation of this disease was the relative paucity of funding. Most of the grant-awarding bodies have specialist interests, and this was a disease of the pastured leisure horse or pony, not of valuable thoroughbreds. Funds were therefore hard to come by, and this led researchers to doing the work that was time-consuming but cheap, i.e. compiling data of the epidemiology of the outbreaks, rather than intense toxicological research that needed
As the death rate mounted, the race was on to try to find the cause. Once the data collation centre at Liège was established, it quickly became apparent that the outbreaks followed very similar patterns, irrespective of the country concerned. The most striking feature was seasonality. Almost all the cases occurred in autumn, with a few occurring the following spring, particularly in years where many cases had occurred the preceding autumn. There were other common factors, the most obvious of which was an association of the paddock with trees. While it wasn’t certain what this association was, over and over again outbreaks were associated with pasture in which there were fallen leaves, rotten dead branches, or simply the presence of trees themselves. Pastures sited on a sloping gradient were also overrepresented, and it wasn’t clear initially why on earth this should be the case. Weather conditions too played a part. In the week preceding an outbreak, vets commonly reported that there had been cold, wet, windy weather. Conversely, in the middle of an outbreak, a period of three or four days of frost or snowfall seemed to stop it in its tracks. Although the disease struck all age groups, horses below the age of three were by far the most often affected.
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NEH
Common factors
Figure 2 The chocolate brown/port wine coloured urine almost always seen in cases of Atypical Myopathy, and a chilling clinical sign to see given the prognosis
to be funded. With most cases dead, owners were certainly not going to be the source of this research funding.
Clinical signs
All of the recorded outbreaks listed the same clinical features. These included weakness, stiffness, inability to move, apparent difficulty in breathing, raised heart rate, congested mucus membranes and often collapse. Urine passed was dark chocolate brown in almost all cases. The majority of cases, if not found dead, would die within 72 hours. Despite being dull, the appetite was often not affected.
Histopathology
Because so many of these cases died, there was an abundant source of postmortem material for researchers to examine. The first thing they noticed was that the predominant attack was on the type 1 muscle fibres. These are often known as ‘slow twitch’ and are involved in things like posture and respiration, rather than the type 2
muscle fibres (‘fast twitch’) involved in galloping. The affected muscle fibres showed a characteristic histopathology, called Zenker’s degeneration, which reflects starvation of energy. This was accompanied by accumulation of lipids in and around the cells, so it looked as if the disease was produced by something that prevented muscle cells from metabolising fat. This type of muscle degeneration had been seen before in people. In humans there is a condition called ‘Jamaican Vomiting Sickness’ which is triggered by ingestion of Ackee fruit. This fruit contains a toxin, Hypoglycin A. Hypoglycin A acts on muscle cells in a characteristic way, preventing them from metabolising fat effectively. The syndrome in man is known by the acronym MADD, (Multiple Acyl Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Deficiency). Mitochondria are the energy production units within each cell, the ‘power station’, and in type 1 muscle fibres produce energy primarily by breaking down fat using the enzyme Acyl CoA. If this enzyme is deficient, either because of an inherited genetic disorder or because of the effects of toxins, then the mitochondria within the cell simply cannot produce energy, the cell starves to death and dies. So was it possible that Atypical Myopathy was being produced by a toxin preventing these mitochondria from working, as in the human disease?
Clinical pathology
If this was the case then we would expect to find changes in the blood reflective of this, and we did. Serum samples taken from affected cases showed massive rises in muscle enzymes Creatin Kinase and Amino Aspartate Transferase. These are the same muscle enzymes we look for in ‘tying up’, but the levels in the atypical cases were massively elevated, often in the hundreds of thousands or millions of international units/ml of blood. A lot of muscle cells were dying. In addition to this, there were rises in lactic acid and isomers of Acyl Carnitine, which seemed to indicate that just such events were taking place in the muscle cells; they were being prevented from metabolising fat.
The breakthrough
Epidemiological data accumulating over the years, combined with histopathological studies on the
››
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Vet Forum: The Expert View
ROB PILSWORTH
Fig 3b
good fortune not only to correlate the epidemiological data on their outbreaks, but also to receive funding from the Minnesota Rapid Agriculture Response Fund, which allowed them to look in detail for possible toxins. Once the toxin had been confirmed in the American cases, attention then turned to the huge library of stored samples from European cases at the University of Liège. This confirmed Hypoglycin A and its metabolites were Fig 3b found in the serum and urine of all the affected European horses too. As the Box Elder was not present in most of Europe, another tree had to be the culprit. Another species of Acer, Acer Pseudoplatanus (the Sycamore tree) had been present on almost every premises logged in the European outbreaks. Analysis of the familiar ‘helicopter seeds’ of the Sycamore tree (known correctly as samaras) proved positive – they contained Hypoglycin A. Fig 3a
The pieces fall into place
Figure 3 A splendid example of the Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) (3a) ‘hooching’ with samaras ready to drop. This tree is in the border of a stud paddock in the Newmarket area. The ground below (3b) is covered in fallen samaras
››
damaged muscle cells, and biochemical studies on serum, had all pointed tantalisingly to a likely common cause in some sort of toxin. The European scientist Van Galen had suggested that trees must play a significant role, in that they were found on 98% of the European pastures on which myopathy typically occurred. Even then people were looking for a fungus or a side product of the presence of trees, rather than the tree itself. The breakthrough finally came in 2006 when a muscle research group based at the University of Minnesota linked to the eminent muscle researcher Stephanie Valberg published a case series of cases spanning 1998 to 2005.
The disease, which they called Seasonal Pasture Myopathy, presented in exactly the same way as the European cases, and had exactly the same biochemical profile of the MADD syndrome. But the breakthrough fact was that the Box Elder (Acer Negundo) was present in every single case, and not on unaffected premises. They knew that the toxin Hypoglycin A could cause the symptoms of MADD and therefore Atypical Myopathy. So could the Box Elder trees be responsible? Analysis of the seeds of these trees provided the missing link. They contained variable to high levels of Hypoglycin A. Valberg and her colleagues had had the
Suddenly, all the epidemiological data made sense. The link with trees, fallen branches and leaves was clear; this merely indicated the presence of trees either around or in the paddocks. Similarly, cold, wet, windy weather results in massive falls of the seeds from the trees, allowing their ingestion. Other factors suddenly started to make sense. The disease was linked with pastures that are relatively poor or over-grazed, and on which no supplementary feeding takes place. Hungry horses will eat unsuitable material. Similarly the link with youngsters had a possible basis – young horses will nibble at all sorts of unsuitable forage, whereas mature horses become more ’picky’. The link with hillside paddocks nods to the topography. Hilly regions get increased winds, and winds blow down and spread the samaras. Because of these winds, the paddocks are likely to
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Vet Forum: The Expert View incorporate easily grown tree shelterbelts, often including Sycamore. One outstanding difficulty of the samara toxin theory was the occasional outbreaks which occurred in spring. What was causing these? The multidisciplinary research group based at the University of Liège solved this riddle in 2016 by showing that the seedlings of the Sycamore tree are also potential sources of Hypoglycin A. The source of the spring outbreaks had been identified.
Subsequent events
Since the milestone paper published by the Valberg group and conformation that the toxin responsible for the American Seasonal Pastural Myopathy, and European Atypical Myopathy were the same toxin Hypoglycin A, various other parts of the jigsaw have fallen into place. An assay for Hypoglycin A and its metabolites has been developed so that horses, and the seeds of the trees, can be specifically tested for this poison. In the UK, this test is offered by Richard Piercy’s group at the Royal Veterinary College, London (https:// www.rvc.ac.uk/research/laboratories/ comparative-neuromuscular-diseaseslaboratory/diagnostic-services). Intriguingly, it’s now been found using this test that horses grazing pastures covered in the samaras of the Sycamore tree will often have raised blood levels of Hypoglycin A, without developing the disease. Other research showed that the samaras can be blown up to 200 metres from trees, which probably explains the occasional incidence of Atypical Myopathy where no Sycamore trees are recorded in the paddock. In 2016, the disease was reported from New Zealand, where four horses had been affected two years earlier. Two of the horses sadly died, but in all cases the toxin Hypoglycin A was detected in the serum of the horses and
What to do in the face of an outbreak
Remove all co-grazing horses from the affected paddock and stable them, or put into a paddock not contaminated with the samaras or seedlings. Test the unaffected horses for raised muscle enzymes, a quick and easy test that most equine practices can do, and, if found, consider intensive fluid therapy, nutritional support and vitamin treatment in an equine hospital. This has been shown to increase the chances of survival. Consider testing all co-grazers for Hypoglycin A and its metabolites. The problem with this is it is relatively expensive (approximately £100 per horse), can be done only at specialist labs (so delays), and is not totally predictive of the development of the disease, or even eventual survival.
not detected in the serum of healthy control horses. The samaras from both the Sycamore Maple and the Box Elder were detected on the paddocks and samples tested from throughout New Zealand also showed the presence of the toxin in the majority of cases.
Questions
It is very satisfying that the multidisciplinary approach to this disease, cataloguing the epidemiological factors, the pathology, the changes seen in the muscle under the microscope, and comparative medicine studies looking at similar diseases in man, have led to the cause being found. However, many questions remain: Why is it that only some horses on affected pastures go down with the disease where others with blood levels of Hypoglycin A present do not? Why is it that the disease appears to be of relatively recent emergence in large numbers when the Sycamore tree has been abundant in the countryside since the middle ages? Why is it that in some years many cases are recorded and in others few? The main suspect for the emergence of the disease is climate change. The north European climate is undoubtedly undergoing flux at the present time and this may have repercussive effects on both the level of toxin in the seeds, and the increase in late autumn storms
PREVENTION
Prevention is always better than cure, especially in a disease where the majority of cases die, so perhaps consider the following: Where possible, take out Sycamore trees from and around equine paddocks. If not possible, consider fencing off the ‘drop zones’ for the samaras and resultant seedlings. Screen paddocks in the autumn for the presence of the ‘helicopter seed’ samaras (see fig 3b). If abundant, take action to clear them, or limit grazing access. Prevent horses grazing where abundant seedlings are
which produce their mass deposition on the pasture. Although many cases have been recorded on non-thoroughbred breeding farms, to date there have been only a few cases on thoroughbred studs, although those recorded have ended with fatalities. This is almost certainly due to the fact that supplementary feeding, and careful management of pastures to avoid over-grazing, means these horses often just don’t eat the samaras. They have other more attractive food to eat. Since the demonstration of the link to the Sycamore, many stud farms have used the therapeutic chain-saw to remedy the situation. However, on a recent walk on a public footpath running through the middle of a Newmarket stud farm, I counted over 20 Sycamore trees showering their samaras into the adjacent paddocks, so the challenge is certainly still present. The reason Yew trees mainly grow in churchyards is that, because of their threat to livestock, through the poison, taxene, present in their berries, they were not tolerated on grazing land. To date, it seems our management methods in relation to feeding and grazing practices have allowed the thoroughbred industry to get lucky, but that could change and this may be a good time for studs to re-evaluate their approach to this potentially really awful disease.
growing in the spring. Keep aware of alerts for increased Atypical Myopathy years via the website alerts from AMAG (http://labos.ulg. ac.be/myopathie-atypique/en). Avoid overgrazing of paddocks. Give supplementary food and forage during the risk periods, so the horses are not tempted to eat the samaras. Regular de-worming programme, guided by the faecal egg count. Consider not using any disease-associated paddock for grazing in autumn and spring.
