Royal Ascot 2011
To open Royal Ascot 2011, The Queen unveiled a magnificent bronze sculpture in the Ascot's main paddock of Coolmore's stallion, Yeats, who is the only horse to win Ascot's Gold Cup four times.
It set a quality tone for international racegoers and fans on the first day of Royal Ascot which offers three Group 1 races featuring some of the world's top Turf horses.
This year is also the first year of the British Champions' Series and winners of those three Group 1s qualify for inclusion.
The King's Stand Stakes also qualified for the Global Sprint Challenge.
Breeders' Cup executives actively scout the races on Day 1 and 2 for talent to include in their November championship races which will be held November 4 and 5 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.
Arguably the first and third races generated the most interest generated by the presence of Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Goldikova in the first and mega-star Frankel in the third.
The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m)for 4yo+
Canford Cliffs got the better of Goldikova. Photo ©David Hastings
Flash Dance was pacemaker for Freddie Head's Goldikova, 6yo triple Breeders' Cup Mile winner and 13-Group 1 winner, who was sent out with her jockey Olivier Peslier weighing in two pounds overweight.*
Handicap officials acknowledge that the extra weight negated her fillies' allowance and cost her a length.
With trainer Richard Hannon gunning for blood after his colt Paco Boy's multiple losses to the mare (costing him over £1.5 million in earnings) and a very fit Canford Cliffs under top jockey Richard Hughes, Goldikova could expect no mercy.
With the weight disadvantage, her jockey should not have taken the lead too early if he wanted to avoid setting her up as a sitting duck.
Further, he did not appear notice Canford Cliffs oncoming assault 1f out and responded too late for even a dead heat.
Goldikova is a mare who will always try with her tremendous speed and determination if she gets the jockey signal soon enough. She did not get it and came in second by 1 length.
Cityscape was another 1¾ lengths in third. The talented Cape Blanco had an off day 16 lengths behind the winner and beat only Flash Dance home and behind Rio De La Plata and Ransom Note.
The King's Stand Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge), 5f (5/8m, 1000m) for 3y0+
Nineteen runners from eight countries competed in this sharp 5f sprint and the impressive foreign competitors looked to have the advantage over Britain's horses.
Robert Cowell's four-year-old gelding, Prohibit, beat out three foreign-trained horses in a tight close with Australia's Star Witness, South Africa's mare Sweet Sanette and Hungary's speedster Overdose.
Prohibit races best from behind under a strong pace and he got his conditions paying 7/1.
He gave Ballydoyle's Zoffany the chance to streak from the rear 1f out to nearly, but never able to, catch him.
Favourite Kingsgate Native at 11/2 was 3¾ lengths behind the winner in sixth and the second favourite at 13/2, Sole Power, was eighth by 4¼ lengths.
*In Peslier's attempt to lose his extra 2 pounds, he took a sauna and grabbed boots which looked like his. They were not and he was fined £650. Not his best day.
The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo entire colts
The world's highest-rated horse, unbeaten Frankel, won his cliffhanger St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This must be the race of races at this year's Royal Ascot.
There is no adequate description of the excitement leading up to seeing the world's highest rated horse, Frankel, annihilate another hapless field of the year's best three-year olds.
Yet confused signals between the pacemaker Rerouted who went too fast burning himself out early and the wilful Frankel who forced himself into the lead 2f out and then dawdled almost contemptuously.
The playful Frankel left part of the audience holding its collective breathe and other sounding as if they were having heart attacks with the tension.
After watching Goldikova's being pipped, it was good to see jockey Tom Queally rally his colt thereby averting disaster.
Zoffany has the rare distinction of getting closest to the Wonder at a ¾ length, but only because of a failed Cecil (Sir Henry) team tactic.
Cecil promised to change tactics in future races and defended his jockey from what he felt was unfair criticism.
Marco Botti's Excelebration lost again to Frankel - this time ceding second to Zoffany and just holding third from Neebras by a head. They were 2¼ and 2½ lengths behind the winner.
The other five competitors were too far behind to be in the same class: Dream Ahead, Dubawi Gold, Wootton Bassett, Grand Prix Boss from Japan and pacemaker Rerouted.
The three races were fast on good ground, but this race was the fastest by 0.76s (1m 39.24s).
One can only admire Sir Henry Cecil for allowing the Juddmonte colt his head and experimenting with different tactics.
He is not playing it safe. Frankel will have his chance to show how good he really is.
Day Two
Races with international 'star' horses and good weather increased Royal Ascot's opening day crowd by 10% over last year to 43,354. Even Tote betting increased by 14% over last year to £1,245,535.
The second day of Royal Ascot has three world-class Group races which were full of surprises and without a favourite winning.
The Jersey Stakes (Group 3), 7f (7/8m, 1400m) for 3yo
After seeing Richard Hannon's Strong Suit in the saddling area, it was difficult to imagine the imposing colt not being the favourite (11/1), but Codemaster was at 7/4.
Strong Suit was one of last year's best two-year olds. Breathing problems developed this year and he had surgery to relieve the difficulty.
When he powered up, Codemaster and the third Western Aristocrat at 9/2 had no answer. Strong Suit was out front by ½ length and a neck in 1m 26.09s (fast by 0.61s).
The victory gave trainer Richard Hannon and son-in-law Richard Hughes their second Group victory in Royal Ascot's opening races.
The Windsor Forest Stakes (Group 2), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 4yo+ fillies and mares
Ireland's Lolly For Dolly bested 12 far more experienced and higher-rated fillies to win by 1½ lengths over Sir Henry Cecil's Chachamaidee and David Simcock's First City (by another length).
Tommy Stack, trainer of the winner. attributed her victory to staying ability and newly-fitted blinkers. Wayne Lordan gave her a perfect ride and was thrilled with his first win at Royal Ascot.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) for 4yo+
Frankie Dettori's flying dismount from Godolphin's Rewilding after winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This race probably had the most shocking conclusion of any during the meet.
Ballydoyle's famous import from Australia, So You Think NZ, was sent out 4/11 favourite. Any and all would probably have done battle over his being the one sure winner of the day.
Godolphin did not agree and they sent in their Debussy and Rewilding, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic, to take on the challenge.
Debussy is a better frontrunning horse at 7f or a mile and Rewilding is a true 1m4f stayer who lags in the back to make bursting closes.
Godolphin bet on So You Think's actually not being a stayer and Rewilding having the ability to handle a sharper trip than usual. And they have jockey Frankie Dettori.
The saddling-up area is the best place to assess the fitness and mood of potential winners. Those three horses, plus the underestimated Sri Putra, looked the best.
I bet on the sleek and lightly-raced Rewilding, half brother of Dar Re Mi by dam Darara, who looked outstanding to me.
Jan Vermeer, who was So You Think's pacemaker, missed the break and took 2f to get to the front putting SYT in second to be closely shadowed by Debussy.
Ryan Moore had trouble settling his mount SYT who was sweating in the paddock.
Once they hit the front, it appeared the race was locked down 1f out until the Dettori torpedo shot from back of the pack to wear down So You Think winning by a neck with Sri Putra third 6 lengths out.
The crowd was stunned and Godolphin jubilant.
Dettori did his flying dismount after earning himself a nine-day ban for excessive use of the whip.
Aidan O'Brien claimed his horse lost, because he was not fit enough. Australians and New Zealanders had much more unkind assessments.
Day Three
The third day of Royal Ascot draws the largest crowd of the Meet as it is Ladies' Day and the ladies come in droves to outdo each other in fashion.
It is also Gold Cup Day. For the last four years, the race was won by Yeats who is now retired to the Coolmore Stud and commemorated on Day One by The Queen when unveiling his statue in the main paddock.
This year's tussle for Royal Ascot's iconic was between the two major racing empires: Opinion Poll for Godolphin (Darley) and Fame And Glory for Ballydoyle (Coolmore).
The Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 2m4f (20f, 2½m, 4000m) for 4yo+
Yeats' worthy successor Fame And Glory outclassed Royal Ascot's Gold Cup field winning by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll. Photo ©David Hastings
The race was slowly run in 4m 37.51s (16.51s) and perfectly set up for jockey Jamie Spencer to bring Ballydoyle's relaxed Fame And Glory to the front of 14 other competitors in the final furlongs of the Gold Cup.
His stamina gave him the edge in the staying race over Godolphin's respected Opinion Poll and trainer Andre Fabre's accomplished Brigantin who raced for owners Team Valor.
Fame And Glory won easily by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll and a further 4½ lengths over Brigantin.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed that the five-year old horse will be prepared for October's Arc de Triomphe and he will return to Royal Ascot next year to try to equal or best Yeats' Gold Cup record.
Day Four
Thursday at Royal Ascot may be Ladies' Day, but the fourth day of Royal Ascot or Friday has the showcase mile race for the best international fillies of the three-year-old Classic generation.
The Corronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo fillies
Robert Collet and son brought their dynamic filly duo, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, from France to take first and second in Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Twelve fillies competed led by some of Britain and Ireland's best females.
France's Robert and son Ron Collet believed they had two of the best three-year old fillies, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, of 2011 and committed them to Royal Ascot's prestigious Coronation Stakes.
They were right. The beautiful Immortal Verse beat her beautiful compatriot Nova Hawk by 2¼ lengths followed a half length by Richard Fahey's Barefoot Lady.
The British were stunned but gracious to the happy Frenchmen. Regretfully, there is some truth in the French trainers complaint to the French press that they received only a tepid reception for their victories.
