Barry Robson Racing

News On Featherbed Lane

2012-01-29T13:42:00.001Z

Featherbed Lane is set to step up in class at Haydock next month following his narrow defeat in the Lanzarote Hurdle.

Philip Hobbs' progressive stayer just failed to complete a hat-trick of victories when beaten a nose by Swincombe Flame, who was receiving 14lb, in the competitive handicap at Kempton earlier this month.

The seven-year-old's owner Terry Warner is now looking forward to seeing Featherbed Lane run in the Grade Two Betfred Goals Galore Hurdle Trial, formerly known as the Rendlesham, at Haydock on February 18.

He said: "He's going to Haydock in a fortnight's time for the three-mile hurdle there. Haydock's usually heavy, so we thought we'd better run him there."

Time Out For Time For Rupert

2012-01-29T13:37:00.000Z

Connections of Time For Rupert are to mull plans for the rest of the season after the eight-year-old fell slightly short when fourth in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday.

While this year's Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup remains a possibility, trainer Paul Webber is hoping his stable star still has time to improve.

"He's all right after his run. It's just that he's an eight-year-old and not quite as good as them yet - but he might get a bit better yet," said the Banbury handler.

"We haven't had chance to sit down and think about what next. The Gold Cup will be tricky now unless a few drop out, so we will have to have a bit of a think.

"The owners are considering whether to give him an entry in the Grand National. I'm sure he will next year, but not sure they will do it this year with him being an eight-year-old.

"He can still get physically stronger, so it might be better to wait a year."

World Thoroughbred Rankings

2012-01-10T13:26:00.000Z

Frankel has been confirmed as the world's champion racehorse with a rating of 136 in the World Thoroughbred Rankings revealed in London.

His mark, deemed to have come when beating Canford Cliffs in the Sussex Stakes, puts him on a par with Sea The Stars, winner of the Guineas, Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 2009.

Australian sprint sensation Black Caviar was next in the list with a figure of 132, 4lb clear of Champion Stakes winner Cirrus Des Aigles and Arc heroine Danedream.

The unbeaten Frankel, trained by Sir Henry Cecil, enjoyed a spectacular 2011, recording a jaw-dropping six-length success in the Qipco 2000 Guineas under Tom Queally.

Further Group One glory came his way in the St James's Palace Stakes and Sussex Stakes, with his season ending as it began with a brilliant win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on the inaugural British Champions Day.

Aidan O'Brien's Camelot (119) was, alongside French-based Dabirsim, named joint top-rated juvenile colt in Europe.

Ballydoyle stablemate Maybe (116) was crowned joint top-rated juvenile filly in Europe along with the John Gosden-trained Elusive Kate.

Don't Push It..."an unbelievable horse"

2012-01-10T12:42:00.002Z

Jonjo O'Neill has branded Don't Push It "an unbelievable horse" after confirming the retirement of the 2010 John Smith's Grand National winner.

The 12-year-old famously provided jockey Tony McCoy with his first National success at the 15th attempt, but has signed off from racing after failing to fire on the gallops at Jackdaws Castle.

O'Neill said: "He's in great form, and he's doing everything grand at home, but he's just not showing us the same old sparkle. He's 12 now and we are doing the right thing in retiring him."

Don't Push It returned to Aintree last April and turned in another honourable display when finishing third behind Ballabriggs.

He will spend his retirement at owner JP McManus's Martinstown Stud in County Limerick, having won eight races in a 29-race career which yielded over £750,000 in prize-money.

O'Neill added: "The whole yard, and especially Tony and JP, owe him everything. He was also mine and JP's first National winner and means the world to both of us. He ran a blinder when he won in 2010, and he also ran a blinder last year when he finished third.

"We thought we had him right again this year after he ran so well over hurdles at Cheltenham, but he's now telling us enough is enough.

"He's been an unbelievable horse and I'm sure he will be well looked after at JP's - he will have a great retirement. He's a smashing horse and will never be forgotten."

McCoy, currently sidelined with a rib injury, added on At The Races: "The last thing we wanted was for something to happen to him, so the decision was pretty easy to make.

"Jonjo and JP were very keen to make sure he retired in one piece. He's emotionally too valuable for something to have happened to him. He gave his all. He gave me the greatest day of my racing life - I always wanted to win the Grand National. I will always be indebted to Don't Push It."

Bangor Affected

2012-01-05T10:32:00.001Z

Bangor's meeting on Friday is to be an all-hurdle and bumper affair after the two chases were abandoned.

Rain had made the chase course heavy and with more forecast, officials decided it was prudent to take the contingency of scrapping races on the chase course.

Racing will take place on the inner track which has not been used since last spring.

"We're forecast a bit more rain so we're being cautious," said clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch.

"The hurdles course on the inside has not been raced on so we're giving every opportunity for the meeting to go ahead."

The British Horseracing Authority have confirmed the six-card programme is scheduled to commence at 1pm.

That race is likely to be a division of one of the hurdle contests which will be finalised following the 24-hour declaration stage.

The fixture will conclude with a bumper at 3.45pm.

Weather Watch

2012-01-05T10:17:00.002Z

Sedgefield are keeping a close eye on the weather ahead of this afternoon's meeting.

Trainee clerk of the course Phil Tuck reports strong winds at the track and officials will continue to monitor conditions.

He said: "The wind speed has increased since this morning and we are monitoring the situation.

"We've not got any equipment to measure the speed available at the moment but if it continues, we might have to call an inspection."

This afternoon's meeting at Lingfield goes ahead after officials cancelled their planned inspection.

Clerk of the course Neil Mackenzie Ross had called a 7.15am check but after seeing less than one millimetre of rain overnight, he is happy to give the meeting the green light.

He said: "Obviously I've walked round the course and feel that with just 0.8mm of rain, I could cancel the inspection as I was happy that the track is raceable."

Friday's meeting at Chepstow has been abandoned due to a waterlogged track.

Clerk of the course Keith Ottesen called an 8.30am inspection after the track saw plenty of rain earlier in the week.

Ottesen reports further rain at the course overnight and admits there is no chance of conditions improving in time to race.

He said: "It rained again last night and we really couldn't take any more.

"There would have been questions about whether we would be raceable without it, but a further seven millimetres overnight has put us back to where we were.

"The ground is waterlogged and there is no reasonable chance of it improving anywhere near enough to race."

Nicky Henderson Winner...As An Owner!

2012-01-04T14:35:00.001Z

Nicky Henderson is a regular trainer of winners at Huntingdon, but Joseph Lister also allowed him a rare success as an owner in the Epds Consultants "Saving Developers Money" Novices' Hurdle.

Conditional Gary Derwin was in Henderson's white and dark blue silks aboard the even-money favourite, who was second on his first two starts for the yard at Ludlow and Folkestone, with his latter conqueror Ohio Gold following up the next time out.

Derwin needed to chase Joseph Lister along for a brief moment on the back straight but he quickly picked up the bit and drew four and a half lengths clear.

"It's about time I sold him - he'll make a fun chaser for someone but I've been keeping him for my kids to ride," said Henderson, whose daughter Camilla is an aspiring amateur jockey. Gary works for me, and I'm lucky at the moment as I've got some good conditionals in him, Jerry McGrath and David Bass."

Colin Tizzard plans to give Cue Card one more outing

2012-01-04T14:31:00.001Z

Colin Tizzard plans to give Cue Card one more outing before having a tilt at the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival.

The high-class hurdler recorded his second victory from four starts over fences with an impressive performance at Newbury on Saturday, beating exciting novices For Non Stop and Walkon comfortably.

The six-year-old has been competing over longer distances so far this season, but Tizzard plans to bring his charge back to two miles for one of the hottest Arkles in recent memory.

"He's come out of the race absolutely fine and I was delighted with him," said Tizzard.

"I thought he ran a very similar race to how he ran at Newbury the time before. He got touched off last time and this time he won.

"He'll be coming back to the minimum trip now and the Arkle looks the race to target with him. They'll go flat out, so it will be almost like a two-and-a-half-mile race anyway.

"I haven't a clue where he'll run next. I'd imagine he'll just have one more run before Cheltenham and it will be around the end of January, start of February.

"That will mean he'll have had five runs over fences before Cheltenham, which should be enough experience for him."

News On Master Minded

2011-12-29T08:01:00.001Z

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

2011-12-29T07:49:00.003Z

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

2011-12-27T06:35:00.001Z

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

2011-12-27T06:29:00.002Z

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

2011-12-20T12:57:00.004Z

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

2011-12-20T12:46:00.002Z

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

2011-12-20T12:30:00.002Z

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

2011-12-14T06:12:00.001Z

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

2011-12-14T06:09:00.001Z

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

2011-12-14T05:17:00.002Z

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

2011-12-14T05:13:00.002Z

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

2011-12-13T08:28:00.003Z

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

2011-12-13T08:17:00.004Z

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."

News And Views From Nicky Henderson Yard

2011-11-30T08:35:00.002Z

Nicky Henderson remains unconcerned about Long Run's defeat at Haydock as he prepares to step up his heavyweight's preparations for the William Hill King George VI Chase next week.

Long Run will return to Kempton on Boxing Day to defend his crown and is 13-8 favourite with the sponsors despite an eight-length defeat by Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase.

Henderson points to the form of last season, when the six-year-old could only manage third in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham before demolishing Kauto Star at Sunbury. He then went on to Cheltenham Gold Cup glory.

"He's very good and seems very happy in himself," said Henderson, who showed off a handful of his Kempton contenders on a grey and windy press morning at his Lambourn stable.

"He did two canters this morning and he won't do any more serious work until next week. As long as the King George is on the 26th (rather than postponed like last year), then hopefully we'll get the timings right."

Looking back to the Betfair Chase, the trainer said: "He didn't blow for unnecessarily long afterwards and you look back at his run in the Paddy Power and say 'was that any better?'. This was probably better.

"Kauto beat us fair and square on the day and he could be better this year. He's certainly going to be hard to beat and Paul Nicholls had him ready for the day.

"We were ready enough and, as he has won a King George and a Gold Cup, you don't want him to get beaten, but he's a real star and he still has the rest of the season to show that."

A less likely King George starter is Riverside Theatre, who was a runner-up by 12 lengths last year and only managed one more run, when winning the Ascot Chase, before suffering a setback.

"I put him in the race and he's good, but it's nearly December and he's still cantering, so I think you'd say he was unlikely," said Henderson. "His main objectives are Ascot again, and the Ryanair Chase."

Binocular will be back for another crack at the William Hill Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day as trainer Nicky Henderson juggles the campaigns of four potential Champion Hurdle horses.

Henderson is not giving up on the 2010 Cheltenham hero, even though he faltered last season after an impressive success in the Kempton Grade One and has now suffered three consecutive defeats in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, including when beaten by Overturn at Newcastle last week.

"He's in exactly the same position as last year. He was a bit flat at Newcastle, but he has come back really well and Overturn is a hard horse to pass," said Henderson.

"He's OK, and he was very good at Kempton last year. Overturn is very good, but he's at the top of his game and I can't see that there is a lot more to come from him. There's a long way to go."

Oscar Whisky, who fell at the last when alongside Overturn in the Ascot Hurdle, is a possibility for the Relkeel at Cheltenham, while another to be bound for Prestbury Park is Grandouet.

Last season's Triumph Hurdle third and Punchestown Festival winner bounced back from a fall on his reappearance at Wincanton by running away with a minor event at Haydock.

The trainer went on: "He's going to run in the International at Cheltenham. He was impressive at Haydock and impressive at Punchestown and I'd just like to give him another look at Cheltenham to make sure it's the right place to go."

Spirit Son, second to Al Ferof in the Supreme and an impressive winner at Aintree, is not out of the equation either.

Henderson explained that Michael Buckley's gelding would not be running in the Christmas Hurdle, but said: "I think I'd concentrate on the Champion Hurdle. He's that good."

Melbourne Cup Contender Barbican In A Listed Race Tt Kempton

2011-11-30T08:31:00.002Z

Alan Bailey saddles Barbican in a Listed race at Kempton today with high hopes his stable star can develop into a Melbourne Cup contender next November.

While Bailey is convinced the three-year-old is continuing to improve, he is worried the mile-and-a-half trip of the Back Or Lay At betdaq.com Wild Flower Stakes may be on the short side.

"He's well enough in himself and the surface shouldn't be a problem. He won on his debut on the all-weather at Wolverhampton. I just wish this race was over two miles, rather than a mile and a half, but this horse is improving all the time," said the Newmarket trainer.

"We'll see if he gets invited to Dubai or not. We've entered him, but you have to wait and see. I'm not bothered if he goes to Dubai or he doesn't. The Melbourne Cup is towards the end of next year and that will definitely be on the agenda."

Didn`t She Do Well!

2011-11-26T14:50:00.001Z

Lackamon got favourite-backers off to a winning start at Newcastle as he ran out a determined winner of the Tickety Boo Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.

Sue Smith's stayer was strongly backed into 15-8 for this three-mile test and was ridden positively throughout by Henry Oliver.

Recent course winner Tiptoeaway put it up the market leader racing down the back straight and briefly took the lead under James Reveley, but Lackamon's stamina kicked in once they straightened up for home and he produced a couple of prodigious leaps to secure a 12-length triumph.

Oliver said: "The horse is improving with each race and he's tough. He jumped well when he needed to and it was a good performance."

Smith and Oliver found the target for a second time as 14-1 chance Fill The Power landed a warm-looking MGM Precision Ltd 'The French Furze' Novices' Hurdle.

Having been beaten in an Aintree handicap on his latest start, the five-year-old looked to have plenty on his plate against a handful of dangerous southern raiders.

But as his stablemate had done earlier in the day, Fill The Power went out to make every post a winning one and galloped on strongly in the straight to score by seven lengths from South Leinster.

Oliver said: "He's still a big, green baby, but he's a lovely horse for the future. He ran on softer ground last year and didn't seem to handle it all that well, but he's stronger now and he's done it well today."

Overturn Makes All

2011-11-26T14:43:00.001Z

Overturn made all to claim a first Grade One victory in the stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.

Donald McCain's charge won the Coral Hurdle at Ascot last week and turned out just seven days later to account for 5-4 favourite Binocular in some style in the hands of Jason Maguire.

Celestial Halo was the first of the 'big three' to crack and though Binocular held every chance coming down the straight, he could never get to Overturn (7-4) and was beaten by four and a half lengths.

Peddlers Cross gives another fluent display at Bangor.

2011-11-26T14:29:00.002Z

Peddlers Cross preserved his unbeaten record over fences with another fluent display at Bangor.

Donald McCain's big hope easily made it two wins from two starts in his embryonic chasing career when accounting for Grade One-winning hurdler Minella Class by eight lengths.

Last season's Champion Hurdle runner-up, who also won at Bangor earlier this month, again jumped with measured style in the Malise Nicolson Bright Future Novices' Chase.

Jason Maguire's partner bounded into the lead after the first fence and was later joined by chasing debutant Minella Class at the front end.

The six-year-old (2-13 favourite) made a slight mistake four out, but had far too many guns for the runner-up.

Peddlers Cross is now in line to get further experience over fences before Cheltenham at Haydock on December 17.

Maguire, who dashed straight off by helicopter to ride Overturn at Newcastle, said: "It was grand. We had to get racing a bit down the back and that was good as it's all good experience for him.

"He won't learn anything if he just has to do a hack canter every time he runs, so it will have done him some good.