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Dr Statz
John Boyce cracks the code
Dubawi is most accomplished stallion to have stood in Britain D DUBAWI’S 2018 EUROPEAN-BRED GROUP WINNERS
Form G1w G1w G1w G1w G1w G1w G2wG1p G2w G2w G2w G2w G2w G3wG1p G3wG2p G3wG2p G3w G3w G3w G3w G3w G3w
TFR 127p 125 124 122p 119 118 119 122 122 122 121 118 111 121 117 121 121 119p 117 111 109
Name TOO DARN HOT BENBATL NORTH AMERICA QUORTO WILD ILLUSION KITESURF CORONET BATEEL OLD PERSIAN WUHEIDA BRUNDTLAND QUIDURA CROWN WALK RARE RHYTHM D'BAI JORDAN SPORT PLUMATIC GHAIYYATH GLORIOUS JOURNEY ANNA NERIUM SOLILOQUY
Born 2016 2014 2012 2016 2015 2014 2014 2012 2015 2014 2015 2013 2015 2012 2014 2013 2014 2015 2015 2015 2015
His future adversary is likely to be Frankel, who has made a very good start to his stud career. The Banstead sire is posting very similar numbers to Dubawi with 15.5% stakes winners to runners, and the quality of his stakes winners (average Timeform rating of 114.4) is also up with the very best. Moreover, we are going to see a renewed surge from Frankel when foals from his first post-Cracksman crop reach the racecourse. Dubawi has put together some tremendous partnerships with a host of broodmare sires, none more than with former stud companion Singspiel, which creates inbreeding to Shirley Heights, Sunbittern and Northern Dancer. Sunbittern is Dubawi’s fifth dam and also the grandam of Singspiel’s sire In The Wings. So far the combination is responsible for ten stakes winners from 24 runners, a remarkable strike-rate of 42%. It’s simply the best sire-broodmare sire combination we’ve had in Europe for a long time. Three of the stakes winners – So Mi Dar (TF120), Lah Ti Dar (TF122) and Too Darn Hot (TF127) – are out of Watership Down Stud’s outstanding broodmare Dar Re Mi. Group 1 winners Wuheida and Left Hand, plus Group scorers Old Persian, Rare
Sex C C G C F F F F C F C F F G G G C C C F F
Dam Dar Re Mi Nahrain Northern Mischief Volume Rumh Shimmering Surf Approach Attractive Crown Indian Petal Hibaayeb Future Generation Quetena Dunnes River Demisemiquaver Savannah Belle Wonder Why Plumania Nightime Fallen For You Anna Oleanda Dysphonia
Broodmare Sire Singspiel Selkirk Yankee Victor Mount Nelson Monsun Danehill Dancer Darshaan Chief's Crown Singspiel Singspiel Hurricane Run Acatenango Danzig Singspiel Green Desert Tiger Hill Anabaa Galileo Dansili Old Vic Lonhro
Rhythm and Laugh Aloud are the best of the others. He’s also had brilliant results with mares by Dansili (29% stakes winners to runners), Monsun (27%), Montjeu (27%), Danehill (20%) and Green Desert (18%), and all of these sires have had ten or more runners by Dubawi. There are a host of others such as Rahy, Acatenango, Danehill Dancer, Darshaan, Storm Cat and Daylami that have had success well above Dubawi’s career score of 16% from fewer runners. It’s unmistakable – Dubawi works well with all major sire lines of the day. Too Darn Hot: flying the flag for Dubawi
GEORGE SELWYN
ubawi reached a significant milestone this autumn. It’s only two years since he sired his first Group 1-winning juvenile, when Wuheida took the Prix Marcel Boussac. Now he’s sired his two best-ever juveniles from his 2016 crop – impressive Dewhurst winner Too Darn Hot, and National Stakes hero Quorto, who was put away for the season before the Dewhurst. Moreover, both are rated 120+ by Timeform, a feat that hasn’t been achieved by a European sire in 30 years. The last European stallion to sire two 120+ juveniles in the same crop was Sadler’s Wells, whose first-crop colts Scenic and Prince Of Dance dead-heated in the Dewhurst in 1988 and were each awarded a rating of 128 by Timeform. Incidentally, in the same period two American sires also reached the milestone – Mr Prospector (sire of Machiavellian and Jade Robbery in 1989) and Scat Daddy (sire of Lady Aurelia and Caravaggio in 2016). Too Darn Hot got a Timeform rating of 127p winning the latest renewal of the Dewhurst, while Quorto is 122p. It was his first-crop youngsters, including Group 2 winners Poet’s Voice and Sand Vixen, which sent Dubawi on his way to stallion stardom. He’s never looked back. In fact, his first nine crops have all produced at least 11% stakes winners to runners. He’s set many new benchmarks for European sires in the past ten years, including the fastest-ever to 100 stakes winners. But the really impressive numbers are his 16.2% stakes winners, plus his average Timeform rating of 114.2 for his rated stakes winners. Only Galileo reaches a similar standard. It’s also worth pointing out that his record with elite mares is even more impressive – 21.1% stakes winners to runners and an average Timeform rating of 115.3. This is quite significant as nearly all of his future runners are out of elite mares, so we shouldn’t be surprised if his percentage of stakes winners to runners continues to creep upwards. He’s sired 33 stakes winners in 2018 and his 100th career Group winner. In short, he’s by far the most accomplished stallion ever to have stood in Britain. And that’s a huge compliment, considering he’s had the likes of Pivotal, Dansili and Oasis Dream to contend with in recent times.
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Data Book • Analysis by Andrew Caulfield European Pattern 289 32RED SPRINT CUP STAKES G1 HAYDOCK PARK. Sep 8. 3yo+. 6f.
1. THE TIN MAN (GB) 6 9-3 £184,421 b g by Equiano - Persario (Bishop of Cashel) O-Fred Archer Racing - Ormonde B-Mrs E. M. Grundy TR-James Fanshawe 2. Brando (GB) 6 9-3 £69,918 ch g by Pivotal - Argent du Bois (Silver Hawk) O-Mrs Angie Bailey B-Car Colston Hall Stud TR-Kevin Ryan 3. Gustav Klimt (IRE) 3 9-1 £34,992 b c by Galileo - Massarra (Danehill) O-Mrs John Magnier,Mr M.Tabor & Mr D.Smith B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt TR-Aidan O’Brien Margins 0.5, Neck. Time 1:14.10. Going Heavy. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-6 20 9 5 £1,180,677 Sire: EQUIANO. Sire of 13 Stakes winners. In 2018 THE TIN MAN Bishop of Cashel G1, BELVOIR BAY Rock of Gibraltar G2, LADY HORSEOWNER Fastnet Rock G3. 1st Dam: PERSARIO by Bishop of Cashel. 2 wins at 3 and 5. Dam of 6 winners:
2007:
2008: 2009: 2010:
2012:
2013: 2014: 2015: 2016: 2017: 2018:
DEACON BLUES (g Compton Place) Champion older sprinter in Europe in 2011. 7 wins at 2 to 4, Qipco British Champions Sprint S G2. Voom Voom (f Bahamian Bounty) unraced. Broodmare. IF SO (f Iffraaj) 4 wins at 3 and 4. Broodmare. Holley Shiftwell (f Bahamian Bounty) 4 wins at 3 and 4, 2nd Whitsbury/EBF Stallions Lansdown S LR, Scottish Sun EBF Land O’Burns S LR. Broodmare. THE TIN MAN (g Equiano) Sold 80,000gns yearling at TAOC1. 9 wins at 3 to 6, 2018, Diamond Jubilee S G1, Qipco British Champions Sprint S G1, 32Red Sprint Cup S G1, bet365 Hackwood S G3, Weatherbys Leisure S LR (twice), 2nd 32Red Sprint Cup S G1, 3rd 32Red Sprint Cup S G1, LARC - Prix Maurice de Gheest G1. Blues Sister (f Compton Place) unraced. HILARIO (g Sepoy) Winner at 2. INDIAN TYGRESS (f Sepoy) 2 wins at 3. Global Warning (c Poet’s Voice) (c Muhaarar) (f Equiano)
2nd Dam: BARFORD LADY by Stanford. 2 wins at 3. Dam of WARNINGFORD (c Warning: Peter Sandrovich Leicestershire S G3 (3 times), 2nd Juddmonte Lockinge S G1, 3rd Prix de la Foret G1)
Equiano was also a very talented sprinter, as he showed in winning the Gr1 King’s Stand Stakes at the ages of three and five, and so was The Tin Man’s half-brother Deacon Blues, winner of the QIPCO British Champions Sprint in the days when it was a Gr2 contest. Their dam Persario now has six winners from seven runners, including three black-type earners. She also has a 2017 colt from the first crop of champion sprinter Muhaarar. Persario wasn’t an obvious candidate to shine as a broodmare, as she won just twice in three seasons, but Timeform rated her 96 after she had gained her second success, over six furlongs as a five-year-old. Her sire, the Gr2 winner Bishop Of Cashel, can take some of the credit for The Tin Man’s ability to handle very soft ground, as he won the Gr2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte on heavy ground. Bishop Of Cashel was represented by nothing better than a Gr3 winner in Europe (his son Ecclesiastical became a Gr1 winner as Olympic Express after his sale to Hong Kong). Bishop Of Cashel was by Warning, who was mated to Persario’s dam Barford Lady to produce the admirable Warningford, a very durable and smart seven-furlong performer who handled soft ground better than most. Barford Lady was a fairly useful winner at up to a mile. Equiano, who shares the same sire as Dark Angel, has never stood for more than £8,000 during his time at Newsells Park Stud but he has eight northern hemisphere Group winners to his credit. His speedy Americanbased daughter Belvoir Bay has been in good form in 2018, winning at Gr2 and Gr3 level in California.
Broodmare Sire: BISHOP OF CASHEL. Sire of the dams of 6 Stakes winners.
290 PRIX DU MOULIN DE LONGCHAMP G1
THE TIN MAN b g 2012 Royal Applause
Waajib Flying Melody
Princess Athena
Ahonoora Shopping Wise
Ela-Mana-Mou
Pitcairn Rose Bertin
Mirmande
Kris Secala
Warning
Known Fact Slightly Dangerous
Ballet Classique
Sadler’s Wells Estaciones
Stanford
Red God Sweet Almond
Grace Poole
Sallust Marvedo
Acclamation EQUIANO b 05 Entente Cordiale
Bishop of Cashel PERSARIO b 99 Barford Lady
The Tin Man may not be versatile from the viewpoint of distance, as all of his 20 starts have been over six furlongs, but he is admirably versatile when it comes to the going. His first Gr1 success, in the 2016 QIPCO British Champions Sprint, came on good ground, his second, in the 2017 Diamond Jubilee, was gained on good to firm, and now he has taken the 32Red Sprint Cup on ground which was distinctly heavy. The gelded son of Equiano is also very determined, with two of his Gr1 wins being gained by a neck and half a length.
