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
St Leger 2011
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Masked Marvel Unmasked
The final Classic for three-year olds in the English racing season was first run in 1776.
The Ladbrokes St Leger stretches three-year-old colts and fillies to 1m6½f after starting the season with the gender-separated 2000/1000 Guineas' miles and the Derby/Oaks mid-distance races at 1m4f - all on Turf.
Few young horses are versatile enough to win at shorter distances and extend their stamina in one season to stayers' races like the St Leger.
Breeding preferences are for milers and mid-distance horses. Hence, the St Leger has been eclipsed in the last few years.
This year the quality of the horses has been exceptional and the greatest story would have been a win by Godolphin's great filly Blue Bunting USA (Dynaformer USA) who won the English 1000 Guineas and both the Irish and Yorkshire Oaks.
She would have been only the fifth filly in history to win the St Leger.
It was not to be. This race was to soon after the August Yorkshire Oaks and it was run at a record-breaking pace leaving her in sixth, 13½ lengths out from the winner, just ahead of the three pacemakers.
The record-breaking time was 3m 0.44s (fast by 5.36s) on good to fast ground.
The 2/1 favourite Sea Moon's trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, worried endlessly that his talented colt might find the good ground too fast. It was not, but race tactics determined by others trapped the colt who only found room to escape near the post. He managed third 3½ lengths from the winner Masked Marvel (Montjeu IRE).
There are many good reasons why the winner's trainer, John Gosden, has won his fourth St Legers today (with Shantou in 1996, Lucarno in 2007 and Artic Cosmos last year) up against the highest-quality horses.
He respects the race, understands what kind of horse can handle the distance and is not so concerned that their stud value might be diminished if they can stay.
He meticulously prepares them and sends them out fresh.
The greatest of all reasons is that he is a master tactician and this race was won on tactics which favoured a fresh, speedy stayer with a great toe.
Masked Marvel last raced in July. Buthelezi USA (Dynaformer USA), under Robert Havlin, was used as his pacemaker. Havlin set a blistering pace blowing out Godolphin's twosome (Giant Beast and Ruhm) who were there to give their last-to-first filly an even chance with a good pace.
About two furlongs out from the post, the first three home made their way past fading Buthelezi.
Masked Marvel was safely positioned on the outside and with Sea Moon (Beat Hollow) trapped and struggling to find a gap.
Tom Dascombe's Brown Panther (Shirocco GER) did well throughout the race to keep pace and make second 3 lengths behind Masked Marvel. Credit to jockey Kieren Fallon for re-energising the colt who looked in trouble earlier in the race.
Census, who had once been favourite for the St Leger, and Ballydoyle's Seville were fourth and fifth.
When jockey William Buick pulled Masked Marvel out farther to avoid collisions, they accelerated into history with the fastest St Leger on record.
MM, who won four of seven starts and remained unplaced in the other three, was still running way past the post and did not want to stop.
As a team, young Buick and savvy Gosden have now won back-to-back St Legers in one of the most exciting St Leger's we have seen.
Yet one wonders how Gosden's long-term relationship with Buthelezi's owner, Princess Haya of Jordan, will fair.
Had she given permission for her colt to be used as a pacemaker for Masked Marvel against her husband's filly Blue Bunting?
Did Sheikh Mohammed pay a £45,000 entry fee for Giant Beast to help BB's regular pacemaker Ruhm (with master pacemaker jockey Richard Hills on her) to offset Buthelezi? One wondered when GB was entered.
Neither could get past Buthelezi. It was a waste of money.
Known for his graciousness in getting 'past things' and his long history with Gosden, Sheikh Mohammed will probably ignore the issues.
If I were he, I'd be steaming.
©Posted September 11, 2011
Trumpet Major Didn't Blow His
It is always a pleasure to see two-year olds progress and beat the odds.
Richard Hannon's Trumpet Major, sent off 7/1 in the One Call Insurance Champagne Stakes (Group 2) 7f at Doncaster, did just that.
Hannon is known as one of the world's finest trainers of two-year olds and for being a canny spotter/buyer of talented youngsters.
He proved that with Dick Turpin and is making a reputation in Europe for DT and Trumpet Major's USA sire Arakan.
