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
Hong Kong 2011
Member
Horse Writers and Photographers Association
http://www.hwpa.co.uk
Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance
http://www.tbablogs.com
Archives/Blog
Horse Writers and Photographers Association
http://www.hwpa.co.uk
Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance
http://www.tbablogs.com
Archives/Blog
Dunaden Swoops Hong Kong Vase
France's winner of Australia's prize Melbourne Cup, Dunaden FR (Nicobar), swept all before him in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase (Group 1), 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) on Turf, at Sha Tin.
The five-year-old horse looked a goner when local favourite Thumbs Up charged to the front one-furlong out, but responded brilliantly to his jockey Craig Williams to defeat his rival by a firm ¾ length.
"When I asked him to set his sights on the bunny, his ears went back and he just took off. I love this horse. He tried to put me on the floor on Tuesday and I knew he was in great form." said Williams.
Ed Dunlop's Red Cadeaux, second in the Melbourne Cup, settled for a deadheat third with France's Silver Pond another ¾ length behind.
Dunaden was the ninth winner of the Vase for France and the 15th European-trained horse in the race's 17-year history.
His trainer Mikel Delzangles was incredulous. "If you had told me in May that we would win in Australia and Hong Kong, I would never have believed you."
Dunaden will rest and race again next year.
©Posted December 12, 2011
California Memory Won Hong Kong Cup
France could claim some credit for the winner of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup (Group 1), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) on Turf, for 3yo+ at Sha Tin.
The grey gelding, California Memory USA (Highest Honor FR), was bred and raced in France through 2009 until he switched to his Hong Kong owner in 2010. He had only one race in 2010.
In his seven 2011 races (six Group 1s and 2s), he was only out of the money once.
Sent out at 69/20 odds, he raced just off the slow front pace and rallied at the end to snatch victory from last year's second, local Irian GER, by a length and another ¼ length ahead of Germany's vaunted Zazou.
Credit to jockey Matt Chadwick, who has ridden the gelding in all his Hong Kong races, timed his moves to perfection.
The favourite was Ambitious Dragon NZ who was sent out at 11/10 odds after winning the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and Hong Kong Derby.
He only managed fourth, 1¼ lengths behind the winner, after walking out of the gate and racing catch up.
It would help if his trainer would decide on one jockey. Switching between Douglas Whyte and Maxime Guyon is not helping this fine horse's form.
France's "Fighting Cirrus", Cirrus Des Aigles, was 2 lengths behind in fifth.
As a gelding, Cirrus will race on in 2012 and try to repeat his victory in the Champions Stakes at Ascot according to his trainer Corine Barande-Barbe.
California Memory's trainer, Tony Cruz, was convinced "there's bigger things to come. He will be going for all the big local races, but I would also like to go to Singapore and Dubai."
©Posted December 12, 2011
Ambitious Dragon Returns To Success
Hong Kong's Horse of the Year, five-year-old Ambitious Dragon, returned to racing in the National Day Cup, 7f (1400m) to an easy victory in a trip that is slightly sharp for him.
His future program includes the Jockey Club Cup, 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) in November and the Hong Kong Cup in December.
His South-African born trainer Tony Millard believes that "he is in good form" and had to get a run in even if the 7f is on the short side for him.
©Posted October 6, 2011
Ambitious Dragon - Hong Kong's HOY
The magnificent 5yo Ambitious Dragon, who was voted Hong Kong's Horse of the Year, will return to racing in the National Day Cup, 7f (1400m) on October 1.
He will then tackle the Jockey Club Cup, 1m2f (10f, 2000m) in November and the Hong Kong Cup in December.
His South-African born trainer Tony Millard believes "he is in good form" and has to get a run even if the 7f is on the short side for him.
©Posted September 30, 2011
Dominant To Hong Kong
Promising three-year-old colt Dominant IRE (Cacique IRE) has been sold to race under John Moore Trainers syndicate in Hong Kong by his former owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Isinglass syndicate.
Bloodstock agent Alistair Donald of SackvilleDonald said "He looks an ideal Hong Kong Derby prospect who is a gorgeous looking, improving horse and we are hoping he can win us a third Hong Kong Derby."
No question that Dominant is gorgeous and talented. He has won and placed in four of his six starts and is a 10f specialist.
Ambitious Dragon Won Hong Kong Derby
Despite an outside draw in the Hong Kong Derby field of 14 at Sha Tin, Ambitious Dragon NZ (Pins AUS) easily overcame all his opponents with ease.
Only Xtension IRE (Xaar) gave him a contest when AD finally made his move to the front losing by only ¾ lengths.
