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MARCH 2019 ISSUE 5
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NEWS-REVIEWS-INTERNATIONAL-TIPPING-BLOODSTOCK-INTERVIEWS
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WHAT’S IN A NUMBER
AHEAD OF THE 2019 GRAND NATIONAL WE LOOK AT PAST RUNNERS CONNECTED TO...............
PLUS: TWEENHILLS STUD SPECIAL
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FINDING FUN IN BUILD UP TO FLAT SEASON This month the team went to Tweenhills Stud Farm for a guided tour of their stock. Alex Banks has written a bumper feature on their six stallions, including last year’s Cartier Horse of the Year Roaring Lion and loveable miler Lightning Spear. We also have an insightful guide on the growing phenomenon that is horseracing in Mauritius and with the 2019 Grand National kicking off tomorrow, Neil Watson takes a look at the famous race and the lucky or... unlucky number 9s who have been connected with it over the years. We are very happy with your continuing support and our content will only get stronger during the flat season. We started up as an exclusively flat publication, but readers convinced us to carry on through the jumps season. We’ve muddled through but are certainly looking forward to the change in code. The promise of Newmarket, the energy of Epsom and Royal Ascot soaked in sunshine - exciting times ahead. The Racing Reflex team
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THE COLD HARD STATS
100/1 16
MON MOME’S PRICE FOR THE 2009 NATIONAL
WEIGHT IN POUND ANDREW BALDING’S PIVOINE WENT UP LAST YEAR
60
PERCENTAGE OF ROARING LIONS BOOK WHICH HAVE BEEN BLACK-TYPE MARES
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INDEX PAGES 4-5 ANDREW BALDING PAGE 7 STUD SPY PAGE 8-9 ROARING LION PAGES 9-11 LIGHTNING SPEAR PAGES 12-13 ZOUSTAR & CHARM SPIRIT PAGES 14-15 HOT STREAK & HAVANA GOLD PAGES 16-17 GRAND NATIONAL PAGE 18-19 MAURITIUS PAGES 20-21 MULLING IT OVER PAGE 23 STABLE STAFF VIEW CONTACT US racingreflex@hotmail.com
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STABLE TOUR: ANDREW BALDING
HELPING YOU BEAT THE BANK BUILDING ON A FANTASTIC 2018, ANDREW BALDING’S HORSES COULD BE EVEN BIGGER PLAYERS IN THIS YEAR’S FLAT SEASON, ROSS BURDON WRITES
Andrew Balding starts 2019 with more firepower than any of his previous seasons - in terms of quantity and, more importantly, quality. It’s not just the equine side of the yard that has seen improvements, in the last 18 months two new 24 box barns have been built and the frequently used Lochsong gallop relayed. These are just a couple of examples of the ongoing upgrades being made to keep Park House Stables a top class training facility. Topping 2018 is going to be a big task. The yard posted more wins than ever kast year, with 123 domestic flat winners as well as an Italian Listed success and a juvenile hurdle victory for last year’s sole jumping runner, Night of Glory. As well as a record number of wins the yard also claimed more prize money, taking an impressive £2.5m back to Kingsclere. With some of last year’s yard favourites gone - Duretto and Count
Octave will continue their racing careers in Australia, Urban Aspect, since renamed Ka Ying Star, was sold to Hong Kong and Group 2 scorer Horseplay retired - focus will be on some of the many promising threeyear-olds in Park House to step on what they achieved at 2 and try to make the breakthrough at the highest level. The Three-year-olds will be lead by the Group 1 placed Fox Tal, who looks like he can improve as he steps up in trip and could become a genuine classic contender. There’s still a strong team of older horses in place and horses like Beat The Bank and Donjuan Triumphant are solid group performers who on their best day and under the right conditions will surely add to their impressive resumes. The yard was deeply saddened by the untimely and devastating loss of leading owner and great supporter, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, in October of last year and hopes will be high that
his King Power Racing colours can be carried to Group 1 victory, something the former Leicester City chairman aspired to but never witnessed himself. TWO-YEAR-OLDS AS IS USUAL AT PARK HOUSE, NOT MANY QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ASKED OF THE JUVENILES JUST YET AND THEIR WORK WILL BEGIN TO PICK UP IN THE COMING WEEKS. A COUPLE THAT ALREADY LOOK FAIRLY SHARP AND SHOULD BE AMONG THE EARLIER RUNNERS ARE SHADN, A NO NAY NEVER FILLY OUT OF A HALF-SISTER TO FAME AND GLORY, SPANISH ANGEL, A NICE COLT BY GUTAIFAN AND THAI POWER, A TATTERSALLS BOOK 1 PURCHASE BY KINGMAN.
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Older Horses Beat The Bank Has been a flagbearer for the yard for the last two seasons and a multiple group winner. Still to breakthrough at Group 1 level and that will be his aim for this season, potentially with a step up to 1m2f as he often looks to lack tactical speed in the top 1m races. A probable starting point is likely to be the bet365 mile at Sandown. Cleonte Often runs well without winning, although did get his head in front at the Shergar Cup meeting last year and will be targeted at all the big staying handicaps in the hope that he collects one. Has become more versatile regards ground so should have plenty of options and will likely start in the Chester cup. Dancing Star Finally got a richly deserved first Group win at Doncaster last season and will attempt to pick up more valuable black-type in what is most likely her final season before heading off to stud. Six and seven furlong group contests with some give in the ground will see her to best effect. Here Comes When A wonderful servant to the yard and paid for his Sussex Stakes win in the first part of last season when having to carry a Group 1 penalty but picked up Haydock’s Superior Mile when the mud was flying in September. He’s another year older but the enthusiasm remains and will stick to where the ground is soft. Montaly Another who paid for a good 2017, by having to carry a Group 2 penalty for his Lonsdale Cup success. Has crept back down the weights and will start the year on a more realistic mark than last year. Will probably go back to Chester and attempt to win the Chester Cup for the second time. Morando Achieved a first group race win when deadheating in the St Simon Stakes at Newbury, proving he stays 1m4f in the process. Doesn’t show an awful lot at home and saves plenty for himself which is why he wore blinkers on his last start. Provided the ground is soft will go back to Newbury for the John Porter Stakes. Pivoine Had a solid 2018 with two handicap wins and some solid performances in defeat, going up 16lbs in the process. Life will be tough off a mark of 106 and could try his hand in pattern races, the stronger pace found in group company could suit him down to the ground.