"He could go to Haydock in a few weeks and we'll go from there. It's all about getting experience into him."

Peddlers Cross was already ante-post favourite for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival in March before this stylish victory. He is now the 7-2 market leader with Paddy Power.

Old Boys Are Still There...thank goodness!

2011-11-22T08:43:00.002Z

Owner Paul Barber is keeping his fingers crossed Denman can take a leaf out of old rival Kauto Star's book when he returns to action at Leopardstown next month.

The 11-year-old Kauto Star rolled back the years to defeat younger champion Long Run with an imperious performance in Saturday's Betfair Chase after many had written him off and stablemate Denman is the same age and in a similar boat, but he too has been pleasing trainer Paul Nicholls ahead of his intended comeback in the Lexus Chase.

Barber said: "He's looking great at the moment and enjoying life. Paul is very pleased with how he's been going at home and if we can manage to get him to Leopardstown in the same form as Kauto Star was at Haydock on Saturday that will be wonderful."

He added: "He's doing everything right at the moment and we look forward to the Lexus Chase. Kauto was brilliant on Saturday. This time last week both he and Denman were available at 25-1 for the Gold Cup, but that has changed a bit now.

"The old boys are still there."

Tut Tut Mr Fallon!

2011-11-21T17:30:00.000Z

Kieren Fallon has been fined a total of £3,140 by the disciplinary panel of the British Horseracing Authority over his failure to arrive in time to take his first two rides at Chester on May 5.

The BHA looked into the circumstances surrounding Fallon's late arrival at the course to ride Fred Willetts and Forte Dei Marmi.

The six-times champion jockey was given the lion's share of the fine, £3,000, after being found guilty of deliberately misleading a BHA employee, namely William Nunneley who was head of Stewarding at Chester on the day.

He was handed the other £140 for not informing the clerk of the course with an explanation as soon as possible after he became aware he would be unable to ride the two horses in those races.

The BHA will publish the full reasons for their decisions in due course

Seven From Seven For Henderson

2011-11-21T17:26:00.001Z

Nicky Henderson achieved a notable first today as a four-timer at Kempton contributed to a grand total of seven winners from as many runners across the country.

Henderson chooses the tracks close to his Lambourn stable to introduce many of his better prospects at this time of year and certainly the routine victories in moderate company for Darlan, Chablais and Mossley were expected as the trainer juggled his responsibilities as host of a charity lunch for the Starlight Children's Foundation.

With Foxbridge, Owen Glendower and Top Of The Range following in at Ludlow and Ffos Las, there was also the added pleasure to come of Whoops A Daisy boosting her breeding value in the Listed Coolmore NH Sires "Ask & Getaway" Mares' Hurdle.

Henderson said: "I don't know if I've had seven, I remember having six one Boxing Day or the day after, but we haven't had seven out of seven, that I can be fairly sure of. We had a fantastic day on Friday with five winners and then Saturday was a bit bruising with Long Run and Oscar Whisky being beaten, but this is quite special as I am chairman of the Starlight charity day and we will hopefully raise a lot of money."

Mossley was the shortest-priced runner at Kempton at 1-8 favourite following his second place in last season's Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham.

"I think Mossley slightly went to sleep, he made one mistake, but Barry said he winged the last two," Henderson said.

There was a little added pressure in the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle as owner JP McManus was on hand to watch his 1-4 favourite Darlan, who was not fluent but still was a class apart from his rivals.

And even if Chablais (8-15 favourite) developed a habit of jumping to the left in the two-mile Halcyon Gallery Novices' Chase, the lightly-raced gelding had pounds in hand himself.

Henderson said: "We've got to get these novices out, so it was just nice to see Darlan go and do it. Eventually a pecking order will work out but the novices look good and he's nice.

"Chablais fell apart on us last season and he had to have time off. He's not the most straight-forward and I would have preferred him to have been running over a bit further really. Barry said if it hadn't been for the jumping to the left, he would have been perfect. Barry felt it might have been more because he was left in front on his own than anything else. You find these things out on the racecourse."

Grands Crus For Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday

2011-11-14T08:04:00.001Z

Grands Crus has not been ruled out of a clash with Long Run and Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

One of the highest-rated hurdlers to be sent over fences in recent times, the six-year-old grey made a seamless transition to his new discipline at Cheltenham on Friday.

A decision on whether he will be confirmed for the first Grade One chase competed for in Britain this season will be made on Monday morning.

Trainer David Pipe said: "He's come out of the race well and it was a great start for him over fences.

"Whether we confirm him for the Betfair will not be decided until Monday morning - I'll speak to the owners. There are plenty of options for him."

The December Gold Cup - Great Endeavour Return?

2011-11-14T07:58:00.001Z

Great Endeavour could return to Cheltenham next month after his win in the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday.

The December Gold Cup has emerged as a possibility for the seven-year-old, who bounced back to his best in the competitive handicap.

Jonjo O'Neill's Exotic Dancer was the last horse to win both races in the same season, in 2006, and he went on to finish second to Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase on his next start.

The Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury over an extended three and a quarter miles on November 26 is also being considered, though Great Endeavour has yet to win over that distance.

Trainer David Pipe said: "That was very good as he lost a plate during the race. He ate up on Saturday night and has come out of it very well.

"The Hennessy is a possible or coming back here (Cheltenham) in a month's time for the two-mile-five handicap chase. We'll have a word with DJ (David Johnson, owner) and decide."

Snow Fairy Triumphs Again!

2011-11-13T08:40:00.001Z

Ed Dunlop's Snow Fairy produced an amazing turn of foot to win the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup for the second year in succession.

Ryan Moore's mount looked to have plenty to do turning into the straight as she was at least 10 lengths behind the runaway leader Shimmei Fuji, with a dozen horses still in front of her.

In front of a huge crowd at Kyoto in Japan, last year's winner began to stay on strongly but it looked as if a place was going to be the best she could hope for with a furlong to run. However, running on the fast ground she loves, the four-year-old quickened up in fantastic style to burst through and beat Aventura by a neck with Apapane third.

Snow Fairy was drawn widest of all in stall 18, which made her performance even more meritorious.

William Haggas' Oaks winner Dancing Rain could never get in a blow.

Johnny Murtagh decided to hold her up in the rear from stall 14, rather than adopting her front-running tactics, but she never threatened at any stage.

Cheltenham Preview...20 declared for the Paddy Power Gold Cup

2011-11-10T12:01:00.005Z

Mon Parrain heads a field of 20 declared for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Trainer Paul Nicholls has a dismal record in this particular race but he will be hoping the unexposed five-year-old can put the record straight. And for good measure, Nicholls will also be represented in the prestigious handicap chase by top-weight Poquelin and Aerial. Poquelin's presence means the weights will not go up, leaving the bottom eight horses, including Aerial, out of the handicap proper.

Philip Hobbs has elected to run Wishfull Thinking, winner of races at the Aintree and Punchestown Festivals last spring. Nicky Henderson will saddle Dave's Dream and Quantitativeeasing while last year's winning trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies runs both Swincombe Rock and Billie Magern.

There are two Irish-trained challengers in the shape of Henry de Bromhead's Loosen My Load and Tom Taaffe's Finger Onthe Pulse. Completing a quality field are Oiseau de Nuit, Great Endeavour, Holmwood Legend, The Giant Bolster, Calgary Bay, Araldur, Noble Alan, Tullamore Dew, Divers and Fine Parchment.

As expected, Noble Prince was withdrawn by his trainer Paul Nolan and another notable absentee was Malcolm Jefferson's Cape Tribulation, who prefers softer ground.

Araldur was a Grade Two winner over fences as a novice but that was back in the 2008-09 season. Last campaign was spent competing over hurdles as King felt he needed a confidence boost after breaking his pelvis and he won twice. He returned to chasing with a good effort at Wetherby last month and King feels he deserves his place in the field.

"We were delighted how well Araldur ran on his return to fences at Wetherby, where he was on the heels of the leaders when brought to a standstill by a faller at the second last," he told his website.

"He showed plenty of spirit to battle on for second behind Fistral Beach and, being such a huge horse, Araldur, who had been off since the spring, is sure to come on for that. It is very competitive, but he deserves his shot."

Exeter Review...well done Emma!

2011-11-10T10:23:00.003Z

Andover trainer Emma Lavelle stole the show at Exeter with a treble, the first of her career.

Lavelle won both divisions of the racinglottery.co.uk Novices' Hurdle with Gullinbursti and Highland Lodge, while Easter Meteor won the Sun Inn Buckfastleigh Beginners' Chase.

Gullinbursti (3-1) travelled supremely well throughout and the Cork bumper winner looks a nice prospect having beaten horses from the Paul Nicholls and Philip Hobbs yards in the process.

Lavelle said: "He had a bit of education in Ireland and he's just a nice stamp of a horse. He's very straightforward, a little bit green with his jumping at times but basically very good. He's definitely one for the future. We know he'll jump a fence, he's got plenty of ability and he's one to look forward to."

Lavelle and jockey Jack Doyle were back in the winner's enclosure when Highland Lodge (7-2) cruised home, and Doyle told ATR: "I'd been filling him up after jumping the last down the back so I knew that I had loads of horse left. He was only just doing enough in front."

Easter Meteor (7-4) had shown promising form in novice hurdles but always had the look of a chaser and was foot-perfect. His sister Easter Legend won the mares' final at Newbury last March.

"He was so professional today," said Lavelle. "In fairness Barry (Fenton, former jockey and Lavelle's partner) has been schooling him at home and he deserves credit.

"He said I should have no worries dropping him in trip as he was so quick through the air. His jumping was great today. Jack said he lost a little concentration when he was out on his own down the back when he got in a bit tight to a couple, but he was very good."

Champion trainer Nicholls continues to make waves with the horses sent to him by owner Graham Wylie, and The Knoxs was the latest to win in the Pertemps Qualifier for Daryl Jacob.

Nicholls said: "He's obviously got a huge engine and seeing him do that, you never know we might have a bit more fun over hurdles with him, but not necessarily in handicaps after today."

Peddlers Cross Makes A Smooth Transition

2011-11-10T09:36:00.001Z

Champion Hurdle runner-up Peddlers Cross made a smooth transition to fences with a straightforward victory in the Golden Bear Beginners' Chase at Bangor.

Donald McCain's dual Grade One winner did little more than expected under Timmy Murphy in beating two rivals rated vastly inferior, but there was still plenty of encouragement to be taken from his fluent and accurate jumping.

The 1-8 favourite had his opponents cooked a long way from home in the extended two-mile-one-furlong event, and negotiated the last couple of fences in the straight immaculately to win by a ready four and a half lengths.

The Chazer ran a fine race to finish second, with early pacesetter Laterly coming home last of the three.

McCain said: "I'm relieved and he's done what we always expect of him. The only time he's done anything wrong it was my fault, we shouldn't have gone to Aintree (at the end of last season).

"I was kicking myself afterwards and when you saw how hard he struggled after the last to the line at Cheltenham I should never have even contemplated going. Thankfully, I've got an owner that forgives me.

"You expected him to make one small mistake going round, but I didn't see one. He's done everything we've asked him to do and done it really well. There is no substitute for experience and I'd like to think we'll get two or three more (runs) into him at least.

"Last season's light campaign was firstly due to the weather and secondly due to him being under the weather. He loves his job."

Murphy said: "I was delighted. He did everything I asked and when you needed to be a bit long he can be and when you needed to get in tight he can be, I didn't need to make his mind up. I couldn't ask for a better ride first time over fences.

"He's quick horse and a high-class hurdler. If I'm honest, my only worry was that he'd still be a little bit 'hurdley', but he wasn't. He did it very professionally and concentrated on everything he was doing. He's had a perfect start and I'm sure Donald has left a bit that he can build on. The sky's the limit at the moment."

News On Peddlers Cross

2011-11-09T07:06:00.002Z

Donald McCain is keeping everything crossed that Peddlers Cross can avoid any mishaps and make a winning start to his chasing career at Bangor.

The six-year-old won his first seven starts and went down fighting when eventually losing his unbeaten record at the hands of Hurricane Fly in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

He ran below par on his final outing of last season at Aintree in the spring, but McCain has been thrilled with his star performer since his summer break and he starts out in the Golden Bear Beginners' Chase, in which he will be long odds-on to beat three inferior rivals.

The trainer said: "I can't say I'm particularly looking forward to it! This has been his target for a while, it's a grand track and the ground should be lovely, so let's just hope we can get it out of the way in the right way. He's very well at home and everything has gone nicely."

With stable jockey Jason Maguire (photo) sidelined by injury, Peddlers Cross will be partnered by Timmy Murphy at the Welsh track.

McCain added: "Timmy came in and sat on him the other day and it was fine. It's all a bit different for him as Jason is the only one who has ridden him under rules, but there's nothing we can do about that and it shouldn't be a problem.

"We won't make any plans until we get this race out of the way. As we saw at Exeter last week with Menorah (unseating Richard Johnson), these things are never as straightforward as people think."

Due to take on Peddlers Cross at Bangor was last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Al Ferof, owned by Golden Bear chairman John Hales, but connections had a late change of heart due to Ruby Walsh's unavailability and he will now run at Cheltenham this weekend instead.

"Bangor was our preferred option but he's not running because Ruby is suspended and we really want him to ride," said Hales.

"We were hoping he would get the ban overturned at last week's appeal but that didn't happen, so he'll run at Cheltenham on Sunday instead. Ruby has done all the schooling on the horse and knows him well, so we think it's important he can ride."

Trouble At Sedgey

2011-11-09T07:03:00.001Z

Conditional jockey John Winston was banned for 10 days by the stewards at Sedgefield following his ride aboard On The Right Path in the Norchem Novices' Hurdle.

The 10lb claimer finished fourth, about 16 lengths behind the winner Hawk Mountain, in the two-and-a-half-mile event.

The local stewards found Winston guilty of failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing on the Ferdy Murphy-trained gelding.

Winston's suspension runs from November 22 to December 1 inclusive

John Kington fell foul of the new whip rules after partnering Kayf Commander to victory in the John Smith's No Nonsense Handicap Hurdle.

The 3lb conditional will be banned from November 22 to 26 inclusive after being deemed to have used his whip with excessive frequency.

Betfred November Handicap Preview

2011-11-05T09:18:00.003Z

Amanda Perrett is hoping Classic Vintage's liking of Doncaster will stand him in good stead in the Betfred November Handicap this afternoon.

The five-year-old was fourth to Times Up 12 months ago and usually puts his best foot forward on Town Moor.

"He's fine, but he's just been waiting for a race as there hasn't been one for older mile-and-a-half horses for about six weeks. Our other horse, Pivotman, didn't get in and I hope the race planners have a look at the situation next year," said the Pulborough trainer.

"He won't mind cut in the ground. He has particular courses that he likes and thankfully Doncaster is one of them."

Times Up's trainer John Dunlop pins his faith on Harlestone Times to repeat the trick.

"Harlestone Times is 4lb higher than when he narrowly won over this trip at Goodwood in May, but comes here in good order having had a nice break since the Mallard here in September. He won on soft ground as a three-year-old," said Dunlop's racing secretary Marcus Hosgood.

Tepmokea could only manage eighth place last year but his trainer Richard Fahey is keen to have another go.

"He's drawn wider (23) than I would have liked, but I won't use that as an excuse. He's a few pounds higher than he was last year, but we're happy with him and we have no problems with the ground," said the Malton handler.

