I. Watty’s World II. Horses To Follow in 2017 III. Lady Frankel IV. Jockey Interviews with Pigeon_Island V. Betway Linoln Preview VI. Racing Round-Up In Asia VII. Grand National Preview VIII. William’s Musings
So, Cheltenham.. That was special. It was full of highs and lows, along with some extreme lows with some horses not on the way back home. A sad ending to some races, but you can’t be mind-blown by this sport, with how much it can give and how much it can take back in and instant. A click of the finger. My highlight of the week would’ve been Sizing John win the Gold Cup, epic scenes of seismic proportions. Alas, the Dubai World Cup was splattered with rain, but we saw one very special horse. A is for Arrogate, A is for Absolute Superstar, A is for Anointing. To come that far off and do it like that; wow. That being said, this week we see the return of the flat; much needed in my books. I cannot wait, I think the three-year-old filly division looks to be mouth-watering, whilst the likes of Almanzor and Minding returning? It really looks magnificent. I look forward to going to more race meetings this season, as I went to about 50 last season, always cracking days out hopefully see some of you there! Tip for you: Coronet in the Oaks. Thanks for reading the magazine and we’ll speak very soon!
Alex Banks
Alex Banks Editor-In-Chief
Aintree, a small town located a few miles north of Liverpool and midway between the Liverpool to Ormskirk railway line has a special place in my heart and no doubt many others, for those who got the calling in life to follow the Sport Of Kings many will have have been introduced to it through that one race that is like no other, The Grand National. This 4m2f plus a few extra yards steeplechase run over a course that has fences made up of spruce that is grown and shipped down from the Lake District is a race that is full of drama,excitement,passion and sometimes sorrow due to the uniqueness of it. As someone who was born in 1979 I was given my first chance to bet in the race in 1988 when my dad let me pick four horses to which he put 25p each way on all of them,Of
the ones I picked one of them was Durham Edition trained by Arthur Stephenson and ridden by Chris Grant,both were runners up in this race twice but for whom I have to thank for turning this at the time little boy into a fan of the sport for life. One thing about this race that’s a cast iron guarantee is the uncertainty of it all, In my lifetime I have backed the winner of it five times,the horses being Seagram,Party Politics,Comply Or Die,Neptune Collonges and Auroras Encore, to pick a winner is always something of an achievement and as someone who left high school with GCSE grades more akin to a selling plater I can smile in the knowledge knowing I have done something that even the best brains from Oxford and Cambridge might struggle to work out.
Over the years I have seen Aintree go from having just the three days of racing a year to now having eight days and the facilities on course have improved a great deal too with five permanent grandstands which every other course would give their right arm for just to have one of these magnificent structures. It was the year 2000 when I finally broke my maiden tag as a racegoer at Aintree when I went to Becher Chase day, a memorable afternoon despite the heavens being open for most of it as I backed about four winners I think including one of my favourite staying chasers at the time Young Kenny as he beat a fair field but was the only horse in the handicap with other horses all carrying 10st,some achievement indeed! The Grand National meeting for me is the one I look forward to each year, I have only done one actual
Grand National back in 2001 when Red Marauder ploughed through the slop at a time when National Hunt racing had suffered a huge wipeout when the foot and mouth crisis put paid to the Cheltenham Festival taking place and as of which Aintree took on a greater significance with many of the fancied horses going from Gloucestershire to Merseyside for what could be deemed “Unofficial Championship Races” It could have been said that the dreadful continuous rain for all those three days were someone’s way of trying to stop jump racing full stop but us being British we carried on stoically and refused to let that get in the way, after all the old saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather,just the wrong clothing”.
“It was the year 2000 when I finally broke my maiden tag as a racegoer at Aintree when I went to Becher Chase day, a memorable afternoon”
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That race was without a doubt the most controversial of all of them, many found it at a sad sight to see but I still to this day think it was the correct decision to race, sure the ground was heavy and a lot of standing water was in places but after a season which virtually ground to a halt,the sport needed to make sure one big festival was run, Horsemanship was given a master class by the riders, from the only two who never fell Richard Guest and Timmy Murphy giving their charges a hands and heels ride, letting them jump the fences at their own speed and refusing to use the whip to AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh both being brought down then remounting and keeping each other company until the final fence and Carl Llewellyn trying to ride Beau with just one rein after the other got hooked over and then being unceremoniously unseated and dragged along the ground only to catch up with horse to ring up Nigel Twiston-Davies and ask what the prize money for fifth spot was. After I left the course following the last race,a bumper which naturally I backed the winner of, I made
my way back to Lime Street Station with a quick stop off for some tea I vowed never to go back to National day purely due to the fact that I will never see a race like that ever again, it has still yet to be topped as far as race meetings go that’s for sure! Over the years the fences have changed from the timber cores of the fences being replaced by plastic ones but they are still a challenge for horse and rider and so should that remain, the fences are still their to be jumped and jumping is the name of the game. This festival has gone on from strength to strength, what many people don’t realise things like in 1973 when Red Rum won his first of three Grand Nationals was that on 1973 Grand National day the meeting only had two jumps races on the card with the other one being a two mile hurdle and the rest all flat races, now it is a three day bonanza of jumping with a couple of bumpers at the highest level thrown in.
With Cheltenham being four days one question which always gets asked from time to time is “Will Aintree go four days?” Like many I hope it doesn’t although I’d like to see a sort of consolation race be run on the Saturday replacing the Listed handicap that they run on the Mildmay course but using the Becher Chase trip and restrict it to Conditional Jockeys to give them a mini National of their own,this would also give the racegoers in the Steeplechase Enclosure an extra race to cheer on. Anyway to those who aren’t in the know, Aintree already does have an unofficial fourth day the day after down at Tabley Hall near Knutsford with the Cheshire Forest Point to
Point taking place, a meeting which is always worth a visit. One thing which is noticeable at this meeting is how the class walls are down as people from all walks of life seem to mix in as you peruse the stands, The county set resplendent in their tweeds,mustard coloured corduroys and hats with various types of game bird feathers in them are infused with the locals who especially on Ladies’ Day really go to town with outfits that have to be seen to be believed thrown in a mix of high heels,fake tan and hairstyles that will have been a result of months of planning, certainly more planning than the Gay Future plot at Cartmel or a raid by Tony Martin.
