2.40pm The Cliff Stud Thirsk Hunt Cup Handicap Stakes

THE CLIFF STUD THIRSK HUNT CUP HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2)

for four yrs old and upwards

STALLS:STALLS: CENTRE INSIDE

ABOUT ONE MILE (7F ABT 218YDS) Total race value £50000

Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £25770 to the winning horse The second to receive £12085, the third £6045, the fourth £3020, the fifth £1510 and the sixth £755. for four yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-105 (also open to such horses rated 106 and 107; such horses rated 78 and below are also eligible - see Standard Conditions). £250 stake if the horse is rated 79 or higher, or £50 stake if the horse is rated 78 or lower with £200 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. April 29th. Lowest weight 8st; Highest weight 9st 10lb Penalties, after April 24th, 2021, for each race won 4yo to 6yo 5lb; 7yo and up 4lb. Cliff Stud has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner. Cliff Stud will also generously present a cash prize to the racing groom responsible for the horse judged to be the best turned out for this race. The British Horseracing Authority has determined that the maximum number of runners in this race shall be determined by the normal Safety Factor applicable for the race and that a reduced Field Size Limit shall not apply. PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Weights and Handicapping Code a horse must have run three times or more in order to qualify to run in this race. 24 entries at £250. - Closed April 26th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £20315; Second £10160; Third £5080; Fourth £2540; Fifth £1270; Sixth £635. (Penalty Value £25770) Weights raised 3lb and paragraphs 27 to 31 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable. 4 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS

Race Description:

This is another one mile handicap race for four-year-olds and upwards which have been rated from 0 to 105. To qualify for a handicap rating horses must have run at least three times in a Flat race in Britain, or have run in no more than two Flat races run in Britain and won at least one of them. This rating then dictates the weight to be carried in a handicap. In simple terms a horse rated 105 in this particular race would be required to carry 5lb more than a rival rated 100.

1 HORTZADAR (GB) (18) 6 9 10 (15)

B g Sepoy (AUS) - Clouds of Magellan (USA) Jockey: Daniel Tudhope SPONSORED BY AKELA PLANT HIRE LTD Colours: LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE seams, Owner: Akela Construction Ltd diabolo on sleeves, quartered cap. Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Form: 1100-36 D Breeder: The Aston House Stud

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual 1m winner last term who returned better than ever when third of 18 in Lincoln at Doncaster in March. Draw/track position caught him out at Newmarket (1m) since and best treated

as still in form. Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 97 2 NUGGET (GB) (13) 4 9 10 (4)

B c Siyouni (FR) - Gemstone (IRE)

SPONSORED BY HIGHCLERE THOROUGHBRED RACING LTD

Owner: Highclere T’Bred Racing - Karen Darke Trainer: Richard Hannon, Marlborough Breeder: Highclere Stud & ORS Bloodstock

E/W

Jockey: Sean Levey

Colours: LIGHT BLUE, DARK BLUE armlets, DARK BLUE cap. Form: 1221-31 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual 1m handicap winner as a 3-y-o who built on promising return effort to run out a good winner of the Spring Cup at Newbury (1m) 2 weeks ago. 5lb rise looks fair and one for the shortlist again.

Star RatingHHHHH Official BHA Rating 97 3 HARTSWOOD (GB) (175) 4 9 8 (12)

B g Garswood - Nihal (IRE) Jockey: Paul Hanagan

SPONSORED BY INGLEBYRACING.COM Colours: YELLOW, BLACK star, Owner: Percy / Green Racing 2 BLACK sleeves, YELLOW stars, Trainer: Richard Fahey, Malton YELLOW cap, BLACK stars. Breeder: D. Lancaster-Smith & Moreton Manor Stud Form: 6/31264- C D

TIMEFORM VIEW Course winner who was progressive in handicaps last summer, winning at York (7.8f) prior to a couple of solid in-the-frame efforts, latterly at Doncaster (7f) in November. Mark remains

within reach. Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 95 4 ASTRO KING (IRE) (24) 4 9 8 (11)

B c Kingman - Astroglia (USA) Owner: Mr Saeed Suhail Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute, Newmarket Breeder: Niarchos Family

W

Jockey: Richard Kingscote

Colours: ROYAL BLUE, YELLOW chevron, YELLOW cap, ROYAL BLUE spots. Form: 1231-1 D

5 SCOTTISH SUMMIT (IRE) (18) 8 9 8 (3)

B g Shamardal (USA) - Scottish Stage (IRE)

Owner: T Banerjee,N Mather,P Downes & G Harker Trainer: Geoffrey Harker, Thirsk Breeder: Ballymacoll Stud Farm Ltd Jockey: Sam James

Colours: DARK BLUE, MAROON stripe and armlets. Form: 010-603 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Added another couple of 1m handicaps to the tally last summer and he arrives here on back of a creditable third of 7 in handicap at Newmarket (1m) 18 days ago. Still, this another

tough ask. Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 95 6 WAARIF (IRE) (16) 8 9 6 (9)

B g Arcano (IRE) - Indian Belle (IRE)

