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
Jumps 2010-11
Member
Horse Writers and Photographers Association
http://www.hwpa.co.uk
Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance
http://www.tbablogs.com
Archives/Blog
Kauto Star's Record 5th King George VI Chase
Who would dream when Kauto Star won his fourth King George VI in 2009 that he would return in 2011 to break the British record with his fifth race victory? ©Photo David Hastings
At ten, the French-bred gelding Kauto Star (Village Star FR) was a fading champion with four King George VIs and four Cheltenham Gold Cups under his girth.
It seemed time for Paul Nicholl's star to yield to the younger generation. Nicky Henderson's Long Run FR (Cadoudal FR) defeated him in both his specialty races early in 2011.
Then came November 19 at Haydock when Kauto Star returned to stardom exhibiting jumping perfection in defeating Long Run by eight lengths on good-to-soft ground.
Despite Kauto Star's staggering achievement that day, punters sent Long Run off evens favourite in the second most important race of the chase season: Kempton's Boxing Day Grade 1 King George VI Chase, 3 miles with 18 fences on good-to-soft Turf, with a purse of £102,991.40.
Only three horses drew the bettors: Long Run and Paul Nicholls duo of Kauto Star and Master Minded FR who were sent out at 3/1 and 11/2 respectively. The other four horses drew little support: Captain Chris, Golan Way, Nacarat and Somersby.
Outsiders Golan Way and Nacarat FR vied for the lead from the outset with Ruby Walsh keeping Kauto Star prominent throughout in second or third and closely shadowed by his nemesis Long Run.
Kauto Star seemed to have enough of the flubbers and took the lead.
He demonstrated why he has been at the top of the chasing game since five with his perfect jumping and characteristic front flutter.
Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen was left with no choice but to move Long Run up to second. Jumping is not the youngster's best suit; waiting, staying and speed are.
Consumate professional jockey Walsh judged his horse's advantages and dominated race tactics.
Amateur Waley-Cohen's Long Run made a few mistakes including the fateful heavy brushing the final fence.
It cut his speed when trying to catch up with a tiring Kauto Star who beat him by 1¼ lengths at the post. Captain Chris was 17 lengths behind in third.
Golan Way refused a jump and the brilliant Master Minded, who had never tried the extra distance, was injured before the last obstacle. Five finished.
The crowd went wild and every jumps' lover should salute Kauto Star and his human team for his incredible achievements.
No other chaser in history has broken the records he has with such style, ease and grace.
Winning a fifth Cheltenham Gold Cup next March would leave him historically untouchable.
Despite today's race, the younger Long Run is still favourite for the next Gold Cup.
Long Live Kauto Star! Hip, Hip, Hooray!
©Posted December 26, 2011
Binocular Back To Form
Nicky Henderson had better luck against trainer Paul Nicholls in the Grade 1 williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle, 2 miles, when his seven-year-old Binocular FR (Enrique) returned to form beating Nicholls' progressive Rock On Ruby by a neck.
Binocular has not won a race since February and was defeated by Overturn, in third by eight lengths, on November 26.
Britain's champion jockey, AP McCoy, talked of Binocular's physical problems before the race. Yet he was confident of the handsome gelding's chances.
He rode the horse with patience just niggling him along only asking for a real effort near the post up against a determined Ruby Walsh on Rock On Ruby.
The horse's class saw him through the ding-dong and Binocular seemed to gain his confidence back as he pulled away at the post.
He could be a major player at Cheltenham again.
©Posted December 26, 2011
Master Minded Injured
The exceptionally talented eight-year-old gelding of the Paul Nicholls-Clive Smith team, Master Minded FR (Nikos), was pulled up at the last fence in the King George VI Chase with a off-fore (right-front) tendon injury which may end his racing career.
It is an injury he suffered before when he struck into himself during a taxing race. He is being treated at the Newmarket hospital and is not in danger at this time.
©Posted December 26, 2011
Anglo-Irish Jump Classifications For 2011
Three countries lead Europe in world-class Jump racing seasons: France, Great Britain and Ireland.
The French season closes later than the other two; therefore handicappers from Great Britain and Ireland combine forces once a year to produce their official Anglo-Irish Jump Classifications.
British and Irish horses also compete more often in each others races and their horses are well known to the racing public in both countries.
Though there is not much Eastward movement in Jump racing, successful French-bred horses are routinely bought and raced in England.
In fact, French-bred horses dominated the highest rankings in 2011 with five of eight. Two were Irish-bred and one British.
Newcomer, six-year-old Long Run FR won the King George and Cheltenham Gold Cup in a most authoritative manner and those victories earned him the highest rating of the year at 182 and the title of Champion 3 Mile Chaser.
He is trained by Nicky Henderson and is deemed a worthy successor to Kauto Star FR as Champion Chaser.
Big Buck's FR was voted Horse of the Year for the second consecutive year by the public and he headed the Champion 2½ Mile Hurdle category with a 174 rating.
One of the most promising horses on his debut in 2008 and in the following 2009 season, Master Minded FR, lost his way in 2010, but made a successful comeback to be named Champion 2½ Mile Chaser on a 178 rating.