The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) for colts and geldings
Trainer John Gosden usually has good reasons when he brings a three-year-old colt who has only won a maiden to compete in one Royal Ascot's Group 2 historic races.
Nathaniel was second to Treasure Beach in the Group 3 Chester Vase and did not face as stiff competition in the King Edward.
The handsome Nathaniel, who has proven to be best at 12 furlongs, waltzed 5 lengths past his nearest rival (of nine) Fiorente and another 2 lengths ahead of Alexander Pope in a slow 2m 34.48s (slow by 4.48s).
Young jockey William Buick rode Nathaniel to perfection.
The team is just beginning its upward curve for they have a very talented colt.
Day Five
Royal Ascot's closing day on Saturday is often family day which has one of the best races for two-year olds and a prestigious 6f sprint which is part of the Global Sprint Challenge along with the 5f King's Stands Stakes won by Britain's Prohibit on opening day.
Many foreign sprinters come to Royal Ascot just to compete in both races as the 5 and 6 furlong distances.
Until recently the British sprinters were easy prey for the superior foreign horses, but that has changed with Prohibit and Society Rock (below).
The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge, 6f
Society Rock outpowered Monsieur Chevalier and Star Witness in Royal Ascot's Golden Jubilee Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Australia's Star Witness travelled to Royal Ascot to compete in both its Global Sprint Challenge races a 5 and 6 furlongs.
He was unfortunate to be touched off by Prohibit in the King's Stands Stakes, but had no excuses when he lost to Society Rock by 1¾ lengths. He was third 1¼ lengths behind trainer Richard Hannon's Monsieur Chevalier who has recovered much of his earlier form.
Trainer James Fanshawe always seems to produce a winner at Royal Ascot.
The Chesham Stakes (Listed Race), 7f for 2yo fillies and colts
Future star Maybe in the Ballydoyle Tabor colours imposed herself on 15 other 2y olds by 2¼ lengths in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Sometimes trainers are overly enthusiastic about their horses, but Aidan O'Brien's words about his two-year-old filly Maybe were understatements.
With Ryan Moore on board, the filly was sent out 5/2 favourite in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes and she thrashed the field of 16 - 2¼ lengths in front of Fort Bastion and another 3 lengths before Self Centered.
The youngster is a very finished professional filly and one expects great things from her.
The O'Brien/Moore team also won the second race of the day, the Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f for 4yo+, with four-year-old colt Await The Dawn who beat Harris Tweed by 3 lengths and Drunken Sailor in third.
Overall World Top Ten Ratings
Outstanding winners and seconds enhanced their reputations on the World Top Ten Ratings with their Royal Ascot Turf performances:
Canford Cliffs and Goldikova rose to 130 and 126 respectively for the Queen Anne race.
Rewilding and So You Think raised their ratings to 130 and 129 respectively for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
Frankel retains his 133 world leader rating for the 2000 Guineas though his impressive St James's Palace Stakes did not rate a 133.
Workforce earned his 127 from the Brigadeer Gerard and did not compete in Royal Ascot.
Five of the world's top Turf horses competed at Royal Ascot and six of the 11 are European.
Posted June 19, 2011
Royal Ascot Will Set Season's Form Again
To open Royal Ascot 2011, The Queen unveiled a magnificent bronze sculpture in the Ascot's main paddock of Coolmore's stallion, Yeats, who is the only horse to win Ascot's Gold Cup four times.
It set a quality tone for international racegoers and fans on the first day of Royal Ascot which offers three Group 1 races featuring some of the world's top Turf horses.
This year is also the first year of the British Champions' Series and winners of those three Group 1s qualify for inclusion.
The King's Stand Stakes also qualified for the Global Sprint Challenge.
Breeders' Cup executives actively scout the races on Day 1 and 2 for talent to include in their November championship races which will be held November 4 and 5 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.
Arguably the first and third races generated the most interest generated by the presence of Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Goldikova in the first and mega-star Frankel in the third.
The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m)for 4yo+
Canford Cliffs got the better of Goldikova. Photo ©David Hastings
Flash Dance was pacemaker for Freddie Head's Goldikova, 6yo triple Breeders' Cup Mile winner and 13-Group 1 winner, who was sent out with her jockey Olivier Peslier weighing in two pounds overweight.*
Handicap officials acknowledge that the extra weight negated her fillies' allowance and cost her a length.
With trainer Richard Hannon gunning for blood after his colt Paco Boy's multiple losses to the mare (costing him over £1.5 million in earnings) and a very fit Canford Cliffs under top jockey Richard Hughes, Goldikova could expect no mercy.
With the weight disadvantage, her jockey should not have taken the lead too early if he wanted to avoid setting her up as a sitting duck.
Further, he did not appear notice Canford Cliffs oncoming assault 1f out and responded too late for even a dead heat.
Goldikova is a mare who will always try with her tremendous speed and determination if she gets the jockey signal soon enough. She did not get it and came in second by 1 length.
Cityscape was another 1¾ lengths in third. The talented Cape Blanco had an off day 16 lengths behind the winner and beat only Flash Dance home and behind Rio De La Plata and Ransom Note.
The King's Stand Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge), 5f (5/8m, 1000m) for 3y0+
Nineteen runners from eight countries competed in this sharp 5f sprint and the impressive foreign competitors looked to have the advantage over Britain's horses.
Robert Cowell's four-year-old gelding, Prohibit, beat out three foreign-trained horses in a tight close with Australia's Star Witness, South Africa's mare Sweet Sanette and Hungary's speedster Overdose.
Prohibit races best from behind under a strong pace and he got his conditions paying 7/1.
He gave Ballydoyle's Zoffany the chance to streak from the rear 1f out to nearly, but never able to, catch him.
Favourite Kingsgate Native at 11/2 was 3¾ lengths behind the winner in sixth and the second favourite at 13/2, Sole Power, was eighth by 4¼ lengths.
*In Peslier's attempt to lose his extra 2 pounds, he took a sauna and grabbed boots which looked like his. They were not and he was fined £650. Not his best day.
The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo entire colts
The world's highest-rated horse, unbeaten Frankel, won his cliffhanger St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This must be the race of races at this year's Royal Ascot.
There is no adequate description of the excitement leading up to seeing the world's highest rated horse, Frankel, annihilate another hapless field of the year's best three-year olds.
Yet confused signals between the pacemaker Rerouted who went too fast burning himself out early and the wilful Frankel who forced himself into the lead 2f out and then dawdled almost contemptuously.
The playful Frankel left part of the audience holding its collective breathe and other sounding as if they were having heart attacks with the tension.
After watching Goldikova's being pipped, it was good to see jockey Tom Queally rally his colt thereby averting disaster.
Zoffany has the rare distinction of getting closest to the Wonder at a ¾ length, but only because of a failed Cecil (Sir Henry) team tactic.
Cecil promised to change tactics in future races and defended his jockey from what he felt was unfair criticism.
Marco Botti's Excelebration lost again to Frankel - this time ceding second to Zoffany and just holding third from Neebras by a head. They were 2¼ and 2½ lengths behind the winner.
The other five competitors were too far behind to be in the same class: Dream Ahead, Dubawi Gold, Wootton Bassett, Grand Prix Boss from Japan and pacemaker Rerouted.
The three races were fast on good ground, but this race was the fastest by 0.76s (1m 39.24s).
One can only admire Sir Henry Cecil for allowing the Juddmonte colt his head and experimenting with different tactics.
He is not playing it safe. Frankel will have his chance to show how good he really is.
Day Two
Races with international 'star' horses and good weather increased Royal Ascot's opening day crowd by 10% over last year to 43,354. Even Tote betting increased by 14% over last year to £1,245,535.
The second day of Royal Ascot has three world-class Group races which were full of surprises and without a favourite winning.
The Jersey Stakes (Group 3), 7f (7/8m, 1400m) for 3yo
After seeing Richard Hannon's Strong Suit in the saddling area, it was difficult to imagine the imposing colt not being the favourite (11/1), but Codemaster was at 7/4.
Strong Suit was one of last year's best two-year olds. Breathing problems developed this year and he had surgery to relieve the difficulty.
When he powered up, Codemaster and the third Western Aristocrat at 9/2 had no answer. Strong Suit was out front by ½ length and a neck in 1m 26.09s (fast by 0.61s).
The victory gave trainer Richard Hannon and son-in-law Richard Hughes their second Group victory in Royal Ascot's opening races.
The Windsor Forest Stakes (Group 2), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 4yo+ fillies and mares
Ireland's Lolly For Dolly bested 12 far more experienced and higher-rated fillies to win by 1½ lengths over Sir Henry Cecil's Chachamaidee and David Simcock's First City (by another length).
Tommy Stack, trainer of the winner. attributed her victory to staying ability and newly-fitted blinkers. Wayne Lordan gave her a perfect ride and was thrilled with his first win at Royal Ascot.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) for 4yo+
Frankie Dettori's flying dismount from Godolphin's Rewilding after winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This race probably had the most shocking conclusion of any during the meet.
Ballydoyle's famous import from Australia, So You Think NZ, was sent out 4/11 favourite. Any and all would probably have done battle over his being the one sure winner of the day.
Godolphin did not agree and they sent in their Debussy and Rewilding, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic, to take on the challenge.
Debussy is a better frontrunning horse at 7f or a mile and Rewilding is a true 1m4f stayer who lags in the back to make bursting closes.
