R
FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUE 4
ACING
EFLEX
NEWS-REVIEWS-INTERNATIONAL-TIPPING-BLOODSTOCK-INTERVIEWS
LEGEND’S LEGACY LOOKING AT THE FUTURE OF FRANKEL
PLUS: JAPANESE RACING AND SA CLASSIC
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BRINGING SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT. . . It’s February and the world of racing has its eyes on the Cheltenham Festival - we can’t wait either. Here at Racing Reflex we have decided to focus our editorial on some other angles of racing at a time when Cheltenham-focused pieces are everywhere. However, in the next few weeks leading up to the festival we will be publishing a variety of blogs on our website so keep an eye out for those. We are also proud sponsors of Callum Connochie’s Cheltenham 2019 preview, which is well worth a read. In this month’s magazine Nicklas Yip takes a look at the phenomenon that is Japanese racing and what makes it special. We also have our first commissioned piece by Alex who writes about the future for Aclaim at stud. Kaitlin Free examines some contenders for the Kentucky Derby and we have Q&As with Justin Byrne and Neil Watty - a piece that forms part of a new series with Steve Mullington. The Racing Reflex team
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DELIGHTFUL DIGITS...
2 5
NUMBER OF TIMES OSCAR WHISKY WON THE AINTREE HURDLE
NUMBER OF ENTRIES THE MIKE DE KOCK/ SHEIKH HAMDAN TEAM HAVE FOR THE SA CLASSIC
104
HIDDEN SCROLL’S RATING AFTER DEBUT
9,500 STUD FEE IN POUNDS FOR NEW SIRE ACLAIM
$2,000,000 DRAFTED WILL GO FOR THE VALUABLE DUBAI SPRINT
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INDEX FRANKEL’S LEGACY PAGES 4-5 BLOODSTOCK PAGE 7 STUD Q&A PAGE 8 JAPANESE RACING PAGES 9-11 RACING LEGENDS: OSCAR WHISKY PAGES 12-13 INTERNATIONAL PAGES 14-15 Q&A PAGES 16-17 MULLING IT OVER PAGE 18-19 RACING MEMORIES PAGES 21 SA CLASSIC PAGES 22-23 CONTACT US racingreflex@hotmail.com
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LEGACY OF A LEGEND
BEST THERE’S EVER BEEN ASHLEY CLIFF REFLECTS ON THE RACING CAREER OF THE GREATEST EVER, AS ALEX BANKS TAKES A LOOK AT THE FUTURE OF THE FRANKEL LINE Frankel, the son of Galileo out of Kind was always thought to be a ‘nice one’ by the late great, Sir Henry Cecil, but not even he could foresee what was to come. Frankel was named after American trainer Bobby Frankel whom at the time held the record for the number of Group 1 wins in a season. The colt started his career at a rain-soaked Newmarket Maiden in 2010, beating Nathaniel and future gold cup winner Colour Vision. After his successful maiden victory, Frankel headed to Doncaster into a conditions race, where he barely broke sweat and win by 13 lengths. At this point, Frankel was the horse everyone was talking about as being the next great, and he wouldn’t disappoint in the Group 2 Royal Lodge at Ascot, once again, another breath-taking victory and a large winning margin of 10 lengths. A deliberate midrace move where Frankel went from last to first in about
30 yards. Brough Scott, “Something must have gone wrong with the others” Afterwards, Sir Henry Cecil said “he’s probably the best two-year-old I’ve ever trained” Frankel headed into the Group 1 Dewhurst at Newmarket in what was billed as the two-year-old race of the century. A workman like Frankel still thrashed them, although, for the first time the controllability and temperament of Frankel was being asked. His doubters were quickly silenced in the most emphatic 2000 Guineas victory you will ever see. After the St James Palace win at Royal Ascot, where he was within a length of being beaten, Frankel headed to Goodwood to take on his elders for the very first time, amongst them, the multiple Group 1 winner, Canford Cliffs who Frankel would look to make ‘ordinary’. Frankel capped his three-year-
old campaign of with a win in the QE2 on Champions Day with old rival Excelebration back in second, a result that would become a regular as Frankel once again demolished Excelebration in the Lockinge. Once again, the two would line up at Ascot this time in the Queen Anne Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot, where in my opinion Frankel would put in his best performance ever. After winning back to back Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, Frankel would step up to 10 furlongs for the very first time at York in the Juddmonte International, once again Frankel would look top class horses look ‘ordinary’. His final start at Ascot, after missing the break and in soft ground Frankel won comfortably with the race never in doubt. Frankel would return to Bandsted Manor as a stallion and has already produced multiple group 1 winners including Cracksman.
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WATCH OUT FOR...
FRANKELLINA
(Frankel x Our Obsession) has recently been added to the French Classic of the French Oaks, a once raced daughter of Frankel managed to win impressively first time up for William Haggas. Being out of Shamardal mare Our Obsession, she is out of a Listed winner, being by Frankel and is said to be held in high regard.
SIGNIFICANCE
(Frankel x Aqua Bella) is a colt who had his first trial in Australia on the 26th of February and looks an exciting prospect at that! He showed a good bit speed, hit the front nice and early, slightly green round the bend, and tried to battle on. He is speedy, he will get a mile no problem, I’d say. He was consigned by Arrowfield Stud at the recent Easter Yearling Sale.
