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
UK 2011
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Juddmonte Favourites Retire
Workforce, 2010 Investec Derby and Arc de Triomphe winner, will retire to stand at Teruya Yoshida's Shadai Farm in Japan.
He will be reunited with Juddmonte's Harbinger.
Workforce never seemed to fully recover from the severe back injury he sustained in Ascot's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
International campaigning mare Midday will retire to Juddmonte Farms and will likely be covered by Dansili.
Blue Bunting In Season
Not only did Simon Crisford, Godolphin's racing manager, think the hard Ladbrokes St Leger might have been "one dance too many" for their great filly Blue Bunting, she was found to be in season Sunday.
This is a second time she has come in season during or just after a very hard race.
Coincidence or stress?
©Posted September 12, 2011
Duncan Retired
The co-winner (with Jukebox Jury) of the exciting Irish Field St Leger, six-year-old Duncan (Dalakhani IRE), has been retired to owner-breeder Philippa Cooper's Normandie Stud with his half-brother Samuel (Sakhee USA).
Both geldings were trained by John Gosden.
Cooper was present when beloved national hero Persian Punch died at Ascot and she did not want her horses to race till they dropped.
©Posted September 12, 2011
Ascot's Shergar Cup
Shergar Cup's victorious Irish team of Fran Berry, Captain Richard Hughes and Colm O'Donoghue at Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
Ascot welcomed a record crowd of almost 31,000 for its annual international jockeys' competition in the six Shergar Cup Handicap races for horses of three-years and upwards on good-to-soft Turf.
Four teams of four top jockeys competed: Europe, Great Britain, Ireland and the Rest of the World.
Each race was limited to 12 horses who were drawn by 12 jockeys. The end point results proved that horses and jockeys as well as teams were very evenly matched.
Ireland prevailed with Fran Berry and Colm O'Donogue both winning races and Captain Richard Hughes accumulated enough places to put them over the top at 70 points.
O'Donogue, who regularly rides for Ballydoyle, brought in his victory on Parlour Games in the Titanic Belfast Shergar Cup Classic, 1m4f. PG is trained by Ballydoyle's great rival Godolphin.
With few points separating Ireland from Great Britain (63 points), the latter's captain Paul Hanagan won the most individual points to become champion jockey.
The British Champion Jockey's victory was on Godolphin's Sarrsar in Les Ambassadeurs Casino Shergar Cup Mile.
Yutaka Take of Japan, who captained the Rest of the World team (57 points), won the award for best individual ride on Ile De Re for trainer Ian Williams in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers' Handicap run at 2m (Photo ©David Hastings below).
Europe, with Goldikova's jockey Olivier Peslier as captain, came last on 50 points. She's just given him his 100th Group 1 win so he was not too disturbed with last place.
©Posted August 7, 2011
Hot 1000 Guineas Prospect
Godolphin deployed jockeys all over Britain on Saturday, but sent its retained jockey, Frankie Dettori, to Newmarket instead of having him fill his usual role as captain of one of the jockey teams in the exciting Shergar Cup at Ascot.
Dettori was at Newmarket to ride its two-year filly, Discourse USA (Street Cry USA), in the german-thoroughbred.com Sweet Solera Stakes (Group 3), 7f on good Turf.
He delivered her late in a canter to win by 4½ lengths over Lily's Angel with long-time leader Kinetica another 1¼ lengths behind.
This is a third victory for Godolphin in the race: Rainbow View (2008) and White Moonstone (2010).
It is the first for trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.
Both fillies went on to the May Hill at Doncaster in September and the Fillies' Mile at Ascot.
Stunning Discourse is expected to follow the same regime enroute to the 1000 Guineas in 2012 for which she is quoted at 7 or 10 or 12/1.
She has the easy long stride and exceptional good looks of her half sister Zenyatta.
She is Darley bred out of Divine Dixie USA (Dixieland Band USA) who were 8.3f and 9.3f specialists.
Discourse won her 6f maiden in June and this Group 3.
No doubt she is progressive and has every chance to win at a mile later this year.
©Posted August 6, 2011
Shergar Cup
Ascot welcomed a record crowd of almost 31,000 for its annual jockeys' competition in the six Shergar Cup races for three-year-olds and upwards on Turf.
Four teams of four top jockeys competed: Europe, Great Britain, Ireland and the Rest of the World.
Each race was limited to 12 horses who were matched to jockeys in a draw. Today's teams were very evenly balanced.
Ireland prevailed with Great Britain second; the latter's captain, Paul Hanagan, won the most individual points to become champion jockey.
Godolphin's Sarrsar and Parlour Games won two of the races.
©Posted August 6, 2011
Dominant To Hong Kong
Promising three-year-old colt Dominant IRE (Cacique IRE) has been sold to race under John Moore Trainers syndicate in Hong Kong by his former owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Isinglass syndicate.
Bloodstock agent Alistair Donald of SackvilleDonald said "He looks an ideal Hong Kong Derby prospect who is a gorgeous looking, improving horse and we are hoping he can win us a third Hong Kong Derby."
No question that Dominant is gorgeous and talented. He has won and placed in four of his six starts and is a 10f specialist.
©Posted August 6, 2011
Frankel Rates 135 - The Best Horse In The World
Frankel with jockey Tom Queally out on their own five lengths ahead of the second in the QIPCO Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. Photo ©David Hastings
It is official. After consultation with other European handicappers, the British Horseracing Association mile handicapper, Dominic Gardiner-Hill, has announced that Frankel has been rated at 135.
He was co-highest with Black Caviar, the Australian sprint mare, until the Sussex Stakes, but has now achieved the highest rating in the world at 135 - just one point lower than Sea The Stars of two years ago.
One has to respect Frankel's connections for allowing him to be himself letting him run on when he wants instead of racing him with heavy restraint for a safe win.
It has to be said that they have always had complete confidence in his ability and jockey Tom Queally is a perfect partner for the three-year-old colt.
Both Sea The Stars and Zenyatta were always raced protectively; hence, we can never know how good they were as racehorses.
Yet we know they were the best of their time and among the best in racing history.
In Frankel's eight races, his versatilty and limits have been tested.
His trainer has decided to race him only once again this year and to keep him at a mile trip.
His next race will be the £1 million Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1), 1m, at Ascot on October 15 as part of Champions Day of the QIPCO British Champions Series.
Cecil hinted that Frankel will be back at four and not hustled off to stud.
©Posted July 29, 2011
Canford Cliffs Retired
Canford Cliffs IRE (Tagula IRE) is another fine horse who hung badly in his last race, the Sussex Stakes, when he was badly beated by three-year-old Frankel.
The four-year old sustained an injury to his near-fore pastern and his veterinarian advised that he be retired.