Godolphin bet on So You Think's actually not being a stayer and Rewilding having the ability to handle a sharper trip than usual. And they have jockey Frankie Dettori.
The saddling-up area is the best place to assess the fitness and mood of potential winners. Those three horses, plus the underestimated Sri Putra, looked the best.
I bet on the sleek and lightly-raced Rewilding, half brother of Dar Re Mi by dam Darara, who looked outstanding to me.
Jan Vermeer, who was So You Think's pacemaker, missed the break and took 2f to get to the front putting SYT in second to be closely shadowed by Debussy.
Ryan Moore had trouble settling his mount SYT who was sweating in the paddock.
Once they hit the front, it appeared the race was locked down 1f out until the Dettori torpedo shot from back of the pack to wear down So You Think winning by a neck with Sri Putra third 6 lengths out.
The crowd was stunned and Godolphin jubilant.
Dettori did his flying dismount after earning himself a nine-day ban for excessive use of the whip.
Aidan O'Brien claimed his horse lost, because he was not fit enough. Australians and New Zealanders had much more unkind assessments.
Day Three
The third day of Royal Ascot draws the largest crowd of the Meet as it is Ladies' Day and the ladies come in droves to outdo each other in fashion.
It is also Gold Cup Day. For the last four years, the race was won by Yeats who is now retired to the Coolmore Stud and commemorated on Day One by The Queen when unveiling his statue in the main paddock.
This year's tussle for Royal Ascot's iconic was between the two major racing empires: Opinion Poll for Godolphin (Darley) and Fame And Glory for Ballydoyle (Coolmore).
The Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 2m4f (20f, 2½m, 4000m) for 4yo+
Yeats' worthy successor Fame And Glory outclassed Royal Ascot's Gold Cup field winning by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll. Photo ©David Hastings
The race was slowly run in 4m 37.51s (16.51s) and perfectly set up for jockey Jamie Spencer to bring Ballydoyle's relaxed Fame And Glory to the front of 14 other competitors in the final furlongs of the Gold Cup.
His stamina gave him the edge in the staying race over Godolphin's respected Opinion Poll and trainer Andre Fabre's accomplished Brigantin who raced for owners Team Valor.
Fame And Glory won easily by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll and a further 4½ lengths over Brigantin.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed that the five-year old horse will be prepared for October's Arc de Triomphe and he will return to Royal Ascot next year to try to equal or best Yeats' Gold Cup record.
Day Four
Thursday at Royal Ascot may be Ladies' Day, but the fourth day of Royal Ascot or Friday has the showcase mile race for the best international fillies of the three-year-old Classic generation.
The Corronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo fillies
Robert Collet and son brought their dynamic filly duo, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, from France to take first and second in Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Twelve fillies competed led by some of Britain and Ireland's best females.
France's Robert and son Ron Collet believed they had two of the best three-year old fillies, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, of 2011 and committed them to Royal Ascot's prestigious Coronation Stakes.
They were right. The beautiful Immortal Verse beat her beautiful compatriot Nova Hawk by 2¼ lengths followed a half length by Richard Fahey's Barefoot Lady.
The British were stunned but gracious to the happy Frenchmen. Regretfully, there is some truth in the French trainers complaint to the French press that they received only a tepid reception for their victories.
The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) for colts and geldings
Trainer John Gosden usually has good reasons when he brings a three-year-old colt who has only won a maiden to compete in one Royal Ascot's Group 2 historic races.
Nathaniel was second to Treasure Beach in the Group 3 Chester Vase and did not face as stiff competition in the King Edward.
The handsome Nathaniel, who has proven to be best at 12 furlongs, waltzed 5 lengths past his nearest rival (of nine) Fiorente and another 2 lengths ahead of Alexander Pope in a slow 2m 34.48s (slow by 4.48s).
Young jockey William Buick rode Nathaniel to perfection.
The team is just beginning its upward curve for they have a very talented colt.
Day Five
Royal Ascot's closing day on Saturday is often family day which has one of the best races for two-year olds and a prestigious 6f sprint which is part of the Global Sprint Challenge along with the 5f King's Stands Stakes won by Britain's Prohibit on opening day.
Many foreign sprinters come to Royal Ascot just to compete in both races as the 5 and 6 furlong distances.
Until recently the British sprinters were easy prey for the superior foreign horses, but that has changed with Prohibit and Society Rock (below).
The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge, 6f
Society Rock outpowered Monsieur Chevalier and Star Witness in Royal Ascot's Golden Jubilee Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Australia's Star Witness travelled to Royal Ascot to compete in both its Global Sprint Challenge races a 5 and 6 furlongs.
He was unfortunate to be touched off by Prohibit in the King's Stands Stakes, but had no excuses when he lost to Society Rock by 1¾ lengths. He was third 1¼ lengths behind trainer Richard Hannon's Monsieur Chevalier who has recovered much of his earlier form.
Trainer James Fanshawe always seems to produce a winner at Royal Ascot.
The Chesham Stakes (Listed Race), 7f for 2yo fillies and colts
Future star Maybe in the Ballydoyle Tabor colours imposed herself on 15 other 2y olds by 2¼ lengths in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Sometimes trainers are overly enthusiastic about their horses, but Aidan O'Brien's words about his two-year-old filly Maybe were understatements.
With Ryan Moore on board, the filly was sent out 5/2 favourite in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes and she thrashed the field of 16 - 2¼ lengths in front of Fort Bastion and another 3 lengths before Self Centered.
The youngster is a very finished professional filly and one expects great things from her.
The O'Brien/Moore team also won the second race of the day, the Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f for 4yo+, with four-year-old colt Await The Dawn who beat Harris Tweed by 3 lengths and Drunken Sailor in third.
Overall World Top Ten Ratings
Outstanding winners and seconds enhanced their reputations on the World Top Ten Ratings with their Royal Ascot Turf performances:
Canford Cliffs and Goldikova rose to 130 and 126 respectively for the Queen Anne race.
Rewilding and So You Think raised their ratings to 130 and 129 respectively for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
Frankel retains his 133 world leader rating for the 2000 Guineas though his impressive St James's Palace Stakes did not rate a 133.
Workforce earned his 127 from the Brigadeer Gerard and did not compete in Royal Ascot.
Five of the world's top Turf horses competed at Royal Ascot and six of the 11 are European.
Posted June 19, 2011
Royal Ascot Will Set Season's Form Again
The five-day Royal Ascot Meet occurs during the early peak season for most horse. Its races are known to establish the year's form for the horses competing in its wide range of races and distances.
It is suitable, that given 2011 is the 300th Anniversary of Royal Ascot, the QIPCO British Champions Series should start its first Series in the same year having seven of Royal Ascot's races are part of the Series.
Three major QIPCO BCS races are on opening day June 14th.
The Queen Anne Stakes (1m, 4yo+) has lured six-year-old Goldikova back to England to repeat her success last year. She is up against very tough competition against powerful males like Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Citiscape, Ransom Note and Rio Del La Plata. Flash Dance will be her pacemaker.
Given the mess in the Prix de Diane, one hopes Goldikova's jockey remembers that she is 2010 Horse of the Year in both England and France as well as being the three-times' winner of the Breeders' Cup Mile.
The King's Stand Stakes (5f, 3yo+) has attracted 19 of some of the world's finest sprinters - except Black Caviar who will compete in 2012 - and trainers.
Overdose is back for the Czech Republic. Todd Pletcher brought Bridgetown and Wesley Smith brought Holiday For Kitten to be ridden by Zenyatta's partner Mike Smith who is riding in Britain this Spring.
Star Witness is currently favourite and hails from Australia.
The European home team claims the favourites in Sole Power and game Kingsgate Native.
This is the most open race of the three starting the RA/BCS Series.
The St James's Palace Stakes (1m, 3yo) promises to be a thriller with eight taking on Frankel who is the highest-rated colt in the world at 130.
Japan is not affraid of him. It has sent Grand Prix Boss with Dubai World Cup winner Mirco Demuro on board. Dumuro is proving to be one of the world's top jockeys in and out of Italy along with his chum Frankie Dettori.
Dubawi Gold and Wootton Bassett return to the challenge against Frankel along with Dream Ahead, Excelebration, Rerouted, Godolphin's Neebras and Ballydoyle's Zoffany.
Many think Canford Cliffs will beat Goldikova. He may, but my heart is always with her.
I cannot predict the sprint outcome, but I cannot see any colt beating Frankel unless he has his first bad day.
Inside international horse racing paddocks with form expert Susan Trevelyan-Syke
News, horse form and race analysis, breeding, tips and racing trends.
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Cirrus Des Aigles in Prix d'Ispahan instead of Coronation Cup.
