Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder

Jun_154_Cover_OwnerBreeder 19/05/2017 16:54 Page 1

Incorporating

£4.95 | June 2017 | Issue 154

Victory parade Churchill’s finest hour secures Guineas glory

Plus • Robert Cowell on sprinting, marathons and water-skiing • TBA Awards: British breeding celebrates a brilliant year • Henry Beeby and the successful evolution of Goffs/DBS

06

9 771745 435006

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35960_GleneaglesFoals_TBOB_DPS_Jun'17.qxp_35960_GleneaglesFoals_TBOB_DPS_Jun'17 15/05/2017 17:35 Page 1

Colt ex Gr.1 producer Dibiya.

Owned by Mr Robert Ng.

Filly ex Happy Holly (half-sister to Gr.1 winner Lily Of The Valley). Owned by Mr Andy Lloyd.

Filly ex Listed winning 2-year-old Seolan.

Owned by DP Racing.

Colt ex Gr.2 mare Nobilis.

Owned by China Horse Club.

Colt ex Bora Blues (a daughter of multiple Gr.1 winner Borgia). Owned by Gestut Ammerland.

• AUSTRALIA • CAMELOT • CANFORD CLIFFS • EXCELEBRATION • FASTNET ROCK • FOOTSTEPSINTHESAND • GALILEO • GLENEAGLES • • HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR • IVAWOOD • KINGSTON HILL • MASTERCRAFTSMAN • MOST IMPROVED • NO NAY NEVER • POWER • PRIDE OF DUBAI • • REQUINTO • ROCK OF GIBRALTAR • RULER OF THE WORLD • STARSPANGLEDBANNER • THE GURKHA • WAR COMMAND • ZOFFANY •

35960_GleneaglesFoals_TBOB_DPS_Jun'17.qxp_35960_GleneaglesFoals_TBOB_DPS_Jun'17 15/05/2017 17:36 Page 2

Colt ex Gr.1 mare Turning Top. Owned by Michael Tabor.

Colt ex Gr.1 winner Grey Lilas, also dam of Gr.1 winner Golden Lilac. Owned by Gestut Ammerland.

Filly ex. Street Style (3/4-sister to Gr.1 winner Luas Line and dam of Gr.3 winner Panama Hat).

Owned by Redpender Stud Colt ex Hallouella (sister to Gr.1 winner Leadership).

Owned by John Fagan of Balnagon Bloodstock.

CHAMPION AT 2 AND 3.

BY GALILEO OUT OF AN OWN-SISTER TO GIANT’S CAUSEWAY.

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 or Jason Walsh. Tom Gaffney, David Magnier, Joe Hernon 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.

Jun_154_Editors_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 17:10 Page 3

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR Editor: Edward Rosenthal Bloodstock Editor: Emma Berry Designed by: Thoroughbred Group Editorial: First Floor, 75 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LS Tel: 020 7152 0209 Fax: 020 7152 0213 editor@ownerbreeder.co.uk www.ownerbreeder.co.uk @OwnerBreeder Advertising: Giles Anderson Tel: 01380 816 777 USA: 1 888 218 4430 Fax: 01380 816 778 advertise@anderson-co.com Subscriptions: Keely Brewer Tel: 020 7152 0212 Fax: 020 7152 0213 subscriptions@ownerbreeder.co.uk Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder incorporating Pacemaker can be purchased by non-members at the following rates: 1 Year 2 Year UK £55 £90 Europe £66 £105 RoW £99 £154 Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder incorporating Pacemaker is published by a Mutual Trading Company owned jointly by the Racehorse Owners Association and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association is a registered charity No. 1134293 Editorial views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the ROA or TBA ABC Audited Our proven average monthly circulation is certified by the Audit Bureau of Circulation at 9,500* *Based on the period July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 Racehorse Owners Association Ltd First Floor, 75 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LS Tel: 020 7152 0200 Fax: 020 7152 0213 info@roa.co.uk www.roa.co.uk Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Stanstead House, The Avenue, Newmarket CB8 9AA Tel: 01638 661 321 Fax: 01638 665621 info@thetba.co.uk • www.thetba.co.uk

Incorporating

£4.95 | June 2017 | Issue 154

Victory parade Churchill’s finest hour secures Guineas glory

Plus • Robert Cowell on sprinting, marathons and water-skiing • TBA Awards: British breeding celebrates a brilliant year • Henry Beeby and the successful evolution of Goffs/DBS

06

9 771745 435006

www.ownerbreeder.co.uk

Cover: Churchill and Ryan Moore capture the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket Photo: George Selwyn

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EDWARD ROSENTHAL

Looking back to Sheikh Mohammed’s first winner J

une is the month of Epsom and Royal Ascot, for most Flat racing aficionados the highlights of the season when champions are crowned and legends are made. Forty years ago this month, it could be argued that the most significant race was not at either of those prestigious venues, but at Brighton.

Three days after John Cherry and Lester Piggott romped home in the Queen Alexandra Stakes to bring the curtain down on Royal Ascot 1977, a 27-year-old from Dubai celebrated his first winner as an owner on the south coast. Hatta’s victory in the Bevendean Maiden Stakes for two-year-old fillies may not have looked particularly significant at the time, yet it marked the first strike for Sheikh Mohammed in British racing, as Sean Magee recalls (pages 48-51).

Fast-forward to the present and the four runners that carried the blue of Godolphin in the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York highlighted the impact and investment Sheikh Mohammed has made in the sport. If we include the Dante winner, Permian, owned by his son Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai accounted for half the field.

Permian will be supplemented for the Derby after his gutsy display on the Knavesmire and may yet appear in the Godolphin silks, but the son of Teofilo will need to progress in order to topple the might of Coolmore. Running plans for Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle battalion have yet to be finalised and while it looks likely that this month’s cover star Churchill will sidestep Epsom, he still has plenty of arrows to fire after this year’s trials.

Watching the Chester Vase, one felt slightly sorry for the opposition as O’Brien runners dominated the race to occupy the first three positions. The Coolmore ‘lads’ – John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith – are ahead of the pack when it comes to Derby horses, thanks largely to Galileo, sire of Chester Vase first and third Venice Beach and The Anvil, and Dee Stakes victor Cliffs Of Moher. Churchill, of course, is another by

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the incomparable super sire.

Blending speed and stamina, often with a dash of brilliance, Galileo’s runners can seem a breed apart from the progeny of other stallions. One thing is certain – his high-class sons, and there are plenty of them, will have to go some to match their father’s phenomenal achievements at stud.

Robert Cowell wouldn’t turn down training a Derby horse but his undoubted speciality is horses at the opposite end of the distance spectrum. His 70-box Newmarket yard is made up almost exclusively of sprinters, having made his name with fast horses, often procured from other yards and turned into speedsters.

It sounds simple but there is plenty of hard work that goes into both the sourcing and training of Cowell runners. Prohibit got the Group 1 ball rolling in the 2011 King’s Stand Stakes and since then the likes of Jwala and Goldream have kept the trainer’s name in lights.

Tim Richards (Talking To, pages 42-46) finds out how the handler targets potential recruits and what he does differently to give his outfit an edge over his rivals.

As this magazine went to press news came through that trainer Alan Swinbank had passed away at the age of 72.

Swinbank, who was based in North Yorkshire, trained a number of runners that readers will be familiar with, including that much-loved globe-trotter Collier Hill, Alfie Flits and Turbo Linn.

He had a real eye for a bargain at the sales and had a superb record in bumpers with Flat-bred cast-offs deemed surplus to requirements by the big breeding operations.

Collier Hill started life by winning a Catterick bumper but went on to record a Group/Grade 1 treble, capturing the Irish St Leger, Canadian International and Hong Kong Vase, earning over £2.3 million in prizemoney.

Equally capable under both codes, Swinbank sent out around 800 winners during his distinguished career.

“His impact and

investment in racing was highlighted by fielding half the field in the Dante

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Jun_154_Contents_Contents 19/05/2017 17:34 Page 4

CONTENTS JUNE 2017

36

16

NEWS & VIEWS

INTERNATIONAL SCENE

7

ROA Leader

27

View From Ireland

9

TBA Leader

30

Continental Tales

10

News

33

Around The Globe

12

Changes

Appearance money scheme

Grass-roots boost needed

New levy system underway

News in a nutshell

22

Tony Morris

24

Howard Wright

4

The illegitimate sport

Racing free of government

Murphy leaves Elliott for home

Rouget’s torrid spell

Weir the king of Warrnambool

On its tenth anniversary, Henry Beeby reflects on the merger between Goffs and DBS

Jun_154_Contents_Contents 19/05/2017 17:34 Page 5

42

48

FEATURES

FORUM

16

The Big Picture

70

The Thoroughbred Club

20

From The Archives

72

ROA Forum

36

TBA Annual Awards

82

TBA Forum

42

Talking To...

88

Breeder of the Month

48

Sheikh Mohammed

90

Vet Forum

52

The Big Interview

60

Newmarket Guineas

Reference Point’s Derby

Winners toasted in Newmarket

Welcoming Joseph de Souza

Election fever at the ROA

Annual seminar this month

Paula Lewin, for Tea For Two

Trainer Robert Cowell

Explaining breaking down

40th anniversary of his first winner

With Henry Beeby

Sales Circuit Dramatic breeze-up returns

66

Caulfield Files

94

Dr Statz

104

24 Hours With...

DATA BOOK

96

NH Graded Races

103

Stallion Statistics

Your latest winners

King’s Theatre’s final act decisive

Invincible Spirit’s southern star

Angel on the rise

Ascot’s Nick Smith

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Our monthly circulation is certified at

9,500 Can other magazines prove theirs?

5

Where the Stars Align

104

*

Grade 1 Wins

Death Duty

Price €145,000 Earnings €138,790

Wicklow Brave

Price €43,000 Earnings €674,351

Identity Thief

Finian’s Oscar

Price €40,000 Earnings €182,649

Price €50,000 Earnings €131,650

Cue Card

Price €52,000 Earnings €1,577,993

Outlander

Price €78,000 Earnings €275,604

No More Heroes

Price €57,000 Earnings €169,476

Captain Chris

Price €250,000 Earnings €491,510

First Lieutenant

Price €255,000 Earnings €647,646

The New One

Price €25,000 Earnings €1,056,505

Cole Harden

Price €13,000 Earnings €378,177

Champagne Fever Price €17,500 Earnings €387,878

Gemini Lucy

Monet’s Garden

Price 35,000gns Earnings €785,813

Albertas Run

Price €20,000 Earnings €164,961

Price €20,000 Earnings €1,044,950

Dunguib

Price €19,000 Earnings €269,472

Finian’s Oscar

Aran Concerto

Price €40,000 Earnings €209,428

(Gr.1 x2)

Derby Sale 2017 28 – 29 June Part II 30 June

Consigned by Glenwood Stud Purchased by Tower View Stables for €50,000

All lots catalogued are eligible for the €100,000 Tattersalls Ireland George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper 2018 *since 2007

T: +353 1 8864300 info@tattersalls.ie www.tattersalls.ie

Jun_154_ROA_Leader_Layout 1 19/05/2017 17:30 Page 7

ROA LEADER

NICHOLAS COOPER President Racehorse Owners Association

Why appearance money scheme is the right start New wealth coming into the sport but early ambitions need to be realistic

W

ith levy reform now on the statute books, there is an obvious temptation to start allocating additional money before it has been

received.

Not that I would suggest for a moment that the threat of a legal challenge to the new funding system should prevent us from going full steam ahead, but there are more tangible reasons why we should enter British racing’s brave new world with a degree of restraint.

Even allowing for the transitionary period of at least nine months between when the Levy Board ends its function of collection and distribution and when the Gambling Commission and Racing Authority take on these tasks, there is not, in any case, going to be a sudden explosion of additional money.

Certainly, the online loophole has been closed and racing is now seeing extra funds coming from all UK betting on horseracing, including the substantial part that is processed by overseas-based betting operators.

In a full year, there is an expectation this will boost racing’s central funding by at least £30 million, but we must remember the Levy Board has been digging into reserves for a few years to keep up its levels of expenditure. The starting point for measuring central funding expenditure is therefore significantly lower than it might appear.

With only an estimated £8m extra to spend in this current financial year, a general view has emerged that the area most deserving of extra funds is the middle and lower tiers of racing, where there are many horses that win nothing or virtually nothing in prize-money, therefore providing no cushion to their owners’ costs.

Clearly, this situation works against racing’s desire to increase the number of owners and the betting industry’s wishes to create field sizes of at least eight runners for eachway betting. At present 36% of races still fall below this threshold. It is against this background that the sport’s tripartite structure of the BHA, Horsemen’s Group and

Racecourse Association now believes the best use of the first tranche of new money coming into racing is to create an appearance money scheme targeted at grassroots races.

However, it would not be an across-the-board, pay-all scheme but one that is paid down to eighth place in the anticipation that this would have a beneficial effect on creating more races of eight runners or more.

How this would work practically is still under scrutiny but there is a view that the new appearance money should be targeted on races with prize-money that exceed minimum values by an agreed amount, so that racecourses which put more into their prize-money would benefit from having bigger fields. There are two reasons why this is important to racecourses. One is that, generally speaking, small fields are not attractive to racegoers, but a much more tangible reason is that it directly affects their income.

Already, the racecourses have media rights deals where they receive less money when races have fewer than eight runners, but next year, when the new, highly lucrative, Racecourse Media Group deal with SIS comes into being, small-field penalties are likely to be more onerous.

Even allowing for the beneficial effects of levy reform, the racecourses’ income from media rights will continue to dwarf central funding. This means the Racing Authority, whose function will be to decide on central funding expenditure from next year, has to take an innovative approach to allocating funds.

Funding must, therefore, always be targeted in a way that incentivises racecourses to maximise their own contribution to prize-money, while it is equally important that the link between the racing and betting industries – far from being lost because of the imminent demise of the Levy Board – is strengthened to the point where each gets the most out of a truly symbiotic relationship.

An appearance money scheme, as proposed, looks like a winner for owners, for racecourses and for bookmakers – not a bad start for racing’s new world.

“The scheme would

pay down to eighth place in the hope of creating more races of eight runners or more

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”

7

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FREE Online bloodstock taxation guide FREE Annual seminar FREE Boarding stud agreements FREE Education and training advice

Whether you own a broodmare, racehorse or are just a bloodstock enthusiast, join us today.

Membership from just £115

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Jun_154_TBA_Leader_TBA 19/05/2017 17:30 Page 9

TBA LEADER

JULIAN RICHMOND-WATSON Chairman Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association

Boosting grass-roots level vital for owner retention Increasing level of participation in ownership is in the interest of breeders

C

ongratulations to everyone involved in getting reform of the outdated levy system over the line. As I have pointed out before, reaching this stage has been the result of hard work and consistent messaging from the whole of the racing industry, resulting in the position where the sport is in charge of its own finances and its own destiny.

The ongoing review of fixtures and funding, which has been looking at how to spend some of the extra income that will be generated, especially in the prize-money field, has focused very much on the lower end of the race programme, where in reality most horses in training are running.

Inevitably, many new and existing breeders and owners find their horses in this bracket, and so any boost to returns here must be welcome, as long as it does not damage aspirations to progress up the scale.

The constant complaint that the middle and lower tiers of breeding and racing are suffering has some validity, particularly when judged by the distribution of increased media rights income, which racecourses have used over the past few years to boost their feature and high-end races.

Owners at the lower end of the scale become disillusioned and leave the sport. They are the ones who need to be encouraged, even if only in a small way, so that they retain their interest and reinvest, in the hope of getting the better horse who takes them on the even more exciting journey that ownership can provide.

This initiative will not have everyone’s support, but I do believe it deserves to be given a try for three years, to see if it changes behaviour not just among owners but also racecourses, for which new and differently based media rights deals kick in from 2018. The number of runners per race will become increasingly more important to racecourses’ finances, and hopefully they will react to encourage those runners to come to them. Competition for runners can be no bad thing for horsemen, which most definitely includes breeders.

Of course, it is to be hoped that the new funding

arrangements produce more than the £6-7 million that has been put aside for this scheme, so the other income allocated to prize-money will need to be used in more innovative ways.

A number of initiatives have already been devised around the staying programme, all of which will help in the long term. But even after the welcome elevation of the Goodwood Cup to Group 1 status this year, serious thought should be given to other high-profile, headline-grabbing ideas to ensure that the staying programme, and with it the all-important breeding of stayers, remains high on everyone’s agenda.

Foals and yearlings by staying stallions must be sufficiently attractive to become sought after by buyers in the sales ring. Breeders and owners require the proper incentive to see and believe that investing in this area, while inevitably longer in coming to fruition, is worthwhile and can lead to greater rewards. Members of the TBA can be assured that the council and executive will be working strenuously, with others, on various ideas to help bring about this situation.

However, the work should not stop there. Efforts to boost our breeding and racing in the long term will continue, so that we are not so reliant on our European neighbours in the future.

The risks to the breeding industry from Brexit will become clearer in time, but the resurgence of Britain’s National Hunt breeding sector, which was evident at the TBA annual awards evening held in the Jockey Club Rooms last month, is very encouraging, and it can only become even more important as Brexit looms.

The awards event was a great success and every one was a worthy winner, none more so than Dr Richard Newton, for his work at the Animal Health Trust on infectious diseases, and David Oldrey, for his many years at the TBA and as the BHB’s race planning committee chairman. They were long overdue recipients of the Dominion and Andrew Devonshire awards respectively.

“Foals and yearlings by

staying stallions must be sufficiently attractive to become sought after by buyers in the sales ring

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

”

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Jun_154_News_Owner 19/05/2017 17:10 Page 10

NEWS Stories from the racing world

Levy loophole closed as new system begins Legislation racing has been waiting for is signed off

A

new era for British racing came into force on April 25, when legislation took effect that consigned to history the age-old system of levy collection.

British racing hailed the milestone, whereby returns from all bookmakers taking bets on the sport by British-based punters, including those based offshore, will be captured in the levy net.

All bookmakers will pay 10% of profits from British customers to British racing. The changes mean that the levy will now include online betting, which is estimated to account for more than 50% of all wagering activity on the sport.

Parliamentarians in the House of Commons and Lords backed the legislation, with Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, Tracey Crouch MP saying that it would “make a profound difference to the British racing industry and to the thousands of hard-working stable staff, jockeys and trainers and all those who make racing what it is today.”

In its clearance of the legislation as being compatible with state aid rules, the European Commission recognised “that it is essential

for the improvement of horse breeding and horseracing without giving rise to undue distortions of competition.”

While it is not inconceivable the new system could yet be subject to legal challenge, the sport’s leaders welcomed it as a game-changer.

BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust said: “The new levy will make a significant contribution to securing the long-term health and growth of our sport.

“The levy replacement is a huge achievement, one that could not have been achieved without the determination and leadership demonstrated

by Tracey Crouch and her team of dedicated officials at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Everyone in British racing owes thanks to her, and to the many supporters of our sport across and outside Westminster.”

He added: “British racing is keen to move forward with the betting industry to ensure the sport enhances its position as a high-quality, attractive betting product.”

Horsemen’s Group Chairman Philip Freedman said: “This is fantastic for all involved

Tracey Crouch: ‘profound difference’

in British racing, and beyond any doubt a massive boost for our horsemen.

“The reformed levy will improve owners’ returns and investment, enhance breeders’ confidence to invest in bloodstock, and improve prize-money for trainers, jockeys and stable staff to help them sustain a living in the sport, following many years of downward pressure.

“The wider horse sector across Britain will also benefit from the increased activity a thriving horseracing industry will bring to the rural economy.”

Rust shakes up BHA executive team

Nick Rust: wanted new structure

10

The BHA has a new executive structure, two key aims being to reduce Chief Executive Nick Rust’s workload and to save on costs.

Two new senior roles have been created, with Will Lambe promoted to Executive Director and a Communications and Corporate Affairs Director to be appointed.

Carole Goldsmith, Director of People and Development, and Gavin Jefferies, Director of Communications, are to leave the BHA later this year and their roles will not be replaced.

Rust said: “Having now been at the BHA for more than two years, I have decided to make these changes to ensure that I have the right executive team structure in place to meet the needs of our strategy.

“Once the Communications and Corporate Affairs Director is in place, I will have a strong and capable team, structured in a way that can best deliver for both the BHA and our sport.”

Lambe’s new role involves strategy, stakeholder liaison, betting and funding issues

and responsibility for the BHA’s key priority of continuing to improve industry people matters.

On Goldsmith and Jefferies leaving, Rust said: “Carole and I have been discussing her role since the early part of the year when she expressed concern about the very different and onerous requirements of both the BHA HR and industry people elements of her role, and the amount of time available to provide the required focus to both elements.

“This coincided with my own thoughts about the structure of my executive team, and following much discussion we reached agreement that it was the right time for her to step away and do something different rather than apply for a role within a new structure.”

Rust continued: “Gavin and I discussed the proposed changes and decided that the newlycreated role of Communications and Corporate Affairs Director does not meet his personal aspirations. Gavin has decided to take the opportunity to seek a fresh challenge.”

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Jun_154_News_Owner 19/05/2017 17:11 Page 11

Programme devised to help boost stable staff numbers Applications are open for a new stable staff recruitment initiative. The Entry to Employment Programme, which is supported

by The Racing Foundation, is targeted at the thousands of equine college students in the UK and will provide a new training and entry route into the racing industry.

The programme, free of charge this year, consists of a four-week residential training course followed by work placement at a yard.

It is designed to encourage those who already have hands-on experience with horses into a career as a racing groom or work-rider, and is part of a wider, ongoing initiative to address the stable staff shortage within racing.

The training course will teach participants the specifics of how to ride and look after horses and will take place at both the British Racing School and Northern Racing College, with 16 places on offer at each this summer.

On completion of the four-week programme, participants will be placed into a training yard.

Applicants must be in their final year of studies for an equine or animal-related qualification at an equine college or have recently graduated and have a strong interest

and desire to work with racehorses.

Applications close on June 9.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an assessment day, to include an interview and assessment of riding ability, fitness and suitability for the course.

Trainer Donald McCain said: “This is a great initiative and I know of a number of young people who this would suit down to the ground. Anything that can be done to recruit more stable staff should be applauded.”

Duncan Gregory, Operations Director at the British Racing School, said: “As a centre for excellence for the horseracing industry, we are always looking to broaden the range of training we provide. We are excited about welcoming the first equine college students this summer and meeting the needs of this new group of learners.”

Stephen Padgett, Chief Executive of the Northern Racing College, added: “Being responsive to the needs of the racing industry is an important part of our role at the NRC. Delivering more trained staff who are passionate about horses to work in the sport is a priority, and we are delighted to be involved in the initiative.”

Amy Murphy: Plus 10 supporter

Don’t miss signing up for Plus 10 Breeders and pinhookers have until June 30 to register yearlings for the Plus 10 scheme, which sees bonuses of £10,000/€12,5000 attached to more than 600 two- and three-year-old races in Britain and Ireland.

Plus 10 payments, which are on top of prize-money, have so far totalled over £8.3 million. Registered yearlings are advertised as such in sales catalogues to alert potential buyers.

Trainer Amy Murphy, who recently enjoyed a Plus 10 success with a horse bought at Tattersalls Book 3, said: “When purchasing horses at yearling sales it is always a huge bonus to buy those which have been Plus 10registered.

“The opportunity to vastly increase the prize-money won on the racetrack is of huge benefit to owners.

“It’s also a great selling point when you are trying to sell yearlings on to potential owners.”

Stable staff: ongoing initiatives to tackle the issue of shortages within racing

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Jun_154_Changes2pp_Layout 1 19/05/2017 16:53 Page 12

Racing’s news in a nutshell PEOPLE AND BUSINESS Sandra Hughes Trainer who took out a licence in 2014 following the death of father Dessie, winning two Grades 1s and the Irish National, is retiring due to a lack of horses.

Chantal Sutherland Brian Harding Calls time on career in the saddle aged 45; he won the 1998 Champion Chase on One Man and 2004 Irish Grand National on Granit D’Estruval.

Barry Cash Jockey who enjoyed his finest moments on Brave Inca, winning three Grade 1s including the 2004 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, will retire later this year.

Poundland Hill Budget store unveiled as the sponsor of the inside area of Epsom racecourse.

Cathal Beale

William Hill’s PR man will leave the company after 45 years, having joined as a betting shop boardman in 1972.

Sarah Lynam

Gavin Lerena

Set to follow in the footsteps of father Edward and take out a training licence, based at her dad’s stable in County Meath.

Winner of the 2004 Grand National under Graham Lee for Red Rum’s trainer Ginger McCain, owned by John Halewood.

Papillon 26 Winner of the 2000 Grand National for father and son Ted and Ruby Walsh.

Owned by Betty Moran, he ran 39 times, winning nine races.

Texas Gold 19 Talented sprint handicapper for the William Muir stable owned by Clive Edginton, winner of 15 of his 102 starts and earning over £200,000.

Cape Cross 23 Top-class miler, winning the 1998 Lockinge, later a successful stallion, siring outstanding performers Ouija Board, Sea The Stars and Golden Horn.

12

Former South African champion jockey and Shergar Cup winner begins stint in UK, where he will be based with Charlie Hills.

Also...

Amberleigh House 25

Last year’s Ebor winner who failed by a head to follow up in the Melbourne Cup dies after breaking a leg in a racecourse gallop at the Curragh.

Graham Sharpe

Will succeed John Osborne as Chief Executive of the Irish National Stud.

HORSE OBITUARIES

Heartbreak City 7

Canadian jockey rides her 1,000th winner in North America on Giro Candito at Santa Anita for trainer Jeff Mullins.

Trevor Whelan becomes the latest to try his hand on the Flat, though he will mix codes rather than give up jumping entirely. The long-running Hatchfield Farm saga takes new turn after Lord Derby succeeds in appeal against the decision to refuse planning permission at the Newmarket site. Newbury posts profit of £19.23 million for 2016 after selling section of land for development to David Wilson Homes.

Juddmonte Farms sells two farms comprising 1,500 acres, at Wargrave in Berkshire, where Khalid Abdullah established his breeding operation, and Farm Three in Kentucky. QIPCO is announced as the new sponsor of the Prix du Jockey-Club.

Natalie Hambling, apprenticed to Richard Fahey, quits Britain for Australia, where she will be attached to Gary Portelli’s stable.

Dougie Costello loses the ride on the Karl Burke-trained Quiet Reflection, with the trainer feeling a change of jockey would be in the best interests of the filly. Harry Bentley is informed by owner Paul Jacobs that he will no longer be the jockey of choice to ride star sprinter Limato. Matt Cumani, son of Newmarket trainer Luca, is suspended from training in Australia after failing to adhere to Racing Victoria protocols following outbreak of strangles at his stable.

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>>

TWEENHILLS TIMES AN EYE FOR SUCCESS

June 2017

Havana Gold quick out the blocks Tweenhills’ first-season sire Havana Gold has made a fantastic start with his two-year-olds, getting off the mark when the Mubarak Al Naemi-bred Havana Star made a winning debut at Beverley on May 1 and adding another two individual winners to his tally by Chester’s May meeting.

Havana Grey

staff PROFILE Lilly Moran Stud hand Where did it all begin?

I’m from County Westmeath and have been interested in horses for as long as I can remember. I did lots of show jumping when I was a kid and got several ponies to Grade A level. I also did a lot eventing with the Pony Club up, as well as some sales prep – it was all Connemara ponies.

Best parts of the job?

I started at Tweenhills in January and am really enjoying it so far – I particularly like seeing the foals develop.

I’m looking forward to seeing them turn into racehorses in time and will keep a particular eye on the colt from the first crop of Hot Streak out of Rohesia. As well as assisting with the daily care of the mares and foals, I get to help out John the vet, which is fascinating.

So you’re into the racing side then?

Definitely. I’ve worked in four or five racing yards and also did two years in Australia, including working for Sonia Price when we did all the recovery work with Royal Ascot winner Scenic Blast.

I’m also a qualified riding instructor and have been riding over here, while I’ve always played hockey and Gaelic football – I think I might struggle for a game of that over here, but it’s nice that our Foaling Manager is Irish too!

Mickley Stud and Lady Lonsdale bred Havana Gold’s second winner, Havana Grey (pictured left), who scored at Ayr and was quickly pointed at the Gr. 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Havana Gold was responsible for his first winning filly when Marchingontogether powered away from a big field at Leicester. She was bred by Whatcote Farm Stud, and our congratulations go to all winning connections.

There have also been notable results for Havana Gold in the sales ring.

David Redvers bought a filly by him for €260,000 (pictured right) and a colt for €100,000 at the Arqana Breeze Up Sale in May on behalf of Qatar Racing Limited. The filly has gone into training with David Simcock and the colt has joined Richard Hannon.

Tweenhills’ other stallion with runners, Harbour Watch, could also be represented by two-year-olds at Royal Ascot. His daughter Yogi’s Girl has won both her starts since her debut, including the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes, and has the Gr.3 Queen Mary Stakes on her agenda.

Havana Gold – Up In Time filly (credit: APRH)

Talking of potential Royal Ascot winners…

The 2017 foaling season is over and we’re delighted to say 65 foals were born at Tweenhills – a big thanks goes to our Foaling Manager Victoria Macauley and the team that supported her.

They naturally included plenty by Tweenhills’ four resident stallions, as well as a son of Muhaarar and Kiyoshi bred by Qatar Bloodstock. Both Muhaarar and Kiyoshi were Royal Ascot winners – Kiyoshi won the Gr.3 Albany Stakes in 2013 for Qatar Racing – and hopefully this colt will follow in their hoofprints one day.

Future stars in the saddle In other news, Tweenhills will sponsor the West Midland area pony racing for a third season.

Dr Philip Pritchard and pony rider Freddie Keighley at Berkeley

Manager David Redvers said: “I am really proud to continue our sponsorship of the local pony racing circuit. To witness the competitive nature and banter amongst the next generation, along with the most brilliant racing and fiercest finishes, gives great heart that the future is very bright as there is some serious talent coming through.”

Also, around 100 Pony Club members attended the latest QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket and a good time was seemingly had by all.

Tweenhills, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BG W: www.tweenhills.com T: + 44 (0) 1452 700177 M: + 44 (0) 7767 436373 E: davidredvers@tweenhills.com 2365 - Tweenhills Time_June 2017_V04.indd 1

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RACEHORSE AND STALLION MOVEMENTS AND RETIREMENTS Postponed Stress fracture ends the career of outstanding son of Dubawi, winner of four Group 1s including the 2016 Juddmonte International, and almost £5 million.

First Lieutenant Mouse Morris-trained jumper, winner of three Grade 1s including the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and Betfred Bowl at Aintree, is retired aged 12.

Big Fella Thanks Popular chaser is retired at 15. He ran in four Grand Nationals, finishing fourth in 2010, won a Newbury Grade 3 and the Sky Bet Chase, earning over £250,000.

Annie Power Outstanding mare, the winner of 15 of her 17 races, including the 2016 Champion Hurdle, is retired aged nine and is in foal to Camelot.

Mountainous

La Cressonniere

Mud-loving stayer, a dual winner of the Welsh Grand National, first for trainer Richard Lee, then for daughter Kerry, is retired aged 12.

Unbeaten daughter of Le Havre, whose eight victories included the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and Prix de Diane in 2016, is retired to Teruya Yoshida’s Shadai Stud.

PEOPLE OBITUARIES Johnny Roe 79 Nine-time champion Flat jockey in Ireland, he won the 1964 Irish 1,000 Guineas on Royal Danseuse and 1967 Irish Oaks on Pampalina.

John Forsyth 67 Owner and breeder based in Cheshire who had horses with Kevin Ryan, Tim Easterby, Mick Channon and Ian Williams.

Lord Soulsby 90 Former chairman of the Levy Board’s veterinary advisory committee for 12 years.

Peter Walker 90 The main supplier of hay and straw to the top Newmarket and Lambourn stables towards the end of the last century.

Lynn Whiting 75 US trainer who enjoyed his biggest success when Lil E Tee won the 1992 Kentucky Derby under Pat Day.

Alan Swinbank 72 Trainer who enjoyed success with globetrotter Collier Hill, winner of three Group 1s, plus talented dual-purpose duo Alfie Flits and Turbo Linn.

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THE BIG PICTURE

Jun_154_Big_Picture_Guineas_ Churchill01_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 14:53 Page 17

QIPCO 2,000 GUINEAS

C FOR VICTORY! Not all horses with famous or noble names are destined for greatness, but Churchill looked prime ministerial as a juvenile and delivered on that promise by winning the 2,000 Guineas under Ryan Moore, pictured right with owners Derrick Smith (on left) and Michael Tabor. It was not a cakewalk, as Churchill was hard pressed to provide trainer Aidan O’Brien with a record eighth victory in the race, winning by a length Photos George Selwyn

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THE BIG PICTURE

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QIPCO 1,000 GUINEAS

WINTER WONDERLAND Well supported in the market in the days leading up to the 1,000 Guineas, Winter left her backers content with a commanding victory, winning by two lengths from stablemate and favourite Rhododendron, who while not enjoying the clearest of runs might well have struggled to beat her anyway. Aidan O’Brien inherited Winter after the retirement of David Wachman, but jockey Wayne Lordan (inset with his trophy) was still in the pink having been able to continue his association with the filly Photos George Selwyn

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

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REFERENCE POINT JUNE 3, 1987

The story behind the photo Looking back at the Derby 30 years ago one thing that immediately strikes is the throng of people all over the Downs. Sprinkled around tents, buses and funfairs, the vast crowd seems to define the era, an era when the world’s most famous Flat race still commanded and brought to a halt a sizeable chunk of the population on a Wednesday afternoon.

Many would have impulsively relied on the favourite, and in the shape of the Henry Ceciltrained 6-4 shot Reference Point they found the perfect ally. Reference Point, owned and bred by Louis Freedman (below) was a son of Mill Reef – himself winner of the Derby in 1971 – and he faced 18 rivals off the back of winning the Dante.

Steve Cauthen had him in front very early, and one of the most renowned judges of pace kept him there. Reference Point was hard pressed from the two-furlong pole by 33-1 chance Most Welcome and Paul Eddery, but he was not for passing, keeping on against the inside rail to repel Most Welcome (noseband) by a length and a half. Eddery’s brother Pat was a short-head away in third on Bellotto.

Reference Point was not the easiest of rides and Cauthen was to say of his second Derby winner: “You’ve got to keep at him; he’s aware of everything that goes on around him. He even looked at the crowd at the top of the hill.”

Two years earlier, Cauthen had become the first American to win the Derby in 65 years when he rode Slip Anchor to victory, while the late, great Cecil was to win the race four times.

Photos George Selwyn and Alan Johnson

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THE MAN YOU CAN’T IGNORE COMMENT

Tony Morris Our columnist often wrote about Arkle – still the pre-eminent chaser 50 or so years on from his heyday – but National Hunt racing never was, and never will be, his cup of tea

I

n 1829 a writer in The Sporting Magazine contributed a review of racecourses, including remarks on the quality of the sport that patrons could expect to find when they visited them. He abhorred recent developments at one course, which had become markedly less popular, declaring that Cheltenham’s downfall was attributable to ‘the introduction of the steeplechase.’

Few of his readers would have disputed that verdict. Any racecourse that so lowered its standards as to stage racing over obstacles should expect to lose its credibility. Every true sportsman recognised that the one true winter sport was hunting, and such bastardisation of racing was to be deplored. Charles James Apperley, the most widely read – and most dogmatic – writer on sporting pursuits at that time drove home that argument relentlessly.

Throughout the 19th century racing over jumps was commonly referred to as ‘the illegitimate sport.’ And that was understandable, given that the Jockey Club wanted nothing whatsoever to do with it, and that there was no attempt to regulate it until 1866, when the National Hunt Committee was founded. Before that innovation it was widely

forfeited favour by adopting the jumping game took the first steps towards assuming a dominant role in promoting it, not that anyone recognised at the time that the Cheltenham Gold Cup (first run in 1924) and the Champion Hurdle (1927) would come to achieve special significance in the calendar.

What gave an early big boost to the Gold Cup was the emergence of two obviously superior steeplechasers who each collected multiple successes in the race. The popular Easter Hero claimed the prize in 1929 and 1930, and Golden Miller rose from mere popularity to heroic status by lifting the prize in five consecutive seasons, 1932-36.

By also notching a win in the Grand National in 1934 Golden Miller ensured that his reputation as best-ever in his discipline would endure. If some felt that the 1946 Gold Cup winner Prince Regent belonged in the same league, it was not until the mid-1960s that the sport found a chaser who could be regarded as definitely Golden Miller’s superior.

Half a century on again, nothing has come along to threaten Arkle’s exalted status as champion of champions.

assumed that corruption was endemic, and universally accepted that it was ill-organised and, in most places, run in a distinctly amateurish manner.

Even so, while the Jockey Club and other traditionalists looked down with disdain on the true sport’s illegitimate offspring, it could not be denied that its popularity with the general public was growing appreciably. The Grand National, virtually from its origins in the 1830s, was the chief focal point of the season, and after the turn-of-the-century triumph in that event of Ambush, a gelding carrying the colours of the Prince of Wales, it had to be acknowledged that a degree of respectability had now been conferred on the alternative version of racing.

Of course, jumping was still the poor relation, and it would remain so for generations to come. In the 1920s the course that a hundred years earlier had

Promising but no more

PA

Arkle: exalted status as champion of champions has endured

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My entry into racing journalism came when Arkle was just an up-and-coming performer, already hailed in high esteem in Ireland, while English fans remained sceptical, as well they might, as his Lambourn-trained contemporary Mill House was promising to carry all before him, having won Cheltenham’s 1963 Gold Cup just as he liked. And I was at Newbury on the last day of November that year, when the Hennessy Gold Cup seemed to indicate that the Arkle bubble had burst: 1 Mill House, 12st, 2 Happy Spring, 10st; 3 Arkle, 11st 9lb; distances eight lengths, three-quarters of a length.

Okay, so Arkle had made a bad blunder when second and mounting a challenge three from home, but even so, could that have made such a difference? By the winner’s enclosure I stood next to a guy who hoisted his young lad onto his shoulders, telling him to have a good look at Mill House, because he was unlikely

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ever to see his like again. The son probably grew up to think his father was not much of a judge, but we all got it wrong that day. Mill House was trounced by Arkle in the 1964 Cheltenham Gold Cup and was never the same again.

An acknowledged outstanding champion will naturally raise the profile of any sport, and Arkle certainly did his bit for National Hunt racing up to and even after the injury that ended his career at Kempton Park in December 1966. The three Gold Cup wins and a number of other exceptional performances established his overwhelming superiority and acquired him a huge fan base. The bad step he took in the King George VI Chase meant that for months thereafter, in my role on the Press Association’s racing desk, I was regularly sending out updated bulletins on his health.

For all the fascination that Arkle engendered in the mid-1960s, as a recruiter of devotees for his sport, National Hunt racing remained very much the poor relation of the Flat. It was there principally to fill in the void between the end of the Flat in early November and its resumption towards the end of March. There was a lot of mundane fare, interesting chiefly to those who were professionally involved, and when snow and/or frost caused abandonments few felt deprived. Sure, the media went to town over the Grand National, as it always had, but there was no exhaustive coverage of Cheltenham, where the Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle ranked so much more highly than anything else included in the three-day fixture.

The old order has changed to a significant degree, if the outcome of the Racing Post’s recent poll on Twitter is to be taken at face value. The paper asked for an expression of preference – Flat or National Hunt. There were apparently 3,740 respondees, and 71 per cent of them favoured jumping.

I can’t say that I was totally surprised at the verdict, although on the very day the poll was being conducted I was among a throng of over 19,000 at a sold-out Rowley Mile for the 2,000 Guineas. You will not need telling that, had I known about the poll and had received instruction on how to tweet, I would not have voted with the majority. I dare say plenty of my fellow racegoers on May 6 would have joined me in expressing a preference for the Flat. Whatever, the attendance that day, higher than for any meeting on the course for over 30 years, means that I am far from ready to despair about the popularity of the sport I favour.

It doesn’t bother me if a majority of tweeters to a newspaper which already exhibits a pro-jump racing bias endorses its view; they are welcome to have their opinion and express it accordingly. I just hold a different view, and I’m not about to change my mind.

National Hunt racing is spectacle, entertainment and betting medium. That’s all. If you can appreciate it in those terms, fine. And acknowledge that what happens matters very little in the wider scheme of things. It may seem important in England, something approaching a religion in Ireland, and of some mild consequence in France, but it is alien to most other countries.

Flat racing takes place in every civilised country in the world and what happens on the course reflects and influences global markets in the thoroughbred. The present links the past to the future, with the continuity in the breed an ever-fascinating angle to its development.