Straight Right Has a very good all-weather record and will go to Lingfield on Good Friday, probably for the Mile race. Didn’t run on turf last summer but there’s no reason why he wouldn’t this year and the top 7f/1m handicaps will suit him well.
FOUR-YEAR-OLDS Crossing The Line Extremely consistent filly who improved throughout 2018, rarely running a bad race. Will run in the Lady Wulfruna Stakes before a tilt at the fillies race on Good Friday. Foxtrot Lady Officially improved 19lbs in a fruitful campaign last year. A ½ sister to Dancing Star, if she improves again then winning black-type is a very achievable target for the forthcoming year. Maid Up Another highly progressive 3 year old who went from being beaten off a mark of 67 at Chepstow to winning a Group 3 and contesting the St Leger. Will be campaigned over 1m6f-2m and races like the Lilly Langtry Stakes and the Park Hill Stakes will be targets. Natural History A lovely Nathaniel gelding of The Queen’s who hasn’t had much racing. Stays well and handles give in the ground, could potentially develop into an Ebor/Cesarewitch horse. He had a holiday over the winter and came back in looking great. Shailene Versatile filly who gained some placed blacktype last year, the aim will be to turn that to winning black-type this season. Doesn’t seem to mind underfoot conditions and equally effective at 1m2f/1m4f. Stone Of Destiny Finished second in Qatar last week when throwing away a couple of lengths around the first turn. Has some good form on turf, also finishing fourth in the Commonwealth Cup and could be a horse to aim at the Wokingham/Stewards Cup with. Bangkok After a brilliant first start, where he ran Sangarius to a neck, things didn’t go his way in his two runs after that. There’s still plenty of faith in the horse and he starts life as a three year old on a workable mark. Bell Rock Won impressively at Newmarket on his debut despite showing signs of greenness. The form hasn’t really been tested yet, but he could do no more than win. Will probably go to a Guineas trial to test his ability. Bye Bye Hong Kong
Ran well in the Tattersalls Somerville Stakes when second to Arctic Sound showing he stays 7f after being quite free and keen in his early runs. Will start off in a Guineas trial. Dutch Treat Improved through last season, showing some good form at up to 1m, although disappointed on her last start in the Rockfel Stakes. Had a winter away and has come back looking well, should stay 1m+ in time and is a smart filly. Firelight Won twice last year and was only beaten a head for third in the Lowther at York. Was quite keen last year and now wears a hood at home which seems to be helping her settle. If she learns to settle at the races she should stay 1m. Flashcard Grand horse who had a cracking first season, only being beaten once, when second in a big sales race at the Curragh. Has grown and matured well over the winter and should be a fun horse this year. Fox Tal Lovely, big Sea The Stars colt who had plenty of growing to last season. That he could be placed at Group 1 level as a 2 year old shows he has tons of ability. Has grown up both physically and mentally over the winter and there are high hopes he can improve on what he showed last season. King Power Frankel half- sister to Oaks winner Talent. Just had the one run last year when finishing fifth at Newbury in October. Her pedigree suggests she’ll improve from two to three when tackling longer trips. Look Around A listed winner over 7f last year at Sandown before disappointing at Goodwood on ground which wasn’t ideal. A lovely specimen of a filly and has grown and filled out her frame over the winter. Will start the year in a Guineas trail and should have a good season. Rectory Road Is two from three on polytrack over the winter and runs in Kempton’s ‘Road To Kentucky Derby’ Conditions Stakes on Wednesday. Will need to improve again to win but has shown a liking for Kempton. Shine So Bright Ran some good races in top company last year, notably when placed in the Gimcrack Stakes and Mill Reef Stakes. 3 year old only sprints might be where he ends up with question marks over his stamina and could be aimed toward the Commonwealth Cup.