“Over the years the fences have changed from the timber cores of the fences being replaced by plastic ones but they are still a challenge for horse and rider and so should that remain”
The queue for the trains back especially on Ladies’ Day is something different too, the portable metal fencing snakes away around the car park and being British the people form an orderly queue unless you’re me in which case I tend to overtake as many people as I can, a bit like a typical Ruby Walsh or Jamie Spencer hold up ride, one of the local radio stations pipes music out and the women who by now have cried enough in their high heels will get their complimentary flip flops or like last year I spotted one person with a bin bag full flogging pairs for £5 much to the delight of many pairs of feet which by now have probably cried enough like a chaser on heavy ground! In the city the bars and restaurants are busy doing some of their biggest
“If you have never been to Aintree for the Grand National meeting then you are missing out on one of sports biggest occasions”
trade of the year, many trainers,jockeys and media will be staying over in the local hotels or slightly out of town possibly in places like Southport,Warrington or St Helens while the stable staff will be diligently be staying at the hostel at Aintree with their horses. If you have never been to Aintree for the Grand National meeting then you are missing out on one of sports biggest occasions, Nothing else can compare to this, Cheltenham is the serious part of the jumps season and Aintree is the hair down and relax one,its when a countryside sport comes to the big city and should you ever attend and leave feeling unfulfilled or bored then this sport isn’t for you.
Photo, David Betts
Astronomy’s Choice Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Mr R J H Geffen Redoute’s Choice - Astronomy Domine (Galileo) This filly is a one time runner in her opening season as a juvenile, she won a Class 2 Maiden Fillies’ Stakes, beating First Dance and Heavenly Angel. She is the first foal out of the once-raced maiden Astronomy Domine, with a close relation to the French Group 3 winner Pacifique and a half-sister to French Listed winner Prudenzia, who is by Dansili and produced Chicquita, the winner of the Irish Oaks. She is not in the two-year-old’s of 2016 book, but on debut, she was away nice enough, coming into the last half of the race, she was the first filly off the bridle and looking outpaced; which is significant as her breeding suggests she can be aimed at middle distances. Moving on into the final 2furlongs, she was kicking on and went against First Dance in a good tussle which will help her progress, where one tap of the whip in the final furlong from Frankie Dettori and Astronomy’s Choice picked and went away nicely. The form of the race has only been tried by a few other fillies, all of whom have regressed from their position in this race and look to have gone backwards in that sense, although Mittens who was last of all against Astronomy’s Choice on debut came out and won at Lingfield next time, and impressively. A mark of 86 as her Official Rating, whilst the Racing Post classed the run as a mark of 85, I feel as though this filly could go onto the Pretty Polly Stakes as her first race of the season, see how she does there, a race John Gosden does incredibly well with, with one eye on the Epsom Oaks. John Gosden has won the last three renewals of the Pretty Polly Stakes, with Swiss Range, Jazzi Top and Taghrooda, whilst two of the last four winners of the race itself have gone onto the Oaks and won that race; Talent and Taghrooda.
Astronomy’s Choice is relatively in-bred on both sides, but quite far away from her sire and dam. Northern Dancer as you’d expect shows up on both sides, four generations back for this filly, with him showing up twice on the sire’s side, along with Natalma who shows up both sides on the sire’s side and Mr Prospector who shows up on the dam’s side twice. The thing that is most interesting to me here is the fact Galileo is the broodmare sire, he has been sensational as a broodmare sire, he was 3rd with 144 winners in 2016, only beaten by his Father Sadler’s Wells and Pivotal who has far more runners than he did. Target: I think Astronomy’s Choice’s targets have been set out by myself above, although she has been entered in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, where she is 40/1, along with the Darley Irish Oaks. In my mind, she will more than likely go to the Pretty Polly Stakes and if good enough, look towards the Epsom Oaks, if not, the Prix de Diane could be another race for her, as I know the owner doesn’t shy away from going to France. John Gosden won the Prix de Diane back in 2015 with Frankie Dettori aboard Star of Seville for Lady Bamford, she won the Dubai Duty Free Conditions Stakes at Newbury, another one Mr Gosden seems to target, so there are a few avenues for this filly to go down. Picture: Josh Pearson
THREE-year-old sons and daughters of boom stallion Frankel are starting to appear on racetracks and the regally-bred Lady Frankel made a winning debut for trainer Andre Fabre when she landed the Prix Calandria at SaintCloud on Sunday. Lady Frankel was reported green during the running, but when the field entered the home straight, jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot asked her to knuckle down on the outside of the pack. Once finding her stride she picked up impressively to lead close home. Lady Frankel is a a Gestut Ammerland homebred out of the Group 3-winning Vettori mare Lady Vettori. She boasts a classy pedigree as she is a half-sister to dual French Classic winner and exciting young sire Lope De Vega. She is also a half-sister to Group 3 scorer Bal De La Rose and the Listed-winning Lord Of The Land. Frankel sired 18 individual winners worldwide last year. He notched his first top-level success when Soul Stirring won the Grade 1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies Stakes in December and was also represented by the European Group performers Queen Kindly, Fair Eva, Frankuus and Toulifaut. Frankel is standing the current breeding season at a fee of £125,000 at Banstead Manor Stud in Newmarket. – from Racing Post, edited. Photo: ScoopDyga.com Article from Turf Talk
Date and Place of Birth 6 December 1994 in Essex Who inspired you to get into racing and when did you first realise you wanted to be a jockey My mother encouraged me to ride ponies/horses from a young age, but I found my own way into the racing side of the game, as I have no relations working within the industry What age did you first ride When I was around 10 years old I used to get home in the evenings and watch At The Races religiously. This made me want to experience what it would feel like to ride in a race. I rode ponies from as far back as I can remember really What are your strengths and weaknesses I think my strengths are that I listen and am constantly trying to find new ways to learn more and improve my riding
Who are your jockey idols you look up to or maybe based yourself on I don’t base myself on any other jockey as I think it is important for you to find your own style and find a way you are comfortable riding, that works for you. Somebody I look up to would be Ryan Moore as he is the ultimate professional in the way he conducts himself and he always puts horses in the right place at the right time in races. Adam Kirby is another jockey I admire as I think he is a very talented horseman, with a very unique style. He works very hard maintaining his weight, and always gets 100% out of a horse When was your first ride & winner and where and how many winners so far approximately My first ride came when I was pony racing, at Fakenham in 2008. During that season pony racing I managed to ride a winner, with fairly limited ammunition, around Lingfield Park and had a few nice placed efforts. My first actual race ride was at Doncaster on 10th November 2012 on the final day of the flat season, in the apprentice handicap, on a horse called HOMEBOY for Marcus Tregoning There were 20 runners racing over 7 furlongs and I got such a buzz even though we only finished mid-division. I just couldn’t wait to do it all again My first winner came at Southwell on 16 April 2013 on a filly called DECANA for my current boss Hughie Morrison. This gave me such an amazing feeling, it made me hungry to want more winners Since then I have managed to ride a total of 32 winners
Ballet Concerto (Dansili – Ballet Ballon) Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Owner: Saeed Suhail
Typical improver from the stable who was a good winner of a Yarmouth handicap last August. He improved further to finish a head second to a smart horse trained by Hugo Palmer on ground softer than ideal. Ballet Concerto should have improved over the winter and he looks a perfect type for a race of this kind and I could see him running very well if running here for Sir Michael Stoute.