SPONSORED BY MIDDLEHAM PARK RACING

Owner: Middleham Park Racing XLIX Trainer: David O’Meara, Upper Helmsley Breeder: Joseph Stewart Investments Jockey: Cam Hardie

Colours: LIGHT BLUE, ORANGE epaulets. Form: 41555/-0 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful handicapper, successful 3 times in a busy 2019 campaign. Missed all of last year and in fairness he was entitled to need last month’s Ripon return (well held tenth). This will reveal more.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 93 7 ACQUITTED (IRE) (35) 4 9 5 (5)

B or Br g Night of Thunder (IRE) - Blameless (IRE) Jockey: Callum Shepherd SPONSORED BY POL ROGER LTD Colours: DARK BLUE, GREY hoop, Owner: John Livock & Nat Lacy GREY cap. Trainer: Hugo Palmer, Newmarket Form: 41/200-2 D Breeder: Lannister Holdings

TIMEFORM VIEW Promising at 2 yrs and, whilst he didn’t go on as a 3-y-o he was firmly back on track when runner-up to a race-fit rival in Spring Mile at Doncaster in March. One to be interested in.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 92 8 ON A SESSION (USA) (49) 5 9 5 (10)

B g Noble Mission - Destiny Calls (USA)

SPONSORED BY TXODDS

Owner: Penton Hill Racing Limited & Mr L O’Kane Trainer: David Barron, Thirsk Breeder: Green Lantern Stables LLC Jockey: Connor Beasley

Colours: WHITE, RED and WHITE check sleeves, RED cap. Form: 0/0663-2

TIMEFORM VIEW Useful in Ireland for Aidan Fogarty and produced a promising yard debut effort when runner-up in a Wolverhampton handicap (8.6f) in March. Should give another good account back on turf.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 92 9 HAYADH (GB) (19) 8 9 4 (1)

Gr g Oasis Dream - Warling (IRE) Owner: Mr Harvey Bastiman Trainer: Harvey Bastiman, Wetherby Breeder: Ashbrittle Stud Jockey: Jason Hart

Colours: BLACK, RED chevrons on sleeves. Form: 4150-64 CD

TIMEFORM VIEW Won this race from 3 lower mark in 2019 and registered another pair of victories to his tally last summer. Confirmed he still has plenty to offer in 2 starts this spring but mark looks about right.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 91 10 BYRON’S CHOICE (GB) (175) 6 9 3 (6)

B g Poet’s Voice - Byrony (IRE) Jockey: Phil Dennis

SPONSORED BY DENTON HALL RACING LTD Colours: ROYAL BLUE, YELLOW chevrons, Owner: Mr Doug Graham and Mrs M Wynn-Williams ROYAL BLUE sleeves, WHITE armlets, Trainer: Michael Dods, Darlington YELLOW cap. Breeder: Mr & Mrs C. Booth & Mrs S. Cammidge Form: 354310-

TIMEFORM VIEW Kept busy last summer, cashing in from reduced mark at Catterick (7f, heavy) in October. Some way below that level at Doncaster final start and he may just need this on return.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 90 11 QUEEN’S SARGENT (FR) (10) 6 9 3 (14)

Gr g Kendargent (FR) - Queen’s Conquer

SPONSORED BY STS GROUP LTD

Owner: Mr Dave Stone Trainer: Kevin Ryan, Hambleton Breeder: Mr Pierre Paul Richou Jockey: Kevin Stott

Colours: PURPLE, BEIGE striped sleeves. Form: 5604-61 C

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual course winner who confirmed promise of Doncaster return with a ready success at Catterick 10 days ago, the drop back to the sharp 7f trip ideal. Clearly in good heart but yet to win over this far. Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 90

12 TOM COLLINS (GB) (208) 4 8 12 (13)

Br g Dubawi (IRE) - Cocktail Queen (IRE)

SPONSORED BY JONSSON INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Owner: Mr Nicholas Jonsson Trainer: William Haggas, Newmarket Breeder: Littleton Stud Jockey: P. J. McDonald

Colours: PINK, EMERALD GREEN cross belts, WHITE sleeves. Form: 004051- D

TIMEFORM VIEW Form rather up and down last season, yet he signed off with victory at Pontefract (1m) in October. Subsequently gelded/changed hands for 100,000 gns and he’s an intriguing contender.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 85 13 GLOBAL SPIRIT (GB) (19) 6 8 11 (8)

B g Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Centime

SPONSORED BY TOTE

Owner: Swales & Fell Trainer: Roger Fell, Nawton Breeder: Car Colston Hall Stud Jockey: Megan Nicholls

Colours: RED and BLACK check, RED sleeves, BLACK armlets, BLACK cap. Form: 36013-5 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Ran right up to best when getting on top final 100 yds at York (7f, soft) in October. Entitled to come on for last month’s Redcar return effort but this is a tougher ask again.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 84 14 AL ERAYG (IRE) (179) 8 8 11 (2)

B g Oasis Dream - Vallee des Reves (USA)

SPONSORED BY EASTHORPE HALL STUD

Owner: Reality Partnerships III Trainer: Tim Easterby, Malton Breeder: The Vallee Des Reves Syndicate Jockey: David Allan