This likeable youngster TM burst past the two expected winners, Red Duke (11/4) and Entifaadha (11/10F), to win by 1¼ and 1 lengths respectively in 1m 25.86s (slow by 0.86s).
He is a tough fellow and is a good prospect for the 2000 Guineas in 2012.
©Posted September 11, 2011
Godolphin Riches Increased
During the season, racegoers and experts have been saying that European fillies are much better than the colts.
Of the two-year olds, Godolphin already had two exceptional Darley home-bred fillies in Discourse USA (Street Cry IRE), who is the second favourite for next year's 1000 Guineas, and the Cherry Hinton winner Gamilati (Bernardini USA).
They now have a third star in Lyric Of Light (Street Cry IRE) to the great credit of their trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.
John Gosden's filly Fallen For You under jockey William Buick was sent off 2/1 favourite in the Barrett Steel May Hill Stakes (Group 2)1m straight for 2yo fillies.
Jockey Kieren Fallon set up a very fast pace on outsider Semayyel IRE (Green Dessert USA). She took the brunt of the strong headwind until she tired 2 furlongs out and was passed by Samitar (Rock Of Gibraltar IRE) and Lyric Of Light who hit the front.
Buick and Fallen For You charged up the outside on LOL's right and put a hard challenge to her prompting LOL to drift into FFY.
Frankie Dettori managed to straighten LOL out to win by a shoulder, but her hanging into FFY's line prompted a Stewards' enquiry. The results stood.
Both fillies were green in their second career races yet they battled relentlessly. LOL always held her rival.
Dettori said "She's only run the once and there was a big crowd here today. She's got a lot of class and won with her ears pricked."
Both fillies left the closest, Samitar, 3½ lengths behind and are highly rated for the 1000 Guineas and Oaks next year.
Al Zarooni will send LOL to the Total Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp at the Arc weekend October 2.
©Posted September 10, 2011
Requinto Got His Ground
Speedy Irish two-year old, Requinto (Dansili), shocked connections when he only placed 13 in a Group 1 York Ebor 5-furlong sprint won by filly Margo Did.
The ground he lost on was good to soft and all of his four victories have been on good-to-fast ground.
Doncaster had little rain so he had ideal ground conditions despite having powerful headwinds.
He won the Polypipe Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2) 5f for 2yo.
His jockey Wayne Lordon kept him well covered until he was ready to make his move against the leaders and his principal foe, favourite Burwaaz (Exceed And Excel AUS), who was bumped off stride when he moved forward.
He did well to battle Requinto to a shoulder loss and his bumper, Caledonia Lady (Firebreak), managed third by a ½ length.
Both she and Burwaaz have been very unlucky in their races. She remains a maiden and Burwaaz has one win out of seven.
He has been defeated by Requinto twice, but he has narrowed the distance.
Requinto will race next in the Middle Park Stakes October 8 or the Prix de l'Abbaye October 2 - whichever race offers David Watchman's colt the best ground.
©Posted September 10, 2011
Oxx's Donnie Double With Saddler's Rock
After winning the Goodwood and Lonsdale Cups, Godolphin's five-year-old Opinion Poll IRE (Halling USA) was sent off 11/8 favourite in the Stobart Doncaster Cup (Group 2) 2m2f on good Turf.
Frankie Dettori had Opinion Poll beautifully placed just off the steady pace led by The Queen's Tactician(Motivator).
Just before the 2-frulong poll Sir Mark Prescott's grey filly Motrice (Motivator) overtook Tactician and OP comfortably followed.
It was his race once he passed her until he was worn down by the younger legs of three-year-old Saddler's Rock IRE (Saddler's Wells IRE) losing by 4 lengths with Motrice 1¼l behind.
The difference between the 9.4lbs OP carried and SR's 8.12lbs no doubt affected the former's inability to resurge past the youngster along with the powerful head wind.
Nevertheless Saddler's Rock, who is one of the last of his legendary sire's progeny, has proven to be a major European talent in staying races and is quoted at 14/1 for next year's Gold Cup.
Last year's Gold Cup winner Fame And Glory will contest the Irish St Leger at the Curragh Saturday.
Point taken: trainer John Oxx does not send horses to major races abroad unless they have an excellent chance to win.