Bravery (Galileo – Lady Icarus) Trainer: David O’Meara Owner: Spirit Thoroughbred Racing
Bravery is a very well bred horse who lost his way last season for Aiden O’Brien. He has now joined David O’Meara who is known for transforming horses that have lost their way. Bravery is potentially very well treated on some of his best from and it would be no surprise if he was good enough to win a race of this nature off his current mark.
Chelsea Lad (Clodovil – Yali) Trainer: Martyn Meade Owner: Richard Morecombe
Chelsea Lad was a good winner of a competitive handicap at Newmarket season. The form of that race has worked out well with the second (Barleysugar) running very well in a Grade 1 in America since. Chelsea Lad hasn’t been seen since that victory last May but he potentially could be well ahead of the handicapper at present. If he runs here he could be the dark horse in the field.
Donncha (Captain Marvellous – Seasonal Style) Trainer: Robert Eddery Owner: David Bannon
Donncha hasn’t won a race since 2015 but is very consistent horse who always seems to run big race in handicaps over 7f/1m, especially when the ground is on the soft side. He ran a cracker over this C&D last season first time out when finishing a neck second to Lord Of The Rock. If the ground came up soft you’d be a fool to rule him out. of respect in this contest.
Morando (Kendargent – Moranda) Trainer: Roger Varian Owner: H H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani
Morando has been the ante-post favourite for the Betway Lincoln since the market was formed. He was very progressive last year and won a valuable prize at Ayr in fine style last September. He ended last season with a very good effort in the Balmoral Handicap on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot. He should have improved over the winter and is potentially very well handicapped. He looks a pattern performer for the future.
Nimr (Shamardal – Riberac) Trainer: Richard Fahey Owner: Al Shaqab Racing
Nimr is another horse in the potential line-up who has shown plenty on the all-weather over the winter. He was brilliant in the Lincoln Trial Handicap at Wolverhampton on his last outing. He was very keen that day but travelled sweetly and put away a decent enough field. He comes here only 5lb higher and a return to turf shouldn’t be an issue. I’d fancy his chances here and if he settles it will take a smart one to beat him.
Oh This Is Us (Acclamation – Shamwari Lodge) Trainer: Richard Hannon Owner: Team Wallop
Oh This Is Us had a tough campaign last season and doesn’t exactly have the profile of past winners of this race. He was very impressive last season and landed a valuable 3-year-old handicap at Goodwood. He has been competing in Dubai over the winter without success but performed with credit on both occasions. He’s not exactly thrown in off his current mark but always seems to run a good race.
Sacred Act (Oasis Dream – Stage Presence) Trainer: John Gosden Owner: Lady Bamford
Well bred horse who won very well after a long lay-off at Sandown last September. He was talked up into a Cambridgeshire horse after that victory and was as short as 3/1 in the ante-post market before being ruled out by John Gosden. He still very well treated here off his current mark but it’s yet to be seen whether he will make the cut for the race. If he does sneak in to the race he should be very hard to beat.
Third Time Lucky (Clodovil – Speckled Hen) Trainer: Richard Fahey Owner: The Musley Bank Partnership & Partner
Very consistent horse who won a Cambridgeshire off 6lb lower in 2015. He has been putting in some good efforts over the winter and seems in very good condition. Third Time Lucky is sure to run a good race here and comes here fitter than most.
Yuften (Invincible Spirit – Majestic Sakeena) Trainer: Roger Charlton Owner: Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sugar)
Yuften was a very good winner of the competitive Balmoral Handicap on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot. He ran a cracker after a lay-off last time in a messy listed contest at Lingfield. He should improve futher with that run under his belt and is only 4lb higher than his Ascot win. He has a huge chance here and I can see him running a massive race.