Al Ferof FR and Spirit Son FR were named joint Champion Novice Hurdlers and earned a 154 rating. They are trained by Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson respectively.
Trainer Phillip Hobbs seems to hold up the British-breds with at least one top horse each year. Wishful Thinking was named Champion Novice Chaser with a very high 164 rating. His Menorah was Champion Novice Hurdler last year on 151.
Consistent and progressive nine-year-old Sizing Europe IRE went from Champion Two-Mile Hurdler in 2008 (167), Champion Novice Chaser in 2010 (160) to Champion 2 Mile Chaser in 2011 on a 177 rating.
His career is a tribute to Ireland's trainer Henry De Bromhead.
A second Irish trainer, Willie Mullins, succeeded with
Hurricane Fly IRE who went from Champion Novice Hurdler in 2009 to Champion 2 Mile Hurdler this year on a 173 rating for his success in the Stan James Champion Hurdle.
Trainer Paul Nicholls was chosen again as British Champion Trainer (Big Buck's, Master Minded, Al Ferof, Kauto Star) and exhuberant Trevor Hemmings is British Champion Owner.
Young Sam Twiston-Davies won British Champion Conditional Jockey for his exceptionally professional riding.
It is no surprise that A P 'Tony' McCoy was named British Champion Jockey again for the 16th year.
There may be minor disagreements on ratings, but few over the choices of the winners.
Posted May 31, 2011
Paul Nicholls Applies for Duel-Purpose Licence
Record-winning Jump trainer Paul Nicholls will apply for a duel-purpose licence to train on the Flat this Summer.
His 16-year-old daughter, Megan, wants to ride on the Flat and he is considering the hurdler Advisor, whom he trains for the Royal Ascot Racing Club, as a possible contender in a race like the Chester Cup.
Long Run Crushes Kauto Star
Six-year-old Long Run improved on last year's victory at Kempton by
winning the William Hill King George VI Chase relocated to Kempton.
Photo copyright David Hastings
The three-mile King George VI Chase is England's December 26 Boxing Day treat, but unusual freezing and snow conditions closed Kempton Racecourse for the holiday weekend.
The Grade 1 race was postponed to January 15 at Kempton and featured eleven-year-old Kauto Star's valiant attempt to win his fifth consecutive King George, thereby beating the magnificent grey Desert Orchid's and KS's own four victory record.
Kauto Star FR (Village Star FR) was undisputed favourite
even though he had no seasonal prep race.
It was an interesting race led almost all the way by the gutsy grey Nacarat FR (Smadoun FR) with Kauto Star in a steady third place throughout.
Second favourite, six-year-old Long Run FR (Cadoudal FR) lurked just off the pace until the final three fences leaving Kauto Star struggling to keep up.
The latter's challenges were deflected easily and Kauto Star looked in trouble before he stumbled at the second last.
At the last, the youngster Long Run made his glorious leap leaving all behind with Riverside Theatre (King's Theatre IRE) edging up to 12 lengths behind LR.
Kauto Star was another seven lengths behind in third and Nacarat fourth by five more lengths.
Long Run was bought by the Robert Waley-Cohen family for their amateur son Sam to ride and their faith in their son was justified in his perfect ride.
The same types who criticised A P McCoy's ride on Kauto Star complained that Long Run should never have been left to an amateur jockey.
McCoy did what he could with a tired horse who had needed the run. Kauto Star bled from the nostrils when he got home, but is still scheduled to go straight to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March and race next season.
Kauto Star has dropped to fifth favourite behind last year's winner Imperial Commander in the Gold Cup based on this performance.
Trainer Nicky Henderson won five of the nine races at Kempton with Long Run and Binocular coming right in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle, 2m.
McCoy rode Binocular and two other winners on the Kempton card.
Weather Delays
Bad weather and iced ground caused Britain's Boxing Day tradition, the King George VI Chase (Grade 1), to be postphoned to January 15 at Kempton.
The great Kauto Star FR is favourite in his seasonal return.
AP McCoy Voted 2010 BBC Sports Personality of Year
The 8-15 betting favourite, A P 'Tony' McCoy, swamped competitors to win the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
It is the first time in the competition's 59-year history that a racing personality was chosen.
McCoy received 293,000 telephone votes during the two-hour telecast. The second, 15-times Darts world champion Phil Taylor, behind by 211,000 votes.
McCoy has been UK champion Jump jockey for the last 15 years in one of the world's most dangergous sports which netted him breaks in almost every bone in his body.
Fifteen is evidently his lucky number as he was not only chosen Britain's top jockey earlier in the year, but he won his first Grand National on J P McMannis' Don't Push It.
Both McMannis and DPI's trainer Jonjo O'Neill were part of the large racing contingent attending the Birmingham awards.
Ulsterman McCoy was clearly humbled by his award and thrilled that it proved to his adorable blond three-year-old daughter that "her father has done something".
His Flat racing equivalent, Frankie Dettori, said "In my lifetime, I don't think we'll ever see anyone like him again."