“What happens in

National Hunt racing matters very little in the wider scheme of things”

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HOWARD WRIGHT COMMENT

Other racing jurisdictions will look on with private envy as Britain floats serenely away from direct state intervention for the first time since 1928

Government anchors away!

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PA

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ranted a fair wind and no unexpected depth charges to hole the vessel below the water line, the Good Ship British Racing will shortly sail from its Westminster Pier mooring berth.

What a relief.

For the first time since 1928, when Winston Churchill as Chancellor of the Exchequer set up the Racecourse Betting Control Board to give punters an alternative to fixed odds, the sport will be free of direct government intervention, other than through licensing. What an escape.

The RBCB became the Horserace Totalisator Board under the Betting Levy Act 1961, which also legalised betting shops, created the Horserace Betting Levy Board and introduced a levy on bookmakers to compensate for an expected downturn in racecourse turnstile income.

Fifty years later, after racing had tumbled into the stewardship of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, a catch-all ministry concocted by Tony Blair, the Tote’s exclusive licence was sold to Betfred. Now the levy on betting operators has been reformed and government can formally wash its hands of the sport.

When parliament next convenes, the vast majority of its members will no longer have to grapple with a subject beyond their comprehension. The minority have had their day batting for British racing, and have secured an innings victory.

For once, a host of jurisdictions around the world will turn their gaze towards Britain with envy. If only we did not have to bow to government whim, they will say, privately, of course, for fear of biting the hand that generally nestles around their throats and occasionally pats them on the back.

A federal system, in which togetherness gets dumped at the state line, has bedeviled racing in the US and Australia for years.

American racing would give anything for a strong, centralised set-up that supported consistency and decency in matters ranging from betting legislation to medication control. Instead, its forward thinkers receive a disjointed response to nearly every idea intended to promote harmonised progress.

Australia has a minister for racing at every turn, and seems to exist in a state of

Winston Churchill, here with jockey Tommy Hawcroft, was an avid racing fan

permanent jealousy. Victoria heavily promotes its carnivals; New South Wales responds with The Championships; Queensland tries to keep pace, and even little West Australia puts on a couple of milliondollar races. It looks like healthy competition, driven by federal pride, but what happens when the rainy day comes and the money runs out?

Asia’s racing jurisdictions face their own set of government challenges. None puts more into its country’s economy than the Hong Kong Jockey Club, but to secure even the smallest increase in fixtures or simulcasting opportunities, its officials had to jump through central-office hoops as big as a mountainside.

The recent undercurrent of pandemocratic unrest, as typified by the ousting of the government’s chief executive and his replacement by a Beijing-endorsed successor, has hardly calmed nerves at Happy Valley.

South Korea, too, has experienced recent political upheaval. Its first female leader was forced out of office over a corruption scandal and is facing a life sentence. This in a country

whose racing administrators are pushing for a place on the world stage but who must always stay on the right side of the government in Seoul for their support.

Racing authorities in Singapore and Malaysia seem to have given up the ghost, worn down by central authorities who permit the sport to be promoted as a pastime, not a medium for betting.

And then there is Irish racing, whose structural existence depends almost entirely on a financial hand-out from government, and where an opposition representative, stoked by the mischievous desire to capture a headline or a vote, can cause havoc.

HRI Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh knows the dangers only too well. The grass might be green in Ireland, but as long as the government holds the purse strings, who can really say it is greener on the other side?

British racing is about to flee these various clutches. The Levy Board will be disbanded, and the DCMS can concentrate on worrying about museums and the digital revolution. If anything goes wrong with the Racing Authority, there will be no-one else to blame.

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Jun_154_View_From_Ireland_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 15:01 Page 27

VIEW FROM IRELAND

By JESSICA LAMB

Elliott assistant begins own journey Ollie Murphy returns to Britain to set up as a trainer with Gordon Elliott’s blessing

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he hungrier Gordon Elliott got, the hungrier his assistant trainer Ollie Murphy got. Now the talented 25year-old will saddle his first runners as a trainer back home in Britain.

It seems odd that a man in his position, and with his youth, would jump ship from a yard freshly painted with the glory of almost wrestling the trainers’ championship from the previously untouchable Willie Mullins.

Murphy was among the key personnel to build that empire now poised to conquer and to have on his CV the phrase ‘assistant to champion trainer’ could surely have sold his new business better.

But the problem is that he shares the same ambition as his master and he just could not wait a second longer.

“I felt I wanted to get

“People are saying, ‘Maybe you’ve left a year or two too soon’, but they are the ones I want to prove wrong, and I have got Gordon’s full support to do so,” he said. “It does seem strange, but if I didn’t leave now I thought I’d end up being there for ten years. I felt I wanted to get home and do something for myself, get out from under Gordon’s wing.”

He added: “I’m hungry and ambitious and have modelled myself on Gordon. I don’t want to train for the sake of it, I want to work my way to the top.”

Elliott has spoken the same words on a loop since setting out in 2006 at the age of 28 and, 11 years later, is on the cusp of achieving that, through hard-work, skill and innovation.

He was considered a young trainer at the time, and became the youngest ever trainer to win the Grand National at Aintree when Silver Birch scored in 2007, but since then Ireland and Britain have seen several young trainers emerge successful, against the odds of increasing financial difficulties that have hit THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

CAROLINE NORRIS

home and do something for myself, get out from under Gordon’s wing”

Ollie Murphy with Tiger Roll at Cheltenham in his former role with Gordon Elliott

others within the profession.

“I’m not saying that it is now a young man’s game,” Murphy opined. “But racing is moving that way, and you can see it every day through the likes of Harry Fry, Dan Skelton, Neil Mulholland, Adrian Keatley, Johnny Levins and Damien English. These guys, younger trainers, are more eager to go to the sales and spend five grand on a horse to take it home and try to improve it. That’s why they are making it.”

He added: “I do realise how difficult it is to make a start in this job and I know I’m lucky, especially that I don’t have to pay rent training from home, and that makes a big difference.

It’s also part of the reason for leaving now.”

Murphy’s 26-stable yard has been purposebuilt on his family’s 400-acre farm in Stratford-upon-Avon, with facilities mirroring Elliott’s – a four-and-a-half-furlong Wexford sand gallop and a two-furlong schooling ring.

Assistance will come from his mother

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>>

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VIEW FROM IRELAND >> Anabel, who has trained for 30 years, and his

Fort Del Oro winning a Listed race at Naas in the Ballylinch Stud silks

CAROLINE NORRIS

father Aidan, a renowned bloodstock agent, most notably for trainer Philip Hobbs, sourcing dual Grade 1-winner Menorah, retired recently after victory number 15 at Sandown.

But Murphy has his own carefully crafted plan and openly admits that it’s going to look familiar.

“I have learnt more from Gordon in the last four years than I have in my whole life and I have so much respect for him,” he said. “I have already replicated his gallop and schooling strip and I will look to use his methods as much as I can elsewhere.

“I plan to go to Doncaster and buy a few horses, and already have 12 that I have sourced for half a dozen syndicates. They have had a break and I hope to start running them in the middle of June.”

Murphy’s future vision is not singleminded; he does want to succeed for himself, but he plans to bring the racing with him, leaving an indelible mark in his own small way.

“Owners are the lifeblood and it’s very important to get younger owners into racing,” he insisted. “If we can get them into horses, spending small money – 50 quid a month even – owning a share in a horse, getting to have a good day out and go home telling their mates their racehorse won, that’s what it is all about. I’m all for that and love running syndicates and racing clubs.

“At the top end of the market there are all these big owners that are generally older, but what happens when they are gone if we don’t open the doors to young people?”

It was sad to see Sandra Hughes retire from training at Punchestown in April, and the rapid-fire exiting of well-established and lauded trainers remains alarming in Ireland.

But this column continues to highlight the fact that this is merely evolution by talking to the younger generation, who will one day own it all.

Replacing Murphy at Elliott’s yard will be former jockey Davy Condon, who begins his new role at the Galway festival.

Change of tack for Ballylinch Ballylinch Stud’s green silks could become more prolific from this season as the operation changes its racing stock policies.

Like many commercial farms, the County Kilkenny stable tended to race only what it did not sell.

This season, though, the two-year-olds set to make their debuts in the ownership of Ballylinch are hand-picked.

“Tim Mahony [former Ballylinch owner] wasn’t afraid of racing horses, it’s just that before it wasn’t by choice what we held on to; now it will be,” said Mark Byrne, Head of Marketing and Nominations.

“Our Iffraaj filly out of Janicellaine, for example, would have gone to Arqana, but now she is in training with Charlie Hills for us, and looks the most precocious of all our two-year-olds. She is a three-parts sister to [Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner] Chriselliam and will be named Chrisellaine.

“By doing this we are hopefully

upgrading our stock; we will have better broodmares coming off the track, using good stallions, always improving the lines.

“The fillies we’re keeping are from our best lines and if we believe in what we’re doing then we should be racing them and keeping them to join the broodmare band at the end.”

They are also holding on to parts of colts during their racing career in the partnerships the stud is famous for, most notably this season a son of Frankel out of Prix de l’Abbaye winner Wizz Kid named Formula One, who they share with the Carmichael Jennings partnership and have put in the care of Hugo Palmer.

Byrne added: “He seems to be furnishing well and could be a back-end two-year-old to follow, while we also have a Galileo filly out of Danielli, who looks like she will be at her best at three. An incredible broodmare prospect, we only wait in hope.”

In Brief Irish Grand National on the up Belatedly looking back at the Irish Grand National, it was indeed a record as predicted in this column in April.

Just nine horses rated 150 or more had run in the Fairyhouse showpiece before the 2017 renewal, yet seven from that bracket ran in April, the 153-rated Our Duke winning and entering the Gold Cup picture.

Trainer and television presenter Ted Walsh was among his loudest supporters, telling RTE

28

viewers, “I think he’ll love that Cheltenham hill,” when asked to choose between the Jessica Harrington-trained star and the reigning champion, stablemate Sizing John.

McNamara joins the Trail trainers The trainer line-up for the 2017 Curragh Thoroughbred Trail that takes place over Irish Champions Weekend in September was announced last month, with Robbie McNamara the new addition.

The likes of Dermot Weld, John Oxx, Johnny Murtagh, Tracey Collins and Michael O’Callaghan are again supporting the event, providing nine trails to choose from.

Tickets start at €20 and have historically sold out well in advance.

A reminder too that capacity at the Curragh for the Irish Derby meeting that starts at the end of this month will be limited to just 6,000 people, as work continues on its redevelopment.

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BRAMETOT - Classic Winner by first crop sire RAJSAMAN HIGHEST RATED 3YO IN EUROPE (rating 122)

Brametot (right) wins the 2017 Gr.1 Abu Dhabi Poule d’Essai des Poulains

LA CAUVINIÈRE Sylvain Vidal +33 (0) 6 20 99 10 15 • haras@lacauviniere.com • Mathieu Alex +33 (0) 6 26 59 19 18 • malex@lacauviniere.com

www.lacauviniere.com Rajsman_OwnerBreeder_FP_June17v4.indd 1

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CONTINENTAL TALES E

FR A N

C

By JAMES CRISPE, INTERNATIONAL RACING BUREAU

Rouget fights back after virus Trainer over the worst of it having been in ‘depths of despair’

H

Almanzor, Rouget’s stable star, will need his first run back after virus outbreak

for the frank and honest way he revealed the onset of the gruesome disease, admitting that when the outbreak was at its height, he was “at the depths of despair”.

Just reading his words can be quite upsetting. “The virus attacks the spinal chord,

GEORGE SELWYN

ow quickly fortunes can change, even at the very top of a global sport like racing. Just nine months ago this column was singing the praises of Jean-Claude Rouget, who had near enough wrapped up his second French trainers’ championship with over a third of the season still to run thanks to victories in three of the first four Classics.

At the same time, Rouget’s rival, Andre Fabre, was just beginning to recover from the ravages of a virus that saw him lose his grip on the title for the first time in seven years.

But for the early stages of this season at least, their roles were reversed.

The reason for Rouget’s decline this spring is something that one would not wish on your worst enemy – a sudden outbreak of equine herpesvirus so severe that at one stage the bereft 63-year-old Pau-based handler feared that all 57 horses housed in one of his three barns might be fatally affected.

And the barn, which was restricted to colts, did not contain just any old horses, either. Its luminaries included none other than the world’s fourth best horse of 2016, Almanzor, brilliant winner of the QIPCO Champion Stakes last October, not to mention the Group 1 winner Zelzal, and the Group 2 scorer Taareef.

In the end, just two horses, the four-time winner in the French provinces Alcoy, and the Toulouse maiden winner Mille Pieds, lost their lives.

Rouget deserves both sympathy and credit

its symptoms start with incontinence, then move on to paralysis of the hind quarters,” he lamented. “Then a horse goes down and never gets up again…”

Running in races, let alone winning them, seems irrelevant against such a background.

Schutz rebuilding after Hong Kong hiccup Another champion trainer plying his trade in Chantilly alongside Andre Fabre, but one with a slightly lower profile, is Andreas Schutz.

The 49-year-old German had a highly successful nine-year stint in his native land, topping the trainers’ table on four occasions during the first five years of this century, thereby doubling the number of championship crowns won by his father Bruno.

But he lost his best horse, the German Derby hero Shirocco, to Fabre at the end of the 2004 season and two years later took the plunge to move to Hong Kong. His tour of duty out there began well, much down to the exploits of a Lear Fan gelding, Good Ba Ba, who notched six Group 1 triumphs and was crowned Horse of the Year for the 2007-08 season.

Then Good Ba Ba was removed from his barn in mid-2009 and things began to go awry – just a single Group 3 success was earned in

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the next six campaigns. Schutz also suffered from being moved from the main Sha Tin training complex to Olympic Stables.

Last summer both he and another Olympic Stables client, the English ex-patriot Sean Woods, did not have their licences renewed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Hence the move to Chantilly, though Woods has taken a different course, suing the Jockey Club for supposedly supplying substandard training facilities at the Olympic complex.

Schutz is now renting boxes from the dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphewinning trainer John Hammond, and has some 20 horses registered in training there, almost exclusively German-owned.

He saddled his first French-based runner at Chantilly on February 23 but, despite a few near-misses, including an excellent third place for Café Opera in the Group 3 Prix Exbury, at the end of the first week in May was still awaiting his initial success from his new yard.

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Delectation regret

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GERMA

Thankfully, the outbreak has abated and has been isolated to a single barn, which is situated some way away from the rest of Rouget’s string, But, coming out of “the worst week of my 40-year career”, the trainer is understandably taking no chances. In the second half of April, after disclosing his troubles in the unsaddling enclosure following the victory of Brametot, in the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau on April 16, he had one-fifth the number of runners he did in the first half of the month, registering just two minor victories.

Happily, Brametot has gone on to provide further proof that hopefully the worst is over by winning the Poule d’Essai des Poulains.

His determined victory not only gave his trainer a first win in the race but also made him the top-rated three-year-old in France.

Almanzor’s long-awaited return, however, is likely to be a little while off yet. When he does reappear, Rouget warns he will be short of fitness and not subjected to a hard race.

In the meantime, Fabre is enjoying one of the most fruitful spells of his equally long stretch with a training licence.

Back in the mid-1990s, there were lengthy periods when he was snaffling a third of all France’s Group races. But he has never started a campaign with quite the domination that he has managed in 2017.

When Cloth Of Stars and Jimmy Two Times carried off the Prix Ganay and the Prix du Muguet at Saint-Cloud on May 1, nine of the first 16 French Group races had fallen prey to the 27-time champion trainer.

Delectation wins at Ayr – her progress will interest Overbury and Bryan Smart

Both Bryan Smart and Overbury Stud will probably be following the career of threeyear-old filly Delectation with more than a spoonful of sadness and regret.

Overbury’s feelings will be because she is part of the first crop of their sire Delegator, who died tragically early of a suspected heart attack last December.

Bred in Britain by Crossfields Bloodstock, Delectation was initially trained in North Yorkshire by Smart, who guided her to victories in her two juvenile starts, including the Group 3 Firth of Clyde Stakes at Ayr last September.

But by that time Crossfields had sold her to Jamie Lovett of Australian Bloodstock and over the winter she was moved to German trainer Andreas Wohler, whom Australian Bloodstock so famously hooked up with to carry off the 2014 Melbourne Cup via Protectionist.

Delectation appears to have acclimatised well to her new surroundings, as she proved much too strong for the locallybred fillies in the Group 3 Schwarzgold-Rennen in Cologne in midApril, but could manage only 16th in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.

Guineas gore sparks watering restriction

Clerk of the Course is one of the most difficult jobs in racing, especially when it comes to the age-old problem of when it is right to turn on the irrigation taps, as was again highlighted at the Spanish 1,000 Guineas meeting in Madrid on April 9.

Following watering the previous afternoon, temperatures at La Zarzuela racecourse plummeted overnight and, thanks to a combination of lush spring grass and the track failing to dry out, two jockeys were unseated during the second race of the 1,000 Guineas card.

A delegation of senior jockeys went to the stewards to voice safety concerns and, following lengthy deliberations, races three and four were transferred to the dirt course.

The Classic itself, however, was deemed too THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

prestigious to move, with dramatic consequences.

Three of the 17 runners came down in separate incidents on the home bend. One of the three jockeys involved, the mother of three Nieves Garcia, was unhurt, but the other two, the French-based pair of Roberto Montenegro and Julien Grosjean, suffered a broken wrist and a back injury which are set to keep them out of the saddle for at least two months and one month respectively.

The final race was promptly abandoned and fallout from the incident has been quite far-reaching.

The regulations across Spain have been changed so that there are severe restrictions about the amount of watering that can be undertaken in the 48 hours before racing takes place. And a special commission of exjockeys, trainers and stewards has been

instigated to help La Zarzuela with the preparation of its racing surface.

Montenegro’s mount, Fuenteesteis, was clearly none the worse for her tumble as, less than three weeks later, she finished third in a high class French Listed race at Toulouse. And when a visiting contingent of French jockeys, again including FrancoisXavier Bertras and David Morrison, took part in the Spanish 2,000 Guineas in Madrid a week later, they praised the state of the ground and the fixture passed off without alarm.

The Spanish spotlight now shifts to San Sebastian, where a 15-day summer meeting starts on June 2. British trainers have often been attracted here, in particular to the showpiece £58,120 Copa de Oro over a mile and a half on August 15, for which entries can be made at sansebracing@hotmail.com.

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Jun_154_AroundtheGlobe_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 15:03 Page 33

AROUND THE GLOBE THE WORLDWIDE RACING SCENE

NORT H A M E R I CA

by Steve Andersen

ohn Velazquez guided Always Dreaming into the winners’ enclosure after the $2.39 million Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 6 looking as if he had just stepped out of the weighing room.

Always Dreaming appeared as if he had just walked out of his stall.

Racing on a muddy track, Always Dreaming ran near the front throughout the historic race and pulled away in the stretch for a convincing win. The horse and jockey were as clean as could be considering the conditions, picture perfect for the winner’s ceremony.

Moments earlier, Velazquez celebrated the victory by thrusting his right hand in the air twice when he reached the finish line.

About 100 yards away, in the paddock behind the massive grandstand, trainer Todd Pletcher watched the race on television.

Pletcher had a similar reaction, thrusting his right arm in the air and embracing friends and family as he headed toward the winner’s circle.

This was a familiar triumph for both men.

Pletcher, 49, won the Kentucky Derby in 2010 with Super Saver, who was ridden by Calvin Borel. A year later, Velazquez, 45, won the 2011 Kentucky Derby on Animal Kingdom for trainer Graham Motion.

Together, Velazquez and Pletcher have won

“To be fortunate

enough to have two wins, two seconds and I think three thirds, it looks a little better” hundreds of races and scores of graded stakes.

Through 2016, they had guided eight horses to championships, notably Rags To Riches, who won the 2007 Belmont Stakes, and Uncle Mo, the champion two-year-old male of 2010.

Until May 6, one element was missing – they had never teamed up to win the Kentucky Derby. It was not for a lack of THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

PA

Pletcher finally in dreamland J

Always Dreaming and John Velazquez show their rivals a clean pair of heels

trying. Always Dreaming was the 12th mount for Velazquez on a Pletcher-trained runner in the contest. Their best finish was a second by Invisible Ink in 2001.

“We have had a great relationship for a long time now, and we have won a lot of races together,” Pletcher said. “This one we hadn’t, and this is the one we wanted to win together.

I’m glad we could do it.”

His words conveyed his thoughts, and revealed his emotion. Behind dark sunglasses, the typically stoic Pletcher shed a few tears at his latest career milestone.

Pletcher, who has won seven Eclipse Awards as champion trainer, most recently in 2014, has been critiqued for his Kentucky Derby record. Going into this year, he had one winner from 45 starters. The updated stats are two wins from 48 runners.

“I think this was our 17th Derby,” he said.

“To be fortunate enough to have two wins, two seconds and I think three thirds, it looks a little better. It felt like I really needed that second one. I have tremendous respect for the race, tremendous respect for how difficult it is to win.”

Always Dreaming was 9-2, the fifth consecutive winning favourite. Velazquez had the colt a length behind the pace for the first six furlongs and took the lead on the final turn before winning by two and three-quarter lengths over 19 rivals.

Always Dreaming arrived in Kentucky after

a perfect three-race winter and early spring campaign in Florida. He beat maidens at Tampa Bay Downs in late January and won a conditions race at Gulfstream Park on March 4 before recording a five-length win in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on April 1.

The colt, by Bodemeister, was third and second in two sprints last year when trained in New York by Dominick Schettino. Always Dreaming was transferred to Pletcher after owners Anthony and Mary Ellen Bonomo merged their stable with that of their longtime friends, Vinnie and Teresa Viola. The Bonomos and Violas are part of a larger partnership that owns Always Dreaming.

Vinnie Viola owned the New Jersey Nets of the NBA from 2004-2010, which required him to sell his small racing stable at the time.

He resumed racing horses in 2012 after selling the Nets. He now owns the Florida Panthers of the NHL, a league that does not have restrictions on team owners holding racehorses.

Viola, 61, made national news earlier this year when he was selected by President Donald Trump to be secretary of Army. In early February, Viola turned down the nomination because of concerns about unwinding his business holdings.

Three months later, one of Viola’s equine investments won the Kentucky Derby with one of America’s premier jockey and trainer combinations.

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AROUND THE GLOBE

AUST R A L I A

by Danny Power

It’s rare for one of Australia’s dominant trainers to be based outside a major capital city, so rare that you have to go back 100 years to find someone comparable to Darren Weir.

Coincidentally, that trainer in the early 1900s – James Scobie – like Weir, was also based at Ballarat, about 105km north-west of Melbourne.

Hall of Famer Scobie emerged as a Victoria’s champion trainer from his stables at the historic goldfield town of Ballarat, from where he trained his first of four Melbourne Cup winners before moving his operation to Flemington, a short boat ride on the Maribyrnong River from Melbourne’s city centre.

Weir has no intention of leaving Ballarat. His major move has been a second stable further south-west to the coastal town of Warrnambool (265km from Melbourne), from where it is reported he has 75% of the stables in the district, using not only the wonderful facility of beach training, particularly in the sand dunes, but also utilising some of the ’bool’s prominent trainers as caretakers for his ever expanding team. Not so long ago it is believed Weir galloped close to 250 horses from his two bases on one day.

“It’s just a real blokes’ week, three days of racing, punting, drinking and catching up with mates”

In early May, Weir made his mark more on Warrnambool than just for being popular for paying rent for boxes. At the famous Warrnambool three-day carnival, best known for its jumps races, Weir dominated like no trainer had in the 145 years of the carnival.

He trained an incredible 14 of the 30 winners, including winners of the Warrnambool Cup – his fourth in a row – with former Roger Charlton-trained gelding High Church, the feature Galleywood Hurdle with Renew, once an inmate at Ballydoyle, and the feature sprint, the Wangoom Handicap, with the Australian-bred Ullman.

During his time at Warrnambool, Weir also bettered his Australian record of 347 winners in one season. He finished the week on 350

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BRONWEN HEALY

Weir made for Warrnambool

Darren Weir with Michelle Payne after their historic triumph in the Melbourne Cup

with nearly three months to go.

So far this season, Weir has trained seven Group 1 winners, one short of the seasonleader Chris Waller, who has banked six alone with his superstar Winx.

Weir, 48, is from Berriwillock, a small wheatproducing town in Victoria’s Mallee in the north-west. He’s a genuine knockabout Aussie who started his thoroughbred racing life as a farrier and horse breaker before taking out his trainer’s licence in 1995 with one horse. He soon became a prolific trainer of winners and took another step in 2001 when he moved to Ballarat. He has been the leading provincial trainer since 2005, saddling 100 or more winners a season.

His star of his early days was the mare She’s Archie, winner of the Group 1 South Australian Oaks before finishing second behind Makybe Diva in the 2003 Melbourne Cup. Weir made international headlines in 2015 when he trained 100-1 chance Prince Of Penzance, ridden by Michelle Payne, to win the Melbourne Cup. However, it has been only in the past five seasons that Weir has become a regular saddling horses in Group 1 races. Despite that higher profile, he remains a laconic bush boy with the ever-present smile who’d prefer to knock around with his mates at Warrnambool than ever consider donning a top hat at Royal Ascot.

“I’ve never missed one [Warrnambool carnival] since I’ve had my trainer’s licence,” Weir said. “It’s just a real blokes’ week, three days of racing, punting, drinking and catching up with mates. It’s a lot of fun.”

The Warrnambool carnival is Australia’s version of England’s iconic Cheltenham Festival, although more farmers’ market compared to Portobello Road.

However the passion for racing, particularly jumping, is the same, and no more so than day three which features the historic Grand Annual Steeplechase, run over 5,500 metres (three and a half miles) that features 33 fences, the most in any high-level jumps race in the world.

This year’s Grand Annual was won by the mare Regina Coeli, who repeated her triumph of 2015. Regina Coeli, an eight-year-old, is a rarity in Australian jumping, and not only for being female. Whereas most Australian jumpers are failed Flat runners, Regina Coeli was purpose-bred to jump.

Her part-owner and breeder, Warrnamboolbased John Maher, bought her mother Alstomeria at a dispersal sale in 2008 after having early success with one of her sons, Al Garhood (by Zabeel), over jumps.

Al Garhood went on to win two Grand Annuals (2010, 2011) for Maher and his sons – trainer Ciaron Maher, then one of Victoria’s up-and-coming horsemen and now one of the topliners, and his foreman Declan.

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TBA AWARDS

A Centenary Celebration Marking 100 years of the existence of the TBA, this year’s awards ceremony again commemorated many glittering achievements on the racecourse as well as hosting the launch of the TBA centenary book

T

he annual TBA Awards dinner is always a memorable evening but this year’s occasion was extra special, marking as it did the association’s centenary.

To celebrate the first 100 years, a commemorative book has recently been published by the TBA and was launched at the awards ceremony at the Jockey Club Rooms, which took place on the eve of Newmarket’s Guineas meeting.

As ever, there has been much to celebrate within the world of British breeding over the past 12 months. A real resurgence in the Flat stallion ranks in the country has been accompanied by several major boosts for National Hunt breeding, with headline acts including the treble Gold Cup winner Sizing John, Tea For Two, Cue Card, Thistlecrack and Special Tiara. Three of these five star names are by Kayf Tara, who has dominated the jump stallion ranks in Britain in recent years and now looks poised to lay down a serious challenge to the overall title for the coming year.

On the Flat Since Sheikh Mohammed’s purchase of Dalham Hall Stud in 1981, his Darley brand has become a world leader and this year the operation took the Queen’s Silver Cup for leading breeder by prize-money for the fourth consecutive year. Among Darley’s key flagbearers in 2016 were the Group 1-winning juveniles Thunder Snow and Wuheida, along with expat Hartnell, who is now a top-flight winner in Australia, and Dartmouth, who races in the colours of the Queen and provided Royal Ascot with a royal winner when landing the Hardwicke Stakes in the hands of Olivier Peslier.

Although Sheikh Mohammed acquired virtually all the progeny of Dubai Millennium’s sole foal crop, it was his homebred son Dubawi who became the most successful, not just on the racecourse but now as one of the world’s elite stallions. The Dalham Hall Stud resident has won this BBA Silver Cigar Box for Britain’s leading stallion for the last five years, while other Darley stallions to have claimed the award in previous seasons are Machiavellian, Halling,

Mark Of Esteem and Exceed And Excel.

While outdone by his stable-mate in this category, the hugely successful shuttler Exceed And Excel was back among the winners this time around, landing the Barleythorpe Stud Silver Cup for the highest number of individual Flat winners. His total stood at 89 winners in Britain and Ireland and his influence is keenly felt throughout Darley, which stands five of his sons, including Helmet, who sired a first-crop Group 1 winner in Thunder Snow.

Despite this achievement, Helmet had to give way to Frankel in the race to be leading first-season sire last year. The Juddmonte-bred superstar was never beaten on the racecourse and, as hoped, he has made a very positive start to his stud career. The leading light last year for the son of Galileo was the Japanese Grade 1 winner Soul Stirring, but among his British stakes winners were Fair Eva, Frankuus and Queen Kindly. Frankel received the Tattersalls Silver Salver as the leading Britishbased freshman sire.

TBA Award winners for the 2016 Flat season and 2016-17 National Hunt season gather in Newmarket to celebrate their success

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In breeding, of course, stallions are only half the story. A mare who produces four blacktype winners from her first four foals is rare indeed and Darley’s Eastern Joy has joined an elite club in achieving just this. The daughter of Dubai Destination was represented last season by Group 1 Criterium International winner Thunder Snow as well as the Listed winner and Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes runner-up Always Smile. They join the Group 3 winners Ihtimal and First Victory on the list of the 11-year-old mare’s high-achieving offspring, for which she was awarded the HJ Joel Silver Salver.

The TBA’s discretionary award for Flat breeder of the year went to Andrew Stone, whose St Albans Bloodstock was responsible for the one of the most celebrated horses in training in Britain over recent seasons, Postponed. Only recently retired at the age of six, the son of Dubawi in 2016 added the Dubai Sheema Classic, the Coronation Cup and the Juddmonte International to his previous year’s victory in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Having previously been Flat Breeder of the Year for his Derby and Arc winner Golden Horn, Anthony Oppenheimer enjoyed yet another successful year on the racecourse in 2016, with graduates of his Hascombe and Valiant Studs including Laura Mongan’s St Leger hero Harbour Law and King Edward VII Stakes winner Across The Stars. Having now bred the winners of four of the five British Classics, the stud was the worthy winner of the TBA Silver Salver.

Springcombe Park Stud in Somerset has only been in existence for less than a decade but its owner Paul Gardner is now the recipient of the Langham Cup for Small Breeder of the Year thanks to the exploits of

Julian Richmond-Watson with Andrew Devonshire Bronze winner David Oldrey

Nicholas Jones, right, with Simon Sweeting of Overbury Stud

>>

Claire Sheppard with Andrew Stone of St Albans Bloodstock

Dawn Laidlaw receives the Barleythorpe Cup from Bryan Mayoh

Dr Richard Newton of the AHT receives the Dominion Bronze

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TBA CEO Claire Sheppard hands Bryan Mayoh the Dudgeon Cup

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TBA AWARDS >>

star sprinter Quiet Reflection, the winner of two Group 1 contests last season.

Witney College and National Stud graduate Jo Brown has been a stalwart of the team at Overbury Stud since its inception and is now assistant manager to Simon Sweeting. Her much valued and varied work, including vital liaison with the owners of mares visiting the stud’s seven stallions, has earned Jo the New England Stud-sponsored Annual Stud Staff Award.

Jumping to new heights As previously mentioned, Kayf Tara has every right to be considered a candidate for future

Champion National Hunt sire honours but in the meantime he has continued to dominate the scene in Britain. For the 2016/17 season he has won the Whitbread Silver Salver for the eighth time, while having recorded the highest number of individual chase winner means he also landed his fifth Horse & Hound Cup. At 23, Overbury Stud’s son of Sadler’s Wells was represented by major winners at both Cheltenham and Aintree, with Special Tiara claiming the Queen Mother Chamopion Chase and Tea For Two the Betfred Bowl. Furthermore, the outstanding Thistlecrack, the top-rated hurdler of the previous season, may have been stood down early through injury but not before

David, left, and Kathleen Holmes receive the Queen Mother’s Silver Salver

he posted a scintillating victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. It is almost a year since we lost one of Kayf Tara’s main rivals in the British National Hunt sire ranks, the admirable Midnight Legend. His finest hour as a stallion was to come posthumously when his British-bred son Sizing John managed not only to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup but also to record a famous hat-trick with victories in the Irish Gold Cup and Punchestown Gold Cup either side of his Festival triumph.

In so doing, he has helped his dam La Perrotine, a 17-year-old daughter of Northern Crystal, to the honour of being

Anthea Gibson Fleming with Darley stallion director Sam Bullard

Paul Gardner of Spingcombe Park Stud with Nicholas Jones

Juddmonte’s Jason Imeson with Edmond Mahony of Tattersalls

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Caroline Turnbull presents Simon Sweeting with one of two awards for Kayf Tara

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Jun_154_TBA_Awards_Owner 19/05/2017 16:44 Page 39

ROLL OF HONOUR The Queen’s Silver Cup For the leading British-based Flat breeder by prize-money DARLEY BBA Silver Cigar Box For the leading British-based stallion

by Flat earnings DUBAWI Barleythorpe Stud Silver Cup For the leading British-based stallion by individual Flat winners EXCEED AND EXCEL The TBA centenary book

Derek Christopher and Jo Brown

Sam Bullard and TBA Silver Salver winner Anthony Oppenheimer

Julian Richmond-Watson and Darley’s Liam O’Rourke

Anthea Gibson Fleming presents to David Cahill of Darley

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

named National Hunt Broodmare of the Year, with the Dudgeon Cup being awarded to La Perrotine’s owner Bryan Mayoh.

In turn, Midnight Legend has also played his part in David and Kathleen Holmes being awarded the Queen Mother’s Silver Salver for outstanding National Hunt achievement. The couple bought the son of Night Shift to stand at their Pitchall Farm Stud when his first crop were just two-year-olds and their judicial management played a significant role in helping him to become one of the most respected and successful jump sires in Britain.

Special recognition While most of the annual awards are determined by racecourse performance, the final two prizes of the evening generally mark the contribution of certain individuals to the breeding industry over a number of years.

The Dominion Bronze was first awarded in 1990 and was initiated by Bob McCreery, who sadly died in January. During that time, three eminent members of the veterinary profession have received the award and this year saw a fourth name added to the list in Dr Richard Newton, head of the Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Department at the Animal Health Trust and a vital consultant to the TBA, BHA, DEFRA and HBLB. The Andrew Devonshire Bronze, too, boasts a long list of illustrious winners and this year’s deserving recipient is David Oldrey, who has had a lifelong passion for racing and breeding and has served the sport he loves with great enthusiasm.

As well as being a successful owner-breeder, his many roles within the industry have included David being a member of both the BHB Board and Levy Board, with a special interest in race planning. He is also a former TBA President and noted historian, both of which made him an ideal candidate to make a significant contribution to the TBA centenary book, which is merely the latest of his many achievements in the sport.

Tattersalls’ Silver Salver For the leading British-based first-season sire (Flat) FRANKEL HJ Joel Silver Salver For Flat Broodmare of the Year EASTERN JOY TBA Silver Rose Bowl For TBA Flat Breeder – discretionary award ST ALBANS BLOODSTOCK TBA Silver Salver Special Merit – discretionary award HASCOMBE AND VALIANT STUDS Langham Cup For Small Breeder of the Year (Flat) SPRINGCOMBE PARK STUD TBA Annual Stud Staff Award Sponsored by New England Stud JO BROWN Whitbread Silver Salver For the leading active British-based National Hunt stallion by earnings KAYF TARA Horse & Hound Cup For the leading active British-based National Hunt stallion by number of individual chase winners KAYF TARA Dudgeon Cup National Hunt Broodmare of the Year – discretionary award LA PERROTINE Queen Mother’s Silver Salver National Hunt Achievement Award – discretionary award DAVID AND KATHLEEN HOLMES The Dominion Bronze DR RICHARD NEWTON The Andrew Devonshire Bronze DAVID OLDREY

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TBA AWARDS

100 years and counting

TBA Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson with longstanding regional representative Derek Christopher

Anthony Oppenheimer, Sam Bullard and Antoinette Oppenheimer

Members and award winners gather in the morning room at the Jockey Club Rooms Cherry Jones, Kirsten Rausing and Nicholas Jones

The awards ceremony marked the best of British Flat and NH breeding

40

Enjoying the hospitality of the Jockey Club Rooms after the ceremony

Mandy and Graham Forber, Ali Rea and Mike Saunders

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HISTORY

Jun_154_TalkingTo_v2a_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 15:37 Page 42

TALKING TO...

ROBERT COWELL

Jun_154_TalkingTo_v2a_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 15:31 Page 43

Cowell’s got

TALENT He’d be more than happy to train a Derby horse but Newmarket-based Robert Cowell admits that it’s with horses at the other end of the distance spectrum that he really excels, as Group 1 and major handicap winners in Britain and abroad attest to season after season

By Tim Richards • Photos George Selwyn

Y

ou have a reputation as being brilliant with sprinters, sending out Group 1 winners Prohibit, Jwala and Goldream as well as last year’s Royal Ascot victors, Prince Of Lir and Outback Traveller. Do you set your stall out to train sprinters as opposed to milers or middle-distance horses?

When we first began training the sprinter type was more affordable. Trying to buy a horse with useful sprinting form that may have lost its way was what we were looking at. The longer-distance horses, with good pedigrees, were just out of our price range.

Then once you have a reputation for being a sprint-type trainer you get sent more of the same. Obviously our horses are running with the choke out, but for only about a minute at a time, so hopefully they should have a little bit more life in their legs than those that are running a mile and a quarter or further.

There are plenty of races for the sprinters and some decent prize-money on offer.

Tactically, we feel the first furlong can be the most important part in a sprint; a lot can happen quickly at that early stage. Having a lot of sprinters, they all tend to work with each other at various times, but they never pass each other on the gallops. Invariably, you can tell which one is going best. For the sake of keeping them mentally happy we don’t have one whizzing past another, so they all get plenty out of their work without being demoralised. We have about 50-60 acres of grass paddocks for plenty of turnout playtime after racing and gallops.

Without giving away secrets, how do you select horses in training to join your sprinting academy – is it performance, pedigree or both?

Going back to the start, a good friend, Tom

Morley, who is very astute on form, used to go round with me at the sales. I’d look at the performances with Tom and then inspect the horse itself to see if we felt we could improve it with the facilities we have at home. Ideally we’d be trying to find a three-year-old that had been a useful two-year-old but had disappointed for one reason or another. The dam’s side would always be important, as would the general physique and conformation, also soundness, and we’d check the veterinary records. We’d be looking for one with the ability to improve with age, which a lot of sprinters can do.

I want a trainer for my Derby horse – should I send it to R Cowell? If not, who would do the best job?

I don’t see why you shouldn’t send me a Derby horse! There are some excellent trainers out there that can train sprinters and

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I’m sure Derby winners as well, given the chance. But there are many very capable trainers who just haven’t had a break with a decent horse. Who would I send it to? Any of those with a Derby-winning track record, but I don’t want to single out any one in particular.

I think it’s unlikely I’d ever be sent a Derby horse simply because we seem to concentrate on the faster models. Zain Eagle is about the only horse we have run over a mile and a quarter for a very long time and he finished second in the 2014 John Smith’s Cup at York.

We can do it, but we just don’t get many of the middle-distance type.

It took until your 14th full season for you to break your Group 1 duck in the 2011 King’s Stand Stakes with Prohibit, who provided the highlights in an otherwise disappointing season.

How much do you owe that horse?

Plenty, as I do the owners, Tom Morley, Khalifa Dasmal, Allen Rix and Mrs Penny, who put their hands in their pockets and showed faith in me.

We were breaking into getting a few black-type horses the year before and Tom and I sourced

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Prohibit from the sales; he ticked all our boxes.

I owe Prohibit a lot because he put me on the map, gave my family and the owners our biggest day at that stage at Royal Ascot. Once you have won at that level you crave it again.

After an impressive apprenticeship, serving time with Gavin PritchardGordon, David Nicholson, Jack Berry, John Hammond in France and Neil Drysdale in America, you enjoyed success as a trainer in California but decided to return to England. Why? I was training for a few people with only a handful of horses, the majority of which were claiming class and of average ability. The actual process of claiming one, running it in a couple of races, then getting it claimed off you didn’t do a lot for me, even though it can at times be lucrative. It wasn’t what I wanted out of training.