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STUD SPY
ALEX BANKS WENT TO TWEENHILLS FOR AN UP-CLOSE-AND PERSONAL TOUR OF THEIR CROP AND FOUND OUT WHAT THEIR FUTURES COULD HOLD On the 20th of March, I was lucky enough to go to Tweenhills Stud Farm, situated in the gorgeous Hartpury, Gloucestershire area, where I would get to see one of my very favourites in the form of Roaring Lion. Starting the day off, I was coming from Epsom to Gloucestershire so everything had to be planned to the dot, something that went accordingly. I managed to get from Epsom train station to Gloucester train station in about 4 hours or so, give or take. Finishing up a tiny little antepost piece on the Dubai World Cup night, I thought I used my time productively. It was about a fifteen minute drive in a taxi, after I met up with Ashley Cliff, who was who managed to get us into this cracking farm. Slowly making our way to the Stud Farm Office,
you could see the mares and foals enjoying a pick of the grass and playing around – which was lovely to see. Upon arriving to Tweenhills, we were greeted by Bryony who was incredible and set everything up for us, where we would go on to meet Alex Lowe (Nominations and Client Relations), Adam Brooks (Racing Analyst and Bloodstock Assistant), David Redvers (Owner and Manager) and Hannah Wall (Bloodstock Manager). The day was going swimmingly, the foals and mares were put away about half an hour after we can came along and the stud himself Roaring Lion came out to greet us. I was fortunate enough to feed a polo to Roaring Lion who wasn’t actually accustomed to eating polos so he just sucked on them, but was a treat
enough for me – my entire month had been made. From there, Ashley and I were lucky enough to get a Stud Tour from Adam himself, where he would answer any questions we had in regards to their stock, the day-to-day runnings and anything else we thought would be notable. A grand old day, and I will be going through the credentials of each of the six stallions they have on offer and how well they could perform moving forward. Tweenhills has an incredibly diverse looking set of young stallions, there is the speed factors in there, to the middle distance pedigrees in there – an action packed breeding season for each stallion, so let’s go through them and their credentials. CONTINUED, PAGES 8-15
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FEATURE TWENHILLS STUD
POTENTIAL SUBLIME AT ROARING LION KITTEN’S JOY X VIONNET (STREET SENSE)
A four-time Group One winner in Britain last year, he was easily the most impressive horse throughout the entirety of the season, running nine times throughout his three-year-old season, he managed a wonderful third in the Derby, losing out by 2 lengths to the impressive Masar, but that is where we saw his luck change and he would become the Cartier Horse of The Year. Starting off his two-year-old career slowly, he would notch up three wins in his first three starts, including the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes, but unfortunately losing his winning streak in the Group One Racing Post Trophy behind Saxon Warrior. Not exactly hitting top stride in his first two outings of his three-year-old career, Roaring Lion would come back and demolish the Dante field, putting him in contention for the Derby. Finishing third behind Masar by 2 lengths, the trip was against him and we saw him come into his own when heading Saxon Warrior off by a neck in the Eclipse Stakes. Going onto next land the Juddmonte Stakes, Irish Champion Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II proving to be incredibly versatile, he would go to the Breeders’ Cup Classic and wouldn’t handle the dirt whatsoever, which was quite as he would’ve won the Breeders’ Cup Mile in my eyes, but a fantastic animal bowed out being a Champion, even if he didn’t win his last outing. When looking through Roaring Lion’s pedigree, there is an incredibly amount to like in here – his great grandsire is Sadler’s Wells, meaning he is on the third generation in the sire’s line, bringing about some in-breeding potential, something I think could work out quite nicely in the coming years. Coming from the Northern Dancer line, Northern Dancer is in-bred into Roaring Lion 4x5 with Mr Prospector being on the dam’s line, being 5x5 inbred into Roaring Lion. A nice little outlet in here
for some mares, who could be used to in-breed specifically into the Northern Dancer line a little more. Roaring Lion has every chance to succeed moving forward at stud, he has got nine Group One winning mares in his first book of mares, including Bateel, Just the Judge, Simple Verse, Golden Lilac, Seal of Appeal and many more top mares, with 60% of his book being that of blacktype performers or producers. When speaking to David Redvers about Roaring Lion he said “We are sending him the best of our broodmare band to give him the very best chance at stud, whilst we are looking at speedy and precocious types for him as well like Lightning Pearl – something Galileo has recently started doing”. I went to pedigreequery.com to go through some of the mares who are seeing Roaring Lion, Bateel is one of them and the pedigree is incredibly encouraging and something you can only ever dream of producing. Northern Dancer is the 5x5 in-breeding line here, where there will be a lot more with Mr Prospector on the 6th line, whilst if you look at the bottom of the pedigree (paternal line), Raise A Native is there, which if in-bred into in the future, could turn out to be a wonderful line moving forward for the mare. The pedigree is intriguing and a cracking one – Dubawi, Dubai Millenium, Sadler’s Wells, Street Cry and Street Sense all those representing the pedigree and potential to be inbred into in the future. All in all, I feel as though Roaring Lion could be a hit sensation at stud – he has the correct surroundings to be the best of the best as Qatar Racing are sending all of their Group One winners to him, the correct set-up in my eyes and his pedigree is incredibly attractive for breeders at a fee of 40,000. The potential is all there and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become a household stallion name and potential shuttler from to Australia or The States.
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TO BE STUD
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FEATURE TWENHILLS STUD
CONSISTENT WONDERFUL Lightning Spear Pivotal x Atlantic Destiny (Royal Academy)
A 260,000gns pick-up as a yearling, you’d have always thought Lightning Spear could be a little special, winning on debut for Ralph Beckett, he would unfortunately go onto pick-up a virus which would keep him out for well over 400 days. He wasn’t unsound or anything like that, just picking up the virus took a lot out of the horse and he would come back to win on his first start for Olly Stevens back in October of 2014. Going onto win twice more after his return, he would go up to Group 2 company in the Summer Mile Stakes, where he would unfortunately lose out to Arod by a length and a half and was then fourth to Esoterique in the Group 1 Prix Jaques le Marois. Unfortunately not winning again until August of 2016, where he was now trained by David Simcock, Lighting Spear fought off Zonderland to win nicely and then finish third to Minding by a length and a half in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Lightning Spear’s day in the sun would come when he managed to land the Group One everyone had been hoping for – winning the Group One Sussex Stakes, beating Expert Eye by a length and a half in what was a fantastic turn of events for everyone involved. Finishing seventh behind Expert Eye in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on his last start, Lightning Spear will go down as one of the sports best servants who manages to just keep on giving his all to everyone involved. Ever consistent, this son of Pivotal managed to earn over 1.3 million in earnings, winning seven times, second for three runs and third in five of his twenty-seven outings. A long time servant for Qatar Racing and their patience with him was duly paid off in time, unfortunately though, at stud, he has been overlooked for being ‘too old’ as an eightyear-old I have been hearing. Absolute madness if you ask me, 8,500 for a horse who’ll produce tough and sturdy foals along with classy ones, you
couldn’t really ask for more. When looking through Lightning Spear’s pedigree, you will see some interesting breeding lines straight away, in terms of in-breeding, he has Northern Dancer on the sire and dam’s lines, making him 4x4 x2 in-bred into Lightning Spear, with Flaming Paige being in-bred into the dam 4x5, respectively. In-breeding into a dam is always useful and has become something should be looked at a little more and be fine-tuned into some specific horses, late down the line, this could work for Lightning Spear, whilst Special is one who could be in-bred to and she has done incredibly well when this has happened. The likes of Nijinsky in Lightning Spear’s pedigree, he has the Minstrel on the dam’s side of the pedigree and she seems to be beautifully bred. The Northern Dancer might put a few breeders off as they may try work away from it, but in-breeding with Northern Dancer has worked out well for a lot of people and when breeding, he’ll be on the 5th generation, which shouldn’t affect any sort of abnormalities in the offspring. I would expect Lightning Spear to be a well revered stallion moving forward, he is sure to be a hit with breeders looking for stability and the promise of a horse who can bring something to the table more than just raw speed. I like Lightning Spear, he’s a gorgeous looking animal and I feel as though he could be a huge hit.