Menorah faces just two rivals today

2011-11-01T06:34:00.001Z

Menorah faces just two rivals on his fencing debut in the Betfred Goals Galore Novices' Chase at Exeter.

Last season's Champion Hurdle fifth is reported to have taken to the bigger obstacles well at Philip Hobbs's stables. His jockey Richard Johnson is looking forward to putting the practice to use on a track he feels is ideal.

"Exeter is a lovely track to take a novice to," said Johnson.

"He's schooled nicely at home and we hope that he can transfer his hurdle form to fences. If he does then we've got a lot to look forward to."

It is not expected to be a walkover, however, as Paul Nicholls saddles the four-year-old Sam Winner, who receives 8lb from Menorah.

Sam Winner was also not disgraced over timber at the Cheltenham Festival, finishing fourth in the Triumph Hurdle.

The trio is completed by Shammick Boy, who represents the Victor Dartnall team successful in the United House Gold Cup at Ascot on Saturday with Exmoor Ranger.

Hanagan a step closer to back-to-back jockeys' championships

2011-11-01T06:26:00.002Z

Paul Hanagan moved a step closer to claiming back-to-back jockeys' championships with a winner at Wolverhampton.

Hanagan struck on Richard Fahey's Gritstone (6-5 favourite) in the Breeders' Cup Live ATR Virgin 534 Handicap.

With his main rival Silvestre de Sousa not back in action until Wednesday having flown to Australia to ride Fox Hunt for Mark Johnston in the Melbourne Cup, Hanagan admits his win was vital. He now leads De Sousa by five having ridden his 160th winner of the campaign.

"It's going to be a tough week but this just gives me a bit of a cushion," he told At The Races.

"I just need to keep going for a few more days but it's going to be tough. I've had fantastic support from everybody, obviously the boss (Fahey) has been amazing.

"But those Mr Johnston horses are incredible, they just keep going and going so I won't be able to drop my guard.

"I know how hard Silvestre works and I'll be glad to see him when he gets back.

"It's fantastic for northern racing but also racing as a whole. We need something good to focus on for a change."

Emirates Melbourne Cup Review

2011-11-01T05:58:00.004Z

French raider Dunaden just pipped British runner Red Cadeaux in a thrilling finish to the Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington Park.

The Mikel Delzangles-trained runner was racing neck and neck with Ed Dunlop's Red Cadeaux and the pair flashed past the post together to force a photo.

However, Christophe Lemaire just edged in front aboard Dunaden at the line to deny Michael Rodd aboard Red Cadeaux.

Delzangles said: "I'm still shaking. It's amazing. I thought I was beaten so it's even better."

Lemaire only stepped in for the ride at the last minute after Craig Williams was ruled out of the race through suspension.

Williams rode Dunaden to win the Geelong Cup in his prep race earlier this month and Delzangles paid tribute to his efforts.

He added: "I would like to have a thought for Craig Williams who should have been on the horse. He did a great job in preparation for the horse and he has been a gentleman. I want to thank all the people we have met here who have helped us."

Dunaden is owned by Sheikh Fahad Al Thani under his Pearl Bloodstock banner.

He said: "It's a dream come true. I'm fortunate to have had a runner in the race."

An emotional Lemaire added: "It's a great moment for me. This will be one of the great moments of my career. I hope to come back year after year. I know it was hard for Craig Williams but it's part of a jockeys' life and I know he will win the race one day."

Ed Dunlop was understandably disappointed after Red Cadeaux was edged out in a photo.

However, the trainer is already thinking about a return trip in 2012 with the five-year-old.

The handler said: "I thought beforehand that he wouldn't like the ground but that was a fantastic run. I was watching it with Luca Cumani and he thought I'd got it on the nod but the best I thought we'd got would have been a dead heat."

He added: "He got a lovely run into the straight and the jockey has given him a great ride. We don't like to be second but I've come all the way down here for the first so you have to be delighted. If he's OK, we'll be back next year."

Red Cadeaux lost out by a nose in the photo, the closest verdict in 151 runnings of the race.

Cumani saddled two in the race with Manighar claiming fifth place while Drunken Sailor was 12th, but the Newmarket handler was left ruing his luck after his other possible Bauer was balloted out of the race at the final declaration stage.

The trainer said: "We'll just have to come back again next year. If Bauer had been in the field, he would have been close. Manighar galloped all the way to the line but Drunken Sailor didn't seem to get home and this isn't the right trip for him."

Saeed Bin Suroor also fielded two in the race with Lost In The Moment finishing sixth and Modun a lacklustre last of the 23 runners.

He said: "Lost In The Moment ran well for a second I thought he might be getting there but it didn't quite happen. I'm disappointed with Modun. He was too keen and didn't stay the trip."

Mark Johnston's Fox Hunt was seventh with his other runner Jukebox Jury finishing 20th. Brian Ellison was another trainer to be double-handed but Moyenne Corniche and Saptapadi could muster no better than 15th and 16th respectively.

Weird Al for the Hennessy Gold Cup?

2011-10-31T09:08:00.001Z

Donald McCain remains reluctant to commit the talented but fragile Weird Al to the Hennessy Gold Cup after his win at Wetherby.

The injury-plagued eight-year-old leapt to favouritism in some books for the Newbury showpiece with victory in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase. It was a fine comeback run, his first since being pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup where he burst a blood vessel, and a dream debut for the McCain stable after moving from the Ian Williams yard.

"He's been out in the paddock this morning and is fine, no problems," said the Cholmondeley handler.

"I don't know about the Hennessy. I need to talk to the owners and have a chat about it.

"He's a horse that needs some managing so we have to do what's best for him.

"He's a class horse. It was a good performance yesterday and we want to do the job right."

Looking Ahead To The Paddy Power Gold Cup At Cheltenham

2011-10-27T06:46:00.002+01:00

Nick Gifford is looking forward to saddling both Tullamore Dew and Nomecheki in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on November 12.

Tullamore Dew has good form at Prestbury Park having finished second in the Coral Cup and third in the Centenary Novices' Handicap Chase at the last two Festivals. The nine-year-old ran with plenty of credit when fifth in the Silver Trophy over hurdles at Chepstow on Saturday and Gifford is looking forward to seeing him return to Prestbury Park.

Gifford said: "The plan is for Tullamore Dew to run in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. I couldn't be happier with him after his run at the weekend. He needed every yard of the two and a half miles at Chepstow and, because they go that bit quicker over hurdles, it caught him out a little bit but he was doing all of his best work at the end. That will have put him spot on for Cheltenham."

He added: "He is a good jumper and he loves Cheltenham - he's run two very good races there over the past two years. Ideally, we would like good to soft ground but he is a very versatile horse.

"We think that he is going to end up over three miles at some point in his career and it might be this season. The Paddy Power Gold Cup will tell us a lot about where we go with him for the rest of the campaign."

Nomecheki is a much bigger price in ante-post lists but Gifford feels he will benefit from a step up in trip, having finished a fine second to the high-class Tataniano at Chepstow over the weekend.

"Nomecheki also ran well at Chepstow and he is a horse who is probably not quite good enough over two miles, so we will step him up in trip and I think that he will appreciate a race like the Paddy Power," Gifford added.

"He is a very sound jumper with not too many miles on the clock. He travelled very well on Saturday but was totally outclassed by the winner - they think that Tataniano is a Tingle Creek horse, so it was no disgrace to come home second behind him."

An entry of 51 has been received for the £150,000 contest, with champion trainer Paul Nicholls entering the likes of ante-post favourite Mon Parrain, Poquelin and exciting French recruit Kauto Stone, a half-brother to stablemate Kauto Star. Other notable entries include Ferdy Murphy's Festival winner Divers, high-class chaser Wishfull Thinking and Great Endeavour.

The latter's trainer, David Pipe, said: "I've entered Great Endeavour and we'll see closer to the time whether he runs. He's done very well over the summer and strengthened up. That last run at Liverpool came at the end of a long season and he was disappointing, but I do think that he can bounce back this year."

bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby Preview

2011-10-27T06:40:00.002+01:00

Weird Al is set to have his first start for Donald McCain in what is shaping up to be a fascinating bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on Saturday.

The eight-year-old looked destined for the top when making it four from four over fences for Ian Williams at Carlisle on this weekend a year ago, but the rest of his campaign failed to live up to expectations, as he was found to be suffering from a breathing problem when disappointing in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury and broke a blood vessel on his final start in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

McCain said: "There is a strong possibility he'll run in the Charlie Hall. I've been very happy with him at home. He's a grand horse and a quality horse, so we'll see how we get on. We'll know a lot more after Saturday."

Will Kennedy is looking forward to riding Time For Rupert, a winner of two of his three starts over fences as a novice before suffering a broken blood vessel when favourite for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham.

Kennedy said: "We found after Cheltenham that he had bled and it obviously came from the lung infection that was very small and kept him out of the Argento Chase (in January). You can't go into Cheltenham less than 110%. To finish fifth was still a very good run really and I knew very early that things weren't right.

"He seems really good. I worked him on the grass last week and he felt well in himself. I schooled him over nine fences on Tuesday morning and he jumped really well. He feels in good form and ready for Saturday.

"Wetherby is probably a good track for him. It's a proper jumps track and he's a proper chaser."

Wylie/Nicholls combination off to winning start.

2011-10-26T08:27:00.003+01:00

Prospect Wells got the Graham Wylie/Paul Nicholls combination off to the best possible start when making a winning debut over jumps at Chepstow.

Former smart Flat racer Prospect Wells was among the horses leading owner Wylie transferred to the champion handler when his long-time trainer Howard Johnson was banned for four years earlier this year. The horse almost died following complications after a gelding operation went wrong earlier in his career, but all that is clearly well behind him.

The six-year-old looks to have a bright future after landing division one of the toteplacepot Novices' Hurdle by four and a half lengths from Battlecat. Prospect Wells (11-4) put in a good round of jumping for Daryl Jacob and was soon in control after taking the lead at the second-last.

"That was very pleasing. He's a lovely horse and has tons of ability, but it took a long time to get him ready to run over jumps. He wasn't very good when Howard (Johnson) was first trying him out," said Wylie.

"All credit to Paul Nicholls for getting him to win, but also to Howard Johnson for saving his life because he had great problems with his operations. I think because of all that he needed a year off just to recover from the exhaustion of the operations.

"He's a lovely prospect, Paul was very impressed with him, so we'll see where we go from now. He jumped great and he seemed to enjoy it. He jumped the first flight beautifully and the others as well, even when he got barged into it."

Prospect Wells was given a quote of 20-1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Old Roan Chase Preview

2011-10-22T06:51:00.003+01:00

Nicky Richards is preparing for an emotional afternoon at Aintree on Saturday as he takes Monet's Garden back to Merseyside to parade before the Old Roan Chase.

The bold-jumping grey recorded his third victory in the Grade Two contest in 2010 which proved to be his final racecourse appearance, with a hoof infection forcing his retirement - and also threatening his life.

The 13-year-old eventually made a full recovery and will be back in the parade ring this weekend prior to the newly-named Betfred Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase.

"I was half-thinking I'd missed the entries and I should be running him!" said Richards.

"He's all polished up and ready to go and I think he's looking forward to it.

"It will be quite emotional taking him back to Aintree, but hopefully there will be an awful lot of people happy to see him.

"He has a great following in Liverpool and has made a few friends, so it will be nice for them to see him again.

"I'm sure it will be a nice day."

Meanwhile, Owner Clive Smith feels everything is in Master Minded's favour as he makes his eagerly-awaited return to action.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls had a late change of heart over where the eight-times Grade One-winning chaser would begin his season, as it had been thought he would be heading for Ascot next month for the Amlin 1965 Chase, but as that is the same day as the Betfair Chase at Haydock, Ruby Walsh would have had to choose between riding Master Minded or his beloved Kauto Star.

Master Minded looked back to his imperious best when last in action over two and a half miles at the Grand National meeting, and the first half of his season will be built around a crack at Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run in the King George over three miles at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Smith said: "He's in very good shape and Paul was pleased with how he worked on Thursday morning. We think this is a nice prep race for him and probably actually fits in better time-wise than the race at Ascot on November 19.

"It also means we have Ruby, of course, which is a big plus. We'll see how he gets on. We know he likes the track and the trip, so everything looks to be in his favour. It would be nice to give Long Run some opposition in the King George, but we'll take it one race at a time."

Master Minded faces just two rivals, with Jonjo O'Neill's Albertas Run reopposing having been firmly put in his place in the Melling Chase.

Completing the field is Peter Bowen's Pure Faith, who is the best part of 2st out of the handicap.

Racing Post Trophy Preview

2011-10-22T06:44:00.002+01:00

Joseph O'Brien is on the red-hot favourite for the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster when he rides Camelot for his father, Aidan.

The youngster has been making great strides this season and won the Irish 2,000 Guineas earlier in the year on Roderic O'Connor, while Camelot was sent off the 1-3 favourite on his debut at Leopardstown in June and did not disappoint his army of backers when winning by two lengths.

Joseph O'Brien said: "He did it nicely first time out, he was very professional. He's had a nice break since then. He's been brought along gently and he seems in good form."

He added: "I ride him in all his work at home. You'd like to think that he has matured mentally as well as physically since his first run. The ground should be fine. As long as it's not too soft, nobody can have a complaint - it should be beautiful."

Whip Rule Law...jockeys have given a mixed response

2011-10-22T06:30:00.001+01:00

Leading jockeys have given a mixed response to the amended new whip regulations announced today by the British Horseracing Authority.

Among the changes - which came into immediate effect - are the removal of the five-hit rule inside the final furlong/after the last obstacle, and riders will now not lose their riding fee if suspended for a whip offence.

They will also only lose their percentage of prize-money if their offence earns a ban of seven days or more, rather than the three days the rules originally stated, but dissatisfaction remains among riders at the strength of penalties for minor breaches of the rules, and former champion Jamie Spencer voiced his displeasure with the Professional Jockeys Association.

Spencer told At The Races: "I think history is repeating itself like on every other issue, we're weak with no strength behind us and everybody waves the flag too easy. I'm disappointed with a lot of the guys that have taken it all lying down.

"French jockeys stick together, the Australians stuck together over the whip and this is why we're probably racing for peanuts everyday of the week. We never put a fight up for anything, we take everything lying down. I'm just disappointed with everybody. Nobody is bothered about the seven strikes, it's just the penalties, they don't add up."

Current title holder Paul Hanagan hopes there is still room for manoeuvre over penalties.

He said: "I was made up they did away with the five hits inside the final furlong and gave us our riding fee back, but I still think the severity of a five-day ban is too much. That's coming from me, and I very rarely get banned, I've had to adapt to the rules over the years but there are some lads not in the position I'm in getting five or 10 days, it could finish some lads.

"They are only trying to make a living. It is hard enough as it is. Some of them wouldn't be making a living, it will be costing them to come racing. I think there could be further problems if they don't get the five days down. A lot of lads are saying we need more than seven (hits) but I can put up with seven - as long as the days come down. It will be even harder for the lads over jumps."

Steve Drowne believes there remains a possibility of strike action.

He said: "No-one's happy about the new rules, but it depends upon the grade of unhappiness. We'll have a meeting and judge the mood. There are always going to be conflicting opinions and if lads don't feel strongly about it, then they shouldn't strike. If they do (feel strongly), then we could."