He will stand at Coolmore in his native Ireland.
©Posted July 29, 2011
Twice Over's Back In Winner's Circle
After a bleak three losses out of four races this year, the Cecil/Queally/Juddmonte team produced an authoratative winner in Twice Over (Observatory) when he raced from last to first in a thrilling Sky Bet York Stakes (Group 2), 1m2½f, for three-year olds plus.
He won easily by 1½ lengths over Ransom Note and Dominant, the 2/1 favourite in third by another shoulder.
"He was the class horse in the race and he won like it", said jockey Tom Queally.
©Posted July 29, 2011
Workforce Prepares For Arc
Other than pulled muscles in his back, no other explanation was offered for Workforce's erratic hanging in the tragic King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot when he came in second to Nathaniel.
Godolphin's Rewilding broke his fore leg and was put down after the race which had only five competitors.
Workforce's connections have dropped him from Summer and Fall races and Champions Day to concentrate on preparation for defending his title in the Arc de Triomphe October 2.
©Posted July 29, 2011
Newmarket's Darley July Cup
Not only is the Group 1 Darley July Cup part of the British Champions' Series and the Global Sprint Challenge, it is one of Britain's favourite races in Newmarket's July Meet.
Dream Ahead USA (Diktat) gave racegoers and his trainer David Simcock a thrill in this 6f sprint winning by a ½ length over Bated Breath.
His jockey Hayley Turner made history as the first woman to win a Group 1 in Britain.
Dream Ahead has proven his promise and will compete next in Deauville, the Haydock Sprint in September and the Arc October weekend.
Bated Breath is sure to follow.
©Posted July 10, 2011
Coral-Eclipse Preview (For Race See Eclipse 2011)
Jockeys are jockeying for their share of the £226,840 winner's purse in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Saturday at Sandown Park.
The 1m2f7y Turf race for 3yo+, part of the QIPCO British Champions' Series, has only five runners.
Three of the leading horses have changed jockeys.
Ryan Moore who was unfairly blamed for So You Think's loss to Rewilding at Royal Ascot returns to his retained trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, to ride Workforce.
So You Think's trainer, Aiden O'Brien of Ballydoyle, took responsibility for his loss to his Godolphin rival. O'Brien admitted that the horse was not at 100% peak for the race.
Seamie Heffernan, who should be riding more of Ballydoyle's big races, will ride So You Think.
Since there is real disagreement between punters and professionals on which horse, So You Think or Workforce, will win, both jockeys will be under tremendous pressure to prove their worth and their horse's.
This race is viewed as a preview to unseating Workforce as favourite to win the Arc de Triomphe for a second year.
Workforce, winner of both the Investec Derby and Arc last year at 1m4f, is a proven stayer.
There are doubts about SYT's stamina for longer races, but the Coral-Eclipse should be an ideal distance for him.
Johnny Murtagh, everyone's independent jockey and saviour, will be the new jockey for the filly Snow Fairy on her return after injury.
The always-underestimated Sri Putra retains Neil Callan and Jimmy Fortune rides Confront.
Some believe the above is the winning order with only the winner to be decided.
Posted July 1, 2011
Diamond Jubillee Celebrations 2012
Next year is HM The Queen's 60th year as Monarch after coming to the throne on February 6, 1952, at the death of her father King George VI.
Her Majesty will officially start her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations by attending the Investec Derby on Saturday, June 2, 2012.
The government has moved the May Bank holiday to June 4 and added an additional national holiday of Tuesday, June 5, to provide a four-day weekend to celebrate The Queen's reign.
The Queen will sail along the Thames on the Royal Barge with a flotilla of up to 1,000 boats on June 3.
On June 4, a BBC concert will be held at the Palace with tickets available on public ballot.
That evening The Queen will ignite the national beacon and a chain of 2,012 beacons will be lit across the UK.
The weekend will conclude with a carriage procession and service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral.
It is a real coup and boost for British racing that The Queen has chosen to begin her 60 years on the throne with the Investec Derby.
Posted May 6, 2011
Betfred Won The Tote
The UK racing industry corporation formed to bid for The Tote lost out to bookmaker Betfred in the government's controversial decision to privatise racing in the hands of a bookmaker for many sports instead of keeping racing betting in racing's purview.
Not only are racing people unhappy, but so are the other betting operators. Many anticipate disaster.
If that is not bad enough, The Levy is cutting its contributions to racing so the industry is much worse off than could be imagined.
Workforce - A Revitalised Force
Jockey Ryan Moore could not resist kissing his first Derby winner Workforce as
the horse received ministrations and congratulations from trainer Sir Michael
Stoute and owner/breeder Prince Khalid Abdullah. Photo ©Racing International
Workforce's trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, warned punters that his colt by King's Best USA 'needed' a good run in his season debut in the Piper Heidsieck Champagne Brigadier Gerard Stakes (Group 3), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m) on Turf for 4yo+ at Sandown Park.
He needs good-to-soft ground which is why his trainer swerved him from both the Breeders' Cup Classic last November and the Tattersall's Gold Cup last weekend. Both courses were riding too fast.
Workforce also needed to break his curse of losing every other race as the Brig was the 'other' race.
After slight showers, he got his ground and broke the curse in a testing Group 3 on Sandown's long final straight stretch.
The colt looks magnificent having filled out most of those big bones with some empty space to go.
The race was not a doddle for last year's Investec Derby and Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner; he was out of racing since last October and had to fill out more of his body frame between three and four - both of which take their toll on first season performances.
The way his career jockey Ryan Moore placed him (floating fifth of eight) in the race left him a lot to do at the end including crossing Workforce around in back of the leader Poet (Pivotal) to reach the rail with a single whip slap.
Divots flew as Workforce dug in with a mature and tenacious determination to defeat an unyielding Poet.
Despite mixed racing messages, he never lost his focus or concentration and will come on with renewed confidence.
The evens favourite put his head down to win over Poet by a length in 2m 9.97s (slow by 2.97s).
Ballydoyle's Jan Vermeer (Montjeu IRE) was another 11 lengths behind in third.
Stoute and Moore were clearly relieved and unsure of his next race without speaking first with his owner/breeder Prince Khalid Abdullah who owns Juddmonte Farms.
One can understand their protectiveness as Workforce is not only a major talent with an open-ended future, but there is something very young, sweet and vulnerable about the horse.
After the 'Brig', there is no doubt that he can be better than last year and is almost ready to take on 'everybody's favourite for everything' So You Think NZ (High Chaparral USA).
The King George at Royal Ascot is a possibility.
Posted May 27, 2011
Blue Bajan Belies His 9 Years
Another son of Montjeu IRE took the Group 2 on the same card.
