News On Master Minded

Clive Smith is not living in false hope over the chances of Master Minded racing again - although the owner feels it is not an impossibility just yet.

The dual Champion Chase winner underwent surgery on a tendon at a veterinary centre in Newmarket after badly striking into one of his legs during Monday's King George VI Chase at Kempton.

Master Minded, who is approaching his ninth birthday, has earned well over £1million in prize-money in a stellar career which has seen him strike nine times at Grade One level.

Stepping up to three miles for the first time in the King George, he had to be pulled up before the final fence as his Paul Nicholls-trained stablemate Kauto Star, also owned by Smith, galloped to a famous victory.

"He's still up at the veterinary place in Newmarket after he had the operation on Boxing Day night. They have tidied up the tendon and taken a piece out, and repaired the sheath around it and sewn it up the best they could," Smith said.

"The problem is infection, and they are trying to make sure that doesn't happen. I expect we'll know more in a few days, but he'll be up there for a month, and then he'll need a long time off to recover."


Nicholls has plenty of experience in trying to bring horses back from serious injury, and it has provided Smith with mixed evidence.

He said: "It's difficult to be very hopeful about him coming back after the injury. I remember Azertyuiop did something similar after he ran at Sandown a few years ago. Paul got him back, but he just couldn't stand the training.

"I know Noland had an injury, I am not sure if it was quite the same, and he was off for two years and came back and won again. He was a bit younger than Master Minded, and it can be like in the case of Denman. They can come back, but then they are two years older and really too old for racing.

"I'm realistic about the chances. He's still going to be able to be looked after well if he's retired, but we're doing everything possible to get him back."

Make Your Mark Makes His Mark

Point-to-point and bumper winner Make Your Mark made a hugely impressive start to his career over timber in the Madigans Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The 4-5 favourite had won by 11 lengths at Punchestown last month and Davy Russell was keen to keep close to the pace on this sounder surface.


Hurdling fluently, the Willie Mullins-trained four-year-old was sent to the front heading down the back straight and his opponents were toiling from the home turn. Russell gave his mount his head in the straight and readily pulled clear to beat main market rival Competitive Edge by 10 lengths.

Mullins said: "Davy was very pleased with him. I told him not to worry if there was no pace as he could make his own way home. He'll go the novice hurdle route. We were afraid earlier in the season that he would be too keen but he does seem to settle in his races.


"He'll move up the pecking order after that. He doesn't do anything flashy at home but when you ask him a question he answers it. I thought he might be more of a stayer, but he shows more class than I thought."

Wetherby Review

There was a 33-1 shock in the feature race at Wetherby as Malcolm Jefferson's According To Pete landed the Betfair, Don't Settle For Less Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase.

Having been lost to the weather for the previous two years, course officials were delighted with the quality of the field, with Gold Cup fifth Midnight Chase heading the weights. However, it was Jefferson's 10-year-old, racing from 8lb out of the handicap, who recorded his first success in over two years.

Ridden by 22-year-old Harry Haynes, the veteran relished having his own way out in front and jumped with great accuracy. Turning into the straight the challengers looked to be mounting up, but According To Pete held off Helpston by a length, with Midnight Chase running well in third.

The winning trainer said: "He hasn't won for a while, but he's run some crackers in defeat. I told Harry to make it if he could as he likes being in front and he gets into a nice rhythm.

"The handicapper absolutely hammered him for winning the big fixed brush hurdle race at Haydock and he's only little, so he's not built to carry lots of weight. He's been a grand horse and as a home-bred you couldn't ask for more."

The star of Lucy Alexander is certainly on the rise and she can add beating Timmy Murphy in a close finish to her C.V. after the victory of Turbolinas in the Check Betfair Before You Bet Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

Murphy appeared to have done everything right on Bagsy's Bridge, but Alexander was making relentless progress after the last on Kate Walton's Turbolinas (9-1) to win by a neck.

Walton said: "That's her first ride for me but she did come and ride out before the season started and I've been following her closely. He's not straightforward but has ability as he won a bumper first time out."

Murphy lost out in another photo finish in the Read Donald McCain's Column On Betfair Handicap Chase as Bene Lad went down by the narrowest of margins to Tyrone House (9-1) and James Reveley.

Tom George was out of luck in the feature when his Halley unseated Liam Heard early on, but they combined to take the novices' handicap chase with chasing debutant Nodebateaboutit (10-1), who was having just the fourth run of his life and won by a neck.