Zhui Feng (Invincible Spirit – Es Que) Trainer: Amanda Perrett Owner: John Connolly & Odile Griffith
Zhui Feng was thought good enough to run in last seasons Qipco 2000 Guineas. He was competitive in handicaps after that race and ran a good race behind Yuften at Ascot in October. He made a brilliant comeback in the Winter Derby last time at Lingfield and comes here without a penalty. He looks a very big price and could definitely out run his odds. Verdict A very competitive renewal of the Betway Lincoln where a number of horses have major chances. Morando has been at the top of the ante-post betting since the market was formed. He was very progressive last season and ended the campaign with a very good effort at Ascot. He looks a future pattern performer in the making and is still on a fair mark. YUFTEN finished ahead of most of these in the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot and made an encouraging comeback last time at Wolverhampton. He looks sure to improve for that run and with that run under his belt he should be difficult to beat here and gets my vote. Bravery is an interesting recruit to the David O’Meara stable and looks on an interesting mark on some of his best form. It won’t be easy to improve a horse trained by the master of Ballydoyle but the fact he was thought good enough to run in a French Derby stands him in good stead. Sacred Act is very lightly raced for his age and won very well after a long lay-off at Sandown. He is still on very workable mark and will be very tough to beat if making the cut to this race. Chelsea Lad represents the shrewd Martyn Meade who looks to have an excellent bunch of horses this season. This horse looks potentially on a very good mark and he has strong each/way claims.
Did you follow the article in the previous edition? She Will Reign was mentioned as a strong contender in Golden Slipper Stakes and she did it easily! She is also the first participant in The Everset on 14 October. Let’s move on to review the 5 selected races in this month. 1.George Ryder Stakes (WINX) It is impossible that she is not to be mentioned, right? The best in the world currently with 16 streak wins. How far can she go? The track has been upgraded to Heavy10 due to the unstoppable rain in Sydney throughout the week. She has been doubted by punters because one of her famous defeat was running on Soft7 ground. After that, she was never run on the soft/ heavy ground. However, she won easily by two lengths in Norton Stakes on heavy9 to prove that she is far better than two years ago. Therefore, she destroyed the fields again by 7.3 lengths in George Ryder Stakes. Le Romain was second and “The Grey” Chautauqua was third. For those European who doubted that she was running with “rubbish” horses in Australia, please send your best horses to Cox Plate in October! 2. Hong Kong Derby (Rapper Dragon) There is no Triple Crown (4yo series) winner in Hong Kong until Rapper Dragon. Although there was a rain in the derby weekend, it would not stop the heart of Rapper Dragon and his jockey Joao Moreira. It is the fourth seasons for the “Magic Man” and this is the first derby winner for him. Pakistan Star has showed a brilliant turn of foot in last 400M. However, Rapper Dragon has showed his stamina to hold on the victory. Connections decided to bring him to Champions Mile. The next Able Friend? We will see. On the other hand, the famous horse Pakistan Star may challenge The Queen Elizabeth II Cup after two impressive runner-up in the 4yo Series races.
3. Tulip Sho (Soul Stirring) What is the popular hashtag in horse racing last year? It is #FRANKELWATCH ! Although Frankel has produced certain winners, there was only one Group 1 winner last year. She is Soul Stirrling. She won the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies Stakes by 1.25 lengths. This unbeaten filly had a strong start as well. She won the Tulip Sho easily by 2 lengths under Christophe Lemaire. This is a nice preparation race for her to challenge the 1000 Guineas in April. Another Frankel’s filly Mi Suerte will run the 1000 Guineas as well. This is the first meeting for them and it will be huge! 4. Flower Cup (Fan Dii Na) This is a funny name as it means good night/good dream in Thai. However, she is one of the serious 3yo contenders in the 3yo Triple Crown series. She won easily in first two races in the early 2017. Flower Cup was her first challenge in the career. However, it was simple than having a good dream at all. Iwata looked at the screen in the last 200M to see where the opponents were. She kept dashing and won by 5 lengths at the end. Connection has a bigger ambition that she will not run the 1000 Guineas because she will face the colts in 2000 Guineas. 5. Rosehill Guineas (Gingernuts) After a poor visiting in Hong Kong, Opie Bosson bounced back in New Zealand and won the NZ Derby for Gingernuts. Rosehill Guineas is the next step for this derby winner. Inference was the favourite in that race after a dramatic victory in Randwick Guineas. However, this So You Think’s colt was beaten by Gingernuts from a 2 lengths margin. Gingernuts has won four races in a row that Australian Derby will be his next target. Can he be the next Mongolian Khan?
A Weekend Getaway for David Betts as he met this posing Dragon Pule filly, David Betts
Blaklion (Kayf Tara – Franciscaine) Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies Owner: S Such & Cg Paletta SP: 14/1
Good jumper that brings solid form to the table. Good winner of RSA at Cheltenham Festival last season. Runs off a nice weight and should go well for a trainer who has saddled two Grand National winners. Cause Of Causes (Dynaformer – Angel In My Heart) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: John P McManus SP: 16/1
Three-time Cheltenham Festival winner. He will enjoy this jumping test but doesn’t look exactly thrown in at the weights but he was impressive in the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham recently and he always performs with credit.
Definitly Red (Definite Article – The Red Wench) Trainer: Brian Ellison Owner: P J Martin SP: 14/1
Officially 10lb well in after a bloodless victory in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster. Reported to have schooled well over the Grand National fences recently and comes here in very good order. More Of That (Beneficial – Guigone) Trainer: Jonjo O’Neil Owner: John P McManus SP: 20/1
2014 World Hurdle hero. Has sketchy form this season. Ran well on last two starts and on his old form he will take a lot of beating. The fences could be his biggest problem.
One For Arthur (Milan – Nonnetia) Trainer: Lucinda Russell Owner: Two Golf Widows SP: 14/1
Very good winner over 3m5f at Warwick in January. Cracking run over the Grand National fences in the Becher Chase this season. Looks a horse going places and the forecast better ground should be too big an issue. Pendra (Old Vic - Mariah Rollins) Trainer: Charlie Longsdon Owner: John P McManus
Had this as his target for a while. Good comeback effort in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time. Not straight forward but looks reasonably treated here
Picture from the opening race day at Naas, David Betts
Pleasant Company (Presenting – Katie Flame) Trainer: W P Mullins Owner: Malcolm C Denmark SP: 20/1
He has been running very well this season and is a horse that will enjoy this stamina test more than most. Game winner on last start and represents top connections. He has been very well backed in the ante-post market by the punters. Rogue Angel (Presenting – Carrigeen Kohleria) Trainer: M F Morris Owner: Gigginstown House Stud SP: 33/1
Irish Grand National winner who will love the emphasis on stamina and jumping here. He represents last year’s winning trainer and owner. He could be one of the dark horse in this year’s race.