PARISLONGCHAMP. Sep 9. 3yo+c&f. 1600m.
1. RECOLETOS (FR) 4 9-4 £227,549 b c by Whipper - Highphar (Highest Honor) O-Sarl Darpat France B-Sarl Darpat France TR-C. Laffon-Parias 2. Wind Chimes (GB) 3 8-12 £91,035 gr f by Mastercraftsman - Militante (Johannesburg) O-Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor B-Ecurie Des Monceaux TR-A. Fabre 3. Expert Eye (GB) 3 9-0 £45,518 b c by Acclamation - Exemplify (Dansili) O-Mr K. Abdullah B-Juddmonte Farms Ltd TR-Sir Michael Stoute Margins Head, 1.25. Time 1:36.00. Going Good.
2015: 2016: 2018:
2nd Dam: PHARATTA by Fairy King. 4 wins at 2 and 3 in France, USA Garden City Breeders’ Cup H G2. Grandam of CARTAYA, Elabela. Broodmare Sire: HIGHEST HONOR. Sire of the dams of 70 Stakes winners. In 2018 - RECOLETOS Whipper G1, CASTELLAR American Post G2, BALMAIN It’s Gino LR, MALKOBOY Rajsaman LR, PEPITA Sir Prancealot LR.
RECOLETOS b c 2014
WHIPPER b 01
HIGHPHAR b 04
Millieme
Mill Reef Hardiemma
Kenmare
Kalamoun Belle of Ireland
High River
Riverman Hairbrush
Fairy King
Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge
Sharata
Darshaan Shademah
291 WILLIAM HILL ST LEGER STAKES G1 DONCASTER. Sep 15. 3yoc&f. 14f 110yds.
KEW GARDENS b c 2015
GALILEO b 98
CHELSEA ROSE ch 02
Mr Prospector Hopespringseternal
Allegretta
Lombard Anatevka
Danehill
Danzig Razyana
Sabaah
Nureyev Dish Dash
Trempolino
Sharpen Up Trephine
Sweet Simone
Green Dancer Servilia
292 COOLMORE FASTNET ROCK MATRON STAKES G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Sep 15. 3yo+f. 8f.
1. LAURENS (FR) 3 9-0 £182,743 b f by Siyouni - Recambe (Cape Cross) O-Mr John Dance B-Bloodstock Agency Ltd TR-K. R. Burke 2. Alpha Centauri (IRE) 3 9-0 £58,850 gr f by Mastercraftsman - Alpha Lupi (Rahy) O-Niarchos Family B-The Niarchos Family TR-Mrs J. Harrington 3. Clemmie (IRE) 3 9-0 £27,876 b f by Galileo - Meow (Storm Cat) O-Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier B-Liberty Bloodstock TR-Aidan O’Brien Margins 0.75, 1.25. Time 1:39.23. Going Good to Firm.
Sire: GALILEO. Sire of 296 Stakes winners. In 2018 FLAG OF HONOUR Warning G1, FOREVER TOGETHER Theatrical G1, KEW GARDENS Desert King G1, RHODODENDRON Pivotal G1, WALDGEIST Monsun G1, ANTHONY VAN DYCK Exceed And Excel G2, CALL TO MIND Danehill Dancer G2, CLIFFS OF MOHER Dansili G2, JAPAN Danehill G2, MAGIC WAND Dansili G2, MAGICAL Pivotal G2, MISSION IMPASSIBLE Exceed And Excel G2, MOHAWK Encosta de Lago G2.
2015:
1st Dam: CHELSEA ROSE by Desert King. 5 wins at 2 and 3, Moyglare Stud S G1, 2nd Audi Pretty Polly S G1, 3rd Premio Lydia Tesio G1. Dam of 4 winners:
2016: 2017: 2018:
Miswaki
See race 170 in the September issue
2013: 2014:
2010:
Bold Reason Special
Desert King
Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2-3 12 5 5 £924,592
2009:
Nearctic Natalma
Fairy Bridge
Urban Sea
2011:
2008:
Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells
1. KEW GARDENS (IRE) 9-1 £421,355 b c by Galileo - Chelsea Rose (Desert King) O-Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor B-Barronstown Stud TR-Aidan O’Brien 2. Lah Ti Dar (GB) 8-12 £159,745 b f by Dubawi - Dar Re Mi (Singspiel) O-Lord Lloyd Webber B-Watership Down Stud TR-John Gosden 3. Southern France (IRE) 9-1 £79,947 b c by Galileo - Alta Anna (Anabaa) O-Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor B-Lynch-Bages & Rhinestone Bloodstock TR-Aidan O’Brien Margins 2.25, 4.5. Time 3:03.30. Going Good.
1st Dam: Highphar by Highest Honor. unraced. Dam of 5 winners:
2012: 2014:
Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge
See race 46 in the July issue
2013: 2015:
2011:
Nureyev Pasadoble
Sadler’s Wells
Pharatta
Sire: WHIPPER. Sire of 28 Stakes winners. In 2018 RECOLETOS Highest Honor G1, JACKFINBAR Slip Anchor G3, LORD GLITTERS Homme de Loi G3, VILARO Vettori LR.
2010:
Miesque
Highest Honor
2011: 2012:
PEDREGALEJO (c High Chaparral) 9 wins. MARACENA (f Marju) Winner at 3 in France. Broodmare. THARSIS (f Gold Away) Winner at 2 in France. Broodmare. Zamarrila (f High Chaparral) ran on the flat in France. Broodmare. Mollina (f Pivotal) unraced. RECOLETOS (c Whipper) 7 wins at 3 and 4 in France, Churchill Coolmore Prix d’Ispahan G1, Prix du Moulin de Longchamp G1, Prix du Muguet G2, Prix Greffulhe G2,
Raise A Native Gold Digger
Myth To Reality
The Galileo/Desert King cross has produced: KEW GARDENS G1, PRIMA LUCE G3.
Cinnamon Rose
Mr Prospector Miesque’s Son
Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2-4 13 7 3 £960,324
2008: 2009:
Prix du Prince d’Orange G3, 2nd P. Fresnay le Buffard Jacques Le Marois G1, 3rd Qipco Prix du Jockey Club G1. CASTELLAR (f American Post) 3 wins at 3 in France, Shadwell Prix de la Nonette G2. Villalar (f Whipper) unraced to date. (f Adlerflug)
Hamlool (c Red Ransom) 2nd Freebetting International Trial S LR. PALE ORCHID (f Invincible Spirit) 5 wins at 3. Broodmare. THAWAANY (f Tamayuz) 4 wins at 3 and 4 in France, Prix de Ris-Orangis G3, 2nd LARC - Prix Maurice de Gheest G1. Broodmare. Amytis (f Marju) unraced. Broodmare. FLOWERS ON VENUS (g Raven’s Pass) 5 wins at 3 to 5. Jazz Cat (f Tamayuz). Broodmare. KEW GARDENS (c Galileo) 5 wins at 2 and 3 at home, France, William Hill St Leger S G1, Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris G1, Queen’s Vase G2, Godolphin Zetland S LR, 2nd Willis Ch’pns Juv Golden Fleece S G3, Betfred Derby Trial S LR, 3rd Sky Bet Great Voltigeur S G2, bet365 Feilden S LR. (c Galileo) (f Galileo) (c Galileo)
2nd Dam: CINNAMON ROSE by Trempolino. 1 win at 3. Dam of CHELSEA ROSE (f Desert King, see above), EUROPEAN (c Great Commotion: Amethyst S LR, 2nd Elkhorn S G3) Broodmare Sire: DESERT KING. Sire of the dams of 28 Stakes winners. In 2018 - KEW GARDENS Galileo G1, BLOOMFIELD Teofilo LR.
Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2-3 9 6 2 £1,315,373 Sire: SIYOUNI. Sire of 26 Stakes winners. In 2018 LAURENS Cape Cross G1, AYLMERTON Smart Strike G2, FINSBURY SQUARE Dyhim Diamond G2, BARKAA Apeldoorn G3, CITY LIGHT Kendor G3, LA SIGNARE Beat Hollow G3, EXPRESSIY American Post LR, FATALISTE King’s Best LR, SEQUILLA Doyen LR, SULLY Verglas LR, WATAYOUNA Lomitas LR. 1st Dam: RECAMBE by Cape Cross. 2 wins at 3 in France. Dam of 3 winners:
AUTIGNAC (f Solon) Winner over jumps in France. Broodmare. Murviel (f Siyouni) ANEMOI (g Manduro) Winner of a N.H. Flat Race at 4. LAURENS (f Siyouni) Sold 209,523gns yearling at DNPRM. 6 wins at 2 and 3 at home, France, bet365 Fillies’ Mile S G1, Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron S G1, Prix de Diane Longines G1, The Gurkha Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary G1, William Hill May Hill S G2, 2nd Qipco 1000 Guineas S G1, Shadwell Prix du Calvados G3.
2nd Dam: Razana by Kahyasi. 4 wins, 2nd G.P. Conseil General de Loire Atlantique LR. Dam of SALFORD MILL (c Peintre Celebre: Stanspoker.co.uk Newmarket S LR, Mercedes Benz Hong Kong Derby LR, Mercedes Benz Hong Kong Classic Mile LR), Ovambo (g Namaqualand: 2nd Cadogan Charity Fred Archer S LR, 3rd betfair.com Ormonde S G3). Grandam of Domination. Broodmare Sire: CAPE CROSS. Sire of the dams of 57 Stakes winners. In 2018 - LAURENS Siyouni G1, MASAR New Approach G1, EMARAATY ANA Shamardal G2, CELLARMAN Mossman G3, MONTOYA STAR High Chaparral G3, POWER O’HATA Power G3.
LAURENS b f 2015 Polar Falcon
Nureyev Marie d’Argonne
Fearless Revival
Cozzene Stufida
Danehill
Danzig Razyana
Pivotal SIYOUNI b 07 Sichilla
Slipstream Queen Conquistador Cielo Country Queen Green Desert
Danzig Foreign Courier
Park Appeal
Ahonoora Balidaress
Kahyasi
Ile de Bourbon Kadissya
Raysiya
Cure The Blues Rilasa
Cape Cross RECAMBE b 05 Razana
See race 47 in the July issue
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CAULFIELD ON HAVANA GREY:: “Although his sire stayed a mile well, he appears to take more after his dam Blanc de Chine; this tough performer raced only over the minimum trip in her 20-race career” 293 QIPCO IRISH CHAMPION STAKES G1 LEOPARDSTOWN. Sep 15. 3yo+. 10f.