Whip Rules Update

2011-10-22T06:27:00.002+01:00

The Professional Jockeys Association issued a statement calling on riders not to take strike action as the row over new whip rules introduced by the British Horseracing Authority continues.

Leading jockeys gave a mixed response to today`s amendments to the new regulations, which were brought into effect on October 10. Among the changes are the removal of the five-hit rule inside the final furlong/after the last obstacle.

Riders will now not lose their riding fee if suspended for a whip offence, and will also only lose their percentage of prize-money if their offence earns a ban of seven days or more, rather than the three days the rules originally stated.

It`s NOT Fair...or is it?

2011-10-21T07:57:00.001+01:00

Brian Hughes believes he and eight fellow jumps jockeys were unfairly punished for failing to pull up during a race that was declared void at Wetherby.

The nine riders failed in their appeals against 10-day suspensions in the race at the West Yorkshire track on October 12, with 16-times champion Tony McCoy and leading riders Graham Lee, Paddy Brennan and Denis O'Regan also among those found guilty of failing to stop after a yellow flag was shown due to a stricken horse on the course.

The British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel upheld the bans (October 26-November 4) at an appeal hearing in London on Wednesday.

"I'm obviously disappointed. Myself and the other eight lads are getting penalised for, let's be frank, something that was the groundstaff's fault," Hughes, who won the voided race aboard Cunning Clarets, told Racing UK.

"The fellow (head groundsman Ian Ward) thought he was doing the right thing and he had the yellow flag, but he didn't have the right flag up because there was no obstruction. It came out in the Press that there was no contact between the clerk of the course and the head groundsman that day and we're being punished and we're the bad people.

"We're not going to be able to earn for 10 days and it's good racing. Us northern jockeys are missing six northern meetings, which is a lot. The rules say the yellow flag means stop, but they also say you should only have one coloured flag.

"Clearly, there was a lot of confusion at Wetherby and we could see in the distance the two chequered flags. The hurdle wasn't dolled off, so we continued. There was no-one's safety at risk and the stricken horse wasn't even on the racing line.

"Wetherby are basically at fault here because we are getting punished for a mistake that they made.

"We were told yesterday that it was orders from London that gave us the ban, so they obviously don't think much of the local stewards. We feel very hard done-by, but, at the end of the day, we've got to take it on the chin and go on."

More Trouble...10-day hearing into corruption began yesterday

2011-10-21T07:53:00.001+01:00

A 10-day hearing into corruption began on Thursday at the British Horseracing Authority headquarters in London.

Jockeys Paul Doe, Greg Fairley, Kirsty Milczarek, Jimmy Quinn and former rider Paul Fitzsimons, now a trainer, are among 13 people alleged to have breached the rules of racing.

The allegations focus on horses being laid to lose on betting exchanges in 10 races that took place between January 17, 2009 and August 15, 2009. The hearing is expected to conclude on November 2.

It is alleged the jockeys conspired to commit a corrupt or fraudulent practice following a BHA investigation into suspicious betting activity on a number of races.

All of the jockeys deny any wrongdoing.

Registered owners Maurice Sines and James Crickmore have also been charged with the same breach of the rules, along with six others - Peter Gold, Nick Gold, Shaun Harris, David Kendrick, Darren May and Liam Vasey.

Racing Post Trophy Preview

2011-10-21T07:49:00.001+01:00

Aidan O'Brien will saddle Camelot and Learn as he bids to land the Racing Post Trophy for a sixth time at Doncaster on Saturday.

Camelot heads the ante-post market, despite having only a Leopardstown debut success under his belt, while Learn's only victory from three starts came at the same venue.

There is a third Irish challenger in the shape of Jim Bolger's Zip Top, who was third to Crius in the Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket last time out and was added the race on Monday.

Godolphin rely on impressive Newmarket maiden winner Encke from Mahmood Al Zarooni's stable, another supplementary entry, while the John Gosden-trained Fencing and Jeremy Noseda's Talwar complete the line-up.

O'Brien's son Joseph takes the ride on Camelot, who is an 11-8 shot with Irish bookmakers Paddy Power, while Colm O'Donoghue will be aboard Learn.

Jockeys face serious charges at a British Horseracing Authority hearing.

2011-10-20T07:24:00.002+01:00

Four jockeys are among 13 people who will face serious charges at a British Horseracing Authority hearing which begins on Thursday.

Paul Doe, Greg Fairley (photo), Kirsty Milczarek (photo), Jimmy Quinn and former rider Paul Fitzsimons, now a trainer, are alleged to have breached the rules of racing.

The allegations focus on horses being laid to lose on betting exchanges in 10 races that took place between January 17, 2009 and August 15, 2009. The hearing is scheduled to run for 10 days, concluding on November 2.

It is alleged the jockeys conspired to commit a corrupt or fraudulent practice following a BHA investigation into suspicious betting activity on a number of races.

Registered owners Maurice Sines and James Crickmore have also been charged with the same breach of the rules, along with six others - Peter Gold, Nick Gold, Shaun Harris, David Kendrick, Darren May and Liam Vasey.

All of the individuals except the jockeys are alternatively/additionally charged with another breach in that it is alleged "they caused the jockey in the race to act by communicating to him directly or indirectly, at his request and for material reward, gift, favour or benefit in kind, inside information in relation to the named horse".

Each of the jockeys is additionally charged with a different breach in that it is alleged "they communicated directly or indirectly to one or more betting exchange account holders, for material reward, gift, favour or benefit in kind, information relating to the prospects of the named horse".

As well as being charged for allegedly passing on information for reward, each of the jockeys has also been charged with "intentionally failing to ensure that their horse was run on its merits".

Doe has been charged in relation to five races combining both charges. The races took place at Lingfield, Wolverhampton, Kempton and Bath. Fairley has been charged in relation to four races, Quinn with two, and Milczarek and Fitzsimons to one race each.

The hearing is not open to the press. An update will be issued at the conclusion of proceedings on November 2, but a result is not anticipated to be reached and issued on that day.

Ouch...nine jockeys banned at Wetherby fail in their appeal

2011-10-20T07:11:00.005+01:00

The nine jockeys banned for failing to pull up during a race that was declared void at Wetherby last Wednesday have failed in their appeal against 10-day suspensions.

Sixteen-times champion Tony McCoy and leading riders Graham Lee, Paddy Brennan and Denis O'Regan were among those found guilty of failing to stop after a yellow flag was shown due to a stricken horse on the course.

Danny Cook, Jonathon Bewley, Alexander Voy, Brian Hughes and Brian Toomey were the other riders who continued to race. The British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel upheld the bans (October 26-November 4) at an appeal hearing in London on Wednesday morning.

The Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby and the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter are two major races the jockeys will miss.

Solicitor Rory Mac Neice, representing the Wetherby jockeys, said: "The evidence showed riders were having to react to conflicting signals. They reacted to the last signal, which was two clearly deployed chequered flags, which are there to warn riders of a hazard, but not that the race should be stopped. We wait to hear the reasons given from the BHA disciplinary panel."

McCoy and O'Regan were present to give evidence, but a BHA disciplinary panel found the riders concerned ignored the deployment of the yellow flag and failed to pull up immediately.

McCoy later said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "We don't dispute the fact we should have stopped - the yellow flag means stop. But it was the conflicting messages we were getting when we saw the two chequered flags after the yellow flag that confused the whole issue. There should really be only one yellow flag, and that's what we got wrong.

"When we went to see the transcript, the decision was probably made by London (stewards), rather than Wetherby (stewards) which is a bit disappointing.

"I had given my evidence to a panel of stewards who I thought were the ones who were going to penalise me, and I came away hearing that the decision had been aided by what was going on in London."

Dream Ahead Retired

2011-10-19T10:07:00.002+01:00

Multiple Group One winner Dream Ahead has been retired to stud.

The David Simcock-trained colt earned champion sprinter-elect honours this year with victories in the Darley July Cup, Betfred Sprint Cup and Qatar Prix de la Foret, where he beat wonder mare Goldikova.

Owned by Khalifa Dasmal, a share in the son of Diktat was recently sold to Ballylinch Stud, whose managing director John O'Connor told www.bloodhorse.com: "His defeat of Goldikova was a lovely note to end on. He has done everything that could have been asked of him, and there was no need to race again."

Following wins in the Darley Prix Morny and Shadwell Middle Park Stakes, Dream Ahead finished his juvenile campaign as the joint top-rated juvenile in Europe in company with Frankel.

His victory in the July Cup at Newmarket under Hayley Turner meant a first outright success in a British Group One contest for a female rider.

Simcock told www.ballylinchstud.com: "He's been a star right from day one and has been a joy to train. He is the soundest and most straightforward horse you could wish to find and I will be lucky if I can find another horse like him.

"His performance in the Middle Park was outstanding, when he beat good horses like Strong Suit and Approve by an easy nine lengths. He's a great looking horse with a fantastic temperament and I am sure he will be very successful at stud. I wish his new owners the very best of luck with him."

Frankel strolls to victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

2011-10-16T09:40:00.000+01:00

Sir Henry Cecil's great champion Frankel strolled to a superb victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

Officially rated the best horse in the world, the Khalid Abdullah-owned colt never looked in any danger as he extended his unbeaten record to nine in the Qipco-sponsored event.

Old rival Excelebration threatened to make a race of it at one stage, but the 4-11 favourite was asked to quicken away by Tom Queally and streaked four lengths clear, with French filly Immortal Verse in third.

Frankel returned to a rapturous reception from the packed grandstands and Queally said: "He was as good as ever. He's getting more professional and he's getting stronger, he's the real deal. Not that he wasn't before.

"The race did suit, but it didn't suit. Ian (Mongan, on Bullet Train) did a good job putting the pace to the race, but I couldn't get much cover. He lost his cover and I had to change plans a bit, but he waited until I gave him the office and you saw what happened after that.

"He was grown up enough that when there's horses in front of him he doesn't have to pass them until I say go. When I did say go he was electric.

"He's the horse of a lifetime for the public, let alone the jockey. It's difficult to explain what he means to me, I'm terribly, terribly lucky. I don't really feel the pressure but it's there. Luckily enough the whip debate took a lot of it off me this week. I would like to think I handle it pretty well, I enjoy it."

Cecil added: "He's a terrific horse. He's done everything we asked of him, and next year he will definitely get a mile and a quarter. I was nervous because everything has to go right, but he has really grown up and settles very well. He did it really well.

"It's been a long year and I'm looking forward to the winter. I'm very happy. He did everything that we asked, we weren't trying to catch pigeons or anything, we just wanted to win nicely. He has had a long year and won't run again this season."

Owner Prince Khalid, who can count the likes of Dancing Brave among his great horses, said: "He's the best horse I have ever owned. Many people think he is the best horse they have ever seen. I just hope he does the same thing next year. Henry is the best trainer. If he says something, I believe him."

Christophe Soumillon Left Seething

2011-10-16T09:31:00.002+01:00

Christophe Soumillon was left seething after being handed a five-day ban for breaching the new whip regulations during his winning ride on Cirrus Des Aigles in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

The new rules, which came into effect on Monday, state a rider can only use his whip seven times in a Flat race, with only five of those 'hits' allowed inside the final furlong.

Belgian-born, French-based Soumillon was ruled to have used his whip six times in the last furlong, and as well as his ban he also forfeited his riding fee and percentage of prize-money, amounting to around £50,000.

Soumillon said: "I'm very embarrassed for English racing today. You have a lot of problems, but the whip is not one of them.

"Jockeys are not here to whip horses, they are here to make the horses do their best and that is what I tried to do. We now have padded whips, they are very soft and I hit my horse to make him do his best in the last furlong.

"Maybe I should have hit him before the final marker, but the rules have only been in one week. I just gave six, I didn't give eight, nine or 10. For a little mistake they give me a five-day suspension and I'm fighting for the title in France, so it is important for my career, and they take away all my prize money, around £50,000."

He went on: "Never can a fine like this have been handed out in sport. I never saw Zinedine Zidane get a fine like this, or Michael Schumacher in Formula One. I cannot understand why they change it one week before Champions Day.

"I was just beside So You Think, who everybody knows is a very tall horse. How can I see the furlong marker? There are (blue and white) publicity banners everywhere on the track, how can I see the marker? The marker is small yet for this small mistake I get a big ban.

"I don't understand and I think the English jockeys have to get together to sort it out because it is impossible to work this way. I was very afraid to get a suspension. You can't change the rule in one week.

"We are civilised people. This is 2011, not 1800, you can't kill people like they used to. The rules can change, but not like that. The rules should all be the same, you can't cut people's heads and legs off. The rules should be the same everywhere in the world. I will take a good lawyer and see what I can do."

Dick Turpin and Dubawi Gold run against "hotpot" Frankel

2011-10-15T11:20:00.003+01:00

Richard Hannon never shirks a challenge and runs both Dick Turpin and Dubawi Gold against hotpot Frankel in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by Qipco at Ascot today.

Richard Hughes had chosen to ride Dick Turpin but having relinquished his licence in protest over the new whip rules, Christophe Soumillon, who won a Group One in Italy on him last time out, maintains the partnership.

Johnny Murtagh rides Dubawi Gold, who will be kept on the go after this with a trip in Hong Kong in the pipeline.

"It is going to be tough and we have three very good horses in front of us in the betting, but 25-1 is an insult to Dick Turpin, who has proved a star for us over the last three seasons," Hannon told his website, www.richardhannonracing.tv.

"He showed plenty of guts to get up to win his second Group One in Italy last time, and he has never moved better than he has done recently.

"Hughesie was delighted with him on Tuesday morning and he looks great so, while I am not saying we will beat Frankel, he is well capable of getting a slice of the action."

He added: "Dubawi Gold will be going for the big mile race in Hong Kong in December, so this is a stepping-stone.

"Neither he nor Dick Turpin want the ground too fast, but Hughesie is adamant it rode slow at the last meeting, and he should be fine. He has been placed in two Guineas and is a good horse."

Long Distance Cup Review

2011-10-15T11:11:00.002+01:00

Frankie Dettori believes Opinion Poll represents his best chance of a winner at Ascot today as he goes for glory in the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup.

A total of £3m is up for grabs on Britain's richest ever raceday, with Dettori keen to be a central figure, and the bookmakers tend to agree that Mahmood Al Zarooni's charge is the Italian's best hope as he is vying for favouritism.

Opinion Poll chased home Fame And Glory in the Gold Cup in June, and Dettori hopes he can turn the tables, having won twice and been second once since then.

He said: "He's an ultra consistent horse. He has three lengths to find with Fame And Glory, but he always wants to win and is probably my best chance. He is a very well balanced, solid horse who never runs a bad race.

"In the Gold Cup, Opinion Poll was ridden to get the two and a half miles, but back over two, we can get away, be a bit more aggressive and ride closer to the pace. I think the gap will be smaller this time as Fame And Glory's last two runs have not been so good."

Aidan O'Brien admits Fame And Glory has struggled to reach the heights he scaled in June

The Ballydoyle handler told At The Races: "His target for the whole season was the Ascot Gold Cup and he was trained hard for that. He was at a level of fitness that was very hard to get to and after giving so much he was always going to need a break.

"He ran a nice race at the Curragh and then in the Irish Leger he ran a nice race for four furlongs but then the pace went down and they quickened again.

"It's been very hard to get him back up to the level of fitness he had to win the Gold Cup, but we've had our eye on this race for a while, so hopefully he'll run well. It would be very unfair to ask him to go back up to that pitch again twice in a year as that was a different level altogether."