McCoy Made BBC Sports Personality Of The Year List
AP McCoy
Photo copyright David Hastings
Racing's champion jockey for 15 consecutive years and 2010 Grand National winner on Don't Push It, Anthony 'Tony' McCoy was nominated by every one of the 30 sports editors who recommend candidates for 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Racing has never had a winner. McCoy is quoted as short as 8/11 by Coral.
Golfers Graeme McDowell, winner of the U.S. Open, and golf's Number 1 golfer Lee Westwood are his principle competitors.
AP McCoy For 2010 BBC Sports Personality Of The Year
At long last the British racing community is getting its act together to support its greatest Jump jockey, AP 'Tony' McCoy (Irish actually), for BBC Sports Personality Of The Year.
Racing For Change joined with Members of Parliament to kick off the campaign with an all-Party Motion endorsing the 15-Times Champion Jockey who has ridden over 3,000 winners in a very dangerous sport and commending him for his role as Ambassador for the sport.
BBC will reveal its shortlist of 10 on Monday, November 29, at 7 PM and the winner will be decided by public phone votes during the live show on Sunday, December 10.
Wonderful Exeter, which has races three days before the judging, has named two races after McCoy: Vote AP McCoy for BBC Sports Personality Beginners' Chase and the AP McCoy 15 Times Champion Jockey Graduation Chase.
Two huge banners, partly funded by RFC, are being erected on a site used by Exeter adjacent to the A38.
No excuses, RACING, for blowing this one.
Weather Favoured Newbury Racecourse Consolidation
New Hennessy Gold Cup Champion Diamond Harry and Daryl Jocob making one of
their easy, flawless leaps. Photo copyright David Hastings
Britain's weather suddenly turned cold for November to reach a 25-year low temperature. Much of the country is under early-season snow.
Since Newbury Racecourse was clear, the stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle was transferred to it.
Binocular FR was favourite in the 2m1/2f race, but the good- to-soft, if not testing, ground did him in.
Jason Maguire rode last year's eye-catcher Peddlers Cross from the start and kept on with few reminders in spite of a late challenge from Starluck who cut his lead to 1-1/4 lengths.
Binocular, ridden by AP McCoy, faded fast to a further six lengths.
Peddlers Cross made his mark last season and returned better than ever with Jason
Maguire winning the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newbury.
Photo copyright David Hastings
Sam Thomas rode a picture perfect ride on Tocco Ferro FR for his fourth victory of seven starts in the sportingbet.com Intermediate Hurdle (Limited Handicap), 1m1-1/2f.
Thomas felt the race "got the cobwebs out" of the gelding's mind and the grey jumped flawlessly winning by 1-1/4 lengths.
The youngster won a handicap at Ascot in October under Jack Doyle who rode him in all his previous races for trainer Miss E C Lavelle.
Big Buck's FR stayed clear of his competitors in the Grade 2 sportingbet.com Long Distance Hurdle, 3m1/2f, stalking from the rear.
Paul Nicholls said that he trained his handsome, dark Big Buck's on the gallops with Denman.
Both he and BB injured jockey Ruby Walsh were sure he would win his third Hurdle and he did by three lengths under his substitute jockey, Grand National winner AP McCoy, with ease.
The Duc De Regniere was third and the grey Arcalis third.
BB is quoted at 4/5 for the Cheltenham World Hurdle and looks formidable.
Britain's Jump Racing 2010 Horse of the Year, Big Buck's, returned to
Newbury to win his third sportingbet.com Long Distance Hurdle. Getty Images
The big race of the day, the Hennessy Gold Cup Chase Handicap (Grade 3), 3 miles, provided the most excitement and disappointment.
The great Irish gelding, Denman, was racing under a handicap of 11stone 12lb (a stone equals 14lb) or 166lb and most of the other 17 only 10stone or 140lb.
He was trying to win his third, consecutive Hennessy and better legendary Arkle's record of two Hennessy's from the '60s.
Under Sam Thomas, Denman jumped well throughout and was always just off the pace.
At the fourth fence, David Pipe's Madison Du Berlais FR (10s1lb) brought down Paul Nicholls' Neptune Colanges FR (10s8lb), ridden by AP McCoy. MDB's jockey Tom Scudamore, McCoy and horses were unhurt.
The rest of the race was well paced with 10 of 18 finishing and there were no serious injuries.
In the end, history was not made because 10-year-old Denman tired under the excessive weight towards the last fence.
And seven-year-old Diamond Harry (10s0lb or 140lb) sailed home under an excellent ride by Daryl Jacob taking over for jockey Timmy Murphy.
The big, rangey gelding was chased home by the tough, little Burton Port and his jockey Barry Gerrity for trainer Nicky Henderson behind DH by 1-1/4 lengths.
DH's trainer Nick Williams was ecstatic especially given that his horse finished the race with so much left in the tank and is quoted at 8/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Denman was a further 14 lengths behind. He will have a rest and be conditioned for the Gold Cup as well.
The risks of Jump racing on testing ground befell former Hennessy Gold Cup winner
Madison Du Berlais who hit the third fence and fell at the fourth. Both he and jockey
Tom Scudamore were unhurt. Photo copyright David Hastings
Denman Shoots For Hennessy Gold Cup Hat Trick
Denman won his second Hennessy Gold Cup in 2009 at Newbury Racecourse.