Colours: YELLOW, RED disc, YELLOW sleeves, RED stars, RED cap. Form: 501024- D

TIMEFORM VIEW Kept on well to end losing run on turf at Redcar (1m, heavy) in October. 10f seemingly stretched him at Redcar when last seen in November but others make more appeal returning in this line up.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 84 15 STORTING (GB) (13) 5 8 11 (7)

B g Iffraaj - Stella Point (IRE)

SPONSORED BY MIKE CHANNON BLOODSTOCK LTD

Owner: Jon and Julia Aisbitt Trainer: Mick Channon, West Ilsley Breeder: Jon and Julia Aisbitt Jockey: Tony Hamilton

Colours: DARK BLUE and MAROON diabolo, MAROON sleeves, DARK BLUE cap. Form: 5126/0-6 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Winner at Pontefract August 2019 but well held sole start last summer. More like it back from another 9 months off at Newbury a couple of weeks ago and that ought to have taken

freshness out of him. Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 84 16 JEAN BAPTISTE (IRE) (14) 4 8 10 (16)

B g Invincible Spirit (IRE) - Pioneer Bride (USA) Jockey: Nicola Currie SPONSORED BY GEORGE BOUGHEY Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE hollow box, Owner: Woodhurst Construction Ltd sleeves and cap. Trainer: George Boughey, Newmarket Form: 001-422 Breeder: Tinnakill Bloodstock & Irish National St

TIMEFORM VIEW Off the mark at Chelmsford (7f) final start for Sir Michael Stoute last autumn and knocking on the door for new stable, just touched off at Nottingham (8.3f) latest. Live each-way

player again. Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 83

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 16

Tongue Strap worn by No. 14. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 14. Running for the first time since Gelding No. 12.

(EXACTA)

PLAY SMARTER

Betting Forecast:

5-1 Nugget (GB), 11-2 Astro King (IRE), 8-1 Acquitted (IRE), 11-1 Tom Collins (GB), 12-1 Hartswood (GB), 14-1 Hortzadar (GB), 16-1 On A Session (USA), Jean Baptiste (IRE), 18-1 Hayadh (GB), Queen’s Sargent (FR), 25-1 Al Erayg (IRE), 28-1 Scottish Summit (IRE), Byron’s Choice (GB), Global Spirit (GB), 33-1 Storting (GB), 40-1 Waarif (IRE)

Race Summary:

Progressive as a 3-y-o, NUGGET confirmed the promise of his Nottingham reappearance (unlucky in his run) when running out a convincing winner of the Spring Cup at Newbury 2 weeks ago, and on that evidence, another bold bid is in the offing from a 5lb higher mark. Astro King finished in front of the selection at Nottingham and can feature, with Acquitted and Tom Collins completing the shortlist.

1-2-3:

1.NUGGET 2.ASTRO KING (IRE) 3.ACQUITTED (IRE)

FREE form for all British and Irish meetings is available online every day at timeform.com/free

Cliff Stud have generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner and a £250 cash prize to the racing groom responsible for the horse judged to be the best turned out for this race.

W W = WIN E/W = EW

Abbreviations

BF - Beaten Favourite. C - Course Winner. D- Distance Winner. d - Disqualified.

Thank You

The Chairman and Directors of Thirsk Racecourse would like to thank JW 4x4 for generously providing courtesy vehicles for the day.

Top Quality Care with a Rich Tradition of Success

Steeped in racing history, Sir Henry Cecil was long associated with this picturesque and treasured stud, which now boasts exceptional facilities. The perfect tranquil place to raise and rest racehorses.

220 ACRES OF BEAUTIFULLY LOCATED PADDOCKS WEB BASED FOALING CCTV NEWLY COVERED HORSE WALKER LARGE BOXES FOR MARES AND FOALS A LUNGE AREA FULLY SECURED & GATED

For more information, visit our website: www.cliffstud.com or call 01439 770 294

T HA NK YOU

The contributions from these stallion studs have enabled the British EBF to invest a record £1.8million in to Flat and National Hunt racing during 2020 and in to 2021.

BATSFORD STUD BEARSTONE STUD BEECH TREE STUD BWLARTH FARM CHAPEL STUD CHEVELEY PARK COLMER STUD DARLEY DUNRAVEN STUD ELUSIVE BLOODSTOCK ELWICK STUD HEDGEHOLME STUD

HIGHCLERE STUD JUDDMONTE LANWADES STUD LLETY FARM MICKLEY STUD MOOR END STUD NATIONAL STUD NEWSELLS PARK STUD NORMAN COURT STUD NORTON GROVE STUD NUNSTAINTON STUD OAKGROVE STUD OVERBURY STUD PARSONAGE FARM SHADE OAK STUD SHADWELL SIDEHOUSE FARM THROCKMORTON COURT STUD TWEENHILLS STUD VAUTERHILL STUD WHITSBURY MANOR STUD WINTERBECK MANOR STUD WITHYSLADE FARM YORTON FARM

The British EBF: supporting British Racing since 1983

For further details, contact: T: +44 1638 667960 E: info@ebfhorseracing.co.uk @BritishEBF www.ebfstallions.com