Having managed second in the Yorkshire Cup and now a 2½l victory in the Charles Heidsieck Champagne Henry II Stakes (Group 2), 2m½f for 4yo+ at Sandown, Blue Bajan IRE is clearly in he frame for the Royal Ascot Gold Cup.
The nine-year old's rookie trainer, David O'Meara, was thrilled with the geldng's career-best performance on testing ground and connections are considering paying the £25,000 supplemental entry fee for the Gold Cup June 16.
O'Meara who has been training for less than a year said, "It is very sweet and a pleasure to train a great horse like this."
Daniel Tudhope rode the race perfectly and had the winner in hand three furlongs out when they ran on strongly as the other seven struggled.
Posted May 27, 2011
Workforce Returns
Rather than meet So You Think in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curagh, Workforce's connections have entered him in Thursday's Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown where he will face Akmal, Jan Vermeer and Elusive Pimpernel.
Let us hope Workforce breaks his idiosyncratic habit of losing every other race. His last one was a great victory in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Posted May 24, 2011
Dubawi Gold To France?
Disappointed that his talented colt Dubawi Gold could only manage a second to both Frankel in the English 2000 Guineas and to Roderic O'Connor in the Irish 2000 Guineas, trainer Richard Hannon is contemplating a try at France's Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly on July 3.
The second in the French Guineas (Poule d'Essai des Poulains), Venomous, may be his opponent in what is always a very competitive race.
Hannon would like to race DG in June, but the logical choices would be the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot (only a Group 3) or the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes where he would face Frankel again.
Pity that there are so many obstacles between this very talented, progressive colt and a Group 1 win.
Posted May 24, 2011
Power-Packed Finish
The sixth leg of the QIPCO British Champions Series did not disappoint.
Three of England's favourite sprinters were pipped on the line by Ireland's Sole Power (Kyllachy) in the betfred.com Temple Stakes at Haydock Park (Group 2), 5f on good to firm ground.
The speedy little colt flew from nowhere to snatch victory from Kingsgate Native, Prohibit and Borderlescott who are among Britain's most consistent sprinters.
Though out of form since winning last year's Nunthorpe Stakes at York, he bounced back and his trainer Edward Lynam is sending him next to the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 14 and to repeat his victory in the August 19 Nunthorpe Stakes.
Jockey Keagan Latham said the very hard early pace helped his four-year-old gelding slip through pockets to challenge wide in the final furlong to win by ¾l and ½l.
Time was fast at 57.67s (fast by 1.33s) close to the course record of 57.15s set by filly Fleeting Spirit IRE (Invincible Spirit IRE).
Sole Power will probably regain his 117 rating, according to the BHS handicapper Stuart Copeland.
The Budapest Bullet, Overdose (Starborough), was sent out favourite at 9.4 on his return to British racing after an injury.
He led from the beginning and perhaps ran too fast to survive the pace he set.
His jockey A Suborics felt his action was too high-stepping on the fast ground and he was not sure of himself.
He is the wonderful horse who ran all the way to finish the Qatar Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp only to have the race halted.
His jockney never got the message until too late. It was rerun that day without him in a ridiculous cock up on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe day.
Posted May 21, 2011
Guineas Review And Why I Prefer European Turf's Endless Challenges
The English Guineas have produced Frankel (Galileo IRE) who is favourite for any race his connections choose - even against the great French mare Goldikova IRE (Anabaa USA).
The female Guineas winner, Blue Bunting USA (Dynaformer USA), is favourite for the Investec Oaks though there are questions about whether her breeding lines support a 1m4f (1½m, 2400m) distance.
Some punters opt for Wonder Of Wonders USA (Kingmambo USA) instead.
Both fillies have impeccable American bloodlines which should equip them to run on any ground.
Golden Lilac IRE (Galileo IRE) is entered in the Prix de Diane (French Oaks at 1m2f) and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at 1m4f. There is no reason to question her stamina for longer distances considering her breeding and performances. She is clearly an exciting and progressive filly.
Didier Guillemin, trainer of Tin Horse IRE (Sakhee USA) from South-West France, is still recovering from the shock of his first Classic victory.
He seems stunned by the options open to his colt and unsure of his best distance. He is considering the St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot where he will meet Frankel or the longer Prix du Jockey Club (1m2f).
"I don't know what we will do with him. It's only three weeks (to the Jockey-Club)" said Guillemin.
Wherever Tin Horse goes, he will be accompanied by his faithful partner Thierry Jarnet who finally sorted out the colt's quirks to win his own first Poule d'Essai des Poulains at age 41.
Venomous (Red Ransom USA) may try the St James as well or the Prix Jean Prat and has the breeding for a speedy mile.
Jean-Claude Rouget, trainer of Havane Smoker (Dubawi IRE), also appeared stunned at his colt's ability to handle a rough race from Stall 11 to snatch second.
The English Guineas' victors benefited from very straight-forward races and both winners were class entries.
Since the course Rules in France are so punishing to horses drawn high, there are doubts about the race form of the fillies other than Golden Lilac and some question the quality of the winning colts.
Certainly two English favourites lost their chances, because of being drawn high and tactical mistakes from their English jockeys.
Maqaasid (Green Desert IRE) should have done better than eighth and would have if she were not draw so high and her jockey had chosen different tactics.
Richard Hills covered her up at the rear of the pack near the turn, struggled to get her out at the straight and left her with an impossible late, wide run. She never had a chance. One weeps.
Paul Hannigan, English champion jockey, tried the opposite tactic by shooting his Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj IRE) powerhouse across the field to lead and burnt him out.
Now the fine colt, on his first seasonal outing, is lumbered with questions about his ability to reach a mile after settling for fifth.
Two tougher French colts made it from high draws across the course to place, because their jockeys understood the course and got their moves and timing right.
Racing on Turf in Europe poses endless challenges to trainers and jockeys aside from finding the right races for their horses and getting them in condition to take on the best.
Horses usually do not practice at racecourses so up-to-date statistical information is not available on their pre-race condition. Bookmakers have the best sources and early SPs reflect what they know.
Every racecourse is configured differently with pitfalls and stamina challenges for every horse.
There are no perfectly symmetrical Dirt courses which favour the inner rail position as the shortest route home.
A normal question on a day could be "Which rail?"
The courses run both right and left handed as well as straight so jockeys search for the best ground and the logical rail for the shortest route.
Then weather is a major factor affecting ground conditions.
For teams that campaign internationally, the Rules of every country are slightly different testing trainer-jockey nous.
Horses and riders must be adaptable and versatile to succeed at the highest level. Even sprinters need stamina.
Three of the Guineas winners were known to meet the criteria before the race.
Tin Horse proved that he learned from all his past mistakes to manoeuvre slickly in and out of danger in a rough race.