Photo copyright David Hastings
Ten-year-old Denman IRE will start his 2010 jump season in his favourite race, the Hennessy Gold Cup Chase Handicap (Grade 3) (Class 1), 3m2f110yd, at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday, November 27.
He has won this race in 2008 and 2009. Is the there a triple or hat trick for this big Irish horse?
Initially, 66 horses of four years and upwards were entered with Denman as the favourite in early betting.
His stablemate with Paul Nicholls, Kauto Star, will skip the race, but Denman will be try for another victory in it reunited with jockey Sam Thomas after Ruby Walsh's serious injury which may keep him out of much of the season.
UPDATE: Denman now faces 20 declared horses in his attempt for a Hennessy hat trick of three in a row.
Big Buck's also returns to action for Paul Nicholls and new jockey Noel Fehily in the Grade 2 sportingbet.com Long Distance Hurdle, 3m110yds for 4yo+.
The 2010 Horse of the Year faces seven other familiar foes: Afsoun, Arcalis, Duc De Regniere, Duke Of Lucca, Kayf Aramis, Neptune Equester and Spider Boy.
Nicky Henderson is sure that his Duc is ready for BB.
Britain's Jump Season Rocks
The last two weekends started what looks to be a spectacular season for Britain's 2010-2011 Jumps races.
Ascot, Cheltenham and Haydock brought out most of jump racing's 'big guns' for their seasonal debuts.
Newbury follows this weekend with the Hennessy Gold Cup (Denman IRE) and sportingbet.com Long Distance Hurdle (Big Buck's FR).
But we will have to wait until Boxing Day (December 26) for Kempton's King George VI to see Kauto Star FR return.
Ascot not only produced the perfect vehicle for Paul Nicholls' master chaser Master Minded FR, but launched Noel Fehily into the top jockeys' league when he replaced the injured Ruby Walsh.
Team Nicholls/Fehily pulled a hat trick at Ascot with MM, Woolcombe Folly and the exciting young hurdler Silviniaco Conti easily winning their testing races on good to soft ground.
Doubters counted the awesome Master Minded out too soon. After a wind operation, he was back to winning the Amlin 1965 Chase (Grade 2), 2m3f by 16 lengths over I'msingingtheblues.
Fehily could not have shown more confidence in himself or his mount. He sat motionless as the magnificent seven-year-old gelding jumped every obstacle with efficient perfection.
MM is now 5-2 favourite for the Champion Chase.
Woolcombe Folly IRE, as 7-2 favourite, put Piraya out of his misery by five lengths in the Carey Group Handicap Chase, 2m1f, for the team.
What a find! Nicholls acquired the four-year-old French hurdler Silviniaco Conti after two successful races and added three more to his CV this season.
SC beat the experienced Karabak in the Coral Hurdle (Group 2), 2m3-1/2f, by seven lengths.
Nicholls said "I was astounded by what he did today. He doesn't excite you at home, which is why I took him to Bangor before Chepstow as I wanted to see what we had."
He was raised 18lb for his Chepstow victory and jumped up in class for the Coral Hurdle.
His jockey Fehily believes the chestnut gelding "was very slick over the hurdles."
His five wins for five starts has earned him quotes of 12-1 for the Champion Hurdle and 6-1 for the World Hurdle.
He is as slick as they come.
Another delicious Frenchie, Grands Crus, dominated the 40% Better Off On Betfair SP "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race), 3m, on good to soft ground at Haydock Park.
His young trainer, David Pipe, was excited by the handsome grey gelding's adaptability in winning this fast-run race by 10 lengths over Barafundle and his victory at Cheltenham in a slowly-run 2m4f race last week.
Jockey Tom Scudamore was also impressed with five-year-old Grand Crus' victory in spite of a 6lb penalty plus a step up in class and trip.
The 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Imperial Commander IRE, did not have the easiest race for his season return in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase, 3m for 3yo+, at Haydock.
His jockey Paddy Brennan took the lead earlier than expected dominating the race almost to the end when the gelding tired and was nearly overtaken by quirky Tidal Bay who closed him down to a mere 1-1/4 length victory at the post.
IC also suffered a skin cut in the race that is serious enough to rule him out of a much-anticipated rematch with former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star at Kempton.
Trainer Nicky Henderson and IC's Nigel Twiston-Davis may have their legal problems, but they still have great horses for the big races.
Henderson's Long Run FR was beaten in Cheltenham's Paddy Power Gold Cup, 2m5f, two weeks ago, but will challenge Kauto Star on Boxing Day December 26 at Kempton.
Despite being only five, Long Run had 12 races at Auteuil.
Since his arrival in England, he won his first two races at Warwick and Kempton and came third in both his Cheltenham races.
Though he has not hurdled in 18 months, Henderson is considering the Cheltenham World Hurdle as a target for LR in 2011.
He is hoping Long Run gets into his rhythm chasing at Kempton.