The Derby is the premier Classic race of the season at 1m2f on Turf.
Ambitious Dragon is a five-year-old wonder. His first race was February 20 and his second - the Derby. Both are Group 1 races and he won both earning himself £1,048,720 and a World rating of 121.
His victories are great credit to New Zealand's breeding industry, breeder E P Lowry and AD's dam Golden Gamble NZ (Oregon USA).
He defeated the experienced Lucky Nine IRE (Dubawi IRE) in February by 1¼ lengths after Lucky Nine had just defeated Xtension in January by 1¼ lengths.
Maxime Guyon, Andre Fabre's lead jockey, partnered AD in his three races and he is trained by A T Millard.
Xtension also proved his abilities and toughness in coming so close to the winner.
Sacred Kingdom - Hong Kong Horse Of The Year
Sacred Kingdom AUS (Encosta De Lago AUS) has been at the top of international sprint rankings for the last three years, but lost his last two races in 2010.
Those losses did not deter the Hong Kong racing community from choosing him as Hong Kong's Horse of the Year.
The eight-year old justified their faith in him by winning the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series in the Kent & Curwin Centenary Sprint Cup (Group 1) 6f on Turf for 3yo+. He also won the race last year.
Sacred Kingdom beat Dim Sum (Kyllachy) by 1/2 length and was "never off the bridle" according to his jockey Brett Prebble.
It was his seventh Group 1 victory.
He will compete in the Chairman's Sprint Prize on February 5, over 6f, but no decision has been made about the final leg over 7f in March.
Xtension Well On His Way To Hong Kong Derby
Former British-owned horse, Xtension IRE (Xaar), has run a fine trial race for the Group 1 Hong Kong Derby by coming second in the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Classic Mile (Group 1) 1m on Turf for 4yo at Sha Tin.
Lucky Nine IRE (Dubawi IRE) defeated Xtension by 1-1/4 lengths in the winner's first try at a mile (8f). The latter was blessed with with a perfect trip.
Xtension was not so well placed and came from behind to close down Lucky Nine despite the latter's well-known acceleration.
Lucky Nine, bred by Darley in Ireland, will go into the Champions Mile on April 25 as one of the favourites.
Xtension has had a good prep for his preferred longer distance of 1m2f in the Hong Kong Derby on March 30.
He won't be running into his nemesis colts Canford Cliffs, Makfi, Dick Turpin or Beethoven giving him a good chance in Hong Kong for his new owners Mr and Mrs Steven Lo Kit Sing.
Beethoven has done well since leaving Coolmore and is headed to the Dubai World Cup on March 26.
Global Sprint Challenge
From 2011, the Global Sprint Challenge will race at only Group 1 level on Turf and will include nine races for $US10.8 million prize money.
The opening leg is the Coolmore Lightning Stakes (5f) at Flemington February 19.
The GSC has upgraded the first Japan leg to the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (6f) March 27 and added a new untitled 6f race at Kranji Racecourse, Singapore, May 22.
Onto the UK for Royal Ascot's King's Stand Stakes (5f) and Golden Jubilee (6f) followed by Newmarket's Darley July Cup (6f).
The GSC returns to Japan October 2 for the Sprinters Stakes (6f), Flemington for the Patinack Farm Classic (6f) November 5 and to Sha Tin for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint (6f) on December 11.
Any horse that wins three of the races in three different countries outside its own racing jurisdiction will collect a $US1 million bonus to be split 75% to the owners and 25% to the trainer.
Australian sprinters racing in Hong Kong will be at the top of everyone's invitational list including Sacred Kingdom, Rocket Man and JJ The Jet Plane.
Pity that most of the US sprinters race exclusively on Dirt.
Turf World Championships in Hong Kong?
Enjoy the magnificent three-year-old filly Snow Fairy win her Hong Kong Cup (Number 13).
The respected CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Winfried Englebrecht-Bresges, was thrilled that over 50,000 attendees proved that racing is Hong Kong's most popular spectator sport.
It may be in trouble in other parts of the world, but not Hong Kong.
They had their hightest turnover with HK$1 billion since 2003 and would have hit HK1.1 billion if Able One had not been scratched.
Four of the international Group 1 races were won from four different racing jurisdictions between Hong Kong with Beauty Flash NZ in the Mile, the UAE with Mastery GB in the Vase, South Africa with JJ The Jet Plane SAF in the Sprint and England's three-year-old filly Snow Fairy in the Cup.
Englebrecht-Bresges was particularly impressed with the three-year-old filly Snow Fairy and has invited her back to defend her title in 2011. She will race at four.