FANTASTIC FRANKEL FOALS Frankel filly out of Eartha Kitt Picture by Jess Roberts
Frankel filly out of Saint Elena
Frankel colt out of Aris is a half-brother to Aclaim Picture by Dermot Farrington
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Stand out from the crowd...
Image: hamishNIVENPhotography Eyes Wide Open, Grade 1 Investec Cape Derby
Thoroughbred South Africa News Independent South African horse racing and breeding news with an international flavour. Up to date local and international news World-wide contributors Stallion statistics and data Website design Content management Advertising and campaign development Social media management
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BREEDING
NEW BLOOD ALEX BANKS PUTS A SIRE UNDER THE MICROSCOPE FOR PATREON BACKER NICHOLA RANDALL A newly turned six-year-old in the form of Aclaim comes to the bloodstock world as a potential very nice stallion with lots to like about him and his current first crop. Aclaim was a 15time runner with 7 wins to his name, including the Prix de la Foret, a Group 1 in France, where he won by of a length to So Beloved, earning himself 441,000 in prize money. Aclaim has some wonderful lines going through his pedigree right now, he is out of maiden winner Aris who hasn’t produced any other runners apart from Aclaim, he has unnamed Dawn Approach and Night of Thunder siblings on the ground who are set to
run soon, you’d hope. That said, Aris comes from a wonderful family, as she is a half-sister to Again, making Aclaim a close relation to Again who was a Moyglare Stud Stakes winner, along with the Irish 1,000 Guineas to her name. Again has produced Indian Maharaja who managed to win his first two outings and looked incredibly smart, winning on debut and then notching up a win in a Listed event at Tipperary, unfortunately, he lost his way and hasn’t been seen since 2014. Again has managed to produce other winners such as Delano Roosevelt and Delphinia who is now a three-year-old and could have a good career moving forward. Moving forward into Aclaim’s pedigree, he doesn’t have any sort of in-breeding throughout his first four generations, he does on his 5th generation, where I suspect on the
6th generation is where it all happens. The 5th generation he has Northern Dancer on both sides, making him 5x5 in-bred into him, which could help some mares over here, if the owners are looking to in-breed to grandsons of Northern Dancer. That said, the dams linage is also something worth noting, it has Danzig and Danehill on the 4th and 3rd generation respectively, so in-breeding to an Excelebration mare later down the line could be something that could work out.
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WONDEFUL LINES IN HIS PEDIGREE
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STUD: Q&A
A FARM FOR THE WINNERS JAMIE LINDSEY SPOKE TO MICHAEL SHEFFLIN OF ANNSHOON STUD
THE STABLES AND STALLION MASTER OF THE HORSE
Q Can you tell us about the history behind the stud? A Formed about 15 years ago when I returned from Lexington, Kentucky. Brought a stallion back from there called Talkin Man, he later produced a Breeders Cup Turf Winner Better talk now that got me off the ground. Q What hopes do you have for your exciting and diverse team of stallions? A I only have Proconsul here at the moment, so it’s gone selective at the moment. So, it’s hard to get high volume of mares to stallions that haven’t had runners yet. So, one might just be enough. Q You must be very excited to be standing Proconsul, a full Brother to Frankel? A Yes, Proconsul is exciting a fine big strong horse and his first foals have sold well. Q What daily routine do your horses follow? A The daily routine is some exercise in morning and out in the paddock for a pick of grass. I think it’s very important to get them out close to nature and definitely keeps there head right. Q What other equine services does Annshoon Stud provide? A I board mares for clients local and in Dubai and Qatar. I have also exported some horses to Mongolia and Lybia. Q If you had a bit of advice for somebody looking to run a stud farm one day, what would it be? A For me it’s all about the people you know and get to know. If they like you and trust you will get custom. Q How much of a concern is Brexit to the future of the stud? A Brexit is a worry obviously for the trade and transport of
horses over and back to the UK. So, in my view there have to be some form of agreement between us and the UK not to go back to the past anyway. Q What is the best and worst part of your job? A Being able to produce winners from the farm and to have successful stallions. The worst part is winter time, bad weather and having all the stock housed indoors.