For racegoers, the King George VI will be all about the whether the ten-year-old Kauto Star can still do the business.
If he can, it is annihilation for the others - rhythm or not.
Who would dream when Kauto Star won his fourth King George VI in 2009 that he would return in 2011 to break the British record with his fifth race victory? ©Photo David Hastings
At ten, the French-bred gelding Kauto Star (Village Star FR) was a fading champion with four King George VIs and four Cheltenham Gold Cups under his girth.
It seemed time for Paul Nicholl's star to yield to the younger generation. Nicky Henderson's Long Run FR (Cadoudal FR) defeated him in both his specialty races early in 2011.
Then came November 19 at Haydock when Kauto Star returned to stardom exhibiting jumping perfection in defeating Long Run by eight lengths on good-to-soft ground.
Despite Kauto Star's staggering achievement that day, punters sent Long Run off evens favourite in the second most important race of the chase season: Kempton's Boxing Day Grade 1 King George VI Chase, 3 miles with 18 fences on good-to-soft Turf, with a purse of £102,991.40.
Only three horses drew the bettors: Long Run and Paul Nicholls duo of Kauto Star and Master Minded FR who were sent out at 3/1 and 11/2 respectively. The other four horses drew little support: Captain Chris, Golan Way, Nacarat and Somersby.
Outsiders Golan Way and Nacarat FR vied for the lead from the outset with Ruby Walsh keeping Kauto Star prominent throughout in second or third and closely shadowed by his nemesis Long Run.
Kauto Star seemed to have enough of the flubbers and took the lead.
He demonstrated why he has been at the top of the chasing game since five with his perfect jumping and characteristic front flutter.
Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen was left with no choice but to move Long Run up to second. Jumping is not the youngster's best suit; waiting, staying and speed are.
Consumate professional jockey Walsh judged his horse's advantages and dominated race tactics.
Amateur Waley-Cohen's Long Run made a few mistakes including the fateful heavy brushing the final fence.
It cut his speed when trying to catch up with a tiring Kauto Star who beat him by 1¼ lengths at the post. Captain Chris was 17 lengths behind in third.
Golan Way refused a jump and the brilliant Master Minded, who had never tried the extra distance, was injured before the last obstacle. Five finished.
The crowd went wild and every jumps' lover should salute Kauto Star and his human team for his incredible achievements.
No other chaser in history has broken the records he has with such style, ease and grace.
Winning a fifth Cheltenham Gold Cup next March would leave him historically untouchable.
Despite today's race, the younger Long Run is still favourite for the next Gold Cup.
Long Live Kauto Star! Hip, Hip, Hooray!
©Posted December 26, 2011
Binocular Back To Form
Nicky Henderson had better luck against trainer Paul Nicholls in the Grade 1 williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle, 2 miles, when his seven-year-old Binocular FR (Enrique) returned to form beating Nicholls' progressive Rock On Ruby by a neck.
Binocular has not won a race since February and was defeated by Overturn, in third by eight lengths, on November 26.
Britain's champion jockey, AP McCoy, talked of Binocular's physical problems before the race. Yet he was confident of the handsome gelding's chances.
He rode the horse with patience just niggling him along only asking for a real effort near the post up against a determined Ruby Walsh on Rock On Ruby.
The horse's class saw him through the ding-dong and Binocular seemed to gain his confidence back as he pulled away at the post.
He could be a major player at Cheltenham again.
©Posted December 26, 2011
Master Minded Injured
The exceptionally talented eight-year-old gelding of the Paul Nicholls-Clive Smith team, Master Minded FR (Nikos), was pulled up at the last fence in the King George VI Chase with a off-fore (right-front) tendon injury which may end his racing career.
It is an injury he suffered before when he struck into himself during a taxing race. He is being treated at the Newmarket hospital and is not in danger at this time.
©Posted December 26, 2011
Anglo-Irish Jump Classifications For 2011
Three countries lead Europe in world-class Jump racing seasons: France, Great Britain and Ireland.
The French season closes later than the other two; therefore handicappers from Great Britain and Ireland combine forces once a year to produce their official Anglo-Irish Jump Classifications.
British and Irish horses also compete more often in each others races and their horses are well known to the racing public in both countries.
Though there is not much Eastward movement in Jump racing, successful French-bred horses are routinely bought and raced in England.
In fact, French-bred horses dominated the highest rankings in 2011 with five of eight. Two were Irish-bred and one British.
Newcomer, six-year-old Long Run FR won the King George and Cheltenham Gold Cup in a most authoritative manner and those victories earned him the highest rating of the year at 182 and the title of Champion 3 Mile Chaser.
He is trained by Nicky Henderson and is deemed a worthy successor to Kauto Star FR as Champion Chaser.
Big Buck's FR was voted Horse of the Year for the second consecutive year by the public and he headed the Champion 2½ Mile Hurdle category with a 174 rating.
One of the most promising horses on his debut in 2008 and in the following 2009 season, Master Minded FR, lost his way in 2010, but made a successful comeback to be named Champion 2½ Mile Chaser on a 178 rating.
Al Ferof FR and Spirit Son FR were named joint Champion Novice Hurdlers and earned a 154 rating. They are trained by Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson respectively.