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TOUGH AND CLASSY - YOU CAN’T REALLY ASK FOR MORE
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AND LINES
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SKY’S THE LIMIT NOW
FEATURE TWENHILLS STUD
ZOUSTAR Northern Meteor x Zouzou (Redoute’s Choice)
A Champion down under in Australia, this son of Northern Meteor managed to notch up two Group Ones and two Group Twos in his threeyear-old season, proving to be one of the best at sprinting distances of his generation. Not only was he an exceptional racehorse, but Zoustar is making a splash as a stallion now, where he managed a 1-2-3 in the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes and was leading first-seasonsire in Australia, producing some fantastically precocious horses throughout his career. A nine-time runner throughout his career, Zoustar managed to earn over $1.4 million in Australian dollars, proving to be a fantastic racehorse, with a cracking temperament about him – something I noticed when at Tweenhills Stud Farm; a big hunk of a horse who was very laidback. Winning his first Group One in the De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose Stakes over seven furlongs, he won by a neck and would subsequently be brought back down to six furlongs, where he managed to win a Group Two by four and a quarter lengths and then his most memorable day would come at Flemington, when winning the Coolmore Stud Stakes himself, in which he has now sired a trifecta in, winning by 4 lengths himself respectively, though. Zoustar has been producing fantastic individuals at stud as time passes by, but none more so than Sunlight, who has gone onto become a bigger deal than her stallion as a racehorse – a three-time Group One winner down in Australia, this threeyear-old filly has run eleven times and managing to win on seven of those occasions. Owned by Qatar Racing when he was racing, Zoustar is now an integral part of their breeding operation, where he has produced a Group Two winner for them in Australia in the form of Zousain and is performing remarkably well. Zoustar is known for his speed, that said, Roaring Lion has been getting some of the speedier mares that he should’ve got, but nevertheless, Zoustar has received 140 mares and the list keeps on growing as his popularity goes up every single year. Zoustar has
been working remarkably well with Danehill within the pedigree lines, with Sunlight being the main protagonist behind this, with Danehill being 4x3 in-bred into Sunlight through Zoustar, this looks like something that could come to fruition as there are more Zoustar’s on the ground. It is fascinating to see Zoustar over here, he is a remarkable individual and producing some of the best stock out there right now in the sprinting scene, we are slowly working our way towards the sprinting scene, so I would expect to see a lot more of him moving forward. The sky is the limit for Zoustar right now, with Sunlight spearheading his progeny and her doing ever so well, I would expect there to be a whole lot more demand for this son of Northern Meteor later down the road and the Danehill line will live on for some time.
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FIRST CROP TO IMPROVE CHARM SPIRIT Invincible Spirit x L’Enjoleuse (Montjeu)
Charm Spirit is arguably one of my favourite stallions right now, a gorgeous looking individual with the talent to boot. A high class individual in his time, he ran three times as a two-year-old, winning once and then finishing third in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere by two lengths to the fantastic Karakontie. Winning of the Group Three Prix Djebel, on his first appearance, he ran a gallant fifth behind Night of Thunder in that year’s 2,000 Guineas and would go onto frank the form remarkably well by becoming one of the leading milers France and Britain would see that season. Winner of the Prix Jean Prat, Prix Du Moulin and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Charm Spirit would get his revenge on Night of Thunder. A versatile type, he loved good ground but would also take to heavy in October at Ascot, that is what I enjoy about Charm Spirit, he is by a sprinter in Invincible Spirit out of a Montjeu mare, giving him plenty to work with in terms of pedigree and ground surfaces. A triple Group One winning miler in his time, he has produced a Group Three winner in his very first crop, along with Charming Kid who was placed in a Group Two. A fantastic three-year-old season where he beat the likes of Toronado, Esoterique, Night of Thunder and the list just goes on, Charm Spirit is supported highly with the likes of Aga Khan sending him some of his regally bred mares, whilst he has gone from France to Australia back to France and the United Kingdom now, he will see a lot of support as he moves forward and it is hard not to see why. Regally bred, Charm Spirit has two in-breeding lines flowing through his pedigree, with Northern Dancer being on the fourth generation in the pedigree, making him 4x4 in-bred into Charm Spirit, something that could work out quite well moving forward. Northern Dancer being so far back in a pedigree is something nice to see, you could in-breed specifically to him or look away from him altogether, you all know my love for Taghrooda, and so I had a look her pedigree with Charm Spirit: Riddled with in-breeding throughout, the lines are quite nice, Sadler’s Wells in-breeding could
work out nicely in the future, as we have seen with Enable and how good she is. Sadler’s Wells and Green Desert being on the third generation is a plus, it means there shouldn’t be any type of deficiency to the foal – I wouldn’t mind seeing this foal though. Charm Spirit x Taghrooda does sound juicy to me. Charm Spirit could be anything at this point, his first runners will now be becoming three-y ear-olds, where they’re sure to improve plenty of lbs in the ratings and become even better, whilst we might not have even seen the best of his runners, he has twenty-five individual winners to his name. Potential to be a stand-out at stud, I hope he can prove me right in thinking so highly of him.