Horses were changing hands left, right and centre; one minute we had eight or nine and then suddenly three. The obvious choice and chance was to get home and start training here.

What was drummed into you more

than anything else during your learning experience under such worldwide and respected tutelage?

Respect for those that have done it before you, those that employ you and are working with and around you. You listen to all those people who have been there and achieved so much, and you don’t do as much talking because you are learning all the time. I was among some great people out in America, as I was in France, up north and here in Newmarket. Listening, learning and timekeeping would be the three pieces of advice to anyone trying to follow a similar path. You can go places if you have good manners; if you haven’t you don’t get invited anywhere.

You now handle 70 horses on your family’s Bottisham Heath Stud at Six Mile Bottom, near Newmarket. Are you self-contained with your own gallops and facilities?

We are self-contained and have gradually increased our numbers from about 35 horses six years ago to double that figure. Seventy, I can oversee easily, but I do rely on the three or four THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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ROBERT COWELL

Left: Goldream (black and yellow) progressed from handicapper to Group 1 hero, winning the 2015 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Above: Outback Traveller scoops a big pot in the 2016 Wokingham Handicap

main men who are my eyes and ears when I am not around. They are rock solid in the yard; they know as much as I do and they think like I do and know how I like to train. Therefore, the system we have in place runs itself pretty smoothly, but you always need those crucial members of staff to back you up. We might be slightly different to most trainers whereby we can turn horses out and I think you can actually assess their well-being more easily than if they are being held by hand all the time. You can watch them in the paddocks to see how they mess around and enjoy their playtime, whether they put their heads down or not. Then again the staff are absolutely crucial; they all have their own horses to look after and they can tell us what is okay and what isn’t.

We are in our own little bubble here whereby there is no pressure to get to the gallops. The two-year-olds do need taking off three miles down the road to Newmarket, where life is busier and they enjoy a whole new experience.

The older horses will also occasionally be boxed up and taken on to the Heath to stretch their legs. The change of routine and environment can liven them up.

Which horses are you likely to run at Royal Ascot this year?

Goldream is set for the King’s Stand following his very encouraging reappearance at the Guineas meeting. We have been very happy with him and he looks back on track. Ornate didn’t handle the track at Newmarket last time and a flat, stiff track like Ascot might suit him.

He’s going in the right direction. Visionary could go for the Jersey Stakes or the Commonwealth Cup, while Outback Traveller is hopefully going to try and win a second Wokingham.

Goldream won the King’s Stand and Prix de l’Abbaye in 2015, but what went wrong last season and what can we expect from him this year?

He had an extremely hard but fruitful year in 2015. After the Abbaye we decided to send him to Dubai for the prize-money on offer and the fast ground he loves. But by the time he finished running in the Abbaye he had about only three to four weeks’ break before we had to start training him seriously for Dubai. On reflection, we didn’t have long enough and he only recharged about 20% of his batteries.

Unfortunately, with the Abbaye being so late in the year and, having had a hard race there, he’d have benefited from a complete break, which he’s had this year.

What do you consider the most important part of training and the most important attributes for a successful trainer?

I believe it’s knowing the horse and how to

achieve the best from it without rushing it.

Having a good intuition with each individual horse. You have got to have an eye for a horse at the sales so you acquire the best animal for the job you want. It’s not always a question of how big is the engine, it’s about nurturing the engine, keeping the oil filled up and the air filters cleaned, all part of getting a horse to the race in one piece and ensuring you have a fully fit racehorse afterwards as well. Most training centres have a set pattern where they gallop on a Tuesday and Friday, or Wednesday and Saturday. We don’t follow a fixed routine like that, we gallop when we feel it’s right and sometimes they might not gallop for a week or even longer.

“Communication

and transparency are vitally important aspects of making a successful trainer” How big a part does being a good communicator play in training racehorses?

Communication and transparency are vitally important aspects of making a successful trainer.

Personally, I try to speak to my owners at least once a week, though on occasions when I haven’t they will receive emails, gallop reports and veterinary reports. The girls in the office, Katie and Holly, are absolutely brilliant at passing the necessary information to owners.

Three or four years ago we built a little owners’ reception area where we can entertain owners, their friends and syndicates. We are very much

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ROBERT COWELL

CLOSE UP AND...

PERSONAL Worst habit… biting my fingernails Favourite film… any film starring Cameron Diaz Four dinner party guests… Chris Evans, Michael MacIntyre, Cameron Diaz and Rick Stein to cook us a lovely meal Sum yourself up in five words… grey, playful, chubby, focused, reliable I relax by… watching rugby and taking the family water-skiing in Norfolk

When Harry met Robert

>> an open house and welcome anyone wanting to pop in and look at their horse. It is important to offer owners the freedom to do that.

You used to have your celebrated Hawaiian-style beach bar for entertaining owners. Why has it disappeared?

I built the beach bar myself in our garden and it became pretty rickety, though to be honest it wasn’t particularly solid from the start. I tried to put lighting in it and the whole project kept me busy when we were having a quiet patch. We have had some wonderful times there and great memories, though I have to say some of the parties I can’t remember! Anyway, it no longer exists and we now have a much more up to date facility for the owners.

With a wife, Ghislaine, and son Alex and daughter Kara, how do you juggle family life with running a successful stable?

It is wonderful because Ghislaine doesn’t work in racing. She has a part-time job as a development manager in a company developing herbs and spices about 20 minutes away. We live only 100 metres from the yard so when I come home I don’t have to talk horses all the time, which means a nice break from racing and enjoying family interests after what might have been a good or bad day. Kara is into ponies at the moment, but not massively, while Alex is either on a lawnmower or driving tractors and buggies around the place.

Given the economic situation and the low level of prize-money, how concerned are you that you can run your business at a profit?

This is a huge topic at the moment and the general economics of racing makes for a worrying time. Some tracks have pulled their finger out offering more prize-money, while others have done nothing at all. In fact, I think

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CLOSE UP AND...

PROFESSIONAL some races are worth less than they were when I started training about 20 years ago, which is a very sad state of affairs. We are lucky in that we are in a reasonably stable situation working out of a family-owned property so we don’t have to pay a hefty rent. Therefore, we can be more competitive with our pricing and just about keep our heads above water. But overall the finances of racing are pretty diabolical as they stand and things need to change. I don’t know what it will take. Perhaps some sort of catastrophe, I fear.

Having had runners as far afield as Dubai, Hong Kong, America, France and Ireland, is there one foreign racecourse that stands out for you?

Dubai has been absolutely fantastic to us and is quite dear to my heart. We have been sending horses there for many years with considerable success in their heritage handicaps and also been placed on World Cup night. The prizemoney and hospitality are second to none. It is a lovely place to go in winter. Dubai ticks so many boxes and we love sending horses to compete there as well as enjoying the place ourselves. Equally, France and Ireland have been good to us and been happy hunting grounds.

But I must stress we wouldn’t send a horse abroad unless we were pretty confident of it at least covering its costs.

You recently ran in the London Marathon, your second in three years.

What persuaded you after saying ‘never again’ after your first effort?

It was after two bottles of champagne and a very good dinner with a persistent sister-in-law, Susannah, who was desperate to do the marathon with somebody. That’s what got me going. And after saying ‘yes’, I woke up the next morning in the haze of the night before and actually thought to myself, ‘That wouldn’t be a bad idea, Cowell. Get on and do it’. Much as it was for charity, I thought it would do me good

My racing hero is… Desert Orchid Alternative career… airline pilot Ideal owner is… anyone that can take victory and defeat with aplomb I’d love to win… any Group 1 Biggest lesson I’ve learnt… preparation and patience as well. It was hard work, pounding the streets and putting in the hours that a 26-mile endurance test demands, particularly when you are leading a busy life as well. But the horses were running great while I was out training, which was an added help.

When I did my first marathon with Sheikh Fahad and his team of trainers, we all started too fast and fell in a heap after 13 miles. That scarred me and I wanted to burn my trainers because it had really hurt. But this time I wanted to enjoy the marathon so I paced myself, set even fractions and my last mile was my third fastest of the 26. I did finish with a smile on my face in a time of 4hrs 27min and I am still keen to run.

I only trained for three months and took off three stone. If I continue running and maintain a core level of fitness I might be able to take a few minutes off that time at my next attempt…

You ran for the Injured Rugby Players Charity. What is your association?

My brother-in-law works for the Rugby Football Union and his wife Susannah (my wife’s sister) was keen to run the marathon for the first time.

The RFU had two spare places in the line up and they gave one to Susannah and one to me.

That’s how it materialised. Also I love rugby and am a keen Leicester Tigers supporter, but unfortunately I can’t go to Welford Road that often because of racing commitments. But I do watch a huge amount of rugby on TV, much to Ghislaine’s disgust. It was a privilege to run for all those rugby players who have suffered lifechanging injuries.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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SHEIKH MOHAMMED AND HATTA

Hats off to

HATTA This month sees the 40th anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed’s first winner; it was a lowly Brighton maiden but it was to be the catalyst for an owner who became racing’s best friend Words Sean Magee • Photos George Selwyn

T

he hand of racing history has rarely tapped Brighton on the shoulder. But 40 years ago, on June 20, 1977 the seaside track wrote what was to prove a significant entry in the annals.

Second event on the afternoon’s programme was the Bevendean Maiden Stakes for two-year-old-fillies over an extended five furlongs, with £968.60 going to the winning owner. And it was the identity of that winning owner that has given this minor race its place in the history books.

He was a tall, bearded 27-year-old, a member of the ruling family of Dubai – wherever that was.

“Hatta was very

small and crooked in one leg, but the Sheikh wanted a filly, so we bought her” The racecard gave his name as “Sheik [sic] Maktoum”, though nowadays we know him better as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His colours were recorded as “royal blue, white chevron, blue cap, white star” – though within less than three years they had been superseded by the famous maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap with white star.

That quiet day at Brighton the blue and

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white were carried by the great Australian jockey Ron Hutchinson on a diminutive filly named Hatta, trained for Sheikh Mohammed by John Dunlop at Arundel.

Hatta started even-money favourite in a field of ten, and with good reason. She had made her racecourse debut in late May, finishing a highly promising sixth of 26 runners in a Sandown Park maiden, then ran second at Kempton, beaten a length.

It was only a matter of time before she won, and her backers at Brighton never had a moment’s anxiety. Perfectly at home on those eccentric contours, she cruised into the lead with more than a furlong to run and had only to be pushed out to beat Blanket by five lengths.

Sheikh Mohammed, who over the next four decades would establish himself as arguably the most influential individual in world horseracing, was off the mark.

The passion for horses which Sheikh Mohammed shared with his three brothers has been extensively documented: how from the age of 12 he took part in bareback races along the beaches of Dubai; how he spent as much time as possible with the horses at the palace stables; and how in spring 1967 he and his brother Hamdan made the short journey from Cambridge – where they were studying at a language school – to Newmarket to watch Jim Joel’s colt Royal Palace win the 2,000 Guineas, an experience which solidified in both brothers the urge not just to watch racing but to take an active part in the sport.

Through the 1970s Sheikh Mohammed’s interest in English racing steadily increased, but what concentrated his mind in particular

was meeting Colonel Dick Warden.

The Dubai police department maintained a mounted division – horses could reach parts of the desert which cars could not – and had an arrangement with the Curragh Bloodstock Agency for the import of suitable mounts.

In early 1976, the batch of horses delivered to the police stables was accompanied by the Colonel, whose character is well summed up by Graeme Wilson, biographer of the Maktoum family: “Silver-haired and neatly balding, Warden was a World War II hero renowned for his exploits working with the Resistance behind enemy lines in occupied France. In peacetime, the Old Harrovian was something of an enigma. Sometime THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Sheikh Mohammed’s first winner, Hatta, seen here scoring again in 1977, this time at Sandown in the Raynes Park Stakes over five furlongs; her then 27-year-old owner is pictured inset

thoroughbred trainer, amateur race jockey (he rode his own horse Harewood in the 1932 Grand National), gambler and general raconteur, Warden was above all a gentleman from the old school.

“He is remembered by those who encountered him as being superb company.

Sheikh Mohammed was charmed by the 68year-old veteran and almost immediately the two struck up a friendship that would last until Warden’s death in 1990.”

That assessment of Warden is echoed by Dunlop, Sheikh Mohammed’s first trainer and a friend of the Colonel through Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk.

He says: “He was the most entertaining man you could ever hope to meet, and a fantastic judge of a horse. The first time he THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

went to Keeneland for Sheikh Mohammed he came back with two yearlings: one became Awaasif and the other became Jalmood.”

The admiration between aspirational owner from the Gulf and English gentleman was clearly mutual. After his first encounter with Sheikh Mohammed in Dubai, Warden reported to colleagues at the CBA: “I’ve met this charming Arab who would like to buy a few horses,” then added, in one of racing’s great understatements: “I think that one day he could be a very big owner.”

In autumn 1976 Sheikh Mohammed and Warden accompanied Dunlop to the October Yearling Sales at Newmarket, where they bought three horses: a colt by Busted, later named Shaab, for 20,000gns; a colt by

Lorenzaccio, later named Haddfan, for 12,500gns; and for a mere 6,200gns a filly, who would be named Hatta after the fortified enclave in the desert outside Dubai city.

Dunlop remembers: “We were instructed to buy only colts, but quite late on Sheikh Mohammed asked that we purchase a filly for him. Pretty well all the fillies within his modest budget had already been sold, and very little was left for us except this Irishbred Realm filly, who did not exactly inspire us with confidence. She was very small indeed and crooked in one leg, but the Sheikh wanted a filly, so we bought her.”

Hatta was registered in Sheikh Mohammed’s name, as was Haddfan, while Shaab was recorded in the ownership of the

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S H E I K H M O H A M M E D A N D H AT TA >> oldest brother of the four brothers, Sheikh

Maktoum Al Maktoum. At Warden’s recommendation the three youngsters went into training with Dunlop.

“When meeting Sheikh Mohammed for the first time I was immediately struck by his charm,” the trainer recalls. “While he clearly knew a great deal about horses, he was very keen to learn all he could about English racing.

“He bombarded me with questions about the preparation of thoroughbreds, and while he understood horses as a species, he was trying to reconcile his own understanding of the subject with the principles of training finely-tuned equine athletes.”

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Hatta could hardly have found a more congenial home than Dunlop’s Arundel yard, and in the wake of her Brighton victory she went from strength to strength.

In early July 1977 she trotted up in the Myrobella Stakes at Salisbury – ‘tracked leader; led below distance; easily,’ said the form book – and then scored almost as easily in the Raynes Park Stakes at Sandown Park, starting at evens and again winning with the minimum of fuss.

It was time to move into Pattern company, and Dunlop saw an opportunity for Hatta in

the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood, a race which in those days was confined to juvenile fillies.

The trouble was that the Molecomb looked like a shoo-in for Amaranda, owned by RB Moller and trained by Harry Wragg, a brilliantly fast filly unbeaten in two races, notably the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. With Lester Piggott in the saddle for the Molecomb, as he had been for Amaranda’s two earlier races, she started at 2-7, with Hatta on 7-1. It was 20-1 bar those two in a field of seven.

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S H E I K H M O H A M M E D A N D H AT TA If Hatta’s chance appeared tenuous on paper, it appeared a completely lost cause in the early stages of the race, when she was seriously outpaced by the favourite. Halfway through the five-furlong trip Amaranda was still cruising, with Hatta vainly trying to get on terms, but inside the final furlong Hutchinson conjured a fresh effort from his filly. Amaranda failed to quicken – and at the winning post Sheikh Mohammed had landed his first Group race by a margin of two and a half lengths.

After a disappointing run when tried over

six furlongs in the Firth of Clyde Stakes at Ayr, Hatta retired for the season. Hopes were high for a successful three-year-old term, but in the event she met a series of setbacks and was retired to the paddocks without having raced at three.

Thanks to Hatta’s four wins, Sheikh Mohammed finished the 1977 season with win prize-money of £10,857 – a drop in the ocean compared with what was to come, but an encouraging start none the less.

And he matched that total of four winners in 1978, with Dunlop-trained Haddfan

winning at Pontefract and two horses with Fulke Johnson Houghton also successful: Swanlinbar at Folkestone and Le Silentiaire at Ayr and Yarmouth – the Yarmouth race especially noteworthy as Piggott’s first win for Sheikh Mohammed.

Forty years on, we can look back at a littleknown horse winning for an unknown owner on that nondescript Monday at Brighton as the moment when the tectonic plates of world racing started to shift.

Or to wheel out the obvious cliché: the rest is history.

Early Keeneland purchase Awaasif, trained by John Dunlop (left), carries the famous maroon and white silks of Sheikh Mohammed to victory under Lester Piggott in the 1982 Yorkshire Oaks

Jun_154_BeeBy_v2_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 15:33 Page 52

THE BIG INTERVIEW HENRY BEEBY

Unity in

DIVERSITY Like any marriage, a business partnership must endure the rough with the smooth and, ten years on, the merger between Goffs and DBS has overcome the hardships of recession and bad debts to build on strong foundations in two countries Words Julian Muscat • Photos Sarah Farnsworth

T

en years ago Henry Beeby, then Managing Director of Doncaster was (DBS), Sales Bloodstock contemplating the imminent merger between his company and Goffs, the Irish sales house. It made a natural fit, since the two entities were largely operational in their respective countries at that time.

There was little scope for either to grow on their own. Goffs wanted to consolidate its place in the bloodstock market after efforts to diversify had proved unproductive, while for DBS, part of the attraction was that it was gaining a foothold in a country where the Celtic Tiger was roaring its head off.

Beeby raises a wry smile at the memory. Back then, Ireland was savouring an economic

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miracle. The country was effectively being rebuilt on a far grander scale, largely with money flowing in from Europe.

This, in turn, fuelled a property boom that left Dublin values comfortably outstripping those in London. Three months before the merger, the Irish Stock Exchange hit an all-time high of 10,000 points. The only way was up.

When it came, the crash was brutal. It started with the global crisis soon after the deal was signed, although Goffs (Ireland) still generated annual turnover of €120 million in 2007. One year later and Ireland’s economy had imploded.

By 2010, when the recession bit hard, Goffs’ annual take had slumped to €45m.

“You could call it a baptism of fire,” says Beeby, who was appointed Group Chief

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Henry Beeby at the ground-breaking Goffs London Sale in Kensington with David Redvers, representing brand partner QIPCO

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Jun_154_BeeBy_v2_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 15:33 Page 54

HENRY BEEBY >> Executive

when the two companies came together. “I remember after one particularly difficult board meeting Stan Cosgrove (Manager of Moyglare Stud, which owns 20% of Goffs) said to me, ‘I bet you wish you’d never come to Ireland.’ And I replied, ‘No, I can honestly say I have never regretted it’.”

Beeby, 51, does not entertain negative thoughts. He looks for the positives in everything, although it becomes clear as he reminisces that even he sometimes struggled to do that during the worst of it.

The picture is very different now. Last year Goffs returned turnover in Ireland to its precrash levels, generating trade in excess of €120m in its 150th anniversary. Add in turnover of €49.8m from DBS, which has since been renamed Goffs UK, and the group posted annual receipts of €170m.

It is not just the balance sheet that has changed. The perception of Goffs has changed with it. It has been a long road back, with Beeby citing the appointment in 2005 of Eimear Mulhern as Chairman of Goffs Bloodstock Sales as a pivotal turning point.

“Prior to that, I think it was felt that Goffs had slightly lost its way in terms of bloodstock,” he reflects. “It was doing other things and decided to reconnect with the bloodstock industry.

Eimear was given two primary tasks: to break into Britain, and to recruit an industry

Above: Goffs Chairman Eimear Mulhern was instrumental in the merger. Right: Kensington Palace provides an unusual backdrop for a bloodstock auction

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professional to run Goffs on a daily basis.

“Eimear looked around, and rather than take on Tattersalls and DBS, she felt that Goffs and DBS had a lot in common. I had been a guest auctioneer in Goffs from 2000 to 2004, so I had a bit of a link, and flatteringly, she felt I was the man to run the [new] company.

“When we started talking Eimear laid out her stall pretty quickly,” Beeby continues. “My first reaction was to remind her that Goffs tried to buy DBS four years earlier, and she said this would be a merger, not a buyout.”

The dye was soon cast, although Beeby kept hearing one message from the DBS board and its clients. DBS had established a valuable niche in an intensely competitive market. It had to retain the identity it had created into the bargain.

“I remember one of our vendors from the Borders telling me why he enjoyed selling with

us,” Beeby recalls. “He said, ‘If it goes badly you’ll take the bollocking and still buy me a drink. And if it goes well you’ll organise the party.’ There’s a lot in that.”

The merger brought together two firms with strengths in different areas. DBS traded as the prime source of affordable two-year-old winners, headed by its breeze-up sale, which it introduced to Europe 40 years ago. It also hosted the Premier Yearling Sale, which corralled an attractive catalogue of precocious physical types. Goffs had an elite yearling sale, a high-end breeding stock sale and the increasingly popular Arc horses-in-training sale in France.

In consequence, the expertise within the respective staffs made a tidy fit, although the recession meant that Beeby was initially preoccupied with stemming costs.

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HENRY BEEBY “I did a review of the business after I’d been there for six months,” he says.

“The cost-cutting process was hastened when the crash came but it wasn’t a question of going in and changing things. It was more about tweaking things, making it a more personal business. Eimear had already been doing that.

With the greatest respect, the customer-friendly side of it had slightly been lost.”

There were times when the new alliance was on its proverbial knees, with rumours circulating that the company might not survive the onslaught. Gallows humour had taken hold in the offices at Goffs.

“At one early meeting I emphasised to those present that the customer is always right,” Beeby recalls with a smile. “Quick as a flash [Goffs Director] Nick Nugent replied: ‘So if somebody comes up to me and says Henry Beeby is a prat,

DBS has undergone not just a change of venue but also a renaming as Goffs UK

does that mean I have to agree with them?’”

The nadir arrived in 2010, when the company posted losses of €6m, €5.7m of which was bad debt from buyers whose businesses evaporated in the blink of an eye. It was imperative for Beeby to restore the company’s credibility with its bankers and some shareholders.

“It was a very torrid time,” Beeby reflects, “but it was still ridiculous that people were suggesting the company was in financial difficulty. I’d worked for DBS for 25 years when we had no assets, we rented everything, we worked off bank facilities every year yet nobody ever asked us whether we could pay. Now I’m working for millionaire shareholders and people were worried about it.”

“It was a torrid time but it was ridiculous to suggest that the company was in financial difficulty”

As for those annual losses, they were mitigated when Goffs sold 27% of its one-third stake in Arqana, the French sales house. The Aga Khan, already a prominent shareholder in both Goffs and Arqana, bought that 27% holding and the books rebalanced.

With the financial black hole filled, Goffs now had a pressing need to reassert itself within the bloodstock community. This was a new challenge for Beeby, since Goffs measured itself against Tattersalls, the perennial market leader.

He understood the inherent difficulties but

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HENRY BEEBY >>

when, in November 2009, Jim Bolger sent Lush Lashes to be sold at Tattersalls at the end of her stellar racing career, he resolved to act.

“After Lush Lashes made 1.8 million guineas I rang Jim and asked him what we had to do to get him to bring these horses to Goffs,” Beeby says. “He said we had to achieve similar prices, and I said we couldn’t do that unless we had the horses.

“Fair play to Jim: he rang a couple of years later and said he wanted us to sell Banimpire and two foals from the first crop of Sea The Stars,” Beeby continues. “Banimpire made €2.3 million and the Sea The Stars foals made €850,000 and €800,000. To me, that was a real turning point. It demonstrated what we could do.”

Two years later and another landmark was reached. Australian owner-breeder Paul Makin solicited offers from sales companies to sell his entire bloodstock portfolio, and plumped for Goffs.

“We were basically a 33-1 shot to get it but we made our proposal, saying we would make it the centre of our world, and Mr Makin was kind enough to say that we’d demonstrated a passion he hadn’t previously experienced,” Beeby relates.

“It was a big deal because it brought people to Goffs from all over the world. And we got the highest price at any breeding stock sale in 2013 when Chicquita made €6 million.

“In that year we also sold the MontjeuFinsceal Beo yearling for €2.85 million, and in 2015 we sold a Frankel foal for €1.8 million and a Frankel yearling for €1.7 million. Irritatingly, some people said the sale of Banimpire was a flash in the pan but we followed up over and over again, getting top-dollar prices. Then we handled the Wildenstein dispersal.”

That was an unusual event in Europe in that Goffs’ senior personnel acted as auction-ring agents for US buyer Peter Brant’s White Birch Farm, which spent €7.51m at the dispersal.

This year saw the second Goffs boutique sale at Aintree’s Grand National meeting

Beeby heard the whispers that all was not what it seemed.

“We work in a funny space,” he says. “All sorts of chat goes on. What I can say unequivocally is that Peter Brant paid us the

“The Paulyn

Dispersal was a big deal because it brought people from all over the world” money he spent on the horses, and we paid it over to David Wildenstein. Our shareholders and board demand what we would give them as a matter of course, which is absolute transparency and integrity.”

Beeby believes the last ten years has brought a greater industry-wide acceptance of Goffs. His overall missive is to provide strong competition to the market leader.

“We’re getting more right than wrong, we have a very strong team ethos and we make a big point of being approachable because this is a personality-driven business,” he says.

“Since the merger we have brought the two brands closer together. We have the same level of service across every sale at each of our six sales sites. There is only one month of the year when we don’t have a sale, and we have sales at every level, from lots worth €2 million right through to €1,000.

“We also have a reputation for innovation,” he says in closing. “The [eve-of-Royal-Ascot] London sale has been a wonderful addition, and we are always looking for the next big thing.

The long-term plan is to increase market share and I do think it’s important that the market leader has a strong and vibrant competitor, which is to the benefit of British and Irish breeders.”

A way of life, not a job Upon his appointment as Group Chief Executive on the merger between Goffs and Doncaster Bloodstock Sales (DBS), Henry Beeby moved his family from the Scottish Border town of Hawick to live near Kilcullen, in Ireland. Now he is applying for Irish citizenship.

“I have an Irish grandmother,” he explained, “and I am going to live in Ireland for the rest of my life. Both my children look like they are going to stay in Ireland and my wife Vanessa, who is originally from Kentucky, loves living there.”

Having an Irish passport will also allow Beeby to pass swiftly through border controls

56

within EU countries in the wake of Brexit.

Any time saved will be invaluable, given that Beeby boarded 92 flights to and from Ireland last year alone.

In some ways his devotion to the cause makes Ireland a natural home. He worked at his first sale when he was 12 and left school four years later to start at DBS, an outfit his father Harry joined in 1964. “That was two years before I was born,” Beeby reflects.

In Beeby’s office at Doncaster is another memento of his desire to work in the thoroughbred sales world. “Hanging on the wall is the first advert for DBS that I ever wrote,” he reflects. “I was ten at the time.”

The merger’s completion was an emotional moment for Beeby, who’d spent 25 years with DBS. “One of the best things was that I didn’t have to walk away from the people at Doncaster who had taught me so much.,” he says. “This is a way of life, not a job, and I take it very personally. I am passionate about it.

“One of the reasons the merger has worked so well is because [Goffs Chairman] Eimear Mulhern and I work very closely together. I speak to her nearly every day. We are both driven by the business and think the same way. We both think a great deal about how we can do things differently.”

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Jun_154_Bloodstock_Intro_Owner 19/05/2017 14:50 Page 59

BREEDERS’ DIGEST

By EMMA BERRY, Bloodstock Editor

Our bloodstock coverage this month includes:

• Sales Circuit: Strong breeze-up trade continues with new records at Arqana – pages 60-64 • Caulfield Files: Invincible Spirit influential down under via I Am Invincible – pages 66-67 • Dr Statz: Dark Angel’s impressive record has every chance of improving further – page 94

Breeze blows in other direction

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

McCartan at this sale, when his $5,000 More Than Ready colt sold for £200,000. He is another who will race for Phoenix Thoroughbreds and be trained by Radcliffe’s husband Jeremy Noseda.

Jump brigade welcome For this avowed follower of the later-maturing types, an interesting development in the breeze-up market has been the increase in the number of National Hunt trainers attending the Guineas Sale at Tattersalls. Admittedly, the horses-in-training section may partly be the draw, but Donald McCain, Alan King, Lucy Wadham, Richard Phillips, Harry Fry and Noel Williams were all among the buyers this year, while Warren Greatrex was also in attendance with his bloodstock agent and wife, Tessa.

Of those trainers more readily associated with jumping, Alan King was the most prolific purchaser, signing for six two-yearolds with Anthony Bromley. King of course also boasts a terrific strike-rate with his Flat runners, so we shouldn’t necessarily expect to see all of these jumping in the future, but the two Champs Elysees colts selected, along

LAUARA GREEN/TATTERSALLS

N

ow that the breeze-up season has all but drawn to a close, plenty of encouragement can be taken by yearling vendors that the pinhookers will be reinvesting heavily this autumn following the strongest round of two-year-old auctions in recent memory. Mind you, it would be no surprise if their first port of call is the Keeneland September Sale.

There were 4,479 yearlings catalogued for last year’s fortnight-long epic in Lexington and trawling through as many as possible proved profitable for a number of pinhookers, notably Jim McCartan and Willie Browne.

Their most significant joint-purchase was the $15,000 Darley-bred Street Sense colt with a decent enough pedigree to have raised eyebrows that he sold for so little as a yearling. His dam was not only a juvenile winner and Group 3-placed in France but she is a half-sister to the dual Grade 1 winner Alpha. The colt’s crib-biting habit seemingly was the cause of his lowly yearling evaluation but this vice was overlooked and eyebrows raised again for the opposite reason when he shattered the Arqana Breeze-up Sale record at €1.4 million. Kerri Radcliffe landed the colt on behalf of the as-yet unnamed operatives behind Phoenix Thoroughbreds who have been prolific spenders in both Europe and America this season.

While the Street Sense colt was the most spectacular coup, he was far from the only profitable American-bred horse to have caused a stir. At Tattersalls’ Craven Sale, McCartan was out in front again with a Scat Daddy colt sold for 675,000gns having been bought as a yearling for $67,000, while a Lemon Drop Kid colt bought by Browne for $70,000 sold for 235,000gns. Fewer American-sired offspring show up for the Goffs UK Breeze-up Sale, where Kodiac rules the roost and did so again this year, but there was another notable pinhooking strike for

Alan King and Anthony Bromley were busy at the Guineas Breeze-up Sale

with a Youmzain brother to a dual bumper winner, may well have dual-purpose careers ahead of them.

Given the current strength of the select National Hunt in-training sales, this is a sensible arena in which to look for those prepared to give these graduates a little time.

The ‘ready to run’ concept may be pushed heavily by some sales, but the Guineas Sale has been a welcome addition to the calendar, not only as a back-up option for those who might have missed an earlier sale, but also for horses whose pedigrees suggest a more progressive profile.

The wonderful Trip To Paris has been its most perfect graduate in that he was winning by the July of his two-year-old season but really came into his own as a four-year-old when he won the Ascot Gold Cup and Chester Cup and was beaten only half a length for second in the Caulfield Cup. It’s not all about worthy stayers, however, as the Nell Gwyn Stakes winner and Guineas third Daban is also a Tattersalls Guineas graduate.

She ran only once at two, her victory in a Kempton maiden last November being her only start prior to her Classic trial.

One of the main selling points of the breeze-ups has been the fact that potential owners can watch horses gallop and discern at least some modicum of ability before parting with their cash. As we’ve seen often, buying a breezer doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be up to running the following month – though some obviously do.

An early education correctly taught can be no bad thing for a youngster who is then given some time to recover from the exertions of a sales prep after demonstrating that he or she has the physical and mental attributes to cope with training. While it’s not a concept that has caught on in a purely National Hunt sense, the further development of a sale such as this, perhaps slightly later in the year, for middle-distance, dual-purpose types, could go some way to boosting the dwindling appeal of those yearlings bred to stay and so often overlooked.

59

Jun_154_Sales_CircuitV2_Sales 19/05/2017 17:23 Page 60

SALES CIRCUIT • By Carl Evans Overview and analysis of the latest events and trends in Britain and Ireland

There was a wow in the tail as France’s final breeze-up sale of 2017 produced a stunning show-stopper.

A valuation of €1,400,000 for a son of Street Sense shredded the previous Arqana best – set at €800,000 12 months earlier – and meant a resounding pinhooking triumph for the master of breeze-ups, Willie Browne of Mocklershill, and his partner on this particular horse, Jim McCartan. Browne and McCartan are as bold as they come when buying yearlings to trade on as two-year-olds, but this result came not from a six-figure yearling, but one who was knocked down for just $15,000 at Keeneland in September – his crib-biting habit was said to be a factor. His crib-biting was announced at this sale, but the market was forgiving, and his second ring appearance resulted in “careerchanging money”, to quote Browne.

Other members of his consignment include a Zoffany colt, bought for €55,000 at Arqana’s October Sale, and who made €400,000 when knocked down to Nicolas Watrigant’s Mandore International.

Had lists of consignors capable of achieving a seven-figure sum at a breeze-up sale this year been compiled at Christmas, Browne’s name would have headed the majority, but the buyer of his record-priced youngster would have been far harder to spot. Five months later and the

ZUZANNA LUPA/ARQANA

Arqana Breeze-up Sale

Deauville looks likely to become the permanent home of the Arqana Breeze-up Sale

queen of the breezing ring is Kerri Radcliffe, who has been mopping up premier-league lots with enthusiasm on behalf of Phoenix Thoroughbreds, a new and little-known entity which is trusting the training of their European acquisitions to Radcliffe’s Newmarket-based husband Jeremy Noseda, and those bought in the USA to Bob Baffert.

TALKING POINTS

ZUZANNA LUPA/ARQANA

• Was the €1,400,000 price given for the son of Street Sense a European breeze-up record? The sum was bang in the ball park to top the 1,150,000gns price given for a War Front colt at Tattersalls’ Craven Sale in 2014, before sterling had weakened against a basket of currencies following the Brexit vote. A quick calculation on my iPhone as Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder was about to go to press suggests the

The €1.4m Street Sense colt: is he a European record-breaker?

60

Boosted by the superb top price, albeit one which was joined by a heap of other wonderful results, turnover rose 24%, having been lifted by 28% in 2016. The average price, having gained 20% last year, took another 25% hike, while the median rose 23%.

The one negative appeared in the clearance rate, which dropped to 76% from 83%.

Street Sense’s value in sterling was £1,201,690, against the War Front’s £1,207,500, but with exchange rates going up and down daily, and a General Election looming in Britain, their positions could reverse before the year is out.

• Arqana’s Eric Hoyeau was happy to admit that breeze-up sales around Europe have been super strong this year, but he flew the Tricolour when stating that France’s current crop of stallions had been a factor in drawing buyers to his company’s version. Four of the top five lots were by French sires Siyouni (two horses), Kendargent and Style Vendome.

However, when it came to human input, those based in Britain and Ireland were dominant at the top end. Con Marnane’s Bansha House Stud sold two of the top ten, including the Siyouni filly who was second on the list, while the Anglo-Irish pairing of Church Farm and Horse Park Stud (Messrs Marley and Cullinan), consigned the Siyouni colt who was third. Mandore International as buyer, and Haras Du Saubouas as vendor, were the only French-based establishments to figure in association with the leading ten horses.

• Arqana was forced to move this sale to Deauville in 2016 during Longchamp’s renovation, but two fantastic renditions of France’s premier breeze-up auction, drawing buyers from around the world to the Normandy coast, are making the sales company think they may have stumbled on a permanent location.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_154_Sales_CircuitV2_Sales 19/05/2017 17:23 Page 61

ARQANA Breeze-up Sale TOP LOTS Sex/Breeding

Vendor

C Street Sense — Mystic Melody (Seattle Slew)

Mocklershill

Price (€)

F Siyouni — Reech Band (Choisir)

Bansha House Stables

C Siyouni — Ponte Di Legno (Sinndar)

Church Farm & Horse Park Studs

550,000

Richard O’Gorman

C Kendargent — Bugie D’amore (Rail Link)

Grove Stud

470,000

Hillen/Hughes

C Style Vendome — Irisijana (Diktat)

Grove Stud

400,000

Shadwell

C Zoffany — Diamond Fever (Fasliyev)

Mocklershill

400,000

Mandore International

C Choisir — Lady McKell (Raven’s Pass)

Bansha House Stables

360,000

Peter Doyle

C Intello — Bahama Spirit (Invincible Spirit)

Grove Stud

340,000

Charles Gordon-Watson

F Elusive City — My Girl Charlie (Kodiac)

Haras de Saubouas

320,000

Shadwell

F Mastercraftsman — Goddess Of Love (Galileo)

Mocklershill

320,000

Richard Knight

1,400,000 650,000

Buyer Kerri Radcliffe Shadwell

FIVE-YEAR TALE Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

Top Price (€)

2017

94

12,977,000

138,053

82,500

1,400,000

2016

94

10,367,000

110,287

66,000

800,000

2015

88

8,171,000

92,852

60,000

600,000

2014

89

6,885,000

77,360

55,000

750,000

2013

92

6,143,000

66,772

50,000

520,000

Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-up and HIT Sale A boom time for two-year-old breeze-up sales continued at this one-day event, the second of two such auctions at Tattersalls’ Newmarket headquarters.

The first, the Craven Sale, had seen turnover rise 63%, and it went up 50% at this auction, proving demand at a lower level and from a catalogue that could not offer the fancy international pedigrees which had been appealing at the earlier event. An additional 34 horses helped create a £1.8m rise in aggregate, yet supply gained a positive response from demand, resulting in a

clearance rate of 86%, up from last year’s 79%.

The average and median prices rose 11% and 25% respectively, as buyers once again opted to go down the breezing route in search of future winners on the track.

Helping matters was perfect ground for the breeze on the Rowley Mile, and Daban, who had made 260,000gns at the event 12 months earlier and given it a timely advertising hoarding of her own when landing the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes little more than two weeks before the latest rendition. She also offered the promise of a Classic win two days after this event, and third place in the 1,000 Guineas was to prove no mean return.

The pick of this year’s sale proved to be a son of Kodiac, offered by Thomond O’Mara’s Knockanglass Stables and sold to Stephen Hillen for 240,000gns – he had been bought by O’Mara’s allies, Geoffrey Howson and Matt Houldsworth, for £28,000 at Doncaster as a yearling.

Hillen said former champion jockey Richard Hughes would train the colt for Gallagher Equine, while Michael Bell will handle the pick of the in-training section, which saw 65 horses walk the ring.

Bell’s buy was Steve Rogers, a six-year-old son of Montjeu with Saturday afternoon ability and a 105,000gns valuation. He had won six races while with Roger Varian.

Chris Richardson has had a busy breezeup season on behalf of David Thompson

• Jeremy Brummitt and John Hassett have enjoyed a couple of excellent breezing results through their involvement in Seven Hills Bloodstock, a ‘tax-efficient’ Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).

At this auction they traded a £12,000 Zebedee colt for 100,000gns – another knocked down to Cheveley Park Stud – having reaped £135,000 for a 22,000gns Havana Gold colt at Doncaster. And there was more success on the breeze, for at the subsequent Arqana version their €50,000 Orpen yearling filly returned €190,000.

• Cheveley Park Stud is not noted for buying at breeze-up auctions, nor for investing in colts, but it is proof that nothing is set in stone when it comes to the bloodstock world.

Having bought six colts (plus a filly) at the Craven Sale the stud’s MD, Chris Richardson, was back in action here, buying eight colts that were led by a 150,000gns son of Kodiac.