1. ROARING LION (USA) 3 9-1 £630,531 gr/ro c by Kitten’s Joy - Vionnet (Street Sense) O-Qatar Racing Limited B-RanJan Racing Inc TR-John Gosden 2. Saxon Warrior (JPN) 3 9-1 £210,177 b c by Deep Impact - Maybe (Galileo) O-Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt TR-Aidan O’Brien 3. Deauville (IRE) 5 9-7 £99,558 b h by Galileo - Walklikeanegyptian (Danehill) O-Mrs F Hay/M Tabor/Mrs J Magnier/D Smith B-Mrs F. H. Hay TR-Aidan O’Brien Margins Neck, 2.75. Time 2:07.21. Going Good to Firm. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2-3 11 7 3 £2,068,156 Sire: KITTEN’S JOY. Sire of 66 Stakes winners. In 2018 HAWKBILL Giant’s Causeway G1, OSCAR PERFORMANCE Theatrical G1, ROARING LION Street Sense G1, CATAPULT Storm Cat G2, SADLER’S JOY Dynaformer G2, DIVISIDERO Lemon Drop Kid G3, OSCAR NOMINATED Theatrical G3, KUWAIT CURRENCY Smart Strike LR, SNIPER KITTEN Catienus LR. 1st Dam: Vionnet by Street Sense. 3 wins at 3 and 4 in USA, 2nd Sweet Life S, China Doll S, 3rd Rodeo Drive S G1. Dam of 1 winner:
2015:
2016:
ROARING LION (c Kitten’s Joy). 7 wins at 2 and 3, Juddmonte International S G1, Coral Eclipse S G1, QIPCO Irish Champion S G1, Betfred Dante S G2, Juddmonte Royal Lodge S G2, 2nd Racing Post Trophy S G1, 3rd Investec Derby S G1, bet365 Craven S G3. (c Medaglia d’Oro)
2nd Dam: CAMBIOCORSA by Avenue of Flags. 9 wins at 3 and 4 in USA Las Cienegas H G3, Senator Ken Maddy H G3. Own sister to CALIFORNIA FLAG. Dam of SCHIAPARELLI (f Ghostzapper: Royal Heroine Mile S G2), MOULIN DE MOUGIN (f Curlin: John C Mabee S G2), ALEXIS TANGIER (f Tiznow: Unzip me S, Swingtime S), BRONSON (c Medaglia d’Oro: English Channel S, 3rd Louisville H G3), Vionnet (f Street Sense, see above) Broodmare Sire: STREET SENSE. Sire of the dams of 3 Stakes winners. In 2018 - ROARING LION Kitten’s Joy G1, VALOUR ROAD Frost Giant G2, SPEED FRANCO Declaration of War G3.
ROARING LION gr/ro c 2015 Sadler’s Wells
Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge
Lady Capulet
Sir Ivor Cap And Bells
Lear Fan
Roberto Wac
That’s My Hon
L’Enjoleur One Lane
Street Cry
Machiavellian Helen Street
Bedazzle
Dixieland Band Majestic Legend
Avenue of Flags
Seattle Slew Beautiful Glass
Ultrafleet
Afleet Social Conduct
El Prado KITTEN’S JOY ch 01 Kitten’s First
Street Sense VIONNET gr/ro 09 Cambiocorsa
See race 165 in the September issue
FLAG OF HONOUR Warning G1, FOREVER TOGETHER Theatrical G1, KEW GARDENS Desert King G1, RHODODENDRON Pivotal G1, WALDGEIST Monsun G1, ANTHONY VAN DYCK Exceed And Excel G2, CALL TO MIND Danehill Dancer G2, CLIFFS OF MOHER Dansili G2, JAPAN Danehill G2, MAGIC WAND Dansili G2, MAGICAL Pivotal G2, MISSION IMPASSIBLE Exceed And Excel G2, MOHAWK Encosta de Lago G2. 1st Dam: HAWALA by Warning. Winner at 3. Dam of 12 winners:
2001: 2002:
2003:
2004: 2006: 2007:
2008: 2009: 2010: 2012: 2014: 2015:
2016:
HAWAZI (c Ashkalani) 2 wins at 3 and 6 in France. SLIP DANCE (f Celtic Swing). 5 wins at 2 and 3, Cheveley Park Stud Empress S LR, EBFbetfair.com Flower of Scotland S LR, 2nd Swynford Paddocks Sweet Solera S G3. Grandam of AWESOMETANK (f Intense Focus: 4 wins at 2 and 3, Coral Distaff S LR, 2nd 188Bet Casino Atalanta S G3) MISU BOND (c Danehill Dancer) 3 wins at 2 and 3, banshahousestables.com European Free H LR, Totepool Two Year Old Trophy LR, 3rd Ballycorus S G3. Sire. NUMEN (g Fath) 5 wins. WINGED HARRIET (f Hawk Wing) Winner at 3. Broodmare. AIR CHIEF MARSHAL (c Danehill Dancer) 3 wins at 2 and 3, www.thetote. com Minstrel S G3, 2nd Camas Park/ Ashtown House Phoenix S G1. Sire. HUNZA DANCER (f Danehill Dancer) Winner at 3. Broodmare. Foxtrot Romeo (g Danehill Dancer) 4 wins, 2nd Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas G1. MELVIN THE GRATE (g Danehill Dancer) 5 wins at 2 to 4. HUNDI (f Fastnet Rock) Winner at 3. Broodmare. GALILEAN (c Galileo) Winner at 2. FLAG OF HONOUR (c Galileo) 5 wins at 2 and 3, Comer Group International Irish St Leger G1, Comer Group International Curragh Cup G2, thetote.com Eyrefield S G3, Comer Ballycullen St Leger Trial S G3, 3rd Prix Noailles G3. Four Leaf Clover (f Galileo) unraced to date.
2nd Dam: HALAWA by Dancing Brave. 1 win at 3 in France. Dam of AFAF (f Spectrum: Prix Fille de l’Air G3), ZACK HALL (c Muhtathir: G.P. de Lyon 5Eme Etape du Defi du Galop LR, Prix Turenne LR, Prix Bedel LR, Grand Prix d’Avenches - Defi du Galop LR, 2nd Prix d’Hedouville G3), Zack Dream (c Dream Well: 2nd Prix du Lys G3). Grandam of Zack Hope, THEATRE BIRD. Broodmare Sire: WARNING. Sire of the dams of 53 Stakes winners. The Galileo/Warning cross has produced: FLAG OF HONOUR G1, TOI ET MOI G3, Galient G3, Radhakunda G3.
FLAG OF HONOUR b c 2015 Northern Dancer
Nearctic Natalma
Fairy Bridge
Bold Reason Special
Miswaki
Mr Prospector Hopespringseternal
Allegretta
Lombard Anatevka
Known Fact
In Reality Tamerett
Sadler’s Wells GALILEO b 98 Urban Sea
Warning HAWALA b 96
Slightly Dangerous Roberto Where You Lead Dancing Brave
Lyphard Navajo Princess
Hanzala
Akarad Halwah
Halawa
294 COMER GROUP INTERNATIONAL IRISH ST LEGER G1 CURRAGH. Sep 16. 3yo+. 14f.
1. FLAG OF HONOUR (IRE) 3 9-1 £252,212 b c by Galileo - Hawala (Warning) O-Mrs John Magnier,Mr M.Tabor & Mr D.Smith B-Barronstown Stud TR-Aidan O’Brien 2. Latrobe (IRE) 3 9-1 £84,071 br c by Camelot - Question Times (Shamardal) O-Mr Lloyd J. Williams B-Sweetmans Bloodstock TR-Joseph Patrick O’Brien 3. Weekender (GB) 4 9-9 £39,823 b c by Frankel - Very Good News (Empire Maker) O-Mr K. Abdullah B-Juddmonte Farms Ltd TR-John Gosden Margins 2.75, 1.75. Time 3:05.72. Going Good. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2-3 10 5 1 £403,140 Sire: GALILEO. Sire of 296 Stakes winners. In 2018 -
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The Nagles of Barronstown Stud have never subscribed to the theory that elderly mares have much less to offer than their younger rivals, especially if the mare already has a top winner to her credit. For example, the 1998 Oaks winner Shahtoush (co-bred with Ron Con Ltd) was foaled when her dam was 19 and the 2001 Oaks scorer Imagine (co-bred with Orpendale) was foaled when her dam Doff The Derby was 17. It is a similar story with Flag Of Honour, who became Barronstown’s latest Gr1 winner when he led
throughout to defeat the Irish Derby winner Latrobe in the Irish St Leger. The colt was foaled when his dam Hawala was 19 and the mare had been represented by three black-type winners long before she was sent to Galileo in 2013, 2014 and 2015. One of them was the Gr1-placed Air Chief Marshal (sire of the 2016 Grand Prix de Paris winner Mont Ormel) and another was the 2,000 Guineas fifth Misu Bond. Flag Of Honour’s Irish St Leger victory came a day after another of Galileo’s sons, Kew Gardens, had taken the St Leger at Doncaster. Kew Gardens follows Sixties Icon and Capri as the champion sire’s third St Leger winner and Flag Of Honour provided his fifth victory in the Irish version, following Order Of St George (two), Sans Frontieres and Alandi. Galileo can take full credit for Flag Of Honour’s stamina, which has brought him three consecutive Group successes over a mile and three-quarters. Hawala raced mainly at around a mile, as might be expected of a daughter of Warning, and she triumphed once at Windsor, for the Aga Khan. Galileo’s Gr1 winners Hydrangea and The United States have a Warning mare as their second dam. Flag Of Honour’s third dam Hanzala was a half-sister to the Derby Italiano winner Houmayoun. 295 DERRINSTOWN STUD FLYING FIVE STAKES G1 CURRAGH. Sep 16. 3yo+. 5f.
1. HAVANA GREY (GB) 3 9-3 £182,743 gr c by Havana Gold - Blanc de Chine (Dark Angel) O-Global Racing Club & Mrs E Burke B-Mickley Stud & Lady C. Lonsdale TR-K. R. Burke 2. Son of Rest (GB) 4 9-4 £58,850 b c by Pivotal - Hightime Heroine (Danetime) O-B. Parker B-Cheveley Park Stud Limited TR-J. A. Stack 3. Sioux Nation (USA) 3 9-3 £27,876 b c by Scat Daddy - Dream The Blues (Oasis Dream) O-Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier B-Fethard Bloodstock TR-Aidan O’Brien Margins 0.5, Neck. Time 0:59.59. Going Good to Yielding. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2-3 14 6 3 £416,424 Sire: HAVANA GOLD. Sire of 5 Stakes winners. In 2018 - HAVANA GREY Dark Angel G1, TREASURING Excellent Art G3, BARADE Anabaa LR, HAVANA VIEW North Light LR, HEADWAY Medicean LR. 1st Dam: BLANC DE CHINE by Dark Angel. 6 wins at 2 to 4. Dam of 1 winner:
2015:
2016: 2017: 2018:
HAVANA GREY (c Havana Gold) Sold 49,019gns yearling at ARAU1. 6 wins at 2 and 3, Derrinstown Stud Flying Five S G1, Sapphire S G2, Bombay Sapphire Molecomb S G3, Matchbook National S LR, Allied World Dragon S LR, 2nd Darley Prix Morny G1, Wainwrights Flying Childers S G2. Havana Ooh Na Na (c Havana Gold) (c Fast Company) (c Havana Gold)
2nd Dam: NULLARBOR by Green Desert. 1 win at 2 in France. Dam of Fast Act (g Fast Company: 2nd bet365 Molecomb S G3) Broodmare Sire: DARK ANGEL. Sire of the dams of 4 Stakes winners. In 2018 - HAVANA GREY Havana Gold G1, RUMBLE INTHEJUNGLE Bungle Inthejungle G3, CASTLE HILL CASSIE Casamento LR.