Anything can happen in a race with so many variables including the most important one: how a horse feels on a given day.
There is no way one could ever be sure of results in European Turf and international races; hence, one could never be bored with the same old, same old.
Posted May 16, 2011
Look Out Goldikova!
Sheer aggression without whips as Canford Cliffs powers past Italy's
Worthadd to win the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.
Photo ©David Hastings
Europe's long-standing champion miler Goldikova IRE (Anabaa USA) is firmly in the sights of both youngster Frankel (Galileo IRE), 2000 Guineas winner, and Newbury's 2011 JLT Lockinge Stakes four-year-old winner: Canford Cliffs IRE (Tagula IRE).
Canford Cliffs will meet the French six-year-old mare Goldikova at Ascot in the Queen Anne Stakes.
Frankel, Ascot bound for the St James Palace Stakes, may tackle her later in the Summer. His trainer Henry Cecil will choose the best races for his unbeaten three-year-old colt and, if Goldikova is in them, he knows no fear.
Both Cecil and Freddie Head, Goldikova's trainer, are headed to the Breeders' Cup Mile November 5 at Churchill Downs. Goldikova is the three-times' back-to-back champion.
She also has won 12 Group 1 races in her career.
The trio's competitions could turn out to be a battle of the sexes, experience over youth and, to be sure, a ratings battle.
Frankel, at three, is currently rated by handicappers at 130 (provisional by BHS official), 133 (Racing Post) and 143 (Timeform).
Canford Cliffs is rated at about 127 from last year and it is doubtful that his workman-like Lockinge victory will raise it.
Goldikova was the world's hightest-rated female and miler last year at 131. N.B. Females are always rated lower than the quality of their performances as they are given weight allowances in races with males, i.e., they carry less weight.
The Queen Anne at June's Royal Ascot will be her season debut.
The Group 1 JLT Lockinge, 1m (8f, 1600m) on Turf for 4yo+, appeared to be a three-horse race in the line-up.
Trainer Richard Hannon' two horses, Canford Cliffs and Dick Turpin IRE (Arakan USA), were vying with Henry Cecil's Twice Over (Observatory USA).
Italy's Guineas and Derby winner Worthadd IRE (Dubawi IRE) was sent out at 20-22.1 and Premio Loco USA (Prized USA) at 40.1. Neither Red Jazz nor Balthazaar's Gift impressed in the betting.
Worthadd led most of the mile at a nice, even pace until he was overtaken near the post by Canford Cliffs.
The race was a pleasure to watch compared to the messy Dante at York.
Worthadd only lost by 1¼ lengths with Premio Loco in third another 2¾ lengths behind, Dick Turpin 2 lengths and Twice Over 9¾ lengths behind the winner. The latter seems to have lost his edge since early March though he looks superb.
Canford Cliffs has grown over the Winter and looks super fit though he needed this race to sharpen up for the 2011 season.
His jockey Richard Hughes' confidence in the horse was justified and their victory left his father-in-law and trainer in tears.
The surprise for England was Worthadd, another son of Darley's most successful sire Dubawi (Dubai Millennium USA), who made his reputation in Italy.
His trainer Vitorio Caruso felt that "he is better at 7f and, though he won the Derby in Italy, his adversaries were not at the top level".
Rocco Demuro, who won the Dubai World Cup on Victoire Pisa this year, gave him a perfect ride.
Worthadd won seven of his 10 races and placed in the other three. His excellent performance at Newbury qualifies him for the best 7f races throughout Europe.
It was a wise decision for connections to put him up against several of England's top milers as a test. He, like all good horses, needs worthy competitors.
Al Kazeem by Dubawi (right) defeating his Juddmonte rival Labarinto
in totesport.com London Gold Cup at Newbury.
Photo ©David Hastings
Another Dubawi son, Al Kazeem IRE, produced an authoratative 1¼-length victory over more favoured Labarinto and Fulgur (the latter beat AK in h is first career race) in the totesport.com London Gold Cup (Handicap), 1m2f (10f, 2000m), at Newbury.
The clearly excited jockey Steve Drowne, who rode Al Kazeem for trainer Roger Charlton, predicted that the "big, strong, 'proper' horse has a big future".
It would be wonderful, if the late-April foal does, for his owner-breeder D J Dear and for English racing which is so often dominated by the big boys: Ballydoyle, Godolphin and Juddmonte.
Frankly, I think Godolphin should consider an offer for Al Kazeem.
Though Dick Turpin is still owned by John Manley, Ballydoyle has bought into Canford Cliffs which means he will stand at Coolmore.
And, of course, Frankel is a Juddmonte-bred colt.
Goldikova is owned and bred by the Wertheimer Freres who are major owner-breeders in France.
The best way to keep breeding lines robust is to encourage many owner-breeders outside of the Big Three with healthy purses and access for their mares to good sires at fair cost.
Darley has been very generous with Dubawi's availability to smaller breeders despite his being Europe's top, young sire.
Those quality mares might never have had a chance at a major sire without Darley's deliberate policy of underwriting many opportunities across breeding lines.
Worthadd and Al Kazeem are perfect examples of passing on good racing genes and a savvy breeder enhancing its sire's reputation.
Posted May 15, 2011
Godolphin Stud And Stable Awards
Frankie Dettori will take time from racing at the Dubai International Racing Carnival to host the annual meeting on February 28 to announce the Godolphin Stud and Stable Awards at the Jumeriah Carlton Towers Hotel in London.
Brough Scott of the Racing Post, is Chairman of the Judges.
There are 10 impressive finalists for each for the five Award categories.
The NASS Special Merid Award, though judged by the NASS Executive Council, will be presented at the same meeting.
Paul Nicholls Applies for Duel-Purpose Training 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.
Newmarket Future Champions Day
Organisaion of the new British Champions Series has prompted Newmarket Racecourse and the British Horseracing Authority to make some calendar changes.
Newmarket will lose the Group 1 Champions Stakes which will be part of Champions' Day for horses three and upwards to be held at Ascot on October 15.
Newmarket is substituting a series of Tattersalls Millions races to support the British bloodstock industry and the October Yearling Sales.
The first is a six-furlong race on August 6, six and seven-furlong races on September 17 and two seven-furlong races for two-year olds on October 1st.
On October 8, the newly-named Future Champions Day will include the Group 1 Dubai Dewhurst Stakes, Group 1 Middle Park Stakes, Group 2 Rockfel Stakes, Group 2 Challenge Stakes, Group 2 Autumn Stakes, Group 3 Darley Stakes and the totesport.com Cesarewitch Heritage Handicap.
Racing's top jockeys gather at Newmarket's Champion Stakes to sign the Racing
United Charter campaign for a fair Levy to support the sport.