Richardson said his boss, David Thompson, was enjoying watching the event unfold via Tattersalls’ website, and had instructed him to buy colts. Happy news for vendors.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

LAURA GREEN/TATTERSALLS

TALKING POINTS

61

>>

Jun_154_Sales_CircuitV2_Sales 19/05/2017 17:23 Page 62

SALES CIRCUIT

TATTERSALLS Guineas Breeze-up and HIT Sale TOP LOTS Name/Sex/Breeding

Vendor

C Kodiac — Greenflash (Green Desert)

Knockanglass Stables

Price (gns) 240,000

Buyer Stephen Hillen

C Dawn Approach — Whisp (Rainbow Quest)

Glending Stables

170,000

Richard O’Gorman

C Acclamation — Zibeling (Cape Cross)

Church Farm & Horse Park Stud

170,000

Richard Frisby

C Lethal Force — Cool Catena (One Cool Cat)

Mocklershill

170,000

Jeremy Brummitt

C Dandy Man — Dame D´honn (Teofilo)

Knockanglass Stables

160,000

Richard O’Gorman

C Kodiac — White Dress (Pivotal)

Tally-Ho Stud

150,000

Cheveley Park Stud

C Sepoy — Fifty (Fasliyev)

Thomastown Corner Stables

140,000

Oliver St Lawrence

F Acclamation — La Reine De Pearls (Dubawi)

Baroda & Colbinstown

110,000

Stephen Hillen

F Lonhro — She’s A Beauty (Storm Cat)

Friars Lough Stables

110,000

Blandford Bloodstock

Steve Rogers (Montjeu — Three Owls)

Carlburg Stables (R Varian)

105,000

Michael Bell

FIVE-YEAR TALE Year

Sold

Agg (gns)

Avg (gns)

Mdn (gns)

Top Price (gns)

2017

204

2016

164

6,147,300

30,134

18,500

240,000

4,207,900

25,658,

15,000

2015

300,000

172

4,602,100

26,756

18,000

230,00

2014

145

3,955,328

27,278

16,000

270,000

2013

120

2,761,000

23,008

14,000

110,000

Osarus Breeze-up and HIT Sale Having increased the size of this one-day catalogue last year, Osarus did a u-turn, cutting the number of breezers by 29 to 60 horses.

The sales company retained a section of horses-in-training, increasing that section by ten to 30 lots, although a top-price of €10,000 for the winning filly Maiandra says plenty about the low-key nature of the catalogue.

Results from the breeze-up auction were a mix

of good and not-so-good, for while the smaller catalogue was designed to improve quality, and there were rises of 2% in the average and 8% in the median, the clearance rate fell from 70% to 55%, with just 33 lots finding a buyer. Turnover dropped by 44%, although the top price of €77,000 was a record for the six-year-old sale.

One man who was pleased with the occasion was Richard Venn, the French-based expatriate who secured the top lot, a filly by Wootton Bassett, on behalf of those masters of syndication and trading, Tim Palin’s Middleham Park

Racing, which has some 120 horses in training.

Paul Basquin’s Haras du Saubouas offered the sale-topper, just as it had done in 2016 when selling a colt by Wootton Bassett – the youngster subsequently scored on the all-weather at Cagnes-sur-Mer. Fillies nailed eight of the top-ten places, the pick of the colts being a €40,000 son of Rajsaman, who, a few weeks later, chalked up his first Classic winner when Brametot, a member of the sire’s first crop, won the Group 1 Poule d’Essai Des Poulains.

OSARUS Breeze-up and HIT Sale TOP LOTS Sex/Breeding

Vendor

F Wootton Bassett — Tenepia (Keltos)

Haras du Saubouas

Price (€) 77,000

Buyer Richard Venn

F Penny’s Picnic — Danoya (Raven’s Pass)

Haras du Saubouas

60,000

Christophe Ferland

C Rajsaman — Boliche (Key Of Luck)

Haras de Saint Arnoult

40,000

Mandore/Vidal

C Kendargent — Ponte Vespucci (Anabaa)

Star Bloodstock

35,000

FBA

F Style Vendome — Augusta Lucilla (Mr Greeley)

HDG Consignment

33,000

Maxime Cesandri

F Bernardini — Sugar House (Distorted Humor)

Star Bloodstock

32,000

MAB Agency

F Lawman — Paulaya (Peintre Celebre)

Haras de Saint Arnoult

31,000

NBB

F Montmartre — Cosavita (Comte Du Bourg)

Ecurie du Petit Enjoie

28,000

Mandore

F Le Havre — Donna Roberta (Dashing Blade)

Ecurie Prevost Baratte

28,000

Charles Gourdain

F Wootton Bassett — I’m A Heartbreaker (Alhaarth)

HDG Consignment

21,000

Sylvie Sine

FIVE-YEAR TALE Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

Top Price (€)

2017

47

677,500

14,415

9,000

77,000

2016

68

1,079,500

15,875

10,000

60,000

2015

43

909,000

22,725

15,000

65,000

2014

48

764,000

16,255

10,000

75,000

2013

50

802,500

16,596

15,000

45,000

62

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63

Jun_154_Sales_CircuitV2_Sales 19/05/2017 17:23 Page 64

SALES CIRCUIT prevailing dry weather, may have been factors.

Four-year-old Irish pointers tend to generate the biggest prices at this type of sale, but the headline act on this occasion was a five-year-old by the name of Global Citizen, who had won his sole outing in the pointing field 12 days before his ring appearance. His half-brother, De Plotting Shed, had finished second in a Grade 2 hurdle at Fairyhouse just before the sale – and fourth in the Grade 1 Punchestown Stayers’ Hurdle just after it – while full-brother A Hare Breath has been a fine performer for Ben Pauling’s stable.

Turnover returned to a figure just in excess of £3 million, and 12 horses achieved a six-figure valuation – compared to a singleton in 2016, although Claimantakinforgan, the sole horse to breach that mark, went on to finish third in Cheltenham’s Champion Bumper.

The latest aggregate fell short of those achieved at the event between 2012 and 2015, although they involved bigger catalogues (71 offered in 2015, compared to 42 on this occasion, of which 35, or 83%, found a buyer).

The second Goffs UK’s Aintree Sale, and

Tattersalls Ireland Cheltenham April Sale This annual one-day event had a very different look to the 2016 renewal, which was dominated by the dispersal of stock from John Ferguson’s Bloomfields training yard.

Factor in last year’s very wet spring, which had curbed aspirations to run young horses ahead of the sale, and the figures tumbled, but it was more or less business as usual for the latest rendition.

TATTERSALLS IRELAND Cheltenham April Sale TOP LOTS Name/Breeding

Vendor

Price (£)

Buyer

Global Citizen (Alkaadhem — Lady Willmurt)

Ballycurragh Stables (Wiliam Murphy)

275,000

Stroud Coleman

Brewin’upastorm (Milan — Daraheen Diamond)

Camas Park (T Hyde)

250,000

Ryan Mahon/Dan Skelton

Mr Lingo (Curtain Time — Pharlingo)

Josh Ryan

250,000

Gordon Elliott

Battleoverdoyen (Doyen — Battle Over)

Shanrod Stables (J Cosgrave)

235,000

Gordon Elliott

Chooseyourweapon (Flemensfirth — Definite Love)

Monbeg Stables (Donnchadh Doyle)

210,000

Evan Williams

FIVE-YEAR TALE Year

Sold

Agg (£)

Avg (£)

Mdn (£)

Top Price (£)

2017

35

3,000,500

85,729

50,000

275,000

2016

81

2,726,800

33,664

28,000

110,000

2015

50

3,136,000

62,720

47,500

220,000

2014

39

3,362,000

86,205

65,000

300,000

2013

57

3,702,500

64,956

52,000

250,000

Punchestown 24 hours before her ring appearance. David Dunsdon, the amateur rider who bought Redhotfillypeppers with a £200,000 bid at Cheltenham the previous May, and won on her at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve, was on hand to take Minutestomidnight, paying €200,000.

Some smart recent winners with looks and pedigree, and the attendance of leading jumps owners or their representatives, pushed turnover up 61%, while the average and median marks soared by 50% and 57% respectively.

acting for the free-spending Ann and Alan Potts, who have enjoyed a memorable run of success through the three major spring jumping festivals.

Vision Des Flos had been bought for Tyner’s client Grainne O’Connor for €25,000 at Goffs’ Land Rover Sale the previous June, while Minutestomidnight had been another graduate of that event a year earlier. Her price of €5,500 looked ridiculous value after she won an Irish point-to-point on debut, better still when adding a Wexford bumper to her CV, and positively surreal when taking a Grade 3 bumper at

Goffs Punchestown Sale Two lovely updates gave this post-racing sale added impulsion, and the buyers did the rest, generating a record set of figures.

Nine of the 15 horses sold (from 17 offered) made a six-figure sum, headed by Vision Des Flos, who had landed a highly competitive Punchestown bumper for trainer Robert Tyner two days earlier. Tom Malone had the winning bid of €270,000, heading interest from Professor Caroline Tisdall and then confirming he was

GOFFS Punchestown Sale TOP LOTS Name/Breeding

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

Vision Des Flos (Balko — Marie Royale)

Leighmoney Stables

270,000

Tom Malone

Minutestomidnight (Vinnie Roe — Midnight Reel)

Skydown Stables (J Sweeney)

200,000

Coldunell Ltd

Not Many Left (Oscar — Lasado)

Milestone Stables (C Bowe)

150,000

Jessica Harrington

Burrows Edge (Martaline — La Vie De Boitron)

Bernice Stables (W. Ewing)

140,000

Michael Buckley

The Butcher Said (Robin Des Champs — Georgina Valleya)

George Mullins

135,000

Highflyer Bloodstock

FIVE-YEAR TALE Year

Sold

Agg (€)

Avg (€)

Mdn (€)

Top Price (€)

2017

15

1,691,000

112,733

100,000

270,000

2016

14

1,049,000

74,929

63,500

200,000

2015

15

1,483,000

96,867

80,000

280,000

2014

17

1,537,000

90,412

90,000

160,000

2013

12

1,094,000

91,166

72,500

190,000

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THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Spillers Advertorial June 2017 OB_Spillers Advertorial June 2017 OB 19/05/2017 09:55 Page 96

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Breed more winners with SPILLERS ® SARAH NELSON, SPILLERS® Nutritionist outlines the company’s excellent credentials in terms of providing specialist nutrition and support for Stud Farms.

S

PILLERS® has a comprehensive portfolio of stud products that have been optimally formulated to support every stage of the breeding cycle.

Starting with the in-foal mare, 60% of the foetal growth takes place in the last three months of pregnancy increasing the mare’s nutritional requirements and this goes beyond energy that can increase by 15-28%. During this time it’s important to meet these specialist needs. SPILLERS® Stud Cubes and SPILLERS® Stud and Youngstock Mix are ideal in this situation.

Both provide quality protein for excellent topline, a balance of energy sources for safe even growth, an optimal ratio of calcium and phosphorus and chelated zinc, copper and manganese to maximise absorption. Also included is live yeast for digestive health, vitamin C for a healthy immune system and very importantly vitamin E which is proven to support passive immunity via the mare’s colostrum to the foal and maximise fertility.

Both products can also be fed to breeding stallions, and youngstock between 6 months and 2 years.

Foals can start with SPILLERS® Youngstock Pellets which have all the benefits of Stud Cubes but all wrapped up in a smaller easier to eat pellet designed for little soft mouths.

WALTHAM ® SPILLERS® is unique in the equine feed industry because it has the scientific backing of WALTHAM®. A leading authority on pet nutrition. WALTAM® is also home of the Equine Studies Group, led by Professor Pat Harris. Pat is a qualified veterinary surgeon and European specialist in veterinary clinical and comparative nutrition who has

For good doing mares and stallions, late foals with access to good pasture SPILLERS® Gro N’ Win® Stud Balancer is ideal. It’s the original and proven nutrient dense, low calorie stud balancer. It meets the increased nutritional requirements of foals, youngstock and pregnant mares without unwanted calories which could fuel rapid growth. Rich in amino acids for exceptional muscle development and an even growth curve.

SPILLERS® Prep Mix has proven to be highly successful in prepping youngstock for the sales ring. With a palatable mix of

soft steam cooked cereals including rolled oats, barley and maize it also includes a specialist nutrient package providing a high level of quality protein and amino acids to support growth and muscle development. It’s lower in starch than traditional mixes to help reduce the risk of excitability and high in oil which adds an impressive sales ring shine.

All our feeds are manufactured in a mill that has quality at the heart of everything it produces. We work hard to maintain the highest of standards in every aspect of our work from the formulation, manufacture and performance of our feeds, to the service we offer our clients and the advancement of scientific research. We source only the highest quality ingredients from approved suppliers and work closely with British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) to help maintain and improve food safety standards throughout the industry.

SPILLERS® is accredited to the BETA NOPS (naturally occurring prohibited substances) code which ensures the suitability of all SPILLERS® products for horses racing under BHA ■

authored or co-authored over 500 scientific papers. The WALTHAM® Equine Studies group collaborates with scientists and nutritionists throughout the world and by publishing their research, is committed to sharing knowledge with vets, owners and trainers.

Pat is available for consultation and can work with your farm vet to discuss any clinical nutritional issues, strengthening the overall support SPILLERS® can offer ■

THE TEAM SPILLERS® has a team of four Thoroughbred Specialists who work closely with breeders and trainers to provide specialist nutritional support. All have extensive practical experience in the industry and can provide regular farm visits which include forage analysis, a weighbridge service, youngstock evaluation and a full nutritional consultancy.

To find out more about our feeds and how we can help to support your Stud Farm, please visit our website www.spillers-feeds.com or call/email one of our dedicated Thoroughbred Specialists: Kay Scriven (South & Northern Ireland) • +44 (0)78171 32678 • kay.scriven@effem.com Karon Brown (North) • +44 (0)78609 55719 • karon.brown@effem.com Samantha Bennett (Midlands & South East) • +44 (0)77762 48957 • samantha.bennett@effem.com Dominique Winpenny (International) • +44 (0)77368 85876 or +33 1828 81036 • dominique.winpenny@effem.com

Jun_154_Caulfield_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 17:02 Page 66

CAULFIELD FILES ANDREW CAULFIELD REPORTS ON THE BLOODSTOCK WORLD

An Invincible legacy now on both sides of the world Though highly successful in Europe, Invincible Spirit didn’t shine at stud in Australia, but his reputation is being boosted by his son I Am Invincible

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EMMA BERRY

B

earing in mind that the owners of roughly 150 mares were prepared to pay €120,000 to access Invincible Spirit in 2016, it is easy to forget that this same stallion received a lukewarm reception when he first started shuttling to Australia in 2003. The situation was all the more surprising in light of the success already enjoyed by other sons of Green Desert in Australasia. Sunline, an extraordinary daughter of Desert Sun, had gained the last of her 13 Group 1 successes as recently as 2002, while Volksraad had already notched up the first of his many sires’ championships in New Zealand.

The bare facts, though, are that Invincible Spirit attracted only 48 mares at a fee of AUS$13,200 in 2003. He did better in 2004, covering 73 mares at a lower fee of $11,000, but couldn’t maintain the progress in his third year, when 63 mares visited him. It was only in the autumn of 2006, when he was well on his way to taking the title of leading first-crop sire in Britain and Ireland, that Australian breeders finally paid full attention. With his fee still set at only $11,000, Invincible Spirit was tasked with 153 mares.

That busy 2006 season proved to be the last in Invincible Spirit’s career as a shuttle stallion.

With his Australian legacy amounting to 259 foals, it would be nice to be able to report that his four Australian crops proved as effective as their Irish counterparts, which included the Group 1 winners Lawman, Fleeting Sprit and Vale Of York, as well as half a dozen Group 2 winners. The truth is that the Australian crops generally fell short of that high standard, although there was one notable filly in Yosei, whose 41 career starts yielded three Group 1 successes, including the AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes at two and the Thousand Guineas.

Altogether there were just four Group winners among those 259 Australian foals, with only one of the four being a colt. Happily, that colt – the Group 3 winner I Am Invincible – is rapidly ensuring that Invincible Spirit has left an indelible mark on the Australian industry. Like his sire before him, the 16.2-hands I Am Invincible was at his most successful as a four-

Brazen Beau, Darley’s Group 1 winner and shuttling son of I Am Invincible

year-old after a light three-year-old campaign.

His finest effort was arguably his second, receiving 7lb from the veteran Takeover Target, in a Group 1 handicap over six furlongs.

Although clearly well above average, I Am Invincible didn’t stand out from the crowd when he retired to Yarraman Park Stud and he spent his first four seasons at a fee of only $11,000. It was in his favour that he is a big, handsome individual and this no doubt helped him enjoy increasing numerical support, with books of 133, 140, 154 and 175. These early crops have done so well that his fee has been multiplying at a rapid rate. Indeed the first crop did so well that, in 2013/14, I Am Invincible matched his sire’s feat of becoming champion first-crop sire in his homeland (by a substantial margin). This bright start led to his spending his fifth season at $27,500, since when his fee doubled to $55,000 for 2015 and 2016. Now it has doubled again, to $110,000 for the upcoming 2017 Australian season. This rise in his fee has been accompanied by even greater demand for his services, with his last three books standing at 211, 198 and 212.

I Am Invincible’s 2017 fee puts him up among the big boys. He is on the same mark as the tried and tested Exceed And Excel and the accomplished American horse Medaglia d’Oro.

With Fastnet Rock’s fee listed as private, the only ones with a higher published fee are Redoute’s Choice ($137,500) and his champion son Snitzel ($176,000). That means he ranks above such as American Pharoah, the former champion sire Lonhro and the dependable More Than Ready, all of whom are priced at $66,000.

Another indication of how far I Am Invincible has progressed came on April 22, when he accomplished a feat normally achieved only by the likes of Sadler’s Wells and Galileo. Not only did he supply the winner of the Group 3 R.N. Irwin Stakes over 1,100 metres at Morphettville but also the second and third, with Viddora proving too strong for Illustrious Lad and I Am Gypsy. Another indication of his progress was that he notched up stakes winner number 20 from his four crops sired at $11,000 when the two-year-old Kobayashi won a Listed race at Caulfield at the end of April. At the time of writing, on May 2, I Am Invincible ranked fourth behind Snitzel, Street Cry and Fastnet Rock on the general sires’ table, as well as fourth on the two-year-old list. The scale of his success has resulted in considerable demand for his fifthcrop yearlings, sired at $27,500. Individuals have sold for as much as $1,500,000 and $1,400,000.

Beau ideal Twelve of I Am Invincible’s 20 stakes winners have scored at Group level, the best known in Europe surely being his first-crop son Brazen Beau. This very fast horse was rated at least 3lb superior to Australia’s other three-year-olds in the 2014/15 season. Timeform rated Brazen Beau 126 after he travelled to Europe to contest a pair of Group 1 six-furlong events, his better effort coming in the Diamond Jubilee. The Racing Post said “he must be considered unfortunate” to finish a half-length second to the American raider Undrafted after racing virtually alone from his high draw.

Despite this fine effort at Royal Ascot, there is a sizeable difference between the fees being charged for Brazen Beau at Darley’s Australian and English branches. His fee at Dalham Hall stood no higher than £10,000 in his first two seasons but it costs Australian breeders THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_154_Caulfieldv2_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 17:16 Page 67

AUS$44,000 to use the son of I Am Invincible.

This equates to more than £25,000, which suggests that Brazen Beau could prove a bargain for European breeders. Perhaps he will follow the example of Exceed And Excel, another Australian star whose career ended with a disappointing effort in the July Cup. Exceed And Excel spent his first two European seasons at fees of €10,000 and £7,500, whereas his early seasons in Australia were spent

at $55,000. Of course Exceed And Excel has lived up to his name sufficiently for his Australian fee to rise as high as $110,000 and his European fee to €50,000.

I Am Invincible is set to face some stiff competition over the next few years from Shalaa, another of Invincible Spirit’s fastest sons, although I Am Invincible enjoys the advantage of being a proven sire. When Shalaa shuttles to Arrowfield Stud after completing his first season

in France, 2015’s Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes winner will be priced at $33,000.

Zebedee is another son of Invincible Spirit heading for Australia (South Australia to be precise). The sire of Ivawood and Magical Memory is priced at $16,500 in his third season.

Clearly there are many chapters yet to be written in Invincible Spirit’s Australian story, even though he was last seen himself in the country in December 2006.

Arrowfield turning Japanese Grade 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen.

Genuine’s three seasons in Australia yielded the dual Group 1 winner Pompeii Ruler, while Tayasu Tsuyoshi sired the Group 1 VRC Oaks winner Hollow Bullet, and Bubble Gum Fellow sired the New Zealand Group 1 winner Rockabubble. Sunday Silence’s Japanese-based sons also sired winners of the Group 1 Melbourne Cup, the Group 1 Caulfield Cup and the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes.

That George Ryder success came via Deep Impact’s veteran son Real Impact, also winner of the Grade 1 Yasuda Kinen earlier in his career.

Real Impact is now one of three stallions which embody Arrowfield’s commitment to the Japanese thoroughbred in general and to Sunday Silence blood in particular, as he is scheduled to return to Australia from Japan to stand his second season at a fee of $19,250. He covered 134 mares in his first year at Arrowfield.

Arrowfield’s other Japanese shuttlers are Mikki Isle, a Deep Impact son who will stand his first season at $13,750, and the top-class Maurice, who makes his debut at $33,000.

A significant aspect of this Japanese trio is that all three shone at around a mile, so they are speedier types than some of the Sunday Silence sons which

Arrowfield stood in the past.

Mikki Isle won the Grade 1 NHK Mile Cup and the Grade 1 Kyoto Mile Championship, and was even fast enough to finish a head second in the Grade 1 Sprinters Stakes. He no doubt owes his speed to having daughters of Rock Of Gibraltar and Nureyev as his first two dams. He also has the champion American sprinter My Juliet as his fourth dam.

Maurice’s stamina stretched to a mile and a quarter, as he showed in winning the Grade 1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) and the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup as a five-year-old. However, this impressive mover originally made his name over a mile, taking the Yasuda Kinen, Hong Kong Mile and Kyoto Mile Championship.

His sire, the Japan Cup winner Screen Hero, isn’t a member of the Sunday Silence male line but Screen hero does have a dam by the Shadai superstar. As a member of the Hail To Reason male line, Maurice could be viewed as a possible successor to the veteran More Than Ready, who has proved such a valuable member of the Arrowfield team.

The versatile Maurice represents the Hail To Reason line at Arrowfield

HUGH ROUTLEDGE

For a long time now, my wish list has been topped by a desire to see some of Japan’s top stallions spending a year or two in Europe, mainly to give us wider access to the descendants of the brilliant Sunday Silence.

Unfortunately, this has never happened, simply because the Japanese prefer to keep these stallions at home for their own use.

The Australians, though, are in a more fortunate position. For a start, Australia is closer to Japan, but its main advantage is that it is in a different hemisphere, with a different breeding season, and this has made access to Japanese stallions somewhat easier.

John Messara, the Arrowfield Stud supremo, has done his best to exploit the situation.

Although he failed to persuade Shadai to allow Sunday Silence to shuttle to Australia, a deal was done whereby some Australian-owned mares were covered to southern hemisphere time. A good example was Sunday Joy, winner of the Group 1 AJC Australian Oaks in 2003 before becoming the dam of the star Australian mare More Joyous. Another of Sunday Silence’s Australian foals, Any Given Sunday, died young but not before he had sired Riva San, winner of the Queensland Derby and Oaks.

Although Sunday Silence remained beyond Arrowfield’s grasp, the New South Wales farm did succeed in borrowing some of his sons. The undefeated two-year-old champion Fuji Kiseki shuttled for five years between 1998 and 2002, with his best results being the filly Sun Classique, winner of the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic after enjoying Group 1 success in South Africa, and Kinshasa No Kiseki, who was returned to Japan to win two editions of the

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

67

Are you running a good business?

Successful yards need more than just a passion for the sport

As a commercial breeder or racehorse trainer you probably spend nearly all your time in producing the product that people will wish to buy, either a sought-after foal/yearling or a horse fit to run to its potential.

For many in the industry this almost vocational element is the reason why they are in business. The operative word here is “business” because, whether you like it or not, you are running an owner-managed business.

The immediate aspects of horse care are likely to be the elements of your business with which you are most comfortable and, understandably, these are prioritised above all else.

Whilst this is clearly of fundamental importance, it is essential to recognise that a successful business comprises many separate but related elements. You may be the best horseman on the planet, but if you cannot run your business effectively it will fail. There are many precedents for this and we can all name examples of breeders and trainers who have withdrawn from the industry citing financial/business reasons for this.

This list is not exhaustive, rather it is designed to be thought provoking and we have briefly expanded on each element below.

What does success look like for your business?

This is an often overlooked area.

If you cannot articulate in a few sentences precisely why you are in business as a trainer or breeder and what you would define as success then it would be worth spending a few minutes doing so. Do you want to be champion trainer or is simply making a living sufficient?

In our experience having a clear vision is central to the achievement of success, however you might wish to define it. And remember this is personal to you – there is no right or wrong answer just the one that best fits your own circumstances.

With this in mind, it is important that you have a good grasp of the constituent parts of your business and some of the key ones are:

It is also not unusual for priorities to change over time, which can mean that your definition of success also needs modification.

• What does success look like for your business?

Do you provide effective leadership?

• Do you provide effective leadership?

• Is your business well managed?

• Do you have the right staff, both numerically and with an appropriate skill set?

Smith & Williamson OB June 2017.indd 2

Leadership and management are not the same and the distinction is important. Management is how efficiently the business climbs the ladder of success: leadership is making sure that the ladder

is leaning against the correct wall. Leaders do the right things, managers do things right.

It is worth spending some time in considering your leadership style and how it affects the performance of those around you: sometimes a few tweaks can transform the effectiveness of your team. Why not ask for some feedback? Very often, people appreciate being given the opportunity to comment on their superiors and one of the greatest gifts is to see ourselves as others do.

Is your business well managed?

Good management disciplines are central to the success of any enterprise.

For example, do your systems ensure that bills are produced, sent out promptly and debtors chased?

Fundamentally, have you got your pricing right and do you know how much profit is given away in offering discounts? In addition, do you fully capture and recharge vet, blacksmith and other associated costs? We find that good practice in these areas is critical to the financial health of breeders and trainers.

There are, of course, many other areas in which management discipline makes a real difference.

19/05/2017 10:03

Do you have the right people?

There is an acknowledged shortage of skilled staff in the bloodstock industry and the position may worsen as we approach Brexit.

Counter-intuitively, the shortage of staff makes recruitment decisions more difficult than it might seem.

If you are short of staff, the temptation is to employ any person who applies to join your team just to make the numbers up. This may, in the long run, prove more damaging than being slightly under staffed. Given that people are one of any business’ greatest assets, compromising on quality can often undermine the cohesiveness of your team and the dynamic of the yard can be put at risk.

Finding the right people at the right time is difficult enough, but holding on to them can be even more challenging. Good people can be lured, or sometimes driven, away.

The people you employ will create more value for your business than any other asset you may have. When people feel valued and secure they can really make a difference so you should do everything you can to create, foster and maintain this environment.

Money is only part of the solution, albeit an important one, but people are often prepared to work for less than they could command elsewhere if they are truly respected, valued, involved and engaged with the objectives of their employer. If you

can engage and inspire your key employees through strong leadership and clear vision, then they will often do the same for the remainder and ensure that everyone becomes a great ambassador for your business.

Peter Treadgold Assurance and business services partner t: 01722 431085 e: peter.treadgold@smithandwilliamson.com

Smith & Williamson is an independently owned professional and financial services group with over 1,600 people. The group is a leading provider of investment management, financial advisory and accountancy services to private clients, professional practices and mid-to-large corporates.

The team advises on business, accounting and taxation issues for clients across the equestrian sector from thoroughbred breeders, trainers and owners to those working in eventing, dressage and show jumping.

smithandwilliamson.com Offices: London, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cheltenham, Dublin (City and Sandyford), Glasgow, Guildford, Jersey, Salisbury and Southampton.

By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Details correct at time of writing. The tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future.

Smith & Williamson LLP Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International. The word partner is used to refer to members of Smith & Williamson LLP.

Smith & Williamson OB June 2017.indd 3

19/05/2017 10:03

Jun_154_ThoroughbredClub_Owner 19/05/2017 14:58 Page 70

Go-ahead club delighted to welcome new figurehead in Joseph de Souza Ascot to watch Frankel win the St James’s Palace Stakes, when he beat horses like Excelebration and Zoffany.

Now we have the battle of the offspring, with horses like Barney Roy and Dream Castle racing against each other in these top grade races, just as their sires did.

“The Thoroughbred Club is delighted to have Mercian King with Amy Murphy and Circulate with Tom Clover running in our name, and look forward to a fruitful partnership with these up and coming trainers. The Thoroughbred Club will always be close with Amy, as Mercian King doubled up as not only our first winner but hers too.”

Recently appointed Club Executive Joseph de Souza is excited about his new role

Circulate: in training with Tom Clover

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HORSES IN TRAINING

he Thoroughbred Club, now in its second year, has shown a real drive and desire to support 16- 30-yearolds within the racing and thoroughbred breeding industry as well as those who want to join it. The club promotes all aspects of horseracing, starting with the birth of a thoroughbred foal and following every step a horse takes towards the racetrack.

We are privileged to have a great support network within the industry, and as a result are able to offer members exclusive access and exciting events throughout the year. So far this year the club has hosted a hugely successful exhibition at the Osborne Gallery in London entitled ‘Equine Photography and Sculpture’, as well as a Cheltenham Festival preview night sponsored by Lycetts.

The success of the club to date has been largely down to the enthusiasm and hard work of its first executive, Tallulah Lewis, who has now departed for

70

a position at Weatherbys. We are delighted to welcome Joseph de Souza as the new Club Executive, who is excited about his new role.

“Horseracing has always been a major part of my life,” said de Souza. “I am fortunate to have worked in some of the major players within the industry before joining the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

“I started at The Jockey Club working on course and after a brief stint in the leisure industry took up a role with Ladbrokes. It’s a welcome change to be working on all things horse-related, not just racing. There are so many opportunities in our sport – whether it is working on a stud farm, in a stable, the media or at a racecourse – and one of the many benefits of being a member of TTC is the guidance we can offer.

“My passion for the sport goes back many years, but I knew I was hooked when I bunked off school to go to Royal

Mercian King looks set to be ready for a summer jumping campaign following his break during the winter. Circulate is looking well in her summer coat after spending a month out at grass, and is working nicely up Warren Hill. It’s great to team up with two of the newest trainers on the block, especially ones who can relate to our members and express first-hand the opportunities inside the industry.

BROODMARES Two of The Thoroughbred Club broodmares have now given birth, with Sacre Coeur following on from Shatabdi in foaling in late March. Sacre Coeur, the dam of Group-winning sprinter Stepper Point, was covered by Muhaarar and the foal could be a speedy addition to the racing ranks. Sacre Coeur is based at Whitsbury Manor Stud, which TTC members can visit this autumn.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_154_ThoroughbredClub_Owner 19/05/2017 14:58 Page 71

www.thetho ro ug hb re d clu b . co . u k •

@T T C_ GB

Manor House Stables, home to owner-breeder Michael Owen and trainer Tom Dascombe, will host TTC members this month

EVENTS The club has even more exciting events still to come this year, as well as some brilliant offers. Members must take advantage of our ticket offer with Ascot racecourse, which enables purchase of Queen Anne Enclosure tickets for half

price on Tuesday and Wednesday of the Royal meeting. The opening day features three Group 1 races. We look forward to meeting those who take advantage of this offer at Royal Ascot.

The club are also delighted to announce the continuation of our QIPCO

Joining TTC is easy and inexpensive, with different levels of interest catered for

British Champion Series ticket competition, giving TTC members the chance to attend some of the biggest meetings in the calendar, from the Investec Derby to the St Leger and many more. Simply share the post from one of our social media platforms in the lead up to each Champion Series event, and email in with your details to stand a chance of winning. Next up is the Investec Derby meeting, with tickets to both Derby and Oaks day up for grabs!

We are extremely excited to be visiting Tom Dascombe’s state of the art Manor House stables on June 10, as well as a trip to Chester racecourse afterwards – it’s set to be a thrilling event not to be missed.

Later in the year we will have the chance to visit Overbury Stud, home of the great Kayf Tara, who is responsible for so many of the exciting jumps horses from last season, such as Tea For Two, Blaklion and Thistlecrack. Overbury is also home to globetrotting star Cityscape, whose first crop is two this year.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of membership of the TTC, then please email joseph.desouza@thetba.co.uk

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS Open to all 16- to 30-year-olds £50 per year (£35 per year for 16- to 22-year-olds)

Full Member • Access to all TTC events • Follow our TTC broodmares and horses in training • Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder magazine subscription • Annual Thoroughbred Stallion Guide • Blogs, webinars, vlogs with exclusive access on our website • Career course and educational opportunities

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Associate Member - Free • Six-month membership • Limited TTC events access • Limited TTC website access

HOW TO JOIN • Visit thethoroughbredclub.co.uk to sign up • If you would like to discuss membership options please contact info@thethoroughbredclub.co.uk

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Jun_154_ROA_Forum_Owner 19/05/2017 17:56 Page 72

ROA FORUM T he spec i al sec ti on for ROA members

Election fever spreads to the ROA

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he country is focussed on electoral and leadership matters, and the same applies here at the ROA as our AGM approaches and ROA board election is well under way.

There are 12 candidates standing for three places this year on the ROA board. We are delighted to have a strong hand of candidates, all passionate about the industry and making a positive difference.

An election pack containing candidate manifestos and ballot cards was mailed to members in May. Details can also be found online.

Members are strongly encouraged to take the opportunity to vote for the individuals they feel best represent their views and the future direction of the association. Voting will close at midday on June 27. The result will be announced at the ROA AGM on July 4.

We very much hope to see a good number of members attending the AGM. The venue is the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, London. The morning session begins at 10.30am and is free to attend. There is the chance to hear keynote industry speeches and take part in an owners’ forum where questions on industry and membership matters can be posed. Members are welcome to bring a guest, but participating in the forum and voting is restricted to members.

The ROA President Nicholas Cooper will make a speech and our industry speaker is BHA Chairman Steve Harman.

Join us for lunch at the AGM on July 4, when the election results will be revealed

We appreciate that not all members are able to attend, and for this reason the AGM will be streamed live online again this year. Details can be found at www.roa.co.uk and will be emailed to members before the event.

We also welcome questions in advance for the owners’ forum session from members unable to attend on the day. Please email to info@roa.co.uk or call the ROA office.

The AGM will be followed by a champagne reception, kindly sponsored by SIS, and a

three-course lunch for members and their guests. A presentation will be made of the Chris Deuters Award to an individual for services to the racing industry. Broadcaster and writer Nick Luck is our after-lunch speaker.

Places need to be booked in advance for the three-course lunch with wine. The price is £108 per person. Tables of ten are available.

To book, see www.roa.co.uk/events or call the ROA office.

Sunshine and sires at Dalham Hall Stud On an unseasonably pleasant April morning, 32 ROA members and their guests were treated to a stallion parade and behind-the-scenes tour of Dalham Hall Stud. Fourteen of Darley’s magnificent stallions, including Iffraaj, Charming Thought, Poet’s Voice, Farhh, New Approach, Golden Horn, Casamento, Sepoy, Brazen Beau and Dubawi, all of whom looked stunning in the sunshine, took a turn in front of their adoring public.

Darley’s Head of Nominations Dawn Laidlaw described each stallion’s track and stud record, and gave the audience a few interesting snippets as to their individual personalities. It was then the turn of Claudia McDougall, from the nominations team, to talk guests through the layout and workings of the stud itself. Members were then able to move onto the afternoon’s racing at Newmarket, gaining complimentary tickets through one of the ROA’s admission schemes.

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ROA members at Dalham Hall

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Fine dining and racing at York

Members viewing one of the horses for sale at the breeze-up at Doncaster

Notable day at Goffs A group of 20 members joined a fascinating ROA-organised visit to Goffs Breeze-up Sale at Doncaster on April 12.

The sale proved to be a notable day as previous records for the sale were surpassed. Following a successful Royal Ascot last year, where the auction enjoyed four winners – two at Group 1 level – buyers from around the globe were in attendance.

During the visit members enjoyed a tour of the yards and facilities with Louise Armour, and viewed a draft of two-yearolds being offered.

Members were given an excellent presentation by Ed Sackville, of SackvilleDonald, and trainer Daniel

Kubler about their methods of selecting horses, from pedigrees, through to breezing and the process of shortlisting and vetting horses at the sale.

Merrick Francis of Lambourn Racehorse Transport explained the importance of horsebox layout, and the logistics of transporting horses from the sale to their new homes.

Members also heard about the process of scoping and wind testing by vets at the sales, and had an entertaining discussion with trainer Richard Phillips.

A downloadable Guide for Buyers can be accessed through Goffs’ website, which contains lots of useful information about purchasing at the sales.

Members can take advantage of a bespoke fine dining package at York racecourse for this year’s Juddmonte International, staged on the opening day of the prestigious Ebor Festival, on Wednesday, August 23.

This will be the richest race ever run at York with prize-money of £1,000,000. The prize fund reflects the quality of this Group 1 race, which was won by Postponed in a duel with Highland Reel last year. The race has global standing as one of Britain’s highest-rated races and has been won by some of the greats, including the invincible Frankel.

The specially discounted package for members includes access to a double box with balcony in the Melrose Stand, a County Stand badge, racecard, parking label, cash bar, morning coffee and biscuits, three-course lunch and afternoon tea at the very special rate of £210 per person, including VAT. There are just 36 places available for this exceptional day’s racing and early booking is recommended.

Bookings can be made online at roa.co.uk/events or by calling the ROA office on 020 7152 0200.

The Melrose suite will host ROA members

Don’t be fooled by this ‘inside information’ The ROA has been contacted by an owner who had received a mailing purporting to be from ‘an ROA member’ offering inside information. Versions of this letter have been circulating for some years and have been reported to the police via the British Horseracing Authority. Various company names used are false, while often a legitimate address is given albeit for people/companies who have no link to the letters.

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We would recommend that any such letters received are destroyed and/or ignored. Anyone who has parted with money and lost it should report it to their local police force.

Should members ever have any information that they feel is worthy of reporting that relates to integrity, the BHA can be contacted via intel@britishhorseracing.com

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Ownership Matters roadshows are back

The AIRO Marquee proved a big hit – as did the fantastic racing

Punchestown popularity We are very grateful to the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) who welcomed ROA members in their exclusive facility over the five days of Punchestown’s National Hunt Festival in April. A good number of members availed themselves of this offer and were able to enjoy access to the facility in the Reserved Enclosure, where complimentary snack refreshments were served.

Following the successful series of ROA Ownership Matters roadshows, we are pleased to announce dates through to the end of the year of our series of informal monthly networking evenings for current owners and prospective owners.

Led by Chief Executive Charlie Liverton, these evenings have debated topics such as how owners are treated on racedays, levy replacement, prize-money and choosing a trainer. You can chat away and enjoy complimentary drinks with fellow owners and trainers.

The evenings are from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and are free to attend. Dates and locations are below. Further details are available on request and can be booked at www.roa.co.uk/events Tuesday, June 6 – Harrogate Wednesday, July 12 – Hamilton Tuesday, August 8 – Hove Wednesday, September 13 – Nottingham Wednesday, September 27 – London Tuesday, November 7 – Edinburgh Tuesday, December 12 – Reigate

ROA rewards owners at Ripon Yorkshire’s ‘garden racecourse’ Ripon played host to the first of the quarterly Owners Jackpot+ at the evening meeting on May 12.

Owners Jackpot+ is an expansion of the ROA/Racing Post Jackpot scheme, which provides a qualifying ROA member with a winning bonus of £2,000 in a weekly race.

Six members with a qualifying runner in the Owners Jackpot+ race received £250 travel expenses, paid by the ROA, and were presented with a bottle of champagne on the evening.

Charlie Liverton, ROA Chief Executive, and Pip Kirkby, the ROA’s Industry Liaison officer,

hosted a drinks and canapés reception for 40 members, for those with and without a runner on the evening.

Liverton said: “We’ve been delighted with the support from members this evening and it goes to show that if appearance money is on offer it influences owner and trainer running plans and they will support fixtures and travel their horses there. We continue to work with racecourses to provide facilities for owners that don’t have a runner on the evening.”

The next Owners Jackpot+ fixture will be at Goodwood on September 5.

Jackpot in June The ROA will be giving away up to £10,000 to ROA members in June, with five ROA/Racing Post Owners Jackpot races.

The bonus is attached to one race each week and is paid out to qualified winners of that race.

To qualify, horses must be owned by ROA members. Those in joint ownership must be owned 51% by members. In the case of a racing partnership, both nominated partners need to be members.

The list of June races are below, and future races can be found at www.roa.co.uk/jackpot June 1 Hamilton Park 1m1f Class 6 3yo 0-65 Handicap June 6 Wetherby 1m Class 6 3yo 0-60 Handicap June 14 Yarmouth 6f Class 5 3yo+ 0-75 Fillies Handicap June 22 Lingfield 1m Class 5 4yo+ 0-75 Fillies Handicap

Charlie Liverton with the La Fritillaire team after their success at Ripon on May 12

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June 26 Wolverhampton 5f Class 5 3yo 0-75 Handicap

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MY DAY AT THE RACES WITH TIM DYKES AT YARMOUTH, APRIL 25

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he latest ROA member to offer their thoughts on going racing with a runner is Tim Dykes. An owner for the last ten years, Tim now has 15 horses in training, owned in a combination of partnerships, joint and sole ownerships and spread across three trainers – Karl Burke, Ali Stronge and Jamie Snowden. He has also recently started breeding racehorses, and has two Flat and one National Hunt broodmare. On this day Tim was at Yarmouth with the Burke-trained threeyear-old Testbourne, running in only his third race.