HAVANA GREY gr c 2015 Galileo
Sadler’s Wells Urban Sea
Speirbhean
Danehill Saviour
Desert Style
Green Desert Organza
Ziffany
Taufan Bonnie Banks
Acclamation
Royal Applause Princess Athena
Midnight Angel
Machiavellian Night At Sea
Green Desert
Danzig Foreign Courier
Bloudan
Damascus Chain Store
Teofilo HAVANA GOLD b 10 Jessica’s Dream
Dark Angel BLANC DE CHINE gr 09 Nullarbor
The first running of the Flying Five Stakes as a Gr1 event provided a series of Gr1 firsts. Victory went to Havana Grey, who became the first Gr1 winner for his sire Havana Gold, and the speedy grey also became the first Gr1 winner for Dark Angel in the role of broodmare sire. Dark Angel’s eldest daughters are only nine years old and his daughters from his first four crops were all sired at fees of €10,000 or under, but they have also produced that smart 2018 juvenile Rumble Inthejungle. Havana Grey – now a three-time Group winner over five furlongs – has only once been asked to tackle a longer distance during his 14-race career, when a creditable second in the Gr1 Prix Morny. Although his sire Havana Gold stayed a mile well – well enough to gain a Listed win at two and to take the Gr1 Prix Jean Prat at three – Havana Grey appears to take more after his dam Blanc de Chine. This tough performer raced only over the minimum trip during her 20-race career and she led throughout in gaining two of her six victories. Blanc de Chine is out of Nullarbor, a two-year-old sprint winner by Green Desert, who also sired the dam of Dark Angel’s smart sprinter Heeraat. Dark Angel’s finest winners from Green Desert-line mares also include his top sons Lethal Force and Battaash, and it may be significant that Havana Grey is inbred 4 x 3 to Green Desert and 5 x 5 x 4 to Danzig. Nullarbor carried the colours of Khalid Abdullah and represents a family which produced several smart performers for Juddmonte. However, Havana Grey’s fourth dam Chain Store is best known as the dam of that very smart filly Al Bahathri, who in turn produced the 2,000 Guineas victor Haafhd and the Gr2 Challenge Stakes winner Munir for Shadwell. 296 GOFFS VINCENT O’BRIEN NATIONAL STAKES G1 CURRAGH. Sep 16. 2yoc&f. 7f.
1. QUORTO (IRE) 9-3 £176,549 b c by Dubawi - Volume (Mount Nelson) O-Godolphin B-Godolphin Management Company Ltd TR-Charlie Appleby 2. Anthony Van Dyck (IRE) 9-3 £58,850 b c by Galileo - Believe’n’succeed (Exceed And Excel) O-Mrs John Magnier,Mr M.Tabor & Mr D.Smith B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt TR-Aidan O’Brien 3. Christmas (IRE) 9-3 £27,876 b c by Galileo - Christmas Kid (Lemon Drop Kid) O-Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier B-Christmas Kid Syndicate TR-Aidan O’Brien
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Data Book European Pattern Margins 1.25, 4.5. Time 1:24.81. Going Good to Yielding. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2 3 3 0 £227,092 Sire: DUBAWI. Sire of 164 Stakes winners. In 2018 BENBATL Selkirk G1, KITESURF Danehill Dancer G1, NORTH AMERICA Yankee Victor G1, QUORTO Mount Nelson G1, WILD ILLUSION Monsun G1, BALL OF MUSCLE Gold Brose G2, BATEEL Chief’s Crown G2, BRUNDTLAND Hurricane Run G2, CORONET Darshaan G2, OLD PERSIAN Singspiel G2, QUIDURA Acatenango G2, TOO DARN HOT Singspiel G2, WUHEIDA Singspiel G2. 1st Dam: VOLUME by Mount Nelson. 3 wins at 2 and 3, Swettenham Stud Fillies’ Trial S LR, 3rd Darley Irish Oaks G1, Investec Henry Cecil Mem. Oaks S G1. Dam of 1 winner:
2016:
QUORTO (c Dubawi) 3 wins at 2, Goffs Vincent O’Brien National S G1, bet365 Superlative S G2.
2nd Dam: VICTOIRE FINALE by Peintre Celebre. 1 win at 3 in France. Dam of VOLUME (f Mount Nelson, see above), Velox (g Zamindar: 3rd The Cup Club JRA Cup G3) Broodmare Sire: MOUNT NELSON. Sire of the dams of 1 Stakes winner.
QUORTO b c 2016 Dubai Millennium DUBAWI b 02
Seeking The Gold Mr Prospector Con Game Colorado Dancer Shareef Dancer Fall Aspen Deploy
Shirley Heights Slightly Dangerous
Jawaher
Dancing Brave High Tern
Rock of Gibraltar
Danehill Offshore Boom
Independence
Selkirk Yukon Hope
Peintre Celebre
Nureyev Peinture Bleue
Victoire Bleue
Legend of France Vosges
Zomaradah
Mount Nelson VOLUME b 11 Victoire Finale
It hasn’t taken Volume very long to start paying substantial dividends on the 700,000gns invested in this daughter of Mount Nelson by Godolphin at the 2014 December Sales. The filly quickly conceived to Dubawi in 2015 and duly produced a colt who, as Quorto, is now unbeaten in three races, including the Gr2 Superlative Stakes and Gr1 National Stakes. Quorto has yet to tackle further than seven furlongs but he should stay at least a mile and a quarter at three. His dam, the free-running Volume, won twice over a mile as a two-year-old before developing into a top middle-distance performer. After a fine third behind Taghrooda in the Oaks, she was beaten only two necks when third to Bracelet and Tapestry in the Irish Oaks, after leading to the furlong marker. Her Classic form proved much more important than the fact that Mount Nelson was priced at £8,000 at the time of her conception. Mount Nelson has now been transferred to the National Hunt sector, at Boardsmill Stud, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that this son of Rock Of Gibraltar was a Gr1 winner at two (in the Criterium International) and four (in the Eclipse Stakes). Quorto comes from a long-established Wildenstein family. Although his third dam Victoire Bleue didn’t win until she was four, she made up for lost time with her victories in the Gr3 Prix Gladiateur over nearly two miles and the Gr1 Prix du Cadran over two and a half. It
would be wrong to suggest that every member of this family possesses endless stamina. Victoire Bleue’s dam, the Prix Vermeille third Vosges, was a half-sister to the Mill Reef Stakes winner Vacarme and the Prix Jacques le Marois hero Vin de France. Quorto’s second dam Victoire Finale was a lightly-raced winner over a mile, but her half-brother Vertical Speed stayed well. 297 MOYGLARE STUD STAKES G1 CURRAGH. Sep 16. 2yof. 7f.
1. SKITTER SCATTER (USA) 9-0 £176,549 b f by Scat Daddy - Dane Street (Street Cry) O-Anthony Rogers/Mrs Sonia Rogers B-Three Chimneys Farm LLC & Airlie Stud TR-P. J. Prendergast 2. Lady Kaya (IRE) 9-0 £58,850 b f by Dandy Man - Kayak (Singspiel) O-Ms Joanne Lavery B-Mr J. O’Connor TR-Ms Sheila Lavery 3. Hermosa (IRE) 9-0 £27,876 b f by Galileo - Beauty Is Truth (Pivotal) O-Mr M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs John Magnier B-Beauty Is Truth Syndicate TR-Aidan O’Brien Margins 2, 1.25. Time 1:25.60. Going Good to Yielding. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2 7 4 3 £293,411 Sire: SCAT DADDY. Sire of 90 Stakes winners. In 2018 - JUSTIFY Ghostzapper G1, SKITTER SCATTER Street Cry G1, BROWN STORM Acclamation G2, MENDELSSOHN Tricky Creek G2, VAN BEETHOVEN Montbrook G2, DADDY IS A LEGEND Benchmark G3, DADDYS LIL DARLING Houston G3, FLAMEAWAY Fusaichi Pegasus G3, LAGO EN EL CIELO Gone West G3, MR MELODY Deputy Minister G3, SIOUX NATION Oasis Dream G3, SO PERFECT Songandaprayer G3, TOINETTE Sunriver G3. 1st Dam: DANE STREET by Street Cry. 2 wins at 3 and 4. Dam of 2 winners:
2015: 2016:
2017: 2018:
Data Dependent (f More Than Ready) Winner at 2 in USA, 2nd Jimmy Durante S G3. SKITTER SCATTER (f Scat Daddy) 4 wins at 2, Moyglare Stud S G1, Debutante S G2, Turkey Jockey Club Silver Flash S G3, 2nd Grangecon Stud Balanchine S G3, 3rd Coolmore EBF Naas Juvenile Sprint S LR. (c More Than Ready) (c No Nay Never)
2nd Dam: Daneleta by Danehill. 2 wins, 3rd Anheuser Busch Railway S G3, 3rd Tierce Magazine Canal Gd.Hp de Deauville LR. Own sister to DANELISSIMA. Dam of INTENSE FOCUS (c Giant’s Causeway: Darley Dewhurst S G1, 3rd Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere-Grand Criterium G1) Broodmare Sire: STREET CRY. Sire of the dams of 42 Stakes winners. In 2018 - DIVERSIFY Bellamy Road G1, SKITTER SCATTER Scat Daddy G1, ARE YOU KIDDING ME Run Away And Hide G2, VINO ROSSO Curlin G2, DULCE SUENO Pure Prize G3, EL ENTRERRIANO Man of Iron G3, MISS ADMIRATION Sebring G3, NOOR AL HAWA Makfi G3, SESAR Sebring G3, TRUE ROYALTY Yes It’s True G3. The Scat Daddy/Street Cry cross has produced: SKITTER SCATTER G1, CON TE PARTIRO G3.
SKITTER SCATTER b f 2016 Hennessy
Storm Cat Island Kitty
Myth
Ogygian Yarn
Mr Prospector
Raise A Native Gold Digger
Likeable Style
Nijinsky Personable Lady
Machiavellian
Mr Prospector Coup de Folie
Helen Street
Troy Waterway
Danehill
Danzig Razyana
Zavaleta
Kahyasi La Meilleure
Johannesburg SCAT DADDY b/br 04 Love Style
Street Cry DANE STREET b/br 09 Daneleta
When a daughter of Street Cry and the Group-placed Daneleta was offered at the 2010 October Yearling
Sale, she was led out unsold at 80,000gns, even though she was a half-sister to the Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes winner Intense Focus. However, the filly, named Dane Street, went on to win twice over a mile and a quarter in Ireland before being returned to her native USA. Even so, she was soon back in the sales ring, selling for $260,000, carrying a filly by More Than Ready, at Keeneland in 2016. Bought by Kern Lillingston on behalf of Airlie Stud, who co-bred Dane Street with Three Chimneys Farm, the mare was switched back to Ireland. The mare visited Scat Daddy’s fast son No Nay Never in 2017, to produce a late-foaled colt, and the choice of a son of Scat Daddy now looks inspired following the success enjoyed by Dane Street’s 2016 Scat Daddy filly Skitter Scatter. Owned by Sonia and Anthony Rogers of Airlie, the filly started her career as early as March 28. Although only third then, on Dundalk’s all-weather track, she has never stopped improving and she was gaining her third consecutive Group victory when she landed the Gr1 Moyglare Stud Stakes. This makes her the most accomplished member so far of Scat Daddy’s 2016 crop, which also features So Perfect, Sergei Prokofiev, Van Beethoven, Gossamer Wings and Legends Of War. Skitter Scatter’s second dam Daneleta is by Danehill out of a Kahyasi mare, which means she is bred to the same pattern as those high-class performers Dansili, Banks Hill, Intercontinental, Cacique, Champs Elysees and Promising Lead, produced by the sisters Hasili and Arrive. Daneleta was bred by Jim Bolger, for whom she showed a lot of potential when third to Rock Of Gibraltar and Hawk Wing in the Gr3 Railway Stakes but failed to add significantly to her reputation when switched firstly to France and then the USA. Her younger sister Danelissima was a Gr3 winner over a mile and a half for Bolger. Skitter Scatter’s fourth dam, La Meilleure, is also the second dam of Soldier Of Fortune, winner of the 2007 Irish Derby, and she’s the dam of Sholokhov, runner-up in the 2002 Irish Derby. A Listed winner over a mile, La Meilleure showed plenty of versatility, producing stakes winners to four different stallions. 298 QATAR PRIX VERMEILLE G1 PARISLONGCHAMP. Sep 16. 3yo+f. 2400m.