Workforce, 2010 Investec Derby and Arc de Triomphe winner, will retire to stand at Teruya Yoshida's Shadai Farm in Japan.
He will be reunited with Juddmonte's Harbinger.
Workforce never seemed to fully recover from the severe back injury he sustained in Ascot's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
International campaigning mare Midday will retire to Juddmonte Farms and will likely be covered by Dansili.
Blue Bunting In Season
Not only did Simon Crisford, Godolphin's racing manager, think the hard Ladbrokes St Leger might have been "one dance too many" for their great filly Blue Bunting, she was found to be in season Sunday.
This is a second time she has come in season during or just after a very hard race.
Coincidence or stress?
©Posted September 12, 2011
Duncan Retired
The co-winner (with Jukebox Jury) of the exciting Irish Field St Leger, six-year-old Duncan (Dalakhani IRE), has been retired to owner-breeder Philippa Cooper's Normandie Stud with his half-brother Samuel (Sakhee USA).
Both geldings were trained by John Gosden.
Cooper was present when beloved national hero Persian Punch died at Ascot and she did not want her horses to race till they dropped.
©Posted September 12, 2011
Ascot's Shergar Cup
Shergar Cup's victorious Irish team of Fran Berry, Captain Richard Hughes and Colm O'Donoghue at Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
Ascot welcomed a record crowd of almost 31,000 for its annual international jockeys' competition in the six Shergar Cup Handicap races for horses of three-years and upwards on good-to-soft Turf.
Four teams of four top jockeys competed: Europe, Great Britain, Ireland and the Rest of the World.
Each race was limited to 12 horses who were drawn by 12 jockeys. The end point results proved that horses and jockeys as well as teams were very evenly matched.
Ireland prevailed with Fran Berry and Colm O'Donogue both winning races and Captain Richard Hughes accumulated enough places to put them over the top at 70 points.
O'Donogue, who regularly rides for Ballydoyle, brought in his victory on Parlour Games in the Titanic Belfast Shergar Cup Classic, 1m4f. PG is trained by Ballydoyle's great rival Godolphin.
With few points separating Ireland from Great Britain (63 points), the latter's captain Paul Hanagan won the most individual points to become champion jockey.
The British Champion Jockey's victory was on Godolphin's Sarrsar in Les Ambassadeurs Casino Shergar Cup Mile.
Yutaka Take of Japan, who captained the Rest of the World team (57 points), won the award for best individual ride on Ile De Re for trainer Ian Williams in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers' Handicap run at 2m (Photo ©David Hastings below).
Europe, with Goldikova's jockey Olivier Peslier as captain, came last on 50 points. She's just given him his 100th Group 1 win so he was not too disturbed with last place.
©Posted August 7, 2011
Hot 1000 Guineas Prospect
Godolphin deployed jockeys all over Britain on Saturday, but sent its retained jockey, Frankie Dettori, to Newmarket instead of having him fill his usual role as captain of one of the jockey teams in the exciting Shergar Cup at Ascot.
Dettori was at Newmarket to ride its two-year filly, Discourse USA (Street Cry USA), in the german-thoroughbred.com Sweet Solera Stakes (Group 3), 7f on good Turf.
He delivered her late in a canter to win by 4½ lengths over Lily's Angel with long-time leader Kinetica another 1¼ lengths behind.
This is a third victory for Godolphin in the race: Rainbow View (2008) and White Moonstone (2010).
It is the first for trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.
Both fillies went on to the May Hill at Doncaster in September and the Fillies' Mile at Ascot.
Stunning Discourse is expected to follow the same regime enroute to the 1000 Guineas in 2012 for which she is quoted at 7 or 10 or 12/1.
She has the easy long stride and exceptional good looks of her half sister Zenyatta.
She is Darley bred out of Divine Dixie USA (Dixieland Band USA) who were 8.3f and 9.3f specialists.
Discourse won her 6f maiden in June and this Group 3.
No doubt she is progressive and has every chance to win at a mile later this year.
©Posted August 6, 2011
Shergar Cup
Ascot welcomed a record crowd of almost 31,000 for its annual jockeys' competition in the six Shergar Cup races for three-year-olds and upwards on Turf.
Four teams of four top jockeys competed: Europe, Great Britain, Ireland and the Rest of the World.
Each race was limited to 12 horses who were matched to jockeys in a draw. Today's teams were very evenly balanced.
Ireland prevailed with Great Britain second; the latter's captain, Paul Hanagan, won the most individual points to become champion jockey.
Godolphin's Sarrsar and Parlour Games won two of the races.
©Posted August 6, 2011
Dominant To Hong Kong
Promising three-year-old colt Dominant IRE (Cacique IRE) has been sold to race under John Moore Trainers syndicate in Hong Kong by his former owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Isinglass syndicate.
Bloodstock agent Alistair Donald of SackvilleDonald said "He looks an ideal Hong Kong Derby prospect who is a gorgeous looking, improving horse and we are hoping he can win us a third Hong Kong Derby."
No question that Dominant is gorgeous and talented. He has won and placed in four of his six starts and is a 10f specialist.
©Posted August 6, 2011
Frankel Rates 135 - The Best Horse In The World
Frankel with jockey Tom Queally out on their own five lengths ahead of the second in the QIPCO Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. Photo ©David Hastings
It is official. After consultation with other European handicappers, the British Horseracing Association mile handicapper, Dominic Gardiner-Hill, has announced that Frankel has been rated at 135.
He was co-highest with Black Caviar, the Australian sprint mare, until the Sussex Stakes, but has now achieved the highest rating in the world at 135 - just one point lower than Sea The Stars of two years ago.
One has to respect Frankel's connections for allowing him to be himself letting him run on when he wants instead of racing him with heavy restraint for a safe win.
It has to be said that they have always had complete confidence in his ability and jockey Tom Queally is a perfect partner for the three-year-old colt.
Both Sea The Stars and Zenyatta were always raced protectively; hence, we can never know how good they were as racehorses.
Yet we know they were the best of their time and among the best in racing history.
In Frankel's eight races, his versatilty and limits have been tested.
His trainer has decided to race him only once again this year and to keep him at a mile trip.
His next race will be the £1 million Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1), 1m, at Ascot on October 15 as part of Champions Day of the QIPCO British Champions Series.
Cecil hinted that Frankel will be back at four and not hustled off to stud.
©Posted July 29, 2011
Canford Cliffs Retired
Canford Cliffs IRE (Tagula IRE) is another fine horse who hung badly in his last race, the Sussex Stakes, when he was badly beated by three-year-old Frankel.
The four-year old sustained an injury to his near-fore pastern and his veterinarian advised that he be retired.