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PLENTY LEFT TO OFFER FEATURE TWENHILLS STUD
HAVANA GOLD Teofilo x Jessica’s Dream (Desert Style)
Trained by Mr Hannon and later on Mr Dezangles, Havana Gold is easily one of the most forward horses Teolfilo has ever produced, I would have to say. A seven-time runner as a two-year-old, Havana Gold thrived as a two-year-old, becoming a Group Three winner at two and going onto thrive as a three-year-old, with his most famous win coming in the Group One Prix Jean Prat. A real precocious individual, Havana Gold managed to win on debut in June and then went onto win another race after a month later, then unfortunately unseating his rider in France. Following up that with a Listed win and the Group Three Sommerville Tattersall Stakes, he would finish off second to Ghurair in the Tattersalls 2yo Trophy. Progressing from here as a three-year-old, he would go onto finish second on his first outing behind Toronado as a three-year-old and having some bad luck to finish fifth in the French 2,000 Guineas behind Style Vendome. The Irish 2,000 Guineas would come around and he would finish fourth and then Havana Gold’s day in the sunshine came as he managed to win the Prix Jean Prat, finally beating Style Vendome who was only fourth. Coming back in August, he would go down by two and a half lengths to Vancouverite and ultimately retired after that. Looking at Havana Gold, he was an incredibly versatile racehorse who would go on any type of ground, no matter when or how, whether it be France or Britain or Ireland, he was consistent and would always give a good showing of himself. When diving into Havana Gold, we know he had one hundred and eighty mares last season, meaning his best years as a stallion are potentially on their way to come for this son of Teofilo – breeders taking up Havana Gold early could be rewarded incredibly nicely. Some cracking sons and daughters about for Havana Gold, including Tabdeed who is in my Horses To Follow for 2019, a gorgeous looking individual who loves fast ground and would undone in the Jersey Stakes, as he jarred up after that. A wonderful record on him, you’d hope he could be a real nice type moving forward, the same
could be said with Raid who was only five and a half lengths off of Saxon Warrior in the 2,000 Guineas and has been gelded since. Potential from both of these sons of Havana Gold fill me with a lot of hope in what he could reach, in terms of a stallion. Limited book for Havana Gold’s son Havana Grey, a stakes winner as a two-year-old who would go onto emulate his sire and win a Group One race as a three-year-old. A stud fee of 8,000 for 2019, Havana Grey is the fastest horse from the Galileo line, with his damsire being Dark Angel, which could have been a huge influence with that. A sixteentime runner, he managed to win six times, with five of those outings bringing in stakes success, winning the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh in nice style. Havana Gold looks as if he can produce some nice milers and sprinters – he has a long way to go to be anywhere near his own stallion in Cross Counter, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he could have a good crack at getting somewhere near him. A wonderfully calm horse who is the perfect horse you’d want to feed polos to, I enjoyed meeting Havana Gold and think he has a lot of potential.
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UP WITH THE BEST OF THEM HOT STREAK Iffraaj x Ashirah (Housebuster)
A gorgeous chestnut who was bred by Barry Noonan, owned by Qatar Racing and trained by Robert Cowell, one of the most precocious and toughest two-year-old’s you will see run for a long time, you’d have to say. One of the fastest two-year-old’s of his generation, he finished a half a length second in the Middle Park Stakes after running six times as a two-year-old. An eighteen-time runner throughout his time as a racehorse, Hot Streak would go onto run six times as a two-year-old, winning three times, including a five length win in the Cornwallis Stakes at Ascot, then finishing half a length second in the Middle Park Stakes. A winner on his first two starts, he beat off Mecca’s Angel in his second start and we know how good of a sprinter she became as she progressed with age. His three-year-old season started off with a bang as he won second-time-out in the Temple Stakes, beating off Pearl Secret by a quarter of a length. Unfortunately, that would be the last time he would win and wouldn’t be seen to best effect anywhere else, from the Newmarket July course to Longchamp for the Prix de l’Abbaye, where he finished fifteenth of eighteen but was three and a quarter lengths off of the winner – a phenomenal feat. Hot Streak comes into the 2019 as a Freshman Sire, he is currently priced up at 12/1 to become Leading First Season Sire, which could look a big price moving forward – he ran six times as a two-year-old as I have said and has some very sharp ones on the ground. Shadwell Stud have purchased a few, they have a couple in training with Roger Varian and John Gosden, whilst Kevin Ryan has three in training who could become the next hit sensation. Under eighty two-year-old’s to run means Hot Streak is going to need to have a lot of early types who are ready to run and make an impression on the racecourse, with some of his yearlings in 2018 selling for 220,000gns, 200,000gns 105,000gns and 100,000gns – they’re clearly athletic and suit what the market is after: speed. When looking through Hot Streak’s pedigree, he was bred for speed and with the in-breeding lines
he has running through him, you can see they were picked specifically for speed and precocity. With three in-breeding lines going through Northern Dancer, Hot Streak is 4x4 and 5x4 inbred into Hot Streak, which could be a reason as to why he is incredibly speedy and talented. Something well worth noting is Height Of Fashion and Highclere on the dam’s paternal line, which is always something well noting as it could lead to some sort of stamina down the road, as Height Of Fashion after all did produce Derby winner Nashwa, along with Nayef. Lots to like about Hot Streak’s pedigree, he has a lot going on and could work with quite a few different mares, where the in-breeding on the sixth generation is something that needs to be noted with Northern Dancer going there. I feel as though for the First Season Sire betting he is a little bigger than I expected and he could most definitely be up there with the best of them – lots of potential for some of his runners moving forward, especially the couple Richard Hannon has as he loves them.