Trainer Phillip Hobbs seems to hold up the British-breds with at least one top horse each year. Wishful Thinking was named Champion Novice Chaser with a very high 164 rating. His Menorah was Champion Novice Hurdler last year on 151.
Consistent and progressive nine-year-old Sizing Europe IRE went from Champion Two-Mile Hurdler in 2008 (167), Champion Novice Chaser in 2010 (160) to Champion 2 Mile Chaser in 2011 on a 177 rating.
His career is a tribute to Ireland's trainer Henry De Bromhead.
A second Irish trainer, Willie Mullins, succeeded with
Hurricane Fly IRE who went from Champion Novice Hurdler in 2009 to Champion 2 Mile Hurdler this year on a 173 rating for his success in the Stan James Champion Hurdle.
Trainer Paul Nicholls was chosen again as British Champion Trainer (Big Buck's, Master Minded, Al Ferof, Kauto Star) and exhuberant Trevor Hemmings is British Champion Owner.
Young Sam Twiston-Davies won British Champion Conditional Jockey for his exceptionally professional riding.
It is no surprise that A P 'Tony' McCoy was named British Champion Jockey again for the 16th year.
There may be minor disagreements on ratings, but few over the choices of the winners.
Posted May 31, 2011
Paul Nicholls Applies for Duel-Purpose Licence
Record-winning Jump trainer Paul Nicholls will apply for a duel-purpose licence to train on the Flat this Summer.
His 16-year-old daughter, Megan, wants to ride on the Flat and he is considering the hurdler Advisor, whom he trains for the Royal Ascot Racing Club, as a possible contender in a race like the Chester Cup.
Long Run Crushes Kauto Star
Six-year-old Long Run improved on last year's victory at Kempton by
winning the William Hill King George VI Chase relocated to Kempton.
Photo copyright David Hastings
The three-mile King George VI Chase is England's December 26 Boxing Day treat, but unusual freezing and snow conditions closed Kempton Racecourse for the holiday weekend.
The Grade 1 race was postponed to January 15 at Kempton and featured eleven-year-old Kauto Star's valiant attempt to win his fifth consecutive King George, thereby beating the magnificent grey Desert Orchid's and KS's own four victory record.
Kauto Star FR (Village Star FR) was undisputed favourite
even though he had no seasonal prep race.
It was an interesting race led almost all the way by the gutsy grey Nacarat FR (Smadoun FR) with Kauto Star in a steady third place throughout.
Second favourite, six-year-old Long Run FR (Cadoudal FR) lurked just off the pace until the final three fences leaving Kauto Star struggling to keep up.
The latter's challenges were deflected easily and Kauto Star looked in trouble before he stumbled at the second last.
At the last, the youngster Long Run made his glorious leap leaving all behind with Riverside Theatre (King's Theatre IRE) edging up to 12 lengths behind LR.
Kauto Star was another seven lengths behind in third and Nacarat fourth by five more lengths.
Long Run was bought by the Robert Waley-Cohen family for their amateur son Sam to ride and their faith in their son was justified in his perfect ride.
The same types who criticised A P McCoy's ride on Kauto Star complained that Long Run should never have been left to an amateur jockey.
McCoy did what he could with a tired horse who had needed the run. Kauto Star bled from the nostrils when he got home, but is still scheduled to go straight to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March and race next season.
Kauto Star has dropped to fifth favourite behind last year's winner Imperial Commander in the Gold Cup based on this performance.
Trainer Nicky Henderson won five of the nine races at Kempton with Long Run and Binocular coming right in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle, 2m.
McCoy rode Binocular and two other winners on the Kempton card.
Weather Delays
Bad weather and iced ground caused Britain's Boxing Day tradition, the King George VI Chase (Grade 1), to be postphoned to January 15 at Kempton.
The great Kauto Star FR is favourite in his seasonal return.
AP McCoy Voted 2010 BBC Sports Personality of Year
The 8-15 betting favourite, A P 'Tony' McCoy, swamped competitors to win the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
It is the first time in the competition's 59-year history that a racing personality was chosen.
McCoy received 293,000 telephone votes during the two-hour telecast. The second, 15-times Darts world champion Phil Taylor, behind by 211,000 votes.
McCoy has been UK champion Jump jockey for the last 15 years in one of the world's most dangergous sports which netted him breaks in almost every bone in his body.
Fifteen is evidently his lucky number as he was not only chosen Britain's top jockey earlier in the year, but he won his first Grand National on J P McMannis' Don't Push It.
Both McMannis and DPI's trainer Jonjo O'Neill were part of the large racing contingent attending the Birmingham awards.
Ulsterman McCoy was clearly humbled by his award and thrilled that it proved to his adorable blond three-year-old daughter that "her father has done something".
His Flat racing equivalent, Frankie Dettori, said "In my lifetime, I don't think we'll ever see anyone like him again."