Did you receive any welcome information as an owner in advance of the raceday?

Yes, I received a pre-raceday letter.

How was the experience of arrival at the racecourse and collecting your owners’ badges?

The owners’ and trainers’ entrance staff were organised and welcoming, with enough people on the desk to ensure long queues did not build up. They were very helpful and clear in explaining what the provision was, and where the facilities were located.

However, I find the new PASS system very frustrating, especially as you cannot currently use the system on a mobile device, which was not very helpful when we had been away from home for a few days.

Tim Dykes deemed Yarmouth to be satisfactory from an owner’s perspective

How was the pre-parade ring/paddock experience?

The parade ring is well located but did not offer anything above standard.

Did you use the owners’ & trainers’ facility on the day?

How did you find the facilities for owners’ viewing?

Yes, we availed ourselves of the bar, free coffee and complimentary meal.

I don’t usually watch the race from the owners’ facility, as I personally prefer to be near the track, about 50 yards from the winning post, and with a view of the big screen. I therefore must confess I didn’t notice whether or not there was a dedicated owners’ viewing area, though from where we stood the viewing was excellent – apart from having our odds-on favourite turned over!

What were your thoughts on the location, comfort and provision in the facility?

The owners’ and trainers’ facility is located at the back of the grandstand in a large, clean marquee. There was plenty of space for everyone, and three of us made use of the complimentary hot drinks and food.

However, there were some comedy moments with the wrong food orders being brought to just about everyone, but once we got the right food it was fine.

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Were you able to review a replay of your race easily on course?

Unfortunately not.

What was your overall lasting feeling of the day, based on your racecourse experience?

Overall it was pretty good. There are some courses, such as Sandown, Ascot and York, that give a fantastic experience to owners.

Yarmouth does not match up to this, but it is certainly not bad, with nothing to really complain about and it is better than many other courses. The atmosphere was not great, but it was difficult for them as it was a smallish crowd on a freezing cold day. I would like to go back in the summer!

How it rated Entry Viewing Atmosphere Owners’ facilities Food Overall score

★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ 15

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Diary dates and reminders JUNE 6 ROA Regional meeting At Wetherby

JUNE 6 Ownership Matters roadshow In Harrogate

JUNE 20-24 Royal Ascot Hospitality packages

JULY 1-8 Racing Staff week

JULY 2 AIRO admission offer At the Curragh

JULY 4 ROA AGM and members & guests lunch In London

Dr Jessica Kidd will perform on HEROS patients at the charity’s base on June 19

JULY 12

Chance to see live surgery HEROS (Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme) has successfully rehomed hundreds of ex-racehorses and has developed a good reputation for matching horses to their new owners across all disciplines; as competition horses, hacks or simply companions, giving them a second chance and an opportunity to enjoy a life after racing.

HEROS are inviting observers to view live ‘standing kissing spine surgery’ with Equine Surgery consultant and HEROS Charity Trustee Dr Jessica Kidd MRCVS. She is performing the standing kissing spine surgery on HEROS equine patients at North Farm Stud, the home of HEROS Charity in two sessions being held on June 19.

As well as observing the procedure, delegates will share in a detailed overview of each case and a discussion of the diagnosis and prognosis

as well as recommended post-op care.

The sessions are open to anyone of any age (parent/guardian consent required for 16 years and below). Whether you’re concerned about surgery your own horse may require, considering a career as a vet or are simply just interested, this will be an informative and worthwhile experience.

There are limited spaces available for each session, so please book early to avoid disappointment. The cost is £50 per person, which includes refreshments. Proceeds will be donated to HEROS to support the retraining and rehoming of ex-racehorses.

Please note that the procedure takes more than one hour and you will be required to scrub in and stand in order to observe.

For further details of the event and to book your places see the HEROS website at www.heroscharity.org/events or call 01488 638820.

Feedback monthly winner If you enjoyed reading about a fellow member’s day at the races, why not give the ROA Raceday Committee feedback on your own racecourse experience? In the Raceday section of the ROA website is a quick and easy questionnaire asking about your day at the races with a runner. Not only will your opinions help the Committee select this year’s Gold Standard Award winners, it could also net you a £50 John Lewis giftcard. This month’s lucky winner is Gordon Fell, who owns the dual purpose horse Jebulani, as well as part of staying handicapper Question Of Faith.

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Ownership Matters event At Hamilton

JULY 19 Member visit to Mark Johnston’s Middleham yard

JULY 31, AUG 1-2 & 4-5 Complimentary admission to AIRO marquee On five days of the Galway Festival

AUGUST 1-5 Richmond Enclosure at Glorious Goodwood Special service for booking badges and hospitality packages

AUGUST 8 Ownership Matters event In Hove

AUGUST 9 ROA Regional meeting At Brighton

AUGUST 20 AIRO admission offer At the Curragh

AUGUST 23 Private box and hospitality offer for first day of York’s Ebor meeting At York Further details and how to book can be found online at roa.co.uk/events

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TRACK TALK The latest news from the UK’s racecourses improvements this year. Owners will now have access to allocated parking spaces in the main car park, off Redcar Lane. Owners with a runner will be offered a complimentary light meal, with six vouchers being offered per runner for the Classic Suite, a new facility located adjacent to the owners’ and trainers’ lounge on the second floor of the Petch Stand.

Redcar are also installing WiFi throughout the course, which is sure to prove popular with all racegoers.

The paddock at Pontefract has been refurbished since the end of last season

Pontefract’s paddock Unveiled at the start of their 2017 season was Pontefract’s newly refurbished paddock, aiming to improve the safety and comfort for horses and jockeys, as well as owners, trainers and stable staff. Costing nearly £500,000, and following consultation with the PJA, BHA and NTF, the old paddock has been remodelled, with the previous slope greatly reduced, walkways widened, and double plastic rails with a hedge in-between added, alongside the addition of two extra walkways for horses and stable staff.

This investment sits alongside the track’s increase in prize-money for the year, up an additional £73,000 on 2016, and taking the total prize fund for 2017 to £1.13 million.

Perth’s provision Welfare of the racehorse is a top priority for all within racing, and Perth is the latest track to demonstrate this with a £250,000 investment in a brand new irrigation system for the provision of safe and consistent going. Unveiled at Perth’s opening three-day meeting at the end of April, the new system includes two Briggs hosewheel irrigators, a variable-speed pump system extracting fresh water straight from the River Tay and the installation of a ring main around the entire inner perimeter of the track.

This investment is in addition to an average

Racing Staff Week, July 1-8 Racing Staff Week, developed by Racing Welfare with industry support, celebrates the role of racing’s workforce and recognises the skill and dedication required to work with racehorses.

The Betfair Three Feathers Cup at Lingfield Park will mark the start of the week on Saturday, July 1.

This follows the success of the Clock Tower Cup at Doncaster last year, a race THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

increase in prize-money per fixture of 10%, meaning that six of the course’s 15 fixtures now offer at least £70,000 in total prize-money.

Brighton bonus The joy of owning a winner is a privilege itself, but several racecourses are seeking to make this experience even more special by offering a range of unique and memorable gifts to take home.

Following discussions with the ROA Raceday Committee, Brighton is the latest to add to this list, and winning owners will now get to take away a luxury, Brighton-branded gift bag containing a bottle of Brighton gin and a chocolate horse head lollipop. Owners just missing out on a win need not despair though, as Brighton are generously going to offer placed owners a complimentary bottle of prosecco, which will be handed out in the parade ring after each race.

A further development this year will be the allocation of a dedicated owners’ viewing area on the terracing close to the winning line, offering a superb view of the racing action.

Redcar improvements The ROA Raceday Committee’s discussions with racecourses as to how they can improve their offering to owners with a runner never cease, and following lengthy discussions with Redcar we are delighted to announce a series of

exclusively for stable staff. The week, sponsored again by Betfair, will start and end with races for valued staff from Flat and National Hunt yards being nominated by their trainers in recognition of their hard work and commitment.

The Betfair Clock Tower Cup will be run at Doncaster over seven furlongs on July 7 and will be the feature of the Racing Welfare Charity Raceday, which includes a special fundraising lunch.

Betfair will once more fund a scholarship prize to the winner of the race to attend a course at the British Racing School or the

Owners’ guides A positive development the ROA has seen over the last few years is the introduction by some racecourses of an ‘Owners’ Guide’. Produced ahead of their seasonal opening each year, these guides, normally printed in a booklet and available online in a PDF, are sure to be appreciated by owners as they provide a wealth of useful information. The most recent version to have landed in the ROA office is York’s ‘A Guide for Horsemen 2017’, which can be viewed in the Owners Guide to Racecourses on the ROA website at www.roa.co.uk

Royal Ascot car-parking Ascot racecourse would like to remind owners that for the Royal meeting the badge collection area will be in its usual marquee in Car Park 2, and not the non-Royal meeting facility in Ticket Office West.

Salisbury badges Access to the racecourse is a primary concern for most owners, especially with the growing number of syndicates in operation. Salisbury has recently announced an increase in the number of owners’ badges for all ownership setups, from six to eight.

Epsom Downs Epsom has advised that July 20 will not now be a Badge Scheme fixture as it is one of their music nights.

Northern Racing College to undertake an amateur jockey’s licence course or another course which will help them to progress their career within the racing industry.

The week has been renamed Racing Staff Week to reflect that Racing Welfare supports all of racing’s workforce, and the week will applaud and highlight the role of all racing staff, including stud staff and racecourse groundstaff.

The ROA fully supports Racing Staff Week and is engaging with industry partners to fund a number of activities to celebrate racing’s workforce over the week.

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M AGICAL MOMENTS with ROA member Clive Titcomb

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ook up Kimberella on the web and you will find it is, or rather was, a mollusc – a slow-moving, slug-like creature. Thankfully for owner Clive Titcomb, there is nothing slow or sluggish about Kimberella the racehorse, who continues to provide him and a growing fanclub with plenty of excitement.

Titcomb’s teenage years included moped trips to Fontwell and Brighton – as far as his parents were concerned he was in the library – and after beginning a job at IBM came a trip to Southwell that was the precursor to ownership, Titcomb and his friend and colleague Lionel Beecroft making themselves heard when shouting home Beecroft’s Eriny.

The following year they got together to purchase a horse, Astrac, and he was to prove a brilliant buy.

His debut came at Redcar on a bank holiday in May 1993, with a certain L Piggott in the saddle.

Titcomb says: “He finished sixth. We couldn’t really understand much of what Lester said but we did get the words, ‘You’ve got some horse there’.”

Piggott’s judgement was spot-on and Astrac was to prove himself some horse, graduating from a first win at Southwell to landing the Coral Sprint Trophy at York, the Wokingham at Royal Ascot, and Listed races at Doncaster and Evry.

“Astrac was with Steve Norton but when he gave up we moved him to Reg Akehurst, and he told us three months before the

“We filled our silver trophy up with wine on the train back to London”

Wokingham to get our money on,” recalls Titcomb. “We put rather a lot on at 33-1.

“Sir Peter O’Sullevan was calling the race and Astrac wasn’t mentioned. I couldn’t figure out why; I thought I must have been watching the wrong horse. But then about a furlong out he realised he had been calling Amron instead of Astrac.

“Astrac was ridden by a young Seb

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Clive Titcomb with Kimberella after victory on all-weather finals day at Lingfield

Sanders and he was one side of the track and three other horses flashed home on the other side, unbeknown to Seb. ‘What photo?’ he asked when he came back into the winner’s enclosure!”

In those days – 1995 – there was no trophy or presentation for the Wokingham; instead Titcomb and Beecroft were invited into the “bowels of the stand” for a couple of glasses of bubbly and the signing of their name in a book – “like a marriage register it was,” explains Titcomb, “and there was ‘Clive and Lionel’ a couple of lines down from Sheikh Mohammed”.

It was a memorable occasion, at least the parts of it he can remember.

Titcomb says: “When Astrac passed the post in front I turned to Lionel and let out an expletive. A bowler-hatted gentleman then asked me to leave the racecourse for foul and abusive language! I issued a further expletive about that and charged off down the steps.

“Later on, we rather outstayed our welcome in the winners’ hospitality as one set of subsequent connections had been and

gone, and we were still in there a couple of races later! They asked us to leave.”

After some singing round the bandstand came more celebratory drinks. “That’s when it started to go a bit hazy,” admits Titcomb.

What was crystal clear was that he had won enough money to save his business, called Astrac, a software company he had founded in 1986 and which was experiencing some difficulties. Titcomb was to sell the business around ten years ago, freeing up some cash to get back into ownership after a dormant decade.

If Astrac was the abiding memory from his first spell as an owner, Kimberella is the dream-maker from his second.

“I’ve been involved with 12 horses, seven of them winners, over the past 25 years, but those two are by far the best,” says Titcomb.

Kimberella blew his budget but has proved money wisely spent, giving Titcomb and wife Gill – whose help and support he hugely appreciates – marvellous days out.

Previously with David Nicholls, the sevenyear-old is now with Richard Fahey and won the All-Weather Sprint Championship at

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Respiratory muscle training Lingfield on Good Friday, before finishing mid-division in the Palace House Stakes.

Fahey’s stable is a long way from Titcomb’s Worcestershire home, but he has a great affinity for the area and was happy to keep the horse in the region with a trainer who has had success with sprinters of Kimberella’s class.

“I’ve been very lucky,” continues Titcomb, who has experienced several moments he describes as magical.

“My first win at Southwell – when we deafened the other five people there! – would be one, as would when Astrac won at York. Jim McGrath thrust a microphone in our face but we were in such a state of euphoria we couldn’t really say anything comprehensible. We filled our silver trophy up with wine on the train back to London.

“The Wentworth Stakes was also amazing; Kieren Fallon rode an absolutely phenomenal race.”

Of Kimberella’s magical momentmaking, Titcomb says: “His first win for me at Ripon, on just his second run for me, was a special day as he won by four lengths pulling Adrian Nicholls’ arms out and we realised then we had a ‘Saturday horse’ on our hands.

“Another highlight was when he broke the course record at Ripon last backend, because the plan to go for the All-Weather Championships was hatched.

“Finals day itself was fantastic. I was there with my mother, who has dementia, and I’d had what I’d call my first ministroke.”

Indeed, Titcomb, now semi-retired, admits to having been hospitalised ten times, all of them emergencies. “I’ve used up about five of my lives,” he says, in what you might call a rather British, matter-offact way.

“You’ve got to live life,” adds Titcomb, a big part of which is Kimberella.

Kimberella also just happens to be an unofficial ownership marketing tool, as Titcomb says: “One positive thing that has happened since the Kimberella ball has begun rolling is a sizeable number of friends, associates and family have become interested in horseracing, some of whom now plan to take it to an ownership level.

He has quite a following!”

The Horserace Betting Levy Board has included amongst its functions the distribution of levy income for the advancement of veterinary science and education. Over the last 53 years this has led to a £55 million investment with the aim of improving the health and welfare of the thoroughbred, with the findings of these projects being publicised at regular intervals.

One of the more recent projects, by Dr Kate Allen and Professor Alison McConnell, of Bristol and Bournemouth Universities respectively, address the issue of whether some of the training techniques used by human athletes could also be performed in the equine athlete – focussing on breathing muscle testing and breathing muscle training.

During intense exercise the huge demand placed upon the breathing muscles of human athletes, particularly the diaphragm, induces a reflex whereby the oxygenated blood supply to the exercising leg muscles is reduced. Although it is not known for definite that the same reflex occurs in racehorses, it is highly likely that it does, and would therefore be a contributing factor in fatigue on the racecourse. To counteract this human athletes undergo breathing muscle training, which can also help with upper airway obstructions – which in a racehorse could necessitate the ubiquitous ‘wind operation’.

The project aimed to both develop equipment to test the breathing muscles of racehorses, and methods to train them, with the ultimate aim to potentially treat, or prevent, upper airway collapse in racehorses, and improve track performance by reducing breathing muscle fatigue. Dr Allen and Professor

McConnell were successful in both these aims, and were able to report that the equipment was extremely well-tolerated by the test horses, meaning that it could have real-world application.

Dr Allen explained: “The area of respiratory muscle training in human athletes has undergone substantial research and this technique is now used widely in Olympic athletes. An HBLB grant has allowed us to develop the equipment to enable respiratory muscle training to be undertaken in horses.

“One of our primary goals is to understand how to improve the muscles of the upper airway, so that we can use this technique to treat and prevent upper airway collapse. In addition, respiratory muscle training has been demonstrated to improve athletic performance in human athletes, and we are also investigating this in the racehorse.

“As the prevalence of lameness and orthopaedic injury is high in the racehorse it is important to investigate adjunctive training methods. Our preliminary research is very promising in terms of upper airway function and performance, however further research is required to optimise the training protocols, to fully understand the responses to training and to understand the role of the respiratory muscles on athletic performance.”

Further study will now be undertaken to utilise this equipment and techniques to develop understanding of the role these muscles play in the racecourse performance of the horse, and to potentially provide revolutionary strategies to treat upper airway obstructions.

Equipment is now in place to enable respiratory muscle training to be undertaken

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

Figures for period April 1, 2016 to March 30, 2017

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 2015-16 (£)

Up/ down

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

458,278 212,321 181,267 140,722 108,793 82,500 80,126 78,267 62,868 54,015 51,766 46,116 40,109 37,865 37,805 37,048 34,142 33,352 32,066 31,889 31,491 30,586 28,964 28,151 27,825 26,996 26,457 25,317 24,167 23,140 22,972 22,843 22,495 20,873 19,807 12,542 53,810

131,067 91,453 83,192 68,478 71,168 51,171 41,667 56,251 45,425 39,171 14,688 31,334 17,298 29,441 26,695 20,563 17,463 25,352 0 19,206 14,828 18,812 18,873 15,240 19,372 13,777 18,624 19,910 12,050 20,165 18,619 13,184 16,384 18,188 13,629 24,818 30,065

264,451 121,269 72,516 113,922 65,318 37,096 10,430 36,302 28,322 17,961 6,312 11,812 4,861 3,997 5,251 4,371 5,000 4,588 4,185 4,150 4,737 4,197 5,137 5,121 5,090 4,467 4,404 5,743 3,609 4,587 14,204 3,458 2,702 3,408 2,768 2,752 19,751

853,796 425,749 336,975 323,122 245,279 170,810 132,223 171,833 136,614 111,702 72,766 89,325 62,268 71,302 69,751 62,099 56,606 63,292 36,250 55,246 51,055 53,596 52,974 48,513 52,287 45,241 49,485 51,016 39,827 47,891 55,794 39,485 41,580 42,530 36,204 40,112 103,686

17 17 18 11 38 23 15 18 16 23 16 16 55 15 17 17 61 75 2 18 22 19 26 16 20 13 58 22 6 19 17 14 17 78 21 26 882

14,514,525 7,237,740 6,065,542 3,554,346 9,320,584 3,928,630 1,983,351 3,092,995 2,185,822 2,617,019 1,164,260 1,429,200 3,424,749 1,069,530 1,185,766 1,055,691 3,452,966 4,746,904 72,500 994,420 1,123,219 1,018,319 1,377,329 776,200 1,045,742 588,129 2,870,101 1,122,349 238,960 909,931 948,500 552,784 706,860 3,317,344 760,274 1,042,923 91,495,501

388,932 188,919 164,788 136,951 109,591 65,284 86,530 66,886 57,967 50,482 37,356 36,488 41,088 33,367 32,289 34,177 26,208 31,218 32,577 27,399 21,192 25,291 21,240 28,223 24,857 25,473 24,320 23,901 22,888 19,876 19,442 18,183 18,748 18,226 15,279 10,827 48,666

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

Up/ down

Jumps Racecourse League Table Ptn Racecourse

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

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Aintree Cheltenham Ascot Haydock Park Sandown Park Newbury Kempton Park Ayr Doncaster Kelso Chepstow Newcastle Cartmel Ludlow Stratford-on-Avon Perth Newton Abbot Musselburgh Wincanton Market Rasen Wetherby Taunton Hereford Uttoxeter Huntingdon Fakenham Warwick Bangor-on-Dee Ffos Las Exeter Carlisle Fontwell Park Lingfield Park Worcester Hexham Sedgefield Leicester Southwell Plumpton Catterick Bridge Towcester 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 2015-16 (£)

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

264,093 257,115 140,894 104,734 100,415 56,795 50,936 38,475 37,803 35,464 34,619 34,193 30,843 28,986 28,741 28,365 28,075 27,779 27,504 26,040 25,961 25,937 24,651 24,187 23,787 23,395 22,860 22,761 22,113 21,560 20,176 19,866 19,792 19,683 18,646 18,164 18,015 17,890 17,358 16,963 16,441 39,079

130,664 127,455 83,371 85,184 86,374 73,015 58,633 28,576 44,236 26,554 38,344 31,840 17,023 29,071 19,162 21,546 29,744 36,476 30,735 22,751 26,862 24,447 15,665 26,843 21,828 24,639 31,742 17,979 18,660 28,436 24,804 21,648 24,616 23,551 17,810 20,532 32,862 18,761 25,331 23,981 21,196 33,593

70,650 70,321 19,950 19,625 15,845 16,498 10,075 9,246 7,926 3,341 10,023 5,666 5,156 4,791 4,174 3,709 0 4,533 5,202 4,406 4,846 5,587 4,594 6,729 4,386 0 5,688 4,662 4,493 5,212 4,819 3,595 4,165 4,252 3,225 3,103 5,069 3,757 3,751 2,487 3,801 8,178

466,220 454,891 244,215 214,694 204,633 148,127 120,259 76,450 90,381 65,823 82,985 72,635 53,022 62,848 52,420 53,621 57,819 69,725 63,441 53,849 57,670 55,993 45,559 57,855 50,298 48,034 62,472 46,235 45,266 55,208 50,980 45,109 48,572 47,739 39,682 41,920 55,946 40,408 46,440 43,598 41,588 81,256

8 15 7 8 9 11 13 15 12 14 15 11 9 16 19 16 16 11 17 23 18 14 10 24 16 10 17 15 14 16 11 22 8 19 13 19 10 20 16 9 10 576

3,729,761 6,823,365 1,709,502 1,625,538 1,841,701 1,629,392 1,563,373 1,146,751 1,084,574 921,525 1,244,778 798,990 477,198 1,005,566 995,972 857,934 925,105 766,972 1,078,489 1,238,519 1,038,053 783,905 455,595 1,388,511 804,775 480,336 1,062,029 693,532 633,718 883,334 560,781 992,404 388,577 907,037 515,862 796,485 559,463 808,154 743,038 392,380 415,881 46,768,852

249,343 235,323 139,862 84,598 94,826 28,225 49,437 41,260 30,154 31,884 29,799 23,272 25,255 49,437 25,674 56,100 23,093 15,855 28,030 18,171 24,567 22,634 0 19,556 20,211 21,925 20,383 18,441 16,037 19,668 19,680 16,016 31,884 14,741 17,167 14,561 20,211 15,964 14,105 15,689 13,203 36,544

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

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 prizemoney: 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 prize-money 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

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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TBA FORUM The special section for TBA members

Statistical Awards • National Hunt 2016/17

H

e may be 23 years of age but Kayf Tara continues as the supremo among British-based National Hunt stallions.

This is the eighth time in the last nine years that he has won the Whitbread Silver Salver (110 winners of 174 races and over £2.4 million this season) and the fifth time in the last six years that he has won the Horse & Hound Cup (40 individual chase winners).

Three chase winners provided the individual highlights, with Thistlecrack in the King George VI Chase, Special Tiara in the Champion Chase, and Tea For Two in the Betway Bowl at Aintree.

Thistlecrack was bred by Robin and Scarlett Knipe at their stud in Herefordshire, where they stood Celtic Cone, who was the leading Britishbased National Hunt sire in five successive seasons from late 1980s.

Bred by leading commercial stud Meon Valley, Kayf Tara has spent the duration of his stallion innings at Overbury Stud.

WHITBREAD SILVER SALVER For the leading active British-based National Hunt stallion in terms of earnings (GB & IRE)

EMMA BERRY

HORSE & HOUND CUP For the leading active British-based National Hunt stallion for number of individual chase winners (GB & IRE) Kayf Tara has dominated the TBA’s National Hunt stallion awards in recent seasons

REMINDER – TBA courses for breeders Members are reminded that a number of courses are available to all this summer. A full list was published in the April issue of the magazine and is also available on our website, or for general information contact Caroline Turnbull at the TBA (caroline.turnbull@thetba.co.uk/01638 661321)

TBA-sponsored Mind Mental Health First Aid – Wednesday, June 7 at the National Stud .

The TBA has joined with the National Stud to facilitate mental health training from Mind, the leading charity providing help and support to those affected by poor mental health. This half-day introductory course will enable participants to understand mental health and identify some common mental health issues as well as how to support people in distress and look after own mental health.

The course is open to employers and their staff, at a cost of £35 (non-members, £75).

For further information please contact Leaya Slater at the National Stud on 01638 675930 or email Leaya@nationalstud.co.uk.

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TBA-sponsored Supervisory Skills Course – Tuesday, June 27 to Wednesday, June 28 at the National Stud Provides participants with the skills needed to lead a team – for those in a supervisory role or transitioning into one.

TBA members £165 (non-members £295).

TBA/National Stud Regional Courses – Tuesday, July 4 at Sparsholt College, Winchester and Thursday, July 6 at York racecourse A one-day course of essential stud farm management topics including foaling and care of the neonate, angular limb deformities and nutrition. This course is funded by the Racing Foundation and is free to TBA members.

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ADAM SMYTH

www.thetba.co.uk

‘The TBA – Solving Breeders’ Problems’ TBA Annual Seminar June 15 at Tattersalls Park Paddocks This year’s seminar takes place in the TBA’s centenary year and will be highlighting the issues that the TBA Board and Executive team have been addressing to protect and promote the interests of British breeders and the British thoroughbred.

The number and breadth of subjects which have been tackled have been both challenging and interesting in pursuit of the TBA’s principal objectives; the preservation of the breed, veterinary research and education.

The day’s programme will provide first-hand and up-to-date details on promotion of the British thoroughbred across all race distances through financial and race programme initiatives; steps to assist employers in both acquiring and retaining staff through new training and development programmes; and the veterinary research projects undertaken to help all breeders with their stud management.

In addition, some of the unique questions which the advent of Brexit has brought to the fore will be answered.

Speakers: DR RICHARD NEWTON Animal Health Trust PAUL GREEVES TBA Deputy Chairman DR LAURA PEACHEY Cambridge Veterinary School PETER MENDHAM TBA Board THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

RUTH QUINN BHA, Director of International Racing

PROFESSOR TIM MORRIS TBA Political Advisor

DR MANDI DE MESTRE Royal Veterinary College

PROFESSOR SIDNEY RICKETTS TBA Veterinary Advisor

JULIAN RICHMOND-WATSON TBA Chairman

JAMES CROWHURST MRCVS TBA Veterinary Advisor

PHILIP NEWTON TBA Board

To register for the seminar please contact Stanstead House on 01638 661321.

NH Mare Owners’ Prize Scheme (NHMOPS) winners April 1, Uttoxeter Betfred Mobile Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 6) Winner: URCA DE LIMA Owned by Anthony Honeyball Racing Club Ltd Bonus Value £5,000 April 3, Huntingdon US Masters Golf at 188BET Mares Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 4) Winner: KATY P Owned by Mr P E Atkinson Bonus Value £10,000 April 15, Carlisle The Betfred Shops Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5) Winner: THE VOCALIST Owned by Mrs Edith Crawford Bonus Value £5,000

April 17, Fakenham The Snellings Norfolk National 9th May Mares’ Maiden Open Nation NH (Class 4) Winner: SUNSHADE Owned by The Queen Bonus Value £5,000 April 20, Cheltenham Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 4) Winner: MELANGERIE Owned by The Barrow Boys Bonus Value £2,500 April 24, Taunton C&S Electrical Wholesale Ltd Mares’ Novices Hurdle Race (Class 4) Winner: CANOODLE Owned by Mrs M D W Morrison Bonus Value £5,000

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TBA FORUM

TBA-sponsored mares’ races The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association sponsored the Listed mares’ novices’ hurdle race at Cheltenham racecourse on Thursday, April 20. A seven-runner race, Brillare Momento held off Dusky Legend to win by a neck. By Milan out of the Supreme Leader mare Sunshine Leader, Brillare Momento is in training with Martin Keighley and at the time of writing has won two of her last three starts, finishing runner-up in the other.

Anthea Gibson Fleming with the winning connections of Brillare Momento

The TBA and EBF also hosted a joint-sponsored race on the same card, the Listed mares’ novices’ handicap chase. The five-runner race went the way of €24,000 Arqana purchase Plaisir D’Amour, who is in training with Venetia Williams and is now the winner of seven races. The five-yearold daughter of Linngari posted an impressive performance to win by six lengths from the Warren Greatrex-trained Magic Money.

NH Foal Show Bangor-on-Dee All members will have received a schedule and entry form in the May mail-out for the TBA ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ foal show, being held at Bangor-on-Dee racecourse on Sunday, July 30. Entries close on Monday, July 10 and no late entries, or entries on the day, will be accepted.

The event is a great social occasion and provides an opportunity to showcase the upcoming talent of British National Hunt breeding. Separate classes for colt and filly foals culminate in a Championship to decide who is deemed to be, in the opinion of the judges from Britain, Ireland and France, to have the most potential to make a good National Hunt racehorse.

Entries are free to TBA members and spectators are very welcome. Prizemoney to the winner of every class is generously donated by Goffs UK Ltd. Saracen horse feeds have also kindly donated some of their products to the class winners and a show jacket to the Champion. A complimentary luncheon, sponsored by the BEBF, is offered to all exhibitors, with a limited number of tickets also available to purchase for spectators.

By visiting the TBA website further information can be found on the entry requirements, show schedule and entry form, or by contacting Melissa Parris on 01638 661321 or Melissa.parris@thetba.co.uk

Race badge offer for TBA members Hamilton racecourse has offered two badges per TBA member for racing on Thursday, July 20 on presentation of your TBA membership card. If you wish to take advantage of this offer there is no need to pre-book, but you must have your membership card with you to collect tickets on the day.

RACECOURSE PASS CARD Please ensure that you have your Racecourse PASS card with you when visiting any course where a horse you have bred is running. You may be refused entry if you do not have your card with you.

Simon Sweeting presenting the award to winning connections of Plaisir D’Amour

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THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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The TBA 3-2-1 Point-to-Point Bonus As part of the TBA’s mandate to improve race opportunities for mares, and to protect and encourage a diverse thoroughbred breed, we have introduced a cash bonus for mares running in point-to-point bumpers under Rules on licensed racecourses during 2016-17 season.

Point-to-Point mare owners have the opportunity to win a bonus of up to £3,000 in any of the three end-of-season bumpers run under Rules on licensed racecourses.

The 3-2-1 Bonus aims to encourage more owners to test their mares on the point-topoint circuit and to provide those proven horses with the opportunity to progress to the National Hunt racing programme.

The 3-2-1 Bonus operates on a sliding scale with the highest-placed mare 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 prize will apply to the first five finishers only.

Exeter racecourse hosted the first qualifying bumper race on Wednesday, April 26.

The Goffs Spring Sales P2P Bumper Maiden National Hunt Flat Race, for amateur riders, attracted a field of ten runners and was won by the Tom Lacey-trained gelding, Sword Of Fate.

However, the runner-up and highest-placed mare, Koala Keel, picked up a £1,000 bonus for her owner/trainer David Fitch-Peyton for being the first mare in the top five finishers,

which included three of the four mares in the field. Another qualifying bumper took place at Aintree on May 19, while Stratford will host the final eligible race on June 9.

The importance of recording things As part of an occasional series of legal articles, the TBA members’ lawyer Rachel Flynn of Keystone Law looks at some of the issues involved with documenting contractual arrangements between breeders and third parties One of the more common reasons for calls to the TBA legal advice helpline is a disagreement or where a person or organisations has entered into an agreement that each later remembers differently. These agreements often relate to horse or bloodstock ownership and can become particularly contentious when a horse proves to be much better or much worse than the parties are expecting at the start.

The most high-profile example of this in recent years is the 2003 litigation involving Rock Of Gibraltar, where it became evident that there had been a misunderstanding between Coolmore and Sir Alex Ferguson about what rights exactly the latter had been buying into.

As Rock Of Gibraltar retired to stud having won a record consecutive seven Group 1s, Sir Alex’s claims (settled a year later) were substantial. While it is unusual for a dispute of this kind to be played out quite so publicly, there are many other such disputes that are not such fertile tabloid fodder but are just as costly and distressing for those involved.

Part-ownerships such as this are fertile areas for disputes regarding, for example, how and THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

when the horse will be sold, who will train it, etc. Similar issues arise where horses are leased to go into training – e.g. how and when will they return to their breeder? If there is a lease, where and how is that documented?

Breeders increasingly collaborate on foal shares and joint-ownerships of good mares where similar issues can arise. The larger studs will have standard form foal share agreements, but as a mare owner have you really understood what you are agreeing to? Common issues here are who is paying for what, when will the offspring be sold, and who is entitled to have a say over management. Any good agreement will deal with these issues.

The best advice – both common sense and legal – is to commit what you have agreed to writing in the first instance and think about such issues as: length of the agreement (perhaps the horse’s two- and three-year-old racing career); circumstances in which it can be terminated (career-ending sickness or injury, one party failing to pay their bills, one party buying the other out); and who will pay for what in what proportions. Unexpected issues will still arise but it is likely to help everyone to have something to look back at.

Despite this best practice advice we all know that, in an industry where it is normal to sell horses for hundreds of thousands of pounds without committing anything to writing, all too often there is nothing to look back at when it becomes evident that things are not going as one side anticipates.

So what then? The best advice is to find and collate any documentary evidence that you have and see how far that supports what has

actually happened. Documentary evidence also means emails, texts, WhatsApp chats – anything that was produced at the time that relates to the subject matter.

If you believe that a horse is owned 50/50, have the bills been split in those proportions?

What has each party actually put in in either cash or cash equivalent? What is the horse worth? And then what is there that is consistent with the other side’s version of events? Contemporaneous evidence produced at the time is likely to be valued much more highly in court and be significantly more credible than whatever the parties say later.

Your next step may be to instruct a lawyer to review the situation, advise you and perhaps write a letter before action to the other party asking them to resolve things or to confirm that they agree with you within a set period.

This may have the desired effect and get a quick result or lead to a deal that you can both agree to. Unless there is a particular reason not to do so, in general this can be a good thing to try yourself before instructing lawyers.

A letter that sets out your case clearly and concisely with reference to the evidence, saying clearly what you want, can do no harm in any legal proceedings (unless, that is, there is any reason or you may need to change your case later!). Do bear in mind when writing this that it will be disclosable in any subsequent legal proceedings.

For legal help and advice, TBA members are entitled to use the legal assistance to members’ scheme run by Rachel Flynn of Keystone Law. To be put in touch please contact the TBA.

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TBA FORUM

FROM THE ARCHIVES: a selection of features from the TBA’s first 100 years

PRETTY POLLY

The prolific Pretty Polly, whose impressive racing record was a precursor to her being named Broodmare of the Century

Continuity counts in breeding, whether in humans or thoroughbreds. When the two aspects combine, the generations fly by, as the recent passing of Cape Cross, sire of Epsom Classic winners Ouija Board, Sea The Stars and Golden Horn, illustrated.

Cape Cross was bred by Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley Stud, which acquired his dam Park Appeal shortly after she emulated her half-sister Desirable by winning the Cheveley Park Stakes in 1984.

One of Sheikh Mohammed’s long-serving bloodstock advisers is David Loder, whose family bred Pretty Polly, winner of the Cheveley Park Stakes in 1903 and from whom Park Appeal descended in direct female line.

The Cheveley Park Stakes connection neither begins nor ends there, for other winners of Newmarket’s premier autumn race for two-year-old fillies include mother and daughter Marwell and Marling, bred by Sir Edmund Loder and direct descendants of Molly Desmond, one of four fillies produced by Pretty Polly who have had a profound influence on bloodstock in Britain and Ireland for more than a century.

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In a foreword to Pretty Polly, An Edwardian Heroine by Michael Tanner, Loder noted: “The circumstances of the triumphs of Pretty Polly as racehorse and progenitress should inspire every breeder with hope for the future,” adding: “As the fortunate ownerbreeder of Marwell, I have been privileged to experience the thrill and honour of campaigning a legendary animal. It is the dream of every owner with a horse in training.”

As seems the case with many a thoroughbred hero or heroine, the dream for Pretty Polly, who was foaled in late-March 1901 at owner-breeder Major Eustace Loder’s Eyrefield Lodge Stud on The Curragh, began inauspiciously. Her sire Gallinule was retired from racing with the dual stigma of being a bleeder and a roarer; her dam Admiration was moderately bred and raced accordingly.

However, having failed to impress trainer Peter Gilpin until shortly before her first race in June 1903, Pretty Polly quickly showed she was capable of out-running her pedigree with both speed and stamina.

She won all nine races as a two-year-old, seven out of eight as a three-year-old,

including the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks, Coronation Stakes, St Leger and Park Hill Stakes – the latter two within 48 hours at odds of 2-5 and 1-25 – four out of four as a four-year-old, starting long odds-on and beating seven horses all told as opposition to her dried up, and two more as a five-year-old, before she was beaten in the Gold Cup at Ascot. Her 22 wins included 13 races that now have Pattern status, of which ten are Group 1.

Pretty Polly was retired to Eyrefield Lodge, where she died at the age of 30. She produced ten foals; her six colts were undistinguished, but her fillies – Molly Desmond, Dutch Mary, Polly Flinders and Baby Polly – proved outstanding broodmares, epitomised by John Hislop’s declared pursuit of her influence and his 1945 purchase of Molly Adare’s daughter Brazen Molly, from whom sprang Brigadier Gerard.

Named broodmare of the century in A Century of Champions, by John Randall and Tony Morris, Pretty Polly more recently took first place in a list of 50 iconic fillies and mares produced by the Racing Post. Time has not diminished her reputation.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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M E E T

T H E

B O A R D

with Ted Voute Tell us about yourself. What do you do in your professional life?

from the achievement gives such a rush that is not replicated in any other activity. We embark on that journey with eight mares either wholly owned or in partnership.

My entire working life has been involved in thoroughbred horses, working through the ranks to eventually own my own stud farms.

My wife Gaynor and I currently own Voute Farm, which has two divisions, the first at our home in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire and the second, Gerald Leigh’s former Stud at Eydon in Northamptonshire.

Where would you like the breeding industry to be in five years’ time?

Leaders on the world stage. A recent surge of proven stallions in the UK and ongoing levy replacement, together with a worldwide desire to buy British-raced horses representing the best European form, will help propel the value of our elite drug- and scandal-free bloodstock.

In five years we should aim to be supplying the best thoroughbreds the world has to offer for turf racing and attracting the wealthiest and most competitive owners in the world to become stakeholders in our business in stud farms, auction houses and on the racecourses. I personally think we have commenced that journey.

What is your background in breeding/racing?

After a stint as a tape operator at Island Records, I have committed the last 35 years to learning as much as I can about the thoroughbred. After an initial period of employment internationally and domestically, I started a consigning business, which is now the oldest survivor! Naturally this developed in to stud farm ownership and the precarious art of breeding our own bloodstock. I currently advise Prince A A Faisal and Nawara Stud Ltd and buy horses for Saudi Arabia to race for Prince Faisal bin Khaled to win the King’s Cup, which we did this year. In a nutshell, our business has evolved to encompass every facet from conception to racehorse and everything in between.

What made you want to join the TBA Board and what are your specific areas of interest?

This is my second stint on the board of the TBA, separated by four years on the ROA board. I derive my entire livelihood from thoroughbreds. I wanted to put something back into the industry that gives me a living, and give a voice to the hands-on difficulties we all have by representing the people that deal with these majestic animals on a day-today basis. I represent the board on two sub-committees, the Veterinary Committee and the newly-formed Sales Consignors Group.

What do you think is the biggest challenge(s) facing the breeding industry? And what are the solutions?

The biggest challenges are yet unseen diseases but the TBA spends enormous

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Ted Voute, breeder, advisor and head of the long-standing Voute Sales

amounts of time and money keeping themselves in a position, surrounded with experts, to react to veterinary challenges from around the world. Although this is unseen and unquantifiable, it is imperative that we are prepared for nature’s challenges through debilitating diseases.