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Prix d'Ispahan
Longchamp
May 26
Cirrus des Aigles F
Golden Lilac
Penitent
Planteur
Reliable Man
Tin Horse
Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas
Curragh
May 26
Alkazim
Born To Sea
Daddy Long Legs
Foxtrot Romeo
Hermival
Power F
Reply
Takar
Trumpet Major
Wrote
Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas
Curragh
May 27
After
Caprella
Cleofila
Devotion
Homecoming Queen F
Ishvana
Janey Muddles
La Collina
Maybe
Princess Sinead
Samitar
Soon
Wonderful
Yellow Rosebud
Investec Oaks
Epsom
June 1
Kissed
Maybe
Fallen For You
Homecoming Queen
Kailani
Lyric Of Light
The Fugue
Vow
Queen's 60th Year of Reign Celebration
official start:
Investec Derby
Epsom
June 2
Bonfire
Camelot F
Fencing
Light Heavy
Main Sequence
Mariner's Cross
Micdaam
Parrish Hall
Top Offer
Wrote
Coronation Cup
Epsom
June 2
Al Kazeem
Arctic Cosmos F
Cavalryman
Cirrus Des Angles
Dunaden
Fame And Glory
Masked Marvel
Monterosso
Opinion Poll
Sea Moon
St Nicholas Abbey
Prix du Jockey Club
Chantilly
June 3
Albion
Ektihaam
French Fifteen
Hemival
Kesampour
Loi
Masterstroke
Belmont Stakes
Belmont, NY
June 9
Alpha
Atigun
Dullahan
Five Fifteen
Guyana Star Dweej
I'll Have Another F
Mark Vileski
Optimizer
Paynter
Refusing Sermon
Stealcase
Sweet Life
Union Rags
Unstoppable U
Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil
Auteuil
June 10
Prix de Diane
Chantilly
June 17
Beauty Parlour F
Dalkala
Force Of Darkneww
Myrtlewood
Petite Noblesse
Poupee Flash
Sagawara
The Fugue
Royal Ascot 2012
Ascot
June 19-23
Bated Breath DJ
Black Caviar DJ
Cirrus Des Aigles POW
Fame And Glory GC
Frankel SJ
Hawaafez GC
Krypton Factor DJ
Lucayan
Moonlight Cloud
Overdose
Princess Highway
Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud
St Cloud
June 24
Cirrus Des Aigles
Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day
Curragh
June 30
Pretty Polly Stakes
Curragh
July 1
Coral-Eclipse
Sandown
July 7
Born To Sea
Camelot
Crackerjack King
Frankel
Darley July Cup
Newmarket
July 17
Black Caviar
Foxwedge
Joy And Fun
Krypton Factor
Moonlight Cloud
Ortensia
Zantenda
Darley Irish Oaks
Curragh
July 22
Yellow Rosebud
Goodwood Stakes
Goodwood
August 1
Frankel
The Wathba Stud Farm Cup
Newbury
August 5
Irish Champion Stakes
Leopardstown
September 8
Camelot
Carlton House
Cityscape
Homecoming Queen
Twice Over
Dubai International Arabian Race Day
Newbury
September 23
Arc de Triomphe
Longchemp
October 6,7
Danedream
Orfevre
Young Champions
Newmarket
October 13
Champions Stakes
Ascot
October 20
Cirrus Des Aigles
Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Abu Dhabi
November 4
©Racing International
News
Irish Guineas
Update: Parish Hall pulled for leg infection from Guineas and Derby. Power new betting favourite.
###
Both Guineas in Ireland have very strong fields of fillies and colts competing on good ground at the Curragh.
Aidan O'Brien has multiple talented entires in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas on Sunday with his ace Homecoming Queen clearly leading in favouritism with course and distance experience plus her powerful runs at Leopardstown and 9-length victory in the English 1000 Guineas.
She was given a very high 120 rating by the BHA for the English Guineas despite some detractors.
If she can run on good ground as well as on soft bog, she is unbeatable.
O'Brien is not as well favoured in Saturday's Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas considering his entires of Daddy Long Legs, Power, Reply and Wrote are not running up to past form.
Though Power would be his best choice, one never knows which will perform best nor does O'Brien know until the race.
Hermival was third to Camelot and French Fifteen in the English Guineas. He is a talented colt from France and does not have to deal with either superior colt in this race.
Richard Hannon's Trumpet Major will be ridden by Richard Hughes who thinks the world of the colt.
John Oxx's Taker is clearly progressive.
James Bolger's Parish Hall was very promising at two, but he has not raced this year.
Daring Bolger is using this race as a trial for PH's Investec Derby entry next weekend.
If he has progressed, PH could be far above the others.
Cirrus For Ispahan
Trainer Corine Barande-Barbe of France's legendary Cirrus Des Aigles finally decided that he would compete in Sunday's Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan, 1m1½f at Longchamp, rather than travel him in the warm weather to England for the Coronation Cup, 1m4f at Epsom.
The race distance is also probably a factor as he is better in the 1m2f range than longer where he would meet distance specialists like Gold Cup winner Fame And Glory, Dubai World Cup winner Monterosso and last year's victor St Nicholas Abbey.
He is 8/11 favourite for the Ispahan followed by Marco Botti's Planteur.
They will race against Reliable Man, Tin Horse and Guineas/Oaks champion filly Golden Lilac on her return at four.
On To Belmont!
"We're thinking Triple Crown, baby. He's a special horse."
Trainer Doug O'Neill has followed his winning formula again with I'll Have Another (Flower Alley).
He put his chestnut colt on a bus to Belmont Park Sunday morning to begin his training for the 1½m Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 9.
There was a slight delay arriving at Belmont caused by a road accident, but it never phased the horses.
"Him and Lava Man (his pony) were together and they were just chatting away the whole time" according to assistant trainer Jack Sisterson.
No surprise as IHA is a happy, playful colt who trusts his connections.
He knows he is a star.
O'Neill sent IHA from California to work on the Churchill Downs in Kentucky and he won the Kentucky Derby.
He shipped IHA off to Maryland for the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico which he won last night.
O'Neill is taking no chances with the first Triple Crown since 1978 at stake. IHA will just walk the shed row today before plans are made for a workout.
IHA came out of his race well taking his fourth victory of the year in stride.
Can he do the extra distance?
Can he beat fresh horses like Dullahan and Union Rags?
Given his progressive style, this is one American who says YES.
Go, fella, and have another!
Frankel To Ascot
Sir Henry Cecil has not decided which race at Royal Ascot to enter Frankel in - the 1m St James' Palace Stakes remaining at his champion distance.
Or to take the chance of upping Frankel's distance for the first time in the Prince Of Wales' Stakes, 1m2f, putting him in the sights of two older, battle-hardened Cirrus Des Aigles and Monterosso who are course and distance specialists.
It might be smarter increasing his distance 1f at a time.
Other races under consideration are Sandown's Eclipse in July and York's Juddmonte International, sponsored by Frankel's owner-breeder, in August.
All of the races qualify for the British Champions Series awards as did the Lochinge.
Cecil's powerhouse was completely relaxed in the race which barely raised a sweat.
He was just a little thirsty afterwards and is fine two days later.
Classic Prospects
Lingfield's Oaks and Derby Trials turned up two hot prospects for the Investec Oaks on June 1 and the Investec Derby June 2.
Johnny Murtagh rode the highly-touted filly, William Haggis' Vow, to a 3¼ length victory over Colima in the Betfred "The Bonus King" Oaks Trial Stakes (Listed), 1m4f, over a competitive field.
Main Sequence showed his experience over the 5/4 favourite, Shantaram, by a ¾ length win in the Betfred Derby Trial Stakes (Group 3), 1m4f.
Shantaram hung badly, but bravely fought back too late to overcome the fine ride given the winner by Ted Durcan for trainer David Lanigan - a former Cecil protege.
Main Sequence is now on 16/1 odds for the Derby and Vow 8/1 for the Oaks.
Camelot is still Derby betting favourite, but a soft favourite.
There seem to be doubts about this colt with the public though not with the bookmakers who have him favourite for every race including the Arc de Triomphe.
Cirrus To Ascot
Cirrus Des Aigles FR will skip his May 20 trip to Singapour for the International Cup to concentrate on being fit enough to take on Frankel in the Prince of Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot, according to his trainer Corine Barande-Barbe.
Cirrus won last year's Champion Stakes on the same course and distance as well as two Group 1s this year: the recent Prix Gamay by 8 lengths and the Dubai Sheema Classic by a ¼ length over St Nicholas Abbey.
POW looked like a another stroll on the course for the recovered Frankel, the world's leading horse and England's 2011 Horse of the Year; it suddenly looks very, very interesting.
"Fighting" Cirrus has one of the bravest hearts in racing, is always underestimated and is guaranteed to give Frankel a proper race.
With his world top rating of 130 for the Prix Ganay, Cirrus cannot be seriously underestimated anymore.
Crackerjack King Leaves Italy
After a a 2½ length success over Afsare in the Premio Presidente Della Repubblica GBI RA Cing, Group 1, 1m2f for 4yo+, Crackerjack King IRE (Shamardal USA) has been transfered from trainer Stefano Botti to his brother Marco in Newmarket.
The colt has won six of his seven starts on good ground. His only failure to place was on soft ground.
He is aimed at the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on July 4 when he might may Camelot and Frankel and the Cox Plate later in the year.
Stefano Botti believes CK is a very good, progressive colt with a big future.
96 For Arc
Last year's winner of the Arc de Triomphe and Germany's Horse of the Year, filly Danedream, heads up the 96 entries for the October 7 race.
"Danger Man" Aidan O'Brien entered 16 of his on-fire charges (including current favourite Camelot and St Nicholas Abbey), Japan eight (which should include Orfevre) and French trainer Alain de Royer Dupre has entered nine.
Monterosso, winner of the Dubai World Cup, represents Godolphin.
©Racing International
Irish Guineas
Update: Parish Hall pulled for leg infection from Guineas and Derby. Power new betting favourite.
###
Both Guineas in Ireland have very strong fields of fillies and colts competing on good ground at the Curragh.
Aidan O'Brien has multiple talented entires in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas on Sunday with his ace Homecoming Queen clearly leading in favouritism with course and distance experience plus her powerful runs at Leopardstown and 9-length victory in the English 1000 Guineas.