Kauto Makes History

Kauto Star became the first horse in history to land the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton five times with a quite brilliant performance under Ruby Walsh.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 3-1 chance was ridden positively for the three-mile test and was in front with a circuit to go, and as he quickened the pace heading down the back straight, he produced some sensational leaps to get his rivals in trouble.

Last season's King George and Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Long Run stayed on tenaciously in the home straight, but Kauto Star was not for catching and had a length and a quarter in hand at the line.

Walsh said: "He's an amazing horse. He jumped super and travelled great. This is a fairytale. He's a wonderful horse and it's a credit to the people who work with him every day. He's beaten a six-year-old (Long Run) and he's 12 next week. To keep a horse going as long as that is amazing.

"The weak don't last - the tough do. You can say what you want about the best steeplechasers of all time, but he's outlasted them all. He's lasted longer than any other horse and that's what makes him so brilliant. This horse is as tough as nails and he's exceptional.

"He's gone on as long as Desert Orchid. Arkle didn't last long, neither did Mill House."

Nicholls added: "He's just awesome and I knew we had him in serious order. I don't know why he wasn't quite right last year. It was a massive plus having Ruby here today and it's just unbelievable.

"It's amazing. He's just the best. If he gets to Cheltenham in that form he'll be the one to beat (in the Gold Cup).

"I promise you that the slightest sign he is losing his enthusiasm and we will call it a day. I will never have another horse like him and although he is 11 he has been acting like an eight-year-old at home."

Owner Clive Smith said: "I knew this was the biggest day of my racing life - 24 years or so. It's unbelievable and I'm so proud. He's such a magnificent animal. He's got such a heart. He wants to go on. He's a lion. I'm so pleased, I can't tell you how excited I am. I'm shaking."

News And Views From Tom Dascombe And Michael Owen

Tom Dascombe has confirmed Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has purchased two horses to race in 2012, one of which is called Tomway.

Dascombe's yard has been financed by Rooney's United teammate Michael Owen, who enjoyed terrific success this year with stable star Brown Panther, a winner at Royal Ascot before finishing second in the St Leger at Doncaster.

Rooney will now be hoping his two new acquisitions can go on to similar success.

Dascombe said on his website: "We are obviously delighted to formally announce that Wayne and Coleen Rooney will have two horses in training with us next season.


"We hope that Wayne's involvement will bring the sport some publicity outside of the normal racing media and hopefully attract some new fans and followers.

"Wayne and Coleen's two horses are a two-year-old colt called Tomway and a yearling colt by Bahamian Bounty out of Amazon Beauty, yet to be named. Wayne's colours are pink and white.

"We wish Wayne and Coleen all the best with both horses and hope to see them both out early next season."

Boylesports make Tomway even-money to win a race next year, while he is 10-1 to land a Listed or Group-race prize in 2012.

William Hill offer 200-1 for Rooney to follow in the footsteps of former England player Mick Channon and take up a trainer's licence by the end of 2020.


Michael Owen believes it is impossible to rule out Kauto Star as he bids for a remarkable fifth victory in the King George VI Chase.

The Manchester United striker, currently out injured, is a self-confessed racing nut and owns a string of Flat horses.

When it comes to the big races he is as engrossed as anyone and he admits to a soft spot for Paul Nicholls' chaser.

The 11-year-old looked close to retirement following a lifeless display at Punchestown at the end of last season, but a comeback victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock has thrust him back into the reckoning for the Festive highlight.


The veteran had last year's King George and Gold Cup hero Long Run behind him on Merseyside and while Owen feels the younger participant remains a major threat, he is keeping his fingers crossed Kauto Star can come up trumps.

Owen said: "I championed Kauto Star's chances on my Twitter account on the morning of his epic Betfair Chase win last month.

"The media write off people and horses too early - I should know!

"My head says Long Run this time, but I would love to see Kauto make it five."

William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day Preview

Nicky Henderson feels it is his job to "dethrone Kauto Star" with Long Run in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Long Run prevented Kauto Star from winning a fifth consecutive King George last season and when Paul Nicholls' superstar trailed in third in both that race and the Gold Cup, and was then pulled up for the first time in his career at Punchestown, many feared the worst.

However, the 11-year-old showed his incredible recuperation skills by beating Long Run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and Henderson says it is up to him to restore order - although it might make him unpopular.

"Over the past year we could beat Kauto Star easily, as simple as that," Henderson told the Guardian.


"But Kauto wasn't anywhere near his prime in those two races. Now that Paul Nicholls has got him back to his best, and Kauto beat Long Run at Haydock last month, we're in for one hell of a race.