TBA diary dates WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7 MIND Mental Health First Aid Course At the National Stud, Newmarket

THURSDAY, JUNE 15 TBA Annual Seminar At Tattersalls, Newmarket

In terms of breeding/bloodstock, what has been your best/favourite moment?

As a consignor, handling the Newgate dispersal and selling Bosra Sham, the highest-priced yearling filly in the world of her year. As a stud owner, raising Authorized to win the Derby. As a bloodstock agent, buying Belardo as a yearling to win the Dewhurst for Prince A A Faisal.

What race would you most like to win as a breeder and why?

The Derby in my own name or my breeding name, Amelia Fields. We have been lucky enough to breed a Grade 2 winner in Fantastic Style, last year in the USA, from humble beginnings with partners. The thrill

TUESDAY, JUNE 27 – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28 Supervisory Skills Course At the National Stud, Newmarket

MONDAY, JULY 12 TBA AGM At the Jockey Club Rooms, Newmarket

SUNDAY, JULY 30 TBA NH Foal Show, at Bangor-on-Dee

NEW MEMBERS Martyn Gregson, Aberdeenshire Ms Jean Lloyd, Suffolk Michael J Foley, Berkshire Mr A B Ellis, Suffolk Ms Lindsay Calder, North Yorkshire Jean Pierre de Gate, Versailles, France

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BREEDER OF THE MONTH Words Alan Yuill Walker Sponsored by

Manufacturers of

NH BREEDER OF THE MONTH – April 2017

BREEDER OF THE MONTH MARCH/APRIL

Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar The joint-owners of 2007 Derby winner Authorized won the March/April Breeder of the Month award thanks to a couple of black-type winners.

They are the homebred pair Decorated Knight (5), winner of the Group 1 Jebel Hatta on turf at Meydan, and Aljazzi (4), successful in the Snowdrop Fillies’ Stakes at Lingfield on Easter Saturday. Decorated Knight, a chesnut entire by Galileo, also won the Listed Winter Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield in February.

Decorated Knight’s dam Pearling, an own-sister to Giant’s Causeway, was bought for 1.3 million guineas in 2011 carrying Decorated Knight.

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GEORGE SELWYN

Mrs P G Lewin Tea For Two’s thrilling victory over Cue Card in Aintree’s Betway Bowl has given much deserved publicity to all of his immediate connections, but alas not to his breeder. Paula Lewin, who lives at Baydon, overlooking Lambourn, gives all the credit to her late husband, Michael, who died in April 2008, a year before Tea For Two was foaled.

“It was a great shame,” says his widow, “as he loved his horses and he would have been so thrilled with what Tea For Two has achieved.”

In due course Tea For Two was sold as an unbroken three-year-old to his present connections for £24,000 at the Doncaster Spring Sales in May 2012, the Kayf Tara gelding being consigned by Trickledown Stud.

At the time his dam One For Me was represented by two winning offspring, both bred in partnership by Michael Lewin, a Reading businessman and trained, like their dam, by Jean-Rene Auvray, to whom Mrs Lewin gave the mare away. One For Me had provided Auvray with his very first success when scoring as a four-year-old on the all-weather at Wolverhampton in 2002 carrying the Lewin colours and she went on to score five times over hurdles.

Tea For Two was bred and raised at Russley Park, where Lewin has retained nine acres. Historically this has been the base for innumerable trainers down the years and it is now the base of Colin Tinkler, who helped Paula with Tea For Two as a youngster.

One of Tea For Two’s relatives is Jellaby. This grey caused a sensation in the 1978 Lockinge Stakes when, with an unassailable lead, he stumbled and unseated his jockey about a hundred yards from the winning post.

Tea For Two, a posthumous Grade 1 winner for Michael Lewin

The owners’ bloodstock is based at their Blue Diamond Stud on the outskirts of Newmarket. Pearling returned to Galileo this season.

SPECIAL MERIT MARCH/APRIL

Minster Stud Victory for Jack Hobbs in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic, the race preceding the World Cup at Meydan, earned Minster Stud the first Special Merit award in the new series.

Jack Hobbs has been a high-profile player for Willie Carson’s Gloucestershire stud and his triumph in the 2015 Irish Derby earned Minster Stud that year’s July award, while his dam Swain’s Gold was voted TBA Broodmare of the Year.

On his previous start that year, the son of Halling had finished runnerup in the Derby to his John Gosden-trained stable companion Golden Horn and now his dam has been back to Dalham Hall Stud to be covered by his former stablemate after foaling a filly by Dubawi.

Jack Hobbs, who finished a creditable third in last season’s Champion Stakes after being laid off with a pelvic injury, was purchased from Tattersalls’ October Book 2 as a yearling by Blandford Bloodstock for 60,000gns. The same agents paid 200,000gns last October for his Sepoy half-sister, who predictably enough is with J Gosden.

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

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Jun_154_VetForum_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 15:00 Page 90

VET FORUM: THE EXPERT VIEW

By ROB PILSWORTH MRCVS

What happens when a horse ‘breaks down’?

The phrase is usually used to describe a serious injury to a racehorse; we look at what differentiates this particular form from other injuries that horses sustain while racing

I

t is more than ten years since the dreadfully public and dramatic breakdown of Barbaro during the 2006 Preakness Stakes. These high-profile catastrophes, which can happen in front of a large television audience, including the equally gut-wrenching breakdowns of George Washington in the Breeders’ Cup and Verema in the Melbourne Cup, highlight the fact that racing horses will inevitably result in limb failure. Thankfully, however, this happens in only a small number of cases. So what differentiates a horse ‘breaking down’ from other injuries?

The supporting structures of the leg Although the term ‘breaking down’ is a horseman’s term, and everyone within the industry would have an idea of its meaning, it does tend to be reserved for a special

Figure 1: The suspensory ligament (white arrow) is a thick ‘strap’ of extremely strong connective tissue that is attached to the cannon bone at the back of the knee (upper black arrow) and again at the back of the pastern (lower black arrow)

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Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 2a: The normal sesamoid bone (black arrow) develops within the suspensory ligament during the development of the foal and acts as a smooth pulley-wheel to allow the joint to rise and sink during locomotion without it fraying through the suspensory ligament (white lines). In figure 2b both of the sesamoid bones have fractured during training, and without the supporting Kimsey splint, this horse would not be able to weight-bear on the leg without the fetlock sinking to the ground

category of injury. This category usually shows one main feature: total loss of support to the fetlock joint so that the structural and supportive integrity of the leg has been compromised. ‘Breakdown’ usually includes fracture of the sesamoids, rupture of the suspensory ligament, and even dislocation of the fetlock joint that is complete, and allows the limb to assume a sickeningly abnormal posture when the horse attempts to bear weight on it. This can happen for several reasons.

The fetlock joint is supported by what is known as the suspensory apparatus. This involves a thick strap of collagenous tissue which originates from the back of the cannon bone just below the knee and runs down underneath the fetlock joint, before being reattached to the back of the pastern (see figure 1). The action of the suspensory apparatus is like an arm and a hand holding the fetlock joint from behind and preventing

it from sinking too far towards the ground during weight-bearing. At the point where the suspensory ligament courses around the back of the fetlock joint there are two bones which develop within the suspensory ligament itself called the sesamoid bones.

These act as ‘roller-bearings’ on the back of the fetlock joint so that the fetlock joint can sink and rise repeatedly during galloping without fraying or wearing through the suspensory ligament (see figure 2a).

One of the most common manifestations of breakdown is when both of the sesamoid bones fracture, allowing the fetlock joint to sink far further towards the ground than is normal (figure 2b). Often when this happens it does so in conjunction with other injuries around the fetlock joint. We cannot know for certain whether these injuries happen together instantaneously or whether one follows the other but it is not uncommon to have a combination of fractures of the distal THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Jun_154_VetForum_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 15:00 Page 91

the distal limb is focussed into two major blood vessels running down either the side of the pastern, we can eventually get into problems with the healing of the fracture, or even with the integrity of the foot on the end of that limb, because of irrevocable damage to this blood supply. This is made more significant by swelling in the limb following the surgery when the limb is often enclosed within a fibreglass cast so that the horse does not put full weight on the metal implants.

Fetlock arthrodesis When the injury involves both the upper and lower bones of the fetlock joint, and when the normal weight-bearing integrity of the limb has been lost, very often the only way of saving the horse is to perform a major surgery involving fusing the injured bones of the distal limb into one solid ‘lump’ of bone (figure 5). This is done by the application of large stainless steel bars in conjunction with multiple screws. The joint surfaces of the joints affected are deliberately destroyed so that the horse’s body responds by repairing

Figure 3a

>>

Figure 3b

Figure 3a: A minimally displaced lateral condylar fracture (black arrows).

Because the integrity of the limb has not been lost, and some of the bone of the weight-bearing strut is completely intact, this injury can be relatively easily repaired (figure 3b) with an excellent prognosis for continued racing

PICTURE COURTESY OF DR .L. BRAMLAGE, ROOD AND RIDDLE, KENTUCKY

cannon bone, the pastern bone (first phalanx), and the sesamoid, and some of these injuries are very difficult to deal with.

Surgical repair

Figure 4: A multiple comminuted fracture of the first phalanx (pastern bone), which would result in complete instability in the limb.

The number of individual fragments here would preclude surgical repair using normal leg screw fixation

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

Surgical repair of fractures in the horse has come on in leaps and bounds in the last 30 years, and injuries are now fairly routinely repaired which would have resulted in the euthanasia of the horse only 50 years ago.

Fractures of the bones where the weight bearing integrity of the limb is still present are relatively easily repaired by lag screw fixation (figures 3a and 3b). The more difficult fractures are those called multiple comminuted fractures in which the bone shatters rather than breaks cleanly. The most common site for this is the pastern bone, which not uncommonly shatters like a drinking glass (figure 4), producing a fracture which is very difficult or impossible to repair.

Modern advances such as intra-operative CT scanning allows surgeons to visualise these fractures in three dimensions, which considerably aids in the chances of successful repair. However, because the blood supply to

Figure 5: A post-operative radiograph of a fetlock arthrodesis surgery. The patient, eight-yearold gelding Karelian, won ten of 22 career starts earning $788,675 before his injury, and is still enjoying life in the paddock eight years on from surgery

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Jun_154_VetForum_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 15:00 Page 92

VET FORUM joint, this small joint, between two little brick-like bones, can be overwhelmed, and the ligaments fail, allowing dislocation. This then results in such severe lameness that euthanasia is the only possible course of action.

PICTURE COURTESY OF MANDY DAVIES, NEWMARKET

Not for every horse

Figure 6: Horses galloping at full speed often take the weight of the entire body on one limb. Here the fetlock can be seen sinking into the all-weather surface because of the enormous forces involved. Much of this weight is borne through the suspensory ligament and sesamoids

>>

the injured bone spanning the joint, thereby making it completely immobile. Although horses treated in this way would never be able to resume athletic function they can walk surprisingly comfortably with an arthrodesed fetlock joint.

One of the early success stories with this procedure was Noble Dancer, operated on by one of the pioneers of this technique, Dr Larry Bramlage, of the Rood and Riddle Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. The patient went on to complete a full stud career over many years following his catastrophic breakdown and subsequent repair using fetlock arthrodesis.

Complications The fetlock arthrodesis surgery is not without its risks. It is a very technically difficult procedure and can lead to a large hospital bill, sadly often with an unsuccessful outcome. These factors have to be considered from the start. The most common cause of death following fetlock arthrodesis is exactly that which resulted in the eventual demise of Barbaro, laminitis in the contralateral limb.

Because of the nature of the blood supply to the foot, when horses stand on one leg for prolonged periods of time, the blood flow to the foot on that limb is adversely affected.

This can result in the death of the laminae, the tiny filaments of connective tissue that connect the hoof wall to the surface of the pedal bone. The risk of laminitis increases in any horse that is immobile, but particularly so when the immobility involves severe lameness in one leg so that the horse rarely

92

raises the other foot. Our understanding of laminitis has improved enormously over the years, but it is still a major cause of eventual failure for complicated surgical procedures.

Another severe risk is that of infection.

Because of the sheer amount of metalwork physically implanted into the limb (see figure 5, previous page), if any trace of bacteria survive the initial period during which the horse is on antibiotics, it is likely to set up an infection in the limb resulting in failure of the implants. Infection associated with the presence of a foreign body is almost

“Published data

shows a year-on-year reduction in fatal injury on the racetrack� impossible to eliminate without removal of that foreign body, and in severe breakdown case, removal of the implants will obviously result in a return to instability in the limb.

Another cause of failure for this technique is luxation (disjointing) of the proximal interphalangeal joint, (the pastern joint).

Because all of the weight of the horse is transferred to this final link in the chain, and there is no load or shock absorption taking place in the normal way through the fetlock

Fetlock arthrodesis is a realistic salvage operation for severe breakdown in selected cases. Any horse undergoing this procedure will be hospitalised for several months. The surgery itself is extremely complex, and therefore expensive, and following the surgery the horse has to wear a supporting cast continuously for many weeks. To save the skin surface and the blood supply to the limb, this cast has to be changed repeatedly and each cast change will involve the use of hundreds of pounds worth of materials alone.

One also has to weigh up the potential future the horse might enjoy against the prolonged recovery. For these reasons, this surgery is often not an economic alternative unless there are large potential financial and welfare rewards to offset the risk of failure.

Occasionally, such as in the case of the highly successful eight-year-old gelding Karelian, highlighted in figure 5, the owners will fund this life-saving surgery in simple gratitude and affection to their horse, even with no possibility of financial reward. Karelian, one of Dr Bramlage’s patients, made a good recovery, and is still enjoying pasture retirement eight years after the surgery.

This is not a common scenario however, which means that some horses will continue to be subjected to euthanasia on the track following severe breakdown, so our efforts also have to be directed towards minimising the number of these breakdowns in the first place. There is good statistical evidence to show that this is exactly what is happening.

The equine injury database (EID) in the United States has just published data that shows a year-on-year reduction in fatal injury on the racetrack, for the fourth consecutive year. The overall rate of fatal breakdown is 1.5 per 1,000 starts. This compares with figures from the UK compiled in the period 1999-2004 that showed that fatal breakdowns were higher on all-weather surfaces (1.63 per 1,000 starts) than they were on turf (0.63 per 1,000 starts). With a 500kg animal galloping at more than 30 miles an hour, and often placing the whole of that mass on a single leg (figure 6) we will probably never be able to eliminate completely severe breakdown. However, the figures from these epidemiological studies have allowed us at least to track this rate of breakdown, and to focus on factors which can be utilised to identify horses at risk, thereby reducing injury rates even further.

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Jun_154_DrStatz_Owner Breeder 19/05/2017 14:52 Page 94

DR STAT JOHN BOYCE CRACKS THE CODE

Dark Angel is the heir apparent Middle Park winner can take on speed-sire mantle from Oasis Dream and Invincible Spirit

T

he phrase ‘improving his mares’ is often used when describing a stallion’s attributes. And it’s probably overused. But there’s no doubt that good sires invariably manage to get a higher ratio of good horses from their mares than all other sires combined. Yet in truth they are few and far between. One that has been defying expectations for some time now is Dark Angel, who has chalked up four blacktype winners already this season. The former Group 1 Middle Park winner, who retired to stud as a three-year-old, is the heir apparent among pure speed sires to the likes of Oasis Dream and Invincible Spirit.

The Yeomanstown stallion currently has 36 black-type winners under his belt, which gives him a strike-rate of 7% black-type winners to runners. And the black-type winners assessed by Timeform have an average rating of 110. Compare this to the numbers put up by his runner’s siblings: 5% black-type winners with an average Timeform rating of 109. It is clear to see that Dark Angel is talented enough to stay ahead of the curve. Now in his seventh season, it’s worth looking at where his chief rivals were at the same stage of their careers. Banstead’s Oasis Dream was siring stakes winners at a rate of 11.4% and they were rated an average of 112 by Timeform. Invincible Spirit, meanwhile, had sired 54 stakes winners (8.3%) with an average rating of 110.

So it could easily be argued that Dark Angel is a little off the pace set by Oasis Dream, even if he is much closer to Invincible Spirit at the same stage of their careers.

However there are mitigating circumstances to consider here.

First, Oasis Dream proved

Mecca’s Angel, the best runner so far for Dark Angel

94

DARK ANGEL'S TOP TEN HORSES BY TIMEFORM RATING TFR Best

Horse

Sex

Dam

Broodmare Sire

129 G1w

Mecca’s Angel

11f

Folga

Atraf

128 G1w

Lethal Force

09c

Land Army

Desert Style

121 G2w

Markaz

12c

Folga

121 G2w

Estidhkaar

12c

Danetime Out

119 WLRp

Bronze Angel

09g

Rihana

119 LRwG1p

Gabrial

09g

119 LRwG2p

Easton Angel

Best Sales Price MxD 16,000gns (Ylg)

5.2

€8,500 (Ylg)

7.0

Atraf

£200,000 (Ylg)

7.0

Danetime

£200,000 (Ylg)

8.0

Priolo

£42,000 (Ylg)

9.0

Guajira

Mtoto

£46,000 (Ylg)

8.9

13f

Staceymac

Elnadim

£30,000 (Ylg)

5.0

118 G2wG1p Sovereign Debt

09g

Kelsey Rose

Most Welcome

105,000gns (Ylg)

8.1

118 G3w

Heeraat

09c

Thawrah

Green Desert

140,000gns (Ylg)

6.0

118 W

Gabriel’s Lad

09g

Catherine Wheel Primo Dominie

17,000gns (Ylg)

7.0

that he can get top horses who stay very well, so that puts him in an altogether different arena, where his mares and the opportunities for their offspring are far richer than in the sprint division. Second, Oasis Dream and Invincible Spirit have enjoyed the luxury of far better mares than Dark Angel. To illustrate the point, if we look at Dark Angel’s record with a relatively small number of elite mares, his numbers are far more impressive.

Remarkably, he has sired 16% black-type winners from top mares, and the average Timeform rating of this group is 113. It’s also worth noting that to this point in his career Dark Angel’s best ten horses have a combined average Timeform rating of 121, identical with Invincible Spirit at the same stage and only a pound below Oasis Dream after year seven. This is a particularly commendable achievement when judged against the best ten stallions of the past 25 years who have an average best-ten rating of 124. Therein lies the challenge for Dark Angel. With his

mare quality on a steep rise, can he continue to output stakes winners at nearer this higher rate? If he does, then he should match Oasis Dream and Invincible Spirit. Moreover, with better mares usually comes more stamina.

Will we see the day where Dark Angel’s top-rated runners include specialist milers or even a ten-furlong horse? Currently, his three best runners, including the 129-rated Mecca’s Angel and the 128-rated Lethal Force, have all proved their worth at distances below a mile. We can expect to find out the answers to these questions in the next two to three years as the foals from his better mares reach the racecourse.

As might be expected of a speed influence, Dark Angel has been mated with many speedy mares. No fewer than 25 different stallions have had five or more runners by Dark Angel out of their daughters. The most successful of these is the miler Barathea, who has two black-type winners from ten runners (20%) including the 114-rated Boomshackerlacker. Next best is Indian Ridge, another fast horse, and the top-class sprinter Cadeaux Genereux on 16.7%.

Then we have two more speedy types in Green Desert and his son Desert Style on 14.3% black-type winners. The only other two with strike-rates better than Dark Angel’s 7% are Common Grounds and Selkirk, both again on the speed end of the spectrum.

Moreover, all bar one of his top-ten rated horses have speedy broodmare sires. Perhaps significantly, stamina influences like Sadler’s Wells, Rainbow Quest, In The Wings and Unfuwain, all with at least five runners out of their daughters by Dark Angel, have yet to produce a stakes winner.

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Jun_154_DataBook_Layout 1 19/05/2017 13:18 Page 96

DATA BOOK ANALYSIS BY ANDREW CAULFIELD

National Hunt Grade 1s 230 BETWAY AINTREE HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 6. 4yo+. 20f.

1. BUVEUR D’AIR (FR) 6 11-7 £112,260 b g by Crillon - History (Alesso) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Gerard Ferte TR-Nicky Henderson 2. My Tent Or Yours (IRE) 10 11-7 £42,220 b g by Desert Prince - Spartan Girl (Ela-Mana-Mou) O-Mr John P. McManus B-F. Dunne TR-Nicky Henderson 3. The New One (IRE) 9 11-7 £21,100 b g by King’s Theatre - Thuringe (Turgeon) O-S Such & CG Paletta B-R. Brown & Ballylinch Stud TR-Nigel Twiston-Davies Margins 5, 1.5. Time 4:55.80. Going Good.

Age 3-6

Starts 13

Wins 10

Places 3

Earned £452,141

Sire: CRILLON. Sire of 4 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - ALEX DE LARREDYA Panoramic G1, BUVEUR D’AIR Alesso G1.

1st Dam: History by Alesso. Dam of 4 winners: 2003: PUNCHESTOWNS (g Morespeed) 9 wins, BGC Long Walk Hurdle G1, 2nd Ladbrokes World Hurdle G1, Totepool Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase G1.

2004: Quiet Story (f Franc Bleu Argent) ran on the flat in France. Broodmare.

2005: RACKHAM LEROUGE (g Fado) 7 wins.

2007: TISTORY (g Epalo) 5 wins.

2011: BUVEUR D’AIR (g Crillon) 10 wins, 2nd Betfair Bumper Standard Open NH Race LR, Stan James Champion Chall.Trophy Hurdle G1, Betway Aintree Hurdle G1, Imagine Cruising Top Novices’ Hurdle G1, Betfred Contenders Hurdle LR, 3rd Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle G1.

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

BUVEUR D’AIR b g 2011 Rainbow Quest Saumarez Fiesta Fun CRILLON b 96 Riverman Shangrila Garden Green Alleged Alesso Leandra HISTORY b 95 Altayan Clair Deux Lune Lili Dancer

Blushing Groom I Will Follow Welsh Pageant Antigua Never Bend River Lady Pinturischio Focal Hoist The Flag Princess Pout Luthier Ady Endre Posse Aleema Evainqueur Keen Dancer

See race 197 in the May issue 231 BETWAY BOWL CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 6. 5yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. TEA FOR TWO (GB) 8 11-7 £84,365 b g by Kayf Tara - One For Me (Tragic Role) O-Mrs Jane Williams & Mr Len Jakeman B-Mrs P. G. Lewin TR-Nick Williams 2. Cue Card (GB) 11 11-7 £31,835 b g by King’s Theatre - Wicked Crack (King’s Ride) O-Mrs Jean R. Bishop B-Mr R. T. Crellin TR-Colin Tizzard 3. Smad Place (FR) 10 11-7 £15,995 gr g by Smadoun - Bienna Star (Village Star) O-Mrs Peter Andrews B-E. Aubree & M. Aubree TR-Alan King Margins Neck, 15. Time 6:24.00. Going Good.

Age 4-8

Starts 21

Wins 9

Places 7

Earned £239,389

Sire: KAYF TARA. Sire of 43 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - SPECIAL TIARA Bob Back G1, TEA FOR TWO Tragic Role G1, THISTLECRACK Ardross G1, CONSTANTINE BAY Waky Nao G2, EDWULF Zaffaran G2, IDENTITY THIEF Flemensfirth G2, BALLYANDY Karinga Bay G3, NORTH HILL HARVEY Robellino G3, LIFEBOAT MONA Astarabad LR, MY KHALEESI Spectrum LR, RONS DREAM Emperor Jones LR.

96

1st Dam: ONE FOR ME by Tragic Role. 6 wins. Dam of 4 winners: 2006: SECOND TO NUN (f Bishop of Cashel) Winner at 3.

2007: KATCHMORE (g Catcher In The Rye) 4 wins over hurdles.

2008: Simmons (f Spartacus) ran a few times and ran over hurdles.

2009: TEA FOR TWO (g Kayf Tara) 9 wins, 2nd Betfair Bumper Standard Open NH Race LR, William Hill Lanzarote H. Hurdle LR, Betway Bowl Chase G1, Kauto Star N. Clark Feltham Nov Chase G1, 2nd Betfred Peterborough Chase G2, 3rd Betfred Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase G1.

2011: ACT FOR ME (c Act One) Winner over jumps in France.

2012: Montmore (c Montmartre) ran on the flat in France and over jumps in France.

Broodmare Sire: TRAGIC ROLE. Sire of the dams of 3 Stakes winners.

TEA FOR TWO b g 2009 Sadler’s Wells

Northern Dancer Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Derring-Do High Top Camenae Jimmy Reppin Reprocolor Blue Queen Northern Dancer Nureyev Special Graustark Don’t Sulk Dinner Partner Thatching Mansooj Senta’s Girl Sandy Creek Russell Creek Silent Sail Fairy Bridge

KAYF TARA b 94 Colorspin

Tragic Role ONE FOR ME br 98 Chantallee’s Pride

At the age of 23 in 2017, the dual Gold Cup winner Kayf Tara has had his fee doubled from £5,000 to £10,000. This may be a ploy to limit the veteran’s workload (he covered 187 mares in 2015 and 143 mares in 2016), but his increased fee also reflects Kayf Tara’s long-standing status as the leading British-based sire of jumpers.

He seems sure to land his eighth British championship in 2016/17, thanks principally to those accomplished chasers Thistlecrack, Special Tiara and Tea For Two. Between them they have won the King George VI Chase, Queen Mother Champion Chase and now the Betway Bowl Chase, in which Tea For Two made up for unshipping his rider at the second fence in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This was the second Gr1 victory for Tea For Two, winner also of the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at the end of 2015.

As Tea For Two showed in defeating Cue Card at Aintree, he stays particularly well. No doubt he largely has Kayf Tara to thank for this, but his dam One For Me also possessed a fair amount of stamina.

This daughter of Tragic Role raced a total of 33 times in a career divided fairly equally between the Flat and National Hunt. Although she won on the Flat on the all-weather, she was at her most successful over hurdles, winning five times at up to nearly two and three-quarter miles.

Tea For Two’s broodmare sire Tragic Role wasn’t nearly as tough as the gelding’s parents. A son of Nureyev, Tragic Role looked potentially smart when he won over 12 furlongs at Longchamp on his debut but unfortunately never ran

again. However, he went on to sire Shadow Leader (Gr1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle) and Trafford Lad (a Gr1 winner over two and a half miles over hurdles and fences).

232 DOOM BAR ANNIVERSARY JUVENILE HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 6. 4yo. 16f 110yds.

1st Dam: Gypsy Kelly by Roselier. unraced. Dam of 3 winners: 2002: Cengiz (g Taipan) 2003: Wild Side of Life (g Exit To Nowhere) 2005: Chanson de Geste (f Moscow Society) unraced.

2006: BHALTAIR (g Great Palm) 6 wins.

2007: MAC’S GREY (g Great Palm) Winner over fences.

2008: (f Great Palm) 2009: Sizing Venezuela (g Arcadio) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and ran twice over hurdles.

2011: FLYING ANGEL (g Arcadio) 5 wins, Close Brothers Imperial Cup H. Hurdle G3, 3rd EZ Trader Mersey Novices’ Hurdle G1, Betfair H. Hurdle G3, Manifesto Novices’ Chase G1, Betway Kingmaker Novices’ Chase G2.

2012: (f Arcadio) 2014: (c Arcadio)

1. DEFI DU SEUIL (FR) 11-0 £56,181 b g by Voix du Nord - Quarvine du Seuil (Lavirco) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Mme C. Boudot TR-Philip Hobbs 2. Divin Bere (FR) 11-0 £21,161 b g by Della Francesca - Mofa Bere (Saumarez) O-Chris Giles B-S.N.C. Regnier & San Gabriel Inv. Inc. TR-Nicky Henderson 3. Bedrock (GB) 11-0 £10,601 b g by Fastnet Rock - Gemstone (Galileo) O-The Risk Takers Partnership B-Highclere Stud & ORS Bloodstock TR-Dan Skelton Margins 1.25, 4.5. Time 4:10.10. Going Good.

Broodmare Sire: ROSELIER. Sire of the dams of 33 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - ABOLITIONIST Flemensfirth G1, FLYING ANGEL Arcadio G1, EMPIRE OF DIRT Westerner G2, CHAMPAGNE FEVER Stowaway LR, OTAGO TRAIL Heron Island LR.

Age 3-4

FLYING ANGEL gr g 2011

Starts 9

Wins 8

Places 1

Earned £212,705

Sire: VOIX DU NORD. Sire of 15 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - DEFI DU SEUIL Lavirco G1, VROUM VROUM MAG Kadalko G1, MISS DE CHAMPDOUX Hawker’s News G2, TAQUIN DU SEUIL Marchand de Sable G3, VAL DE FERBET Lights Out G3, ADAGIO DES BORDES Bateau Rouge LR, VANITEUX Video Rock LR, VIEUX MORVAN Kadalko LR, VINGA True Brave LR.

Konigsstuhl Monsun Mosella ARCADIO b 02 Royal Academy Assia Alys Misti IV Roselier

1st Dam: QUARVINE DU SEUIL by Lavirco. 2 wins at 3 and 5 in France. Dam of 1 winner: 2011: Brume du Seuil (f Equerry) ran on the flat in France.

2013: DEFI DU SEUIL (g Voix du Nord) 8 wins, JCB Triumph Hurdle G1, coral.co.uk Future Chn.Finale Juv.Hurdle G1, Doom Bar Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle G1, JCB Triumph Trial Finesse Juv. Hurdle G2, JCB Triumph Trial Prestbury Juv. Hurdle G2.

Broodmare Sire: LAVIRCO. Sire of the dams of 5 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - DEFI DU SEUIL Voix du Nord G1, LISTEN DEAR Robin des Champs G3.

DEFI DU SEUIL b g 2013 Lomond Valanour Vearia VOIX DU NORD b 01 Top Ville Dame Edith Girl of France Konigsstuhl Lavirco La Virginia QUARVINE DU SEUIL b 04 Video Rock Fleur du Tennis Via Tennise

Northern Dancer My Charmer Mill Reef Val Divine High Top Sega Ville Legend of France Water Girl Dschingis Khan Konigskronung Surumu La Dorada No Lute Pauvresse Brezzo Favorite

See race 82 in the February issue 233 MANIFESTO NOVICES’ CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 6. 5yo+. 19f 110yds.

1. FLYING ANGEL (IRE) 6 11-4 £56,130 gr g by Arcadio - Gypsy Kelly (Roselier) O-Mr R. J. Rexton B-Arctic Tack Stud TR-Nigel Twiston-Davies 2. Cloudy Dream (IRE) 7 11-4 £21,110 gr g by Cloudings - Run Away Dream (Acceglio) O-Mr Trevor Hemmings B-E. Purcell TR-Malcolm Jefferson 3. Top Notch (FR) 6 11-4 £10,550 b g by Poliglote - Topira (Pistolet Bleu) O-Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B-Haras Des Sablonnets & B. Gabeur TR-Nicky Henderson Margins 1, 4.5. Time 5:01.60. Going Good.

Age 4-6

Starts 15

Wins 5

Places 5

Sire: ARCADIO. Sire of 2 Stakes winners.

Earned £170,039

Peace Rose GYPSY KELLY gr 96 Fine Blade Gallant Blade Arctic Tack

Dschingis Khan Konigskronung Surumu Monasia Nijinsky Crimson Saint Blakeney Bessie Wallis Medium Mist Fastnet Rock La Paix Fortino II Cursorial Arctic Slave Holly Tack

A year after finishing third in the Gr1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, Flying Angel returned to Aintree to win the Manifesto Novices’ Chase. By a strange coincidence, Flying Angel has an accomplished third dam called Arctic Tack and is by a stallion – the German-bred Arcadio – who stands at Arctic Tack Stud in County Wexford.

Arctic Tack, the mare, was an unraced daughter of the highly accomplished Irish stallion Arctic Slave, who was a bit of a rarity at the time in that he was an entire who numbered a victory over fences among his achievements. Arctic Tack’s best achievement as a broodmare was her Strong Gale gelding Soft Day, a talented hurdler who went on to win the Dennys Gold Medal and the Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup as a novice chaser, before meeting an untimely death.

However, two of Arctic Tack’s daughters also produced talented chasers. One, the Le Bavard mare Arctic Bavard, produced the Whitbread Gold Cup winner Call It A Day, while the Fine Blade mare Gallant Blade became the dam of Kelly’s Pearl, whose efforts included a second in the Galway Plate.

Gallant Blade is the second dam of Flying Angel, his dam being the unraced Gypsy Kelly. As Gypsy Kelly was a daughter of Roselier, she ought to have imparted plenty of stamina to Flying Angel, but he has yet to race much beyond two and a half miles.

Flying Angel follows The Game Changer, a multiple Gr3 winner over fences, as the second smart novice

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Caulfield on Flying Angel: “He follows The Game Changer as the second smart novice chaser sired by Arcadio, who collected a couple of Group 2s at up to a mile and three furlongs”

chaser sired by Arcadio. Arcadio finished only third when a hot favourite for the 2005 Deutsches Derby but he collected a couple of Gr2s at up to a mile and three furlongs at four.

This well-connected horse’s other attraction to National Hunt breeders is that he is a son of Monsun, sire also of that very good jumping stallion Network.

234 BETWAY MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 7. 5yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. MIGHT BITE (IRE) 8 11-4 £56,130 b g by Scorpion - Knotted Midge (Presenting) O-The Knot Again Partnership B-Mr J. O’Brien TR-Nicky Henderson 2. Whisper (FR) 9 11-4 £21,110 b g by Astarabad - Belle Yepa (Mansonnien) O-Walters Plant Hire Ltd B-H. & S. Hosselet TR-Nicky Henderson 3. Virgilio (FR) 8 11-4 £10,550 b g by Denham Red - Liesse de Marbeuf (Cyborg) O-C J Edwards, D Futter, A H Rushworth B-Mr F. Cottin TR-Dan Skelton Margins 2, 18. Time 6:19.70. Going Good.

Age 6-8

Starts 12

Wins 7

Places 2

Earned £202,984

Sire: SCORPION. Sire of 8 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - MIGHT BITE Presenting G1, DON’T TOUCH IT Supreme Leader G2, JACK THE WIRE Phardante G2, SIR SCORPION Mister Lord G3, TELL US MORE Old Vic G3, SCORPIANCER Silver Patriarch LR. 1st Dam: Knotted Midge by Presenting. winner of a point-to-point. Dam of 2 winners: 2008: BEAT THAT (g Milan) 3 wins over hurdles, Doom Bar Sefton Novices’ Hurdle G1, Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle G1.

2009: MIGHT BITE (g Scorpion) 7 wins, RSA Novices’ Chase G1, Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase G1.

2014: (c Milan) 2016: (c Milan) Broodmare Sire: PRESENTING. Sire of the dams of 15 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - DEATH DUTY Shantou G1, MIGHT BITE Scorpion G1, MINELLA AWARDS Oscar G2, WESTERNER LADY Westerner G2, PRESENTING PERCY Sir Percy LR.

Montjeu Floripedes SCORPION b/br 02 Law Society Ardmelody Thistlewood Mtoto Presenting D’Azy KNOTTED MIDGE b 00 Brush Aside Bula Beag Bulabos

Sire: DEFINITE ARTICLE. Sire of 27 Stakes winners.

NH in 2016/17 - PINGSHOU Saumarez G1, DEFINITE RUBY King’s Theatre G2, DEFINITLY RED Aahsaylad G3.

1st Dam: Quest of Passion by Saumarez. Own sister to SUPREME COMMANDER. Dam of 5 winners: 1999: Mughas (g Sadler’s Wells) 5 wins over hurdles, 2nd Singapore Airlines Adonis Juv.Nov.Hurdle G2.

2000: Prairie Bell (f Sadler’s Wells) ran a few times.

Broodmare. Dam of CAILIN ANNAMH (f Definite Article: 10 wins, 2nd John Smith’s Mares’ Open N.H. Flat Race LR, Grabel Mares Hurdle G3, PWC Gowran Champion Chase G2) 2001: Cypress Hill (g Machiavellian) ran twice and ran 3 times in N.H. Flat Races and ran a few times over hurdles.

2003: PIETY (f Danehill) 3 wins. Broodmare.

2004: Passion’s Quest (f Traditionally) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race. Broodmare.

2006: (c King’s Theatre) 2008: Sizing Platinum (g Definite Article) 3 wins, 2nd Ire.Stall. Farms EBF Kilbegnet Nov Chase G3, Buck House Novice Chase G3.

2010: PINGSHOU (g Definite Article) 2 wins over hurdles at 6 and 7, Crabbie’s Top Novices’ Hurdle G1.

2011: MAGIC OF LIGHT (f Flemensfirth) Winner of a N.H. Flat Race at 5.

2012: (f Yeats) 2nd Dam: AUTOCRATIC by Tyrant. 1 win at 2.

Dam of FAIR OF THE FURZE (f Ela-Mana-Mou: Tattersalls Rogers Gold Cup G2), NORMAN STYLE (c Malacate: Ostermann-Pokal LR), SUPREME COMMANDER (c Saumarez: Prix Isonomy LR, Carl Friedrich Oettingen Wallerstein Mem LR), PROCONSULAR (c Procida: Prix Touffier LR), MAJESTIC ROLE (f Theatrical: EBF Tyros S LR, 2nd Prix de la Salamandre G1). Grandam of WHITE MUZZLE, FAIR QUESTION, GRAZALEMA, AIGLONNE, PRINCESS CARLA, ELFASLAH, JUDGE DECISION, Last Attempt. Third dam of GERMANCE, ALMUTAWAKEL, MEKHTAAL, DEMOCRATE, AIGUE MARINE, GAILY GAME, WINDFAST, Elmustanser, Montalcino.

Broodmare Sire: SAUMAREZ. Sire of the dams of 25 Stakes winners.

The Definite Article/Saumarez cross has produced: PINGSHOU G1, Sizing Platinum G3.

PINGSHOU b g 2010

MIGHT BITE b g 2009 Sadler’s Wells

Margins 4.5, 2.5. Time 4:03.20. Going Good Age Starts Wins Places Earned 4-7 7 2 3 £73,163

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Top Ville Toute Cy Alleged Bold Bikini Kalamoun Le Melody Busted Amazer Persian Bold Belle Viking Alleged Top Twig Proverb Clonmel

See race 200 in the May issue 235 CRABBIE’S TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 7. 4yo+. 16f.

1. PINGSHOU (IRE) 7 11-4 £56,130 b g by Definite Article - Quest of Passion (Saumarez) O-Ann & Alan Potts B-Baronrath & Colbinstown Studs TR-Colin Tizzard 2. Mount Mews (IRE) 6 11-4 £21,110 b g by Presenting - Kneeland Lass (Bob Back) O-Mr Trevor Hemmings B-Kedrah House Stud TR-Malcolm Jefferson 3. The Unit (IRE) 6 11-4 £10,550 b g by Gold Well - Sovana (Kadounor) O-International Plywood (Importers) Ltd B-Arctic Tack Stud TR-Alan King

Ahonoora Indian Ridge Hillbrow DEFINITE ARTICLE b 92 Moorestyle Summer Fashion My Candy Rainbow Quest Saumarez Fiesta Fun QUEST OF PASSION b 94 Tyrant Autocratic Flight Table

Lorenzaccio Helen Nichols Swing Easy Golden City Manacle Guiding Star Lorenzaccio Candy Gift Blushing Groom I Will Follow Welsh Pageant Antigua Bold Ruler Anadem Round Table Fleet Flight

Pingshou’s starting price of 16-1 in the Top Novices’ Hurdle seemed a fair reflection of his chance, as he had reached the first three in only one of his five previous starts, including four over hurdles.

This time, though, he benefited from a very bold ride from Robbie Power, who seized a clear advantage before the second last flight, and the opposition never looked likely to catch him.

Pingshou’s sire Definite Article had an unusual record for a son of the King’s Stand Stakes winner Indian Ridge. Although Indian Ridge’s

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name was largely synonymous with sprinters and milers, he sired the occasional smart performer over much longer distances. Definite Article was one of them, as he showed in going very close to winning the Irish Derby.

Definite Article made an eyecatching start as a stallion, siring the triple Irish St Leger winner Vinnie Roe in his first crop, but he was eventually transferred to the jumping sector.

Although he is also responsible for such as the smart staying chaser Definitly Red, the Gr2-winning hurdler The Real Article and the American Gr1-winning hurdler Black Jack Blues, he hasn’t been a runaway success for a horse that covered plenty of mares.

You can gauge the quality of the bottom half of Pingshou’s pedigree from the fact that his dam, Quest Of Passion, visited the likes of Sadler’s Wells and Machiavellian early in her career (her Sadler’s Wells gelding Mughas was a useful handicap hurdler).