The Last Samuri (Flemensfirth – Howaboutthis) Trainer: Kim Bailey Owner: Paul & Clare Rooney SP: 16/1
Good run in the race last season on ground far from ideal. He’s not as well treated as he was last year but has acquitted himself well in defeat this season. He has vital course experience and should not be dismissed as he’s been trained for this race. The Young Master (Echo Of Light – Fine Frenzy) Trainer: Neil Mulholland Owner: Dajam & The Old Masters SP: 20/1
Runs off a nice weight here. Not ideal preparation for the race when falling in the Becher Chase but 2014 winner Pineau De Re fell in the same race before landing the prize the same season. Don’t rule him out.
Pictures of foals from the Irish National Stud, David Betts
Thunder And Roses (Presenting – Glen Empress) Trainer: M F Morris Owner: Gigginstown House Stud SP: 40/1
He ran a good race behind leading fancy Pleasant Company on his penultimate start. He will enjoy this stamina test and return to better ground could be the key. Has valuable course experience on his side. Ucello Conti (Martaline – Gazelle Lulu) Trainer: Gordon Elliott Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede SP: 20/1
Very well backed in the lead up to the race. Ran OK in the race last year but not convinced he stays the trip. The better ground will help but he’s not one I’d be rushing to back at the current prices.
Vicente (Dom Alco – Ireland) Trainer: Paul Nicholls Owner: John Hales & Ian Fogg SP: 25/1
Quietly fancied by many when the weights were revealed and I can see why. Won Scottish Grand National last year off 1lb lower. Will appreciate some better ground and could be the horse that saves Paul Nicholls trainers title hopes. Vieux Lion Rouge (Sabiago – Indecise) Trainer: David Pipe Owner: Prof Caroline Tisdall & John Gent SP: 10/1
Strong favourite for the race since his gutsy win over Blaklion at Haydock. He outstayed his rivals to land the Becher Chase over this course in December. He has solid credentials that are hard to ignore.
Verdict Vicente was a good winner of the Scottish Grand National at Ayr last year and is running off just a 1lb higher mark here. He hasn’t done much this season but this race has always been his target and he should run a huge race. Ucello Conti has been well supported in the ante-post market. I’m not convinced he stays this extreme distance but forecast better ground could aid his cause. The Last Samuri isn’t thrown in at the weights like last season but he has valuable C&D experience that is very hard to ignore. The better ground will suit him well and I can see him going close again. Vieux Lion Rouge is the red-hot favourite and it’s obvious to see why. He was a very good winner of the Becher Chase over this course before landing the Grand National Trial at Haydock last month. He is very well treated and it’s hard to see him not running a huge race. Definitly Red is very well treated on his recent success in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster. He has since schooled well over the Grand National fences and I can see him running a huge race. Rogue Angel brings Grand National winning form to the table as he won the Irish equivalent last season. He will enjoy the stamina test here and looks to have a decent shout. One For Arthur has impressed me this season and won nicely at Haydock on his last outing. He had previously run an excellent race in the Becher Chase and the forecast better ground shouldn’t be a problem. Cause Of Causes has been a revelation for his connections over the years and landed a third Cheltenham Festival win last month. He doesn’t look thrown in off his current mark but this jumping and stamina test will see him at his best. Thunder And Ross is one I find very interesting. He had some valuable course experience last season when running in the Becher Chase. He will enjoy some better ground and I can see him running a good race at a decent price. Blaklion brings some nice form to the table here but lacks the valuable course experience of those previously mentioned. Pleasant Company represents Willie Mullins and is horse that has been running well this season. He should enjoy this test of stamina and he should go close.
The three I will be backing in this year’s Randox Health Grand National are Definitly Red (14/1), One For Arthur (14/1) and Thunder And Roses (40/1) who all look to have great chances in the Aintree showpiece. Whether you follow my advice or go with your own, I wish you the very best of luck and lets pray that all horses and riders come home safe.
Definitely Red for Brian Ellison, UK Horse Racing Tipster
We are excited to have acquired a long term target of ours, a real Saturday horse that will take his owners to all the top courses. Pearl Acclaim. Pearl Acclaim, sired by the classy Acclamation, has acquired £51,000 in prize money throughout his career including winning £19,000 in the Scottish Spring Cup consolation race, a race which we intend to target for him this year now worth £25000 to the winner. Having been rated 103 early in his career he has now dropped to 75 but proved over the last year that he still has more than enough ability to be competitive in some quality races at top courses such as Doncaster, York, Ayr all throughout 2016. He has a had a few months break and now goes back in to training, he has no vices and will race regularly as 20 races throughout 2016 proves. The exiting part? As announced earlier we are very excited to have added the services of multiple Group one winning trainer David O’Meara to train for us, Pearl Acclaim will be the first horse for From The Front Racing to be trained by Dave and his team. We genuinely think that with David O’Mearas track record and proven ability to improve horses that Pearl Acclaim can roll back the years and not only provide his owners with some great days out but hopefully prove that race horse ownership can be worthwhile from an investment point of view too and yield a positive return on investment at the end of the season. Whilst nothing is guaranteed within ownership of race horses we like to try and get as much of a return as possible from horses acquired.
Value We feel Pearl Acclaim going in training with David O’Meara provides incredible value for money for a horse & trainer combination with so much potential that will provide his owners with some superb days out at courses where his O’Meara is accustomed to winning big Saturday handicaps. Starting at just £75 per month for a 2.5% share we feel that this is great value for money and share will be snapped up quickly. The catch? Well in all honesty there isn’t one, we offer genuine affordable ownership with some top trainers, we offer fully inclusive training fees so there is never any unwanted bills on your doorstep and allow you to relax and enjoy the fantastic experiences of racehorse ownership at superb value for your money.