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INSIDE AINTREE’S NUMBER 9 NEIL WATSON LOOKS BACK ON THE GRAND NATIONAL AND A CONNECTION TO A LUCKY - OR UNLUCKY - NUMBER In many ways using the title for this article from a Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith television show is quite appropriate as we take a gentle hack down memory lane to take a look at a few Grand Nationals that end in the number nine. Back in 2009 Mon Mome romped home under the steerage of Liam Treadwell for Hereford based trainer Venetia Williams at the mammoth odds of 100-1 and in the process beat the previous victor Comply Or Die by a widening twelve lenghts. Mon Mome was owned by a lady by the name of Vida Bingham who has played the card game bridge for England, now having read on wikipedia about bridge and the rules i can honestly say it baffles me even more by those other well known card games from The League Of Gentlemen such as ‘Eight Men Down’ and of course who can ever forget ‘Go Jonny Go Go Go Go!’ In the aftermath of the race
much attention was drawn to Clare Balding with her reference to Liam Treadwell’s teeth, Liam took this with good grace and to be fair did get a new set for free, no doubt off a dentist who took some of the 100s in the bookies that morning or who knows possibly bigger! 1999 saw Ireland get their first National in twenty four years as the father and son combination of Tommy and Paul Carberry brought the prize back over the Irish Sea with Bobbyjo landing the big race. Owned by Robert Burke he had what was certainly an unusual but nowadays considered a normal prep for this by running over hurdles, the difference being this was a twenty runner handicap hurdle at Down Royal over two miles that he landed off a mark of just 86! After the race when Bobbyjo was being escorted as all Grand National winners are by a couple of police officers on horseback from
the Merseyside Police Mounted Section, Paul Carberry did the rather unorthodox method of dismounting by reaching up and pulling himself off the horse in the old winners enclosure causing a slight shake but nothing untoward. Sadly in 2001 when competing at Fairyhouse, Bobbyjo broke a knee and sadly a month later had to be put to sleep, his name lives on at the course where he ran eleven times in all and memorably won the Irish Grand National the year before his big day at Aintree the following year, Bobbyjo also has a race named after him and since the big win in 1999, Ireland have won the Grand National many times since. The 2019 running will sadly be without the same surname of the winning jockey from the one thirty years ago as the cruel fate that can go with being a jockey dealt a crushing blow to Bryony Frost as four days on from her big Cheltenham Festival win on Frodon
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FAIRY TALE RUNNER “COMING INTO THE RACE MON MOME WAS NOT IN THE BEST OF FORM OF HIS LIFE BUT I WAS ENCOURAGED BY HIS RUN IN THE MIDLANDS NATIONAL ALTHOUGH HE DIDN’T PLACE. THIS PROVES THAT IN THE NATIONAL ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.” TRAINER VENETIA WILLIAMS, AFTER MON MOME DEFIED THE ODDS TO WIN THE 2009 GRAND NATIONAL
in the Ryanair Chase, Bryony found herself being on the deck after a fall at Southwell which resulted in a broken collarbone but all is not lost as Bryony will be at Aintree as part of the ITV team, Go back thirty years though and things were a little different as the sire of Bryony, her father Jimmy Frost was the man who made the headlines on Little Polveir who beat a field that included the one horse i will be eternally grateful for getting me hooked on racing, Durham Edition. I was 10 at the time of this so while i remember the race i would certainly struggle to work out the quality of the field but rewatching it on YouTube was a real eye opener for sure. Seeing the huge crowds not just in the stands but right around the outside of the rails all the way around the Grand National course is something you dont see now and in this time of health and safety you wont see ever again apart from the
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IT’S 9 AND A HALF MINUTES THAT MAKE MILLIONS TUNE IN masses at Cartmel and also Epsom on Derby Day. Little Polveir was trained by Toby Balding and this was his second success in the National with Highland
Wedding being the other one twenty years earlier back in 1969, Brother of Ian Balding who himself trained many top class winners over flat and jumps including Mill Reef the 1971 Derby winner as well as a couple of Nunthorpe winners in Lochsong and Lochangel Jimmy Frost didnt just taste victory in the National, he also had Champion Hurdle glory on Morley Street in 1991 and was also a Breeders’ Cup winning jockey being a dual winning rider in two Breeders’ Cup Chases and now trains down in Devon. As the clock slowly ticks down towards the 2019 renewal its nice to look back at what has occured in those nine and a half minutes or so that make millions of people tune in wHether it be to a television or radio and witness a story like no other get told. Like many others i cannot wait for this years race, Nothing beats the Grand National and i hope you have enjoyed this little visit down memory.
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INTERNATIONAL: MAURITIUS
NOT JUST FOR HONEYMOONS SHAHEEL AYADASSEN PROVIDES A GUIDE TO RACING ON THE PARADISE ISLAND AND GIVES HIS THOUGHTS ON A FEW OF THE BIG RACES HISTORY The origin of horse racing in Mauritius dates back to 1812. On the 25th of June that year, the first races were held at the Champ de Mars, heralding 200 years of competition between owners and stables almost non-stop even during the world wars of the 20th century. The aim of the founders of the Mauritius Turf Club was to reconcile the French settlers with the English administration who had conquered the island in December 1810. The importation of horses goes back to 1836 when a few were acquired from Great Britain and South Africa and later, France and Australia. However, from 1960, onwards South Africa gradually becomes the main provider for reasons of proximity and cost. Between 12 and 18 horses were imported by the MTC every year and were attributed to stables by drawing of lots. Presently about 125 are imported every year on behalf of the Stables and owners. Almost all from South Africa. The number of race meetings
has kept increasing over the years. Nowadays, the racing season starts at the end of March and last until the first week end of December, closing with the International Jockeys’ Week End, marked by the participation of world class jockeys. The Mauritius Turf Club is the oldest horse-racing club in the southern hemisphere and the second oldest in the world.
races are run each year during the racing season. Recently a few Group Races have been added to the list. The most popular event remains The Maiden Cup, traditionally run over 2400 metres. The first “classic” race of the season, the Duchess of York Cup, is held at the start of the racing season and is reserved for newly imported horses. “Classic” races draw large crowds to the Champ de Mars.