"Even last year everyone else wanted Kauto to win. We really wrecked the party. That's why the Haydock reception was phenomenal. People always want the old champion to come back and defeat the young pretender.


"Of course the public might not want me to do it but it's my job to dethrone Kauto Star."

Long Run was eight lengths adrift on Merseyside but at one stage he looked like being beaten much further.

Henderson added: "It was a horror story up until the back straight. He's done well to finish where he did. But Paul was aiming for that race while we're building more slowly.

"That's why Boxing Day is so crucial to Paul and me. There is a hell of a lot riding on it because, unless there are any mishaps, whoever comes out of the King George in front is going to Cheltenham with real momentum."

News From Donald McCain's Yard

Donald McCain's superbly consistent performer Overturn is likely to be in action over the festive period after the trainer gave him an entry in the williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The seven-year-old has had a busy few months, winning at Perth in August as well as in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot and the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in November.

He was last seen finishing a fine second to Grandouet in the International at Cheltenham and while McCain had initially suggested his charge would now have a winter break, he has had a change of heart.


"I've already said twice this season I was going to put him away until Cheltenham in March - and twice now I'm back-tracking," the trainer said in his Betfair column.

"After all, he hasn't done too badly in beating Binocular by four and a half lengths in the Fighting Fifth and he was giving Grandouet 4lb when beaten four lengths in the International last time.

"He will be entered for the Christmas Hurdle for a couple of reasons. Firstly, he has come out of Cheltenham extremely well, and after seeing him on the gallops on Tuesday morning, he is again sending me all the right signals.

"Secondly, I don't think the ground will be as bad as I initially feared. But a word of warning - if it is soft or worse at Kempton, he will not be taking part."


Also Arkle favourite Peddlers Cross is set to put his unbeaten record over fences on the line in the williamhill.com Novices' Chase at Kempton on December 27.

Last season's Champion Hurdle runner-up has made a brilliant start to his career over the larger obstacles, putting in two excellent rounds of jumping at Bangor and winning without being troubled.

Donald McCain's pride and joy missed an intended engagement at Haydock on Saturday due to the testing conditions and he will now head to Kempton for a Grade Two prize better known as the Wayward Lad Novices' Chase.

McCain said in his Betfair column: "He worked well this morning, and his intended target is the Wayward Lad Novices' Chase at Kempton, all being well.

"He is likely to take on Sprinter Sacre, among others, so it could be an exciting race."

Lough Derg Long Walk Hurdle Preview

David Pipe is excited at the prospect of Dynaste taking on brilliant stayer Big Buck's in the Lough Derg Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

While admitting Paul Nicholls' superstar will be very hard to beat, the Nicholashayne trainer expects his five-year-old to make a race of it.

Dynaste has plenty to do on official ratings but he looked on the upgrade when storming to victory in a fixed brush handicap hurdle at Haydock last month.


"Looking ahead to the weekend, we confirmed Dynaste at the five-day stage for the Lough Derg Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday and a potential clash with reigning staying hurdler Big Buck's," he told www.davidpipe.com.

"It is a huge ask to beat Big Buck's, but we will be giving it our best shot - Dynaste is an improving young stayer who more than deserves his place in the line-up.

"You cannot be scared of one horse, although realistically we have it to do on official figures."


Sparky May finished a creditable fourth behind Big Buck's in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury and is set to renew rivalry this weekend.

Trainer Keiran Burke said: "Hopefully she's going to run. She's come on a lot since Newbury. I think I thought she was fitter than she was that day, although I think we're running for second.

"I want to send her over fences. I think she'll run in the Listed race at Ascot that she won before (in January), and then we'll reassess."

Testing Conditions For Montbazon

Smart bumper performer Montbazon kicks off his career over hurdles at Newbury.

Alan King's four-year-old won a valuable National Hunt Flat race at Doncaster in March, after which he finished second in a Grade Two at Aintree. He was most recently third at Cheltenham on his seasonal debut.

King is slightly concerned about the ground at Newbury, but is keen to get his new career under way in the First Great Western Maiden Hurdle.

"I'm looking forward to getting him started and he's going nicely," said the Barbury Castle handler.

"It's going to be the most testing conditions he has ever encountered - I think it will be pretty gruelling out there - but I've got to get him going."

Carlisle Call Off Early

The three chase races scheduled for Carlisle's meeting on Sunday have been abandoned as that part of the course is waterlogged in places.

There is no chance of it drying out in time as a further 35 millimetres of rain is forecast ahead of the fixture.