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=KWW23jt0RNU&feature=youtu.be
Brendan Brackan, David Betts
The most exciting day of the year for many, if not all jumping fans, is the Monday of Cheltenham week. The feverish excitement with which one approaches the morning, does the last of their form study, and then attacks the day – usually the last in work. So it makes sense that my Cheltenham started with me standing outside the entrance to my block of flats, waiting for two deliveries. It was hardly what I’d expected to be doing, standing outside in a-tshirt (thank god the weather was nice), ticking down for the hours until the declarations for day 1. An hour passes in baking sun, with me venting my fury at couriers of all kinds – seriously, how hard is it to have proper warning that deliverymen are on the way? – and waiting for the hours to pass until 12. And then it comes. The news flows through social media as quickly as the runners going through the Supreme. There are few surprises for the Supreme – Ruby Walsh is on Melon, Townend on Bunk Off Early, etc etc. The first point of call for me is to rush to the weights for the day. The Ultima, still mind bogglingly competitive, has one standout. Singlefarmpayment has less than 11 stone to carry – first win of the declarations. The weights aren’t worth looking at for the Close Brothers – essentially a conditions race – so it’s a checklist operation.
The couriers come finally, although they walk to the head office rather than trying to come to the clearly open door (idiots) and I can finally grab my laptop, and start testing it to see if it’s finally been fixed. It has, but Windows 8 is so annoying I’m quickly on the bus to see if I can get a decent price for it. There are many places that you don’t want to be in life, but one of them surely has to be at CEX. For those of you who don’t know, it’s a trade in centre where games and products can be bought and sold and also exchanged. However, as with so many chain stores, it’s also serenaded by truly loathsome music and also people who are convinced they are going to get more than one English pound for their copy of Beat ‘Em & Eat ‘Em and Philly Flasher. Chart rejects belt out over a PA Cheltenham races could well use with success over the coming days in an oppressively hot atmosphere as I cling to the thought of the next four days. A man is slumped on the floor, holding four DVD’s older than Cause of Causes whilst his pal, somehow able to stand, bundles around an array of bric-brac. Frantic staff, doing the best they can, dispatch disappointment with unnerving regularity to punters who appear to believe their wares have genuine value. I am thankfully not one of them – the cashier offers a reasonable price for a slab of junk I don’t want anything more to do with and the only issue now is receiving payment. I have to wait two hours for the laptop to pass the checks I’m told, not entirely unreasonable, but it is now 3 and I cannot stand another loudly played mid 2000’s Top 20 chart topper song so I arrange for direct payment into my bank account and leave there with my sanity preserved only by what’s to come.
It’s mid-afternoon and finally we’re at form study. The Supreme is first. It’s a renewal as open as any. Ballyandy first under the microscope – winning a Betfair Hurdle is the perfect preparation for this right? But he was off 135 there – I could win a Betfair Hurdle off 135 for god’s sake though. Melon. Huge engine, right man and trainer. Lovely debut win. All that talk. But that form is worth nothing. Hit the last two at Leopardstown. Never had a proper race. One for the future. River Wylde is a lovely type but flatter track the better perhaps but if I’m considering him isn’t Elgin big at the weights? Back to the Irish contingent now. I’m already on Crack Mome but he’s got weaker legs than I have. Cilaos Emery beaten by a decent horse but drifted a little late at Punchestown. What about Bunk Off Early? Wide margin winner from a good yardstick on debut. Travelled brilliantly through Deloitte. Would have won at 2 miles or on tomorrow’s ground. Only the two runs. Ideal conditions. 15/2 an each/way price. Fancy one. Cast eyes across all of the contingent again and find one. Beyond Conceit. Super strong stayer on flat and high class. 10 length debut winner who can never get enough pace in a race it would seem. Should surely settle. Form working out well from both his wins and he finds a huge amount for pressure. Nicky’s record in Supreme is great for places. Extra stamina helps. Oh why not. Another look. Labaik. Technical form chance and that Coddmaster fancies him. But won’t start surely? My portfolio’s too full. Best left.
Arkle. Altior but I’m not a distance better so straight to the opposition. Charbel has best form of those without. Looks better chaser. Only one to make him work at all over fences. Debut form is working out so well. Only worry that no run since December but got to go well. 9/1 fifth for the place lads. Anything else? Forest Bihan was strong at finish when getting beat of A Hare Breath and Cloudy Dream at Doncaster. Oh I love that Cloudy Dream. Well in today. However can’t be sure about any of them. Henry’s lot? Ordinary World exposed. Some Plan should be closer to Royal Caviar, victory wasn’t set in stone right? Oh I have one each/way, no need for him. Ultima. Oh god. 15 contenders. It’s like a history of handicap dating. Past flames and exes everywhere. Singlefarmpayment still so well in, under 11 stone. In the portfolio. What for the next option. Oh hey, Holywell? How “Time to put the Grand National I That’s great? are you? No, I’m was sure to win to the recess of my all good. Yeah, nearly a year already? mind. Things not so great since. ” Oh you’re free are you? Oh, OK, I’ll consider. Oh look, it’s the Druids Nephew. Time to put the Grand National I was sure to win to the recess of my mind. Things not so great since. But hey look, that mark! What’s the best form guide. Last year’s renewal looks good. (Remembers Holywell). Un Temps Pour Tout won really impressively, this been the aim all season surely? 7lbs wouldn’t have stopped him. But The Young Master is well in with him. The Young Master’s going to Aintree this year but oh that’s a great mark. Noble Endavour though! What about him, bolted in to take the Paddy Power! Ibis Du Rheu! A Good Skin? Hmmm. I will just have the one.