Another of her Sadler’s Wells foals, Prairie Bell, visited Definite Article to produce Cailin Annamh, a Gr3 winner over hurdles.

Quest Of Passion was a half-sister to Fair Of The Furze, a smart filly who became the dam of the top-class White Muzzle (runner-up in both the King George and the Arc).

Fair Of The Furze was also the second dam of Dubai World Cup winner Almutawakel.

236 DOOM BAR SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 7. 4yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. THE WORLDS END (IRE) 6 11-4 £56,141 b g by Stowaway - Bright Sprite (Beneficial) O-McNeill Family B-J. Sheehan TR-Tom George 2. Beyond Conceit (IRE) 8 11-4 £21,121 b g by Galileo - Baraka (Danehill) O-Mrs Fitri Hay B-Barronstown Stud TR-Nicky Henderson 3. Debece (GB) 6 11-4 £10,561 b g by Kayf Tara - Dalamine (Sillery) O-Mr Robert Kirkland B-Brian J Griffiths & John Nicholson TR-Tim Vaughan Margins 0.5, Short Head. Time 6:05.80. Going Good.

Age 4-6

Starts 8

Wins 5

Places 1

Earned £85,286

Sire: STOWAWAY. Sire of 11 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC Shahanndeh G1, OUTLANDER Supreme Leader G1, THE WORLDS END Beneficial G1, ICE COLD SOUL Supreme Leader G2, CHAMPAGNE FEVER Roselier LR. 1st Dam: Bright Sprite by Beneficial. unraced. Dam of 1 winner: 2006: (g Bienamado) 2007: (f Bienamado) 2009: (f Definite Article) 2010: Egret (g Definite Article) 2011: THE WORLDS END (g Stowaway) 5 wins, Doom Bar Sefton Novices’ Hurdle G1, Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices’ Hurdle G2.

Broodmare Sire: BENEFICIAL. Sire of the dams of 8 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - THE WORLDS END Stowaway G1, WAITING PATIENTLY Flemensfirth G2, ROCK THE WORLD Orpen G3, OSCAR ROSE Oscar LR.

THE WORLDS END b g 2011 Mill Reef Hardiemma Birkhahn Suleika No Pass No Sale Northfields No Disgrace Vaguely Noble Noble Tiara Tayyara High Top Top Ville Sega Ville Green Dancer Youthful First Bloom Reliance II Tug of War Pirate Queen Bowsprit Miss Sprite Miss Sleep Shirley Heights

Slip Anchor

Sayonara STOWAWAY b 94 On Credit

Beneficial BRIGHT SPRITE b 01 Last Sprite

Over the years, the Sefton Novices Hurdle has built up quite an impressive roll of honour with the likes of Thistlecrack, Saint Are, Wayward Prince, Black Jack Ketchum and Asian Maze among its winners.

The 2017 edition also appears to have produced a very smart winner in The Worlds End. Upsides with the leaders when he fell at the second last in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, the son of Stowaway made no such mistake at Aintree, winning for the fourth time in six starts over hurdles. The gelding had also won his only start in a bumper.

His sire Stowaway didn’t enjoy the advantage of standing at one of Ireland’s most famous National Hunt stallion stations, his base being the Whytemount Stud in County Kilkenny.

This son of the Derby winner Slip Anchor was also something of a forgotten name by the time he took up stud duties as a seven-year-old in 2001, a few years after he had shown very smart form in winning the Gordon Stakes and Great Voltigeur at three and a valuable race in Dubai at four. Consequently, Stowaway initially struggled for support, covering books of around 30 thoroughbred mares in each of his first six seasons.

However, he enjoyed a terrific surge in popularity thanks to the exploits of his sons Hidden Cyclone (a multiple Gr2 winner over hurdles and fences), Western Leader (a Gr2 winner over hurdles who later won over fences) and Champagne Fever (a dual Gr1 winner at the Cheltenham Festival prior to winning a pair of Gr2 races over fences). Stowaway was also responsible for the Gr1 Lexus Chase winner Outlander and the Gr2 hurdles winner Kilcooley.

In the years prior to Stowaway’s death at the age of 21 in February 2015, he covered 171 mares in 2010, 261 in 2011, 242 in 2012, 231 in 2013 and 200 in 2014. The Worlds End is the result of one of those 2010 coverings, as is the Cheltenham Festival winner Champagne Classic. The chances are we will be hearing a lot more of Stowaway’s progeny over the next few years.

The Worlds End is out of Bright Sprite, an unraced daughter of the champion sire Beneficial and his second dam is the winning hurdler Last Sprite, a daughter of the stamina-packed Tug Of War.

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DATA BOOK

National Hunt Grade 1s 237 JLT MELLING CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 7. 5yo+. 19f 110yds.

1. FOX NORTON (FR) 7 11-7 £112,310 b g by Lando - Natt Musik (Kendor) O-Ann & Alan Potts B-S.A. Scuderia Del Bargelo TR-Colin Tizzard 2. Sub Lieutenant (IRE) 8 11-7 £42,270 b g by Brian Boru - Satellite Dancer (Satco) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-E. Coleman TR-Henry de Bromhead 3. Traffic Fluide (FR) 7 11-7 £21,150 b g by Astarabad - Petale Rouge (Bonnet Rouge) O-Galloping On The South Downs Partnership B-Mr Gaetan Gilles TR-Gary Moore Margins 6, 11. Time 4:58.00. Going Good.

Age 3-7

Starts 22

Wins 10

Places 10

Earned £518,352

Sire: LANDO. Sire of 33 Stakes winners.

1st Dam: Natt Musik by Kendor. Own sister to Blue King. Dam of 6 winners: 2008: Natt Vals (f Panis) 2009: NOTTURNO (c Panis) 4 wins at 2 to 4 in France.

2010: FOX NORTON (g Lando) Sold 16,420gns yearling at ARNOV. 10 wins, BetVictor Summit Juvenile Hurdle G2, 3rd AES Champion 4yo Hurdle G1, Boylesports Drogheda Champion Chase G1, JLT Melling Chase G1, Shloer Cheltenham Chase LR, 2nd Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase G1, Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase G2, Race Post Arkle Trial November Nov.Chase G2, 3rd Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase G1, Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase G1, grandnational.co.uk Lightning Nov.Chase G2, 7bets4free.com Kingmaker Novices’ Chase G2.

2011: GRAND GALA (c Creachadoir) Winner at 5 in France.

2012: PINKIE BROWN (g Gentlewave) 3 wins.

2013: NIGHT OF SIN (g Sinndar) 2 wins over hurdles at 4.

2014: NIGHT THUNDER (f Stormy River) Winner at 3 in France.

2015: Musikaline (f Martaline) unraced to date.

2nd Dam: BLUE MANDOLIN by The Minstrel. 1 win at 3. Own sister to SHOUT AND SING. Dam of Blue King (c Kendor: 2nd Prix Omnium II LR), Bluedonix (g Linamix: 3rd River Don Novices’ Hurdle G2) Broodmare Sire: KENDOR. Sire of the dams of 51 Stakes winners.

FOX NORTON b g 2010 Surumu Acatenango Aggravate LANDO b 90 Sharpman Laurea Licata Kenmare Kendor Belle Mecene NATT MUSIK gr 02 The Minstrel Blue Mandolin Godetia

Literat Surama Aggressor Raven Locks Sharpen Up Miss Manon Dschingis Khan Liberty Kalamoun Belle of Ireland Gay Mecene Djaka Belle Northern Dancer Fleur Sir Ivor Native Glitter

Fox Norton’s name may carry the (FR) suffix which has become so ubiquitous among the winners of Britain and Ireland’s top jumping events, but he certainly isn’t a purpose-bred jumper.

His sire Lando was a top international mile-and-a-half performer, with the Deutschland Derby and Japan Cup among his many Gr1 successes.

Lando also sired seven Gr1 winners on the level, headed by Paolini. Fox Norton’s dam Natt Musik was also a Flat performer, although not a very good one. In 22 starts this

98

daughter of the speedy Kendor failed to win, her best efforts being to finish second five times at around a mile and a quarter.

However, Natt Muisk did have a very useful brother in the miler Blue King, while her dam Blue Mandolin was a daughter of Godetia, winner of both the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Oaks.

Fox Norton was bought for only €20,000 as a yearling by the jumping trainer Nick Williams and has never raced on the Flat for any of his three trainers.

He has, though, won nearly £400,000 over jumps, including a Gr2 juvenile hurdle on his way to becoming a leading chaser. It was by only a head that he failed to beat Special Tiara in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and now he has shown that he is well suited by two and a half miles in winning the Melling Chase.

238 BETWAY MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 8. 4yo+. 20f.

1. FINIAN’S OSCAR (IRE) 5 11-4 £56,168 b g by Oscar - Trinity Alley (Taipan) O-Ann & Alan Potts B-R. O’Keeffe TR-Colin Tizzard 2. Captain Forez (FR) 5 11-4 £21,148 b g by Network - Pourkoipa du Forez (Robin des Champs) O-Mr J. Hales B-Mrs M. Coyne Bodin TR-Dan Skelton 3. Messire des Obeaux (FR) 5 11-4 £10,588 b g by Saddler Maker - Madame Lys (Sheyrann) O-Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede B-M. Devilder & F. Sellier TR-Alan King Margins 3, 3.25. Time 4:51.40. Going Good.

Age 4-5

Starts 6

Wins 5

Places 1

Earned £114,470

Sire: OSCAR. Sire of 65 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - FINIAN’S OSCAR Taipan G1, OUR DUKE Good Thyne G1, WRATH OF TITANS Lancastrian G1, ANY SECOND NOW Topanoora G2, DRAYCOTT PLACE Dashing Blade G2, MINELLA AWARDS Presenting G2, OSCAR KNIGHT Supreme Leader G2, RIVER WYLDE Mandalus G2, RATHER BE Bob Back G3, OSCAR ROSE Beneficial LR. 1st Dam: Trinity Alley by Taipan. ran a few times in point-to-points. Dam of 1 winner: 2011: (f Scorpion) 2012: FINIAN’S OSCAR (g Oscar) 4 wins over hurdles at 4 and 5, 32Red Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle G1, Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle G1, 188Bet Exeter Novices’ Hurdle LR. 2013: (c Presenting) 2015: (f Jeremy) Broodmare Sire: TAIPAN. Sire of the dams of 5 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - FAYONAGH Kalanisi G1, FINIAN’S OSCAR Oscar G1, POETIC RHYTHM Flemensfirth LR.

FINIAN’S OSCAR b g 2012 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge OSCAR b 94 Reliance II Snow Day Vindaria Last Tycoon Taipan Alidiva TRINITY ALLEY b 01 Strong Gale Trinity Gale Trinity Air

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Tantieme Relance III Roi Dagobert Heavenly Body Try My Best Mill Princess Chief Singer Alligatrix Lord Gayle Sterntau Menelek Beauair

See race 122 in the March issue

239 DOOM BAR MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE G1 AINTREE. Apr 8. 5yo+. 15f 110yds.

1. SAN BENEDETO (FR) 6 11-4 £56,793 ch g by Layman - Cinco Baidy (Lure) O-Mr P. J. Vogt B-E.A.R.L. Ecurie Haras Du Cadran & J. C. Seroul TR-Paul Nicholls 2. Forest Bihan (FR) 6 11-4 £21,773 ch g by Forestier - Katell Bihan (Funny Baby) O-Mr P. J. Martin B-P. Rago, P. Rago, J. Lorvellec & D. Jezequel TR-Brian Ellison 3. Charbel (IRE) 6 11-4 £11,213 b g by Iffraaj - Eoz (Sadler’s Wells) O-Mrs Julie Martin and David R. Martin B-P. & S. McCarthy TR-Kim Bailey Margins Head, 13. Time 3:56.60. Going Good.

Age 2-6

Starts 31

Wins 9

Places 15

Earned £212,867

Sire: LAYMAN. Sire of 6 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 SAN BENEDETO Lure G1, THE STOMP Poliglote G3.

1st Dam: CINCO BAIDY by Lure. Winner at 3 in France. Dam of 3 winners: 2003: Pitcher (c Vettori) 2004: OCEAN BAIDY (c Ocean of Wisdom) 4 wins at 3 and 4 in France.

2009: CINCO BOY (c Layman) 3 wins at 3 and 5 in France.

2011: SAN BENEDETO (g Layman) Sold 19,841gns yearling at AROCT. 9 wins, 3rd Totepool National Spirit Hurdle G2, William Hill Novices’ Hurdle LR, Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase G1, 2nd Prix Wild Monarch Hurdle (c&g) LR. 2nd Dam: Alchimia by Darshaan. ran on the flat in France at 3, foaled in France. Dam of Giorgiolito (c Priolo: 2nd Grand Prix de Lyon-Defi du Galop LR) Broodmare Sire: LURE. Sire of the dams of 14 Stakes winners.

SAN BENEDETO ch g 2011 Halo Sunday Silence Wishing Well LAYMAN ch 02 Nureyev Laiyl Alydaress Danzig Lure Endear CINCO BAIDY b 98 Darshaan Alchimia Balsamique

Hail To Reason Cosmah Understanding Mountain Flower Northern Dancer Special Alydar Balidaress Northern Dancer Pas de Nom Alydar Chappaquiddick Shirley Heights Delsy Tourangeau Bruyere

As a great fan of Sunday Silence, I hoped that Layman – one of only a handful of European Group winners by the Japanese superstar – would succeed as a sire of Flat performers in France. Layman had, after all, finished second in the Prix Morny, as well as winning Gr3 events over six furlongs at two and a mile at three.

And in addition to being by a tremendous sire of sires, Layman came from the same family as Cape Cross, Iffraaj and Diktat.

Sadly, Layman quickly fell out of favour, to the extent that, by November 2011 he was on his way to Sweden. His five French crops produced nothing better than the Gr3 winners Gammarth, Marypop and Boldogsag.

The connections of Layman’s son San Benedeto clearly hoped that he had inherited some of Layman’s precocious talent. The youngster raced six times in France at two, for a second and two thirds, but a

promising debut at Auteuil in the April of his three-year-old season led to his being transferred to Paul Nicholls.

Since then the Flat failure has been transformed into a useful hurdler and now a smart chaser. San Benedeto was winning for the sixth time in ten completed starts over fences when he won the Gr1 Maghull Novices’ Chase.

Although San Benedeto has won at around two and a half miles, his connections seem to have decided that two miles suits him better. This makes sense in view of his pedigree.

His dam Cinco Baidy, a winner over seven and a half furlongs, was a daughter of Lure, a top American miler whose stallion career was blighted by fertility issues. The fact that Lure was by Danzig is relevant, as San Benedeto’s second dam Alchimia was a half-sister to Blue Note. When mated to Danzig, Blue Note produced Zieten (Middle Park Stakes) and Blue Duster (Cheveley Park Stakes).

240 RYANAIR LIVERPOOL STAYERS’ HURDLE G1 AINTREE. Apr 8. 4yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. YANWORTH (GB) 7 11-7 £84,251 ch g by Norse Dancer - Yota (Galetto) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Wood Farm Stud Limited TR-Alan King 2. Supasundae (GB) 7 11-7 £31,721 b g by Galileo - Distinctive Look (Danehill) O-Ann & Alan Potts Partnership B-Newsells Park Stud Limited TR-Mrs J. Harrington 3. Snow Falcon (IRE) 7 11-7 £15,881 b g by Presenting - Flocon de Neige (Kahyasi) O-Mrs Patricia Hunt B-S. Gorman TR-Noel Meade Margins 1, 0.75. Time 6:03.40. Going Good.

Age 4-7

Starts 14

Wins 10

Places 3

Earned £312,343

Sire: NORSE DANCER. Sire of 4 Stakes winners.

1st Dam: YOTA by Galetto. 2 wins. Dam of 5 winners: 2002: KWANZA (c Lost World) 2 wins over jumps in France.

2003: GRAND LAHOU (g Cyborg) 6 wins.

2004: TAFFETAS (f Nikos) Winner over jumps in France. Broodmare.

2006: Maryota (f Martaline). Broodmare.

2007: (f Poliglote) 2008: TRUST THOMAS (g Erhaab) 5 wins.

2009: I’m A Joker (g Erhaab) 2010: YANWORTH (g Norse Dancer) 10 wins, 2nd Ascot Championship Open NH Flat Race LR, Ryanair Liverpool Stayers’ Hurdle G1, 32red.com Christmas Hurdle G1, Betway Kingwell Hurdle G2, Coral Ascot Hurdle G2, Neptune Investment Classic Nov. Hurdle G2, Sky Supreme Trial Kennel Gate Nov.Hurdle G2, 2nd Neptune Investment Bingham Nov Hurdle G1.

2011: (g Act One) Broodmare Sire: GALETTO. Sire of the dams of 8 Stakes winners.

YANWORTH ch g 2010 Diesis Halling Dance Machine NORSE DANCER b 00 Rousillon River Patrol Boathouse Caro Galetto Gold Bird YOTA ch 95 Cariellor Junta Just Abroad

Sharpen Up Doubly Sure Green Dancer Never A Lady Riverman Belle Dorine Habitat Ripeck Fortino II Chambord Rheingold Orange Bird Fabulous Dancer Bonicarielle Abwah Seventh Bride

See race 80 in the February issue

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Jun_154_DataBook_Layout 1 19/05/2017 13:18 Page 99

Caulfield on Road To Respect: “As might be guessed from his name, he is closely related to Road To Riches; his dam Lora Lady is indeed a half-sister to Road To Riches”

241 IRISH STALL. FARMS EBF MARES NOV. HURDLE G1 FAIRYHOUSE. Apr 16. 4yo+f. 20f.

1. AUGUSTA KATE (GB) 6 11-7 £50,427 b m by Yeats - Feathard Lady (Accordion) O-The Masters Syndicate B-Chesters Stud Ltd TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Let’s Dance (FR) 5 11-7 £16,239 b m by Poliglote - Baraka du Berlais (Bonnet Rouge) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Mr J. Hayoz TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Barra (FR) 6 11-7 £7,692 b m by Vendangeur - Oasaka (Robin des Champs) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Patrice Vagne TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 0.5, 6.5. Time 4:58.20. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-6

Starts 10

Wins 5

Places 1

Earned £111,192

Sire: YEATS. Sire of 3 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - AUGUSTA KATE Accordion G1, CAPIVARI Hernando G1, SHATTERED LOVE Bustino G3.

1st Dam: FEATHARD LADY by Accordion. 7 wins, Stan James Christmas Hurdle G1. Dam of 1 winner: 2008: Special Trinket (f Presenting) unraced.

Broodmare.

2009: Epoisses (g Presenting) unraced.

2011: AUGUSTA KATE (f Yeats) 5 wins, Coolmore NH Sires EBF Mare INH Flat Race LR, Weatherbys.Liss a Paoraigh EBF Mare Race LR, 2nd Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ NH. Flat Race G2, Irish Stall. Farms EBF Mares Nov. Hurdle G1.

2012: (c Schiaparelli) 2013: (c Yeats) 2015: (f Shirocco) Broodmare Sire: ACCORDION. Sire of the dams of 8 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - AUGUSTA KATE Yeats G1, MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT Vinnie Roe G3.

AUGUSTA KATE b m 2011 Sadler’s Wells YEATS b 01 Lyndonville

Accordion FEATHARD LADY b 00 Lady Rolfe

Northern Dancer Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Fairy Bridge Special High Top Top Ville Sega Ville Sparkler Diamond Land Canaan Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge Successor Sound of Success Belle Musique Lyphard Alzao Lady Rebecca Margouillat First Water Mink And Diamonds

One of the greatest achievements of Sadler’s Wells’ stallion son Accordion was Flagship Uberalles, an excellent two-mile chaser whose victories included the Arkle Novices’ Chase, Tingle Creek Chase and Queen Mother Champion Chase. One noteworthy aspect of Flagship Uberalles’ pedigree was his 3 x 4 inbreeding to Sadler’s Wells’ sire Northern Dancer.

Now, one of the greatest achievements by Accordion as a broodmare sire is Augusta Kate, winner of the Mares’ Novice Hurdle Championship Final. This daughter of the four-time Gold Cup winner Yeats is inbred 2 x 3 to Sadler’s Wells and 3 x 4 x 5 to Northern Dancer. Augusta Kate can’t claim to be the best winner out of an Accordion mare, as that title is probably permanently owned by Faugheen, a seven-time Gr1 winner over hurdles and fences.

Augusta Kate’s dam Feathard Lady understandably failed to attract much attention when offered as a foal in 2000, the final bid being IR900gns.

Her sire Accordion had never raced

and her dam Lady Rolfe had been unplaced in her two starts. However, when Feathard Lady next appeared in a sales ring, as a seven-year-old, her price had soared to £270,000, thanks to her unbeaten record in her seven starts in bumpers and over hurdles.

On her final appearance she romped home 12 lengths clear in the Gr1 Christmas Hurdle.

Augusta Kate’s second dam Lady Rolfe was a half-sister to Invite d’Honneur, a smart performer at up to three miles over hurdles in France.

With Sadler’s Wells and Alzao as her grandsires, Feathard Lady didn’t have a typical jumping pedigree. Indeed her second dam First Water finished a respectable fourth in the Gr1 Prix Marcel Boussac at two and First Water was a grand-daughter of Courtessa – a distinction she shared with the brilliant sprinter Habibti, the exceptional Australian broodmare Eight Carat and the 1,000 Guineas winner On The House.

242 RYANAIR POWERS GOLD CUP NOVICE CHASE G1 FAIRYHOUSE. Apr 16. 5yo+. 20f.

1. ROAD TO RESPECT (IRE) 6 11-10 £50,427 ch g by Gamut - Lora Lady (Lord Americo) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Miss I. Rothwell TR-Noel Meade 2. Yorkhill (IRE) 7 11-10 £16,239 ch g by Presenting - Lightning Breeze (Saddlers’ Hall) O-Andrea & Graham Wylie B-P. Keating TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Ball d’Arc (FR) 6 11-10 £7,692 b g by Network - Pretty Moon (Moon Madness) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-S.C.E.A. Fragneau & N. Terriere TR-Gordon Elliott Margins Neck, 5. Time 5:04.00. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-6

Starts 15

Wins 5

Places 8

Earned £147,150

Sire: GAMUT. Sire of 3 Stakes winners.

1st Dam: Lora Lady by Lord Americo. unraced. Dam of 1 winner: 2005: Popalong (f Luso) unraced. Broodmare.

2006: Automaticman (g Craigsteel) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and ran 3 times over hurdles.

2007: Lady Lorabelle (f Old Vic). Broodmare.

2008: Old Meadow (g Old Vic) ran 3 times over hurdles and ran once over fences.

2009: (f Old Vic) 2010: Jokarosie (f Gamut) unraced. Broodmare.

2011: ROAD TO RESPECT (g Gamut) 4 wins, 3rd Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle G2, Ryanair Powers Gold Cup Novice Chase G1, Brown Advisory & Merriebelle H. Chase G3, 2nd Ten Up Novice Chase G2, 3rd Racing Post Christmas Novice Chase G1.

2015: (c Gamut) 2016: (f Leading Light) Broodmare Sire: LORD AMERICO. Sire of the dams of 9 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - ROAD TO RESPECT Gamut G1, FOREVER GOLD Gold Well G2.

ROAD TO RESPECT ch g 2011 Rainbow Quest Spectrum River Dancer GAMUT b 99 Ela-Mana-Mou Greektown Edinburgh Lord Gayle Lord Americo Hynictus LORA LADY b 01 Over The River Bellora

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Chorabelle

Blushing Groom I Will Follow Irish River Dancing Shadow Pitcairn Rose Bertin Charlottown Queen’s Castle Sir Gaylord Sticky Case Val de Loir Hypavia Luthier Medenine Choral Society Miss Arctic

With the very hot favourite Yorkhill persistently jumping to his left, to the extent that he nearly ran out at the final fence, victory went to the progressive Road To Respect. This Cheltenham Festival winner has won at up to two and three-quarter miles but has yet to prove that he is suited by three miles.

The gelding comes from the fifth crop by Gamut, who retired to Sunnyhill Stud at the end of 2005 but is now based at Rosshill Farm near Galway.

Gamut had numerous good performances to his credit, including victory in the Gr1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and second place in the Irish St Leger, and this son of Spectrum was a close relative of the 2,000 Guineas and King George winner Golan, as well as the Derby runner-up Tartan Bearer.

Gamut’s best previous winner, Road To Riches, had no problems staying three miles, as he showed in winning the Gr1 Champion Chase at Down Royal and the Gr1 Lexus Chase.

As might be guessed from Road To Respect’s name, he is closely related to Road To Riches. His dam, the unraced Lord Americo mare Lora Lady, is indeed a half-sister to Road To Riches.

Lora Lady’s dam Bellora was a daughter of Over The River, a useful Flat performer who graduated successfully to hurdling in France.

Over The River became one of the few stallions to have sired two winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup – Cool Ground and Cool Dawn – and he also passed on plenty of stamina to such as Strong Flow (Hennessy Gold Cup), Into The Red (Eider Chase), Zeta’s Lad (Racing Post Chase), Harwell Lad (Whitbread Gold Cup), Bob Treacy (Thyestes Chase) and Sullane River (Leopardstown Chase).

Bellora was a sister to Sullane River and was also a half-sister to Society Belle, dam of the very smart hurdler Davenport Milenium.

243 BOYLESPORTS DROGHEDA CHAMPION CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 25. 5yo+. 16f.

1. FOX NORTON (FR) 7 11-12 £126,068 b g by Lando - Natt Musik (Kendor) O-Ann & Alan Potts B-S.A. Scuderia Del Bargelo TR-Colin Tizzard 2. Un de Sceaux (FR) 9 11-12 £40,598 b g by Denham Red - Hotesse de Sceaux (April Night) O-E. O’Connell B-Haras de La Rousseliere & Mme Monique Choveau TR-W. P. Mullins 3. God’s Own (IRE) 9 11-12 £19,231 b g by Oscar - Dantes Term (Phardante) O-Crossed Fingers Partnership B-Mrs C. O’Driscoll TR-Tom George Margins 1.75, 0.5. Time 4:05.60. Going Good to Yielding.

2009: 2010:

2011: 2012: 2013: 2014: 2015:

NOTTURNO (c Panis) 4 wins at 2 to 4 in France .

FOX NORTON (g Lando) Sold 16,420gns yearling at ARNOV. 10 wins, BetVictor Summit Juvenile Hurdle G2, 3rd AES Champion 4yo Hurdle G1, Boylesports Drogheda Champion Chase G1, JLT Melling Chase G1, Shloer Cheltenham Chase LR, 2nd Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase G1, Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase G2, Race Post Arkle Trial November Nov.Chase G2, 3rd Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase G1, Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase G1, grandnational.co.uk Lightning Nov.Chase G2, 7bets4free.com Kingmaker Novices’ Chase G2.

GRAND GALA (c Creachadoir) Winner at 5 in France.

PINKIE BROWN (g Gentlewave) 3 wins.

NIGHT OF SIN (g Sinndar) 2 wins over hurdles at 4.

NIGHT THUNDER (f Stormy River) Winner at 3 in France.

Musikaline (f Martaline) unraced to date.

2nd Dam: BLUE MANDOLIN by The Minstrel. 1 win at 3. Own sister to SHOUT AND SING. Dam of Blue King (c Kendor: 2nd Prix Omnium II LR), Bluedonix (g Linamix: 3rd River Don Novices’ Hurdle G2) Broodmare Sire: KENDOR. Sire of the dams of 51 Stakes winners.

FOX NORTON b g 2010 Surumu Acatenango Aggravate LANDO b 90 Sharpman Laurea Licata Kenmare Kendor Belle Mecene NATT MUSIK gr 02 The Minstrel Blue Mandolin Godetia

Literat Surama Aggressor Raven Locks Sharpen Up Miss Manon Dschingis Khan Liberty Kalamoun Belle of Ireland Gay Mecene Djaka Belle Northern Dancer Fleur Sir Ivor Native Glitter

See race 237 earlier in this issue 244 GROWISE ELLIER CHAMPION NOVICE CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 25. 5yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. DISKO (FR) 6 11-10 £50,427 gr g by Martaline - Nikos Royale (Nikos) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-E.A.R.L. Haras Du Luy TR-Noel Meade 2. Anibale Fly (FR) 7 11-10 £16,239 b g by Assessor - Nouba Fly (Chamberlin) O-Mr John P. McManus B-EARL Baty, Mr V. Baty, Mr F. Lemercier TR-A. J. Martin 3. A Genie In Abottle (IRE) 6 11-10 £7,692 b g by Beneficial - Erkindale Miss (Supreme Leader) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Loughlin Harte TR-Noel Meade Margins 5, 0.75. Time 6:27.60. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-6

Starts 11

Wins 5

Places 5

Earned £152,219

Sire: MARTALINE. Sire of 41 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - DISKO Nikos G1, AGRAPART Darshaan G2, EDWARD D’ARGENT Roi de Rome G2, SNOW LEOPARDESS Persian Bold G2, VICONTE DU NOYER Woodman G3, CALOTIN Garde Royale LR, LOU PRINCESS Kaldounevees LR, MY MARLIM Fabulous Dancer LR.

1st Dam: Natt Musik by Kendor. Own sister to Blue King. Dam of 6 winners:

1st Dam: Nikos Royale by Nikos. Dam of 3 winners: 2004: MYLENA DU LUY (f Marathon) 3 wins.

2005: VALSE DU LUY (f Valanour) 7 wins over jumps in France.

2011: DISKO (g Martaline) 5 wins, 2nd attheraces.com Champion INH Flat Race G1, Flogas Novice Chase G1, Growise Ellier Champion Novice Chase G1, 3rd Neville Hotels Fort Leney Novice Chase G1, JLT Golden Miller Novices’ Chase G1, Florida Pearl Novice Chase G2.

2008:

Broodmare Sire: NIKOS. Sire of the dams of 22

Age 3-7

Starts 22

Wins 10

Places 10

Earned £518,352

Sire: LANDO. Sire of 33 Stakes winners.

Natt Vals (f Panis)

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DATA BOOK

National Hunt Grade 1s Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - APPLE’S JADE Saddler Maker G1, DISKO Martaline G1, INVICTER Sholokhov G2, ANTONY Walk In The Park G3, DROP OUT JOE Generous LR. The Martaline/Nikos cross has produced: DISKO G1, NIKOLINE G3, Elenika G3, WITHOUT LIMITES LR.

DISKO gr g 2011 Mendez Linamix Lunadix MARTALINE gr 99 Sadler’s Wells Coraline Bahamian Nonoalco Nikos No No Nanette NIKOS ROYALE b 99 D’Arras Rodara Rosenpappel

Bellypha Miss Carina Breton Lutine Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Mill Reef Sorbus Nearctic Seximee Sovereign Path Nuclea Djakao Dulciora Marinus Rosenau

See race 158 in the April issue 245 HERALD CHAMPION NOVICE HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 25. 5yo+. 16f.

1. CILAOS EMERY (FR) 5 11-12 £50,427 b g by Califet - Queissa (Saint Preuil) O-Luke McMahon B-S.A.R.L. Haras Du Bois & J. Poitou TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Melon (GB) 5 11-12 £16,239 ch g by Medicean - Night Teeny (Platini) O-Mrs J. Donnelly B-Newsells Park Stud Limited TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Pingshou (IRE) 7 11-12 £7,692 b g by Definite Article - Quest of Passion (Saumarez) O-Ann & Alan Potts B-Baronrath & Colbinstown Studs TR-Colin Tizzard Margins 1, 3.25. Time 3:58.90. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-5

Starts 5

Wins 3

Places 1

Earned £70,811

Sire: CALIFET. Sire of 20 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - CARRIACOU Medaaly G1, CILAOS EMERY Saint Preuil G1, BLUE DRAGON Epervier Bleu G2, CLARCAM Lost World G3, EL CALIFE Garde Royale G3, MISTER BALI Turgeon LR, SOLWAY Tiger Hill LR, ZIGA BOY Linamix LR. 1st Dam: Queissa by Saint Preuil. Dam of 2 winners: 2010: Amalfi Doug (g Network) 2011: BERRY EMERY (f Racinger) Winner at 3 in France.

2012: CILAOS EMERY (g Califet) 3 wins, Herald Champion Novice Hurdle G1, 2nd I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle LR. Broodmare Sire: SAINT PREUIL. Sire of the dams of 4 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - CILAOS EMERY Califet G1, ALPHA DES OBEAUX Saddler Maker G3.

CILAOS EMERY b g 2012 Soviet Star Freedom Cry Falling Star CALIFET br 98 Kendor Sally’s Room Square Room Dom Pasquini Saint Preuil Montecha QUEISSA gr 04 Dress Parade Fleurissa Pontiany

Nureyev Veruschka Mount Hagen Free French Kenmare Belle Mecene Dewan Keys Stormy Love Rheffic Boursonne Montevideo Chasseresse Sadler’s Wells Steel Habit Count Ivor Deesse Iv

It took only €7,200 to buy Cilaos Emery as a foal at Tattersalls Ireland in 2012, but the gelding has won a bumper and two of his four races over hurdles, with his Champion Novice Hurdle success boosting his earnings to more than £70,000.

100

Perhaps his fairly modest price owed something to his being by Califet, a comparatively unfamiliar name at the time.

Since then, though, Califet has emerged from the shadows. He ranked as high as seventh among France’s top sires of jumpers in 2015 before climbing to fifth in 2016.

His standout performer in France has been Blue Dragon, a winner of ten of his 15 starts over hurdles, as well as three of his four starts on the Flat. Blue Dragon’s victories include the Gr1 Prix Alain du Breil and the Gr1 Prix Renaud du Vivier (Grande Course de Haies des 4 Ans). The Gr3 winner Carriacou has been another big earner in France.

Califet has also done very well with his British and Irish-raced progeny, and this success has guaranteed his popularity since he left France for Boardsmill Stud after the 2013 breeding season.

He covered 129 mares in 2014, 152 in 2015 and 166 at the age of 18 in 2016. Cilaos Emery is his third Gr1 winner in Britain or Ireland, following Clarcam (winner of Gr1 novice chases at Leopardstown and Aintree) and Adrien du Pont (Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle).

Other good representatives include Analifet, Ziga Boy and Bamako Moriviere.

Califet was a Group-winning 12-furlong performer who finished a close fourth in the Arc – a race in which his sire Freedom Cry once finished second.

Cilaos Emery’s family has been a prolific source of winners in France, without producing anything special.

His dam Queissa is by Saint Preuil, a Dom Pasquini horse who won seven times at Auteuil, including twice over fences.

246 CORAL PUNCHESTOWN GOLD CUP CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 26. 5yo+. 24f 110yds.

1. SIZING JOHN (GB) 7 11-10 £126,068 b g by Midnight Legend - La Perrotine (Northern Crystal) O-Ann & Alan Potts Partnership B-Dr B. & S. Mayoh TR-Mrs J. Harrington 2. Djakadam (FR) 8 11-10 £40,598 b g by Saint des Saints - Rainbow Crest (Baryshnikov) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Mr R. Corveller TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Coneygree (GB) 10 11-10 £19,231 b g by Karinga Bay - Plaid Maid (Executive Perk) O-The Max Partnership B-Exors of the Late Lord Oaksey TR-Mark Bradstock Margins Short Head, 1.5. Time 6:22.60. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-7

Starts 18

Wins 8

Places 9

Earned £733,941

Sire: MIDNIGHT LEGEND. Sire of 18 Stakes winners.

NH in 2016/17 - SIZING JOHN Northern Crystal G1, MIDNIGHT TOUR Montjeu LR, QUITE BY CHANCE Gildoran LR, SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT Morpeth LR. 1st Dam: LA PERROTINE by Northern Crystal. 4 wins.

Dam of 2 winners: 2007: Scholastica (f Old Vic) 4 wins, 3rd betatbluesq.com Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle LR. 2009: La Doelenaise (f King’s Theatre). Broodmare.

2010: SIZING JOHN (g Midnight Legend) 8 wins, Paddy Power Future Chmpions Nov. Hurdle G1, 2nd Herald Champion Novice Hurdle G1, 3rd Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle G1, Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase G1,

2012: 2013: 2014: 2015:

Stan James Irish Gold Cup G1, Coral Punchestown Gold Cup Chase G1, Ryans Cleaning Craddockstown Nov. Chase G2, Ladbrokes Ireland Kinloch Brae Chase G3, 2nd Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase G1, Racing Post Christmas Novice Chase G1, Paddy Power Cashcard Chase G1, 3rd Ryanair Colliers Novice Chase G1, Merseyrail Manifesto Novices’ Chase G1.

Batoutahell (f King’s Theatre) unraced.

French Steps (g Schiaparelli) unraced.

Deadringerforlove (f Black Sam Bellamy) unraced to date. (f Black Sam Bellamy)

2nd Dam: HARATIYNA by Top Ville. 1 win at 2 in France. Dam of Harawi (c Akarad: 3rd Prix Coupe des Trois Ans LR, 2nd P.RTL Clement Lesbordes Printemps Hurdle LR). Grandam of JANE AUSTEN, Acapulco, Haraplata, LE CHATEAU, Le Missionnaire. Third dam of Hashbrown. Fourth dam of EVASIVE’S FIRST. Broodmare Sire: NORTHERN CRYSTAL. Sire of the dams of 2 Stakes winners.

SIZING JOHN b g 2010 Northern Dancer Night Shift Ciboulette MIDNIGHT LEGEND b 91 Troy Myth Hay Reef Crystal Glitters Northern Crystal North Cliff LA PERROTINE b 00 Top Ville Haratiyna Halwah

Nearctic Natalma Chop Chop Windy Answer Petingo La Milo Mill Reef Haymaking Blushing Groom Tales To Tell Green Dancer Nenana Road High Top Sega Ville The Minstrel Herila

See race 160 in the April issue 247 IRISH DAILY MIRROR NOVICE HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 26. 4yo+. 24f.

1. CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC (IRE) 6 11-10 £50,427 b g by Stowaway - Classical Rachel (Shahanndeh) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-R. O’Neill TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Penhill (GB) 6 11-10 £16,239 br g by Mount Nelson - Serrenia (High Chaparral) O-Mr Tony Bloom B-Newsells Park Stud Limited & Equity Bloodstock TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Tin Soldier (FR) 6 11-10 £7,692 b g by Soldier of Fortune - Everlast (Anabaa) O-Mr Philip J. Reynolds B-S.C.A. Elevage de Tourgeville & H. Erculiani TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 2.25, 0.5. Time 5:58.00. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-6

Starts 10

Wins 5

Places 5

Earned £109,938

Sire: STOWAWAY. Sire of 11 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC Shahanndeh G1, OUTLANDER Supreme Leader G1, THE WORLDS END Beneficial G1, ICE COLD SOUL Supreme Leader G2, CHAMPAGNE FEVER Roselier LR. 1st Dam: Classical Rachel by Shahanndeh. unraced.

Dam of 2 winners: 2003: Druid’s Chair (g Stowaway) ran 3 times in N.H. Flat Races and ran a few times over hurdles.

2005: Secret Confession (f Stowaway) unraced.

2006: ADMIRAL HAWKE (g Stowaway) 2 wins over hurdles.

2007: Stoney (g Stowaway) 2009: Loughroe Classic (f Stowaway) unraced.

2011: CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC (g Stowaway) 4 wins, Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle G1, 3rd At the Races M. Purcell Mem. Nov. Hurdle G3.

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

The Stowaway/Shahanndeh cross has produced: CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC G1, HIDDEN CYCLONE G1, Dazzling Susie G3.

CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC b g 2011 Mill Reef Hardiemma Birkhahn Suleika STOWAWAY b 94 No Pass No Sale Northfields No Disgrace On Credit Vaguely Noble Noble Tiara Tayyara Be My Guest Assert Irish Bird Shahanndeh Thatch Shademah Shamim CLASSICAL RACHEL b 00 Bold Lad Persian Bold Relkarunner Alzena Lord Gayle Lady Wise Sage Femme Shirley Heights

Slip Anchor

Sayonara

Champagne Classic was sold for €20,000 at 2014’s Land Rover Sale but a narrow victory in a point-to-point in March 2015 was enough to send his price soaring to €100,000 at Goffs’ Punchestown Sale soon afterwards.

Even at the higher price he has proved very well bought by Gigginstown House Stud. Having landed the valuable Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle over two and a half miles at the Cheltenham Festival, he returned to Punchestown to defeat Penhill in the Gr1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle over three miles.

Champagne Classic clearly stays very well, as might be expected of a son of Stowaway. Himself a son of Slip Anchor, Stowaway has sired the likes of Outlander (a Gr1 winner over three miles over fences), Kilcooley (a Gr2 winner at up to three miles over hurdles) and The Worlds End (winner of the Gr1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle over three miles, reviewed earlier in this issue).