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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW
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BIG IN JAPAN RACING IN THE LAND OF THE RISING RUN HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER, NICKLAS YIP EXPLORES THE GROWTH OF THE SPORT IN THE FAR EAST AND WHAT SETS IT APART FROM ITS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
CONTINUED: PAGES 10 AND 11
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FEATURE JAPANESE RACING
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OISIN MURPHY HAS ENJOYED SOME FRUITFUL TRIPS TO JAPAN - GAINING MANY NEW FANS
Did you see the fascinating interview Alex from the Racing Reflex managed to do with Oisin Murphy? He really enjoyed the atmosphere of Japanese racing when he was there and, yes, he was one of the many visiting jockeys that is praising Japanese racing culture and their love for the horse. In fact, the JRA are doing a great job and keep on doing a great job to keep allowing world class jockeys to ride in Japan, in order for the sport to grow and to have the best coverage in Japan. ‌In the past, the JRA have only allowed very few foreigners to apply for the short term license which is three months, because of protectionism of their local jockeys who are hugely benefited from these rules. Along with local jockeys benefiting, so do the apprentice jockeys as they have learnt everything from the local jockeys and thus foreign jockeys could hinder the progress of the the apprentice jockeys. A quick look at this in action is Yutake Take who is famous around the globe, he is worldwide renowned and people from every part of racing knows who he is, he
helps incredibly with the apprentice jockeys and their training. That said, the local jockeys have failed to perform well on the international stage for quite some time now, leading the JRA to question their standards of jockey. However, starting from 2013, the JRA made a move to allow foreign jockeys to apply for the jockey license, which shows good progress from them. The JRA edited the rules that only top 5 jockeys from their respective country can apply for a short term license, it is a huge move to see that the standard of jockey profile is getting higher - as we have seen with Oisin Murphy and the coverage he was getting in Japan, because of the amazing fans. This in turn creates better competition among the jockeys, let’s look at the Autumn carnival (October to December) last year, only one Group One race from a total of eleven was taken out by a local rider. Proving the local jockeys need to ensure they put in the time and effort to compete at the highest levels, take Yuga Kawada as an example, he was criticised for his
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PLUSHIES HAVING A DEEP IMPACT: JAPANESE RACING FANS LOVE THEIR MERCHANDISE. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT MORE THAN 1,300 OF THESE PLUSH TOYS CAN BE SOLD ON A BUSY RACE DAY IN TOKYO. THE TOYS REPRESENT ALL THE BIG STARS OF JAPANESE RACING AND THE MOST POPULAR SELLER IS... YOU GUESSED IT THE TRIPLE-CROWN WINNER AND TOP SIRE DEEP IMPACT. RACING REFLEX IS IN TALKS WITH A SUPPLIER TO TRY TO GET THESE ‘KAWAII’ TOYS IMPORTED TO THE UK
performance in Group One races in recent years, proving the pressure might get to his head. What does he do to combat this? He improves his skill by learning overseas and working hard. Now, look at him and how much he has improved, he won the Yasuda Kinen in 2017 with Satono Aladdin and multiple Group Ones with Fine Needle last year. The JRA have made some changes in 2019 as well - one of their key focus points and important rules was changing the racing system. In the past, the horses have gone down from a 10million allowance race to a 5million allowance race. However, it changes to a completely different system, a Class system at that ; Class for one win, Class for two wins and Class for three wins, it means only elite horses and the best of the best can stay in Japan to compete against each other for the best competition. It also encourages the stud farms and owners to breed a better type of horse to improve the overall standard of horses quality, to ensure the breed has longevity and doesn’t retire as two-year-olds like they in Britain. Don’t worry about the horses who cannot compete here, as they can move to sister organisation NAR to continue their career and race on. Japanese racing will become stronger and bigger to become worldwide in horse racing, looking to lead the industry down a new path.
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JAPANESE RACING WILL BECOME STRONGER AS IT LOOKS TO LEAD THE INDUSTRY DOWN A NEW PATH
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RAISING A GLASS TO WHISKY OSCAR
JOE SMITH REMEMBERS SPECIAL MOMENTS FROM A SPECIAL JUMPER
6th December 2014. I can remember this day like it was yesterday. The excitement on my way down to Esher for the Tingle Creek was somewhat turned upside down in a matter of hours. Oscar Whisky had been fatally injured in the Tingle Creek Chase. Moments after the race, all the racing public wanted to know was how Oscar was. Then came the news we all feared. There would be an empty stable at Seven Barrows on this frosty December night. Poor Oscar Whisky had run his last race and would be amongst the stable in the sky. I had developed into a bit of a fanboy of this horse in the years before his death. He was just everything you would want in a racehorse. Apart from the obvious traits like speed and stamina, he had heart. Oscar Whisky was foaled on the 10th February 2005.