She was given a very high 120 rating by the BHA for the English Guineas despite some detractors.
If she can run on good ground as well as on soft bog, she is unbeatable.
O'Brien is not as well favoured in Saturday's Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas considering his entires of Daddy Long Legs, Power, Reply and Wrote are not running up to past form.
Though Power would be his best choice, one never knows which will perform best nor does O'Brien know until the race.
Hermival was third to Camelot and French Fifteen in the English Guineas. He is a talented colt from France and does not have to deal with either superior colt in this race.
Richard Hannon's Trumpet Major will be ridden by Richard Hughes who thinks the world of the colt.
John Oxx's Taker is clearly progressive.
James Bolger's Parish Hall was very promising at two, but he has not raced this year.
Daring Bolger is using this race as a trial for PH's Investec Derby entry next weekend.
If he has progressed, PH could be far above the others.
Cirrus For Ispahan
Trainer Corine Barande-Barbe of France's legendary Cirrus Des Aigles finally decided that he would compete in Sunday's Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan, 1m1½f at Longchamp, rather than travel him in the warm weather to England for the Coronation Cup, 1m4f at Epsom.
The race distance is also probably a factor as he is better in the 1m2f range than longer where he would meet distance specialists like Gold Cup winner Fame And Glory, Dubai World Cup winner Monterosso and last year's victor St Nicholas Abbey.
He is 8/11 favourite for the Ispahan followed by Marco Botti's Planteur.
They will race against Reliable Man, Tin Horse and Guineas/Oaks champion filly Golden Lilac on her return at four.
On To Belmont!
"We're thinking Triple Crown, baby. He's a special horse."
Trainer Doug O'Neill has followed his winning formula again with I'll Have Another (Flower Alley).
He put his chestnut colt on a bus to Belmont Park Sunday morning to begin his training for the 1½m Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 9.
There was a slight delay arriving at Belmont caused by a road accident, but it never phased the horses.
"Him and Lava Man (his pony) were together and they were just chatting away the whole time" according to assistant trainer Jack Sisterson.
No surprise as IHA is a happy, playful colt who trusts his connections.
He knows he is a star.
O'Neill sent IHA from California to work on the Churchill Downs in Kentucky and he won the Kentucky Derby.
He shipped IHA off to Maryland for the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico which he won last night.
O'Neill is taking no chances with the first Triple Crown since 1978 at stake. IHA will just walk the shed row today before plans are made for a workout.
IHA came out of his race well taking his fourth victory of the year in stride.
Can he do the extra distance?
Can he beat fresh horses like Dullahan and Union Rags?
Given his progressive style, this is one American who says YES.
Go, fella, and have another!
Frankel To Ascot
Sir Henry Cecil has not decided which race at Royal Ascot to enter Frankel in - the 1m St James' Palace Stakes remaining at his champion distance.
Or to take the chance of upping Frankel's distance for the first time in the Prince Of Wales' Stakes, 1m2f, putting him in the sights of two older, battle-hardened Cirrus Des Aigles and Monterosso who are course and distance specialists.
It might be smarter increasing his distance 1f at a time.
Other races under consideration are Sandown's Eclipse in July and York's Juddmonte International, sponsored by Frankel's owner-breeder, in August.
All of the races qualify for the British Champions Series awards as did the Lochinge.
Cecil's powerhouse was completely relaxed in the race which barely raised a sweat.
He was just a little thirsty afterwards and is fine two days later.
Classic Prospects
Lingfield's Oaks and Derby Trials turned up two hot prospects for the Investec Oaks on June 1 and the Investec Derby June 2.
Johnny Murtagh rode the highly-touted filly, William Haggis' Vow, to a 3¼ length victory over Colima in the Betfred "The Bonus King" Oaks Trial Stakes (Listed), 1m4f, over a competitive field.
Main Sequence showed his experience over the 5/4 favourite, Shantaram, by a ¾ length win in the Betfred Derby Trial Stakes (Group 3), 1m4f.
Shantaram hung badly, but bravely fought back too late to overcome the fine ride given the winner by Ted Durcan for trainer David Lanigan - a former Cecil protege.
Main Sequence is now on 16/1 odds for the Derby and Vow 8/1 for the Oaks.
Camelot is still Derby betting favourite, but a soft favourite.
There seem to be doubts about this colt with the public though not with the bookmakers who have him favourite for every race including the Arc de Triomphe.
Cirrus To Ascot
Cirrus Des Aigles FR will skip his May 20 trip to Singapour for the International Cup to concentrate on being fit enough to take on Frankel in the Prince of Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot, according to his trainer Corine Barande-Barbe.
Cirrus won last year's Champion Stakes on the same course and distance as well as two Group 1s this year: the recent Prix Gamay by 8 lengths and the Dubai Sheema Classic by a ¼ length over St Nicholas Abbey.
POW looked like a another stroll on the course for the recovered Frankel, the world's leading horse and England's 2011 Horse of the Year; it suddenly looks very, very interesting.
"Fighting" Cirrus has one of the bravest hearts in racing, is always underestimated and is guaranteed to give Frankel a proper race.
With his world top rating of 130 for the Prix Ganay, Cirrus cannot be seriously underestimated anymore.
Crackerjack King Leaves Italy
After a a 2½ length success over Afsare in the Premio Presidente Della Repubblica GBI RA Cing, Group 1, 1m2f for 4yo+, Crackerjack King IRE (Shamardal USA) has been transfered from trainer Stefano Botti to his brother Marco in Newmarket.
The colt has won six of his seven starts on good ground. His only failure to place was on soft ground.
He is aimed at the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on July 4 when he might may Camelot and Frankel and the Cox Plate later in the year.
Stefano Botti believes CK is a very good, progressive colt with a big future.
96 For Arc
Last year's winner of the Arc de Triomphe and Germany's Horse of the Year, filly Danedream, heads up the 96 entries for the October 7 race.
"Danger Man" Aidan O'Brien entered 16 of his on-fire charges (including current favourite Camelot and St Nicholas Abbey), Japan eight (which should include Orfevre) and French trainer Alain de Royer Dupre has entered nine.
Monterosso, winner of the Dubai World Cup, represents Godolphin.
©Racing International
Frankel - Highest Ranked Horse At 138
Frankel 2011 Photo©David Hastings
Frankel's (Galileo IRE) returned to racing at four, after a training injury, in the one-mile JLT Lochinge Stakes (Group 1) at Newbury Racecourse May 19.
His five-length victory over a very good miler, Excelebration IRE (Exceed And Excell AUS), for the fourth time brought Frankel his 10th win of 10 starts - six of which are Group 1s.
The Racing Post handicapper put that performance on a 138 rating which is two pounds higher than last year at three.
He has retained his title as the world's highest-ranked horse at four and bettered his rank.
It would be impossible to dispute.
Until Frankel won the Lochinge, the six-year-old gelding Cirrus Des Aigles FR (Even Top IRE) and six-year-old mare Black Caviar AUS (Bel Esprit AUS) were ranked at the highest level jointly on 130.
All three horses are Turf champions on the Flat.
I'll Have Another USA (Flower Alley USA) and Bodemeister USA (Empire Maker USA), first and second in the Kentucky Derby, are the world's highest ranked Flat Dirt horses on 126 at three years of age.
After the Preakness, IHA and B repeated their success and earned a very high 109 Beyer Speed.
Beyer admitted that he had rated Bodemeister as the better horse until I'll Have Another proved his dominance again as well as his versatility in the Preakness.
Fighting Cirrus may race next on Saturday in the Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp or the Coronation Cup June 2 at Epsom.
I'll Have Another will tackle the third leg of the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes on June 9 in hopes of becoming the first TC winner since 1978.
Black Caviar will race in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Many Brits would love to see Black Caviar meet Frankel in the 7f Goodwood Stakes August 1.
Even Frankel's trainer, Sir Henry Cecil, thinks such a race would be very good for racing.
Frankel is next scheduled for a Royal Ascot appearance in either the mile St James' Palace Stakes or the 1m2f Prince of Wales' Stakes.
©Posted May 23, 2012
Frankel 2011 Photo©David Hastings
Frankel's (Galileo IRE) returned to racing at four, after a training injury, in the one-mile JLT Lochinge Stakes (Group 1) at Newbury Racecourse May 19.
His five-length victory over a very good miler, Excelebration IRE (Exceed And Excell AUS), for the fourth time brought Frankel his 10th win of 10 starts - six of which are Group 1s.
The Racing Post handicapper put that performance on a 138 rating which is two pounds higher than last year at three.
He has retained his title as the world's highest-ranked horse at four and bettered his rank.
It would be impossible to dispute.
Until Frankel won the Lochinge, the six-year-old gelding Cirrus Des Aigles FR (Even Top IRE) and six-year-old mare Black Caviar AUS (Bel Esprit AUS) were ranked at the highest level jointly on 130.
All three horses are Turf champions on the Flat.
I'll Have Another USA (Flower Alley USA) and Bodemeister USA (Empire Maker USA), first and second in the Kentucky Derby, are the world's highest ranked Flat Dirt horses on 126 at three years of age.
After the Preakness, IHA and B repeated their success and earned a very high 109 Beyer Speed.
Beyer admitted that he had rated Bodemeister as the better horse until I'll Have Another proved his dominance again as well as his versatility in the Preakness.