1. KITESURF (GB) 4 9-3 £303,398 b f by Dubawi - Shimmering Surf (Danehill Dancer) O-Godolphin S.N.C. B-P. L. Winkworth TR-A. Fabre 2. Magic Wand (IRE) 3 8-9 £121,381 b f by Galileo - Prudenzia (Dansili) O-M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs Magnier/M J Jooste B-Ecurie Des Monceaux & Skymarc Farm Inc TR-Aidan O’Brien 3. Zarkamiya (FR) 3 8-10 £60,690 b f by Frankel - Zarkava (Zamindar) O-H.H. Aga Khan B-H H The Aga Khan TR-A. de Royer Dupre Margins Head, 2.5. Time 2:26.39. Going Good.
Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-4 13 5 4 £508,811 Sire: DUBAWI. Sire of 164 Stakes winners. In 2018 BENBATL Selkirk G1, KITESURF Danehill Dancer G1, NORTH AMERICA Yankee Victor G1, QUORTO Mount Nelson G1, WILD ILLUSION Monsun G1, BALL OF MUSCLE Gold Brose G2, BATEEL Chief’s Crown G2, BRUNDTLAND Hurricane Run G2, CORONET Darshaan G2, OLD PERSIAN Singspiel G2, QUIDURA Acatenango G2, TOO DARN HOT Singspiel G2, WUHEIDA Singspiel G2. 1st Dam: SHIMMERING SURF by Danehill Dancer. 2 wins at 3 and 5, Grosvenor Casinos Pinnacle S G3, 2nd Bet 365 Lancashire Oaks G2, Prix de Pomone - Haras d’Etreham G2. Dam of 1 winner:
2014:
2015: 2016: 2017:
KITESURF (f Dubawi) 5 wins at 3 and 4 in France, Qatar Prix Vermeille G1, Darley Prix de Pomone G2, Prix Allez France Longines G3, Prix de Royaumont G3, 2nd Prix de la Seine LR, 3rd Qatar Prix de Royallieu G2. Sparkling Surf (f Frankel) unraced to date. Surfman (c Kingman) unraced to date. (f Golden Horn)
2nd Dam: SUN ON THE SEA by Bering. 1 win at 3 Swettenham Stud Fillies’ Trial S LR. Dam of SHIMMERING SURF (f Danehill Dancer, see above) Broodmare Sire: DANEHILL DANCER. Sire of the dams of 94 Stakes winners. In 2018 - KITESURF Dubawi G1, ALJAZZI Shamardal G2, CALL TO MIND Galileo G2, FIESTA I Am Invincible G2, SCOTT BASE Dalghar G2, SIR DANCEALOT Sir Prancealot G2, THOMAS HOBSON Halling G2, VICTOR SECURITY Stormy Atlantic G2. The Dubawi/Danehill Dancer cross has produced: KITESURF G1, BOSS LANE G2, WILD BUD LR.
KITESURF b f 2014 Dubai Millennium DUBAWI b 02
Seeking The Gold Mr Prospector Con Game Colorado Dancer Shareef Dancer Fall Aspen Deploy
Shirley Heights Slightly Dangerous
Jawaher
Dancing Brave High Tern
Danehill
Danzig Razyana
Mira Adonde
Sharpen Up Lettre d’Amour
Bering
Arctic Tern Beaune
Shimmer
Green Dancer Radiance
Zomaradah
Danehill Dancer SHIMMERING SURF b 07 Sun On The Sea
On a weekend when Galileo supplied the winners of both the English and Irish St Legers, his great rival Dubawi made sure that he wasn’t overlooked, enjoying Group-race successes with Quorto, Kitesurf and Too Darn Hot, whose sister Lah Ti Dar was second in the St Leger. The four-year-old Kitesurf scored her first Gr1 success with a determined defeat of Magic Wand in the Prix Vermeille, which was her fourth Group success. Kitesurf is the best of the three black-type winners which have emerged from Dubawi’s 16 foals of racing age out of daughters of Danehill Dancer. The Dalham Hall star has also sired Gr1 winners from daughters of Dansili and Tiger Hill and his very promising son Quorto is out of a mare by Danehill’s grandson, Mount Nelson. Kitesurf’s dam Shimmering Surf stayed very well for a daughter of Danehill Dancer. Her optimum distance was a mile and a half, as she showed by winning the Gr3 Pinnacle Stakes and finishing second in the Gr2 Lancashire Oaks and the Gr2 Prix de Pomone. There is plenty of stamina in the bottom half of Kitesurf’s pedigree. Her second dam, the Listed winner Sun On The Sea, was a good fourth in the Gr2
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CAULFIELD ON QUORTO: “He has yet to tackle further than seven furlongs but he should stay at least a mile and a quarter at three; his dam Volume developed into a top middle-distance performer” Ribblesdale Stakes. Sun On The Sea’s sire Bering was a mile-and-ahalf Classic winner, as was Blakeney, the sire of Kitesurf’s Gr3-winning fourth dam Radiance. 299 PREIS VON EUROPA G1 COLOGNE. Sep 23. 3yo+. 2400m.
1. KHAN (GER) 4 9-6 £88,496 b c by Santiago - Kapitol (Winged Love) O-Darius Racing B-Gestut Karlshof TR-Darius Racing 2. Walsingham (GER) 4 9-6 £26,549 b c by Campanologist - Winterkonigin (Sternkoenig) O-Stall Lucky Owner B-Ecurie Rottgen TR-P. Schiergen 3. Windstoss (GER) 4 9-6 £13,274 br c by Shirocco - Wellenspiel (Sternkoenig) O-Gestut Rottgen B-Gestut Rottgen TR-Markus Klug Margins 6, 2. Time 2:37.47. Going Soft. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 3-4 14 2 4 £117,716 Sire: SANTIAGO. Sire of 4 Stakes winners. 1st Dam: KAPITOL by Winged Love. 3 wins at 3 in Germany, Preis des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen G3. Dam of 8 winners:
2002: 2003: 2004: 2005:
2006: 2007: 2008:
2009: 2010: 2011: 2012: 2013: 2014:
2015:
KONTINENT (c Benny The Dip) 4 wins. KRONOS (g Spectrum) 3 wins. (f Samum) KAMSIN (c Samum) Champion 3yr old in Germany in 2008. 6 wins at 3 and 4 in Germany, Rheinland-Pokal Stadtsparkasse Kolnbonn G1, BMW Deutsches Derby G1, Grosser Mercedes-Benz Preis von Baden G1. Sire. KOHINOOR (c Samum) Winner at 3 in Germany. Kings Messenger (c Samum) 6 wins in Germany, Italy, 3rd Prix Right Royal LR, P.Regione Toscana-Defi du Galop Betflag LR. KAPITALE (f Dubawi) 2 wins at 3 in Germany, Kolner Herbst-Stutenpreis G3, 3rd Premio Lydia Tesio Tris Int - Longines G1. Broodmare. Kolosseum (f Samum). Broodmare. Kissable Girl (f Samum) unraced. Kaiserwurde (f Dubawi) ran on the flat in France. Broodmare. Keeping Quiet (f Samum) unraced. Broodmare. KASHMAR (f Samum) 4 wins at 3 and 4 in Germany, Altano Dahlwitzer Steher Cup LR. KHAN (c Santiago) Sold 29,531gns yearling at BBAGS. 2 wins at 3 and 4 in France, Germany, Preis von Europa G1, 3rd Preis des Gestuts Wittekindshof St Leger G3. Karma Aura (f Samum)
2nd Dam: KARLSHORST by Surumu. 1 win at 3 in West Germany, died in 2000. Dam of KAPITOL (f Winged Love, see above). Grandam of KAMELLATA. Broodmare Sire: WINGED LOVE. Sire of the dams of 8 Stakes winners.
KHAN b c 2014 Kenmare
Kalamoun Belle of Ireland
High River
Riverman Hairbrush
Lomitas
Niniski La Colorada
Secret Energy
Alwuhush Energy Square
In The Wings
Sadler’s Wells High Hawk
Highest Honor SANTIAGO gr/ro 02 Serenata
Winged Love KAPITOL b 97
successes coming in the Gr2 German 2,000 Guineas and the Gr2 Premio Ribot. Like many German stallions, Santiago has struggled for numerical support, to the extent that he is credited with only 80 offspring of racing age, even though he last raced in 2007. He first drew attention to himself via his son Chopin, who travelled to Epsom to finish seventh in Ruler Of The World’s Derby. Chopin also performed respectably when fourth in the Gr1 Lockinge Stakes and earned plenty of money in Doha. Now another son, Khan, has sprung a 20-1 surprise in the Preis von Europa, with the four-year-old recording only his second success in a 14-race career. Santiago received quite a lot of help in producing a horse as good as Khan, as the colt is a half-brother to Kamsin, the 2008 Deutsches Derby winner who also landed two other Gr1 victories. Their dam Kapitol, a Gr3 winner over a mile and a half by the Irish Derby winner Winged Love, has now produced four black-type winners, another being Dubawi’s Gr3-winning daughter Kapitale. 300 JUDDMONTE CHEVELEY PARK STAKES G1 NEWMARKET. Sep 29. 2yof. 6f.