©Posted September 10, 2011
Meeznah Won Fillies' St Leger
The Queen's three-year-old Set To Music IRE (Danehill Dancer IRE) was sent off as the hot 9/4 favourite in Doncaster's DFS Park Hill Stakes (Group 2) 1m6½f for 3yo+ fillies and mares.
The race is the female equivalent of the season's final Classic - the St Leger - which takes place on Ladies' Day.
Dermot Weld's Sense of Purpose IRE (Galileo IRE) set a fast and even pace tracked by Polly's Mark IRE (Mark Of Esteem IRE), Meeznah USA (Dynaformer USA) and STM.
When the leaders tired, the latter three competed for the lead.
Frankie Dettori rode a very controlled race on Meeznah and timed his move perfectly with STM in his slipstream.
Meeznah kept finding more and defeated her rival by 3½ lengths with Polly's Mark another 5 lengths behind.
Meeznah was second to Snow Fairy in the 2010 Investec Oaks and broke a Goodwood course record in July in her comeback.
Her trainer David Lanigan is planning either a fillies' race at Ascot or in France before she competes in the Melbourne Cup on November 1 taking on the colts.
She was feted like a queen with her crowd-pleaser jockey despite Set To Music's loss.
©Posted September 8, 2011
Alanza - Another Talented Aga Khan Filly
Ireland's great trainer (Sea The Stars IRE) rarely sends a horse to a major race abroad unless it has a very good chance of winning.
He sent three-year-old Alanza IRE (Dubai Destination USA) to race in the Japan Racing Association Sceptre Stakes (Group 3) 7f for fillies and mares.
She has won four of her six starts and two thirds.
She lost favouritism to Sir Henry Cecil's 5/2F filly Chachamaidee and went off at 11/4.
Seta led at a fine pace until Alanza, Chachamaidee and last year's winner, Dever Dream, descended on her.
Alanza appeared to be trapped, but showed an electric turn of foot when her jockey Johnny Murtagh found a gap.
Only a neck and head divided her from her older rivals Dever Dream and Chachamaidee.
This strong filly of H H The Aga Khan is promising and progressive. No immediate plans were announced for future races.
©Posted September 8, 2011
The final Classic for three-year olds in the English racing season was first run in 1776.
The Ladbrokes St Leger stretches three-year-old colts and fillies to 1m6½f after starting the season with the gender-separated 2000/1000 Guineas' miles and the Derby/Oaks mid-distance races at 1m4f - all on Turf.
Few young horses are versatile enough to win at shorter distances and extend their stamina in one season to stayers' races like the St Leger.
Breeding preferences are for milers and mid-distance horses. Hence, the St Leger has been eclipsed in the last few years.
This year the quality of the horses has been exceptional and the greatest story would have been a win by Godolphin's great filly Blue Bunting USA (Dynaformer USA) who won the English 1000 Guineas and both the Irish and Yorkshire Oaks.
She would have been only the fifth filly in history to win the St Leger.
It was not to be. This race was to soon after the August Yorkshire Oaks and it was run at a record-breaking pace leaving her in sixth, 13½ lengths out from the winner, just ahead of the three pacemakers.
The record-breaking time was 3m 0.44s (fast by 5.36s) on good to fast ground.
The 2/1 favourite Sea Moon's trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, worried endlessly that his talented colt might find the good ground too fast. It was not, but race tactics determined by others trapped the colt who only found room to escape near the post. He managed third 3½ lengths from the winner Masked Marvel (Montjeu IRE).
There are many good reasons why the winner's trainer, John Gosden, has won his fourth St Legers today (with Shantou in 1996, Lucarno in 2007 and Artic Cosmos last year) up against the highest-quality horses.
He respects the race, understands what kind of horse can handle the distance and is not so concerned that their stud value might be diminished if they can stay.
He meticulously prepares them and sends them out fresh.
The greatest of all reasons is that he is a master tactician and this race was won on tactics which favoured a fresh, speedy stayer with a great toe.
Masked Marvel last raced in July. Buthelezi USA (Dynaformer USA), under Robert Havlin, was used as his pacemaker. Havlin set a blistering pace blowing out Godolphin's twosome (Giant Beast and Ruhm) who were there to give their last-to-first filly an even chance with a good pace.