He will stand at Coolmore in his native Ireland.
©Posted July 29, 2011
Twice Over's Back In Winner's Circle
After a bleak three losses out of four races this year, the Cecil/Queally/Juddmonte team produced an authoratative winner in Twice Over (Observatory) when he raced from last to first in a thrilling Sky Bet York Stakes (Group 2), 1m2½f, for three-year olds plus.
He won easily by 1½ lengths over Ransom Note and Dominant, the 2/1 favourite in third by another shoulder.
"He was the class horse in the race and he won like it", said jockey Tom Queally.
©Posted July 29, 2011
Workforce Prepares For Arc
Other than pulled muscles in his back, no other explanation was offered for Workforce's erratic hanging in the tragic King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot when he came in second to Nathaniel.
Godolphin's Rewilding broke his fore leg and was put down after the race which had only five competitors.
Workforce's connections have dropped him from Summer and Fall races and Champions Day to concentrate on preparation for defending his title in the Arc de Triomphe October 2.
©Posted July 29, 2011
Newmarket's Darley July Cup
Not only is the Group 1 Darley July Cup part of the British Champions' Series and the Global Sprint Challenge, it is one of Britain's favourite races in Newmarket's July Meet.
Dream Ahead USA (Diktat) gave racegoers and his trainer David Simcock a thrill in this 6f sprint winning by a ½ length over Bated Breath.
His jockey Hayley Turner made history as the first woman to win a Group 1 in Britain.
Dream Ahead has proven his promise and will compete next in Deauville, the Haydock Sprint in September and the Arc October weekend.
Bated Breath is sure to follow.
©Posted July 10, 2011
Coral-Eclipse Preview (For Race See Eclipse 2011)
Jockeys are jockeying for their share of the £226,840 winner's purse in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Saturday at Sandown Park.
The 1m2f7y Turf race for 3yo+, part of the QIPCO British Champions' Series, has only five runners.
Three of the leading horses have changed jockeys.
Ryan Moore who was unfairly blamed for So You Think's loss to Rewilding at Royal Ascot returns to his retained trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, to ride Workforce.
So You Think's trainer, Aiden O'Brien of Ballydoyle, took responsibility for his loss to his Godolphin rival. O'Brien admitted that the horse was not at 100% peak for the race.
Seamie Heffernan, who should be riding more of Ballydoyle's big races, will ride So You Think.
Since there is real disagreement between punters and professionals on which horse, So You Think or Workforce, will win, both jockeys will be under tremendous pressure to prove their worth and their horse's.
This race is viewed as a preview to unseating Workforce as favourite to win the Arc de Triomphe for a second year.
Workforce, winner of both the Investec Derby and Arc last year at 1m4f, is a proven stayer.
There are doubts about SYT's stamina for longer races, but the Coral-Eclipse should be an ideal distance for him.
Johnny Murtagh, everyone's independent jockey and saviour, will be the new jockey for the filly Snow Fairy on her return after injury.
The always-underestimated Sri Putra retains Neil Callan and Jimmy Fortune rides Confront.
Some believe the above is the winning order with only the winner to be decided.
Posted July 1, 2011
Diamond Jubillee Celebrations 2012
Next year is HM The Queen's 60th year as Monarch after coming to the throne on February 6, 1952, at the death of her father King George VI. Her Majesty will officially start her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations by attending the Investec Derby on Saturday, June 2, 2012.
The government has moved the May Bank holiday to June 4 and added an additional national holiday of Tuesday, June 5, to provide a four-day weekend to celebrate The Queen's reign.
The Queen will sail along the Thames on the Royal Barge with a flotilla of up to 1,000 boats on June 3.
On June 4, a BBC concert will be held at the Palace with tickets available on public ballot.
That evening The Queen will ignite the national beacon and a chain of 2,012 beacons will be lit across the UK.
The weekend will conclude with a carriage procession and service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral.
It is a real coup and boost for British racing that The Queen has chosen to begin her 60 years on the throne with the Investec Derby.
Posted May 6, 2011
Betfred Won The Tote
The UK racing industry corporation formed to bid for The Tote lost out to bookmaker Betfred in the government's controversial decision to privatise racing in the hands of a bookmaker for many sports instead of keeping racing betting in racing's purview.
Not only are racing people unhappy, but so are the other betting operators. Many anticipate disaster.
If that is not bad enough, The Levy is cutting its contributions to racing so the industry is much worse off than could be imagined.
Workforce - A Revitalised Force
Jockey Ryan Moore could not resist kissing his first Derby winner Workforce as
the horse received ministrations and congratulations from trainer Sir Michael
Stoute and owner/breeder Prince Khalid Abdullah. Photo ©Racing International
Workforce's trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, warned punters that his colt by King's Best USA 'needed' a good run in his season debut in the Piper Heidsieck Champagne Brigadier Gerard Stakes (Group 3), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m) on Turf for 4yo+ at Sandown Park.
He needs good-to-soft ground which is why his trainer swerved him from both the Breeders' Cup Classic last November and the Tattersall's Gold Cup last weekend. Both courses were riding too fast.
Workforce also needed to break his curse of losing every other race as the Brig was the 'other' race.
After slight showers, he got his ground and broke the curse in a testing Group 3 on Sandown's long final straight stretch.
The colt looks magnificent having filled out most of those big bones with some empty space to go.
The race was not a doddle for last year's Investec Derby and Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner; he was out of racing since last October and had to fill out more of his body frame between three and four - both of which take their toll on first season performances.
The way his career jockey Ryan Moore placed him (floating fifth of eight) in the race left him a lot to do at the end including crossing Workforce around in back of the leader Poet (Pivotal) to reach the rail with a single whip slap.
Divots flew as Workforce dug in with a mature and tenacious determination to defeat an unyielding Poet.
Despite mixed racing messages, he never lost his focus or concentration and will come on with renewed confidence.
The evens favourite put his head down to win over Poet by a length in 2m 9.97s (slow by 2.97s).
Ballydoyle's Jan Vermeer (Montjeu IRE) was another 11 lengths behind in third.
Stoute and Moore were clearly relieved and unsure of his next race without speaking first with his owner/breeder Prince Khalid Abdullah who owns Juddmonte Farms.
One can understand their protectiveness as Workforce is not only a major talent with an open-ended future, but there is something very young, sweet and vulnerable about the horse.
After the 'Brig', there is no doubt that he can be better than last year and is almost ready to take on 'everybody's favourite for everything' So You Think NZ (High Chaparral USA).
The King George at Royal Ascot is a possibility.
Posted May 27, 2011
Blue Bajan Belies His 9 Years
Another son of Montjeu IRE took the Group 2 on the same card.