Rather than regretting that the major victors were not all from Hong Kong, E-B feels the international horses put Hong Kong on the map.
"We have claimed the title of the Turf World Championship."
France's winner of Australia's prize Melbourne Cup, Dunaden FR (Nicobar), swept all before him in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase (Group 1), 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) on Turf, at Sha Tin.
The five-year-old horse looked a goner when local favourite Thumbs Up charged to the front one-furlong out, but responded brilliantly to his jockey Craig Williams to defeat his rival by a firm ¾ length.
"When I asked him to set his sights on the bunny, his ears went back and he just took off. I love this horse. He tried to put me on the floor on Tuesday and I knew he was in great form." said Williams.
Ed Dunlop's Red Cadeaux, second in the Melbourne Cup, settled for a deadheat third with France's Silver Pond another ¾ length behind.
Dunaden was the ninth winner of the Vase for France and the 15th European-trained horse in the race's 17-year history.
His trainer Mikel Delzangles was incredulous. "If you had told me in May that we would win in Australia and Hong Kong, I would never have believed you."
Dunaden will rest and race again next year.
©Posted December 12, 2011
California Memory Won Hong Kong Cup
France could claim some credit for the winner of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup (Group 1), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) on Turf, for 3yo+ at Sha Tin.
The grey gelding, California Memory USA (Highest Honor FR), was bred and raced in France through 2009 until he switched to his Hong Kong owner in 2010. He had only one race in 2010.
In his seven 2011 races (six Group 1s and 2s), he was only out of the money once.
Sent out at 69/20 odds, he raced just off the slow front pace and rallied at the end to snatch victory from last year's second, local Irian GER, by a length and another ¼ length ahead of Germany's vaunted Zazou.
Credit to jockey Matt Chadwick, who has ridden the gelding in all his Hong Kong races, timed his moves to perfection.
The favourite was Ambitious Dragon NZ who was sent out at 11/10 odds after winning the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and Hong Kong Derby.
He only managed fourth, 1¼ lengths behind the winner, after walking out of the gate and racing catch up.
It would help if his trainer would decide on one jockey. Switching between Douglas Whyte and Maxime Guyon is not helping this fine horse's form.
France's "Fighting Cirrus", Cirrus Des Aigles, was 2 lengths behind in fifth.
As a gelding, Cirrus will race on in 2012 and try to repeat his victory in the Champions Stakes at Ascot according to his trainer Corine Barande-Barbe.
California Memory's trainer, Tony Cruz, was convinced "there's bigger things to come. He will be going for all the big local races, but I would also like to go to Singapore and Dubai."
©Posted December 12, 2011
Ambitious Dragon Returns To Success
Hong Kong's Horse of the Year, five-year-old Ambitious Dragon, returned to racing in the National Day Cup, 7f (1400m) to an easy victory in a trip that is slightly sharp for him.
His future program includes the Jockey Club Cup, 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) in November and the Hong Kong Cup in December.
His South-African born trainer Tony Millard believes that "he is in good form" and had to get a run in even if the 7f is on the short side for him.
©Posted October 6, 2011
Ambitious Dragon - Hong Kong's HOY
The magnificent 5yo Ambitious Dragon, who was voted Hong Kong's Horse of the Year, will return to racing in the National Day Cup, 7f (1400m) on October 1.
He will then tackle the Jockey Club Cup, 1m2f (10f, 2000m) in November and the Hong Kong Cup in December.
His South-African born trainer Tony Millard believes "he is in good form" and has to get a run even if the 7f is on the short side for him.
©Posted September 30, 2011
Dominant To Hong Kong
Promising three-year-old colt Dominant IRE (Cacique IRE) has been sold to race under John Moore Trainers syndicate in Hong Kong by his former owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Isinglass syndicate.
Bloodstock agent Alistair Donald of SackvilleDonald said "He looks an ideal Hong Kong Derby prospect who is a gorgeous looking, improving horse and we are hoping he can win us a third Hong Kong Derby."
No question that Dominant is gorgeous and talented. He has won and placed in four of his six starts and is a 10f specialist.
Ambitious Dragon Won Hong Kong Derby
Despite an outside draw in the Hong Kong Derby field of 14 at Sha Tin, Ambitious Dragon NZ (Pins AUS) easily overcame all his opponents with ease.
Only Xtension IRE (Xaar) gave him a contest when AD finally made his move to the front losing by only ¾ lengths.
The Derby is the premier Classic race of the season at 1m2f on Turf.