Andrew Balding, who runs Chiberta King, said: "He's had a long season but he still seems in good form at home. Hopefully he'll run a decent race, but he's got a bit to find. He'll like the ground, he stays two miles and he's run well at Ascot before."

More On Ascot

2011-10-15T11:05:00.003+01:00

James Fanshawe is refusing to pick between his star speedsters Deacon Blues and Society Rock as the pair clash for the first time in the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot.

After victory in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot, Deacon Blues has taken the step up to Pattern company in his stride, with a runaway Curragh victory sandwiched by two successes at Newbury.

Society Rock is a proven Group One performer, having landed the Golden Jubilee at this year's Royal meeting, and he has backed that up with fair efforts in defeat.

The trainer said: "It's good to be going there with the pair of them and for Deacon Blues, I hope the ground hasn't dried out too much. Both horses have had a nice preparation for the race and both look very well. One is drawn one side and one is drawn the other, I'm not sure who has got the best draw.

"It's just the way their races have played out that they've managed to keep apart until now. I had hoped to run them both in the Sprint Cup at Haydock, but that wasn't possible. I'm not picking between them."

Freddie Head's Moonlight Cloud was sent off favourite for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket at the start of the campaign, but now looks a sprinter of the highest calibre judged on her brilliant display in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

Head said: "She has travelled over very well and I think she has a good chance. She is coming back to six furlongs for the first time but I don't think that will be a problem, especially at Ascot, as it is not a fast six furlongs. The ground will not be a problem either. I knew she was a filly who always had plenty of speed."

Joining Moonlight Cloud on the trip from France is Robert Collet's Wizz Kid, who was fifth in the Nunthorpe at York on her penultimate start and occupied the same position in the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp on Arc day.

Brendan Hayes, manager of owner Richard Strauss's Kilfrush Stud in Ireland, said: "She's a very good filly and she'll run a good race. I don't think it's a worry going back over six (furlongs), even though she's been running so well over five. I think six furlongs is well within her compass."

Trainer William Haggas said of outsider Dafeef: "He's a very useful horse but he's very temperamental as well. He's probably got more chance if it pours with rain, but he's very well and he's fresh and I'm hoping that will stand him in good stead. He hasn't run much this year, so who knows?"

Ascot Preview

2011-10-15T10:58:00.001+01:00

Sir Henry Cecil has had to bide his time with Vita Nova but believes she is finally fulfilling her potential ahead of the Qipco British Champions Fillies' And Mares' Stakes at Ascot today.

Unraced at two, she ran twice as a three-year-old and won her first start this season in handicap company before finishing second in her other three races - in a Listed race at Haydock behind the reopposing Ferdoos, to Gertrude Bell, whom she will also meet again, in the Lancashire Oaks, and to Blue Bunting in the Yorkshire Oaks.

That final run proved she was up to mixing it with the best around, but she suffered a minor training setback before being given the green light for this weekend.

The trainer said: "Vita Nova has been very late maturing. She is a backward, big filly and was running against a very good filly (Blue Bunting) in the Yorkshire Oaks. For an immature filly to be beaten half a length that day was a very good effort."

The William Haggas-trained Dancing Rain made all the running when a surprise winner of the Oaks at Epsom in June, and proved that to be no flash in the pan when scoring in the German equivalent in August. She has not been seen in competitive action since.

Haggas said: "We don't have a very good draw (stall 11), but she's in good shape and I hope she'll run a very good race. She was very good in Germany and the quicker ground shouldn't bother her. She had a nice break and we think she's fit and well.

"She needs a good gallop, so if they don't go a good gallop she'll have to go on. She's a galloping filly. She's the only Classic winner, but it's a tough race. It's a fantastic day of racing and it's great to be involved."

Ferdoos beat Vita Nova, Meeznah and Crystal Capella at Haydock in May, but has been sidelined by injury since. Trainer Roger Varian is pleased with the exciting filly going into the weekend, but admits it will not be easy to confirm the Haydock form.

He said: "It's been a frustrating year with her as she's been on the sidelines while these other fillies have been running so well. She's done enough work and her work has been quite satisfying, but I think it's going to be a tough ask for her running back after almost five months off.

"She's running against a field of seriously good fillies who have probably upped their game since she beat them at Haydock. So while we've got good cause for encouragement having beaten those fillies in the spring, I think it will be much tougher to beat them again."

Wetherby Debacle

2011-10-13T06:21:00.001+01:00

Tony McCoy was one of nine jockeys at Wetherby hit with a 10-day suspension for failing to stop after a race had been voided.

The 16-times champion jockey was riding Sharadiyn in the Betfair Supports Spinal Research Handicap Hurdle when he and eight other riders ignored a member of the groundstaff waving a yellow flag, which denotes a race should be stopped.

Head groundsman Ian Ward attempted to void the race as the stricken Ashburton Lad was lying between the third-last and the penultimate hurdle.

Ward was working within his remit, but nine jockeys still finished the race, with Cunning Clarets, ridden by Brian Hughes, first past the post.

The offending riders - Hughes, McCoy, Graham Lee, Danny Cook, Denis O'Regan, Alex Voy, Jonathon Bewley, Paddy Brennan and Brian Toomey - will be sidelined between October 26 to November 4.

Dougie Costello's mount, Favours Brave, pulled up, the Tom Messenger-ridden Glorybe refused to race, while Campbell Gillies was on Ashburton Lad.

Costello, Messenger and Gillies therefore escaped any punishment.

The suspended jockeys will miss the Charlie Hall meeting back at Wetherby on October 29.

A sign in the weighing room, explaining the yellow flag procedure, reads: "If at any stage during a race you see an official waving a yellow flag, this is the sign to immediately pull up."

The stewards also held a further enquiry into why the stop-race flag had been deployed, but forwarded their evidence on to the British Horseracing Authority.

ATR TO PRODUCE FIRST EVER 3D RACING FEATURE

2011-10-13T06:14:00.002+01:00

At The Races, the dedicated racing channel available in 13 million Sky and Virgin homes, will produce and edit a groundbreaking 3D feature programme to mark the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot this Saturday.

It will be the first time British horseracing has been filmed in 3D. The feature is a co-production between ATR, QIPCO and the British Champions Series.

The 24 minute film will be used as a centrepiece at a press and industry event to launch the 2012 QIPCO British Champions Series next year and ATR is also in talks with 3D distributors, service providers and hardware manufacturers worldwide about rights to use the feature.

ATR will use 3D specialist production partner, CAN Communicate, to shoot at Ascot on six 3D cameras. Each 3D camera will actually be made up of two cameras set up to capture action from different angles.

Two sets of footage will then be displayed to the viewer simultaneously allowing the brain to determine depth and perspective. Bespoke rigs on the ATR production will allow for smooth zooming, something difficult to achieve in 3D broadcast. State of the art post production systems will generate maximum impact and feature-film quality.

ATR, QIPCO and the British Champions Series are also delighted to announce that legendary racing broadcaster, Sir Peter O’Sullevan, will record the voiceover for the film.

Matthew Imi, Chief Executive of At The Races said, "We believe that racing is ideally suited to 3D broadcast. We want to use the latest technology to capture the colour, impact and excitement of this exceptional day and really create something that can help promote QIPCO British Champions Day, Ascot Racecourse and British racing more generally around the world.

"We are extremely grateful to Sheikh Fahad for QIPCO’s support of the project and also to the British Champions Series for its involvement. It is also, of course, a real honour to be working with Sir Peter O’Sullevan.”

Sheikh Fahad Al Thani said, “We are proud to extend our association with British racing through this film which should encapsulate the most thrilling raceday ever staged in the UK as well as the richest. We want to be associated with excellence and innovation and British Champions Day is shaping up well to deliver that.”

Rod Street, Chief Executive of the British Champions Series, said, "We are delighted ATR has taken this initiative and equally happy to support it. It's a great way to help celebrate what's already been a hugely successful first QIPCO British Champions Series and will launch us into next year with a showcase of what we're sure will be a real spectacle on QIPCO British Champions Day itself."

Ouch! Mend Quickly Cathy

2011-10-12T20:44:00.004+01:00

Cathy Gannon has sustained a fractured femur after suffering a bad fall before the opening race at Nottingham.

Gannon was unshipped from Forever Janey on the way to the start for the Winning Forecast DG Taxis 0115 9500 500 Maiden Auction Stakes.

The jockey was taken to Queens Medical Centre for treatment, and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Gannon tweeted: "Gutted I've fractured my femur today." Ouch, mend quickly Cathy!

More Whip Bans At Lingfield

2011-10-12T20:37:00.001+01:00

Natalia Gemelova was handed a seven-day ban at Lingfield for falling foul of the British Horseracing Authority's stricter whip rules as the debate rumbled on during Wednesday.

A maximum of seven strikes are allowed during a Flat race, and no more than five during the final furlong, and the transgressors can be suspended as well as losing their riding fee and any prize-money percentage.

Although there appeared widespread acceptance of the changes from trainers and jockeys when they were announced, dissatisfaction is growing.

Richard Hughes and Kieren Fox were punished heavily at Windsor on Monday, while Gemelova was given a seven-day holiday from her ride on second-placed For Life in division two of the News International Classified Claiming Stakes.

Racing's administrators were particularly busy, as nine jockeys, including Tony McCoy, were given 10-day suspensions at Wetherby after failing to pull up during a void race.

Gemelova, who has a young daughter and is based in North Yorkshire, will be harder hit financially than the likes of Hughes and had not had a winner from 34 previous rides over 197 days. She must sit out October 26-29 and October 31, as well as November 1-2.

Gemelova said: "I tried my best to stay within the rules, but it's harder than you think. I have got a family to feed and I've been out of luck getting banned as well as coming away from here with no money. I waited as long as I could before picking up the whip and I'm just going to have to be more careful."

Pat Cosgrave was later given a five-day ban when finishing a short-head second on Marcus Antonius in the Smiths News Handicap.

Cosgrave was found to to have used the whip eight times and the incident prompted a stinging criticism of the rules from trainer Jim Boyle.

"The horse was hanging all the way down the straight and, from what I've heard, the eighth strike actually hit Steve Drowne (rider of the winner, Henry Holmes) on the arm," said Boyle.

More On The New Whip Rule...a jump jockeys view

2011-10-12T07:24:00.002+01:00

Leading jockey Paul Moloney voiced his displeasure at the penalties dished out for whip offences as the first National Hunt meeting to take place under the new guidelines passed without serious incident at Huntingdon.

Moloney used up his full quota of 'hits' when guiding 25-1 chance Tayarat to a game victory in the Frimstone Recycled Aggregates Handicap Hurdle, but crucially stayed within the rules.

The jockey admitted the matter was playing on his mind throughout the two-mile contest and believes not a single rider in the Huntingdon weighing room was happy with the penalties that are in place.

He said: "I was thinking about it the whole way through the race. You are very, very conscious. I turned in and it was on my mind how many hits I had left and it's quite a strange rule for me and quite bizarre.

"I was fairly certain I'd hit him eight times and I gave him the five you're allowed after the last hurdle. I was sure I was right and I have been practising, but then you have to go and watch the video afterwards to make sure.

"The stipendiary steward said afterwards I was bang on and I'm just lucky it worked out. If you hit your horse nine times instead of eight, you end up getting your riding fee taken off you and the prize-money. With petrol and everything else, it will end up costing you £100 to go racing. I think that is very harsh.

"One of the lads was saying to the stipendiary steward today, people in every walk of life make mistakes. The starter can make mistakes and even the stewards make mistakes, but they don't get their wages taken off them.

"If a jockey hits his horse once too many, he doesn't get paid and I think that's a genuine disgrace. The owner and trainer can go home on cloud nine but the jockey has to go home with his tail between his legs. I've got a family to feed and all I can say is not one jump jockey (at Huntingdon) is happy about the penalties."

Leicester Review

2011-10-12T07:15:00.003+01:00

Thomas Chippendale provided Tom Queally and Sir Henry Cecil with a nice fillip ahead of Frankel's big day when emerging victorious at Leicester.

Although the Warren Place team have their sights fixed firmly on the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, Cecil can rightly anticipate a bright future for this Dansili colt, who was sent off the 9-4 joint-favourite on his second run.

The Sir Robert Ogden-owned juvenile arrived on the scene late, but with a trace of panache, in division one of the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF Soar Maiden Stakes and his neck defeat of Went The Day Well in no way tells the full extent of his superiority.

Queally said: "He could make up into a lovely type next year. He was babyish and needed the run at York, but he is improving all the time. His stride took me into the race and he won in the style of a nice horse. Whatever he does this year is a bonus and he is one to look forward to."

Avon Lady (12-1) claimed the not-insignificant scalp of Zoowraa in the feature Wreake Conditions Fillies' Stakes and James Fanshawe will reflect on a job well done after his representative mastered Godolphin's 4-6 favourite by half a length in the hands of Eddie Ahern.

Cravat (11-4) put the seal on a profitable season with victory in the Wymeswold Conditions Stakes under Silvestre de Sousa. The Mark Johnston-trained youngster was having his 11th outing of the campaign, but illustrated his zest for racing with a two-length defeat of Amazing Storm.

Deirdre Johnston, wife and assistant to the in-form Middleham handler, said: "He's lovely. He started at five furlongs and now he's up to seven. I think he'll get further. He seems to go on anything. He's very versatile." The stable doubled up when Tartan Gigha (7-1) powered home in the concluding Stewards Handicap.

Afaal (14-1) has made dramatic progress since his debut judging by the way he streaked clear in the British Stallion Studs EBF Reference Point Maiden Stakes.

William Haggas's two-year-old hardly ripped up too many trees when sent off at 100-1 in a Newmarket maiden two months ago, but he was an entirely different proposition here when accounting for Fourth Of June by two lengths in the hands of Tadhg O'Shea.

The jockey reported: "Mr Haggas likes him and told me had come on since Newmarket. He's very straightforward and has obviously improved."

Whip Ban Kicks In...and it hurts!

2011-10-12T07:10:00.001+01:00

Connections of Orthodox Lad have leapt to the defence of jockey Kieren Fox after he was suspended for 15 days under the new whip rules at Salisbury on Monday.

Fox, who claims 3lb, was adjudged to have hit Orthodox Lad 11 times - seven times in the final furlong - when winning the Bathwick Tyres Salisbury Handicap by a short head. He lost his percentage of the prize-money and also forfeited his riding fee.

"We love our horses and don't want to hurt them in any way. Kieren gets on well with the horse and we know he is an out-and-out galloper. He doesn't have many gears and needs a bit of help," said Steve Nunn, spokesman for Orthodox Lad's owners, SN Racing II.

"I spoke to the guys after the race and they said he (Orthodox Lad) was bouncing. I feel for Kieren. He is not an aggressive rider. He would accept he would get banned, but this is too harsh.

"What it comes to is that there is a chance the horse might not have won, and that affects little men like me. I thought it was a great ride. That horse now has one win under our belt. From a breeding point of view, that makes a big difference to us," Nunn, who also bred Orthodox Lad, told At The Races.

Richard Hughes received a five-day suspension in the same race as Fox when Swift Blade finished third, having been found guilty of hitting his mount six times inside the last furlong.

He said: "I am embarrassed by what I did, but I hit my horse for a correction matter, not for a slap to go faster. I corrected my horse when I made contact.