Fighting Cirrus may race next on Saturday in the Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp or the Coronation Cup June 2 at Epsom.
I'll Have Another will tackle the third leg of the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes on June 9 in hopes of becoming the first TC winner since 1978.
Black Caviar will race in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Many Brits would love to see Black Caviar meet Frankel in the 7f Goodwood Stakes August 1.
Even Frankel's trainer, Sir Henry Cecil, thinks such a race would be very good for racing.
Frankel is next scheduled for a Royal Ascot appearance in either the mile St James' Palace Stakes or the 1m2f Prince of Wales' Stakes.
©Posted May 23, 2012
Kauto Star Overall Champion Jumps Horse
Kauto Star with jockey Ruby Walsh won his 4th King George VI Chase for trainer Paul Nicholls. Photo ©David Hastings
The Turf Club and British Horseracing Authority issued the thirteenth full Anglo-Irish Jump Classifications for the 2011-2012 racing season in both countries.
The classifications were compiled by eight handicappers with assistance from Jacques de Chevigny of France and Lyn Bowker of Weatherbys.
France's jumps season ends later than Great Britain and Ireland's which is why its season is not included.
The minimum rating is 140 for Chasers and Hurders in seven different categories defined by distance.
Kauto Star RR (Village Star FR) was named overall Champion Jumps horse of 2011-2012 for his extraordinary Betfair Chase and William Hill King George VI Chase on the highest ranking of 180.
Phil Smith, head of handicapping for the BHA, said: "Kauto Star's return to the pinnacle of Jump racing is a truly remarkable story...(his) victories will live long in the memory and stand out as highlights of yet another vintage year."
Irish Senior Steward William Flood felt that "racing is truly blessed to have had him. We are excited to see whether next year any of the Irish pretenders can dethrone the king".
Next year starts in the Fall of 2012 and no one knows if the remarkable twelve-year old will race again since he was pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The Awards are
Champion Novice Hurdler, Simonsig, 160
Champion Novice Chaser, Sprinter Sacre, 169
Champion 2m Hurdler, Hurricane Fly/Rock On Ruby, 170
Champion 2m Chaser, Finian's Rainbow, 173
Champion 2½m Hurdler, Big Buck's, 174
Champion 2½m Chaser, Master Minded, 174
Champion 3m Chaser, Kauto Star, 180.
Big Buck's FR (Cadoudal FR) is called "the special one" after winning best hurdler at any distance for the fourth consecutive year.
Kauto Star, Big Buck's, Master Minded and Rock On Ruby are trained by Paul Nicholls.
Simonsig and Sprinter Sacre are trained by Nicky Henderson.
W P 'Willie' Mullins of Ireland trains Hurricane Fly and Finian's Rainbow.
Other exceptional horses noted were Bobs Worth, Dynaste, Flemenstar, Grumeti, Long Run who was defeated twice by Kauto Star on 178, Neptune Collanges - Grand National winner on 168, Oscar's Well, Overturn, Sanctuaire, Sir Des Champs, Sizing Europe, Somersby and the late Synchronised - Gold Cup winner on 168.
There are so many outstanding Jump horses and so many promising, progressive horses who created an amazing season. Though it is impossible to image, they get better and better every year.
France is just completing its season which has produced many outstanding new stars. No doubt major British and Irish owners will be looking to buy a few.
A P McCoy is British Champion Jockey, Henry Brooke British Champion Conditional Jockey, Paul Nicholls British Champion Trainer and J P McManus is British Champion Owner.
©Posted May 23, 2012
Kauto Star with jockey Ruby Walsh won his 4th King George VI Chase for trainer Paul Nicholls. Photo ©David Hastings
The Turf Club and British Horseracing Authority issued the thirteenth full Anglo-Irish Jump Classifications for the 2011-2012 racing season in both countries.
The classifications were compiled by eight handicappers with assistance from Jacques de Chevigny of France and Lyn Bowker of Weatherbys.
France's jumps season ends later than Great Britain and Ireland's which is why its season is not included.
The minimum rating is 140 for Chasers and Hurders in seven different categories defined by distance.
Kauto Star RR (Village Star FR) was named overall Champion Jumps horse of 2011-2012 for his extraordinary Betfair Chase and William Hill King George VI Chase on the highest ranking of 180.
Phil Smith, head of handicapping for the BHA, said: "Kauto Star's return to the pinnacle of Jump racing is a truly remarkable story...(his) victories will live long in the memory and stand out as highlights of yet another vintage year."
Irish Senior Steward William Flood felt that "racing is truly blessed to have had him. We are excited to see whether next year any of the Irish pretenders can dethrone the king".
Next year starts in the Fall of 2012 and no one knows if the remarkable twelve-year old will race again since he was pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The Awards are
Champion Novice Hurdler, Simonsig, 160
Champion Novice Chaser, Sprinter Sacre, 169
Champion 2m Hurdler, Hurricane Fly/Rock On Ruby, 170
Champion 2m Chaser, Finian's Rainbow, 173
Champion 2½m Hurdler, Big Buck's, 174
Champion 2½m Chaser, Master Minded, 174
Champion 3m Chaser, Kauto Star, 180.
Big Buck's FR (Cadoudal FR) is called "the special one" after winning best hurdler at any distance for the fourth consecutive year.
Kauto Star, Big Buck's, Master Minded and Rock On Ruby are trained by Paul Nicholls.
Simonsig and Sprinter Sacre are trained by Nicky Henderson.
W P 'Willie' Mullins of Ireland trains Hurricane Fly and Finian's Rainbow.
Other exceptional horses noted were Bobs Worth, Dynaste, Flemenstar, Grumeti, Long Run who was defeated twice by Kauto Star on 178, Neptune Collanges - Grand National winner on 168, Oscar's Well, Overturn, Sanctuaire, Sir Des Champs, Sizing Europe, Somersby and the late Synchronised - Gold Cup winner on 168.
There are so many outstanding Jump horses and so many promising, progressive horses who created an amazing season. Though it is impossible to image, they get better and better every year.
France is just completing its season which has produced many outstanding new stars. No doubt major British and Irish owners will be looking to buy a few.
A P McCoy is British Champion Jockey, Henry Brooke British Champion Conditional Jockey, Paul Nicholls British Champion Trainer and J P McManus is British Champion Owner.
©Posted May 23, 2012
NYRA Is Now Under Public Control
New York's Governor Mario Cuomo and legislators announced an agreement to establish the New York Racing Association Reorganization Board that will place the NYRA under temporary control in order to reform the Association and transform oversight and management of horse racing in New York State.
The NYRA Reorganization Board will be comprised of 17 directors - a majority of whom will be publicly appointed with a Chair nominated by the Governor.
The current board will be dissolved.
After three years to restructure and reorganize the NYRA, the Association will revert to majority private control.
Governor Cuomo said "With the structure of the gaming industry changing here in New York, the State also needs to take a new approach to how it manages and governs racing."
The NYRA is a not-for-profit corporation responsible for the operation of the three largest horse-racing tracks in New York: Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens; Belmont Park in Long Island; and Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs.
It is a great relief to the New York Thoroughbred Breeders and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association that the State has acted to secure transparancy, oversight, good governance, good reputaion and the industry's income.
There is a serious question of whether such a body can or should function as a private non-profit.
What U.S. racing also needs is a national regulatory body.
©Posted May 23, 2012
New York's Governor Mario Cuomo and legislators announced an agreement to establish the New York Racing Association Reorganization Board that will place the NYRA under temporary control in order to reform the Association and transform oversight and management of horse racing in New York State.
The NYRA Reorganization Board will be comprised of 17 directors - a majority of whom will be publicly appointed with a Chair nominated by the Governor.
The current board will be dissolved.
After three years to restructure and reorganize the NYRA, the Association will revert to majority private control.
Governor Cuomo said "With the structure of the gaming industry changing here in New York, the State also needs to take a new approach to how it manages and governs racing."
The NYRA is a not-for-profit corporation responsible for the operation of the three largest horse-racing tracks in New York: Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens; Belmont Park in Long Island; and Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs.
It is a great relief to the New York Thoroughbred Breeders and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association that the State has acted to secure transparancy, oversight, good governance, good reputaion and the industry's income.
There is a serious question of whether such a body can or should function as a private non-profit.
What U.S. racing also needs is a national regulatory body.
©Posted May 23, 2012
I'll Have Another Had Another
Triple Crown madness is afoot. Chances of I'll Have Another becoming the 12th horse in U.S. racing history to win Triple Crown and the first winner in 34 years (since Affirmed beat Alydar in 1978) just got better.
I'll Have Another (Flower Alley USA) won the 1-3/16m Preakness Stakes (Grade 1) with greater ease than he won the Kentucky Derby in beating super-fast Bodemeister in both races and with the two leaving all the other three-year olds in the dust. Creative Cause was third 8¾ lengths behind.
The three-year-old chestnut colt has won all of his four Stakes races in 2012 and performed better as distances increased. The third leg of the Crown is the longest - 1½m (1m4f, 2400m) - and is called the "Test of the Champion".*
Eleven horses arrived at Belmont Park in these 34 years with the first two Classic victories in hand. Eleven failed to win the Belmont Stakes.
I'll Have Another could be the exception. He has shown a versatility and adaptability in his racing style, a tremendous racing intelligence, a determination to win and a terrific final kick. He's a natural.
He also has ice-cool Mario Guitierrez as his jockey. He trusts his horse's racing judgment and lets him do what he wants in his races until he gives the final shake of the reins to take out the lead horse.