He would make his racecourse debut on the 21st March 2009 and prevailed by 9 lengths. A return to Newbury followed and the result was the same. A certain Rock On Ruby was a never nearer 4th. His hurdle debut quickly followed and once again the margin was wide. Excitement and buzz around this horse was reaching high levels and he arrived at the Cheltenham Festival unbeaten but was still 11-1 to win the Supreme Novices Hurdle. Oscar Whisky travelled into the race really nicely but just seemed to lack that quick burst and finished a brave 4th place. It was a similar story the following season. He arrived at the Cheltenham Festival unbeaten that season and this time took his chance in the Champion Hurdle. Once again he lacked that gear to win but he battled bravely against speedier horses and finished 3rd. His next task would be one of the
main reasons why most people fell in love with Oscar Whisky. The Aintree hurdle over two and half miles. It became a real battle of attrition up the Aintree straight against Thousand Stars but it was Barry and Oscar who edged it to gain a much deserved first grade one success. Its worth noting that the Champion Hurdle 2nd was in 7th place and the highly fancied stablemate Binocular in 4th. Oscar Whisky continued to set some high standards and quickly became the horse to beat over 2 and a half miles. It was just unfortunate that there wasn’t and still isn’t a grade one race for him over that trip at the Cheltenham Festival. So Nicky and his team sent him into uncharted territory. He lined up in the then World Hurdle. I don’t like to use the term well beaten and Oscar Whisky in the same sentence but unfortunately this is what he was. He was still 5th
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HOW HE FARED 4TH SUPREME NOVICES 1ST WELSH CHAMPION HURDLE 3RD CHAMPION HURDLE 1ST AINTREE HURDLE X2 1ST RELKEEL HURDLE 1ST CORAL HURDLE 2ND CLEEVE HURDLE 1ST DIPPER CHASE 2ND MANIFESTO CHASE
though and 26 lengths ahead of 6th place. Back To Aintree to defend his crown and lesser horses may of relinquished it. Not Oscar Whisky. Another ferocious battle against Thousand Stars unfolded. Same front pair, same winning margin, same winner. The team at Seven Barrows were not deterred about the fact that Oscar may not of stayed the trip in the World Hurdle. The word non stayer was soon put to bed when he came a fine second in the Cleeve Hurdle in January 2013. Beaten a neck by stout stayer Reve De Sivola. The bookies were obviously impressed and made him 9-4 favourite for the Stayers Hurdle at flag fall. For such a consistent horse it was strange to see him pull up before the final flight. Today was not his day.It was even more puzzling to see him finish 4th in his beloved Aintree hurdle. Oscar Whisky just seemed flat and bored. Attentions turned to chasing next
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PEOPLE SOMETIMES FORGET THIS LITTLE WARRIOR as opportunities over hurdles were now limited. He had some success before falling in the JLT at the very first fence. Perhaps his finest chasing performance was in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. He was brave under top weight and ultimately it’s the weight
which prevented him winning but the 4th place he gained was a massive performance in anyone’s book. Now I don’t think chasing was ever on the agenda but things had become a bit stale over hurdles. He didn’t have the scope of most chasers but he was relatively quick and neat for such a small horse. Barry Geragthy rode him in every race bar one and he went off at a double figure price only once. If I had to describe Oscar Whisky in 3 words I would have to go with Brave, Classy and missed. He was loved by everyone who set eyes on him. He never did get the Cheltenham Festival success he so much deserved but he gave everything trying to do so. The two Aintree Hurdle wins standout for me. At the time Nicky had so much firepower in his squad and people sometimes forget this little warrior. Im sure Barry Geragthy shares a memory now and again about this horse. I know I do.
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INTERNATIONAL: USA
KENTUCKY CALLING AS THE ROAD TO KENTUCKY DERBY 2019 BEGINS TO HEAT UP, KAITILIN FREE WILL TAKE AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT FIVE TO CONTENDERS AS WELL AS A FEW OTHER HORSES BREAKING INTO THE DERBY PICTURE. The first horse on this list should be obvious. It is the Bob Baffert trained Game Winner. Game Winner debuted late last summer and has been undefeated since, winning the Del Mar Futurity, American Pharoah Stakes, and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Game Winner is a colt that has been far superior to his peers and always finds a way to keep himself out of trouble. He is an efficient mover with a smart mind, laying a textbook foundation for a Derby favorite. His highest BSF so far is a 97, and has consistently stayed in the 90’s range for all of his starts. Game Winner is the horse to beat at the moment, but will need to keep improving at three to retain favoritism, a trend that has been hard for Champion 2YO’s to follow. Game Winner’s next projected start is the San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita. The next horse on our list is Improbable, a stablemate of the aforementioned Game Winner. Improbable has raced three times, and also remains unbeaten. He has been
mentioned extensively as having one of the most efficient strides of the Derby contenders, and seems to have no wasted motion. There was so much buzz about Improbable before his debut, many horse players kept good track of his works and expected to see something special when he was entered in his maiden race. He looked like the top juvenile of the season when he debuted in September and immediately traveled to Churchill Downs for a stakes race. This colt is one that has been tested early, traveling across the country for just his second career race. Improbable has cleared all obstacles so far in his short career, including taking down the G1 Los Alamitos Cash Call Futurity in just his third start. The colt has been piloted by Drayden Van Dyke in every start, the jockey of the moment in California. With a top BSF of 96, Improbable is right in the mix with the best and has improved significantly with every start. Improbable’s next projected start is the Rebel Stakes at
Oaklawn, keeping him away from the former. The next horse is one that has traveled all over, but has found his Derby trail by way of Fair Grounds. War of Will is a highly versatile colt with the most experience of all Derby contenders. War of Will’s pedigree is a dream to most turf trainers, and his connections also thought this horse would excel on the grass. War of Will ran decent on the grass, hitting the board in a G1 and finishing in the super in another. Following a fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, he was entered in a maiden on the dirt at Churchill Downs. He won that maiden with ease and followed it up with a spectacular performance in the G3 LeComte Stakes. War of Will has certainly found his niche on the dirt and according to trainer Mark Casse could be one of the best horses he has trained for client Gary Barber. War of Will’s highest BSF came in his stakes victory, a solid 94. He is head to head with other top contenders and should