"We've been trying to get used to it, but if you're in a tight finish over a mile and a half and someone gives their horse seven (hits) and you give them two or three, they will have an advantage. It proved it with the guy (Fox) hitting it 11. If someone breaks the rules they have an advantage on you."

Hughes also hit out at the British Horseracing Authority's decision to impose the new sanctions in the build-up to Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday.

Speaking at Leicester, Hughes told At The Races: "I think the timing is deplorable. Frankie (Dettori) has been on national TV about the Qipco day but instead he's talking about the whip. They've planned it to be the biggest raceday of all time and instead they are talking about the whip. It's a shame."

"Twenty five years of trying and I've finally broken the hoodoo"...Dettori WINS Betfred Cesarewitch

2011-10-09T06:36:00.003+01:00

Frankie Dettori produced a magnificent piece of front-running riding from the worst of the draw to win the Betfred Cesarewitch at Newmarket aboard Never Can Tell.

The former champion jockey was winning the prestigious race for the first time and was providing trainer Jamie Osborne with one of the biggest wins of his training career.

Drawn widest of all in stall 36, Dettori raced on his own down the centre of the track for most of the race. Colour Vision was the main challenger inside the final furlong but eventually was caught by Ermyn Lodge for second, a length and a half adrift of the winner.

Dettori said: "Twenty five years of trying and I've finally broken the hoodoo! She's a front-runner, but to cut the corner was an advantage. Full credit to Jamie, she's really tried for me."

Osborne added: "With her style of running, it probably wasn't as bad a draw as everyone thought.

"Frankie said to me 'do me a favour, don't give me any instructions'. She likes to bowl along in front so it was always going to be a pretty straightforward plan really. I just said go out and give me the ride of the season and he has.

"She's not very pretty or very big, she just tries. It's lovely to be part of today."

Silvestre de Sousa 1,983-1 Four-Timer

2011-10-09T06:16:00.002+01:00

Silvestre de Sousa lit up a damp, grey final meeting at York with a 1,983-1 four-timer on Oceanway, Bannock, Orsippus and Licence To Till.

The Brazilian is in the middle of a three-way battle to be crowned champion jockey but he feels he cannot catch Paul Hanagan and Kieren Fallon, especially as he has a riding ban to serve, but he nevertheless took his tally to 137 for the year.

Three of his winners were for trainer Mark Johnston, while Orsippus was for Michael Smith.

Bannock (5-2 favourite) bounced back to form in the coral.co.uk Rockingham Stakes after disappointing in the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy last Saturday. He put that effort behind him to capture this Listed race in good style by two lengths from Miss Lahar.

"He had a problem in the middle of the season. Bobby Elliott was trotting him and his rein broke and the horse hit a wall and cut his leg," said Johnston's wife and assistant Deirdre.

"We just ran out of time to put the finishing touches to him for Redcar. We weren't sure he was 100% then or not, but that brought him on for today. As he's had a big holiday mid-season, I'd like to see him run again this year. He's fit and well now."

Grade One-winning hurdler Orsippus (20-1) warmed up for another winter campaign by outstaying his rivals in the coral.co.uk Green Tick Win More Every Race Stakes, beating Valid Reason by two and a quarter lengths.

Northumberland-based Smith said: "He's been in the field for two months but I've brought him in every night. He's too precious to leave out. I gave him a holiday after he ran flat at Newcastle. He'll go to Ascot in mid-November (for the Coral Hurdle) and then the Relkeel at Cheltenham."

Oceanway (7-2) battled on bravely to take the Green Tick For Better Odds At coral.co.uk Handicap by three-quarters of a length from Weapon Of Choice and Licence To Till (5-1) completed the fantastic foursome by holding Jo'burg by a head in the Coldstream Guards Association Cup.

Mrs Johnston added: "What a day, and Colour Vision (third) ran a great race in the Cesarewitch. I thought we were beat there. What an honest horse."

Dewhurst Review

2011-10-09T06:08:00.003+01:00

Jim Bolger returned to Newmarket to collect his fourth Dubai Dewhurst Stakes in six years with a colt he appears to view as on a par with his previous champions New Approach and Teofilo.

Parish Hall's previous form and starting price of 20-1 would have suggested he was more of the calibre of the trainer's other Dewhurst winner Intense Focus, a battle-hardened two-year-old who did little at three.

New Approach won the Derby and the Champion Stakes, while the brilliant Teofilo - sire of Parish Hall - was robbed of his chance to prove himself by injury.

The juvenile won in the manner of so many of the physically and mentally robust members of Bolger's stable, claiming the lead on the rail when the weakening Spiritual Star let him past with two furlongs remaining and tigerishly defending his position.

Aidan O'Brien's Power, the 15-8 favourite after his success in the National Stakes, took an age to hit his stride but flashed home late to finish just half a length behind.

Bolger said: "The ground is the key to him. He needs good ground or faster. He's been improving all along but he's run into soft ground a couple of times and he can't handle that."

Comparing Parish Hall with the other Dewhurst winners, he said: "He's right up there with the previous three. Intense Focus has the record, time-wise, and he's right there with the others. There's no doubt he's in that league, he's very good.

"I think this fellow's chance of staying a mile and a half is as least as good as New Approach's. I wouldn't be sure he'd come back here for the Guineas, but I certainly think of him as a horse for Epsom and the Irish Derby."

Jockey Kevin Manning added: "It has been a very lucky race for us. If you looked back at his form, he was only just behind Power, who was one of the favourites. They went a nice even gallop, not overly fast, and when he hit the rising ground, he kept on again. I think seven furlongs is a minimum for him."

O'Brien said of Power: "He ran a stormer. We were delighted and he finished up the hill very well. We'll look forward to next year."

Jockey News For Saturday's Betfred Cesarewitch At Newmarket

2011-10-05T06:55:00.001+01:00

Richard Hughes will take over the reins on leading fancy Keys in Saturday's Betfred Cesarewitch at Newmarket.

Jamie Spencer guided the four-year-old to July victories at Newbury and Ascot, but he is due to ride Dance And Dance in America on the same day and so is unavailable.

Trainer Roger Charlton confirmed Hughes' appointment via Twitter.

Keys' participation had been in some doubt over the weekend following a dirty scope, but Charlton issued an upbeat bulletin on his condition on Monday.

David Pipe also used the social networking site to reveal jockey plans for his three contenders, with William Buick booked for Beyond, Joseph O'Brien taking the mount of Tasheba and apprentice Kieran O'Neill called up for Big Occasion.

Pipe's father Martin saddled Heros Fatal (2000) and Miss Fara (2002) to win the famous staying handicap in recent years.

Leicester Review

2011-10-05T06:44:00.002+01:00

Wins from Jack's Revenge and Franciscan at Leicester saw Kieren Fallon erode Paul Hanagan's lead in the jockeys' championship to seven.

Fallon has spoken in recent days about his enjoyment of the competition with Hanagan and Silvestre De Sousa as he rides in as many races as possible, from Group Ones to selling plates.

He kicked off by forcing George Baker's 8-13 favourite Jack's Revenge home in the Stoat Selling Stakes, and also had to keep the Luca Cumani-trained Franciscan (11-4) up to his task to close out the Quorn Handicap.

Just three faced the starter for the feature race of the day, the Squirrel Conditions Stakes, and Richard Hannon's Rougement regained winning ways after his failure in a Listed race at Newbury landed by John Gosden's Dewhurst contender Fencing.

Rougement (13-8) made all the running to win by a head - but even-money favourite Repeater was closing all the time after being switched for a run, and could have been in front in another few yards.

Winning jockey Richard Hughes said: "He started well at Newmarket, although he was maybe flattered a bit by that. But at Newbury he was very flat, he went down to the start off the bridle, and I think that was a bit more like him. He's still very weak but still progressive."

Mark Johnston's strapping Abishena overcame evident inexperience in the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes.

The 16-1 shot's chance looked to have gone at halfway when she stumbled slightly and needed Franny Norton's guile to get her back on track. Newcomer Fulney very nearly caused a 100-1 upset, but Abishena forged down the stands rail to put her nose in front on the line.

Johnston's representative Jock Bennett said: "She came to us quite late from Darley, but her last two pieces of work had been encouraging. Franny reckoned she would come on a lot for that and winning today is a bonus. Our two-year-olds have let us down a bit, so that was nice to see."

There was an even more impressive winner of the Dormouse Maiden Stakes for three-year-olds when Charlie Hills' Upcountry (4-9 favourite) had four lengths in hand despite drifting right across the track.

Cheltenham Switch?

2011-10-05T06:37:00.002+01:00

Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie admits the idea of switching the Festival meeting to a weekend remains on the table.

The March showpiece fixture currently runs from Tuesday to Friday but Gillespie believes the meeting could be moved after the course has been redeveloped.

He outlined plans for improvements at the track at a press conference marking the run-up to Cheltenham's 2011/12 season, which gets under way on Saturday week.

"Our plans going forward include the potential redevelopment here," said Gillespie.

"Since May we have commissioned a team of designers to come up with what we call a feasibility study and the report is in next week. I have been putting together with our team the business case for this. These will go to our board before the end of this year.

"So early next year we hope to give you good news of when we might be progressing these plans, which will enable the racegoers to have better vantage points from redeveloping the oldest grandstands at Cheltenham.

"We think we have a plan which will be appropriate for the next generation.

"We are looking forward to having the redevelopment completed within the next three to five years. Along with that, we will be able to talk about the possibility of the Festival moving to a weekend."

Gillespie also confirmed prize money for the Grade One events at the Festival will be on a par with last season, with all races due to meet their minimum requirements.

He added: "Our investment in prize money is something we are focusing on coming into this season. Our executive and sponsorship contribution this year will amount to £3.35 million. Sponsorship stands at a record £3.1 million."

Sunday's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Preview

2011-09-28T07:43:00.002+01:00

Ante-post favourite Sarafina and last year's winner Workforce feature among a list of 19 entries for Sunday's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Alain de Royer-Dupre's Sarafina finished a luckless third in Europe's premier middle-distance prize a year ago, while Sir Michael Stoute's Workforce needs to bounce back, having been beaten in the King George at Ascot on his latest appearance.

All the other major initial entries have stood their ground, with So You Think and St Nicholas Abbey among a team of six for Aidan O'Brien. The others are Treasure Beach, Regent Street, Seville and Wonder Of Wonders.

Ed Dunlop's star filly Snow Fairy is another entry, but Godolphin do not intend to run Casamento, who went some way to repairing his reputation when successful at the track earlier this month.

Royer-Dupre has a strong hand with Reliable Man and Shareta also in the mix, while Japanese raiders Hiruno D'Amour and Nakayama Festa are other intriguing contenders.

There is still the chance for horses to be supplemented for the race, but connections of those runners will have to stump up 100,000 euros by Thursday. John Gosden's King George hero Nathaniel falls into this bracket.

The Clarehaven handler's racing secretary, Peter Shoemark, said: "If he's going to run he'll have to be supplemented on Thursday, but we're monitoring the weather."

Even if Nathaniel does not take his chance, Gosden could still be represented by Arctic Cosmos, who has not been seen since winning last year's St Leger.

Shoemark added: "He's been left in at this stage. We want to have a look at it. He's in the Arc and also in the Cumberland Lodge at Ascot on Saturday, so hopefully he runs somewhere this weekend."

The other horse prominent in ante-post lists who would need to be supplemented is Meandre, who could bid to give Andre Fabre a remarkable eighth Arc victory, while German raider Danedream could also be added to the field.

Jockeys To Face Stiffer Penalties

2011-09-28T07:30:00.002+01:00

Jockeys will face stiffer penalties for use of the whip in new rules being introduced in two weeks' time following a 10-month review by the British Horseracing Authority.

Riders are being further restricted as to how many times they can use the whip in a race, as well as being handed out stiffer punishments for using it with excessive frequency.

Frequency guidelines have been removed and replaced by strict and easily understood limits on whip use. The whip can only be used a maximum of seven times in a Flat race, and eight times in a jumps race (and only five times in the last furlong/after the last obstacle).

This is roughly half the amount of times a whip could be used previously before being in breach of the rules of racing.

Increased entry-point penalties are being implemented, with a five-day minimum suspension for not adhering to the frequency limits. The previous minimum penalty was a caution. A jockey who incurs a whip ban of three days or more will forfeit his riding fee and prize-money percentage.

Penalties will increase for those who breach the rules on more than one occasion, and the second offence will be double that of a first offence. The new guidelines and penalties will come into effect on Monday, October 10.

The BHA announced the changes on Tuesday morning after leading the review, compiled with input from recognised animal welfare bodies, including the RSPCA.

Use of the whip was the subject of much scrutiny when Jason Maguire was found to have struck Ballabriggs 17 times when winning the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree in April. Maguire was suspended for five days.

Ballabriggs' trainer Donald McCain said: "I've been involved in a couple of meetings and it was obvious something needed doing. I think it needed to be a sensible enough number (of whip strokes) so that people can't make mistakes. I'd like to think now that everything has been done in the best interests of racing and the horse."

Professor Tim Morris, director of equine science and welfare for the BHA, added: "Safeguarding the welfare of racehorses is a priority and we are committed to ensuring and enhancing horse welfare. The thoroughness of this review, and the conclusions it reaches, are yet further demonstrations of this commitment."

Shock 40-1 Winner And Godolphin Hat Trick

2011-09-25T05:20:00.001+01:00

Prince Of Johanne ran out a shock 40-1 winner of the Betfred Cambridgeshire at Newmarket for trainer Tom Tate.

The field split into two big groups from the off with those drawn high, including Prince Of Johanne, sticking to the near side and many of the fancied runners racing down the centre of the track.

It looked to be pretty even at halfway but when the runners started to converge John Fahy set sail for home, and though it looked as though he may be swamped a furlong out, Prince Of Johanne was game and held on by a length and three-quarters from Stevie Thunder, with Proponent third.

Fahy said: "He's really tough. The ground has been key to him - he handled the quick ground well. It's happy days. It's pretty special, to be honest."

Tate added: "It's a great day. I could tell you I'd laid him out for this all season but it wouldn't be true. He's been consistent, so I suppose the form was there, but the ground has really helped him.

"What a way to get off the 'cold' list. I thought he came too soon, but he kept it up.

"I was thinking the handicapper may have got to grips with him, but he's always very consistent and has run nothing but good races - he needs fast ground. John was very confident and courageous - he's a good fellow."

Godolphin are usually dangerous in nurseries, and Frankie Dettori guided 11-4 favourite Pimpernel to win the EBF 'Dansili' Jersey Lily Fillies' event.

Dettori and Godolphin then doubled their advantage when Anatolian (11-10 favourite) brought home the hat-trick in the TurfTV Handicap.

Footballer Scott Parker was involved in Tottenham's victory at Wigan, so he was unable to witness a victory for his horse Golden Desert (16-1) in the Betfred The Bonus King Handicap.

1-2-3 For Aidan O'Brien

2011-09-25T05:14:00.001+01:00

Daddy Long Legs put up a brave front-running performance to lead home a 1-2-3 for Aidan O'Brien in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket.

Colm O'Donoghue was smartly away aboard the 11-4 shot and set a nice gallop up front in the Group Two contest, with Farhaan sitting on his heels before briefly threatening to take a hand in the finish.

Daddy Long Legs had plenty in the tank and kicked on to put daylight between himself and the rest of the field, comfortably holding the late runs of stablemates Tenth Star and Wrote to score by three and a quarter lengths.