TRACK The Champ de Mars track follows a very selective right-hand oval path. It is 1298m in circumference and 11m to 13m wide - it is a relatively small track. Races are run on distances from 990m to 2400m. A maximum capacity field of eleven horses is allowed to race on the track which is meticulously maintained to avoid any trauma to the horses, water retention is minimal even in periods of heavy summer rainfall.
THE CLASSIC RACES The Duchess Of York Cup (G2) 1400m: For the first time this race will be run at weight for age. Based on South African form and trackwork, I believe WHITE RIVER will be the horse to beat but he’s stable companion NEBULA will be his biggest danger without ignoring the other horses like Black Cat Bat who will like the 1400m and also Perovskia if he is fit enough.
ATTENDANCE Four “classic” and four “semi-classic”
The Barbé Cup (G1) – 1600m: The best millers of the island will try to
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fight for this prestigious Group 1 and one stable in particular has been very lucky by winning the last 4 editions of the BarbĂŠ Cup, that is the Gujadhur stable. They won it last year with TABLE BAY and he will try to retain his crown. The Maiden Cup (G1) 2400m: The Maiden Cup is the most popular race in Mauritius and it always attracts a very large crowd. ENAAD who was already the
Champion Stayer in South Africa has won the last 2 editions of it and he will try to make history in 2019 by trying to become the 1st horse in history to win The Maiden for the 3rd time and in a row. Can he do it? We’ll find out on Sunday 1st September 2019. The Duke Of York Cup (also known as Gold Cup) [G1] 1600m: One top race to finish off the classics
where all the best horses of the season will compete for this prestigious race over a mile at weight for age, it is sometimes won by the horse who dominated the whole season or by a promising up and coming new horse. The Gold Cup is always very exciting and many times plays an important role for the stable championship as the stakes money are quite high for this race.
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MULLING IT OVER THE BIG RACING ISSUES HEAD ON
THIS MONTH MULLY WENT TO CARLISLE TO MEET MOLLY DINGWALL WHO, LAST YEAR, WAS APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CUMBRIAN RACECOURSE MULLY So Molly, you’re just coming up to the milestone of being in your post for twelve months now. Does your career journey still feel like a whirlwind and have you had much time to yourself yet to take it all in? IMOLLY I can’t quite believe it’s been a year… I’m sure it should feel longer! Yes it certainly still feels like a whirlwind, every day is a school day and there is still so much to learn and to enjoy. I thoroughly enjoy it and I am so lucky to have such an amazing team on this journey with me. They are truly superb and work so hard to make the racecourse everything that it is. MU Now they always say you should never ask a lady her age, but
would I be right in presuming that you are one of the youngest, if not THE youngest racecourse General Manager in the UK? MO I think I am currently I’m not sure I know of anyone younger. It has been so amazing receiving the training and mentoring that I have through working with The Jockey Club, I quite literally wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the dedication to training. I also wouldn’t have been on this path if it wasn’t for Sam Morshead who inspired my career choice! MU Your rise to the top has been quite meteoric in such a short space of time. I can only surmise you got a great level of support and encouragement from the Jockey
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I’M LUCKY I CAN CALL GORDON A FRIEND Club to pursue your goal? Do they run a series of training courses for roles such as your own and what is the level of uptake from potential candidates? MO Precisely that, they are a wonderful employer. One of the main reasons that I looked to work for The Jockey Club is that they invest the profits back into the sport to ensure that they continue to provide top quality racing throughout the grades. There is lots of training available to us daily, they also have two full time training positions. Trainee Clerk which is a 2 year programme and the Trainee General Manager Programme. One person is accepted every two years. I was fortunate that the Trainee General Manger Position became
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available within my first year with the company. I feel so honoured to have travelled around the group getting to know everyone and understanding how all our biggest events run. Finding out what goes on behind the scenes – it helped build an exceptional network of colleagues who I know I can ring and ask questions if I am not sure on something. MU Prior to our recent meeting, the last time I met you was at the Aintree Grand National Meeting a few years ago, shortly after you had ridden in the Charity Race. Tell me, how did all that come about? Where did you finish that day and is it something you’d like to do again in the future? MO That was the best day!! It was such an amazing day, I had riden in a charity race at Warwick Racecourse – The Jockey Club Challenge and absolutely loved it. I really got the bug and I knew that they were doing one at Aintree and I asked the clerk Andrew Tulloch if I could take part. I was very fortunate to have both of my rides from the Gordon Elliott stable. Dove Mountain was my ride at Warwick and we won!! Aintree I rode a wonderful horse called Steady Major
and we finished in a photo for 3rd. Gordon Elliott, pictured with Molly, has been an amazing support to my career and I am lucky enough to call him a friend so it was fantastic to be riding one of his horses. I had the best time ever and would love to do it again, I am currently looking for a point to pointer to ride and compete although I am not sure about where I would find the time! MU Are you from the Carlisle area yourself, or do you come from further afield originally? If so, are the locals looking after you and what is it you love about the Carlisle racecourse and the surrounding region? MO I am not from around here originally. I grew up in a welsh valley. I have always travelled North for holidays mainly in Scotland. My mum lives in Perthshire so I am now finally closer to her! There are so many things that I love about Carlisle. I mean the racecourse itself is so picturesque. It has the most stunning views across Carlisle into the borders and also looking out onto the Lake District. Everyone has been so welcoming and I thoroughly enjoy living here. It’s a real pinch yourself feeling.