About two furlongs out from the post, the first three home made their way past fading Buthelezi.
Masked Marvel was safely positioned on the outside and with Sea Moon (Beat Hollow) trapped and struggling to find a gap.
Tom Dascombe's Brown Panther (Shirocco GER) did well throughout the race to keep pace and make second 3 lengths behind Masked Marvel. Credit to jockey Kieren Fallon for re-energising the colt who looked in trouble earlier in the race.
Census, who had once been favourite for the St Leger, and Ballydoyle's Seville were fourth and fifth.
When jockey William Buick pulled Masked Marvel out farther to avoid collisions, they accelerated into history with the fastest St Leger on record.
MM, who won four of seven starts and remained unplaced in the other three, was still running way past the post and did not want to stop.
As a team, young Buick and savvy Gosden have now won back-to-back St Legers in one of the most exciting St Leger's we have seen.
Yet one wonders how Gosden's long-term relationship with Buthelezi's owner, Princess Haya of Jordan, will fair.
Had she given permission for her colt to be used as a pacemaker for Masked Marvel against her husband's filly Blue Bunting?
Did Sheikh Mohammed pay a £45,000 entry fee for Giant Beast to help BB's regular pacemaker Ruhm (with master pacemaker jockey Richard Hills on her) to offset Buthelezi? One wondered when GB was entered.
Neither could get past Buthelezi. It was a waste of money.
Known for his graciousness in getting 'past things' and his long history with Gosden, Sheikh Mohammed will probably ignore the issues.
If I were he, I'd be steaming.
©Posted September 11, 2011
Trumpet Major Didn't Blow His
It is always a pleasure to see two-year olds progress and beat the odds.
Richard Hannon's Trumpet Major, sent off 7/1 in the One Call Insurance Champagne Stakes (Group 2) 7f at Doncaster, did just that.
Hannon is known as one of the world's finest trainers of two-year olds and for being a canny spotter/buyer of talented youngsters.
He proved that with Dick Turpin and is making a reputation in Europe for DT and Trumpet Major's USA sire Arakan.
This likeable youngster TM burst past the two expected winners, Red Duke (11/4) and Entifaadha (11/10F), to win by 1¼ and 1 lengths respectively in 1m 25.86s (slow by 0.86s).
He is a tough fellow and is a good prospect for the 2000 Guineas in 2012.
©Posted September 11, 2011
Godolphin Riches Increased
During the season, racegoers and experts have been saying that European fillies are much better than the colts.
Of the two-year olds, Godolphin already had two exceptional Darley home-bred fillies in Discourse USA (Street Cry IRE), who is the second favourite for next year's 1000 Guineas, and the Cherry Hinton winner Gamilati (Bernardini USA).
They now have a third star in Lyric Of Light (Street Cry IRE) to the great credit of their trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.
John Gosden's filly Fallen For You under jockey William Buick was sent off 2/1 favourite in the Barrett Steel May Hill Stakes (Group 2)1m straight for 2yo fillies.
Jockey Kieren Fallon set up a very fast pace on outsider Semayyel IRE (Green Dessert USA). She took the brunt of the strong headwind until she tired 2 furlongs out and was passed by Samitar (Rock Of Gibraltar IRE) and Lyric Of Light who hit the front.
Buick and Fallen For You charged up the outside on LOL's right and put a hard challenge to her prompting LOL to drift into FFY.
Frankie Dettori managed to straighten LOL out to win by a shoulder, but her hanging into FFY's line prompted a Stewards' enquiry. The results stood.
Both fillies were green in their second career races yet they battled relentlessly. LOL always held her rival.
Dettori said "She's only run the once and there was a big crowd here today. She's got a lot of class and won with her ears pricked."
Both fillies left the closest, Samitar, 3½ lengths behind and are highly rated for the 1000 Guineas and Oaks next year.
Al Zarooni will send LOL to the Total Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp at the Arc weekend October 2.
©Posted September 10, 2011
Requinto Got His Ground
Speedy Irish two-year old, Requinto (Dansili), shocked connections when he only placed 13 in a Group 1 York Ebor 5-furlong sprint won by filly Margo Did.
The ground he lost on was good to soft and all of his four victories have been on good-to-fast ground.