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THE HIGHLY FANCIED GAME WINNER, LEFT, AND STABLEMATE IMROBABLE, ABOVE improve with distance and time. War of Will’s next start is in the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds. Our next contender is a colt with one start, but that lone performance lands him nearly at the top of many expert’s Derby lists. Hidden Scroll only needed one showing to announce his arrival onto the Derby scene. This lone win came on Pegasus World Cup Day at Gulfstream Park on a muddy and lightning fast surface. Hidden Scroll was only 8-1 when the race went off, and as soon as they hit the backstretch the race was already won. He widenned with every stride and needed no urging, winning in hand by a dizzying fourteen lengths. Whether the dirt was scorching that day or Hidden Scroll is just that good remains to be seen for just a while longer. That effort earned him a BSF of 104, the top figure for anyone in this crop. Not many horses debut with a BSF of over 100, the last to do so was Justify, the 2018 Triple Crown winner. Can lightning strike two years in a row? Hidden Scroll’s next projected start
is the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Rounding out our top five list is another California colt, Gunmetal Gray. Gunmetal Gray has really found himself in 2019, putting in his two career best performances. His victory in the Sham Stakes in early January was certainly eyebrow raising, scoring just in time over a highly regarded field. Gunmetal Gray is a classic closer, that will certainly improve as distance increases. His most recent start in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes impressed many experts even in defeat. Gunmetal Gray’s running style was compromised by the pace set by winner Mucho Gusto, and as a result was last for most of the race. With his quick turn of foot, Gunmetal Gray made up a significant amount of ground into the stretch as was gobbling up ground as a fast closing second. This colt is finding his best stride at three, and will continue to pick off rivals late. That being said, with a top BSF of 90, he will need to continue to improve even more to keep his spot on the list. As the second tier
of points races for the Kentucky Derby are set to begin, the contenders don’t begin and end with this list. There are many other horses to keep an eye out for. Winning the Holy Bull in an upset, Harvey Wallbanger has made his way onto many Derby lists with a style similar to Gunmetal Gray. While that Holy Bull win was impressive, he certainly needs to showcase that performance once more. Former claimer and recent Withers winner Tax is on the rise and has a chance to reign in the New York preps, but needs to prove himself against tougher competition. Breakout 2YO Instagrand is on the comeback, looking for a spot to debut at three and is said to be as good as ever. Kentucky Jockey Club winner Signalman has appeared on lists because of his versatility and strong will alone. Impressive Pasco Stakes winner Win Win Win is building momentum into his next prep, scoring the second highest BSF of the crop. In a year where Baffert is stronger than ever before, we must not ignore his Robert B. Lewis winner Mucho Gusto.
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DRAFTING IN THE TALENT WHAT WORKS FOR A RACING CLUB AND WHAT DOESN’T? ALEX BANKS SPOKE TO JUSTIN BYRNE OF EERC TO FND OUT HOW THE SEASON IS GOING AND THEIR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE
JUSTIN BYRNE
Q What got you into racing? A My love of racing started because of my Nan. She used to love having a small trixie or yankee every day and whenever racing was on the TV, I used to sit and watch the races with her. This started when I was around four years old and from that day forward, I have loved both horses and racing. Q How is the EERC performing? A This season so far has not been the best; we have had a ton of bad luck, injuries and setbacks. Even our best result of the season, Shamaal Nibras 2nd in the Group 3 Jebel Ali Mile had bad luck go with it. He was clearly stopped twice in the final furlong and was beaten into second. But racing has ups and downs like this. We all have bad times, and these make the good times so much more enjoyable. We still bat above our weight when you consider the budgets we have to play with, we have won 77 races which for a small syndicate takes some doing. We started the first season with just 2 horses, I think back then we would have never expected to win over 50 races. However, the injuries have hit us hard this season. We went from the high of having 3 runners in the Dubai
World Cup meeting last season to a poor start to the season this year. It will turn around and I am still hopeful for a good end to the season and I believe that we have a few horses which can win for us before the season is over. Q Any good stories thus far this season? A Well clearly the best story from Dubai this season is Drafted. Picked up for next to nothing in the Racing In Dubai sale, he won a group 3 last week and is now looking towards the $2,000,000 sprint on World Cup night. A small group of friends living the dream. Q Any dark horses you think could win for the carnival? A Dark Horses, not sure if this classes as that but I would keep one eye out for Bila Shak (translated to No Doubt or Without Doubt) trained by Fawzi Nass. He is a lovely big horse with a large stride and he looks special. He ran great on debut and was taken out at the first bend in his second race. I still think that if he can get into Super Saturday in the Derby trial that he could surprise a few. From the EERC horses there is more to come from Pillar Of Society put that may be outside the carnival
this year. Another to keep an eye on is New Trials he looks above average and a great purchase for the owners. Q What keeps you going? A This has always been a hobby more than a day job to pay the bills. Rebecca and I have invested a lot of money into racing because we love the sport. At the end of the day, neither of us need to run the syndicate for any other reason than the enjoyment of racing. If the syndicate ever stopped, we would still have our own horses. One of the reasons we started the syndicate was so that more people would get the chance to get involved in the sport which we both love. We both want to keep encouraging people to get involved in racing. Q You have a hospitality box in Dubai what was the reason for that and would you consider something similar in the UK? A The reason we first started the box in Dubai was because we grew too large in membership and it helped get everyone in to the races. The cost is all inclusive of F&B and the view from our box is excellent. We have regular visits from members from all over the world and most of the people who fly over want to
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enjoy the racing in style and the box allows this. As for something similar in the UK, it is certainly an option which we will look into for a couple of meetings during the Summer. Q what plans have you got going forward? A The plan was always to become
more International. We would like horses running in many different countries. With the UAE team we are due a big change of the guard. We knew that this season was likely to be the last season for a lot of our older horses like Active Spirit, Mizbah and Shamaal Nibras. We purchased Greeb for one season. Once we have owned a horse for
two years the owners have a vote to keep or sell at the end of the season so a couple more may get voted to be sold. Like every year we will be looking at the sales across Europe and America. I won’t know until April how many I am looking to purchase but I am sure that we will have a few new horses before the start of next season.