The Champion. Clean ante post book here. Yanworth finally back at best course. Finally completely fit. Mark Walsh is mustard, he’ll do wonderfully this week. Good strong gallop all the way – what he’s been waiting for. Let’s do it. Brain Power a class act, tempting yes? Not as much as Buveur, but why’s he got so much more attention Petit Mouchoir? Nothing between them at Aintree last year and Petit should be going into this off three straight Grade 1’s. Petit looks good. Strong traveller. May not get too much attention out front. Ignore the Supreme one, everyone has a bad day. Footpad flattered to get so close on that trying ground and he’s fried Nichols Canyon twice before. Huge chance surely if doing so again? I’ve got it made. Mares. Ahh so little between the big three. Limini so deeply impressive on her return, picked up Apple’s and carried her! Great win last year here. Aintree form is good too? Obvious answer perhaps or not so? Price is short. Vroum Vroum was impressive here last year. Had to scrape to get home at Doncaster latest but she had a cold coming. Oh this is hard. What are the prices? Apple’s Jade is WHAT? What are the place odds saying? 5/6 a place for Apple’s? Yes, can take that and move on to the NH Chase. Amazingly I don’t fancy either of the top two. This is Champers time. Forget last time, a joke to get him into gear. 4 miles what he’s always wanted. Second to Americain at Warwick. Just goes very close. I’ll have Beware The Bear too whilst we’re at it, superb form this season in handicap circles. Sam knows his way around Cheltenham too. Henderson is in great form. Job done. And the last. The lucky last. It’s a conditions race, the Close Brothers. Best piece of form catches my eye. That’s right, I see you there Sizing Tennessee. With that October form. Get over here. We’re done.
The day starts well. A trip to the bus station on my way to Temple Meads sees me go to pick up the Racing Post. When about to carry out the transaction, the man swerving me behind the counter scans the paper, once, twice and thrice, struggling to find the barcode. Eventually he enters manually and I see the finishing price. 50p. I accept, taking the first value of the day, and I head back on myself to get the first of many Cans (yes, it’s a proper verb for this week) ahead of the most arduous and exciting train journeys of the year. Thankfully today I’m not too late, so I am able to just about grab a seat so I can watch The Opening Show on ITV. It’s actually calming, until one sees the maelstrom that is the train station and suddenly the blood is pumping again. Plusbus (the £2.25 option that any decent traveller takes when they buy a ticket) for means I am on with no bother to the course, which looks resplendent. Friends old and new are roaming around the course, with plenty of opinion abounding. What’s very interesting to note is how competitive the racing is in comparison with previous years – I counted six different views on the Champion Hurdle, all made with compelling cases, and the only universally held opinion was that Altior was going to win the Arkle easily and that was a 1/4 shot. The Supreme. I find a pitch late on in the Princess Royal Stand, just overlooking the last. Did I ever tell you how much I love the Old Course at Cheltenham? It’s a perfect test of a horse. It requires and rewards speed and stamina in equal measure and it is also one of the best jumping tests in the country. The undulations are many, but the rewards for all the qualities in a racehorse are perfect.
“It’s actually calming, until one sees the maelstrom that is the train station and suddenly the blood is pumping again.”
So here comes the moment. The anticipation. The journeys. The preview evenings. The trials. The podcasts. The endless study and preparation. The Supreme commences with a roar that shakes the stand and they’re all on their way. Yes, all of them, even Labaik included. Cliaos Emery and Beyond Conceit are promiment. They don’t appear to be going a mad gallop. Melon is in about fifth. I don’t see Bunk Off Early – because he’s right on the inside. Ballyandy gets bumped around the first turn and then he takes a big stumble – moans from the crowd. They come to the top of the hill. Bunk Off Early is now going better, had a lovely trip. Beyond Conceit comes to challenge Ciliaos. This is going well. Two out. Bunk off Early hits it hard and is quickly going backwards; Clearly beaten. Beyond Conceit is now the only chance. He gets rowed around the home turn and my heart begins to sink. Labaik moves onto the scene frankly cruising. He hits the last and so does Melon, but Labaik wins quite impressively and Melon is second. The mood dimms amongst the punters as Jack Kennedy is doing his salute. River Wylde is third and Ballyandy fourth. I see Bunk Off Early trail and and get a flat feeling in my stomach, although with so many races to come I am still hopeful. The mood’s got plenty of energy however as soon after the Irish take over the parade ring because people realise what’s about to happen next. Altior. The first five minutes after the Supreme present a tough choice. Do I go to the Parade Ring to see Altior up close, or start taking up an early position for the Arkle, which will be packed to the rafters. I pop to the parade ring but stand at the top, eager to see the flying beast in full flight. I am hopeful too that Charbel can give him a race and get the week off to a good start from a betting point of view as well.
“Altior is left infront to take the last and give his best jump, big and clear, putting distance between himself and his chasers.” There is a buzz in anticipation of what is going to come as he goes in midfield. Charbel and Ordinary World are first and second. Altior is fine if not a little big over the first two. Charbel is jumping well as they hit the course proper. Altior is in second, going easily. The pace doesn’t appear strong. Altior jumps into second. Charbel is going very well so far, not a foot wrong. First open ditch. Some Plan and A Hare Breath hit it hard. My races with Charbel, doing so well so far. The top of the hill and the field is fairly stacks. Charbel approaches the third last and appears to have plenty in trouble. The home turn and Altior is now being asked. Charbel is still pitching, fighting, he has Nico stretching, could it be… Down. The smallest of stumbles. His knees slide across the turf and David Bass is on the floor. Audible gasps in the heart of the moment. Altior is left infront to take the last and give his best jump, big and clear, putting distance between himself and his chasers. Altior then makes fairly short work of Cloudy Dream with wide gaps to the rest. There’s applause for the winner, deservedly so. Some people aren’t all that impressed but one can see him stretch in a matter of strides away from the last and the more it’s watched the better it looks to me. I retreat to the parade ring to see Altior come in, again flanked by applause from all sides. Racegoers rush to the bottom of the parade ring whilst a relative Red Army of actual photographers form a fearsome flank. flank to capture the nine year old on his way in, with the paddock united in mutual appreciation – not for the first or the last time this week.