McCoy Made BBC Sports Personality Of The Year List
AP McCoy
Photo copyright David Hastings
Racing's champion jockey for 15 consecutive years and 2010 Grand National winner on Don't Push It, Anthony 'Tony' McCoy was nominated by every one of the 30 sports editors who recommend candidates for 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Racing has never had a winner. McCoy is quoted as short as 8/11 by Coral.
Golfers Graeme McDowell, winner of the U.S. Open, and golf's Number 1 golfer Lee Westwood are his principle competitors.
AP McCoy For 2010 BBC Sports Personality Of The Year
At long last the British racing community is getting its act together to support its greatest Jump jockey, AP 'Tony' McCoy (Irish actually), for BBC Sports Personality Of The Year.
Racing For Change joined with Members of Parliament to kick off the campaign with an all-Party Motion endorsing the 15-Times Champion Jockey who has ridden over 3,000 winners in a very dangerous sport and commending him for his role as Ambassador for the sport.
BBC will reveal its shortlist of 10 on Monday, November 29, at 7 PM and the winner will be decided by public phone votes during the live show on Sunday, December 10.
Wonderful Exeter, which has races three days before the judging, has named two races after McCoy: Vote AP McCoy for BBC Sports Personality Beginners' Chase and the AP McCoy 15 Times Champion Jockey Graduation Chase.
Two huge banners, partly funded by RFC, are being erected on a site used by Exeter adjacent to the A38.
No excuses, RACING, for blowing this one.
Weather Favoured Newbury Racecourse Consolidation
New Hennessy Gold Cup Champion Diamond Harry and Daryl Jocob making one of
their easy, flawless leaps. Photo copyright David Hastings
Britain's weather suddenly turned cold for November to reach a 25-year low temperature. Much of the country is under early-season snow.
Since Newbury Racecourse was clear, the stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle was transferred to it.
Binocular FR was favourite in the 2m1/2f race, but the good- to-soft, if not testing, ground did him in.
Jason Maguire rode last year's eye-catcher Peddlers Cross from the start and kept on with few reminders in spite of a late challenge from Starluck who cut his lead to 1-1/4 lengths.
Binocular, ridden by AP McCoy, faded fast to a further six lengths.
Peddlers Cross made his mark last season and returned better than ever with Jason
Maguire winning the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newbury.
Photo copyright David Hastings
Sam Thomas rode a picture perfect ride on Tocco Ferro FR for his fourth victory of seven starts in the sportingbet.com Intermediate Hurdle (Limited Handicap), 1m1-1/2f.
Thomas felt the race "got the cobwebs out" of the gelding's mind and the grey jumped flawlessly winning by 1-1/4 lengths.
The youngster won a handicap at Ascot in October under Jack Doyle who rode him in all his previous races for trainer Miss E C Lavelle.
Big Buck's FR stayed clear of his competitors in the Grade 2 sportingbet.com Long Distance Hurdle, 3m1/2f, stalking from the rear.
Paul Nicholls said that he trained his handsome, dark Big Buck's on the gallops with Denman.
Both he and BB injured jockey Ruby Walsh were sure he would win his third Hurdle and he did by three lengths under his substitute jockey, Grand National winner AP McCoy, with ease.
The Duc De Regniere was third and the grey Arcalis third.
BB is quoted at 4/5 for the Cheltenham World Hurdle and looks formidable.
Britain's Jump Racing 2010 Horse of the Year, Big Buck's, returned to
Newbury to win his third sportingbet.com Long Distance Hurdle. Getty Images
The big race of the day, the Hennessy Gold Cup Chase Handicap (Grade 3), 3 miles, provided the most excitement and disappointment.
The great Irish gelding, Denman, was racing under a handicap of 11stone 12lb (a stone equals 14lb) or 166lb and most of the other 17 only 10stone or 140lb.
He was trying to win his third, consecutive Hennessy and better legendary Arkle's record of two Hennessy's from the '60s.
Under Sam Thomas, Denman jumped well throughout and was always just off the pace.
At the fourth fence, David Pipe's Madison Du Berlais FR (10s1lb) brought down Paul Nicholls' Neptune Colanges FR (10s8lb), ridden by AP McCoy. MDB's jockey Tom Scudamore, McCoy and horses were unhurt.
The rest of the race was well paced with 10 of 18 finishing and there were no serious injuries.
In the end, history was not made because 10-year-old Denman tired under the excessive weight towards the last fence.
And seven-year-old Diamond Harry (10s0lb or 140lb) sailed home under an excellent ride by Daryl Jacob taking over for jockey Timmy Murphy.
The big, rangey gelding was chased home by the tough, little Burton Port and his jockey Barry Gerrity for trainer Nicky Henderson behind DH by 1-1/4 lengths.
DH's trainer Nick Williams was ecstatic especially given that his horse finished the race with so much left in the tank and is quoted at 8/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Denman was a further 14 lengths behind. He will have a rest and be conditioned for the Gold Cup as well.
The risks of Jump racing on testing ground befell former Hennessy Gold Cup winner
Madison Du Berlais who hit the third fence and fell at the fourth. Both he and jockey
Tom Scudamore were unhurt. Photo copyright David Hastings
Denman Shoots For Hennessy Gold Cup Hat Trick
Denman won his second Hennessy Gold Cup in 2009 at Newbury Racecourse.