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MULLING IT OVER THE BIG RACING ISSUES HEAD ON
IN THE FIRST PART OF A NEW SERIES MULLDOG SPOKE TO NEIL WATSON A RACING ENTHUSIAST AND REGUALAR COLUMNIST WITH RACING REFLEX MULLDOG - So Watty, in true reciprocal style I am returning the favour I afforded you and making you my first interviewee, which brings me on nicely to the subject of loyalty schemes and rewards. Do you believe UK racecourses are loyal to their paying customers? Can you perhaps highlight a couple of examples of tracks doing it well and on the flip side of the coin, some of those who you feel have waved loyalty goodbye? WATTY - Rewards For Racing has been an excellent scheme for advance ticket buyers at JCR and ARC venues and courses such as York and long may that continue. I’ve had the odd raceday which hasn’t cost me anything on the gate. Some courses have “Bring A Friend” days for annual badge holders which is a nice deal and should be expanded more to the quieter days to get more people in, especially for those on a more limited budget. M - Many racecourses run promotions that allow racegoers to get hold of discounted tickets etc. Are there enough of these promotions throughout the racing year and what other incentives would you like to see introduced? W - For me yes, but you can never say no to having more of them
especially as some of the prices can be ludicrous for the midweek lower grade racing. Jump racing tends to offer more promotions as courses which have a live music nights during the summer don’t often need to offer discounts as the act will sell itself - providing it is a decent act in the first place! Some tracks need to get proper transport transfers looked as part of their ticket packages. Venues such as Kelso, Fakenham, Sedgefield and Catterick are not the easiest places to get to if you do not drive so a raceday bus is something of a necessity for many. M - You often hear people complaining about racing being a “closed shop” and expressing how difficult it is to get into the sport at various levels. Do you think examples of nepotism do racing any favours? W - No, if it carries on then it will go the same way as mainstream acting where only those who went to a certain school seem to get considered for top roles despite many people from a more working class background being equally, and sometimes better, at the job in question. Racing has to be seen as being open to anyone whatever a person’s class, race, gender and sexuality.
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RACING CAN OFTEN MISS OUT ON AN OPEN GOAL M - As you and I both know from experience (and perhaps our editor too), acquiring press/media accreditation across the UK’s racecourses is one of the most stressful, baffling, inconsistent, sometimes grossly unfair, almost lottery like processes that one can undertake. How can such problems be alleviated in the future? W - Many media outlets are cutting back on racing coverage outside of the major days so this could lead to quieter press rooms on race days. Racing should let people who have bona fide websites about the sport be allowed up to 30 racedays a year with full press accreditation with
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with other sports can be an effective way of bringing new people into the sport. M - Some excellent incentives for young racegoers have been introduced in recent times. How do we keep hold of that new audience going forward? W - On a racecourse concert night I would do things such as have a Q&A session on the stage before the music starts and educate the younger elements of the crowd about racing in the hope they may catch the bug. I’d also give out free tickets to those who want to leave after the racing and are not concerned about staying for the concert. The free entry to under-18’s scheme is a great idea but racing can often miss out on an open goal, such as when James Bowen was on the shortlist for the Radio 1 Teen Awards in the sports category, much more could have been made of it. M - And finally, if you became the mythical Director Of Operations for UK horse racing for say, a tenure of one year, what innovative ideas would you introduce? P.S - banning people with no socks on is sadly not an option in this scenario. maybe with a couple of properly accredited journalists to propose and second them? This would be a much better system than the existing one where nothing is done about randoms who wander around a racecourse with a selfie-stick in hand, accosting jockeys and trainers and broadcasting it on Twitter. Sometimes being allowed into a press room can also do wonders for the confidence of bloggers and content writers as it helps them adopt a more professional way of doing the job, plus being able to speak with other racing media people gives you a chance to pick up plenty of hints and tips. M - Horse racing is fantastic sport but do you think it is marketed well enough? After the well publicized unsavoury events of last summer
at one or two tracks do you think there should be a shift away from the drinking and racing promotions we regularly see used? Do the two really need to go hand in hand? Is that the only way racecourses can bring in the crowds? W - Drink is very much a marmite subject. Yes, it can be unsettling when a lot of the crowd have had a few drinks but courses need to make money to keep open. I would not ban it, as that would be very draconian, but I would restrict the consumption to just the bars and the odd area outside, but away from the parade ring and stands. As for the marketing, Horse racing does a good job but always more can be done. For example, Yorkshire Cricket has an excellent partnership with all the Yorkshire racecourses to allow fans of either sport to enjoy the other one, which shows that working