MU What do your own personal nonracedays involve? Do you manage to get away to other race meetings at all for pleasure or do you do something completely different? MO A lot of my personal time is spent at Racecourses. I just love it so much. I love going to other racecourses as you can learn so much from then. Different ideas and concepts. As a team at Carlisle we are always looking at ways to improve what we offer to all of our customers so it’s fascinating to go and see other racecourses and what they are doing. I also love riding or walking my dog Wiggle! MO I was luckily enough to take in a meal and the whole raceday experience in your Swifts restaurant at Carlisle on my visit which made for a pleasant change from my usual standing about in all weathers around the paddock. I personally really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to others considering a special occasion. What would you say is the best thing about the Swifts restaurant experience? The swift’s restaurant is so amazing because it has wonderful panoramic views across the course. It has quick access down the stepping’s to the bookies and you can see almost the whole track from your vantage point. So if the weather decides to take a turn you are well in! We are having the suite refurbished after our Easter fixture which is so exciting and we really can’t wait to show it off when it’s completed. MU If you had to pick one “must attend” fixture on the remaining Carlisle fixture list this year which would it be and why? MO This would have to be our Ladies Night on the 5th August – we have the only all-female card in Britain and we celebrate Girl power in the bucket load. After racing you can dance the night away to Gok Wan who will be Dj-ing. We also hold and inspirational woman award, where the people of Carlisle nominate Women who they think are inspiring and we name a race in their honour and give them the 5* treatment. It is a real feel good factor evening and I have great pride in the evening.
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STABLE STAFF VIEW
WORKING IN RACING
EARLIER THIS YEAR CONTROVERSY AROSE ABOUT THE LACK OF STABLE STAFF, AANISAH CHAUDRY REVEALS HER OPINON ON THE UPS AND DOWNS OF WORKING IN A YARD Here it is... Before I start I want to put it out there that I really do love my job, and if I was rich I’d do it for free. I think racing is a fantastic industry and there are so many opportunities that can arise within it. I first wrote this about a year ago and I’m still of basically the same opinion, despite moving yards in that time. In the scheme of things I haven’t been at it an awful long time, but I’m writing this from my own observations... So here we go. It’s not about the wages, not alone anyway. There’s this idea that seems to go around that stable staff are paid barely minimum wage and it’s all a very miserable affair. I’m sure there are probably some bloody awful places to work and I’m sure there are a few horror stories to be shared. But it’s not everyone and it isn’t everywhere. To be frank, I earn and always have earnt enough to afford everything that I need, comfortably; wages are perfectly fair I feel and increase with age and experience. I also get my rent heavily reduced and have barely any other utility bills. I don’t think there are many jobs out there that cover a great deal of your living expenses for you! I might struggle if I wanted to put a deposit on a house
or something, but I’d say wages are fair, not to mention the good bonuses we get such as pool money. The hours: we start at 6.15 and work til around 12.30, get a good long breakfast in that time too, have an extended lunch break and return to work evening stables 4-6. A few of us come in earlier - I don’t enjoy rushing around so I choose to start a little earlier and take my time mucking out. We are fortunate not to be desperately short staffed, and I look after 4 horses and ride 3 lots in that time. That’d probably be the ideal in that you’re not doing so much that things get missed out or rushed. Sometimes we finish a little early, great! Sometimes, we finish later. Unfortunately with horses that’s just the way it is, nobody is watching the clock! We get every other Saturday afternoon and Sunday off, and every other Wednesday afternoon too. It can be awkward hours, particularly working weekends, and in the summer with evening racing and early starts and it is a physical job, no doubt about that. Everyone would love to get more time off, I’m sure everyone would love to squeeze all they do into a 40 hour week. It can be tiring - but in order to put
in less hours, there needs to be more staff - and there’s the problem. The other problem is incentive - and it’s been mentioned before. I also remember mentioning it around this time last year - a lot of yards, particularly when understaffed, employ riders who come in and are paid by the lot. The average per lot is around £15, and I know people doing 5 or even 6 lots in a day. That makes being full time a lot less appealing when you think there’s people coming in at 7, being done by 1, even only riding 4 lots a day they make the same if not more than a lot of full time staff do and only put in around half the hours. I also feel it takes away some of the opportunity to teach the full time staff who ride out - why are you going to show new lads how to ride work when there’s people coming in who can already do it? This is not only disheartening for the staff it means they don’t learn and therefore don’t improve. The flip side is that there aren’t always enough good riders in a yard and those who are inexperienced or unconfident get left on horses they’d be better off not riding. We have all learnt and still learn by doing but the last thing a new lad or lass needs is a bad fall to ruin their
confidence. The other thing I noticed was it was a big difference coming out of the racing school to going full time in a yard. The racing schools are fantastic in the work that they do, and I was fortunate to have been working weekends before and that I started out in a yard where everyone was helpful and tolerant! But even the racing school can’t prepare you for how physical the job is - initially yes it was hard work - and for how much of a way of life it is. I think it’s important that young people understand that before they come into racing - there’s a lot more to it than galloping horses. I personally think it’s a fantastic job ands fantastic industry to be involved with - but then I hope that one day I’ll have a really good horse and that’s what gets me up in the mornings. I knew from a young age what I wanted to do was develop a career in racing and I’ll continue to work towards that goal. But you could get any number of young people into the racing schools and still face a staff shortage if they aren’t prepared to put in hard work and know theres more to it than going fast and wanting to be a jockey. There’s so much more to it than that, and that’s the beauty of it.
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