O'Donoghue said: "He's very straightforward. He jumped great and travelled really good. He's a big horse with a great action and a great temperament. He's a nice horse and is improving."

O'Brien added: "They're three young colts and they all ran nice races. This horse was very green in Doncaster (when fourth in the Champagne Stakes), but he liked the fast ground and we're delighted.

"We were just discussing things and everything is open. You would have to look at the Racing Post Trophy and Derrick (Smith, co-owner) said the Breeders' Cup could be a possible, although nothing has been decided yet.

"The other two would be possibles for all those races."

Sahpresa Reigns Supreme

2011-09-25T05:08:00.001+01:00

Sahpresa reigned supreme in the Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes yet again as the resilient French mare became the first to win the Newmarket Group One three times.

Although the distance, conditions and age restrictions have been tinkered with over the years, this was still a substantial achievement by trainer Rod Collet and his stable star, who was exceeding Free Guest's two titles from the mid-80s in a race that generally favours the Classic generation.

Sahpresa and Collet were both virtual unknowns when she opened her account here at 16-1 in 2009, but she has become a familiar sight from regular trips across the water and went off the 13-8 favourite.

Christophe Lemaire was criticised for leaving it too late when second in the Falmouth Stakes during the summer, but he has since steered her to placed efforts in two strong French Group Ones.

Perfectly settled in a prominent position, she quickened into the lead and made it a hat-trick without much fuss, keeping a comfortable length between herself and Chachamaidee.

Premio Loco To Add To Tally

2011-09-22T03:42:00.001+01:00

Chris Wall's stable stalwart Premio Loco will face six rivals as he bids to add to his Group-race tally in Friday's Nayef Joel Stakes at Newmarket.

The 12-time winner finally opened his account for 2011 with a determined victory in the Park Stakes at Doncaster earlier this month, but the one they would all have to beat if returning to last year's form is Godolphin's Poet's Voice.

Saeed bin Suroor's colt edged out Rip Van Winkle to land the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes this time last season, but now has something to prove following a disappointing return at Goodwood.

Bin Suroor also saddles Emerald Commander, while Glorious Goodwood winner Libranno is a player for champion trainer Richard Hannon.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Tazahum, Ransom Note from the Charlie Hills yard and likely rank outsider Karam Albaari complete the seven-runner line-up.

Newmarket Preview

2011-09-22T03:30:00.002+01:00

Jim Bolger hopes Zip Top can bounce back from a disappointing effort at the Curragh when he encounters faster ground in the Somerville Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed, the youngster created a favourable impression on his debut, justifying favouritism and making all the running at Leopardstown, before disappointing in the Anglesey Stakes at the Curragh.

Bolger said: "He is over in Newmarket already and I'm happy with him. I think the ground was too soft for him at the Curragh and I'm hoping he'll run a good race. He's a horse we like a lot."

Meanwhile Vincent Ward hopes his two runners in the Jockey Club Rose Bowl at Newmarket on Thursday produce another good run before they head off to the sales.

Fictional Account was only narrowly beaten by Saddler's Rock and Fame And Glory on her penultimate run in the Irish St Leger Trial before the ground went against her in the Classic itself, while End Of The Affair is currently rated as highly as she ever has been, despite being a seven-year-old.

Ward said: "The ground should suit them both, that's why we've gone. It's their last hurrah and then they've finished with me. End Of The Affair ran a very good race the last day. I was going to retire her then but she was in such good form we carried on."

He added: "There's nothing for them in Ireland, though, as I don't want them lugging top weight around giving 2st to three-year-olds. I'm trying to get a bit of black type for End Of The Affair before she goes to Newmarket and if she finished in the first three I'd be delighted.

"She's got headgear again but the trip was too short last time as she galloped all the way to the line.

"Fictional Account is in fair order after the Curragh. The difference in the ground for her is unbelievable. She's such a heavy mare that if there's any ease in it she just can't go through it.

"They've been in since January but this is their final destination and hopefully they give a good account of themselves."

John Gosden's Nehaam returns to two miles after running a cracker to finish second in the Old Newton Cup last time.

Angus Gold, owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's racing manager, said: "He ran a great race at Haydock. He's been very consistent this season and he's come back well since his time off. We've been delighted with him.

"Obviously he's stepping back up to two miles but we think he'll stay, although he's shown that he's effective over shorter."

Somerville Stakes Preview

2011-09-22T03:24:00.002+01:00

Roger Varian is keen to make the most of what he hopes will be fast conditions as Farraaj steps up to Pattern company for the first time in the Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.

A highly encouraging debut second at Sandown in July has been supplemented by a couple of victories, most recently scoring decisively back at Sandown just over a week ago.

Varian said: "He's done nothing wrong. He didn't get a hard race last week and has come out if quite well. I'm conscious we might lose the fast ground in October so we are turning him out again quite quickly, but he seems fresh well and I'm looking forward to running him."

Colm O'Donoghue partners Curragh maiden winner Crusade for Aidan O'Brien.

"He improved a lot from his first run at York and won nicely in the Curragh. Hopefully he can continue to progress," said O'Donoghue.

"This is a nice step up for him but hopefully he'll be up to it. Fast ground won't be a problem for him if that's how it ends up. He's a good-moving horse."

Following a string of fine efforts in defeat, Storming Bernard has eventually found the winning thread, opening his account in a Brighton maiden before following up in impressive fashion at Ayr a week ago.

His trainer, Alan Bailey, said: "It's a big step up for him from a novice race to a Group Three but he has been well in himself since Ayr and we'll see how he gets on. There's actually been a bit of rain around this morning, so it might end up being a bit softer than it is at the moment.

"We think he's an improving horse."

Deacon Blues Impresses Again

2011-09-18T09:00:00.001+01:00

Deacon Blues is an increasingly impressive young sprinter and he took the Dubai International World Trophy at Newbury with ease.

The Wokingham winner has successfully stepped up to Group class in the Hackwood Stakes on this course and in the Phoenix Sprint at the Curragh, but James Fanshawe was forced to drop the 5-4 favourite down to five furlongs for the first time here.

Frankie Dettori played it cool, swooping late to pass Masamah by a length.

"That was a relief really as he had a bit of a setback before the Sprint Cup at Haydock and it wasn't ideal to go five furlongs," said Fanshawe.

"I needed to give him another race before the British Champions Sprint at Ascot next month. Society Rock will go for the same race too."

Fallon Pounces Late

2011-09-18T08:44:00.002+01:00

A late pounce by Kieren Fallon in Newbury's Dubai Duty Free Arc Trial saw Green Destiny confirmed for a Group One assignment.

Sent off the 2-1 favourite after a good win at York last time, William Haggas' charge was some way adrift of Roger Charlton's pair Al Kazeem and Sea Of Heartbreak but motored down the wide outside to score by half a length from the former.

"He'll probably have a dart at the Champion Stakes now," said Haggas.

"My view was that if he could carry a penalty in this race against good horses, he'd be doing well. This is a good horse."

Silver Cup Review

2011-09-18T08:38:00.001+01:00

Cheveton (12-1) landed the Bronze Cup at Ayr's Western meeting 12 months ago, and improved on that to lift the William Hill Ayr Silver Cup, giving Ebor-winning apprentice Dale Swift another big handicap success.

Racing with the group on the stands side from his draw in 21, the Richard Price-trained seven-year-old found an extra gear deep inside the final furlong to beat Marvellous Value by half a length.

A further one and a quarter lengths back in third was the Ryan-trained Advanced, who ran a huge race having been on his own in the centre of the track for most of the six-furlong contest.

Price said: "We were as confident as you can be in a race like this, because the draw can be a lottery. You really don't know. But the ground came right for him, we knew we had him right and he has done it well.

"He won the Bronze Cup last year, so we were hoping to go for the Silver Cup, and fortunately he just crept in. He has not had his ground so far this season really, but on the other hand I wasn't quite sure how he would handle ground as soft as this.

"Dale gets on so well with him, when others ride him he rears up in the stalls and misses the break."

Ayr Gold Cup Review

2011-09-18T08:32:00.001+01:00

Our Jonathan gave owner Dr Marwan Koukash back-to-back victories in the William Hill Gold Cup at Ayr.

Trained in North Yorkshire by Kevin Ryan, the four-year-old had long promised to deliver in a big race, and could be called the winner from some way out. Sent off an 11-1 chance, Franny Norton elected to go to the far side from his middle draw in stall 12, and it was to prove a shrewd move.

His mount hit top gear approaching the last of the six furlongs and strode out powerfully, with two lengths the margin of victory over heavily-backed favourite Eton Rifles, who led home the runners on the stands rail.

Son Of The Cat, who also raced on the far side, was one and a half lengths back in third, with Colonel Mak fourth home from the near side.

A delighted Norton, a veteran of the weighing room, said: "I've been on two horses in the past that I've been meant to ride and they have gone on to win, so this is great. This horse is special to Marwan too, so it's double delight really."

Ryan said: "He has been threatening all season, but he has been gradually coming to hand all the time and he has really been sparkling in the last 10 days.
"When the ground came as testing as it is, I was pleased because he has form over seven furlongs and for a race like this you need a staying sprinter. We really had him in good order and I wasn't really concerned about the draw."

Koukash said: "It is great to win the race again. He is a very good horse, he had good form as a two-year-old - he lost his way a bit last season, but he is now back to his best. There is a seven-furlong race at Ascot which is a possibility, Redford won it after this race last year, and then there is a Listed race at Doncaster on the last day of the season.

"Franny rode the horse very well at Chester and he has missed out on this race on a couple of occasions, so it is great to give him a big winner."

Ayr Bronze Cup Review

2011-09-17T08:03:00.003+01:00

Coolminx pipped stable companion Jeannie Galloway to give trainer Richard Fahey a notable one-two in the William Hill Ayr Bronze Cup.

The pair were separated by the width of the track and it was the far side runner Coolminx (12-1), who broke from stall three, who landed the spoils by a short head in the hands of Barry McHugh.

Champion jockey Paul Hanagan was agonisingly out of luck on Jeannie Galloway, the 13-2 favourite, racing from stall 15 towards the stands' side of the course.

Fahey said: "It should have been a dead-heat, that would have been better. I just feel sorry for the owners of the second. As you can see there's not much between them and it looked that way at home."

Fahey believes the race showed there is no difference between low and high numbers in the draw ahead of Saturday's Gold and Silver Cups over the same course and distance.

"The result shows there is no draw bias on the near side or the far side. The one place you don't want to be is down the middle," he added.

Ayr Silver Cup Preview

2011-09-17T07:58:00.001+01:00

Adrian Nicholls is looking forward to Tax Free making amends for an unlucky run at Doncaster in the William Hill Ayr Silver Cup.

The jockey felt the nine-year-old would have finished closer than his final position of eighth behind Nocturnal Affair but for suffering interference at a crucial stage of the Portland Handicap.

Nicholls said: "He ran a blinder in the Portland. I don't think I'd have won, but I definitely would have been in the placings. I got hampered when I was making my run, got stopped in my tracks and he came home really strong."

He added: "He ran a blinder in the Stewards' Cup. Second to Hoof It was a cracking run and he's an old legend. Whatever he does, he owes us nothing. I thought he was very unlucky in the Portland so if he can run like that again, he'd have a shout.

"He's probably the gamest horse we've got in training. If he gets into a battle and he's there at the furlong marker, it will take a good one to pass him."

The rider's trainer/father David Nicholls has three others in the consolation race - Nasri, Capone and Joseph Henry.

"Nasri's a very nice horse. It's tough he just missed the cut for the Gold Cup. He'd a have a good chance. Everything we send up here has a big shout. All you need is a bit of luck."

Mirza goes for Silver honours in good form, having won at Haydock last month and finished second to Gold Cup fancy Colonel Mark at Ffos Las on his latest start.

His trainer Rae Guest said: "He's in good form and plenty of rain would help him. Hopefully we are drawn well (in stall 22) and we expect a big run."

Ayr Gold Cup Preview

2011-09-17T07:49:00.001+01:00

James Fanshawe is hoping Mac's Power can give him a memorable success in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup.

The 5yo has been running creditably in defeat this term, including finishing third in the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood and in a hot Ascot handicap.

"I don't think I've ever had a winner at Ayr, so hopefully we can turn things around," said Fanshawe.

"We came out of the draw fairly early and we decided we were going to go six, eight or 10. Unfortunately all the pace appears to have gone to the stands side. I hope it's not going to affect us too much. We'll just see just who is the best judge - Dandy Nicholls or Richard Fahey. One has gone one side and one has gone the other.

"In these big sprints you need a lot of luck even if you have got the best horse in the race."

David O'Meara is hoping Pepper Lane can maintain her fine form this season with a big run in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup.

The four-year-old has exceeded all expectations this term, wining four of her six starts and rising in the ratings from 74 to a current mark of 103, including her recent victory in the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon last month.

The handler said: "She seems in good form and hopefully she can repeat her run in the Great St Wilfrid. It would give her a great chance. We would have preferred to have been drawn nearer one rail or the other, but Mac's Power and the Irish horse that is fancied a bit (Croisultan) are near to us so that helps."

He added: "She has surprised us all. Hopefully she will break well and get a clean passage through."

BHA And Levy Board Update

2011-09-14T05:52:00.002+01:00

The Levy Board has reiterated its support for the Government in its attempt to get off-shore betting operators to contribute to racing's coffers.

In its annual report, Levy Board chairman Paul Lee confirms its backing for the Government in its intention to address off-shore betting issues.

Lee stresses that the current structure "is not a level playing field for on-shore operators and that a Levy contribution from those off-shore would 'transform' Levy yield".

The Levy Board's accounts show that the total yield for the 49th Levy Scheme (2010/11) was £59.5milllion, a fall from £75.4m for the 48th scheme, which was itself a reduction on the 47th yield of £90.6m.

Lee points out the Board's sensible and prudent response to a challenging year due to the significant fall in income as well as to its commitment to setting a balanced budget in the current year.

Meanwhile, announcement of next year's racing fixtures has been further delayed at the request of the Racecourse Association and the Horsemen's Group.

It had been hoped to announce the programme for 2012 no later than September 30, but that will not now happen.

Publication of the fixture list had originally been delayed because of discussions about funding from the Levy Board.

The fixture allocation process had been suspended since early June, but funding was expected to be confirmed at the next Levy Board meeting on September 14, after which the total number had been due to be finalised.

It had already been decided to cut the number of racing fixtures in Britain by at least 80 after the British Horseracing Authority decided to cap the number at 1,400.

A statement from the BHA read: "At the request of its stakeholders - the Racecourse Association and Horsemen's Group - the British Horseracing Authority has agreed to further delay publishing the 2012 fixture list until after September 30.

"The Authority remains deeply concerned about the downgrading of the race programme, the declining horse population and the associated impact on competitiveness levels in 2012, all of which are the result of a Levy system that is failing the sport."

Census Still Fancied

2011-09-14T05:46:00.002+01:00

Connections of Census believe the best is yet to come from the colt, who they feel underperformed in the Ladbrokes St Leger.

Census failed to end his season on a high note when only fifth to Masked Marvel in the world's oldest Classic at Doncaster on Saturday, yet Richard Hannon's charge had run that horse to a head when they met in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket in July.

A plan of campaign for 2012 is already being mapped out for the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing-owned colt that could culminate in a crack at the Melbourne Cup.