W - Good question, for a start I would put the Derby back to a Wednesday and ask the Government to make it a Bank Holiday so it could be celebrated in a Melbourne Cup style way and be a race to stop the nation. I’d also run the Grand National at around 4.20pm and ask others sports if they could move their games back to 2pm. I would also try beach racing like Laytown. We have plenty of coastal resorts and it could potentially be a huge boost to the economy for many of them. Red Rum was cantered on Southport beach so it is definitely feasible and could be a great way of taking racing to the people. Steve Mullington @mulldog is a freelance writer and a National Hunt and Flat racing fan. Next time in Mull It Over... “When Mully met Molly”
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MEMORIES OF A CLASSIC WINNER
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DAY RELIVED PT 2 AFTER WINNING THE ST LEGER IN 1988 WITH MINSTER SON NEIL GRAHAM LOOKS BACK AND GIVES HIS FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF A SPECIAL HORSE AND A SPECIAL OCCASION He had been bred by Willie Carson at his Minster Stud in the Cotswolds and his pedigree was full of stamina: being by Niniski out of a Crepello mare, called Honey Bridge. As soon as I had saddled Minster Son, we all made our way across to the main paddock, where Lady Marcia Beaverbrook, the owner of Minster Son and the third wife of the Canadian business tycoon, Lord Beaverbrook, was waiting for us. Lady Beaverbrook was an eccentric and highly individual character, who cared for her horses enormously but one of her quirks was that she would not allow any of her horses to run after five o’ clock in the evening, as she wanted them to be back home in time for their tea. Fortunately, evening racing was a much rarer event then than it is nowadays, so it did not create the enormous problem that it would today! Willie soon came to join us in the paddock and, as we had already discussed tactics, we took the opportunity to survey the other runners; in truth, Willie had made up his mind how he was going to ride the race, irrespective of what anybody else thought, so more discussion
would have been futile. Diminuendo posed the greatest threat, having already won the Epsom Oaks, the Irish Oaks and the Yorkshire Oaks, so was a proven top-class performer and would have been very difficult to beat at one mile and an half but she was unproven at this trip, which we hoped would be her Achilles heel; she was also trained by the legendary and formidable doyen of trainers, Henry Cecil. The other significant danger in the race was Sheriff’s Star, who was owned by Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk and trained by her daughter Anne, Lady Herries; he had won the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, so had to be respected. Once the horses had left the paddock to
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YOU NEED A HORSE AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME
canter down to the start, I had assumed that we would watch the race from the stands but Lady Beaverbrook refused to be stuck in the crowd, so we remained in the paddock, making our way across to where the Channel 4 TV monitor was positioned. It meant that we would be unable to see any of the early part of the race live but we would be able to see them come up the straight. The St Leger is the oldest of the five classic races and was first run in 1776, being named in honour of Anthony St Leger, who originally devised the race. It is also the last of the classic races and can, therefore, come at the end of what has been a fairly long year for some horses. The trip of 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards is also a long way for a still immature, three year old and is a stern test of, not only, a horse’s stamina but of his character as well. You need a tough and determined horse, who is still at the top of his game to win the race. Willie was able to get a good position on Minster Son and travelled well in the early part of the race but, as they came down the home straight and the race started to evolve, it looked to be between Diminuendo
and Minster Son. The filly was travelling with ominous ease and Minster Son was coming off the bridle: two furlongs from home, the dream seemed to be over. However, Willie kept rowing away and, as they came to the furlong marker, Diminuendo started to throw out distress signals and Minster Son was still battling away doggedly. With every stride of the final furlong Diminuendo, despite her enormous courage, was weakening and Minster Son was grinding her down until he passed her and went on to win by a length with Sheriff’s Star a further eight lengths back in third. This victory represented a very personal triumph for Willie Carson because not only had he bred Minster Son but in also riding him, he had achieved a double that has never been done before or since. For Lady Beaverbrook this was her second St Leger, having won it with Bustino in 1974 and she had also owned Niniski, the sire of Minster Son, making this a very poignant day for her too. For me, it was a day of mixed emotions: obvious joy at winning such a prestigious race but also knowing that it would never have been possible had Dick Hern not fallen so ill.