Ambitious Dragon is a five-year-old wonder. His first race was February 20 and his second - the Derby. Both are Group 1 races and he won both earning himself £1,048,720 and a World rating of 121.
His victories are great credit to New Zealand's breeding industry, breeder E P Lowry and AD's dam Golden Gamble NZ (Oregon USA).
He defeated the experienced Lucky Nine IRE (Dubawi IRE) in February by 1¼ lengths after Lucky Nine had just defeated Xtension in January by 1¼ lengths.
Maxime Guyon, Andre Fabre's lead jockey, partnered AD in his three races and he is trained by A T Millard.
Xtension also proved his abilities and toughness in coming so close to the winner.
Sacred Kingdom - Hong Kong Horse Of The Year
Sacred Kingdom AUS (Encosta De Lago AUS) has been at the top of international sprint rankings for the last three years, but lost his last two races in 2010.
Those losses did not deter the Hong Kong racing community from choosing him as Hong Kong's Horse of the Year.
The eight-year old justified their faith in him by winning the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series in the Kent & Curwin Centenary Sprint Cup (Group 1) 6f on Turf for 3yo+. He also won the race last year.
Sacred Kingdom beat Dim Sum (Kyllachy) by 1/2 length and was "never off the bridle" according to his jockey Brett Prebble.
It was his seventh Group 1 victory.
He will compete in the Chairman's Sprint Prize on February 5, over 6f, but no decision has been made about the final leg over 7f in March.
Xtension Well On His Way To Hong Kong Derby
Former British-owned horse, Xtension IRE (Xaar), has run a fine trial race for the Group 1 Hong Kong Derby by coming second in the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Classic Mile (Group 1) 1m on Turf for 4yo at Sha Tin.
Lucky Nine IRE (Dubawi IRE) defeated Xtension by 1-1/4 lengths in the winner's first try at a mile (8f). The latter was blessed with with a perfect trip.
Xtension was not so well placed and came from behind to close down Lucky Nine despite the latter's well-known acceleration.
Lucky Nine, bred by Darley in Ireland, will go into the Champions Mile on April 25 as one of the favourites.
Xtension has had a good prep for his preferred longer distance of 1m2f in the Hong Kong Derby on March 30.
He won't be running into his nemesis colts Canford Cliffs, Makfi, Dick Turpin or Beethoven giving him a good chance in Hong Kong for his new owners Mr and Mrs Steven Lo Kit Sing.
Beethoven has done well since leaving Coolmore and is headed to the Dubai World Cup on March 26.
Global Sprint Challenge
From 2011, the Global Sprint Challenge will race at only Group 1 level on Turf and will include nine races for $US10.8 million prize money.
The opening leg is the Coolmore Lightning Stakes (5f) at Flemington February 19.
The GSC has upgraded the first Japan leg to the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (6f) March 27 and added a new untitled 6f race at Kranji Racecourse, Singapore, May 22.
Onto the UK for Royal Ascot's King's Stand Stakes (5f) and Golden Jubilee (6f) followed by Newmarket's Darley July Cup (6f).
The GSC returns to Japan October 2 for the Sprinters Stakes (6f), Flemington for the Patinack Farm Classic (6f) November 5 and to Sha Tin for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint (6f) on December 11.
Any horse that wins three of the races in three different countries outside its own racing jurisdiction will collect a $US1 million bonus to be split 75% to the owners and 25% to the trainer.
Australian sprinters racing in Hong Kong will be at the top of everyone's invitational list including Sacred Kingdom, Rocket Man and JJ The Jet Plane.
Pity that most of the US sprinters race exclusively on Dirt.
Turf World Championships in Hong Kong?
Enjoy the magnificent three-year-old filly Snow Fairy win her Hong Kong Cup (Number 13).
The respected CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Winfried Englebrecht-Bresges, was thrilled that over 50,000 attendees proved that racing is Hong Kong's most popular spectator sport.
It may be in trouble in other parts of the world, but not Hong Kong.
They had their hightest turnover with HK$1 billion since 2003 and would have hit HK1.1 billion if Able One had not been scratched.
Four of the international Group 1 races were won from four different racing jurisdictions between Hong Kong with Beauty Flash NZ in the Mile, the UAE with Mastery GB in the Vase, South Africa with JJ The Jet Plane SAF in the Sprint and England's three-year-old filly Snow Fairy in the Cup.
Englebrecht-Bresges was particularly impressed with the three-year-old filly Snow Fairy and has invited her back to defend her title in 2011. She will race at four.
Rather than regretting that the major victors were not all from Hong Kong, E-B feels the international horses put Hong Kong on the map.
"We have claimed the title of the Turf World Championship."