Champagne Classic’s broodmare sire, the unraced Shahanndeh, is not a familiar name. This son of the Prix du Jockey-Club and Irish Derby winner Assert was a half-brother to Shahrastani, winner of the Derby and Irish Derby.

Champagne Classic’s dam, the unraced Classical Rachel, is a halfsister to the useful chaser Waltons Mountain, while his second dam Alzena was a half-sister to Majestic Man, a smart juvenile hurdler of 1994/95.

248 RACING POST CHAMPION INH FLAT RACE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 26. 4-7yof&g. 16f.

1. FAYONAGH (IRE) 6 11-7 £50,427 b m by Kalanisi - Fair Ina (Taipan) O-Mrs M. Gittins B-Mr J. Bowe TR-Gordon Elliott 2. Paloma Blue (IRE) 5 12-0 £16,239 br g by Stowaway - Court Leader (Supreme Leader) O-C Jones B-Mr K. D. Cotter TR-Henry De Bromhead 3. Poli Roi (FR) 5 12-0 £7,692 b g by Poliglote - Belle du Roi (Adieu Au Roi) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-S. Ringler & Roger Frieh TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 5.5, 7. Time 3:49.70. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 5-6

Starts 5

Wins 4

Places 0

Earned £117,832

Sire: KALANISI. Sire of 14 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - FAYONAGH Taipan G1, BRAIN POWER Old Vic G3, KALANE Old Vic LR.

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Caulfield on Wicklow Brave: “He has the distinction of being a top-flight winner on the Flat and over hurdles, even though this son of Beat Hollow cost only €11,000 as a yearling”

1st Dam: FAIR INA by Taipan. Winner of a N.H. Flat Race. Dam of 1 winner: 2010: Kallerina (f Kalanisi) ran 3 times in N.H. Flat Races. Broodmare.

2011: FAYONAGH (f Kalanisi) 4 wins in N.H. Flat Races at 5 and 6, Weatherbys Champion Bumper NH Flat Race G1, Racing Post Champion INH Flat Race G1, Coolmore EBF Mares Flat Race LR. 2012: (f Kalanisi) 2015: (c Dubai Destination) 2016: (f Fame And Glory) 2nd Dam: Deep Peace by Deep Run. Dam of SOLERINA (f Toulon: 3rd Vintage Crop S LR, Ballymore Prop. Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1 (3 times), Deloitte and Touche Novice Hurdle G1, John James McManus Memorial Hurdle G1), Florida Coast (g Florida Son: 2nd Ballymore Prop. Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1) Broodmare Sire: TAIPAN. Sire of the dams of 5 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - FAYONAGH Kalanisi G1, FINIAN’S OSCAR Oscar G1, POETIC RHYTHM Flemensfirth LR.

FAYONAGH b m 2011 Mill Reef Doyoun Dumka KALANISI b/br 96 Green Dancer Kalamba Kareena Last Tycoon Taipan Alidiva FAIR INA b 02 Deep Run Deep Peace Bargy Music

Never Bend Milan Mill Kashmir II Faizebad Nijinsky Green Valley Riverman Kermiya Try My Best Mill Princess Chief Singer Alligatrix Pampered King Trial By Fire Tudor Music Patsy Brown

See race 201 in the May issue 249 LADBROKES CH. STAYERS TIPPERKEVIN HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 27. 4yo+. 24f.

UNOWHATIMEANHARRY b g 2008 Hoist The Flag Alleged Princess Pout SIR HARRY LEWIS b 84 Mr Prospector Sue Babe Sleek Dancer Youth Teenoso Furioso RED NOSE LADY b 97 Rymer Red Rambler Cytisus

Tom Rolfe Wavy Navy Prince John Determined Lady Raise A Native Gold Digger Northern Dancer Victorine Ack Ack Gazala II Ballymoss Violetta III Reliance II Piave Above Suspicion River Gold

See race 77 in the February issue 250 RYANAIR COLLIERS NOVICE CHASE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 27. 5yo+. 16f.

1. GREAT FIELD (FR) 6 11-10 £57,991 b g by Great Pretender - Eaton Lass (Definite Article) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Mr D. Clayeux TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Ordinary World (IRE) 7 11-10 £18,675 br g by Milan - Saucy Present (Presenting) O-C.Jones B-Dillon Family TR-Henry de Bromhead 3. Ball d’Arc (FR) 6 11-10 £8,846 b g by Network - Pretty Moon (Moon Madness) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-S.C.E.A. Fragneau & N. Terriere TR-Gordon Elliott Margins 11, 2.25. Time 4:06.50. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 3-6

Starts 9

Wins 7

Places 1

Earned £121,790

Sire: GREAT PRETENDER. Sire of 9 Stakes winners.

NH in 2016/17 - GREAT FIELD Definite Article G1, PTIT ZIG Denham Red G1.

1st Dam: Eaton Lass by Definite Article. unraced. Dam of 2 winners: 2007: Mexican Lass (f Orpen) unraced.

2008: Theatrical Queen (f King’s Theatre) ran once in a N.H. Flat Race and ran over hurdles.

2010: Weapon Lass (f Alberto Giacometti) ran over jumps in France.

2011: GREAT FIELD (g Great Pretender) 7 wins, Ryanair Colliers Novice Chase G1, Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase LR. 2013: DEADHEAT (g Buck’s Boum) Winner over jumps at 4 in France.

1. UNOWHATIMEANHARRY (GB) 9 11-10 £126,068 b g by Sir Harry Lewis - Red Nose Lady (Teenoso) O-Mr John P. McManus B-R. J. Smith TR-Harry Fry 2. Nichols Canyon (GB) 7 11-10 £40,598 b g by Authorized - Zam Zoom (Dalakhani) O-Andrea & Graham Wylie B-Rabbah Bloodstock Limited TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Footpad (FR) 5 11-9 £19,231 b g by Creachadoir - Willamina (Sadler’s Wells) O-Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede B-L. Collet & C. Collet TR-W. P. Mullins Margins Head, 18. Time 6:01.40. Going Good to Yielding.

Broodmare Sire: DEFINITE ARTICLE. Sire of the dams of 5 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - GREAT FIELD Great Pretender G1, PEREGRINE RUN King’s Theatre G2, KEEPER HILL Westerner LR.

Age 5-9

GREAT FIELD b g 2011

Starts 23

Wins 10

Places 10

Earned £397,493

Sire: SIR HARRY LEWIS. Sire of 16 Stakes winners.

2nd Dam: COCKNEY LASS by Camden Town. 9 wins at 2 to 4 Tattersalls Rogers Gold Cup G2, 3rd Dunnes Stores Phoenix Champion S G1. Grandam of Adeli.

Sadler’s Wells King’s Theatre Regal Beauty

1st Dam: RED NOSE LADY by Teenoso. 4 wins over hurdles. Dam of 1 winner: 2008: UNOWHATIMEANHARRY (g Sir Harry Lewis) 10 wins, JLT Long Walk Hurdle G1, Albert Bartlett Spa Novices’ Hurdle G1, Ladbrokes Ch. Stayers Tipperkevin Hurdle G1, galliardshomes.com Cleeve Hurdle G2, Bet365 Long Distance Hurdle G2, Albert Bartlett Bristol Novices’ Hurdle G2, 3rd Sun Bets Stayers’ World Hurdle G1.

2009: (c Sir Harry Lewis) 2011: Happy Chance (f Indian Danehill) ran twice in N.H. Flat Races.

2013: (f Tikkanen) Broodmare Sire: TEENOSO. Sire of the dams of 11 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 UNOWHATIMEANHARRY Sir Harry Lewis G1, DESERT QUEEN Desert King LR. The Sir Harry Lewis/Teenoso cross has produced: UNOWHATIMEANHARRY G1, Comhla Ri Coig G1, Reindeer Dippin LR.

GREAT PRETENDER b 99 Darshaan Settler Aborigine Indian Ridge Definite Article Summer Fashion EATON LASS br 01 Camden Town Cockney Lass Big Bugs Bomb

Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Princely Native Dennis Belle Shirley Heights Delsy Riverman Prima Ahonoora Hillbrow Moorestyle My Candy Derring-Do Camenae Skymaster Warbug

The convention of gelding the vast majority of colts bred for the AngloIrish National Hunt industries means that most champion jumping sires have no male heirs to succeed them.

King’s Theatre, the dominant stallion of recent seasons, is unfortunately no exception. However, French breeders and trainers appear to take a less

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rigid stance about the need to geld potential jumpers – to the considerable benefit of France’s jumping industry.

One entire who avoided the cut was King’s Theatre’s son Great Pretender, who won both his starts over hurdles at Auteuil, including a Listed race.

He had previously finished second in the Gr2 Prix Noailles and fourth in the Gr1 Prix du Jockey-Club. Great Pretender’s main flag-bearer has been Ptit Zig, the Paul Nicholls gelding who returned to France to win the Gr1 Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil in 2016.

Ptit Zig had earlier won the Gr1 Grande Course de Haies des 4 Ans, as well as some good prizes over fences. Great Pretender has also been very ably represented by that smart chaser Mr Mole and now he appears to have another fine prospect in Great Field.

Twice a winner over hurdles from three starts in his native France before joining Willie Mullins, Great Field has now won all five of his starts in Ireland (his only setback came when he flopped at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival). This freerunning gelding’s last four successes have come over fences and he was impressive in landing the Gr1 Ryanair Novice Chase.

Great Field’s dam Eaton Lass is an unraced daughter of the Irish Derby runner-up Definite Article (sire of Pingshou, whose pedigree is reviewed in this issue).

Eaton Lass’s dam Cockney Lass had the distinction of winning the Gr2 Tattersalls Rogers Gold Cup on the Flat, but Cockney Lass’s brother Cockney Lad shone over hurdles, notably winning the Gr1 AIG Europe Champion Hurdle.

251 BETDAQ PUNCHESTOWN CHAMPION HURDLE G1 PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 28. 4yo+. 16f.

1. WICKLOW BRAVE (GB) 8 11-12 £126,068 b g by Beat Hollow - Moraine (Rainbow Quest) O-Wicklow Bloodstock (Ireland) Ltd B-Juddmonte Farms (East) Limited TR-W. P. Mullins 2. My Tent Or Yours (IRE) 10 11-12 £40,598 b g by Desert Prince - Spartan Girl (Ela-Mana-Mou) O-Mr John P. McManus B-F. Dunne TR-Nicky Henderson 3. Arctic Fire (GER) 8 11-12 £19,231 b g by Soldier Hollow - Adelma (Sternkoenig) O-Wicklow Bloodstock (Ireland) Ltd B-Mr U. Gruning TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 1.5, Neck. Time 3:49.90. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-8

Starts 31

Wins 10

Places 10

Earned £418,702

Sire: BEAT HOLLOW. Sire of 26 Stakes winners.

1st Dam: MORAINE by Rainbow Quest. Winner at 3.

Dam of 3 winners: 2009: WICKLOW BRAVE (g Beat Hollow) Sold 9,270gns yearling at TISEP. 10 wins, Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger G1, 2nd Boodles Diamond Ormonde S G3, 3rd Palmerstown House Estate Irish St Leger G1, Qipco Brit. Champions Long Distance Cup G2, Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup G2, Betdaq Punchestown Champion Hurdle G1, Vincent O’Brien County H. Hurdle G3, I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle LR, 3rd stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle G1,

2010: 2011: 2013: 2014: 2015:

stanjames.com Morgiana Hurdle G1.

BRASS RING (g Rail Link) 3 wins at 3 and 4.

GLACIAL DRIFT (f Rail Link) Winner of a N.H. Flat Race.

Shipley (f Cacique) unraced.

Dreamtide (f Champs Elysees) unraced to date. (f Bated Breath)

2nd Dam: CANTILEVER by Sanglamore. 2 wins at 3 in France Prix de Royaumont G3, 2nd Prix de Malleret G2, Prix Greffulhe G2.

Broodmare Sire: RAINBOW QUEST. Sire of the dams of 184 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - WICKLOW BRAVE Beat Hollow G1, PROJECT BLUEBOOK Sinndar G2, RASHAAN Manduro G2.

The Beat Hollow/Rainbow Quest cross has produced: CINDERS AND ASHES G1, WICKLOW BRAVE G1.

WICKLOW BRAVE b g 2009 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge BEAT HOLLOW b 97 Dancing Brave Wemyss Bight Bahamian Blushing Groom Rainbow Quest I Will Follow MORAINE br 04 Sanglamore Cantilever Cantanta

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Lyphard Navajo Princess Mill Reef Sorbus Red God Runaway Bride Herbager Where You Lead Sharpen Up Ballinderry Top Ville Sarah Siddons

Wicklow Brave’s career figures include 22 defeats in 32 starts, but he certainly knows how to pick his moments. His first Graded success came when he started at 25-1 for the Gr3 Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle at the 2015 Cheltenham Festival. His next moment in the limelight came when he held off the long-odds-on Order Of St George to take the 2016 Irish St Leger. And now he has won the Punchestown Champion Hurdle, despite being only the third choice behind Vroum Vroum Mag and Arctic Fire among Willie Mullins’ four-strong team of challengers.

Wicklow Brave therefore has the rare distinction of being a top-flight winner on the Flat and over hurdles, even though this son of Beat Hollow cost only €11,000 as a yearling and began his career in bumpers.

His pedigree bears the Juddmonte hallmark, although he was bred by Millsec Ltd. Beat Hollow was a multiple Gr1 winner in France and the US for Khalid Abdullah and spent several years at Banstead Manor before being transferred to Ballylinch Stud as a replacement for King’s Theatre. His first Irish foals are four years old in 2017.

Beat Hollow sired several very smart Flat performers, including Proportional, Sea Moon, Exosphere and Beaten Up, and he also did well over hurdles with the Juddmonte-bred Cinders And Ashes (Supreme Novices’ Hurdle).

Wicklow Brave’s dam Moraine was a lightly-raced 12-furlong winner by Rainbow Quest. Other Rainbow Quest mares enjoyed widespread success with sons of Sadler’s Wells, as well as producing those high-class colts Powerscourt and Ask to Sadler’s Wells. The gelding’s second dam, Cantilever, won the Gr3 Prix de

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DATA BOOK

National Hunt Grade 1s Royaumont over a mile and a half and the next dam, Cantanta, was a sister to the Irish Oaks winner Princess Pati, their dam being the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Yorkshire Oaks winner Sarah Siddons.

1st Dam: BROUHAHA by American Post. Winner at 3 in France. Dam of 1 winner: 2013: BAPAUME (g Turtle Bowl) 3 wins, AES Champion 4yo Hurdle G1, Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle G2, 2nd Spring Juvenile Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Juvenile Hurdle G3, 3rd JCB Triumph Hurdle G1.

252 TATTERSALLS IRELAND CHAMPION NOV. HURDLE G1

2nd Dam: BALOUCHINA by Rainbow Quest. 1 win at 3 in France. Grandam of BAINE, BASSAMBA. Third dam of Qatar Dream.

PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 28. 4yo+. 20f.

1. BACARDYS (FR) 6 11-10 £50,427 b/br g by Coastal Path - Oasice (Robin des Champs) O-Shanakiel Racing Syndicate B-E. Vagne & J. Da Silva TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Finian’s Oscar (IRE) 5 11-10 £16,239 b g by Oscar - Trinity Alley (Taipan) O-Ann & Alan Potts B-R. O’Keeffe TR-Colin Tizzard 3. Death Duty (IRE) 6 11-10 £7,692 b g by Shantou - Midnight Gift (Presenting) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-G. Thompson TR-Gordon Elliott Margins Short Head, 7. Time 4:53.90. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 4-6

Starts 11

Wins 6

Places 2

Earned £144,107

Broodmare Sire: AMERICAN POST. Sire of the dams of 4 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - BAPAUME Turtle Bowl G1, FLYING TIGER Soldier of Fortune G3.

BAPAUME b g 2013 Night Shift Dyhim Diamond Happy Landing TURTLE BOWL b 02 Top Ville Clara Bow Kamiya Bering American Post Wells Fargo BROUHAHA b 06

Sire: COASTAL PATH. Sire of 4 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - BACARDYS Robin des Champs G1, CONCERTO D’ALLEN Ragmar LR. 1st Dam: OASICE by Robin des Champs. 6 wins at 4 to 6 in France. Dam of 1 winner: 2011: BACARDYS (g Coastal Path) 5 wins, Weatherbys Champion Open NH. Flat Race G2, 3rd Weatherbys Champion Bumper NH Flat Race G1, attheraces.com Champion INH Flat Race G1, Tattersalls Ireland Champion Nov. Hurdle G1, Deloitte Brave Inca Novice Hurdle G1.

2012: Cerealice (f Laveron) 2013: Dionysis (g Lucarno) unraced.

Broodmare Sire: ROBIN DES CHAMPS. Sire of the dams of 6 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 BACARDYS Coastal Path G1, LE COSTAUD Forestier G1.

BACARDYS b/br g 2011 Diesis Halling Dance Machine COASTAL PATH b 04 Sadler’s Wells Coraline Bahamian Garde Royale Robin des Champs Relayeuse OASICE b 02 Agent Bleu Judice Herenice

Sharpen Up Doubly Sure Green Dancer Never A Lady Northern Dancer Fairy Bridge Mill Reef Sorbus Mill Reef Royal Way Iron Duke Reliorneuse Vacarme Acoma Laniste Berenice

hurdler in the consistent Bapaume, who was gaining his third win from seven starts when he landed Punchestown’s Champion 4yo Hurdle.

Turtle Bowl’s best previous representative over hurdles was the Gr2 winner Ivan Grozny.

Bapaume’s dam is the mile-and-ahalf winner Brouhaha and his second dam, Balouchina, had a very distinguished half-sister in Balbonella, a Gr1-winning two-year-old who became the dam of Anabaa and Key Of Luck.

Rainbow Quest Balouchina Bamieres

For a stallion who started his career at only €5,000, Turtle Bowl had a remarkable record. His comparatively small first crop went very close to pulling off a tremendous Classic double. French Fifteen went down by only a neck to Camelot in the 2,000 Guineas, shortly before another son, Lucayan, came out best in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains.

His exploits brought him to the attention of the Japanese and he was exported in October 2012 to stand at Shadai Stallion Station. His subsequent French crops produced a couple of other Group winners in the American-raced Pleuven and Candide.

Turtle Bowl had been a very smart racehorse, as he showed in winning the Gr1 Prix Jean Prat. However, his prospects as a stallion weren’t helped by his having an unfashionable sire in Dyhim Diamond and his failure to win anything of note during his last two years in training.

His final French crop has also produced a potentially very smart

PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 29. 4yo+f. 20f 110yds.

1. APPLE’S JADE (FR) 5 11-7 £50,427 b m by Saddler Maker - Apple’s For Ever (Nikos) O-Gigginstown House Stud B-Mr R. Coveliers TRGordon Elliott 2. Airlie Beach (IRE) 7 11-7 £16,239 b m by Shantou - Screaming Witness (Shernazar) O-Supreme Horse Racing Club/K. Sharp B-Mrs J. M. Mullins TR-W. P. Mullins 3. Karalee (FR) 6 11-7 £7,692 gr m by Martaline - Change Partner (Turtle Island) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Snig Elevage TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 14, 1.75. Time 4:53.20. Going Good to Yielding.

Age 3-5

Starts 11

Wins 7

Places 4

Earned £348,417

Sire: SADDLER MAKER. Sire of 8 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - APPLE’S JADE Nikos G1, MESSIRE DES OBEAUX Sheyrann G1, BRISTOL DE MAI April Night G2, ALPHA DES OBEAUX Saint Preuil G3, DINARIA DES OBEAUX Le Nain Jaune G3, BURN OUT Linamix LR. 1st Dam: APPLE’S FOR EVER by Nikos. 5 wins over jumps in France. Dam of 3 winners: 2009: APPLE’S MAELYS (f Saddler Maker) 7 wins over jumps at 4, 5 and 7 in France.

2010: MADAME APPLE’S (f Saddler Maker) Winner over jumps in France.

2011: Le Sete For Ever (f Saddler Maker) ran over jumps in France.

2012: APPLE’S JADE (f Saddler Maker) 7 wins, AES Champion 4yo Hurdle G1, Betfred Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle G1, Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle G1, Irish Stall.Farms EBF Mares Chpn. Hurdle G1, OLBG David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle G1, Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle G2, 2nd JCB Triumph Hurdle G1, stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle G1, WKD Hurdle G2, Quevega Mares Hurdle LR. Broodmare Sire: NIKOS. Sire of the dams of 22 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - APPLE’S JADE

253 AES CHAMPION 4YO HURDLE G1

Places 3

102

SADDLER MAKER b 98 Alleged Animatrice Alexandrie Nonoalco Nikos No No Nanette Le Pontet Apple’s Girl Silver Girl

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Hoist The Flag Princess Pout Val de L’Orne Apachee Nearctic Seximee Sovereign Path Nuclea Succes Arielle Son of Silver Our Best

See race 74 in the February issue 255 BET365 CELEBRATION CHASE G1 SANDOWN PARK. Apr 29. 5yo+. 15f 110yds.

1. ALTIOR (IRE) 7 11-7 £71,188 b g by High Chaparral - Monte Solaro (Key of Luck) O-Mrs Patricia Pugh B-P. Behan TR-Nicky Henderson 2. Special Tiara (GB) 10 11-7 £26,713 b g by Kayf Tara - Special Choice (Bob Back) O-Mrs S. Rowley-Williams B-D. E. M. Young TR-Henry de Bromhead 3. San Benedeto (FR) 6 11-7 £13,375 ch g by Layman - Cinco Baidy (Lure) O-Mr P. J. Vogt B-E.A.R.L. Ecurie Haras Du Cadran & J. C. Seroul TR-Paul Nicholls Margins 8, 4.5. Time 3:48.00. Going Good.

Age 4-7

Starts 14

Wins 12

Places 1

Earned £365,738

Sire: HIGH CHAPARRAL. Sire of 107 Stakes winners.

NH in 2016/17 - ALTIOR Key of Luck G1, HIGH MASTER Lion Cavern G3, LANDOFHOPEANDGLORY Acatenango G3, SURTEE DU BERLAIS Mister Sicy LR. 1st Dam: MONTE SOLARO by Key of Luck. 2 wins, Brandon Hotel H. Hurdle G3. Dam of 4 winners: 2007: KEY TO THE WEST (g Westerner) 4 wins.

2008: Cestus (g High Chaparral) 2009: PRINCESS LEYA (f Old Vic) 3 wins, R E./B G.Golf Classic New Stand H.Hurdle G2.

Broodmare.

2010: ALTIOR (g High Chaparral) 12 wins, 3rd Betfair Bumper Standard Open NH Race LR, Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle G1, Sky Bet Supreme Trial Sharp Nov.Hurdle G2, Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase G1, Racing Post Henry VIII Novice Chase G1, Bet365 Celebration Chase G1, Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase G2, 32red.com Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase G2.

2011: SILVERHOW (g Yeats) 2 wins over hurdles at 6.

2013: Melior (f Milan) unraced.

2015: (c Milan)

ALTIOR b g 2010 Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge HIGH CHAPARRAL b 99 Darshaan Kasora Kozana Chief’s Crown Key of Luck Balbonella MONTE SOLARO br 00

Earned £107,914

Sire: TURTLE BOWL. Sire of 8 Stakes winners. NH in 2016/17 - BAPAUME American Post G1, IVAN GROZNY Suave Dancer G2.

Fairy Bridge

Broodmare Sire: KEY OF LUCK. Sire of the dams of 14 Stakes winners.

1. BAPAUME (FR) 11-0 £50,427 b g by Turtle Bowl - Brouhaha (American Post) O-Mrs S. Ricci B-Maurice Rohaut-Leger TR-W. P. Mullins 2. Landofhopeandglory (IRE) 11-0 £16,239 b g by High Chaparral - Wurfklinge (Acatenango) O-Mr John P. McManus B-Churchtown House Stud TR-Joseph Patrick O’Brien 3. Meri Devie (FR) 10-7 £7,692 ch f by Spirit One - Folle Biche (Take Risks) O-Andrea & Graham Wylie B-Mrs C. Pastor TR-W. P. Mullins Margins 1.25, 1. Time 3:53.40. Going Good to Yielding.

Wins 3

Northern Dancer Sadler’s Wells

254 IRISH STALL.FARMS EBF MARES CHPN. HURDLE G1

PUNCHESTOWN. Apr 29. 4yo. 16f.

Starts 7

APPLE’S JADE b m 2012

APPLE’S FOR EVER b 00 Northern Dancer Ciboulette Homing Laughing Goddess High Top Sega Ville Kalamoun Shahinaaz Arctic Tern Beaune Sadler’s Wells Cruising Height Blushing Groom I Will Follow Riverman Bergamasque

See race 157 in the April issue

Age 3-4

Saddler Maker G1, DISKO Martaline G1, INVICTER Sholokhov G2, ANTONY Walk In The Park G3, DROP OUT JOE Generous LR.

Broken Hearted Footsteps Remoosh

Bapaume wins the Champion 4YO Hurdle at Punchestown

Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Shirley Heights Delsy Kris Koblenza Danzig Six Crowns Gay Mecene Bamieres Dara Monarch Smash Glint of Gold Rivers Maid

See race 72 in the February issue

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Jun_154_DataBook_Layout 1 19/05/2017 13:18 Page 103

Caulfield on Bapaume: “His dam is the mile-and-a-half winner Brouhaha and his second dam, Balouchina, had a very distinguished half-sister in Balbonella, dam of Anabaa”

National Hunt Grade 2 & 3 Races Date 03/04 03/04 04/04 04/04 04/04 05/04 05/04 06/04 06/04 06/04 06/04 12/04 12/04 12/04 16/04 20/04 20/04 20/04 20/04 21/04 21/04 21/04 21/04 26/04 29/04 30/04 01/05 02/05 02/05 03/05 03/05

Grade G3 G3 G2 G3 G3 G2 G3 GB G2 G2 G2 G2 G2 G3 G2 GB GB GC G3 GA G2 G3 G3 G3 GB GA GC GC GA GB GB

Race (course) Dominican Republic Handicap Hurdle (Aintree) Silver Cross Red Rum Handicap Chase (Aintree) Int.Festival for Business Top Nov.Hurdle (Aintree) Alder Hey Children’s Charity Hcp Hurdle (Aintree) Crabbie’s Topham Handicap Chase (Aintree) Weatherbys Champion Open NH. Flat Race (Aintree) Crabbie’s Grand National Handicap Chase (Aintree) Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley Nov Hp Chase (Fairyhouse) Coolmore NH Sires Novice Hurdle (Fairyhouse) Normans Grove Chase (Fairyhouse) Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle (Fairyhouse) Arcadia Future Champion Novices’ Chase (Ayr) QTS Scottish Champion Hurdle (Ayr) Coral Scottish Grand National Hcp Chase (Ayr) Wooden Spoon Charity Silver Trophy Chase (Cheltenham) Boylesports Easter Festival Hcp Hurdle (Fairyhouse) INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hp Hurdle (Fairyhouse) Easter Handicap Hurdle (Cork) Imperial Call Chase (Cork) The Boylesports Irish Grand National Chase (Fairyhouse) Keelings Irish Strawberry Hurdle (Fairyhouse) John & Chich Fowler Mem. EBF Mares Chase (Fairyhouse) Tayto Hurdle (Fairyhouse) bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Sandown Park) bragbet.com Handicap Hurdle (Punchestown) Guinness Handicap Chase (Punchestown) Three.ie Black Hills Handicap Chase (Punchestown) Seaniemac EBF Glencaraig Lady H. Chase (Punchestown) Aon Novice Handicap Chase (Punchestown) Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe Hcp Chase (Punchestown) Setanta Sports Handicap Hurdle (Punchestown)

Dist 24.5f 16f 16.5f 20f 21.5f 17f 35.5f 17f 20f 17f 16f 20f 16f 32.5f 21f 16f 24f 19f 24f 29f 20f 20f 16f 29.5f 16f 20 16f 21f 21f 25f 20f

Horse Doctor Harper (IRE) Parsnip Pete (GB) Josses Hill (IRE) Clondaw Kaempfer (IRE) Ma Filleule (FR) Ballybolley (IRE) Pineau de Re (FR) Some Tikket (IRE) Lieutenant Colonel (GB) Arvika Ligeonniere (FR) Valseur Lido (FR) Eduard (IRE) Cockney Sparrow (GB) Al Co (FR) Buywise (IRE) Daneking (GB) Lots of Memories (IRE) Blacklough (IRE) Toner d’Oudairies (FR) Shutthefrontdoor (IRE) Thousand Stars (FR) Une Artiste (FR) Ivan Grozny (FR) Hadrian’s Approach (IRE) Cool Macavity (IRE) Orpheus Valley (IRE) Mallowney (IRE) Burn And Turn (IRE) Operating (IRE) Chartreux (FR) Deep Trouble (IRE)

Age 6 8 6 6 6 5 11 7 5 9 5 6 5 9 7 5 7 6 7 7 10 6 4 7 6 11 8 8 7 9 7

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

Sire Presenting Pasternak Winged Love Oscar Turgeon Kayf Tara Maresca Sorrento Tikkanen Kayf Tara Arvico Anzillero Morozov Cockney Rebel Dom Alco Tikkanen Dylan Thomas Jammaal King’s Theatre Polish Summer Accordion Grey Risk Alberto Giacometti Turtle Bowl High Chaparral One Cool Cat Beneficial Oscar Flemensfirth Milan Colonel Collins Shantou

Dam Supreme Dreamer Bella Coola Credora Storm Gra-Bri Kadaina Gales Hill Elfe du Perche Ally Rose Agnese Daraka Libido Rock Dinny Kenn Compose Carama Greenogue Princess Sadie Thompson Remember Rob Oh Susannah Iroise d’Oudairies Hurricane Girl Livaniana Castagnette III Behnesa Gifted Approach Cause Celebre Native Mo Silkaway Pescetto Lady Seymourswift Ruaha River Out of Trouble

Broodmare Sire Supreme Leader Northern State Glacial Storm Rashar Kadalko Beau Sher Abdonski Roselier Abou Zouz Akarad Video Rock Phardante Anabaa Tip Moss Rainbows For Life King’s Best Deep Society Turgeon Passing Sale Strong Gale Saint Estephe Tin Soldier Suave Dancer Roselier Peintre Celebre Be My Native Buckskin Toulon Seymour Hicks Villez Mandalus

Index 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286

Leading National Hunt sires 2016/17 by earnings Name

King's Theatre Presenting Kayf Tara Milan Oscar Flemensfirth Midnight Legend Beneficial Westerner Stowaway Shantou Authorized Gold Well Kalanisi Scorpion Voix du Nord Robin des Champs Brian Boru Vinnie Roe Martaline High Chaparral Network Indian River Yeats Definite Article Winged Love Overbury Kapgarde Saddler Maker Poliglote Cloudings Court Cave Sir Harry Lewis Dom Alco Old Vic Lando Galileo Heron Island Crillon Denham Red Soldier Of Fortune Alflora Craigsteel Gamut

YOF

1991 1992 1994 1998 1994 1992 1991 1990 1999 1994 1993 2004 2001 1996 2002 2001 1997 2000 1998 1999 1999 1997 1994 2001 1992 1992 1991 1999 1998 1992 1994 2001 1984 1987 1986 1990 1998 1993 1996 1992 2004 1989 1995 1999

Sire

Rnrs

Sadler's Wells Mtoto Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Alleged Night Shift Top Ville Danehill Slip Anchor Alleged Montjeu Sadler's Wells Doyoun Montjeu Valanour Garde Royale Sadler's Wells Definite Article Linamix Sadler's Wells Monsun Cadoudal Sadler's Wells Indian Ridge In the Wings Caerleon Garde Royale Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Sadler's Wells Alleged Dom Pasquini Sadler's Wells Acatenango Sadler's Wells Shirley Heights Saumarez Pampabird Galileo Niniski Suave Dancer Spectrum

274 365 280 334 302 296 178 329 239 159 115 63 100 158 165 27 114 100 78 69 70 52 47 109 106 65 76 41 14 28 53 86 29 30 68 9 67 77 7 4 19 62 93 64

Wnrs

103 119 108 91 98 103 71 97 79 53 50 28 31 33 43 13 41 38 28 24 18 17 19 45 31 21 26 19 8 12 17 25 11 9 25 3 19 20 5 2 12 26 26 15

%WR

37.59 32.60 38.57 27.25 32.45 34.80 39.89 29.48 33.05 33.33 43.48 44.44 31.00 20.89 26.06 48.15 35.96 38.00 35.90 34.78 25.71 32.69 40.43 41.28 29.25 32.31 34.21 46.34 57.14 42.86 32.08 29.07 37.93 30.00 36.76 33.33 28.36 25.97 71.43 50.00 63.16 41.94 27.96 23.44

Races

AWD

Earnings (£)

Top horse

163 179 171 129 143 138 125 143 116 89 89 49 49 58 64 24 59 54 45 36 32 34 31 65 45 31 41 34 15 25 29 39 16 15 38 7 29 32 9 5 22 36 41 25

20.0 20.2 20.4 20.9 20.0 20.4 19.8 20.0 20.0 19.6 20.0 19.2 20.8 19.0 19.1 18.2 19.1 20.5 21.0 19.5 18.7 18.9 22.3 18.5 20.6 20.9 20.1 18.3 20.8 18.9 22.0 22.3 23.7 21.0 21.6 16.9 18.7 20.5 18.1 18.8 17.7 22.1 22.5 19.9

2,738,258 2,444,832 2,427,332 2,113,081 2,065,969 1,770,650 1,621,692 1,563,808 1,371,541 1,063,411 1,048,646 846,181 740,275 690,007 687,733 663,825 662,141 659,215 598,735 578,816 570,217 565,789 543,868 542,077 536,159 532,712 522,433 504,741 482,835 477,812 476,557 451,184 450,520 448,297 445,424 433,793 412,928 405,455 401,401 398,344 388,416 381,171 367,525 356,433

Cue Card Yorkhill Special Tiara One For Arthur Our Duke Abolitionist Sizing John De Plotting Shed Westerner Lady Champagne Classic Airlie Beach Nichols Canyon Mysteree Brain Power Might Bite Defi du Seuil Un Temps Pour Tout Sub Lieutenant Supreme Vinnie Disko Altior Ball d'Arc Native River Augusta Kate Definitly Red Bless The Wings Clondaw Warrior Ultragold Apple's Jade Let's Dance Cloudy Dream Willoughby Court Unowhatimeanharry Vicente Village Vic Fox Norton Supasundae Otago Trail Buveur d'Air Un de Sceaux Mega Fortune Chase The Spud Wholestone Road To Respect

Earned (£)

290,057 135,564 290,474 610,227 292,424 110,341 562,592 66,463 142,604 110,383 118,236 269,838 92,793 123,373 167,447 205,074 90,070 160,352 51,479 125,830 252,283 139,453 297,873 59,182 78,260 99,296 178,822 91,507 200,271 128,367 112,281 95,363 275,192 125,525 57,714 398,598 103,061 87,195 371,070 334,890 83,878 75,108 63,786 137,063

Last act augments Theatre’s triumph King’s Theatre duly notched another title, and with a reasonable degree of comfort. He was assisted by a stunning final day of the season at Sandown involving three winners – Menorah in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase, L’Ami Serge in the Grade 2 Select Hurdle and Henllan Harri in the Grade 3 bet365 Gold Cup. Theatre Guide came third in the last-named race and earnings from the quartet totalled £157,404. With 14 individual stakes winners King’s Theatre outpointed all his rivals in that category.

One For Arthur’s victory in the Grand National shot Milan past the £2 million mark and into fourth place, while novice Our Duke’s remarkable success in the Irish Grand National enabled Oscar to reach £2m too.

It is a comment on the times that four of the leading five sires are by Sadler’s Wells.

Statistics to May 9

Want to find out which stallions are making waves?

For the very latest sire lists go to www.ownerbreeder.co.uk Tables updated every day THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

103

Jun_154_24Hours_Owner 19/05/2017 13:35 Page 104

24 HOURS WITH… NICK SMITH

104

GEORGE SELWYN

M

y job is far from routine. On racedays I am up between 4.30-5.00 to walk the course with Chris Stickels, Clerk of the Course, and Alastair Warwick, Chief Operating Officer. While on the opening Tuesday and Gold Cup day of Royal Ascot it’s a similar early call for interviews with ITV, Sky and any other programmes.

On non-racedays I am in the office by 8.30, which involves a convenient two-mile journey from our home in north Ascot.

There are a lot of committee meetings to attend in London as I am on the Flat Pattern Committee, British Champions Series Board and various broadcast committees.

On top of that I spend eight to ten weeks of the year on overseas trips trying to attract the best horses to Ascot. It could be track work in Santa Anita and the following night in Melbourne. But wherever I am the first thing I do on waking up is to check my iPhone for emails and news feeds. I always reply to my emails nursing a coffee, followed by breakfast of porridge and fruit; I’m on a health drive after being an egg and bacon fan.

The toughest schedule abroad is in February, when I take a quick hop round the world, starting in Japan for three days, then Melbourne for three or four days, another couple in Sydney, three in California and ending up in Florida for four days. It’s a timetable that keeps you on the move on a wide variety of planes, with no downtime.

You learn to manage your sleep on the long flights. It can be a struggle when you arrive somewhere and have to be polite, patient and on your game, with the local form at your fingertips. It’s not always solely about trying to attract the best foreign runners to Ascot. Last month I went with Juliette Slot, Ascot’s

Ascot and its Royal Meeting keeps Director of Racing NICK SMITH occupied here, there and everywhere, though he also finds time for family, films, football, golf and the NFL Commercial Director, to the Kentucky Derby to meet the NBC team. I talked about racing, Royal Ascot and British Champions Day, while Juliette discussed fashion. We also had meetings with the Breeders’ Cup team.

In all my experience of promoting Ascot and being interviewed, the four years I spent working with Marcus Townend and Colin Mackenzie on the Daily Mail were fundamental in shaping how I think communications should be run. You need to know the way journalists think and how newspapers and news operations work.

I also met with trainers Bill Mott, Graham Motion, Todd Pletcher and Wesley Ward to discuss their Royal Ascot

plans. Pletcher, triumphant with Always Dreaming in the Kentucky Derby, is aiming American Patriot at the Queen Anne. Motion has Miss Temple City in the Queen Anne and Duke of Cambridge.

Mark Casse, who saddled Tepin to win last year’s Queen Anne, brings over La Coronel for the Coronation. Ward, with seven Royal Ascot winners to his credit, wants to run Lady Aurelia in the King’s Stand as well as Bound For Nowhere (Commonwealth Cup), Undrafted (Wokingham) and several two-year-olds.

Lunch depends on where I am. I often find myself enjoying a working lunch in London, or if I’m in the office I dash out to Tesco or Budgens

to grab a sandwich. Abroad, my favourite food is Japanese sushi, teriyaki and tempura.

With all the travelling I am very conscious of finding time for my wife Kate and our daughters Louise, 8, and Eleanor, 6. Louise was born six and a half weeks premature when I was in Melbourne for the Lightning Stakes. Of course, I flew straight home.

They accept I am away for a week here and a week there but we don’t do the hardship angle. After all, I am watching great horses run and trying to encourage them to come and race at Ascot. I’m the lucky one, not like the military, away for months and putting their lives at risk.

Of course it’s nice to wake up with the children in the morning; equally, sunrise over Santa Anita or sunset on South Bank in Melbourne can be uplifting. I take the girls swimming on Saturdays, when we also enjoy outings in the afternoon, though, if I’m honest, I’m never far away from the racing on television.

I’m a QPR supporter and Louise is also keen on football so we go to Loftus Road together two or three times a year. I am a big NFL fan and support the Cincinnati Bengals. I also follow the golf, which is my preferred betting medium nowadays.

I watch a lot of films, which are my non-sporting diversion.

Kate bought me membership of the British Film Institute for Christmas in the hope I might focus a bit more away from racing. Our evening meal could be any time during the week, but Kate and I enjoy cooking at weekends. For me, there’s nothing nicer than making a boeuf en croute, glass of wine in hand with the football on in the background.

I’m not one for late nights, just a restless sleeper. I wake up so many times, but still seem to manage.

Interview by Tim Richards

THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER

DAR11321 OB page-NOT, GH-30 MAY17.qxp 16/05/2017 12:52 Page 1

They’re absolutely Classic!

Golden Horn filly out of Handana

Night Of Thunder filly out of Step Sequence

You might reasonably expect the first foals by 2,000 Guineas winner Night Of Thunder and Derby hero Golden Horn to be perfect examples of the thoroughbred breed.

You will not be disappointed.

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