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PREVIEW
BRACE YOURSELF FOR A CLASSIC ENCOUNTER... CHRIS TOFFA SANTOS LOOKS AT THE RUNNERS FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN CLASSIC AND WEIGHS UP THE CHANCES OF A TRIPLE CROWN WINNER With the Cape and Gauteng Guineas races behind us, all focus shifts to the SA Classic- the second leg of South Africa’s triple crown. We have two live contenders with Soqrat winning the Cape Guineas in supreme fashion, and National Park equaling his feat in the Gauteng version. Both are entered for the Group 1 SA Classic, however stamina looks to be the crux of both these horses and to put it bluntly- I do not believe that we will see a Triple Crown champion this year. National Park bounced back to his earlier season form as he put the field to the sword in the Guineas, a field that included Soqrat’s counterparts Hawwaam and Barahin, not bad for a Port Elizabeth raider! National Park benefitted from a good draw while favourite, Hawwaam and 2nd favourite Barahin had to overcome horrible draws and made their run’s from last and 2nd last, as the field turned into the home straight. First time pilot Richard Fourie said post race that the Gimmethegreenlight gelding had more in the tank and that he definitely belonged in this
class of race. His preparation for the SA Classic will be different to that of his Guineas win as this time he will be prepared in Johannesburg rather than in the comfort of his home surroundings.The step up in distance has to be a worry and whether National Park can keep the blue and white siege at bay this time remains to be seen, but in the case of 5 on 1, I would comfortably be among the pack rather than with the lone warrior. One really needs to applaud the astute purchasing of the MDK/ Hamdan outfit, as they have 5 of the 11 entries in the SA Classic. Soqrat, the first of these 5, gave the Gauteng Guineas a miss, as he had been in action during the Cape season (which ended with him being a loser full of merit as he narrowly got edged out by Do It Again in this year’s Queen’s Plate renewal.) There must definitely be question marks around his stamina as I believe the De Kock team would have taken their chances in the Sun Met, had they believed the trip would suit. He is bred to be a speed horse and I don’t believe Mike De Kock will extend him
further than the 1800m. In fact, he has even been entered in the Gr. 2 Hawaii Stakes (1400m) on the same day as the SA Classic, and for me his participation in this second leg of the triple crown is in doubt. Hawwaam is the horse that always looked as if the triple crown was going to be a natural fit. His connections have always maintained that distance would bring out the best in him and it’s hard to disagree. His sire Silvano is renowned for throwing a classic type horse and his dam side has proven its stamina doubts as half brother Rainbow Bridge wrapped up the 2019 Sun Met earlier this season. Hawwaam will be looking to get another W onto his record after his first taste of defeat last time out. This time he will be drawn 7 in a smaller field. There are no excuses and if he is as good as he has always been touted, he will take some beating. Atyaab on the other hand, is Gr.1 winner, having come out victorious in the Gr.1 Cape Derby at the end of January. There has been much speculation around the actual form of the derby as
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RACINGREFLEX SOQRAT Photograph by Liesl King
many of the Cape’s premier 3YOs decided to participate in the rich sales races instead of taking their place in the Gr.1. Mike De Kock himself was quoted as saying that the Cape Derby was a “B Division” encounter, and subsequently an appeal was made to amend the ratings of the first 4 horses past the post, as Mike De Kock along with two other trainers believed their charges were unfairly treated. Atyaab’s performance was nevertheless spectacular, and after travelling 3 wide throughout, he still dug deep and pulled it out of the fire. My concern is that MDK at the time believed he had better horses at home (back in Johannesburg) and this time Atyaab would be taking those better horses on. Barahin and Alyaasaat complete the squad for MDK and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum. Barahin has to prove the distance is not a problem as his pedigree has suggested stamina question marks. Another concern will be that this is his second run after a layoff, leaving more questions unanswered. Alyaasaat ran a disappointing 9th in the Gauteng Guineas and looks a horse that is well held by the main participants. He was beat by Soqrat previously as a 2YO and has been bashed by National Park
twice as a 3YO, therefore it looks an impossible task to overturn such form. Sean Tarry always has something to say in these types of races, at this time of year, and he has two charges that look like very different horses. Zillzaal, owned by Al Adiyaat (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum) is another Silvano that looks set for a big performance. He was the eyecatcher of the race as he really took off in the last furlong recording a time of 12.95, only bested by Hawwaam. While others look like 1800m may be their limit, it looks like it could be this colt’s minimum trip. Vontreo is the other Tarry participant and having finished just behind Zillzaal in the Gauteng Guineas- he is entitled to some respect here. He travelled extremely well into the race and looked a live wire with 400m to go when a few of the others breezed past him late. He is still learning to race as he hung towards the stand side of the track late on, and may get away with the 1800m trip. It was also reported that he was lame behind however, it is also stated that he was kicked and injured post race. Owlinthetree re-opposes in the Classic and being by Dynasty he should just get the trip. It is by no means a certainty that he does, and he
would need to find an extra gear to be involved, in my opinion. Approach Control is another horse that will have to improve to feature, he did however, have excuses for his below par effort in the Guineas race in Gauteng. Having played up in the gates, he was removed and had to pass a vet check before being reloaded. As they turned into the straight he made what looked like a challenging move but his effort fizzed out and one can only wonder how much of an effect the pre-race antics had on him. His dam Control Tower won up to 1m 2f, and given this horse’s stature it is not inconceivable to see him relish the last two legs of the Triple Crown. Lastly, we have last year’s defending trainer Joe Soma, who brings Roll of Drums into the race. His paper form doesn’t look like much when compared to others in this field however, who can question Joe Soma after his incredible training feat with Lobo’s Legend last year in this race, who was similarly classed as a no hoper by many. The race looks like it will be a classic encounter and should Hawwaam bring his form into the race, he may be tough nut to crack. Lurkers for me would definitely come in the shape of Zillzaal, Atyaab and Approach Control.
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