Doncaster had little rain so he had ideal ground conditions despite having powerful headwinds.
He won the Polypipe Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2) 5f for 2yo.
His jockey Wayne Lordon kept him well covered until he was ready to make his move against the leaders and his principal foe, favourite Burwaaz (Exceed And Excel AUS), who was bumped off stride when he moved forward.
He did well to battle Requinto to a shoulder loss and his bumper, Caledonia Lady (Firebreak), managed third by a ½ length.
Both she and Burwaaz have been very unlucky in their races. She remains a maiden and Burwaaz has one win out of seven.
He has been defeated by Requinto twice, but he has narrowed the distance.
Requinto will race next in the Middle Park Stakes October 8 or the Prix de l'Abbaye October 2 - whichever race offers David Watchman's colt the best ground.
©Posted September 10, 2011
Oxx's Donnie Double With Saddler's Rock
After winning the Goodwood and Lonsdale Cups, Godolphin's five-year-old Opinion Poll IRE (Halling USA) was sent off 11/8 favourite in the Stobart Doncaster Cup (Group 2) 2m2f on good Turf.
Frankie Dettori had Opinion Poll beautifully placed just off the steady pace led by The Queen's Tactician(Motivator).
Just before the 2-frulong poll Sir Mark Prescott's grey filly Motrice (Motivator) overtook Tactician and OP comfortably followed.
It was his race once he passed her until he was worn down by the younger legs of three-year-old Saddler's Rock IRE (Saddler's Wells IRE) losing by 4 lengths with Motrice 1¼l behind.
The difference between the 9.4lbs OP carried and SR's 8.12lbs no doubt affected the former's inability to resurge past the youngster along with the powerful head wind.
Nevertheless Saddler's Rock, who is one of the last of his legendary sire's progeny, has proven to be a major European talent in staying races and is quoted at 14/1 for next year's Gold Cup.
Last year's Gold Cup winner Fame And Glory will contest the Irish St Leger at the Curragh Saturday.
Point taken: trainer John Oxx does not send horses to major races abroad unless they have an excellent chance to win.
©Posted September 10, 2011
Meeznah Won Fillies' St Leger
The Queen's three-year-old Set To Music IRE (Danehill Dancer IRE) was sent off as the hot 9/4 favourite in Doncaster's DFS Park Hill Stakes (Group 2) 1m6½f for 3yo+ fillies and mares.
The race is the female equivalent of the season's final Classic - the St Leger - which takes place on Ladies' Day.
Dermot Weld's Sense of Purpose IRE (Galileo IRE) set a fast and even pace tracked by Polly's Mark IRE (Mark Of Esteem IRE), Meeznah USA (Dynaformer USA) and STM.
When the leaders tired, the latter three competed for the lead.
Frankie Dettori rode a very controlled race on Meeznah and timed his move perfectly with STM in his slipstream.
Meeznah kept finding more and defeated her rival by 3½ lengths with Polly's Mark another 5 lengths behind.
Meeznah was second to Snow Fairy in the 2010 Investec Oaks and broke a Goodwood course record in July in her comeback.
Her trainer David Lanigan is planning either a fillies' race at Ascot or in France before she competes in the Melbourne Cup on November 1 taking on the colts.
She was feted like a queen with her crowd-pleaser jockey despite Set To Music's loss.
©Posted September 8, 2011
Alanza - Another Talented Aga Khan Filly
Ireland's great trainer (Sea The Stars IRE) rarely sends a horse to a major race abroad unless it has a very good chance of winning.
He sent three-year-old Alanza IRE (Dubai Destination USA) to race in the Japan Racing Association Sceptre Stakes (Group 3) 7f for fillies and mares.
She has won four of her six starts and two thirds.
She lost favouritism to Sir Henry Cecil's 5/2F filly Chachamaidee and went off at 11/4.
Seta led at a fine pace until Alanza, Chachamaidee and last year's winner, Dever Dream, descended on her.
Alanza appeared to be trapped, but showed an electric turn of foot when her jockey Johnny Murtagh found a gap.
Only a neck and head divided her from her older rivals Dever Dream and Chachamaidee.
This strong filly of H H The Aga Khan is promising and progressive. No immediate plans were announced for future races.