As a result, the British Horseracing Authority have authorised a division of two of the hurdle races to form a six-race card, starting at 12.50pm.

Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said: "It's looking like a mixed forecast so we are trying to be proactive. It was highly unlikely the chase course was going to improve.

"I had a look at it on Monday and there was more rain last night and it seemed the sensible option to try to save the meeting."

The going on the hurdles course is described as heavy.

William Hill King George VI Chase Preview

Daryl Jacob is to ride Master Minded confidently when the dual Queen Mother Champion Chase winner steps up to three miles for the first time in the William Hill King George VI Chase.

He partnered the eight-year-old to victory over Somersby in the Amlin Chase at Ascot last month and is delighted to be keeping the ride at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Jacob is relishing his role as number two to trainer Paul Nicholls, with stable jockey Ruby Walsh aboard owner Clive Smith's other runner, four-time King George hero Kauto Star.

"Ascot was a stepping-stone towards the King George. I saw him in the yard last week and both he and Kauto Star look great, so I'm looking forward to be being part of the big day," said Jacob.

"I'd be hopeful of beating Somersby again. As for the trip, it just depends on what the ground is going to be like. If it's very dead it's going to make it harder work for him, but I'll just do the usual and ride him very confidently as if he does get three miles.

"If he doesn't then he doesn't, but I will be riding him very confidently. If he does get the trip we'll see where we go from there.

"Kauto's performance the last day (at Haydock) was brilliant for everyone involved and if he turns up in that sort of form again he's obviously going to be very hard to beat.

"Long Run needed the run there a little bit and he's going to strip fitter, so they are definitely the two principals we've got to try to beat," the jockey told At The Races.

Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle at Ascot Preview

Ante-post favourite Prospect Wells heads a field of 21 confirmed for the Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

The Graham Wylie-owned novice, trained by Paul Nicholls, has taken to hurdling well, winning two of his three starts, while the Ditcheat handler is also responsible for the top weight Brampour and Tonic Mellysse.

Edward O'Grady's Sailors Warn and the Willie Mullins-trained Tawaagg are the two Irish representatives left.


Brian Ellison could run Marsh Warbler or Abergavenny while Imperial Cup winner Alarazi is also a possible.

Nicky Henderson, who has such a good record in the race, has left in Gibb River and Rajdhani Express while Donald McCain could run Desert Cry.


Alan King reports Raya Star to be in fine shape ahead of the valuable handicap. "We've left him in and the intention is for him to run, all being well between now and the weekend," said the Barbury Castle trainer.

"He's in good form and he ran well at Newbury last time - that was probably his best run."

Tom George was forced to withdraw Olofi after the Greatwood Hurdle runner-up scoped dirty.

The Slad handler said: "He's not going for the Ladbroke. He didn't scope clean which is frustrating, but he's got some rock-solid form and we'll get him right. We haven't decided where we are going to run him yet. All we know at the moment is we can't run him at the weekend. We'll see how we go."

Another to miss the race is Philip Hobbs' Featherbed Lane, who holds an alternative engagement at Haydock.

Fairytale Victory For The Tatling

The Tatling brought the curtain down on his racing career with a fairytale victory at Wolverhampton.

Making his 176th and final racecourse appearance as a 14-year-old, Milton Bradley's pride and joy was searching for an unlikely victory in the Dine In Horizons Restaurant Handicap.

The 2004 King's Stand winner was slowly away, but Richard Kingscote was happy to play the waiting game in the rear, and though Grand Stitch looked to have stolen a march on his rivals rounding the turn for home, The Tatling rattled home out wide to get up on the line for a short-head win, the 18th of his career.

Bradley said: "I know it was only a small race, but what a wonderful story. The horse is still a star in our eyes."

"He's one of those you drop on by mistake and spend the rest of your life looking for another one half as good. So many people in the country must know about him - it's unbelievable.

"He wasn't the easiest to train and it took us a while to get to know him. We learnt how he liked to come through horses and use that turn of foot in the last furlong - that's how he won the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"When we went there we thought if we finish in the first half we'll be lucky and then for him to go and win it and win it quite easily was something marvellous. He's been a marvellous servant for everyone involved with him.

"A lot of the people who try to tell you what to do really don't understand your horse. If the horse didn't like racing and wanted to be retired two years ago, we'd have done it. We tried to retire him and he didn't want to know. He was so miserable.

"We're going to have to be very cautious now how we treat him as he won't want to be left without going out and seeing life. Nobody is more excited about the win than I am."