Photo copyright David Hastings
Ten-year-old Denman IRE will start his 2010 jump season in his favourite race, the Hennessy Gold Cup Chase Handicap (Grade 3) (Class 1), 3m2f110yd, at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday, November 27.
He has won this race in 2008 and 2009. Is the there a triple or hat trick for this big Irish horse?
Initially, 66 horses of four years and upwards were entered with Denman as the favourite in early betting.
His stablemate with Paul Nicholls, Kauto Star, will skip the race, but Denman will be try for another victory in it reunited with jockey Sam Thomas after Ruby Walsh's serious injury which may keep him out of much of the season.
UPDATE: Denman now faces 20 declared horses in his attempt for a Hennessy hat trick of three in a row.
Big Buck's also returns to action for Paul Nicholls and new jockey Noel Fehily in the Grade 2 sportingbet.com Long Distance Hurdle, 3m110yds for 4yo+.
The 2010 Horse of the Year faces seven other familiar foes: Afsoun, Arcalis, Duc De Regniere, Duke Of Lucca, Kayf Aramis, Neptune Equester and Spider Boy.
Nicky Henderson is sure that his Duc is ready for BB.
Britain's Jump Season Rocks
The last two weekends started what looks to be a spectacular season for Britain's 2010-2011 Jumps races.
Ascot, Cheltenham and Haydock brought out most of jump racing's 'big guns' for their seasonal debuts.
Newbury follows this weekend with the Hennessy Gold Cup (Denman IRE) and sportingbet.com Long Distance Hurdle (Big Buck's FR).
But we will have to wait until Boxing Day (December 26) for Kempton's King George VI to see Kauto Star FR return.
Ascot not only produced the perfect vehicle for Paul Nicholls' master chaser Master Minded FR, but launched Noel Fehily into the top jockeys' league when he replaced the injured Ruby Walsh.
Team Nicholls/Fehily pulled a hat trick at Ascot with MM, Woolcombe Folly and the exciting young hurdler Silviniaco Conti easily winning their testing races on good to soft ground.
Doubters counted the awesome Master Minded out too soon. After a wind operation, he was back to winning the Amlin 1965 Chase (Grade 2), 2m3f by 16 lengths over I'msingingtheblues.
Fehily could not have shown more confidence in himself or his mount. He sat motionless as the magnificent seven-year-old gelding jumped every obstacle with efficient perfection.
MM is now 5-2 favourite for the Champion Chase.
Woolcombe Folly IRE, as 7-2 favourite, put Piraya out of his misery by five lengths in the Carey Group Handicap Chase, 2m1f, for the team.
What a find! Nicholls acquired the four-year-old French hurdler Silviniaco Conti after two successful races and added three more to his CV this season.
SC beat the experienced Karabak in the Coral Hurdle (Group 2), 2m3-1/2f, by seven lengths.
Nicholls said "I was astounded by what he did today. He doesn't excite you at home, which is why I took him to Bangor before Chepstow as I wanted to see what we had."
He was raised 18lb for his Chepstow victory and jumped up in class for the Coral Hurdle.
His jockey Fehily believes the chestnut gelding "was very slick over the hurdles."
His five wins for five starts has earned him quotes of 12-1 for the Champion Hurdle and 6-1 for the World Hurdle.
He is as slick as they come.
Another delicious Frenchie, Grands Crus, dominated the 40% Better Off On Betfair SP "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race), 3m, on good to soft ground at Haydock Park.
His young trainer, David Pipe, was excited by the handsome grey gelding's adaptability in winning this fast-run race by 10 lengths over Barafundle and his victory at Cheltenham in a slowly-run 2m4f race last week.
Jockey Tom Scudamore was also impressed with five-year-old Grand Crus' victory in spite of a 6lb penalty plus a step up in class and trip.
The 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Imperial Commander IRE, did not have the easiest race for his season return in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase, 3m for 3yo+, at Haydock.
His jockey Paddy Brennan took the lead earlier than expected dominating the race almost to the end when the gelding tired and was nearly overtaken by quirky Tidal Bay who closed him down to a mere 1-1/4 length victory at the post.
IC also suffered a skin cut in the race that is serious enough to rule him out of a much-anticipated rematch with former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star at Kempton.
Trainer Nicky Henderson and IC's Nigel Twiston-Davis may have their legal problems, but they still have great horses for the big races.
Henderson's Long Run FR was beaten in Cheltenham's Paddy Power Gold Cup, 2m5f, two weeks ago, but will challenge Kauto Star on Boxing Day December 26 at Kempton.
Despite being only five, Long Run had 12 races at Auteuil.
Since his arrival in England, he won his first two races at Warwick and Kempton and came third in both his Cheltenham races.
Though he has not hurdled in 18 months, Henderson is considering the Cheltenham World Hurdle as a target for LR in 2011.
He is hoping Long Run gets into his rhythm chasing at Kempton.
For racegoers, the King George VI will be all about the whether the ten-year-old Kauto Star can still do the business.
If he can, it is annihilation for the others - rhythm or not.