©Posted September 8, 2011
U S Jockey Julie Krone Leger Legend
An intregal part of opening day of Doncaster's St Leger Festival is the competition among retired jockeys.
Sixteen jockeys participated in the Clipper Logistics Leger Legends Classified Stakes, 1m on horses rated 0-70.
America's greatest woman jockey Julie Krone, who has been retired for 10 years, cancelled a television appearance in the United States to join the race which would benefit the Injured Jockeys' Fund and Northern Racing College.
A consumate professional, she walked the track before the race with Michael Dickinson who has trained winners at Cheltenham and the Breeders' Cup.
Dickinson described Krone, who has won 3,704 races in the USA and is the only woman to win a Triple Crown race and a Breeders' Cup, as "just a natural, has really good hands and often earned the riding fee before she got out of the paddock because she got horses so relaxed".
She was sent off on the 4/1 favourite Invincible Hero IRE (Invincible Spirit IRE) and brought him home 3½ lengths ahead of Skyfire.
Krone admitted to tiring and credited Invincible Hero with the victory.
"I was given the best horse. It was mostly him. At the 1-furlong poll, I just floated and folded into a ball."
She might have thought that, but she had all the right moves and looked as if she had never retired.
The modest and popular jockey was awarded the trophy by British racing legend Lester Piggott.
Apology to Julie for previous misspelling of Krone.
©Posted September 7, 2011
An intregal part of opening day of Doncaster's St Leger Festival is the competition among retired jockeys.
Sixteen jockeys participated in the Clipper Logistics Leger Legends Classified Stakes, 1m on horses rated 0-70.
America's greatest woman jockey Julie Krone, who has been retired for 10 years, cancelled a television appearance in the United States to join the race which would benefit the Injured Jockeys' Fund and Northern Racing College.
A consumate professional, she walked the track before the race with Michael Dickinson who has trained winners at Cheltenham and the Breeders' Cup.
Dickinson described Krone, who has won 3,704 races in the USA and is the only woman to win a Triple Crown race and a Breeders' Cup, as "just a natural, has really good hands and often earned the riding fee before she got out of the paddock because she got horses so relaxed".
She was sent off on the 4/1 favourite Invincible Hero IRE (Invincible Spirit IRE) and brought him home 3½ lengths ahead of Skyfire.
Krone admitted to tiring and credited Invincible Hero with the victory.
"I was given the best horse. It was mostly him. At the 1-furlong poll, I just floated and folded into a ball."
She might have thought that, but she had all the right moves and looked as if she had never retired.
The modest and popular jockey was awarded the trophy by British racing legend Lester Piggott.
Apology to Julie for previous misspelling of Krone.
©Posted September 7, 2011
Stoute Warning
Sir Michael Stoute, trainer of favourite Sea Moon has concerns that the persistent dry weather in North England might hurt his colt's chances in the final Classic of the season: Ladbrokes St Leger Stakes (Group 1) for three-year old fillies or entire colts (meaning no geldings), 1m6f132yd, at Doncaster on September 10.
Fortunately, rain has started across England and the ground has started to soften at Doncaster.
Godolphin's phenomenal filly, Blue Bunting, is second favourite and should have no trouble with any ground including soft.
She also has her fillies' allowance in her favour and an enviable record as the winner of the 1000 Guineas (1m), both the Irish and Yorkshire Oaks (1m4f) and should have won the English Oaks except for bad luck and a jockey's mistake.
All is forgiven as Frankie Dettori has a real affinity with this tough filly who will make her first crack at beating Classic-age males.
Genius Beast and the admirable Ruhm, who sets the pace, round out the Godolphin team.
Richard Hannon has entered Census who was the long-time favourite until more recent imposing victories by Sea Moon and Blue Bunting.
Aidan O'Brien left his gutsy campaigner Seville in the race. No decision yet about his filly Wonder Of Wonders who has been beaten several times by Blue Bunting.
John Gosden has two entires with Masked Marvel to be ridden by his principal jockey William Buick and Princess Haya of Jordon's Buthelezi who is a talented colt, but seems to have lost his way this year.
Brown Panther, colt of popular footballer Michael Owen, has also been declared with a new jockey on board - Kieren Fallon.
©September 6, 2011