"He never got a lucky trip. He's an amazing horse. He makes me very confident" said the 25-year-old native of Veracruz, Mexico.
In the Preakness, he raced up with the pace in three or four on the outside putting in the the greater distances than Bodemeister who had the benefit of the soft lead his great speed gave him and he had the rail.
IHA almost stumbled and drifted twice in his final challenge. Bodemeister fought back and did not look tired.
The secret may be how fast and fluid IHA's legs were going when passing the second who lost by a neck.
Bodemeister's jockey, Mike Smith, said "I don't know what I have to do to beat him. Maybe they'll give that horse (ILA) his due now. He's a good horse. He's a really good horse."
Beyer awarded a high 109 speed for the race.
In addition to horse-jockey affinity, trainer Doug O'Neill has been the right trainer for the horse giving him the best preparation he can including sending the colt to work out on the three tracks as soon as possible before the big races.
IHA has also given his controversial trainer a massive chance of redemption after his many skirmishes with the Rules and racing authorities.
The horse's success has given a massive boost to California training, U.S. racing and to Pimlico which hosted a record crowd of 121,309 on a warm, sunny day.
There are no words to describe what I'll Have Another has done for us fans who are desperate for the horse to win the Triple Crown. Hope. Pure hope.
*"Test of Champions" equals the distance of the English and Irish Derbys for three-year olds.
©Posted May 20, 2012
Triple Crown madness is afoot. Chances of I'll Have Another becoming the 12th horse in U.S. racing history to win Triple Crown and the first winner in 34 years (since Affirmed beat Alydar in 1978) just got better.
I'll Have Another (Flower Alley USA) won the 1-3/16m Preakness Stakes (Grade 1) with greater ease than he won the Kentucky Derby in beating super-fast Bodemeister in both races and with the two leaving all the other three-year olds in the dust. Creative Cause was third 8¾ lengths behind.
The three-year-old chestnut colt has won all of his four Stakes races in 2012 and performed better as distances increased. The third leg of the Crown is the longest - 1½m (1m4f, 2400m) - and is called the "Test of the Champion".*
Eleven horses arrived at Belmont Park in these 34 years with the first two Classic victories in hand. Eleven failed to win the Belmont Stakes.
I'll Have Another could be the exception. He has shown a versatility and adaptability in his racing style, a tremendous racing intelligence, a determination to win and a terrific final kick. He's a natural.
He also has ice-cool Mario Guitierrez as his jockey. He trusts his horse's racing judgment and lets him do what he wants in his races until he gives the final shake of the reins to take out the lead horse.
"He never got a lucky trip. He's an amazing horse. He makes me very confident" said the 25-year-old native of Veracruz, Mexico.
In the Preakness, he raced up with the pace in three or four on the outside putting in the the greater distances than Bodemeister who had the benefit of the soft lead his great speed gave him and he had the rail.
IHA almost stumbled and drifted twice in his final challenge. Bodemeister fought back and did not look tired.
The secret may be how fast and fluid IHA's legs were going when passing the second who lost by a neck.
Bodemeister's jockey, Mike Smith, said "I don't know what I have to do to beat him. Maybe they'll give that horse (ILA) his due now. He's a good horse. He's a really good horse."
Beyer awarded a high 109 speed for the race.
In addition to horse-jockey affinity, trainer Doug O'Neill has been the right trainer for the horse giving him the best preparation he can including sending the colt to work out on the three tracks as soon as possible before the big races.
IHA has also given his controversial trainer a massive chance of redemption after his many skirmishes with the Rules and racing authorities.
The horse's success has given a massive boost to California training, U.S. racing and to Pimlico which hosted a record crowd of 121,309 on a warm, sunny day.
There are no words to describe what I'll Have Another has done for us fans who are desperate for the horse to win the Triple Crown. Hope. Pure hope.
*"Test of Champions" equals the distance of the English and Irish Derbys for three-year olds.
©Posted May 20, 2012
Frankel's Back
Ground-eating Frankel, with Tom Queally on board, put his head down to win JLT Lochinge Stakes by 5 lengths at Newbury. Photo ©David Hastings
Newbury Racecourse welcomed a record crowd of 15,000 for its annual JLT Lochinge Stakes (Grade 1), 1m straight on heavy Turf.
Many of the crowd bore placards in the famous Juddmonte Farms' racing colours to support the day's main attraction Frankel (Galileo IRE), who was last year's highest-rated horse in the world and British Horse of the Year, return to racing for the first time at four after a training injury scare.
The magnificent colt draws besotted fans every time he appears - even for a gentle gallop up the Newmarket straight on Guineas day.
Mere mention that he could possibly lose the fifth of the British Champion Series brought shudders.
Britain has its chunky hero.
Only five horses competed against him in the prestigious Class 1 race. Strong Suit defected on the day.
Aidan O'Brien was a good sport in allowing his fine colt, Excelebration IRE (Exceed And Excel AUS), to compete against the horse who had already defeated him three times.
Then again Frankel has defeated every horse who raced against him in his 10 races of which six were Group 1s.
Bullet Train, three-quarter brother of Frankel, and Windsor Palace IRE played their pacesetter roles again with Dubawi Gold and Ransom Note on their own.
The ground was very testing leaving all but Bullet Train, who led a good pace, and Frankel undisturbed in second.
With the crowd shouting wildly for them, Frankel and Tom Queally made for the front about two furlongs out.
Despite the horse being a fast, good ground horse, he seemed to relish the difficult Turf while devouring it.
He clearly loves racing and defeating any challenge in his way with increased power in his fourth year.
He has matured under jockey Tom Queally with whom he has empathy. They have the 'absolute faith' relationship similar to that of Mario Gutierrez and I'll Have Another.
In the end, Excelebration took his usual second place five lengths off the winner with Dubai Gold in third, Bullet Train fourth followed by Ransom Note and Windsor Palace.
Frankel sauntered into the winner's circle with barely a damp coat. The only sign he ran a race was thirst.
Apres-race and up close to the sheer muscle power of Frankel.
Photo ©Racing International
He really is another class of a horse.
O'Brien, always gracious, congratulated Sir Henry Cecil with "Our horse is a good one, make no mistake. But Frankel is a great on. The sport needs champions like him and let's just celebrate him, whatever he does, while we can."
That is clearly Sir Henry's philosophy as well. He was relieved that Frankel is still Frankel and perhaps even better than last year.
The trainer, who is as beloved as his horse, is especially thrilled with the impact for good his colt has on racing.
Cecil has yet to make up his mind when he will increase the colt's distance from his mile to a mile and a quarter (1¼, 1m2f, 2000m).
It could be at Royal Ascot. Frankel will compete in either the mile St James' Stakes or the longer Prince of Wales' Stakes where he may face course-and-distance specialist Cirrus Des Aigles FR.
Fans are still dreaming of an unlikely race with Black Caviar in the Goodwood Stakes in August.
He could compete in the July Eclipse and the August Juddmonte International Stakes sponsored by his owner and breeder Prince Khalid Abdullah.
Whichever - he's back and on a roll.
Wonder horse Frankel flanked by owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, trainer Sir Henry Cecil (obscured behind Prince) and jockey Tom Queally.
Photo ©Racing International
©Posted May 20, 2012
Ground-eating Frankel, with Tom Queally on board, put his head down to win JLT Lochinge Stakes by 5 lengths at Newbury. Photo ©David Hastings
Newbury Racecourse welcomed a record crowd of 15,000 for its annual JLT Lochinge Stakes (Grade 1), 1m straight on heavy Turf.
Many of the crowd bore placards in the famous Juddmonte Farms' racing colours to support the day's main attraction Frankel (Galileo IRE), who was last year's highest-rated horse in the world and British Horse of the Year, return to racing for the first time at four after a training injury scare.
The magnificent colt draws besotted fans every time he appears - even for a gentle gallop up the Newmarket straight on Guineas day.
Mere mention that he could possibly lose the fifth of the British Champion Series brought shudders.
Britain has its chunky hero.
Only five horses competed against him in the prestigious Class 1 race. Strong Suit defected on the day.
Aidan O'Brien was a good sport in allowing his fine colt, Excelebration IRE (Exceed And Excel AUS), to compete against the horse who had already defeated him three times.
Then again Frankel has defeated every horse who raced against him in his 10 races of which six were Group 1s.
Bullet Train, three-quarter brother of Frankel, and Windsor Palace IRE played their pacesetter roles again with Dubawi Gold and Ransom Note on their own.
The ground was very testing leaving all but Bullet Train, who led a good pace, and Frankel undisturbed in second.
With the crowd shouting wildly for them, Frankel and Tom Queally made for the front about two furlongs out.
Despite the horse being a fast, good ground horse, he seemed to relish the difficult Turf while devouring it.
He clearly loves racing and defeating any challenge in his way with increased power in his fourth year.
He has matured under jockey Tom Queally with whom he has empathy. They have the 'absolute faith' relationship similar to that of Mario Gutierrez and I'll Have Another.
In the end, Excelebration took his usual second place five lengths off the winner with Dubai Gold in third, Bullet Train fourth followed by Ransom Note and Windsor Palace.
Frankel sauntered into the winner's circle with barely a damp coat. The only sign he ran a race was thirst.
Apres-race and up close to the sheer muscle power of Frankel.
Photo ©Racing International
He really is another class of a horse.