Having managed second in the Yorkshire Cup and now a 2½l victory in the Charles Heidsieck Champagne Henry II Stakes (Group 2), 2m½f for 4yo+ at Sandown, Blue Bajan IRE is clearly in he frame for the Royal Ascot Gold Cup.
The nine-year old's rookie trainer, David O'Meara, was thrilled with the geldng's career-best performance on testing ground and connections are considering paying the £25,000 supplemental entry fee for the Gold Cup June 16.
O'Meara who has been training for less than a year said, "It is very sweet and a pleasure to train a great horse like this."
Daniel Tudhope rode the race perfectly and had the winner in hand three furlongs out when they ran on strongly as the other seven struggled.
Posted May 27, 2011
Workforce Returns
Rather than meet So You Think in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curagh, Workforce's connections have entered him in Thursday's Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown where he will face Akmal, Jan Vermeer and Elusive Pimpernel.
Let us hope Workforce breaks his idiosyncratic habit of losing every other race. His last one was a great victory in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Posted May 24, 2011
Dubawi Gold To France?
Disappointed that his talented colt Dubawi Gold could only manage a second to both Frankel in the English 2000 Guineas and to Roderic O'Connor in the Irish 2000 Guineas, trainer Richard Hannon is contemplating a try at France's Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly on July 3.
The second in the French Guineas (Poule d'Essai des Poulains), Venomous, may be his opponent in what is always a very competitive race.
Hannon would like to race DG in June, but the logical choices would be the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot (only a Group 3) or the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes where he would face Frankel again.
Pity that there are so many obstacles between this very talented, progressive colt and a Group 1 win.
Posted May 24, 2011
Power-Packed Finish
The sixth leg of the QIPCO British Champions Series did not disappoint.
Three of England's favourite sprinters were pipped on the line by Ireland's Sole Power (Kyllachy) in the betfred.com Temple Stakes at Haydock Park (Group 2), 5f on good to firm ground.
The speedy little colt flew from nowhere to snatch victory from Kingsgate Native, Prohibit and Borderlescott who are among Britain's most consistent sprinters.
Though out of form since winning last year's Nunthorpe Stakes at York, he bounced back and his trainer Edward Lynam is sending him next to the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 14 and to repeat his victory in the August 19 Nunthorpe Stakes.
Jockey Keagan Latham said the very hard early pace helped his four-year-old gelding slip through pockets to challenge wide in the final furlong to win by ¾l and ½l.
Time was fast at 57.67s (fast by 1.33s) close to the course record of 57.15s set by filly Fleeting Spirit IRE (Invincible Spirit IRE).
Sole Power will probably regain his 117 rating, according to the BHS handicapper Stuart Copeland.
The Budapest Bullet, Overdose (Starborough), was sent out favourite at 9.4 on his return to British racing after an injury.
He led from the beginning and perhaps ran too fast to survive the pace he set.
His jockey A Suborics felt his action was too high-stepping on the fast ground and he was not sure of himself.
He is the wonderful horse who ran all the way to finish the Qatar Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp only to have the race halted.
His jockney never got the message until too late. It was rerun that day without him in a ridiculous cock up on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe day.
Posted May 21, 2011
Guineas Review And Why I Prefer European Turf's Endless Challenges
The English Guineas have produced Frankel (Galileo IRE) who is favourite for any race his connections choose - even against the great French mare Goldikova IRE (Anabaa USA).
The female Guineas winner, Blue Bunting USA (Dynaformer USA), is favourite for the Investec Oaks though there are questions about whether her breeding lines support a 1m4f (1½m, 2400m) distance.
Some punters opt for Wonder Of Wonders USA (Kingmambo USA) instead.
Both fillies have impeccable American bloodlines which should equip them to run on any ground.
Golden Lilac IRE (Galileo IRE) is entered in the Prix de Diane (French Oaks at 1m2f) and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at 1m4f. There is no reason to question her stamina for longer distances considering her breeding and performances. She is clearly an exciting and progressive filly.
Didier Guillemin, trainer of Tin Horse IRE (Sakhee USA) from South-West France, is still recovering from the shock of his first Classic victory.
He seems stunned by the options open to his colt and unsure of his best distance. He is considering the St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot where he will meet Frankel or the longer Prix du Jockey Club (1m2f).
"I don't know what we will do with him. It's only three weeks (to the Jockey-Club)" said Guillemin.
Wherever Tin Horse goes, he will be accompanied by his faithful partner Thierry Jarnet who finally sorted out the colt's quirks to win his own first Poule d'Essai des Poulains at age 41.
Venomous (Red Ransom USA) may try the St James as well or the Prix Jean Prat and has the breeding for a speedy mile.
Jean-Claude Rouget, trainer of Havane Smoker (Dubawi IRE), also appeared stunned at his colt's ability to handle a rough race from Stall 11 to snatch second.
The English Guineas' victors benefited from very straight-forward races and both winners were class entries.
Since the course Rules in France are so punishing to horses drawn high, there are doubts about the race form of the fillies other than Golden Lilac and some question the quality of the winning colts.
Certainly two English favourites lost their chances, because of being drawn high and tactical mistakes from their English jockeys.
Maqaasid (Green Desert IRE) should have done better than eighth and would have if she were not draw so high and her jockey had chosen different tactics.
Richard Hills covered her up at the rear of the pack near the turn, struggled to get her out at the straight and left her with an impossible late, wide run. She never had a chance. One weeps.
Paul Hannigan, English champion jockey, tried the opposite tactic by shooting his Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj IRE) powerhouse across the field to lead and burnt him out.
Now the fine colt, on his first seasonal outing, is lumbered with questions about his ability to reach a mile after settling for fifth.
Two tougher French colts made it from high draws across the course to place, because their jockeys understood the course and got their moves and timing right.
Racing on Turf in Europe poses endless challenges to trainers and jockeys aside from finding the right races for their horses and getting them in condition to take on the best.
Horses usually do not practice at racecourses so up-to-date statistical information is not available on their pre-race condition. Bookmakers have the best sources and early SPs reflect what they know.
Every racecourse is configured differently with pitfalls and stamina challenges for every horse.
There are no perfectly symmetrical Dirt courses which favour the inner rail position as the shortest route home.
A normal question on a day could be "Which rail?"
The courses run both right and left handed as well as straight so jockeys search for the best ground and the logical rail for the shortest route.
Then weather is a major factor affecting ground conditions.
For teams that campaign internationally, the Rules of every country are slightly different testing trainer-jockey nous.
Horses and riders must be adaptable and versatile to succeed at the highest level. Even sprinters need stamina.
Three of the Guineas winners were known to meet the criteria before the race.
Tin Horse proved that he learned from all his past mistakes to manoeuvre slickly in and out of danger in a rough race.