1. FAIRYLAND (IRE) 9-0 £174,758 b f by Kodiac - Queenofthefairies (Pivotal) O-Mrs E M Stockwell/M Tabor/D Smith B-Tally-Ho Stud TR-Aidan O’Brien 2. The Mackem Bullet (IRE) 9-0 £66,254 b f by Society Rock - Elkmait (Trade Fair) O-Mr Katsumi Yoshida B-Tally-Ho Stud TR-Brian Ellison 3. So Perfect (USA) 9-0 £33,158 b f by Scat Daddy - Hopeoverexperience (Songandaprayer) O-Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor B-Machmer Hall TR-Aidan O’Brien Margins Neck, 0.5. Time 1:10.10. Going Good to Firm. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2 5 4 1 £353,725 Sire: KODIAC. Sire of 46 Stakes winners. In 2018 BEST SOLUTION Kingmambo G1, FAIRYLAND Pivotal G1, KESSAAR Raven’s Pass G2, SPORTING CHANCE Giant’s Causeway G3, TRUE VALOUR Acclamation G3, ADORABLE Seattle Dancer LR, BROTHER BEAR Mr Greeley LR, CALL ME HANDSOME Gone West LR, EURO NIGHTMARE Key of Luck LR, NEVER BACK DOWN Pivotal LR, SECOND THOUGHT Diktat LR. 1st Dam: Queenofthefairies by Pivotal. unraced. Dam of 3 winners:
2012: 2013:
2014: 2016:
J’Ai Deux Amours Top Ville Pollenka Surumu
Literat Surama
Kaisertreue
Luciano Kaiserzeit
Karlshorst
From his German base, Santiago did a fair amount of travelling during his racing career, with France, Italy and Turkey among the places visited by this son of the French-based Highest Honor. Santiago managed to win in three different countries – Germany, France and Italy – with his best
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ATLETICO (g Kodiac) 3 wins at 3 and 5. NOW OR NEVER (f Bushranger) 3 wins at 2 to 4 at home, Australia, Blazer Rose of Kingston S G2, 3rd Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas G1. Asrafairy (f Zebedee) unraced. Broodmare. FAIRYLAND (f Kodiac) Sold 925,000gns yearling at TAOC1. 4 wins at 2, Juddmonte Cheveley Park S G1, Sky Bet Lowther S G2, Cold Move EBF Marble Hill S LR, 3rd Albany S G3. (f Muhaarar)
2nd Dam: LAND OF DREAMS by Cadeaux Genereux. 3 wins at 2 and 3 Polypipe PLC Flying Childers S G2. Dam of DREAM AHEAD (c Diktat: Darley July Cup G1, Shadwell Middle Park S G1, Betfred Sprint Cup G1, Qatar Prix de la Foret G1, Darley Prix Morny G1), INTO THE DARK (g Rainbow Quest: Weatherbys Bank Doonside Cup LR, Pall Mall James Seymour S LR, 2nd Dubai Duty Free Arc Trial G3) Broodmare Sire: PIVOTAL. Sire of the dams of 86 Stakes winners. In 2018 - ADVERTISE Showcasing G1, CRACKSMAN Frankel G1, FAIRYLAND Kodiac G1,
GLORIOUS EMPIRE Holy Roman Emperor G1, MIKKI ROCKET King Kamehameha G1, OLMEDO Declaration of War G1, RHODODENDRON Galileo G1. The Kodiac/Pivotal cross has produced: FAIRYLAND G1, NEVER BACK DOWN LR.
FAIRYLAND b f 2016 Danzig
Northern Dancer Pas de Nom
Razyana
His Majesty Spring Adieu
Kris
Sharpen Up Doubly Sure
Eljazzi
Artaius Border Bounty
Polar Falcon
Nureyev Marie d’Argonne
Fearless Revival
Cozzene Stufida
Danehill KODIAC b 01 Rafha
Pivotal QUEENOFTHEFAIRIES b 07 Land of Dreams
Cadeaux Genereux Young Generation Smarten Up Sahara Star
Green Desert Vaigly Star
At Tattersalls’ 2010 July Sales, Tally-Ho Stud made an inspired purchase when it paid 32,000gns for Queenofthefairies, an unraced threeyear-old daughter of Pivotal from the Darley consignment. Within months the filly’s value had been considerably boosted by the exploits of her half-brother Dream Ahead, who had been consigned by Tally-Ho to the Doncaster Breeze-Up. Dream Ahead exploded onto the scene with a wide-margin debut victory six days after Queenofthefairies’ sale and quickly followed up with Gr1 victories in the Prix Morny and the Middle Park Stakes, taking the latter by nine lengths. Tally-Ho attempted to cash in by returning Queenofthefairies to Tattersalls in December, but ended up buying her back at 80,000gns. The Tally-Ho team must be eternally grateful that they had to take the filly home. The mare’s second foal Now Or Never, by the generally disappointing Bushranger, became a Group winner in Ireland and Australia and was third in the Irish 1,000 Guineas. Now Or Never’s achievements helped focus attention on Queenofthefairies’ fourth foal, a daughter of Tally-Ho resident Kodiac, when she was offered at the 2017 October Sales. Bearing in mind that Kodiac’s fee in 2015 was €25,000, his daughter did extremely well to attract a bid of 925,000gns, and the filly – Fairyland – has proved to be worth every penny. In landing the Cheveley Park Stakes she was winning for the fourth time in five starts. Her margin of victory was a neck over The Mackem Bullet, a filly she had previously beaten narrowly to take the Gr2 Lowther Stakes. Fairyland’s future is likely to be as a sprinter. Her second dam Land Of Dreams won the Gr2 Flying Childers Stakes at two and the Gr3 King George Stakes at three to prove herself best at five furlongs. Although Land Of Dreams produced the smart middle-distance horse Into The Dark to Rainbow Quest, her best son, Dream Ahead, went on to become a champion sprinter, adding three Gr1 wins as a three-year-old. This female line has long been noted for its speed. Fairyland’s fifth
dam Dervaig was exported to Trinidad, having made a winning debut over five furlongs. Dervaig did so well as a sprinter in the Caribbean that she was repatriated and she left a rich legacy of speed. Mated to Great Nephew (sire of two Derby winners), she produced the high-class sprinter Vaigly Great, and a mating with the Arc winner Star Appeal produced another very good sprinter in Vaigly Star. Vaigly Star also succeeded in passing on a good measure of her speed, with her Sadler’s Wells colt Yalaietanee proving himself one of his sire’s faster sons by winning the Greenham Stakes. An earlier mating between Vaigly Star and the July Cup winner Green Desert had resulted in Fairyland’s third dam Sahara Star, winner of the Gr3 Molecomb Stakes. 301 JUDDMONTE MIDDLE PARK STAKES G1 NEWMARKET. Sep 29. 2yoc. 6f.
1. TEN SOVEREIGNS (IRE) 9-0 £155,953 b c by No Nay Never - Seeking Solace (Exceed And Excel) O-Mr D. Smith, Mrs J. Magnier, Mr M. Tabor B-Camas Park, Lynch Bages & Summerhill TR-Aidan O’Brien 2. Jash (IRE) 9-0 £59,125 b c by Kodiac - Miss Azeza (Dutch Art) O-Mr Hamdan Al Maktoum B-W. Pilkington TR-Simon Crisford 3. Rumble Inthejungle (IRE) 9-0 £29,590 ch c by Bungle Inthejungle - Guana (Dark Angel) O-Rebel Racing Premier&Cheveley Park Stud B-P. Gleeson TR-Richard Spencer Margins 0.5, 3.5. Time 1:10.00. Going Good to Firm. Age Starts Wins Places Earned 2 3 3 0 £198,387 Sire: NO NAY NEVER. Sire of 3 Stakes winners. In 2018 - TEN SOVEREIGNS Exceed And Excel G1, LAND FORCE Rock of Gibraltar G2, SERVALAN Oratorio LR. 1st Dam: Seeking Solace by Exceed And Excel. Winner at 3 in France, 2nd Prix de la Seine LR. Dam of 2 winners:
2012: 2013: 2015: 2016:
2017: 2018:
Halcyon Charm (c Halling) LEARZA (f High Chaparral) 3 wins at 4 and 5 in Spain. Trailboss (g High Chaparral) unraced to date. TEN SOVEREIGNS (c No Nay Never) Sold 200,000gns yearling at TAOC2. 3 wins at 2, Juddmonte Middle Park S G1, John Sisk & Son Round Tower S G3. (f No Nay Never) (f No Nay Never)
2nd Dam: Flamelet by Theatrical. 1 win at 3, 2nd Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial G3. Dam of Flash Fire (g Shamardal: 2nd Mohammed Al Maktoum Al Fahidi Fort G2), Seeking Solace (f Exceed And Excel, see above) Broodmare Sire: EXCEED AND EXCEL. Sire of the dams of 30 Stakes winners. In 2018 - ALIZEE Sepoy G1, PROMPT RESPONSE Beneteau G1, TEN SOVEREIGNS No Nay Never G1, ANTHONY VAN DYCK Galileo G2, ENCRYPTION Lonhro G2, MISSION IMPASSIBLE Galileo G2.
TEN SOVEREIGNS b c 2016 Johannesburg
Hennessy Myth
Love Style
Mr Prospector Likeable Style
Elusive Quality
Gone West Touch of Greatness
Comical Cat
Exceller Six Months Long
Danehill
Danzig Razyana
Patrona
Lomond Gladiolus
Theatrical
Nureyev Tree of Knowledge
Darling Flame
Capote My Darling One
Scat Daddy NO NAY NEVER b/br 11 Cat’s Eye Witness
Exceed And Excel SEEKING SOLACE b 07 Flamelet
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Data Book European Pattern The question raised by nearly every winner of the Middle Park Stakes is whether he will stay the mile of the 2,000 Guineas. The latest winner, Ten Sovereigns, is no exception, even though his dam Seeking Solace was useful at around a mile and a quarter. The mare’s stamina may prove misleading, as Ten Sovereign’s sire No Nay Never and broodmare sire Exceed And Excel both possessed far more speed than stamina. No Nay Never was never asked to tackle more than seven furlongs during his six-race career. His solitary effort over seven furlongs was probably a career low for a horse
who won the Gr2 Norfolk S. over five furlongs and the Gr1 Prix Morny over six. No Nay Never, of course, shares the same sire, Scat Daddy, as those precocious sprinters Lady Aurelia, Acapulco, Caravaggio, Sioux Nation, Skitter Scatter, So Perfect and Van Beethoven, and he is proving true to type, as he appears to have the first-crop sire title in his grasp. Exceed And Excel did his winning at up to seven furlongs and his progeny have an average winning distance as low as 6.7 furlongs. It therefore wasn’t surprising that Ten Sovereign’s rider Donnacha O’Brien
hinted strongly that he believes sprinting will be the colt’s forte. Ten Sovereign’s dam was good enough to finish fourth in the Gr3 Prix Penelope and second in the Listed Prix de la Seine, but it was quickly decided that she was surplus to requirements at Darley. She sold to BBA Ireland for 65,000gns at Tattersalls’ 2011 July Sale, when carrying her first foal. Seeking Solace’s dam Flamelet was culled by Darley the following year, for only €7,500. Although Ten Sovereigns’ first three dams all earned black type, none of them quite managed to win a Group
or Listed race. His second dam Flamelet nearly became a Gr3 winner when second in the Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial over a mile. Flamelet failed to produce a black-type winner but Ten Sovereigns’ third dam, the Capote mare Darling Flame, was second in the Gr3 Cherry Hinton Stakes at two and now ranks as the second dam of two good fillies by Dubawi. Significantly, neither stayed well, with the Australian Gr1 winner Shamal Wind shining at around six furlongs and the Gr2 winner Al Thakira doing best over seven furlongs.