O'Brien, always gracious, congratulated Sir Henry Cecil with "Our horse is a good one, make no mistake. But Frankel is a great on. The sport needs champions like him and let's just celebrate him, whatever he does, while we can."
That is clearly Sir Henry's philosophy as well. He was relieved that Frankel is still Frankel and perhaps even better than last year.
The trainer, who is as beloved as his horse, is especially thrilled with the impact for good his colt has on racing.
Cecil has yet to make up his mind when he will increase the colt's distance from his mile to a mile and a quarter (1¼, 1m2f, 2000m).
It could be at Royal Ascot. Frankel will compete in either the mile St James' Stakes or the longer Prince of Wales' Stakes where he may face course-and-distance specialist Cirrus Des Aigles FR.
Fans are still dreaming of an unlikely race with Black Caviar in the Goodwood Stakes in August.
He could compete in the July Eclipse and the August Juddmonte International Stakes sponsored by his owner and breeder Prince Khalid Abdullah.
Whichever - he's back and on a roll.
Wonder horse Frankel flanked by owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, trainer Sir Henry Cecil (obscured behind Prince) and jockey Tom Queally.
Photo ©Racing International
©Posted May 20, 2012
Danedream's Successful Return
Four-year-old Danedream GER (Lomitas), five-length winner of the Arc de Triomphe at three, has won the Grosser Preis Der Badischen Unternehmer (Group 2), 1m3f (11f, 1-1/3m, 2200m) for 4yo+, in her successful return to racing.
She beat Ovambo Queen by a ¾ length and nine others.
Retaining her Arc title is her trainer Peter Schiergen's objective.
She was bred by the Gestut Brummerhoff and owned by the Gestut Burg Eberstein in 2011. Since winning the Arc, Teruya Yoshida has bought shares in her. She may retire to Japan.
©Posted May 24, 2012
Four-year-old Danedream GER (Lomitas), five-length winner of the Arc de Triomphe at three, has won the Grosser Preis Der Badischen Unternehmer (Group 2), 1m3f (11f, 1-1/3m, 2200m) for 4yo+, in her successful return to racing.
She beat Ovambo Queen by a ¾ length and nine others.
Retaining her Arc title is her trainer Peter Schiergen's objective.
She was bred by the Gestut Brummerhoff and owned by the Gestut Burg Eberstein in 2011. Since winning the Arc, Teruya Yoshida has bought shares in her. She may retire to Japan.
©Posted May 24, 2012
Foreign Horses Dominate Singapour
One of Europe's most experienced and likeable horses, Chinchon IRE (Marju IRE) of France, won the valuable Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup, 1m2f (1¼m, 10f, 2000m) for 3yo+ by three lengths over Zaidan USA (Street Cry IRE) at Kranji.
The 7yo is trained by C Laffon-Parias and is based at Chantilly. Olivier Doleuze rode him very wisely.
Zaidan, trained by John Moore, was bred in England and sold on to Hong Kong owner Cheng Keung Fai in 2010. After a year off, the four-year old has raced out of a home base at Sha Tin since 2012.
The third, Flax SAF (Silvano GER), by ½ length is an interesting success. He is a six-year-old gelding who has only raced twice at Kranji placing third both times.
Eleven raced. Always Certain and one of the early favourites, Godolphin's City Style, did not participate.
©Posted May 24, 2012
One of Europe's most experienced and likeable horses, Chinchon IRE (Marju IRE) of France, won the valuable Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup, 1m2f (1¼m, 10f, 2000m) for 3yo+ by three lengths over Zaidan USA (Street Cry IRE) at Kranji.
The 7yo is trained by C Laffon-Parias and is based at Chantilly. Olivier Doleuze rode him very wisely.
Zaidan, trained by John Moore, was bred in England and sold on to Hong Kong owner Cheng Keung Fai in 2010. After a year off, the four-year old has raced out of a home base at Sha Tin since 2012.
The third, Flax SAF (Silvano GER), by ½ length is an interesting success. He is a six-year-old gelding who has only raced twice at Kranji placing third both times.
Eleven raced. Always Certain and one of the early favourites, Godolphin's City Style, did not participate.
©Posted May 24, 2012
Oman's Stallion Muhal Conquers Ladies
The fifth leg of The Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) for lady riders ran just after Frankel's return to racing in the Lochinge Stakes before a crowd of 15,000. Read on
Frankel's Back
Many of the crowd bore placards in the famous Juddmonte Farms' racing colours to support the day's main attraction Frankel (Galileo IRE), who was last year's highest-rated horse in the world and British Horse of the Year, return to racing for the first time at four after a training injury scare. Read on
I'll Have Another Had Another - The Preakness
Triple Crown madness is afoot. Chances of I'll Have Another becoming the 12th horse in U.S. racing history to win Triple Crown and the first winner in 34 years (since Affirmed beat Alydar in 1978) just got better. Read on
New York Racing Authority' Ongoing Problems
During the Inspector General's investigation of the New York Racing Authority's handling of income takeout, the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Develpment Fund has assured the public that not only will the prestigious Saratoga meet take place this summer as planned, but that revenue from Resorts World Casino New York City for purses and breeding industry continues unabated. Read on
York: Red Cadeaux, Bonfire, The Fugue and Shining Fillies The unlucky Red Cadeaux, 6yo gelding son of Cadeaux Genereaux, came a close second in several big races including the Melbourne Cup. Read on
Weld And Bolger Dominate Irish Trials
From early signs, Aidan O'Brien was expected to win all the Classics in both Ireland and England with a good chance of including the French races as well. Read on
Dabirsim's Future Without Soumillon
Dabirsim's trainer, Christophe Ferland, announced that the three-year-old colt will be entered in Monday's La Teste and is doing well since his Sunday race. Read on
Beauty Parlour Lives Up To Expectations
Highly-touted as the successor to the Aga Khan's great mare Zarkava, Beauty Parlour (Deep Impact JPN) did not disappoint the experts in the Prix Poule D'Essai Des Pouliches (French Guineas), 1m for 3yo fillies, at Longchamp. Read on
Tale Of Dabirsim
Why didn't the favourite win the Prix Poule D'Essay Des Poulains? Read on
Jaunty Lucayan Won Scrum Of 6
The Prix Poule D'Essai Des Poulains (Guineas for 3yo colts), 1 mile on Longchamp's Turf, was an outsider's race not only in the winner and second, but went to those who could avoid the mess in the middle. Read on
Black Caviar Nails 21st Victory In A Canter
The magnificent six-year-old mare, Black Caviar AUS (Bel Esprit AUS), cantered to a 1¼ length lead in her 21st successive victory in the A$500,000 Goodwood Stakes (Group 1), 6f, on Turf for 3yo+. Read on
Kentucky Derby: I'll Have Another Is Ready For Triple Crown
Kentucky Oaks: Believe You Can Powered Home In Oaks
Read on
The fifth leg of The Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship (IFAHR) for lady riders ran just after Frankel's return to racing in the Lochinge Stakes before a crowd of 15,000. Read on
Frankel's Back
Many of the crowd bore placards in the famous Juddmonte Farms' racing colours to support the day's main attraction Frankel (Galileo IRE), who was last year's highest-rated horse in the world and British Horse of the Year, return to racing for the first time at four after a training injury scare. Read on
I'll Have Another Had Another - The Preakness
Triple Crown madness is afoot. Chances of I'll Have Another becoming the 12th horse in U.S. racing history to win Triple Crown and the first winner in 34 years (since Affirmed beat Alydar in 1978) just got better. Read on
New York Racing Authority' Ongoing Problems
During the Inspector General's investigation of the New York Racing Authority's handling of income takeout, the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Develpment Fund has assured the public that not only will the prestigious Saratoga meet take place this summer as planned, but that revenue from Resorts World Casino New York City for purses and breeding industry continues unabated. Read on
York: Red Cadeaux, Bonfire, The Fugue and Shining Fillies The unlucky Red Cadeaux, 6yo gelding son of Cadeaux Genereaux, came a close second in several big races including the Melbourne Cup. Read on
Weld And Bolger Dominate Irish Trials
From early signs, Aidan O'Brien was expected to win all the Classics in both Ireland and England with a good chance of including the French races as well. Read on
Dabirsim's Future Without Soumillon
Dabirsim's trainer, Christophe Ferland, announced that the three-year-old colt will be entered in Monday's La Teste and is doing well since his Sunday race. Read on
Beauty Parlour Lives Up To Expectations
Highly-touted as the successor to the Aga Khan's great mare Zarkava, Beauty Parlour (Deep Impact JPN) did not disappoint the experts in the Prix Poule D'Essai Des Pouliches (French Guineas), 1m for 3yo fillies, at Longchamp. Read on
Tale Of Dabirsim
Why didn't the favourite win the Prix Poule D'Essay Des Poulains? Read on
Jaunty Lucayan Won Scrum Of 6
The Prix Poule D'Essai Des Poulains (Guineas for 3yo colts), 1 mile on Longchamp's Turf, was an outsider's race not only in the winner and second, but went to those who could avoid the mess in the middle. Read on
Black Caviar Nails 21st Victory In A Canter
The magnificent six-year-old mare, Black Caviar AUS (Bel Esprit AUS), cantered to a 1¼ length lead in her 21st successive victory in the A$500,000 Goodwood Stakes (Group 1), 6f, on Turf for 3yo+. Read on
Kentucky Derby: I'll Have Another Is Ready For Triple Crown
Kentucky Oaks: Believe You Can Powered Home In Oaks
Read on