Onto the Ultima, but not after seeing a fair few friends in the big gap between the races, needed after a rough betting start to the week. Most people in the same boat but not the plenty of Final Furlong Listeners who are roaming with confidence after Labaik’s win. What listening can do for you eh? The Ultima is upon us and Singlefarmpayment is into 5-1. They go off a good strong clip, with the lead contested early. Singlefarmpayment appears to be going well through the first circuit and jumps into seventh, with a circuit to go. Holywell is pulled up early as the field is stretched out early. Plenty aren’t jumping well. Five from the finish. Annacotty on the retreat. Here’s Vic de Touzaine on the bridle, but not for long as Go Conquer. Coming down the hill and here’s Singlefarmpayment, going as sweetly as anything, although Un Temps Pour Tout is going ominously well and now fights Go Conquer. The second last and here’s Noble Endeavour, out of nowhere! The last! We’re in the lead. Half a length up. Three quarters up. Un Temps is coming back. It’s a neck now. Nothing in it. Back in front. Un Temps is coming. 50 yards. We need the line. The two pass together. Tom Scudamore punches the air.
Beaten. So very close, but confirmed shortly after. The Drews are jubilant, Tom Scudamore on cloud nine as he comes in. I’m in a stupor. The beaten horses, magnificent in defeat, come back as I wonder what could have been.
at him. Niggling plenty. He’s hard at work. Buveur is here, having been well hidden and he’s cantering. The second last. Yanworth is beaten, clearly something up.
Petit is still there, and he’s got everything at work but he’s gone hard, and Fehily is just waiting on Buveur A drink is now needed, so to the D’Air, going so well he hits the front Members it is. The staff are first class without him even trying. One atand so is the atmosphere; Plenty tempt to take the glory and the race had made a profit from the Ultima, is over. Buveur wings the last and hard not to even with how compet- it’s all over. My Tent Or Yours runs itive this renewal was. Thoughts try a fine race for second. Petit is never to turn to the Champion as the Sun threatened for third, as gallant an shines but it takes a while to come effort as anything of mine all week out of the post-race stun. will give at this rate. A magnificent performance. The Champion is upon me before I have the time to speak. Petit goes hard and fast early and it’s a good Nicky Henderson has had the 1-2 clip. Yanworth is about third. Hapand is the one man I am happiest py with that position as they head for. There’s joy in one of racing’s into the back. Petit has won the early great faces and deservedly so too, battle for the lead. Brain Power is you can sense it all around. An outalways travelling well in the back. standing performance. Top of the hill and they’ve bunched up. Hopefully that is a sign Bryan has eased off. The New One is hustled. Moon Racer has hit nearly every hurdle Buveur is travelling well, Yanworth isn’t though. Mark’s
More catchups with friends and then the Mares. Things have at least gotten a tad better on the betting front ahead of this big matchup. The pace looks fairly sedate as they’re all grouped together pretty well as they come down the hill second time out. Apple’s is now infront, although Vroum Vroum Mag is travelling well, perhaps better than her given Paul Townend has plenty. Jer’s Girl slighters and falls and takes down two. Apple’s now further in front, a big leap although Paul Townend has a ton. Out of nowhere appears Limini and Vrtoum takes the lead. Limini hits it and Vroum Vroum Mag hits the front but Apple’s is surging, relentlessly, and stride by stride she’s forcing herself ahead of the other two as Townend and Walsh throw everything at their mounts.
Apple’s Jade eventually has a little gap as the crowd is shouted horse. We have a winner of sorts, a significant win for the day. The replay is almost as thrilling as the race itself. I go to the winners enclosure to see another set of Irish revellers greet their heroines. Cheered, I looked forward to the National Hunt Chase with aplomb as I have some confidence. Beware The Bear is shiny and resplendent, his coat glistening and his trainer in form. Champers too was going to love this test surely? There was some optimism to my early sunshine. They set off at a good gallop early. Can’t see much early but quickly Champers drops to last and tries to mount the second. He doesn’t appear to be jumping the fences. He’s getting over them, but he’s not jumping them. Whatever he’s doing doesn’t appear to be particularly efficient as Roger Quinlan is separated from the field. At least I can see him now.
Apples Jade above, Daily Star
I can see Beware The Bear, too! Because he’s belted the fifth fence and Sam Whaley-Cohen is doing well to stay in. It’s a marathon right, not a sprint however. Second circuit. Champers is still last and jumps for the first time at the water first time round. Beware The Bear appears to be going OK but he’s still fourth from last. Another time round. Flintham and Missed Approach going nicely. Champers tries to hop his way through the fence but appears incapable of lifting his feet and he swerves right too. Then he belts the fence set to be the last for good measure. Roger Quinland somehow still on. Champers belts the next one but nobody from the crowd is remotely bothered. Beware The Bear is beginning to struggle even though they’re tightly grouped but he’s getting reminders. I have the last two in the main field as Quinlan finally gives up. Beware The Bear is beaten. The race itself is actually won by Tiger Roll, who is given a magnificent ride by Lisa O’Neill, one of those figures who makes you wish you were able to charm anyone you could with a love potion like in Harry Potter. There is much concern, however, for Edwulf, who is in and pitching at the last but finishes shaking like a leaf. The first aid staff are on the scene quicker than Buveur D’Air up the hill and with expert care, and he’s in the horsebox after 10 minutes. It would eventually be relieved that he ran out of oxygen, but the 90 minutes the staff spend on the horse saves his life. It’s all relative, this game. I thought I’d struggled and then became very aware of what is struggle and what isn’t.
The last is delayed by 10 minutes. I’m on Sizing Tennessee here. The ground should be great. Also on Foxtail Hill, superb on Trials Day. He’s not so hot at the first two but better over the third. He’s leading as expected going into the country and straight on the floor, a bad unseat for Willie Twiston-Davies who is in some pain. Game tames lions. Sizing is third and going nicely enough. And at the next fence he’s literally last. Tully East wins and I am off home, feeling deflated and trudging through plastic cups and beer. And ready to do it tomorrow.
Tiger Roll pictured on the right, Sky Sports
Un Temps Pour Tout pictured on the right, Racing Bloodstock