Anything can happen in a race with so many variables including the most important one: how a horse feels on a given day.
There is no way one could ever be sure of results in European Turf and international races; hence, one could never be bored with the same old, same old.
Posted May 16, 2011
Look Out Goldikova!
Sheer aggression without whips as Canford Cliffs powers past Italy's
Worthadd to win the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.
Photo ©David Hastings
Europe's long-standing champion miler Goldikova IRE (Anabaa USA) is firmly in the sights of both youngster Frankel (Galileo IRE), 2000 Guineas winner, and Newbury's 2011 JLT Lockinge Stakes four-year-old winner: Canford Cliffs IRE (Tagula IRE).
Canford Cliffs will meet the French six-year-old mare Goldikova at Ascot in the Queen Anne Stakes.
Frankel, Ascot bound for the St James Palace Stakes, may tackle her later in the Summer. His trainer Henry Cecil will choose the best races for his unbeaten three-year-old colt and, if Goldikova is in them, he knows no fear.
Both Cecil and Freddie Head, Goldikova's trainer, are headed to the Breeders' Cup Mile November 5 at Churchill Downs. Goldikova is the three-times' back-to-back champion.
She also has won 12 Group 1 races in her career.
The trio's competitions could turn out to be a battle of the sexes, experience over youth and, to be sure, a ratings battle.
Frankel, at three, is currently rated by handicappers at 130 (provisional by BHS official), 133 (Racing Post) and 143 (Timeform).
Canford Cliffs is rated at about 127 from last year and it is doubtful that his workman-like Lockinge victory will raise it.
Goldikova was the world's hightest-rated female and miler last year at 131. N.B. Females are always rated lower than the quality of their performances as they are given weight allowances in races with males, i.e., they carry less weight.
The Queen Anne at June's Royal Ascot will be her season debut.
The Group 1 JLT Lockinge, 1m (8f, 1600m) on Turf for 4yo+, appeared to be a three-horse race in the line-up.
Trainer Richard Hannon' two horses, Canford Cliffs and Dick Turpin IRE (Arakan USA), were vying with Henry Cecil's Twice Over (Observatory USA).
Italy's Guineas and Derby winner Worthadd IRE (Dubawi IRE) was sent out at 20-22.1 and Premio Loco USA (Prized USA) at 40.1. Neither Red Jazz nor Balthazaar's Gift impressed in the betting.
Worthadd led most of the mile at a nice, even pace until he was overtaken near the post by Canford Cliffs.
The race was a pleasure to watch compared to the messy Dante at York.
Worthadd only lost by 1¼ lengths with Premio Loco in third another 2¾ lengths behind, Dick Turpin 2 lengths and Twice Over 9¾ lengths behind the winner. The latter seems to have lost his edge since early March though he looks superb.
Canford Cliffs has grown over the Winter and looks super fit though he needed this race to sharpen up for the 2011 season.
His jockey Richard Hughes' confidence in the horse was justified and their victory left his father-in-law and trainer in tears.
The surprise for England was Worthadd, another son of Darley's most successful sire Dubawi (Dubai Millennium USA), who made his reputation in Italy.
His trainer Vitorio Caruso felt that "he is better at 7f and, though he won the Derby in Italy, his adversaries were not at the top level".
Rocco Demuro, who won the Dubai World Cup on Victoire Pisa this year, gave him a perfect ride.
Worthadd won seven of his 10 races and placed in the other three. His excellent performance at Newbury qualifies him for the best 7f races throughout Europe.
It was a wise decision for connections to put him up against several of England's top milers as a test. He, like all good horses, needs worthy competitors.
Al Kazeem by Dubawi (right) defeating his Juddmonte rival Labarinto
in totesport.com London Gold Cup at Newbury.
Photo ©David Hastings
Another Dubawi son, Al Kazeem IRE, produced an authoratative 1¼-length victory over more favoured Labarinto and Fulgur (the latter beat AK in h is first career race) in the totesport.com London Gold Cup (Handicap), 1m2f (10f, 2000m), at Newbury.
The clearly excited jockey Steve Drowne, who rode Al Kazeem for trainer Roger Charlton, predicted that the "big, strong, 'proper' horse has a big future".
It would be wonderful, if the late-April foal does, for his owner-breeder D J Dear and for English racing which is so often dominated by the big boys: Ballydoyle, Godolphin and Juddmonte.
Frankly, I think Godolphin should consider an offer for Al Kazeem.
Though Dick Turpin is still owned by John Manley, Ballydoyle has bought into Canford Cliffs which means he will stand at Coolmore.
And, of course, Frankel is a Juddmonte-bred colt.
Goldikova is owned and bred by the Wertheimer Freres who are major owner-breeders in France.
The best way to keep breeding lines robust is to encourage many owner-breeders outside of the Big Three with healthy purses and access for their mares to good sires at fair cost.
Darley has been very generous with Dubawi's availability to smaller breeders despite his being Europe's top, young sire.
Those quality mares might never have had a chance at a major sire without Darley's deliberate policy of underwriting many opportunities across breeding lines.
Worthadd and Al Kazeem are perfect examples of passing on good racing genes and a savvy breeder enhancing its sire's reputation.
Posted May 15, 2011
Godolphin Stud And Stable Awards
Frankie Dettori will take time from racing at the Dubai International Racing Carnival to host the annual meeting on February 28 to announce the Godolphin Stud and Stable Awards at the Jumeriah Carlton Towers Hotel in London.
Brough Scott of the Racing Post, is Chairman of the Judges.
There are 10 impressive finalists for each for the five Award categories.
The NASS Special Merid Award, though judged by the NASS Executive Council, will be presented at the same meeting.
Paul Nicholls Applies for Duel-Purpose Training 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.
Newmarket Future Champions Day
Organisaion of the new British Champions Series has prompted Newmarket Racecourse and the British Horseracing Authority to make some calendar changes.
Newmarket will lose the Group 1 Champions Stakes which will be part of Champions' Day for horses three and upwards to be held at Ascot on October 15.
Newmarket is substituting a series of Tattersalls Millions races to support the British bloodstock industry and the October Yearling Sales.
The first is a six-furlong race on August 6, six and seven-furlong races on September 17 and two seven-furlong races for two-year olds on October 1st.
On October 8, the newly-named Future Champions Day will include the Group 1 Dubai Dewhurst Stakes, Group 1 Middle Park Stakes, Group 2 Rockfel Stakes, Group 2 Challenge Stakes, Group 2 Autumn Stakes, Group 3 Darley Stakes and the totesport.com Cesarewitch Heritage Handicap.
Racing's top jockeys gather at Newmarket's Champion Stakes to sign the Racing
United Charter campaign for a fair Levy to support the sport.