Group 2 and 3 Results Date 06/09 08/09 08/09 08/09 09/09 09/09 09/09 13/09 13/09 14/09 14/09 14/09 15/09 15/09 15/09 15/09 15/09 16/09 16/09 16/09 16/09 16/09 16/09 17/09 17/09 22/09 22/09 22/09 22/09 22/09 22/09 22/09 23/09 23/09 23/09 27/09 28/09 28/09 28/09 28/09 29/09 30/09 30/09 30/09 30/09 30/09
Grade G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G2 G2 G2 G2 G3 G2 G2 G2 G2 G3 G2 G2 G2 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G2 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G3 G2 G3 G3 G3 G2 G2 G3 G3 G2 G2 G3 G3 G3 G3
Race (course) Shadwell Dick Poole Stakes (Salisbury) Unibet Superior Mile Stakes (Haydock Park) 188Bet Casino Sirenia Stakes (Kempton Park) 188Bet September Stakes (Kempton Park) Prix Gladiateur (Parislongchamp) Prix d’Aumale (Parislongchamp) Prix des Chenes (Parislongchamp) DFS Park Hill Stakes (Doncaster) William Hill May Hill Stakes (Doncaster) Doncaster Cup Stakes (Doncaster) Wainwrights Flying Childers Stakes (Doncaster) Japan Racing Association Sceptre Stakes (Doncaster) Alan Wood Plumbing/Heating Park Stakes (Doncaster) Howcroft Champagne Stakes (Doncaster) Clipper Boomerang Solonaway Stakes (Leopardstown) KPMG Champions Golden Fleece Stakes (Leopardstown) Paddy’s Rewards Club Kilternan Stakes (Leopardstown) Moyglare Jewels Blandford Stakes (Curragh) Qatar Prix Foy (Parislongchamp) Qatar Prix Niel (Parislongchamp) Racebets Deutsches St Leger (Dortmund) Qatar Prix du Petit Couvert (Parislongchamp) Qatar Prix du Pin (Parislongchamp) La Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte (Maisons-Laffitte) Prix Eclipse (Maisons-Laffitte) Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Newbury) William Hill Firth of Clyde Stakes (Ayr) D. C. Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Stakes (Gowran Park) Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes (Newbury) Dubai Int. Airport World Trophy Stakes (Newbury) Prix Bertrand de Tarragon (Parislongchamp) Prix du Prince d’Orange (Parislongchamp) Premio Federico Tesio (Milan) Premio Elena e Sergio Cumani (Milan) Premio del Piazzale - Memorial E Camici (Milan) Somerville Tattersall Stakes (Newmarket) Shadwell Joel Stakes (Newmarket) Shadwell Rockfel Stakes (Newmarket) Recruit Island Diamond Stakes (Dundalk) Princess Royal Nayef Stakes (Newmarket) Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (Newmarket) Beresford Stakes (Naas) G.P. der Landeshauptstadt Dusseldorf (Dusseldorf) Loughbrown Stakes (Naas) Renaissance Stakes (Naas) Weld Park Stakes (Naas)
Dist 6f 8f 6f 12f 15.5f 8f 8f 14.5f 8f 17.5f 5f 7f 7f 7f 8f 8f 12f 10f 12f 12f 14f 5f 7f 10f 6f 6f 6f 9f 11f 5f 9f 10f 11f 8f 9f 7f 8f 7f 10.5f 12f 8f 8f 8.5f 16f 6f 7f
Horse Yourtimeisnow (GB) Here Comes When (IRE) Kessaar (IRE) Enable (GB) Called To The Bar (IRE) Rocques (FR) Anodor (FR) God Given (GB) Fleeting (IRE) Thomas Hobson (GB) Soldier’s Call (GB) Dancing Star (GB) Mustashry (GB) Too Darn Hot (GB) I Can Fly (GB) Madhmoon (IRE) Rostropovich (IRE) Eziyra (IRE) Waldgeist (GB) Brundtland (IRE) Sweet Thomas (GER) Tantheem (GB) Tornibush (IRE) Golden Legend (FR) Sporting Chance (GB) Kessaar (IRE) Queen of Bermuda (IRE) Broadway (IRE) Young Rascal (FR) Mr Lupton (IRE) My Sister Nat (FR) Ghaiyyath (IRE) Night Music (GER) Binti Al Nar (GER) Dirk (IRE) Arctic Sound (GB) Mustashry (GB) Just Wonderful (USA) Mootasadir (GB) Highgarden (GB) Mohawk (IRE) Japan (GB) Peace In Motion (USA) Cypress Creek (IRE) Unfortunately (IRE) Hermosa (IRE)
EQUINE SERVICES BOARDING FACILITIES FOR MARES, FOALS AND YOUNG STOCK • Foals can be weaned with ours and either stabled or loose yarded • Good and safe grazing, with hedged fields • Stabled in winter if required or when weather dictates • Mares prepped for next season covering if necessary • Very sensible rates
Age 2 8 2 4 4 2 2 4 2 8 2 5 5 2 3 2 3 4 4 3 6 3 4 4 2 2 2 3 3 5 3 3 5 3 4 2 5 2 3 3 2 2 4 3 3 2
Sex F G C F G F C F F G C M G C F C C F C C G F C F C C F F C G F C M F C C G F C F C C F C C F
Sire Charm Spirit Danehill Dancer Kodiac Nathaniel Henrythenavigator Lawman Anodin Nathaniel Zoffany Halling Showcasing Aqlaam Tamayuz Dubawi Fastnet Rock Dawn Approach Frankel Teofilo Galileo Dubawi Dylan Thomas Teofilo Dream Ahead Doctor Dino Kodiac Kodiac Exceed And Excel Galileo Intello Elnadim Acclamation Dubawi Sea The Stars Areion Mujahid Poet’s Voice Tamayuz Dansili Dansili Nathaniel Galileo Galileo Hat Trick Galileo Society Rock Galileo
Dam Maid For Winning Quad’s Melody Querulous Concentric Perfect Hedge Regina Mundi Decize Ever Rigg Azafata La Spezia Dijarvo Strictly Dancing Safwa Dar Re Mi Madonna Dell’orto Aaraas Tyranny Eytarna Waldlerche Future Generation Sworn Pro Riqa Celenza Gold Harvest Elpida Querulous Imperialistic Diva Danedrop Rock My Soul Chiloe Wigeon Starlet’s Sister Nightime Night Woman Best Moving Docksil Polar Circle Safwa Wading Mahbooba Regalline Empowering Shastye Peace Royale Dialafara Unfortunate Beauty Is Truth
Broodmare Sire Gone West Spinning World Raven’s Pass Sadler’s Wells Unfuwain Montjeu Kentucky Dynamite Dubai Destination Motivator Danehill Dancer Iceman Danehill Dancer Green Desert Singspiel Montjeu Haafhd Machiavellian Dubai Destination Monsun Hurricane Run Protektor Dubawi Dansili Kaldounevees Giant’s Causeway Raven’s Pass Haafhd Danehill Clodovil Docksider Galileo Galileo Monsun Reset Docksider Royal Academy Green Desert Montjeu Galileo Green Desert Encosta de Lago Danehill Sholokhov Anabaa Komaite Pivotal
Index 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347
EQUINE ART To advertise here from just £95 (ex VAT) please call Anderson & Co on +44 (0)1380 816777
Tel: 01297 678652 / 07769 807220 Devon / Dorset / Somerset Borders 134 THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
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24 hours with... JOSEPH O’BRIEN
BRONWEN HEALY
Joseph O’Brien has already captured an Irish Derby and Melbourne Cup in his nascent training career – yet with a thriving and busy yard to run, you’re unlikely to see too much of the former jockey at the races Interview: Graham Dench
I
’m normally up around 5.45am and I live just a minute away from the yard, so I’m in between 6.15-6.30am. First call is to meet Faisal Hayat, my head man, and Mark Power, my assistant, and we go through the feed list and check the board, which is usually done the night before. All the lads are in for around 7am, and first lot meets in the ring for around 7.30am. I don’t ride out myself, apart from on Sundays, but I’m not missing it. With around 150 horses now it’s impossible to ride out and to see everything, so I’m better placed on the ground. There’s a long family history to the stables at Carriganog Racing – my grandfather Joe Crowley trained successfully here, then my mum, and then my dad after I was born. My aunt, Frances Crowley, also did very well here. We’ve grown fast since I was first licensed in 2016. We started off with around 15-20 horses and just gathered up more as each year went on. We’ve got a good mixture now, about 60% of them for the Flat and 40% jumps, and I like that balance as it keeps us busy and means that the business flows all the year round instead of having a big lull in the winter. With an operation this size I have to delegate. I can’t physically do everything myself and I’m very lucky to have great staff, which means I’m usually able to delegate to people who can do the job much better than I would. It works well. The staff are one of our greatest assets and we are lucky in Ireland to have so many horsemen and women who have grown up with horses and enjoy working
with them. That puts us in a privileged position compared to a lot of other countries. A handful came with me from Ballydoyle but most of the lads have connected with me in the last couple of years. There are some great riders among them – I believe that’s absolutely essential. We have runners most days in Ireland when there’s racing, and also at some of the big meetings abroad, but I don’t attend perhaps as much as I should, for the simple reason I like being at home and I like seeing the work in the yard has been done properly. We’ve a good team of travelling people perfectly capable of
“It’s nice to be able to eat properly after years of watching my weight” ensuring everything goes smoothly on the racecourse, and it’s probably more important that I’m at home. You might see me at Gowran or one of the other local tracks during the week, but apart from at sales time I usually like to be at home. When you see me at Ascot or Newmarket or somewhere like that, I’m usually in and out the same day; even when Rekindling won the Melbourne Cup last year I was only there for three days. I’ll be travelling out to Australia again for Latrobe in this year’s Mackinnon Stakes.
I really enjoyed riding, and I was very lucky, but training was always the end game and having gone straight from one to the other I’ve been too busy to miss it. I’d like to think I’m quite easy to ride for, because I understand that things don’t always go how you expect them to, so I try not to overcomplicate matters. When they go right and we have a good win I’d say I enjoy it even more now. There’s a lot more goes into training a winner than riding one, so I get a bigger kick training a big one than I did from riding one. Everything revolves around the horses obviously, but I like to relax in the evening, even if it’s just taking the dogs for a walk. It’s nice to be able to eat properly again now after years of watching my weight all of the time, but I can’t say that I indulge myself particularly. I just enjoy a normal diet. I follow a wide range of sports, from Gaelic football and hurling, through to soccer and golf, and if there’s something on the television it will usually be sport. I’ll enjoy almost any, but there’s not often time to attend. There’s a lot of responsibility with an operation of this size and it is stressful at times, but we have good systems in place as well as great staff and we all pull together. I’m still learning, but so far as possible we make sure we have dotted all the i’s and crossed the t’s ahead of a big race, and if you prepare properly beforehand, the rest is out of your control. I’d be in bed most nights by 10pm and I sleep well. Luckily I’m not usually one to stay awake worrying about things.
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DAR14691 OwnerBreeder OBC Belardo 24NOV18.qxp 18/10/2018 18:25 Page 1
Shamardal’s heir...
Belardo: Dewhurst winner and European
Champion two-year-old, just like his grandsire Shamardal. Also won the Lockinge at four. Timeform 125 – he was rated the equal of his sire Lope de Vega.
Must-see first foals selling this winter. darleystallions.com
Darley