"Census is better than his finishing position of fifth suggests. There had only been a head between him and Masked Marvel in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket in July, so we know he can do better," the Marlborough trainer told www.richardhannonracing.tv.

"Richard Hughes had to give him a few slaps early on in the race, and Census was clearly not happy on the fast ground. He would not let himself down, and, though he did find his rhythm and cam there looking promising in the straight, he got a bump from Brown Panther and that was that.

"You have to remember that Census only started to blossom after Ascot. Hughesie had said when he won earlier at Newbury that he was maybe too immature for the Royal meeting, and, though he ran well there and again at Newmarket, he only really began to come to himself when he won the Geoffrey Freer Stakes back at Newbury.

"Census went weak on us as a two-year-old and went back to Highclere to strengthen up, and we have always thought of him as a long-term prospect. We will probably put him away now, and next year when he has filled his frame he could be something special.

"We won a Yorkshire Cup and a Doncaster Cup with Assessor in the early 90s, but Census would have more speed.

"He could well be one for the Ascot Gold Cup, but I know Harry Herbert (Highclere racing manager) is keen to keep the Melbourne Cup in mind and Flemington is a left-handed course, which seems to suit him well, so there are still plenty of positives there."

Rubys Back

2011-09-12T07:46:00.001+01:00

Ruby Walsh made a low-key return to action after two months out through injury.

The top jump jockey finished last of four on the Tony Martin-trained Salute Him behind Plan A in the Kerrymaid Hurdle on his only ride at Listowel.

Walsh crushed a vertebra in his neck and tore a ligament when his mount Friendly Society fell at the first flight in a handicap hurdle at Killarney in July.

Prix de L`Arc Preview

2011-09-12T07:45:00.001+01:00

Sarafina strengthened her position as favourite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as she overcame trouble to run out a narrow winner of the Qatar Prix Foy at Longchamp.

Christophe Lemaire was content to sit last of the four runners behind a steady early gallop set by last year's Arc runner-up Nakayama Festa from Japan, and Aidan O'Brien's St Nicholas Abbey briefly hit the front over a furlong out.

Lemaire suddenly had nowhere to go as the second Japanese challenger, Hiruno D'Amour, hemmed him in, but he forced his mount through a small gap and she showed plenty of courage to take the opportunity. Hiruno D'Amour finished second.

Installed Arc favourite when Derby winner Pour Moi had to be retired, Sarafina was cut to 3-1 by Coral, Ladbrokes and Stan James, and to 7-2 by Betfred.

Godolphin Bullish!

2011-09-10T10:14:00.002+01:00

Blue Bunting will be chasing a rare 'Triple Crown' of sorts today when she seeks to add the Ladbrokes St Leger to her victories in the 1000 Guineas and the Irish Oaks.

Frankie Dettori's mount, who took the Yorkshire Oaks last time, will be joined by two other members of the Godolphin team in Rumh and Genius Beast as she tries to become the first filly to win the Doncaster Classic since User Friendly back in 1992.

"Ever since Blue Bunting was competitive as a two-year-old, when winning a Listed race at Newmarket very well, we knew she was a very good filly," said Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.

"She had a small flake taken out of an ankle after that, which was why she stayed in Newmarket over the winter.

"Leading up to the Guineas, we felt then that a longer trip than a mile would suit her much better, but she was brilliant that day on fast ground.

"That sent us straight to Epsom and she has done nothing but please us through this whole campaign. She is super tough and very resolute - she gives everything she has though she wins her races by a narrow margin.

"She has held on to her condition throughout a tough and busy campaign and is as robust and healthy as she was back in May, which is why she is going for the Leger.

"Her sex allowance will be incredibly important and hopefully will give her every chance of beating the colts."

He added: "Rumh will act as a pacemaker and Genius Beast is a nice horse, a Group Three winner who we do think will stay quite well. He definitely deserves to take his chance and will give a good account of himself. However, he does need to be 8lb better to win."

Doncaster Cup Preview

2011-09-09T06:54:00.001+01:00

Michael Bell is hopeful Tactician can cope with the step up in class and trip when he lines up for the Stobart Doncaster Cup on Town Moor.

The Queen's likeable stayer has already made giant strides this term and only went down by a length to Moyenne Corniche after making most of the running in the Ebor at York last month. However, he has an extra half-mile to travel this time and is stepping up to Group Two company.

"It's obviously a big step up in class and trip, but the horse looks as though he will stay and every run this year he has improved. With a little bit more improvement it will put him in the mix," said Bell.

Tastahil was second in the corresponding race 12 months ago and Charlie Hills is praying the ground is suitable for him, telling At The Races: "He normally comes good at this time of year. He ran a great race here a year ago. He looks well in himself and we'll just keep an eye on the ground."

Blue Bajan appeared not to act on the ground at York last month when well beaten by Opinion Poll in the Lonsdale Cup. That was a rare blip for David O'Meara's nine-year-old, who has shown smart form, particularly when lifting the Henry II Stakes at Sandown in May.

"Maybe he didn't quite handle the ground at York. A lot of people complained about it afterwards. Hopefully conditions will be OK for him at Doncaster. The quicker the going the better for him," said O'Meara.

Connections of Opinion Poll are expecting a big run from the in-form stayer, who has won the Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Cup at York already this summer.

"Opinion Poll heads to Doncaster in good form. We had the option of going for the Irish St Leger on Saturday but we decided to stay in England with him," trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni told www.godolphin.com.

"Two and a quarter miles will suit him well and I think that the ground will be no problem - he won on good to firm at Goodwood and good going at York. I expect him to be there or thereabouts once again."

Frankie Dettori is excited about teaming up with an old favourite, adding on At The Races: "He's a model of consistency and he never runs a bad race. He's one of those Cup horses I enjoy riding. He always gives 100% and I'm expecting another good run."

Doncaster Preview

2011-09-06T03:57:00.003+01:00

Sir Michael Stoute is happy with the current condition of red-hot favourite Sea Moon ahead of the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday.

The son of Beat Hollow heads the market for the Town Moor Classic after his devastating eight-length victory in the always informative Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.

Stoute provided an update on the colt at a press event in London on Monday, reporting: "He won a handicap at York off a mark of 92 and had been progressing very nicely in his preparation for the Voltigeur but he needed to, otherwise we would not have contemplated going there."

The trainer added: "He obviously liked the conditions on the Knavesmire - the ground was springy and dead - but it might be very different at Doncaster. We'd be happy if he was in the same shape as at York and the vibes are quite good."

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford confirmed Rumh had been supplemented to set the pace for second-favourite Blue Bunting, winner of the 1000 Guineas, Irish and Yorkshire Oaks, as well as for Genius Beast.

Crisford said: "Genius Beast is an interesting horse but he does need to improve six or seven pounds to get into the mix.

"Sheikh Mohammed came to watch Blue Bunting work on Saturday and he was pleased she was her usual self. She has kept her form since May despite a tough campaign and we just felt that she deserved a chance against the colts."

Blue Bunting could be allowed to further her record as a four-year-old, with Crisford adding: "For as long as she seems to enjoy racing, there is every chance she will stay in training."

Richard Hannon, trainer of Census, and John Gosden, the three-time Leger-winning trainer responsible for Masked Marvel and front-runner Buthelezi, said their respective runners were doing well at home, too.

Tuesday is likely to be a crucial day in defining likely conditions for the four-day meeting, with Doncaster's clerk of the course Jon Pullin saying: "There is a significant band of rain due for Tuesday, which could be five or six millimetres. There could be more showers on Wednesday, but Tuesday is the key. If we get that amount of rain, I expect us to see good ground."

Tom Dascombe spoke of the heart-wrenching decision taken to replace Richard Kingscote with Kieren Fallon for the ride on Brown Panther in Saturday's Ladbrokes St Leger.

Kingscote has been with Dascombe since the early days in Lambourn and has remained his first jockey after the trainer upped sticks to footballer Michael Owen's stable in Cheshire.

Kingscote has been on board for each of Brown Panther's seven starts, from a good win in the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot to a luckless run in the German Derby, and in his most recent outing, when second to weekend rival Census in the Geoffrey Freer at Newbury.

The Leger is the only one of the British Classics Fallon has not collected, managing two seconds from five previous attempts, but his big-race know-how was the cause of the change in plan.

Dascombe said: "It has been a very tough, hard decision to make, but I spoke to Michael at length and it was decided on this occasion to go for a more experienced jockey. It has not been an easy decision, but it is the one we have come to. Richard has done a very good job for me, we just thought on this occasion that you don't get too many chances to win a Classic."

Fallon will head to Town Moor on Saturday in good spirits after having also been confirmed to ride Red Duke in the Champagne Stakes and York Glory in the Portland Handicap.

Brown Panther, meanwhile, was one of 11 horses remaining at the five-day stage, with a surprising three left in from Aidan O'Brien, who was expected to only field Seville. O'Brien, whose most recent of three Leger wins came with Scorpion in 2005, has left in Investec Oaks runner-up Wonder Of Wonders and lightly-raced maiden winner Freedom.

O'Brien, who did not reveal any jockey bookings, said: "Seville was always the most likely one we were going to go with, but the filly (Wonder Of Wonders) ran a good race in the Yorkshire Oaks.

"We thought she wanted better ground, but we are going to wait and see as she also has the option of dropping back to a mile and a quarter at Longchamp.

"Misty For Me might go back for that race (Prix de l'Opera), so we'll have a look later in the week and see. She's only a possible. With Freedom, we were going to see how the race made up and see if there was enough pace for everyone. It looks like there will be plenty of pace so he might not go, but that's by no means certain."

York Review

2011-09-04T19:22:00.002+01:00

Every trainer needs a headline horse and Ian Semple has certainly found one in Blues Jazz, who maintained his golden run of form at York.

The South Lanarkshire handler has relied heavily on the five-year-old since his return to the training ranks in May and the in-form gelding, who cost current connections just £2,500, has now won six races, five of them consecutively.

Having won a seller at Hamilton off a mark of 47 in May, Blues Jazz (8-1) put up a career-best performance in claiming the Watt Fences Stakes by two and a quarter lengths off 71.

Owner Robert Reid said: "He is just unbelievable. We'll have a crack at the (Ayr) Bronze Cup now, with his penalty for winning this he should get in fine."

Paul Midgley is in the middle of a real purple patch and his patience with Internationaldebut (12-1) was finally rewarded by victory in the Betfair Supports Go Racing in Yorkshire Stakes.

Midgley has always thought highly of the six-year-old, but he had been unable to coax a win out of him in over two years. However, he benefited from a lightning early pace set by the eventual third Verinco to beat Parisian Pyramid by half a length under Freddie Tylicki.

The trainer said: "We've been expecting him to win for two years now. He's got so much ability - even I can win a gallop on him at home. I said to Freddie, 'You're on the best horse and you keep telling everyone you're the best jockey, so go and prove it!'. We'll probably go to Doncaster on Thursday now."

Bryan Smart's Lady Layla (9-2) looks a filly with a bright future after a good win in the Judith Marshall Memorial Stakes and the trainer said: "She'll be a nice horse next year. She'll get 10 furlongs and she just keeps on finding more. There's plenty more to come so we won't overdo it this year."

Kevin Ryan also has high hopes for Pea Shooter (6-1) after his six-length victory in the Minster Alarms 30th Anniversary EBF Maiden Stakes under Phillip Makin.

The trainer said: "We made a mistake in having him out so early this season, having identified him as such a nice horse. That's it now for this year. He'll be a lovely six-furlong horse next season and I've already got my eye on the big three-year-old sprint at York in June (Bond Tyres Trophy)."

Dettori Out Of Gold Cup

2011-09-04T19:18:00.001+01:00

Frankie Dettori will be unable to bid for a hat-trick in Saturday week's William Hill Ayr Gold Cup after incurring a suspension at Haydock on Saturday.

The popular Italian guided Redford to success in the prestigious handicap for David Nicholls 12 months ago, and was also victorious aboard the Clive Cox-trained Jimmy Styles in 2009.

But having been found guilty of careless riding on the unplaced Merchant Of Dubai in the Betfred Bundles Old Borough Cup, he was handed a one-day suspension and will miss the Ayr feature on September 17.

Dettori's agent, Ray Cochrane, said: "To my knowledge, because it's not a Group One day, it can't be changed."

Hoof it Appeal?

2011-09-04T19:12:00.001+01:00

Connections of Hoof It are considering launching an appeal after he finished an unlucky third in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday.

The Mick Easterby-trained sprinter, jointly owned by golfer Lee Westwood and his agent Chubby Chandler, was a nose and a head behind the winner, Dream Ahead, and runner-up Bated Breath.

Easterby's four-year-old was, however, forced left inside the final furlong by Dream Ahead, after which a protracted stewards' inquiry was called.

The placings remained unaltered, but Easterby may still contest the decision.

He said: "I thought he was very unlucky, and we are considering appealing.

"There was definitely interference, and the stewards said they couldn't be certain the interference affected the result.

"But when you are talking in terms of a head and a nose, it is very, very harsh.

"The stewards have been a bit timid, for me, but on the other hand, I wouldn't want to be a steward."

Easterby added that Hoof It was unlikely to run in the William Hill Ayr Gold Cup and could go to France for the Prix de l'Abbaye and to Ascot for the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.

A run at the Breeders' Cup is also not on the agenda, as the trainer would prefer to wait a year.

Salisbury Review

2011-09-02T06:25:00.002+01:00

Green shoots emerged from a fairly barren season for Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum as a Listed win from Sajwah featured among a trio of promising two-year-olds in the owner's blue and white silks at Salisbury.

Group One runners, let alone winners, have not really appeared this year from the Sheikh's usually competitive Shadwell operation. But Sajwah, who made all of the running in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes, and longer-term types Farhaan and Firdaws offer some optimism.

All three were ridden by Richard Hills, who always seemed to have things under control aboard the Charlie Hills-trained Sajwah (8-1) and kept a length and a half in hand over Misty Conquest.

"It has been a very good day - as Richard just said, it was like the old days!" beamed the owner's racing manager, Angus Gold.

"She won well first time and was a bit buzzy at Ascot but then ran well at Newmarket. She's not just a two-year-old - she has the scope to go on next year. She's in the Cheveley Park and we've not got too much else for it at the moment, so we'll certainly look at it."

John Dunlop was notably upbeat about Newmarket maiden winner Farhaan (9-4), who just about evaded the persistent attentions of Mister Music in the EBF Whitsbury Manor Stud Novice Stakes, a race taken by Cityscape and Punctilious in recent years.

"He's from the first crop of Jazil, who won the Belmont Stakes and he'll stay further. I think he's interesting - a very nice type of horse. He wants a mile already, so we'll just see what happens," Dunlop explained.

Hills then helped Firdaws break her duck at the second attempt in the EBF "Norse Dancer" Quidhampton Maiden Fillies' Stakes. Although the 2-5 favourite eventually obliged by two lengths, it came in similarly rugged fashion.

Trainer Roger Varian explained: "She is crying out for a mile, especially as her dam (Eswarah) won the Oaks. The Fillies' Mile (Newmarket) is only 23 days away so we'll have to see about that. She has only won a maiden, so we mustn't get too excited. She could run again, but I definitely feel her future is really next year."

The CGA "Persian Punch" Conditions Stakes was fittingly claimed in good style by Highland Castle (3-1 joint-favourite). The three-year-old is trained by David Elsworth, under whose guidance the great stayer Persian Punch was able to thrive.